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University Of North America Opens Its Doors to International Students Pg. 9
Vol 10 Issue 12
December 2018
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Africans Join Fight To Take Back Swahili Phrase ‘Hakuna Matata’ From Disney
From the Editor
O u r G r ea tes t G lor y is n o t in n ever f allin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll . We ar e co mmittted to br in g in g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r o m Af r ica a n d th e D ia s por a . Yo u may a ls o vis it o u r web s ite a t www. af r ikan po s t.com f o r d aily n ews u p d ates o n Af r ica . D is claimer : Th e o p in ion s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s tor ies in th is N ews pap er ar e th o s e o f th e a u th o r s an d do n o t n eces s ar ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ika n Pos t . All commen ts a n d s u gges tion s ar e welco me.
2018
George Kwasi Bright Publisher and Editor
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CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Iddris Sandu: Read Inspiring Story of 21-Yr-Old Ghanaian Tech Genius Behind Uber, Instagram and Snapchat
Pg. 10
Bishop Adonteng Boateng’s ‘Faithful Servants Awards’ honors US Police Pg. 9
Rwanda Has Achieved Universal Healthcare Page 8
Her Page It Is Personal Pg. 11
University of North America Opens its Doors to International Students Pg. 9
UPDATE
Mo Salah Retains BBC African Footballer Of The Year Award Pg. 12
Over 37,000 people have signed a petition to get Walt Disney to reverse the trademark of the Swahili phrase “Hakuna Matata” which means “No Worries” or “No Problem”.
Hakuna Matata was registered since 2003 in the United States after the release of the 1994 film, The Lion King, which made the phrase popular. Disney’s recent announcement of a live-action remake of The Lion King, which will be released in July 2019, revealed the registration of Hakuna Matata as a trademark and this incensed some Africans who accused the entertainment company of cultural appropriation. The protesters include Zimbabwean-Canadian activist, Shelton Mpala, who launched an online petition on change.org to reverse Disney’s action.
“I liken this to colonialism and robbery, the appropriation of something you have no right over. Imagine, if we were to go that route, then we owe the British royalties for everyone who speaks English, or France for when we speak French,” he wrote on the petition.
Even in the 1980s, way before the release of The Lion King in 1994, Hakuna Matata was the title of the classic song recorded by Kenyan band Them Mushrooms.
Mpala wants to stop Disney, any corporation and individuals who want to trademark languages, terms or phrases they didn’t invent.
“For hundreds of years, Africa has been exploited in some shape, fashion or form whether its been our arts where we have billions of dollars of African artefacts in museums all over the world, through our natural resources. And this to me looks like one of those things that I will have to fight,” he told the BBC.
For Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Kenyan writer and professor of comparative literature at the School of Humanities at the University of California, Irvine, Disney cannot own a phrase that is used commonly used every day.
“It would be like trademarking ‘good morning’ or ‘it is raining cats and dogs’ in the case of English … It’s a common phrase we use every other day. No company can own it,” he told NPR in a recent interview saying he was “horrified” by Disney’s claim.
Until Disney decides to cancel the trademark, anyone in the United States – including Africans – would have to pay royalties to print the phrase Hakuna Matata on a T-shirt. ISMAIL AKWEI , Head of Content face2faceafrica.com
December 2018
A Credit Card Is Different From A Debit Card… How?
At this point, I am confident that the haziness that clouded the knowledge of credit cards has been cleared somewhat.
However, how the card differs from a debit card is still an issue for many and in this article, I will attempt to clarify the differences, beginning with some scenarios.
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swiped at retailers to purchase goods and services. Below are some differences between the two:
The distinction between debit and credit card becomes blurred if a debit card user decides to obtain an overdraft. In this case, whenever a person performs a purchase transaction more than money available in his or her bank account, the bank will allow the person to overdraw the bank account up to the limit granted to cover the Kojo’s wife had had a new baby the week earlier and had spent all the money in his current account on hospital bills. The baby food they had stocked up ran out earlier than anticipated. So his wife, Araba, asked purchase transaction. The bank account-holder is then obligated to repay the full him to get some from the grocery shop around the corner. After filling his shopping basket, Kojo proceeded overdrawn amount with interest. to the counter to pay his bill. However, a credit cardholder will get up to 55 days interest-free, which means they Kojo gave the lady his debit card forgetting that he had emptied his account. After two dips to pay the lady have interest free credit if they decide to pay back their outstanding account balance breaks the rather unfortunate news to Kojo. He did not understand why a bank he has been with for the in full each month. past two decades would not allow him to withdraw money he did not have in his account so he pays back The credit card market in Ghana is an emerging one characterized with lots of apprelater. Clearly, Kojo had mistaken a debit card for a credit card. hension by consumers largely due to a lack of understanding of the uses and benefits of the card. Even for the ‘Kojos’ and ‘Amas’ out there who have acquired the card, Scenario Two its appropriate usage is a huge problem. Credit cards have lots of benefits for consumers when used appropriately and for the right purposes but for a start, identifying Ama, a Business Executive, meets up with her friends on a Friday night for an after work hangout. She its qualitative difference from a debit card is critical for consumers to appreciate the promises her friends she would cater for the bill and all they had to do was to show up. After an exciting card. evening of food, drinks and laughter, Ama reaches for her bag to pay for the bill. She takes out both her credit and debit cards. Ama remembers she has no money in her bank account so she hands credit card to Source: https://howafrica.com the waiter for the payment and she is sorted. She would settle her bank later. Scenario One
These are everyday scenarios that most of us find ourselves in, in the usage of debit and credit cards. Debit cards and Credit cards are very often confused in terms of their use largely due to a lack of knowledge on the uses and qualitative differences between the two cards. Debit cards and credit cards function in similar ways. Both carry the logo of a major card issuer, such as Visa or MasterCard, and can be dipped, tapped or
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Forbes Ranks Ethiopian President SahleWork Zewde, the Most Powerful Woman in Africa December
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The seasoned diplomat is among the few black women who made the cut on the 2018 list of most powerful women. Others included media mogul, Oprah Winfrey (20th position), musician and entertainer, Beyonce (50th) and world champion tennis player Serena Williams (79).
According to Forbes, the list “celebrates the icons, innovators and instigators who are using their voice to change power structures and create a lasting impact.”
At the end of 2017, Isabel dos Santos, Africa’s richest woman and the oldest daughter of Angola’s former president, was essentially the most powerful woman in Africa after being the only African on Forbes 100 Most Powerful Women in the world.
“This year’s listees are building billion-dollar brands, calling the shots in the financial markets, crisscrossing the globe to broker international agreements, and providing aid to those in need,” the magazine added.
Aside Markel and May, other individuals who made it to the top 10 included International Monetary Fund Managing Director, Christine Lagarde; General Motors CEO, Marry Barry; For the second consecutive year, only one woman from Africa Fidelity Investments CEO, Abigail Johnson; and has made the 2018 Forbes list of 100 Most Powerful Women in Co-Chair Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the world. Melinda Gates.
Ethiopian president, Sahle-Work Zewde ranked 97th on the list that was topped by German Chancellor, Angela Merkel and was followed by the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, in the second position. Sahle-Work Zewde is Ethiopia’s president — The Standard Africa had its fourth and only female president this year when lawmakers in Ethiopia elected Zewde to be the country’s first female president following the resignation of President Mulatu Teshome.
Zewde has served for a long time in the world of diplomacy representing Ethiopia in many African countries.
Being the second woman to hold an Ambassadorial position in the history of Ethiopia, the experienced diplomat served in French-speaking African countries like Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Cape Verde, Guinea and Djibouti, as well as, France.
In 2011, former United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Kimoon, appointed her as Director General of the UN office in Nairobi (UNON), which was then a newly created position.
Until recently, she served as UN representative to the African Union whose headquarter is in Addis Ababa.
Zewde’s historic appointment came on the back of political reforms and a reshuffle that allowed greater female representation in governance.
At the time of her appointment, she was hailed by many people across the world who now look on as she directs the business of the government while she represents a perfect gender-balance story in Africa.
“Traditionally a ceremonial role, Zewde’s appointment is a tremendously symbolic move for the conservative country, opening the door for gender parity,” according to Forbes.
Zewde being the only African woman – as seen in 2017 – among just a few black women on the list has raised concerns about the fairness of the ranking and whether African women are being sidelined.
Per the criteria of Forbes, the continent has not produced any other formidable woman like Zewde this year who deserves a mention. Source: https://howafrica.com
Rwanda Has Achieved Universal Healthcare December
By Edmund Kagire
With more than 90 per cent of Rwandans covered under the community-based health insurance scheme locally known as Mutuelle de Santé, Rwanda is one of the few developing countries in the world that have successfully achieved universal healthcare.
The scheme has in recent years encountered challenges of low real uptake numbers,
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inflated numbers by local leaders and poor service delivery in health centres and district hospitals, prompting the government to transfer management of the scheme to the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) under the Rwandaise d'Assurance Maladie. https://allafrica.com
Rwanda’s Paul Kagame Honoured by Forbes as the 2018 African Man of the Year
As the winner of the African of the Year Award by the All Africa Business Leaders Award, Rwandan President Paul Kagame graces the cover of the January edition of Forbes Africa Magazine.
The award, which was presented on November 29, celebrates and honours leaders who have contributed and shaped the African economy.
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In the magazine, Kagame opened up about the award and other changes he had instituted not only as the president of Rwanda but the chair of the African Union in the past year.
Kagame has been considered a controversial leader, with heaps of praise over how he has led the country through a period of relative peace and prosperity since the genocide in 1994. In the past year, Rwanda has been named the least corrupt country on the continent and second in the ease of doing business.
The president has also come under criticism for alleged harassment, abuse and arrest of his political opponents, including Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza and Diane Shima Rwigara, who were in jail for running against him for the country’s top post. In October 2018, he passed a law that criminalizes statements and publications deemed humiliating by government officials, further increasing his fame as an authoritarian.
Kagame has also been known to be vocal about the influence of the West on Africa, calling for continental leaders to work with each other than depending on aid from the West for the development of the continent. However, he has been seen making deals with companies such as Ali Baba from China, a country he says traded equally with Africa even when there is evidence on the contrary.
His choice as the African man of the year has elicited mixed reactions: Source: https://howafrica.com
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University of North America Opens its Doors to International Students December
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University of North America (UoNA), located in Fairfax, Virginia, extends an open hand to of North America is accredited by ACICS, certified by the state of Virginia, and recognized by international students in the Washington DC area. The university is authorized to enroll nonthe US Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). immigrant F1 Visa students to pursue graduate and undergraduate programs in areas that are in high demand by students and employers. UoNA offers the latest academic innovations, advanced University of North America is located at 4375 Fair Lakes Court Fairfax, Virginia 22033 campus technologies, and student and career services.
The UoNA programs are focused on exceptional training in business and technology that are student-centered, career-oriented, and globally focused. Dr. Peter C. West, Vice President of Academic Affairs, stated to the Afrikan Post:
“The University of North America, which just celebrated its 10th year of offering high-quality education, has carved a niche for itself as a transformational university by offering applied learning methods that are tailored to the needs of its students.”
According to Dr. West, a distinction of UoNA is its tuition, which is one of the most affordable among other accredited higher education institutions in the Washington DC metropolitan area. In addition, UoNA offers flexible class schedules that include evening, weekend, and online options for working professionals who are concurrently balancing personal, work, and educational pursuits. The university faculty has both industry experience and exceptional academic credentials. Many of the faculty are employed in the disciplines they are teaching, which enables them to relate relevant theories to real-world practices. Student are able to get individualized attention in classes that mirror typical workplace environments.
