Some responses and information inline below.

On 27 March 2014 20:36, Nkansah Rexford <nkansahrexford@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thank you for the details. Its good to know.
>
> Please let us in as per any more information you might have in relation to
> the relationship between Wikimedia UK and Kwaku and to what extent.

No problem. I have posted some information at the public email thread
at <http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimediauk-l/2014-March/011965.html>.
If I find out more verifiable information I will copy this list in as
well as the UK list.

> I personally find it surprising that the Wikimedia UK clearly aware (for
> more than 1 and a half year now) of a local active group in Ghana but at
> least doesn't relay any bit of information as to this and that they are
> giving to a Ghanaian to organize an event like this in Ghana.

I agree, coordination was lacking and there was no chance for
experienced Wikimedians in the UK to ask about this event more than a
week ago when it was added to the official UK events list. Perhaps as
a group in Ghana, those that do attend the event or have a view could
respond to the UK chapter board with feedback and a rough consensus
view? This would help ensure that international supported events are
more carefully communicated and coordinated.

> Its really shocking. If Kwaku doesn't have up to even 50 edits, how come a
> whole complete Wikimedia UK empowers him with freebies or goodies to do a
> training in a country infested with an active local group? Can you imagine?
>
> What does he know then? What will he be talking? Can he have enough freeness
> of speech to encourage someone to edit if he's got not more than 50 edits?
> Can he be exemplary in this manner? Who knows his username? What even is his
> full name? All I know is Kwaku, but in Ghana the name Kwaku is like food,
> anything eatable is 'food'. Kwaku is just a generic name given to someone
> born on a particular day of the week. Thus, I don't know his *name*. Do the
> Wikimedia UK know his full name.

I have been happy to assume good faith with regard to Kwaku's
identity, there are no secrets in that regard. You can check his
website at http://www.britishblackmusic.com and the official
registration record with his contact details at
http://whois.domaintools.com/britishblackmusic.com. I am sure he will
be happy to answer questions about his organization at the workshop.

> Since Wikipedia believes in meritocracy, I expected such an opportunity to
> have been offered to well-immersed ones already knowledgeable about what
> they'll be talking about.
>
> I'm not being jealous or envious here for the Wikimedia UK 'empowering'
> Kwaku, but the question is, on what basis was he given such a privilege? The
> less than 50 edits? Or because he's black-skinned and says verbally he comes
> from Ghana?
>
> And besides, he's 'everywhere' saying he's being one way or the other funded
> by the Wikimedia UK.
>
> I don't blame Kwaku alone. I blame the whole Wikimedia UK. As per details I
> have now, that's what I can say.

I agree, there is an issue of merit and I have no idea why the
Wikimedia UK CEO (Jon Davies) has persisted with his support of an
inexperienced editor in this way rather than checking for local groups
or equally passionate experience volunteers.

I also find the apparent use of the Wikimedia brand name to promote
the britishblackmusic.com website disturbing due to the potential for
conflict of interest. I hope that some experienced local Wikimedians
do make it to the workshop in Accra to ensure that what is presented
is accurate and can assist if the workshop is misleading in any way.
As I said before, these types of workshops are normally interesting
and fun, so regardless of these questions about how this was agreed or
authorized, it would be good to ensure the workshop is a positive
experience even when there are lessons to learn.

> I really will appreciate if my questions above are answered.

There is no harm in emailing the board of Wikimedia UK with specific
concerns, they can be emailed privately on <board@wikimedia.org.uk> (I
no longer see that list as I am not a trustee any more) or you could
copy in the UK community by cross-posting to the public list
<wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org>. I suggest waiting until the event
is held as there may be positive things to add about how it works out
on the day and it is good to ensure any feedback is well founded.

> Extend ma greetings to Mr. Kwaku.

No worries, good faith is always a useful start. :-)

Fae
--
faewik@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae

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