Afua Hirsch
latest news & developmentsNiger: They will be forbidden from dying
Niger wants to ban women and children from crossing the Sahara after 92 died in the desert.
Rape, rockets and unrelenting fear — Mali’s troubles are far from over
The ongoing volatility in the region has left citizens terrified after a year under jihadist rule.
Transparency will help Africa help itself
Many say that the vast earnings of many African countries from oil, gas and mining show that the focus on aid to Africa is misguided.
Well-endowed and loving it
An ample bosom and booty is still desirable in Africa, but it seems like Western ideals are encroaching, writes Afua Hirsch.
Hip-hop skipping across continents.
African hip-hop rappers seem to be the setting standard of how the music should be made internationally.
Rooting for realistic black dolls
Rooti dolls claim to be the first fashion dolls to speak languages from countries ranging from Ghana to Zimbabwe.
Ghana: Motherhood is celebrated here
In Ghana, the reaction I get when I tell other women about my job and baby is usually a knowing nod, writes the Guardian’s west Africa correspondent.
President’s death raises questions about Ghana poll
The death of Ghana’s President John Evans Atta Mills left the nation in shock. Mills was months away from completing his first term in office.
Mali extremists ‘a threat to Europe’
Extremist groups – linked to al-Qaeda – have used their hold over key urban areas of Mali to recruit, arm and train a growing number of fighters.
Battle royal reaches boiling point in Ghana
As kings feud, ordinary people bear the brunt of Ghana’s power vacuum, writes Afua Hirsch.
Government steps in to save Miss Liberia from shame
It has ended its war and had two elections, but for Liberia to select a winner of its national beauty contest has proved one challenge too far.
Morocco grapples with women’s rights after raped bride’s suicide
Protests have erupted in Morocco over the case of teenager Amina Filali who killed herself after a court ordered her to marry her alleged rapist.
Protest and arrest threats stall Bush
Human rights campaigners vow to hound ex-US president.