Mr. Kirit Udeshi, Director of Regional Development –South Asia, said: “We are committed to helping everyone in the local and international communities to get them ready for the workforce through UoNA’s collaborative learning experience.” UoNA’s applied learning approach emphasizes professional experiences that are directly related to a student’s major area of study.
Mr. Culver Fortna, International Student Office (ISO) Manager, in addition to assisting international students with obtaining a visa to study at UoNA, he supports all students with health, housing, insurance, guidance for English as a second language learners, and cultural integration with campus life at UoNA. International students have many opportunities through UoNA’s applied learning curriculum that includes Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT), which are concurrent employment experiences for eligible students and program graduates. In addition, UoNA offers scholarships for H1-B Visa holders and US military personnel.
University Of North America Campus at Fairlakes, Virginia
Majority of UoNA programs are recognized as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) degrees, which are in high demand by international students. Of its 300+ currently enrolled students, a majority are pursuing a master’s degree. Based on full-time, continuous enrollment, a student can complete their master’s degree within a year and a half, although many students take an approved quarter-off to explore opportunities while in the US and graduate within two years.
Each master’s program list below requires completion of a minimum of 54 quarter-hour credits or 12 courses, which consist of 2 common core courses (9 credits), 5 program core courses (22.5 credits), four elective courses (18 credits), and a capstone course (4.5 credits).
UoNA Master's Programs Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCYS) Master of Science in System and Application Engineering (MSSAE) Master of Science in Management and Data Analytics (MSMDA) Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) Master of Science in Accounting and Finance (MSAF) Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Some Staff Members of University Of North America
UoNA two bachelor’s degree programs require a minimum of 180 quarter-hour credits to graduate; full-time continuous enrollment enables students to complete the program in approximately 4 years.
UoNA Bachelor's Programs Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT) Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
Admission to UoNA begins with a simple process. Once an applicant completes an application form on the UoNA website (https://www.uona.edu), they will be contacted by an admission representative who, in coordination with academic and student services personnel, will assist them with the rest of the process.
Originally established by Jill and Claude Martin 10 years ago in Vienna, Virginia, the University
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Iddris Sandu: Read Inspiring Story of 21-Yr-Old Ghanaian Tech Genius Behind Uber, Instagram and Snapchat
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by PH
Starbucks, and in three weeks, they had transformed an abandoned storefront in Los Angeles into the Marathon Clothing Store.
The smart store offers exclusive music and other content to customers who have downloaded an app, said The New York Times.
The store leveraged Iddris’ tech and design background and Nipsey’s cultural influences, sparking the interests of many journalists as well as hip-hop and cultural icons like Russell Westbrook, Vegas Jones of Roc Nation, among others.
In an interview with the CNBC, Sandu said the store has helped him bridge the gap between culture and technology, and would love others to do same.
“We are living in the digital revolution,” he said. Although “we are all constantly exposing ourselves to content in real-time.”
“We need to address the largest issues affecting communities and build infrastructure on that,” Sandu said.
Iddris Sandu (Image: Jerusa Nyakundi) During his days in High school, Iddris developed a mobile software that would later gain the attention of former U.S. President Barack Obama and land him at the White House, where he received the honorary presidential scholar award.
He was only 16 years old. Now 21, the Los Angelesbased young man is the self-made tech guru who has accomplished many incredible feats, including being responsible for algorithms that have made Uber, Instagram and Snapchat what they are today.
The software engineer considers himself a “cultural architect” and said he aims to “level the playing field” between Silicon Valley and young communities of colour.
knew it was the future,” he said. Just 10 years old then, Sandu started learning programming on his own for the next two years at a public library and this was where he got spotted by a designer from Google, who offered him an internship opportunity at the company’s headquarters.
At age 13, he got his first experience with programming and worked on many projects such as the initial Google blogger, Google Plus, among others.
Yet, Sandu was determined to affect change, hence, at the age of 15, he designed an app for his high school that gave students turn by turn directions to navigate their classrooms.
Being the only school in California that had an app made by a student, Sandu received wide acclaim that would later afford him a meeting with former President Obama.
Iddris was born and raised in Harbor City, California by his Ghanaian parents. The young lad spoke about the During that same period, Sandu wrote an algorithm that he would harrowing experience he had when he was just eight and go on to sell to Instagram and by the age of 18, he was already his father had wanted to take him on a trip to Ghana. consulting for Snapchat before landing at Uber, where he created a software (Autonomous Collision Detection Interface) for its self“But on the fourth day of the trip, he abandoned me in driving cars. this village, took my passport and came back to the States,” Sandu told Oxford University’s Music and Style With the passion to bridge the gap between the informed and uninMagzine, adding that he was abandoned for almost nine formed, and to inculcate into young people like him the need for months before getting into contact with an NGO which invention and creativity, he left major tech companies to bring that helped him travel back home. change.
He got back to the U.S. when the first-ever iPhone was unveiled, and this started his journey into the tech world.
“Information is one of the highest forms of class. And that is what keeps people divided. You should be able to think on a higher level, instead of being strictly consumers. And people of colour in particular are more likely to be consumers than creators. It’s really hard to get out of poverty or to change the structure of economic power if you’re always going to be a consumer rather than creating. Shifting that narrative is what I’ve been trying to do. And thus far, it’s worked, it’s successful.”
“I just got super inspired. I thought – this device is going to change the world. The reason why the iPhone was so important was because it was the first time when regular consumers could develop for other regular consumers. Before, you really had to work at a tech company for multiple years to be able to offer any sort of input From encouraging the study of STEM subjects in schools and at or to create an app. But Apple made it so mainstream. I higher levels, Sandu, in 2017, met rapper Nipsey Hussle at local
The tech wizard has since partnered with Kanye West and Jaden Smith on some future businesses, clothing lines and disaster relief projects that are set to launch in 2019, according to CNBC.
Having created his own music, putting together the sonics and instrumentals in just 3 days to form a full album, the creative technologist is working on a book about recent initiators, including Kanye West; Robi Reed, a casting director; and Edward Enninful, the editor of British Vogue.
With the drive to use all his networks to empower young people in America to make a positive impact in their communities, the unconventional tech genius is already on his way to become a leader for the next generation of influencers and entrepreneurs.
Source: https://howafrica.com
It Is Personal
and even cause our demise. At such times, we should recall that because we have clearly and consciously chosen to serve God, though we have been promised righteousness, peace and joy (Romans 14:17) and all that God has to offer to us here and beyond, we have nevertheless enlisted ourselves in an army, and there are ongoing battles and wars in which we partake on the spiritual level which can obviously result in injuries and casualties. We must acknowledge and accept this, for it is a spiritual truth from which we cannot escape. Take for instance the story of Queen Esther. In The Book of Esther, the queen’s cousin Mordecai was personally being pursued by his enemy Haman, because the proud Haman was angry that Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah him as did everyone. Mordecai understood that he was only to bow to God and not to any man or idol. As a result, ver wonder why some things happen to you? Do you search Haman hated him, and conceived in his heart a means to and find no clear answers to questions about your personal kill not only him but all the Jews of the kingdom as well. adversities? There is an answer. It is because of who you The plot was personally designed against Mordecai, but he are. It is because as a child of God, you are special; you are “the knew what to do. He enlisted the help of Esther and apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8); you have been made a “peculiar although Esther knew that standing up for Mordecai and person” (1st Peter 2:9) and as a result, someone, something, desires the Hebrew people could mean certain death to her, she that very special thing in and about you. And they will come in took up the challenge and proclaimed a three-day fast for their full strength to separate you from it and even usurp your her people. In the end, it was neither Mordecai nor the place. Are you going to cower in the fetal position somewhere in a Hebrew people who were killed, but the gallows that corner and relinquish your rights, joy and peace for that someone Haman had fashioned intending to trap Mordecai were the or are you going to stand to assert yourself and strength knowing very gallows that sealed his fate; Haman was executed! who you are in the Lord? When you are a faithful child of God, your enemies in the It is obvious that all people will experience adversities spiritual and even the natural realm will become jealous and challenges. That is a clear and undeniable truth of life conand hateful wanting to see you disgraced and destroyed. firmed time after time. Perhaps for an entire year, your nation’s But your response to the trials they precipitate and your rainy season will be so overwhelming that it will begin too early, unwavering belief and faithfulness to God in this time of rain too much and end well after its usual time, leaving your crops pain and anguish will ensure that they will be the ones to in ruins, unsalvageable. Or perhaps, the dry season also will come be made ashamed. What they had wished on you will too early, stay well after its welcome and leave your land parched rather befall them. and unquenchable. The world’s economy could fall drastically and Let’s confirm the above with another incident in we will all feel the pinch in job loss and inflation. Such things Daniel chapter six which has the same end. Daniel, a happen not only to you, but to everyone and we will all suffer Hebrew leader in Persia was hated and envied. Daniel was along with each other. hated because not only did he excel at his work and was Then there are those times when something will happen favored by King Darius, but also because he faithfully only to you. Sometimes, such occurrences are simply the natural prayed to and worshiped his God and not the gods of the order of life, but then at certain times, they are directed at you and land. As a result, venom filled the hearts of the other leadyou alone. All we know is that moments before, we were walking ers so much so that they plotted to compromise him where on solid ground and then in the next moment, we have fallen into a he would eventually be killed. His enemies connived to pit, desperately looking up, frantically calling for help. The adverhave an irreversible edict written and approved by the king sity could be financial, where all was well and now as a result of that for 30 days, only the king should be prayed to and that job loss you become virtually homeless. It can be an unhappy and anyone found praying to any god or man should be put to unstable home life, serious health problems, or even the sudden death. See, the fact is that your enemies watch and study death of a loved one. The fact is that once upon a time, you were you. They come to learn about you so that they can place happily serving and worshiping your God, obeying His word and obstacles in your way to cause you to trip and fall. Their enjoying the blessings, but in the next moment, everything changed constant intention is to see you knocked off your pedestal, as if the ground you were walking on was quaking, threatening to the very pedestal with which God has so graciously come apart and swallow you. Don’t fret. It is personal. endowed you. The schemers in this case knew that Daniel According to God’s word, our personal trials and tribulations was faithful to his God and that despite the decree, he and even eventual demise can be warranted by our own disobediwould pray and thus, their innermost desire would be realence as in the case of Jonah, who intentionally disobeying God’s ized when Daniel is put to death. Daniel wasn’t fooled. It directions, was swallowed by a whale that God Himself had was personal, but he knew in whom he had believed. He assigned to swallow him. Jonah remained in the whale for three also knew that come what may, he would rather obey his days repenting and praying until God released him. Let’s also God than men. So unafraid and unashamed, Daniel continrecall Samson, who after disobeying by mingling with people God ued to pray three times a day by his open windows. He had forbidden the Israelites to consort with, yielded to the seducwas seized and thrown into the lions’ den to be demolished. tress power of Jezebel and found himself without his hair and But when morning came, Daniel was still alive as God had strength. Samson met his demise with his enemies because he had shut the lions’ mouths so that they could not devour Daniel. sinned by doing his own thing. If you are undergoing adversities, Rather, those who conspired and developed the decree solesearch to see if you have erred in some way and quickly make ly to entrap Daniel were the ones who, along with their amends with God and whomever else, to bring an end to your wives and children, were thrown into the lions’ den and affliction. destroyed. However, many times in our Christian journey the attacks in It is personal when an entire edict has been estabour lives are not warranted. We have done absolutely nothing to lished simply because of one person. It is personal when deserve those severe hardships. In fact, we have rather been faith- your enemies search and plot to determine how they might ful in our roles as children of God. This is when we should discern bring about pain and misery to your life. Would they be that it is a personal attack brought by our enemies to undermine successful with their gossiping, backbiting and shunning?
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Will that be the way they will cause you to become discouraged and stop doing what you have been doing for God? Are you going to stop leading the praise and worship team or quit the choir? Are you going to step down from that post to which you were elected or appointed on your job or at church? Are you going to stop attending church service or quit the church altogether? What is going to be your response to the attacks and machinations made against you? Are you going to accuse the Lord of being unfaithful to you because the loss of a good job and good health are now your woes or are you going to stand firm and fight these battles knowing who you are in God and acknowledging the manipulations of the enemy? Finally, let’s consider another individual who was perfect in every way even according to God Himself, but was faced with unbelievable tragedy, simply because of another’s resentment. In the Book of Job, Job of Uz, the greatest man of the East in those times, was blessed beyond measure, because he was upright and faithful to God. But of course, Satan himself could not leave that alone. He was jealous, because while he was homeless roaming back and forth on Earth, Job had real estate properties, innumerable livestock and blessed with ten children. Job also had the respect of his community. Consequently, Satan challenges God that Job is only faithful because of the blessings that God has granted him, not because he loves God. God allows Satan, Job’s enemy, to have his way with his wealth and all his blessings. He does and Job loses everything, even his children in one day. But Job only prostrated himself and worshiped God, accepting God’s supremacy. Dissatisfied with Job’s response, Satan goes back to God and asks to attack Job’s health. God grants the permission, trusting that Job will never cease to love and worship Him. Job’s body is attacked with painful boils from his head to the soles of his feet, but he remained faithful in his worship and never cursed God. In the end, the Lord rewarded Job for his faithfulness by not only healing his body, but by also blessing him with twice as much as he had before. Additionally, God blessed him with ten more children, the very number of children he had previously, and lastly, he was blessed with long life, where he lived until 140yrs. Was the attack on Job personal? No doubt. Was it intended to undermine and discredit him? Absolutely. Did Job stop worshiping God and did he curse Him? No. While Job was not privy to what had transpired between God and Satan, Job knew his God and understood that both blessings and curses can come from His hands. Believing that he had been faithful to God, that he had not brought those curses unto himself, he stayed true to his Lord. What is your response when such things happen to you? What challenge or trial are you facing? Have you determined its roots? Was it brought about by your disobedience to God or can you identify it as a personal attack to test you? What are you doing about it? What will you do about it? Are you going to fight by praying and fasting as Esther, Mordecai and the Hebrews did in order to claim your victory over the situation? Are you going to obey your God and continue to pray and call upon his name as did Daniel? Or are you going to continue to worship and continue your faithful relationship with Him as did Job, knowing that your God is faithful and supreme and that despite your afflictions, He is worthy to be worshiped and praised? When such attacks come, know that they are personal, but know even more that this is when it is time to fight and shame your enemies and claim what is yours. Don’t allow the jealous ones to triumph over you. Don’t let Satan and his demonic and human agents to harass and have their way with you. There is something special about you that they desire. There is something wonderful about you that they want to destroy. Are you going to let them? Fight them all the way until it is over, knowing that God fights alongside you.
FIFA MEN’S SOCCER WORLD RANKINGS 1. Belgium 2. France 3. Brazil
4. Croatia
5. England
6. Portugal
35. Northern Ireland
36. Costa Rica
37. Iceland
38. Scotland
9. Spain
41. Australia
11. Argentina
12. Colombia 13. Chile
14. Sweden
40. Morocco
42. Czech Republic
43. Greece
44. Nigeria
45. Montenegro
46. Bulgaria\
14. Netherlands
47.Norway
17. Mexico
49.Congo DR
16. Germany 18. Italy
19. Wales
20. Poland 21. Peru
22. Austria
48.Russia 50.Japan
51.Hungary 52.Ghana
53.Korea Republic
54.Jamaica
23. Senegal
55.Cameroon
25. USA
57.Ecuador
24. Romania
26. Tunisia
27. Slovakia
28. Ukraine
29. Serbia
30. IR Iran 31. Venezuela 32. Paraguay
Mo Salah Retains BBC African Footballer Of The Year Award
34. Bosnia and Herzegovina
39. Turkey
10. Denmark
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33. Republic of Ireland
7. Uruguay
8. Switzerland
December 2018
56.Egypt
58.Finland
59.Bolivia
60.Albania
61.Burkina Faso
Liverpool and Egypt striker Mohamed Salah has capped a sparkling 2018 for club and country by winning the prestigious BBC African Footballer of the Year Award for the second time in a row.
against Napoli on Tuesday that saw the Reds into the Champions League last 16 taking his tally to 13.
“There have been many good moments in 2018. I’m scoring goals and helping the team to get “It’s a great feeling to win again. I’m happy and the points to be top of the league. That’s always I would like to win it also next year!” said a great feeling” he added. Salah also scored Salah. The 26-year-old, who beat Medhi twice for Egypt at the World Cup in Russia. Benatia, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sadio Mane and Thomas Partey to the award, is just the second Earlier in 2018, Salah won the English double player after Jay-Jay Okocha to win it two years the Players’ Player of the Year and the Football running. Writers’ Player of the Year. Salah also won the 2017 CAF Player of the Year and is one of 10 Yaya Toure is the only other player to have nominees for the 2018 award which will be twice won the award in its current form while announced in January. Nwankwo Kanu won it twice when it was a broader African Sports Personality award. Source: goal.com Salah scored 44 goals in 52 games for Liverpool last season, his first on Merseyside after joining them from Roma, and helped them to reach the Champions League final. His club form has continued this season with his winner
CAF To Decide On New Host For AFCON 2019 Next Month
The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), has said it has received formal application from Egypt and South Africa to host the Total Africa Cup of Nations 2019 (AFCON).
9, 2019 to agree on the new AFCON 2019.
It said a formal announcement would be made by CAF after that meeting as well as other decisions.
A statement from CAF said, and international consulting firm Roland Berger, would now review the bids and seek additional materials Source: GNA and conduct inspection visits where required on the two bids.
According to the statement, a CAF Extraordinary Executive Committee Meeting would take place in Dakar, Senegal on January
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December 2018 Page 13
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Nigerian Numismatist Adetunji Omotola And His Love For Africa’s Currencies
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And the juicy part of our chat with this numismatist — when we asked how many of the 50 plus currencies of Africa he has in his collection. You should have heard him blast a gigle that was a poor attempt to hide laughter borne of excitement. “I am in possession of forty-one notes of 10 different African countries. Most were given to me by a Ghanaian based in Botswana, a Mosotho from Lesotho, A South African who traveled to Zambia and a Ghanaian based in Ghana who handed same over to my Ghanaian friend based in Johannesburg that met her in Accra.”
So TheAfricanDream.net out of curiosity recently got curious about our favorite numismatist Adetunji Omotola and his interest in Africa’s over 53 currencies, especially when the Nigerian made us aware that as of January 1, 2013, the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) was the strongest currency on the continent.
In our quest to find out more about Africa’s currencies from our amateur numismatist based in South Africa, we called up him up for a chat over the phone and share with you some of the cool insights he gave us from his personal experiences collecting African currencies. By the way a stronger boy has overthrown the ZMW, we will fill you in in future paragraphs.
“I have always been fascinated by currencies no matter which countries they come from. We have recently seen increased economic growth in many African countries driven by high commodity prices and China’s massive demand,” an excited Mr. Omotola said to TheAfricanDream.net.
The fuel that ignites the Adetunju Omotola money fascination “Some African countries like Ghana, Zambia, Mozambique, and Mauritania have also embarked on re-denomination of their respective currencies. In view of all of these factors and given the need to ensure that one has souvenirs from each African country beyond artifacts, I have decided to begin the collection of various African currencies,” Mr. Omotola explained the reason behind his love for numismatics.
Numismatics is the study or collection of coins, paper currency, and medals.
Many African countries will change their currency’s appearance when a new government takes power (often the new head of state will appear on bank notes), though the notional value remains the same. Also, in many African currencies, there is such rampant inflation that re-valuing must take place ever so often, a classic example being the Zimbabwea.
“If you are well traveled on the African continent or live in it, then you probably know it is no secret that there is a thriving street trade by unlicensed street traders in the US dollars (USD) or other stable global currencies seen as a hedge against local inflation,” Mr. Omotola revealed. He further said that the exchange rate is grossly more favorable to the seller of the foreign currency than that of the official bank rate of the local currency, which is what encourages that clandestine trade.
It is tough to live in one African country and endeavor to collect thirtyone currencies across Africa especially given the high cost of travel around the continent. “The fact that some countries’ currencies are not even of any serious value should be something to bear in mind,” said the numismatist who shed light on some of the downsides of his passion. “Currencies like the Burundian Franc (BIF), the Ugandan Shilling (UGX), the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), and the Guinea Conakry Franc (GNF) are very weak to major currencies like the USD.” Based on this Adetunji advised that one need not bother collecting them, unless, like his, your simple task is to collect every currency in each denomination in existence.
Money collection hunt and origins of some money We are now thinking this dude is really serious about his money collecting game and even before we could ask one more question he continued, “I also have a 100 Ethiopian Birr given to me by a cabin crew attendant with Ethiopian Air named Hayat in Johannesburg. My collection also features the 200 Swaziland Emalangeni given me at a hotel in Johannesburg by a South African named Nolubalo.”
Adetunji also has in his possession the Rwandan Franc and Kenyan Shilling which were given to me by his wife after she returned from Tanzania and Kenya for which he is thankful for. “I must thank everyone who has made my quest possible even though I still have a long way to go.”
TheAfricanDream.net by this time is impressed by this man’s collection so we decided to share some African money trivia with him to add to his fountain of knowledge. We told him that based on research we know that rulers of the great Ethiopian kingdom of Aksum between AD 270 and 630 produced their own round coinage for trade with Romans and Byzantines.
This obviously increased the interest of our numismatist who made it known that one of newest kid on the block for African currencies is the South Sudanese pound, the official currency of the Republic of South Sudan. It is subdivided into 100 piasters and was approved by Southern Sudan’s Legislative Assembly back in 2011 when they gained independence from the Republic of Sudan to become one of the youngest nations on earth.
What has accounted for your fruitfulness in this venture, we asked Mr. Omotola, to which he responded: “it is about passion my friend, and also due to my vast network of great contacts. This is the reason why am proud to share that I have the currencies of ten African countries. Most of these currencies are from countries in Southern Africa e.g the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), the Lesotho Maluti (LSL), the Botswana Pula (BWP), Swaziland’s Emalangeni (SZL), and the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).”
Now meet Africa’s strongest currency for 2018 “I have also had the luck of securing the Ghanaian cedi (GHS), the Rwandan Franc (RWF), my good old Nigerian Naira (NGN), the Ethiopian Birr (ETB), and the Kenyan Shilling (KES). From the currencies I’ve collected thus far, the GHS is the strongest with the TZS being among the weakest.” Ghana re-denominated her cedi in 2007 by taking away three zeros (dividing the currency by 1000). By date of this publication, $1USD was equivalent to GHC4.82. The Guinea Franc (GNF) is Africa’s weakest currency at GNF 9094 to $1USD
Finally we are here: the Libyan Dinar (LYD) is the strongest African currency at LYD1.39 to $1USD at time of publication.
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Click to read other Africa money related stories
Here is an anecdote our friend shared with us about an experience he had in 2012 in Zambia prior to that country’s removal of four zeros from their Kwacha. “At the time I had booked a room at the Radisson Blu in Lusaka, the Zambian capital. Upon arrival, I was told that the room would cost 1 million Kwacha a night,” our friend said, explaining how surprised he had been at this discovery at the time.
“Another experience I had with another African currency that is remarkable was in Ghana’s capital city of Accra. When I first visited Accra in 1996, the GHC was around 8000 to $1USD. In essence, I hired taxis for a full one hour for GHC 8000 back then. Fast forward to 2007 when the government took out three zeros to leave the cedi at GHC1.3 to $1USD. This meant a taxi ride now cost me almost $1USD just to be dropped off as opposed to an hour for a hired taxi service.”
Zimbabwe’s loaf of bread that cost a million, or trillion Before we finish this story, did you know Zimbabwean Bond Notes that were introduced in 2016 along with their bond coins earlier in 2014 are used as part of a multiple currency economic system, including bitcoins. You are probably already aware that just a decade ago it cost millions to billions to buy a loaf of bread in Zimbabwe owing to the sorry state of their economy, and they had a million dollar note to match.
FYI – the British Pound Sterling is the world’s oldest currency still in use today. The Pound’s origins are traced back to the 8th-century kingdom of Mercia, way before the United Kingdom was ever united — pun intended. Thank you for journeying with us into our friend’s world of currencies, we hope this read has been of value to you.
Adetunji Omotola is an Africa Analyst, Public Speaker, Media Personality, Wine Consultant, and yes, a lover of numismatics based in Johannesburg, South Africa. He has been a radio and TV presenter and blogs at
www.winelawandpolitics.wordpress.com. Follow him on Twitter as @tunjiomotola.
Source: Oral Ofori
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Directorial debut Walk With Me by Kwame Asante Ofori screens at AFRIFF
A documentary-short by Ghanaian film director Kwame Asante Ofori titled ‘Walk With Me‘, recently screened at the November 2018 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Nigeria where TheAfricanDram.net caught up with the producer to learn more about it.
“That we merely made it to the official final selection of the 8th edition of AFRIFF’s shorts category with our documentary must have meant something about our work touched the panel of judges. I can’t say how humbled my crew and I are, this is a great encouragement for all and for me especially as AFRIFF has annually held in Nigeria since 2010 and is a film this was my debut attempt,” Mr. Asante told TheAfricanDream.net in an interview from Lagos where he festival that features award shows and film training classes. This year some 140 films were screened of which Mr. Asante’s was also joined by Joseph Amo Nti, a co-producer on the project. film was one , other productions from Ghana that did well included ‘Azali‘, which won two of the best categories as well “Another cool thing is we got to lift the flag of Ghana high as the award for the best feature film. through this film and had an amazing opportunity to witness Artistic Director of AFRIFF Newton Aduaka set a goal for the in action the prolific Nigerian movie industry of Nollywood. November 11-18, 2018 edition to present a rigorously selected My crew and I have learned a lot, made some great connections and can promise Africa and the world that our next program with an international gaze. Mr. Asante said to project will be bigger and better, so watch out,” Kwame TheAfricanDream.net that this was the premise on which Asante Ofori said. ‘Walk With Me‘ was chosen for screening.
‘Walk With Me‘ which came out in 2018 explores how Ghana has been 12yrs after the passage of her Disability Act into law to curb marginalization of the disabled and help integrate them into society. The documentary-short asks whether Ghana has attained ‘disability-friendly‘ status as a country today.
Kwame Asante Ofori, who is a producer at the Voice Of America in Washington DC, is an alum of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. Check out his blog at www.HouseOfAsante.com and watch a ‘Walk With Me’ teaser in this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=69&v=8rx Wrdnn6ws.
Executive Producer and a cinematographer on the project Derrick-Prince William Quartey chimed in saying “the work literally takes its viewer on a walk with disabled persons by giving visual opportunities to have a closer peek into their daily livelihoods. Many of them show us through the film how Written by Oral Ofori disability is not inability. We hope our film creates a climate of discussion on this subject.”
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Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church Choir Honor one of their Own
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Kelvin Prempeh a young and dedicated member of the Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church in Woodbridge was honored by the Choir and family with a Graduation Gathering at which praises were heaped on the young gentleman for his sense of dedication to his studies and how proud he has made his Family.
Kevin migrated to the United States to join his mother about 6 years ago. Guided by his solid Christian upbringing he dedicated himself to the activities in his church.
He successfully gained admission to Virginia Tech to pursue a degree in civil engineering and graduated on December 14, 2018.
His mother Miss Gina Morgan expressed her appreciation to the Chuch family, the Nfanteman Association and all loved ones.
Kelvin Prempeh is very optimistic about the future and the challenges ahead
South African Airways Cargo Makes Difference In Lives Of Needy Children This Festive Season
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Mayor Bowser Announces Key Appointments December 2018
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and toddler child care seats by 1,000. Ms. Smith began her career as an elementary school teacher in Miami-Dade County Public Schools after earning a degree in government and politics, magna cum laude, from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Reverend Donald Isaac, Sr., to be Executive Director of the District of Columbia Corrections Information Council (CIC).
JOHANNESBURG. 20 November 2018 – South African Airways (SAA) freight division, SAA Cargo (SAAC), is the proud airfreight partner of The Love Quilt Project (LQP), the US-based non-profit organization that helps vulnerable children in South Africa and the US.
As part of being a responsible corporate citizen SAAC when contacted once again by LQP through its New York office, jumped at the opportunity to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate.
expressed through art to brighten lives and help heal these children. These messages are created on fabric squares stitched into beautiful quilts that are given to children in need. LQP teaches tolerance and compassion, and through this initiative, the children are taught about the healing power of love and its ability to positively impact the world,” explained LQP President.
“This project is in line with our belief that, ‘love is the common thread that binds us all As a result, SAAC recently transported over 100 together as humans,’” Gretchen concluded. handmade quilts from the US on behalf of LQP. In a spirit of reciprocity, the South African Many of these quilts were handed over in Pretoria to children receive this same lesson before they children who are orphaned and affected by the receive their quilts and also create art HIV/Aids pandemic on November 17, 2018. More squares for quilts to be given to American quilts will be given to children in the Western Cape children affected by HIV/AIDS. on Saturday, November 24th. South African Airways (SAA) is the leading SAAC is a specialist division of South African carrier in Africa, serving 57 destinations, in Airways, focusing on freight movement worldwide. partnership with SA Express, Airlink, and its It makes use of the belly space of SAA’s passenger low-cost carrier, Mango, within South Africa aircraft and its dedicated Boeing B737-300 and across the continent, and nine intercontifreighters. nental routes from its Johannesburg hub.
Justice Luthuli, SAAC’s General Manager (Acting) says, “SAA Cargo has a long-standing relationship with The Love Quilt Project and is proud to be associated with an organization that makes a great impact on many children’s lives. In 2016, we were honored to have supported LQP by helping to bring their quilts to South Africa. We consider it a privilege to have once again partnered with the organization to bring hope and show love to these children through the beautifully handmade quilts.”
Click here to watch a video about the Love Quil Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5G3Fa P6TOQ Source: SAA Group Corporate Affairs
From left to right in photo: Love Quilt Project (LQP) representatives in South Africa Lwazi Mofokeng and Dianna Higgs, and LQP Founder Gretchen Ginnerty with SAAC, in partnership with LQP, has transported some of the quilts at St. Francis Anglican over 400 quilts over the past five years for the bene- Church in Waterkloof. Image courtesy fit of the children. Jacques Naude, African News Agency.
Gretchen Ginnerty, President of LQP says, “LQP uses the healing power of love to change the lives of vulnerable and orphaned South African children, many of them affected by HIV and AIDS.”
“American children send messages of love
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Rev. Isaac previously served in the Bowser Administration as Director of the Office of Religious Affairs and, for the past eighteen years, Rev. Isaac has served as the Executive Director and Senior Advisor of the East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership, which was formed as a collaborative effort between faith, law enforcement, and community based partners. As CIC Executive Director, Rev. Isaac will lead an independent body which inspects, monitors, and reports on the conditions Director Ernest Chrappah of confinement at facilities where DC residents are incarcerated. Rev. Isaac has studied at the Washington Technical (WASHINGTON, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Institute, Howard University, and the Bowser announced a series of appointments in her University of the District of Columbia Administration: and holds an A.S. in City Planning and a B.S. in Urban Planning. He graduated Director Ernest Chrappah, to be Interim Director from the Washington Baptist Seminary of the District Department of Consumer and and received his Master of Divinity from Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Howard University School of Divinity. Rev. Isaac holds an M.P.A. (Non-Profit Mr. Chrappah brings to this role his years of expe- Management) from Southeastern rience as a government executive as well as a suc- University. cessful entrepreneur with a reputation for finding innovative solutions to complex challenges. He most recently led the Department of For-Hire Source:https://mayor.dc.gov Vehicles. Previously, he served as the Deputy Chief Information Officer for the Child and Family Services Agency where he implemented innovative technology solutions leveraging analytics, mobility, cloud, APIs, and user oriented design for an 800+ workforce to improve child welfare outcomes. Mr. Chrappah earned his MBA in Strategy and Marketing from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the American University. Ahnna Smith, to be Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Council (WIC).
Ms. Smith has been a senior advisor to the Acting Deputy Mayor for Education (DME), previously serving as Interim DME in the months prior. As WIC Executive Director, Ms. Smith will lead a private-sector led board responsible for advising the Mayor, DC Council, and District government on the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of an integrated and effective workforce investment system. Smith previously served as Chief of Staff to the DME, leading a variety of projects, including Mayor Bowser’s commitment to increasing the number of infant
December 2018
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Meet the African Family Where All the Members are Doctors Afrikan
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Which African Nation Speaks The Best English? See The Full List of Top 11 African Countries That Speak Good English
Who speaks the best English in Africa? And the answer is Uganda. According to the world linguistic Agency, Uganda takes the cake for being the best English speaking African nation.
Uganda speaks an English dialect known as Uglish. As the best English speaking African nation, it does not mean Uganda speaks the language without faults. The degree is just lower than others. The problems of transliteration, accent and phonological interference cuts across too.
First off, the idea behind the best English speaking African nation ranking is in no way to slight any nation. Africa is a continent of an entirely different culture from the west. So, it is understandable that some African countries are still not fluent in them. As a matter of fact, not all the nations of the world fancy the English language.
In Africa particularly, there is a concern on the quick fading of some native languages because of the influence of The photos of a Nigerian family made up of doctors have become viral on social the west via formal education in schools. To avert the pending possibility, certain moves have been made. For media. The family of doctors based in the United States shared photos of them instance, some native languages are now taught in school; parents are advised to communicate more with their in white coats all smiling. children in their mother tongue; writers such as Ngugi Wa Thiongo advocate for more literary works in our cultural languages. “A family of doctors,� wrote on his Instagram account Chinukwu, one of the family members. The photos show that the family is composed of seven memHowever, the idea is not to completely abolish the foreign languages in African society, not at all. It will definitebers; three men and four women. ly affect communication both within and outside the continent.
Although their relationship is not mentioned, one might assume that the elderly man is the father and head of the family with his wife and children. Source:howafrica.com
Such languages as the Lingua Franca aid communication between and among the multi-culturally diverse peoples in Africa. It is a medium by which people of different ethnic groups interact with each other.
In the same way, the English language is the global/international language at the moment. As we strive to promote our own, it is also advisable that some international languages such as English and French are learned as well. Some power nations are working towards making their languages as globally accepted as possible.
Like we say, anything worth doing is worth doing well. There are 28 English speaking African nations. From these 28, the World Linguistic Agency made a list of those who speak the best of English language in Africa.
Best English Speaking Countries In Africa:
1. Uganda
2. South Africa 3. Nigeria 4. Kenya
5. Zambia
6. Botswana
7. Zimbabwe 8. Malawi 9. Ghana
10. Rwanda 11. Sudan
It is also worthy to mention that as some countries were not colonized by the British, their Lingua franca differs. It will be asking too much to expect fluency from them.
Rats Invade Ghana’s Embassy In America
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Former Ethiopian President Girma Woldegiorgis Dies December 2018
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sold.
Mr Pelpuo, who once served as the Minister for Public Private Partnership, expressed the idea of bringing onboard private partners who will renovate the facilities and rent them out to rake in some money for the State.
His contribution was not too different from the details in the report which was presented by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Frank Annoh-Domoreh.
The bad maintenance culture of the Ghanaian, has crossed the shores of the country, with reports emerging from the missions which paint a poor and deplorable states of buildings, including embassies and official residences of ambassadors.
Ghana‘s missions in China, Korea and Belgium, have various degrees of damage and need urgent attention. But the most despicable is the Ghanaian Embassy in New York, where rats, have taken over the building and crisscross the facility during official business hours, as if to welcome visitors to the embassy.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa Central in the Upper West region, Rashid Pelpuo, made this shocking revelation, saying the facility is in a bad shape and needs urgent attention.
The Mission building in New York according to the report, will be pulled down to make way for re-construction at a sum of $48million which will have 22 floors.
According to the report, the residence of Ghana’s Ambassador in China, has cracked walls which is bad for habitation.
The poor nature of the mission buildings in South Korea and Belgium, were also found to be in poor conditions as the property in Seoul which was acquired in 1998 has not seen any facelift.
For the residence of the Ambassador, the plumbing and electrical fittings, were all out of date and the entire compound was overgrown with weeds.
Contributing to a report by the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, which was submitted to the House last Thursday, the Wa Central Legislator, said his Source: The Herald visit to the Ghanaian Embassy in New York sometime back, did not only revealed rat infestations, but also leaking roof and ceiling.
The report was presented after the Foreign Affairs Committee undertook an oversight responsibility visits to some missions abroad, following a $50 million loan which was secured in 2016 to improve the state of Ghana’s missions.
According to Mr Pelpuo, both the carpet at the Embassy and the residence of the Ambassador, had holes in them.
Describing it as very embarrassing, he blamed previous and successive governments for abandoning the Embassies and not doing well to maintain and renovate these foreign mission facilities regularly.
More disturbing, according to the Wa Central MP, is the outrageous monthly rent for the Embassy building.
Quoting $15,000 as the monthly rent for the building housing some of the Embassies, he suggested that a more prudent and innovative approach can be used at acquiring a property for the Embassy, rather than the astronomical rent paid every month.
He veered into the mission in Nigeria, claiming some of the properties owned by the State in that country is being
Addis Ababa — Girma Woldegiorgis who served for two consecutive terms as president of Ethiopia has passed away last night.
Girma, who was elected to the Ethiopian parliament in 2000, has served the Horn African nation as president between 2001 and 2013.
Born in 1924, Girma served his country in various posts since the imperial period.
Girma graduated from the Genet Military School in Holeta, Ethiopia, as a sublieutenant in 1944.
Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh Blocked From Entering US
Source: https://allafrica.com
State department says Jammeh and members of his immediate family are ineligible to enter the United States.
The US State Department has barred former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh and members of his immediate family from entering the United States.
The decision announced on Monday comes almost two years after Jammeh was forced into exile in Equatorial Guinea after he refused to concede defeat in a presidential election.
Jammeh ruled the tiny West African country for two decades. He lost a democratic election to Adama Barrow in December 2016.
However, Jammeh refused to step down, which prompted a military threat by the African Union and the West African regional body ECOWAS. He fled to Equatorial Guinea in January 2017. The State Department said Jammeh is now being banned entry to the country under a category that applies to foreign government officials who are believed to have committed “significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights”.
In addition to Jammeh, his wife Zineb, and their daughter Mariam and son Muhammad are also being blocked.
The Barrow government reported that Jammeh stole at least $50m from the country while in office. Jammeh, who attended a military training course in Alabama, owns real estate in Potomac, Maryland, about 24km from Washington, DC.
An estate previously owned by former American basketball player Calbert Cheaney, it was sold to the Jammeh family trust in 2010 for $3.5m, according to public records.
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Racist’ Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue Versatile Tema-based duo ZeeTown Removed From University Of Melody present their music to Ghana Ghana
Mahatma Gandhi’s statue has been removed from the University of Ghana, after claims that the Indian leader was racist.
Mahatma Gandhi’s statue which was unveiled in 2016 by India’s former President Pranab Mukherjee, was removed after University of Ghana lecturers started off a petition in which they cited passages written by Gandhi claiming that Indians were “infinitely superior” to black Africans.
university campuses in Africa and beyond, about the enduring symbols of the continent’s colonial past. The head of language, literature and drama at the Institute of African Studies, Obadele Kambon, said the removal was an issue of “self-respect”.
The University confirmed this, saying that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration was responsible. Law student Nana Adoma Asare Adei said;
“Having his statue means that we stand for While Ghana’s government at the time said everything he stands for and if he stands for the statue would be relocated, Lecturers and these things [his alleged racism], I don’t students told the BBC that the statue, origi- think we should have his statue on campus.” nally located at the University’s recreational quadrangle, had been removed on https://howafrica.com Wednesday. The online protest was one of a number on
ZeeTown Melody aka Zee-TM is a sensational musical group composed of Fuseini Emmanuel stage-named Adekid and Fuseini Julius Smith whose stage name is Jay Smith. Zee-TM duo are siblings. They disclosed to this writer that they are here to claim their spot on the Ghana music scene. Adekid, the older of the brothers was born November 16th while Jay Smith [the younger] celebrates his birthday October 28th. The musically talented brothers hail from Zebilla, a township located in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
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er they “have worked with some of the top artists in Ghana, including a few of the newcomers. It is such a blessing to be able to find favor with some of these well-known acts and we feel blessed to be able to deliver to our fans and audience. From here on we just want to leave a positive mark through our music, a mark that will remain in the sands of time,” he remarked.
ZeeTown Melody is under the management of ZeeTown Entertainment, a production, and entertainment house based in Tema. The brothers who are being managed by Syphics Studios are working on their latest project. Their musical prowess began to blossom when they relocated to settle in the harbor city of Tema They can be found respectively on all social on the outskirts of Ghana’s capital city — Accra. media portals under the names JaySmithgh and Adekidgh. In Tema, these brothers started to seriously nurture their love for music, which led to them settling on pursuing genres like Afrobeatz, Hip-pop, Below is a link to the video for “Roll it” that Highlife, Reggae and dancehall as genres of their they say was made as a result of the current twerking craze among ladies musical career. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFx2sTkx UOs Connect with their management for These young and versatile musicians have bookings, features, and collaborations by released a few singles, the first one titled “Roll emailing zeetmzone50@gmail.com. it” that featured Kelvin Boy was released October 16, 2018, and produced by Possigee. “Roll it” is presently resonating well with young Written by Ahmed Abdul-Rasheed Ghanaians within their fan base in Tema and nationwide, enjoying a very respectable rotation on the airwaves. Zee-TM is inspired by the day-to-day on-goings in their society and on the African continent. As Adekid interestingly puts it: “our lyrics paint beautiful pictures of experiences we’ve had both individually and together. Some of our songs shine a light on other people’s stories but for the most part, our work seeks to inspire and advise our listeners in a way that makes them bop their heads to the beat while reasoning.“ According to Jay Smith, together with his broth-
ASAS Awards & Expo 2019 Chair Meets Top Diplomats In US And UK
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academics specializing in the field of international peace and security.
ASAS Awards & Expo 2019 takes promotional efforts to the UK On November 26, 2018, Mr. Dickson arrived in London to confer with Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, HE Paapa Owusu-Ankomah on ASAS. Like Ghana’s Ambassador to the US, Ambassador Owusu-Ankomah also lauded the ASAS event and promised to fully support it in any way he could.
Joining HE Owusu-Ankomah at Ghana’s High Commission to the UK to receive Mr. Dickson were Gabriel Owusu Ansah — Minister-Counsellor/Welfare & Consular, Freda Bediako-Puni — Minister-Counsellor/Political & Economic and other high-level diplomats.
A couple of days after the UK High Commission meeting, Mr. Dickson went ahead to attend the 2018 International Security Expo Olympia (ISEO) in London that held from November 28-29. The theme for the expo was ‘Evolving Security through Innovation‘. At that expo, he seized the opportunity to present the 2019 ASAS Awards & Expo to the international audience.
“London’s ISEO was a great learning opportunity for me, it afforded me an amazing networking opportunity and first-hand glimpses into ideas I know we will transplant into the 2019 inaugural awards and expo in Ghana and Africa come next year.” — Mr. Dickson.
Mr. Osei Bonsu Dickson, Chairman of the International Planning Committee for the 2019 Inaugural Africa Security and Safety Awards and Expo (ASAS Awards & Expo) has met with His Excellency (HE) Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah and HE Paapa Owusu-Ankomah, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States (US) and Ghana’s High Commissioner to United Kingdom (UK) respectively.
Both meetings respectively took place during the final quarter of November 2018, starting with Mr. Dickson’s November 21st official visit to the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC where he conferred with the Ambassador there and other high ranking Ghanaian diplomats. The meeting was intended to promote and seek international diplomatic support for the 2019 ASAS to be held in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking to the Ambassador in the US the International Planning Committee Chairman of ASAS noted that security was one of Ghana’s major intangible and traditional exports to the world generally and Africa in particular. ASAS Awards & Expo is scheduled for May 22-25, 2019 at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Ghana.
“It could contribute massively to the country and the region’s GDP,” said the ASAS Chairman, indicating that as “the trade and security gateway to Africa, Ghana would internationally position itself as the best location for investors interested in reaching the 350 million security and safety market in West Africa.”
ASAS Awards & Expo 2019 to inject increased security awareness “The 2019 Expo is one of the major upcoming exhibitions in Africa encompassing commercial, homeland security, border, maritime and cybersecurity,” Mr. Dickson noted. He went on to reveal that the Expo was a $300M US dollars investment event that is projected to attract some 4,000 visitors, 28 speakers, and a host of international exhibitors from over 60 countries.
Ambassador Adjei-Bawuah pledged the full diplomatic support of the Embassy for the event particularly in the areas of event promotion to the US market, saying it was “a very laudable event that will go a long way to fitting into President Akufo-Addo’s agenda to establish a Ghana beyond aid. This will also initiate the needed conversation on the importance of security in all its forms that could push Ghana’s economy and society rapidly into a more modernized era and investor/tourist friendly venue.“
Other senior diplomats at the Embassy of Ghana that joined HE the Ambassador in hosting Mr. Dickson that day were Eric Boateng — Head of Chancery, Brigadier Abu — Defence Attache, Joseph Ngiminibaye — Consular and Stella Ansah — Trade Attache.
Center for Strategic and Defense Studies (CSDS) Africa (headquartered in Accra, Ghana) are organizers of the event, they will receive support from the Government of Ghana under the auspices of the Africa Union (AU).
For more Africa security related stories click here.
CSDS Africa is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank dedicated to the improvement of security and governance transitions in stable, fragile, failed and conflict-affected states in Africa. The organization maintains a global, multi-disciplinary network of researchers, practitioners, and
Mr. Dickson subsequently signed the Guest Book at both Ghana Missions in the UK and US and presented an autographed copy of his popular book, ‘Dickson on Principles of Security Law‘ to both Ambassadors respectively. Visit www.csdsafrica.org for info about ASAS and how to partner or sponsor it. Source: Oral Ofori / TheAfricanDream.net
Afrikan
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Over 4,000 Guests Participate In The 7th Annual Winternational Embassy Showcase
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"Winternational offers a dynamic and meaningful experience for our guests. In just a few hours, they can explore different cultures and traditions through crafts, food, arts and even mingle with Ambassadors and diplomats from around the world. The RRB/ITC is the World Trade Center, Washington DC so we created this type of programming here as part of our mission to promote international trade and culture and bring together the international and DC community," said John P. Drew, President and CEO of TCMA (A Drew Company), the group that manages the RRB/ITC.
The participating embassies included Afghanistan, African Union Mission, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, European Union Delegation, Fiji, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Each embassy promoted their country through vibrant displays of cultural significance, including art, handmade crafts, travel and tourism information, food, teas and coffees. Items were available for purchase and attendees were treated to global hits by DJ Leo Paraskevas from Discotheque Internationale. Event sponsors included TCMA (A Drew Company), Carmel Charitable Endowment, LLC, 80M Signs, A10 Associates, WebPort Global, The Washington Diplomat, Washington Life Magazine, Just Smile, Edie Fraser and Annie Totah.
This year, the event expanded into two event spaces, the Atrium and Atrium Hall, to accommodate the increase in participating embassies. Ambassadors, strategic partners, key clients and other diplomats were invited to an intimate reception during the first hour of the event. As Winternational continues to grow, TCMA looks forward adding more embassies and programming to provide an enhanced event experience for all guests and participants.
More information about the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center can be found here.
and a premier conference and event venue with executive office space, attractions, dining, retail, parking, and community activities.
Through the World Trade Centers Association, WTCDC utilizes a global network of 750,000 affiliated business from 300 trade centers in over 100 countries to maximize its connections and capabilities. With this extended network, WTCDC works diligently to ensure the RRB/ITC offers a rich mix of signature events such as high profile economic summits, conferences and cultural programs. These initiatives foster international dialogue, enhance diplomacy, and generate business opportunities. Visit www.itcdc.com or follow us @ReaganITCDC.
TCMA (A Drew Company) Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA) is the exclusive manager of Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC). TCMA's team specializes in International Trade Services, Real-Estate Management and Hospitality. For more information, visit www.drewcompany.com.
About Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC) Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is a dynamic hub for government, business, culture and community, in the heart of the nation's capital. As the first and only federal building dedicated to both public and private use, the https://markets.businessinsider.com Reagan Building is the official World Trade Center Washington, DC (WTCDC),
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Olympian Akwasi Frimpong Launches Clothing Line Frimpong Sportswear
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Frimpong Sportswear for men and women. Selections include Hope of a Billion items as well.
Akwasi’s journey to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is a long one, but you can now become a part of it! For more information send email to team@frimpong.com.
Source: Frimpong Sportswear
Not everyone is a world-class athlete, but now everyone can dress like one.
Akwasi Frimpong, Ghana’s first Skeleton Olympian and just the second Winter Olympian in the country’s history, is proud to announce the Frimpong clothing line.
Akwasi as he prepares for the Winter Olympics of Beijing 2022 where he will carry the hopes and aspirations of the entire continent of Africa in what his team has termed online as #HopeOfABillion.
The idea for the clothing line came from a lack of clothing sponsorships and the need to pay for training and competition costs, "so everyone who buys the clothing will be helping The clothing line accessible online at shop.Frimpong.comuses tradiAkwasi achieve his goal of stepping onto the medal podium tional Ghanaian patterns that represent the roots and upbringing of Akwasi Frimpong. It allows fans to enjoy comfortable and high-qual- and being the Hope of a Billion underdogs who were told they could not achieve their dreams," said team Akwasi Frimpong. ity clothing that uses the latest sporting technology.
Those who purchase from the line also get to show their support for
Fans can visit the website shop.Frimpong.com and order their
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and he aspired to compete at the Olympic Games. To honor Frimpong's work, Monsels gave him his golden track shoes at this time. Immediately after his first national win, Frimpong suffered a severe ankle injury that derailed his pursuit of excellence. This was the time when he was still an undocumented immigrant; therefore, many doctors refused to provide him medical treatment and physiotherapy. However, a physiotherapist named Michael Davidson, who had been following Frimpong spent his first eight years in a small one-room home in the city of Kumasi, Ghana. His grandmother Minka raised him and nine other grandchil- the story of this budding athlete, decided to treat him against a token fee of one euro only. Despite the compasdren. Though they all slept on the ground and his grandmother struggled to sionate and professional care provided by Michael, it took feed that many mouths, Frimpong remembers those years with fondness. At the age of eight, Frimpong joined his mother Esther Amoako, a gospel singer, Akwasi three years before he could completely recover from the injury and started running again. in the Netherlands. At that time, he was not a legal immigrant to the Netherlands, but his family worked on obtaining his Dutch residence permit. He met some students who had studied in America and The process took 13 more years, and a monumental effort by his many supheard about running opportunities there. In order to utilize porters. He finally earned his residency permit in 2007, and gained Dutch nationality in 2008. When ready to attend high school, with his illegal status, the time when he was unable to participate in athletic competitions, Akwasi applied to several colleges in America. the only school that gave him a high school education chance was the Johan One of the universities he sent his athletic profile to was Cruyff College, a school that offers athletes an opportunity to balance sport Utah Valley University. He was offered an athletic scholarwith vocational education. During this period, he faced several challenges, which Frimpong describes as: “As an illegal immigrant, I had to face different ship. Frimpong started at UVU in 2008 and ran for the college challenges. I was unhappy. I was scared and I didn’t know what to do. I felt abused, I felt out casted.” It was only after what Frimpong describes as ‘mon- team in 100 meters, 200 m and the 4×100-meter relay. In May 2010, Frimpong helped the relay team break the school umental effort’, that the athlete and his parents were able to acquire a legal record during the 2010 Great West Conference residence permit in the Netherlands in 2007 and Dutch nationality in 2008. Frimpong began sprinting at 15 years old, when a friend showed him a medal Championships, with a time of 41.05 seconds. In 2011, he helped UVU 4 × 400 m relay team win a gold medal and he had won in a race. Frimpong wanted one, so, in 2001, he started running broke the meet record during the Great West indoor under former Olympian Sammy Monsels. After just two years of hard work and intense training, Frimpong won the title of Dutch junior champion in the Championships held at the Armory indoor track in New York City. Individually, his times recorded for the university 200-meter sprint. This was the same achievement that earned him the nickwere 6.99 seconds in the 60-meter dash, 10.71 in the 100 m name ‘GoldenSprint’. By 2003, he was earning the nickname GoldenSprint Akwasi Frimpong is a Dutch-Ghanaian sprinter, bobsledder, and skeleton athlete who has won four bronze, four silver, and eight gold medals in various national and international sport events. Frimpong, who was raised in Ghana, moved to the Netherlands at the age of 8 and started running when he was 15. In 2003, he became the Dutch National Junior Champion in the 200 meter sprints, which earned him the nickname ‘GoldenSprint.’ Frimpong participated in the 2018 Winter Olympics representing Ghana in the skeleton.
and 21.93 over 200 m. He graduated from Utah Valley University (UVU) with honors in marketing and a minor in business management in 2013.
After college, Frimpong recorded 6.85 seconds in the 60meter dash, 10.45 seconds in the 100 meters, and 21.88 seconds in 200 meters race.
Frimpong aimed to represent the Netherlands at the 2012 Summer Olympics but was a long way from the Olympic qualifying standards of 10.24 for the 100 m and 20.65 seconds for the 200 m. He was only managing eleven seconds after his injury but improved to 10.45 seconds in 2011. In 2010, he was ranked 70 among Dutch sprinters but managed third in the yearly rankings in 2011. He competed at the 2011 Universiade but was again over eleven seconds for the 100 m – with a time of 11.04 seconds World University Games conclude in Shenzhen – Wrap report. IAAF. He was not selected for the relay team for the 2011 World Championships in Athletics as he was not among the top six runners that year and had suffered an achilles injury.
https://en.wikipedia.org/
Young Entrepreneurs Honored
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Ghana’s young entrepreneurs and some influential people have been awarded at the second edition of the Young Entrepreneur Awards held recently at the La Palm Royal Beach in Accra.
The ceremony was organized under the auspices of Youth Business Network Foundation – a group of young business executives, to motivate and inspire the unending number of job seekers to turn to entrepreneurship sector. Instituted in 2017, the programme was meant to identify and celebrate young entrepreneurs who have distinguished themselves in the success of their respective businesses.
The event is also organized to honor successful business players below the age of 40 playing useful roles in the business environment.
Chairman of McDan Group, Dr. Daniel Mckorley and German Political Foundation Group, (KAS-Ghana) were conferred honoree awards for supporting youth entrepreneurship development in the country.
A number of celebrity entrepreneurs were also given Honorary Citations for their immense contribution to the country’s entrepreneurship sector. They were Deloris Frimpong Manso, Tracy Boakye, Kofi Okyere Darko, and John Dumelo.
Some Award Winners
The Executive Director of Youth Business Network Foundation, Mr. Solomon Adjei said as part of realizing the reality of the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda, it was important young business chief executives who are making considerable efforts and playing enormous roles for society’s benefits are empowered to create more business opportunities. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Carlos Ahenkorah said there is a growing appetite among the youth in Ghana for innovation and creativity as over 60,000 entrepreneurs have been identified for creating some 1000s of jobs.
“It is refreshing that provision of entrepreneurial ecosystem to support the private sector to flourish is not a new concept”.
Solomon Adjei, Executive Director of Youth Business network Foundation, Awards organizers
Bernard Osei Tutu, CEO of Dusk Capital receiving the Male Entrepreneur of the Year 2019
“The ministry is working with stakeholders who already have incubation and acceleration programmes for the youth to expand the scope and reach of these programmes so that every young entrepreneur shall be covered,” he said.
The ceremony is a platform that offers the opportunity to young business and start-up owners the urge and drives to continuously contribute to the business sector of the economy, which stands greater chance to be honored at the subsequent awards ceremony.
A section of the audience
NEIP CEO, John Kumah, Hon. Carlos and Solomon Adjei
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Ghana Wesley United Choir Shines at 5th Annual Christmas Concert
The tradition of the Christmas Candlelight Concert enables Christians all over the world to celebrate the warm spirit of the season in a majestic setting and enjoy jubilant, wondrous music reminiscent of the birth of Jesus Christ.
On Saturday, December 1st, 2018 the Ghana Wesley United Choir invoked the Christmas holiday spirit with a Christmas Concert under the theme “ A Christmas Concert” featuring three guests choirs from the community performing sacred and contemporary pieces in celebration of the season
The Ghana United Methodist Church Choir conducted by Mr. Ebenezer Allotey a renowned music Director set the event in motion with a splendid performance of a repertoire of songs that swept the entire congregation and guests on their feet. Their towering voices filled the auditorium with admiration
The anchoring purpose of the evening to rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ was celebrated in songs such as “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light” blending with traditional and inspirational songs reminiscent of the holiday season.
The Ghana Wesley United Methodist Choir celebrated the evening’s event with their guests from Alfred Street Baptist Church Choir, Ghana Catholic Community Choir both from Alexandria Alexandria, Virginia and the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church Choir, from Woodbridge, Virginia.
The event was held at the St. Paul United Methodist Church on 1400 G Street, Woodbridge Virginia. Mr. Ebenezer Allotey through the Afrikan Post would like to the reach out to the entire community for crowning the occasion with their presence and also for their support. Mr. Ebenezer Allotey leading The Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church Choir during their 5th Also to the sponsors including Blessed Healthcare Professionals, Inc., B & J Travels, Annual Christmas concert December 1, 2018 Hawknad Mfg. Industries Inc., Mandad Medical Supplies, Inc., Herald Healthcare Llc, Atcap Home Healthcare Services, Llc. your efforts and support have been greatly appreciated.
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German Lady Married to a Nigerian Narrates Her Experience When She Visited Nigeria With Her Kids
A German woman married to a Nigerian man has shared her experience in Nigeria and how she’s raising her 3 kids to have a sense of belonging and understand their Nigerian roots Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo recently returned with her husband from Germany to the Eastern part of Nigeria for the Christmas holiday. They returned with their kids – 2 boys and a girl.
According to Nicole Chilaka-Ukpo, she’s raising her 3 kids to have a sense of belonging and understand their Nigerian roots. She further disclosed that when they are in the country, they expose their kids to the 100% reality in Nigeria and not only lodging them in hotels. Nicole took to Facebook to narrate what it’s been like for her and her kids in Imo state, Nigeria.
The 28-year-old wrote: let me tell you what really matters. reality! when coming home, we make sure we expose our kids to 100% reality in nigeria. not only bringing them here, hotel nye nye, city nye nye, 24/7 gen nye nye. we make sure we spend as much time as possible in the east, village self! we take them to the local market, we eat local food, we make use of public transportation and drink pure water once in a while. we make sure they see and know how an animal is killed,because knowing where your food comes from helps understanding the value of natural resources. we stay without light if there is none, we use firewood to cook at times, we leave them to run around the compound, get dirty and sandy, and just enjoy their environment. they are free here. bonding is so so important, most especially when the kids grow. every time they come back here they bond with their people again, it may take a year, but once we all reunite its like we have never been gone. when we are all together we share responsibilities, and the care for the kids, it doesnt matter if they are my kids or my nephews and nieces, if we are together we are all one. so we all share the chores. unity and solidarity are what I experience here! FAMILY is what I have here. I am home in a foreign place ??
by MT
Meet the 5 African Tribes Unaffected By Westernisation
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The impact of Western civilisation in Africa is enormous and documented, from culture and religion to political structure. But Africa isn’t a country. Some societies and tribes, somehow, have remained unaffected by the reach of civilisation and thus making their dressing, custom, traditions and lifestyle uniquely peculiar.
Till date, these tribes in Africa still exist in an uncivilised bubble, maintaining traditions long left behind by the rest of the world and providing a wealth of information for anthropologists seeking to understand the way cultures have developed over the centuries.
Here are the five African tribes unaffected by civilisation:
The Hamer Tribe
Photo The Gridasia The Hamer are located in south-west Ethiopia and in the Omo valley.
Dogon Tribe
Photo Behance
With an estimated population of 1,000 to 2,000, the Karo Tribe makes up some of the smallest indigenous groups left in Africa. The ethnic group occupies the Lower Omo Valley in Southern Ethiopia.
The Karo paint their bodies with a mixture of white chalk, yellow mineral rock, iron ore and charcoal to express beauty.
Another symbolic custom practised by this tribe is body scarification, a tradition down to express cultural identity and community status.
Photo Magnum Photo
Photo Flickr
The Dogon are an ethnic group living in the central plateau region of Mali. They are believed to be of Egyptian descent who have managed to preserve their culture over the years.
They live in huts and villages and have been able to preserve their unique culture, wherein young men jump over bulls in order to transiThe majority of them live in rocky hills, mountains and tion into adulthood and women offer themselves to be whipped by plateaus. They are mainly into agriculture, leatherwork and men who have recently been initiated. craft. They are Agro-pastoralists, meaning they grow crops and keep livestock. Many elements of their traditional religion are practised today. The Dogon are also famous for their mask dances, wooden For instance, they believe that natural objects such as rocks and trees sculptures and architecture. Like many African societies, the Dogon are agriculturists, cultivating millet, sorghum, rice, as have spirits. well as peanuts, onions and tobacco.
The Karo
The Bayaka ‘Pygmy’ Tribe
The Bayaka are found in the southwestern Central African Republic and are reported to be constantly dwindling in their numbers.
The reason is that their natural habitat, which is the rainforest, is always under threat from illegal mining, genocide and deforestation.
They call themselves the people of the forest and they are masters at exploiting the resources of their environment. They are hunter-gatherers.
The Hadzabe
Photo Idstudio
The Hadza tribe occupy the shores of Tanzania’s Lake Eyasi in the Great Rift Valley, whose way of life has remained the same for more than 10,000 years. One of the intriguing aspects of the Hadza tribe is their language. They speak a distinctive click language which has led to the belief that they are related to the Khoisan of the Kalahari Desert.
This Tanzanian tribe mainly rely on wild fruits, tubers, and roots for food. They are also avid hunters who use bows and arrows to hunt antelope, buffalos and birds. -Guardian.ng
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YES, It’s A RED HOT MARKET TO SELL or BUY TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE
look at credit score as low as 580. However, for the home buying transaction to succeed you must pay off any outstanding debts on your credit report. Question: I have a bad credit can I buy a house? Answer: Having a bad credit now should not deter you from your dreams or goals or destiny of home ownership. It will require some work on your part to bring you to a credit worth buyer. You can contact me and discuss the strategies that can be taken to reach this goal. Question: How much down payment is needed? Answer: The amount of down payment required will depend on the type of loan you are qualified for. There are government programs that requires 0% down payment; Dear Reader, however there are eligibility guidelines set for one to be It is always a pleasure to have this opportuapproved. There is the most common type of loan known nity to ink these articles to you. I anticipate as FHA. Typically, FHA requires a 3.5% down payment of you have had the opportunity to read some the loan amount or the total sale price of the transaction. of the past real estate articles I have put forth Question: In addition to the mortgage payment, what other in this paper titled: “Why People of African costs will I be responsible for? Descent Must Invest in Real Estate”, “The Answer: Well, if you are renting and utilities are covered in Joy of Home Ownership”, “A Comeback your rent, this might be new to you. As a home owner you from Short Sale or Foreclosure”, Simple will be responsible for paying your gas, electricity, water, Steps to make Home Ownership a Reality”, insurance, property taxes, and possible homeowner associaand “Tips on Buying a Home After a Short tion (HOA) fees. Typically, property taxes are rolled into Sale”; just to name a few. your mortgage payment. From these articles, I have had several read- Question: I have foreclosed/short sale in the past, can I still ers contacted me asking important questions buy now? pertaining to the home ownership process. Answer: Yes, it is definitely possible to come back to buy a These questions posed by readers such as house again after foreclosure or short sale of a property. you gave birth to the following questions and Question: I have filed for bankruptcy, how long will it take answers. Here we go! before I am able to buy again? Question: What are the benefits of home Answer: If you filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it takes about a ownership? year from the time it was fully closed or recorded. If you Answer: A home is an investment. When you filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it takes about 3 years from the rent, you are throwing money away. You time it was fully closed or recorded. write a monthly check and that money is The good news is that law makers are constantly reviewing gone forever. But when you own your home these laws, therefore, I recommend you reach out to me to you enjoy a lot of benefits such as writing of connect you to a loan officer who will be able to review your mortgage interest, you can deduct a your unique situation and offer a solution to it. room in your home as home office business I hope this addresses some of the burning questions you expense and biggest advantage is the princi- have for making the bold decision to emerge into the idea ple you pay on the mortgage is like putting of home ownership. money in the bank in the form of equity. For more information about your real estate needs (buying, Home ownership allow you landscape your selling, and leasing/renting a house) call me at 571-229yard/backyard how you want it, 6694 and I will help you get started. Blessings in full pordecorate/paint or renovate your house as you tion! please without dealing with obstinate landlord. The joy of home ownership is endless. Anita A. Bediako- REALTOR® Question: What documents are required? Samson Properties Answer: Copies of bank account statements; Licensed Real Estate Agent in Virginia and Maryland most recent paycheck stub detailing your Licensed Life and Health Insurance earnings; copies of your last 2 years' income CONTACT 571-229-6694 tax returns; statement of any investments, list Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com of debts on loans and employment verificaWebsite: borderlessrealestate.com tion. Question: What credit score do I need? Answer: The credit score criteria defer from lender to lender. There are lenders who will
Prince Charles Reignites Nigeria vs Ghana vs Gambia Jollof Debate December
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By Solomon Elusoji The popular jollof rice is sparking a wave of controversy across West Africa.
In Nigeria, to disparage jollof rice is to be accused of treason. At least that was the fate of the country's Minister of Information and Culture, Mr. Lai Mohammed, when he told CNN's Richard Quest that Senegal had the best jollof rice on the continent. The statement sparked an outrage across the country, especially on the social media, where a hot debate had been ongoing between Ghanaians and Nigerians on which country cooks the meal best. Few days later, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo tried to save the minister from the gallows. "We all know that Nigerian jollof rice is the best," he said, "we beat the Ghanaians and the Senegalese hands down."
But Mohammed has a point. Jollof rice, which is also known as Benachin (meaning: 'one pot') is said to have originated from the Wolof people, who can be found in today's Senegal, Gambia and Mauritania. Between 1360 to 1549, the Wolof people ruled a vast wealthy and powerful empire that traded with Europeans before it fell to internal conflicts. By the time it disintegrated though, aspects of its culture, including the salacious delights of jollof rice, had spread throughout West Africa. Today, made with rice, tomatoes, and any number of variable meats, spices (such as nutmeg, cumin and ginger) and vegetables, the variety of the meal, especially across West Africa, is astounding.
This simple Wolof history, however, does very little to settle the debate on which country's version is original and of the better quality. Every country thinks its recipe is the best. Nigerians, with their garlic, red pepper and ginger condiments, purport to have the most authentic recipe. The Ghanaians, with their usual lavish presentation of the meal, disagree. Meanwhile, the Senegalese and Gambians, with their fish-based jollof, are wont to turn up their noses at the inferior reddishness of their neighbours' delicacies.
Prince Charles' trip has seen him visit Gambia and Ghana thus far, with the royal expedition ending in Nigeria. It was in Lagos, Nigeria that Prince Charles decided to weigh in on the ongoing debate of which African country makes the best jollof.
On the 6th of November, Prince Charles of Wales and his wife, Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla made a visit to the Nigeria.
At a recent gathering he testified that the Nigerian Jollof is hot and blew his head off.
A Whole New Experience for South African Airways Proudly Finding and Booking Event Venues Honors in Ghana Nelson Mandela With A Special FlyOver At The Global Citizen Concert
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The Team behind Qwiqspace.com in Ghana
The first benchmark for any successful event happening is its venue.With over thousand events organized yearly in Ghana, event organizers still face the challenge of securing their desired venue and end up settling for any available option, even if it does not meet one’s requirements due to time constraints.
With all the thousand and one venues there are in Ghana's Capital city of Accra alone, not to talk of other cities in Ghana, It can be a really daunting task when one has limited time to organize an event for your guest.You’ve brainstormed on whom to invite, you’ve planned the agenda, you’ve thought of the activities to include. Now the big Question, “where do I hold this event”!? Event organizing can be stressing especially when you do not have the right vendors onboard or any clues on the “what’s” and the “how’s.”You could spend weeks to months just trying to secure a suitable venue on a budget. Interestingly, a venue we choose decides the outcome of many things during our event even something as simple as how people dance. That is why it matters to be picky when it comes to choosing the right venue. Unfortunately, it’s a problem for many people organizing events here in Ghana. Despite the many venues scattered all over the capital it is still a challenge to compare and decide on which venue to settle on.
Wouldn’t it be great and save lots of time if you one could just search, find and compare as many venues as possible all in just one place? Yes, one place where you can get every detail about a particular venue like the price, location, capacity, facilities available, etc. That will really be awesome, won’t it? Thankfully, Qwiqspace Technologies Limited, a Ghanaian based tech company has come up with a solution called Qwiqspace. The company launched in Ghana recently after having graduated from Accra’s chapter of the Silicon Valley’s Founder Institute accelerator program in September this year.Qwiqspace is the new website where one could quickly go and find as well as book venues for all types of events. See here: www.qwiqspace.com.
Though this was recently launched, it’s amazing the great detail of necessary information one can find there with regards to deciding on a venue. Good thing is, one can book a venue right there and the steps are that simple!
As a marketplace for venues, Qwiqspace tackles the challenge of venue organizing by aggregating a variety of venues in Ghana making it easy for venue seekers to search, check availability and book their preferred venue online.The technology reduces a process that could take days, even weeks, to a simple, fast and efficient 5mins process. Event venue booking couldn’t get any better.
For more information about this solution/company or partnership, contact +233502613837 or write to support@qwiqspace.com “Don’t try to please everyone. We’ve seen weddings take place in a school, conferences in airplane hangars and product launches in a dance studio. So, don’t restrict your venues, maximize your venue pipeline and be sure to compare on all the important details. ”Source: TheAfricanDream.net
Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 03, 2018) – South African Airways(SAA), the award-winning national flag carrier of South Africa, joined the world in honor of Nelson Mandela, the first President of a democratic South Africa and Nobel Laureate, with a special fly-over at the Global Citizen Concert in Johannesburg on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
The fly-over was reminiscent of another special and historic “Madiba Moment” when SAA did a fly-over more than two decades ago at the 1995 Rugby World Cup finals. The world watched as former President Mandela captivated the crowd and the world wearing a Springbok rugby team hat cap and replica of the number six captain jersey was immortalized in the inspiring movie Invictus. SAA, once again, captured the crowds when the biggest aircraft type in its fleet, an Airbus A340-600, with a message “Global Citizen –
Be The Legacy – Nelson Mandela Centenary 2018” on its belly, executed the fly-over of the excitement-filled FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, shortly before the official program for the day got underway.
“At the time when the world faces major challenges of inequality, poverty and intolerance, the Global Citizen Concert is a fitting tribute to Nelson Mandela’s contribution to Global Humanity. SAA is proud to have played a small part in this celebration,” says Vuyani Jarana, chief executive officer of South African Airways.
December 2018
3G Media Concludes 8th Annual Awards With Success
The Board of Directors, Production team, supporters, Sponsors and the entire Annual 3G Award team would like to express our profound gratitude to the Global Community for your overwhelming support and patronage of the 8th edition of the 3G Awards which was recently held in New York. Through your contribution, patronage and support, this year’s event which evokes memories of the one held in 2011 which had a host of sports legends in attendance The success of the 8th edition would forever remain of the lips of all attendees with high praise as they recall the caliber of personalities and the excitement it generated. Many have referred to this year’s event as the “Breakthrough” event and Historical.
The Link to the 3G Awards 8th edition online photo album; https://photos.app.goo.gl/MXgLuCFKXxh1kcxd9
The 8th Annual 3G Awards 2018 was held at the elegant American Ballroom at 899 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY. It honored some personalities who have performed outstanding and remarkable roles in the promotion of good governance in Ghana, contributed to sports development, tourism and others who has taken the media landscape to a level of excellence.
Hon. Kwame Duncan, the Central Regional Minister was recognized and honored for his role in promoting good Governance and Leadership in Ghana. An elated and appreciative Hon. Duncan said he would make efforts to connect the Ministry of Tourism to 3G to promote this event as a partner since it promotes Ghana in the United States. He was very gracious and spoke highly of the event. He said he owed it a duty to promote it because of the presentation of the Ghanaian culture, fashion and entertainment. Many celebrities and business people had the opportunity to travel to New York and participated in this annual event.
Managing Director of the Despite Group Media conglomerate, Dr. Fadda Dickson Narh who has carved a niche for himself as the Godfather of Ghana Showbiz was honored for his astounding contribution to Media and Showbiz since his work inspired many in the industry. He sent his acceptance message and gratitude to the board. 3G has selected him as one of our noted advisers.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah, the legendary Sports Journalist who was honored as a Sports Journalist icon as well as the 3G Sports Journalist of the Year, could not hide his excitement. When interviewed at the red carpet, he said it was his first time he has travelled to New York and had seen many legendary personalities like Azumah Nelson, Rev. Osei Kofi, Coach Akwasi Appiah and Black Star Captain; Asamoah Gyan as past honorees. Being selected to the league of legends for such a prestigious award meant a lot to him.
Kumawood Movie Empress; Emelia Brobbey also said she was deeply honored to receive the 3G Award for Movie Excellence and Actress of the Year. She said she was impressed that that her work has been recognized outside the country and being honored for it. She became the first Kumawood actress and second actress beside;
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Vivian Achor to receive the award. Emelia was very humble and never stopped taking selfies with fans. She promised to spread her experience to her colleagues in the industry and attend the awards every year..
if you would like to nominate anyone not only Ghanaians in your community or around the globe for a 3G 2019 award, whose work or little sacrifice is inspiring others, you can send the name, details and brief story or with video to mrcnn247@gmail.com. Anyone can be a 3G Honoree if your work inspires the world and impressed by the board. Invitation letters are sent to those outside Ghana interested to participate and strictly to Business people, Sports, Entertainment, Media Personalities and Government Officials. Each participant will register and details of the 9th edition will be presented in early 2019.
Kofi Adoma Nwanwani of Kofi TV fame was a hot commodity when he arrived in America. Many people in other parts of America wanted to invite him. He was honored for his Media Discovery and breakthrough coverage which has created a huge fan base worldwide especially America. Kofi Adoma dedicated his award on Media Discovery to the late Ama Martha Appiah, his fan base and Multimedia Group family.
Community Leadership Rev. Harriet Adjei, Sonny Vanderpuye, Hon. Ben Quantson, Supt. Amadu Emmanuel Basintale
3G Media appreciates Showbiz personalities such as; the legendary Koo Fori aka Samuel S. K. Karikari and Counsellor Lutterodt aka Rev. Counsellor Cyril George Lutterodt who are part of the board of advisers representing Ghana graced the occasion with their presence. The fans loved them and Lutterodt, a past honoree also found an opportunity last year to showcase an event after the 3G Award called "The Singles and Couples Night" aka The Orgasm Conference. A seminar on marPotential Sponsors and Advertisers can call; 646 833 riage where participants enjoyed the discussions moderated by Counsellor Lutterodt. The 2018 Orgasm conference in Ghana is 6194. on December 25th and flyers are already being shared on social 3G Honorees 2018 Final List media.
Captain Smart of Adom FM was honored for his outstanding work in the Media and Humanitarian duties for the Ghana Ambulance Service. Deloris Frimpong Manso (Delay) was honored for her feminism and women Empowerment initiatives in the Ghana Media Industry. Both award recipients had their first experiences in America courtesy of 3G Media.
Dr. Adu Boateng, CEO and Managing Consultant of End Point Homeopathic Clinic and Group of Companies run six hospitals both in Ghana and abroad. He was honored with the Humanitarian and Health Excellence Award for building schools for orphanages, giving free medical assistant to the needy,he is also the first and the best brain behind Homeopathic Medicine and College of Alternative Medicine in Ghana since 2009.
The event was Chaired by Dr. Akwasi Achampong and among the Special Guests were; Hon. Famod Konneh, Bronx Director, Office of New York Mayor. Hon. Konneh presented a letter of Commendation from the New York Mayor; Bill De Blasio to the 3G Award Founder/Executive Producer; Mr. Charles N. Ntiamoah-Mensah aka Mr. CNN. Hakeem Ellis, CEO, Sultan Drinks, Mr. & Mrs. Agyekum and Nananom, our royals who came in their numbers to blessed the occasion. The front cover image of the Awards Night magazine featured; Obaapanin Nana Nkrumah Adasa III, Queen Mother, Abofrem, Ashanti Region, Founder; Abofrem Area Foundation; www.abofremareafoundation.org.
Many people who could not attend the event had mentioned that they watched it live on Facebook and planned to attend 2019 edition. Other companies who could not participated have also shown interest to support the 2019 edition. Sultan Drinks sponsored and plans to partner once again for the 2019 edition as well as potential sponsors; Destiny Shapers.
Special thanks go to Star Beer courtesy of Stephen Opayime, Investigroup, Prestige Travel and Tours, Mayjay Properties, Impact Digiprint, Bak TV, HRE TV, Adinkra Radio & TV, Vitalghradio, Afrikan Post, Highlife Radio, Amasan radio, Ghanaweb, Peacefm online, UTV and modernghana.com.
3G Publisher's Choice, Kwesoul, FSR DJs - - (DJ Prince Paul, DJ Kojak, DJ Exx) Emelia Brobbey Excellence in Movie Production Kofi Asamoah
Entrepreneurship Excellence Nana Ama Somuah, Abena Ahenkan
Enterpreneurship & Social Awareness Joseph Tachie Menson
Media Excellence Dr. Fadda Dickson Narh Kofi Adomah Nwanwani Sports Journalism Icon Dan Kwaku Yeboah
Humanitarian & Media Excellence Blessed Godsbrain Smart, aka Captain Smart
Humanitarian and Health Excellence – Dr. Samuel Ato Duncan Dr. Adu Boateng
Women Empowerment Honorable Mavis Hawa Koomson, Minister for Special Development Initiatives Deloris Frimpong Manson aka Delay Governance & Leadership Hon. Kwamena Duncan, Minister, Central Region
Lifetime Achievement Nana Awuah Panin III Hon. Frederick Worsemao Armah Blay, National Chairman, NPP Dr. Lawrence Tetteh
Some great celebrities name have appeared among the list of the potential 2019 honorees. 3G will outline the names at the begin- Source:www.3gmediaonline.com ning of the year 2019.
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