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Vol 9 Issue 6

June 2017

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2017 Africa Day Celebration Affordable Web Design Pg. 5 Call 703 725 6968

From the Editor

Afrikan Post

O u r G r ea tes t G lor y is n o t in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll .

We ar e committted to b r in gin g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica an d th e D ia s p or a .  Yo u may als o vis it o u r webs ite a t www.af r ik an po s t.com f or d a ily n ews u p da tes o n Af r ica .

D is cla imer : Th e o p in ion s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s to r ies in th is N ews pa per ar e th os e o f th e a u th o r s a n d d o n o t n eces s ar ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ik an Po s t . All co mmen ts an d s u g g es tio n s a r e welcome.

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Help Build A New Library In Ghana

George Bright-Abu Publisher and Editor

To Advertise Your Business or contribute

Call 703- 725- 6968 or E-mail: editor@afrikanpost.com Address: Bright House Productions 6236 Oscar Court Woodbridge VA 22193 D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 9 Issue 6

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Morocco shines for Africa at Washington DC 2017 Embassy Chef Challenge

Pg. 12

Two Chibok Girls Graduate From U.S. High School Pg. 29

Faure Gnassingbè is New ECOWAS Chair Pg. 20

How is Your Heart? Come Clean Pg. 11 Kenyan-Born Woman Elected Senator in Australia Pg 9 UPDATE

Anna Mensah Honored Pg. 37

BENEFITING: Read 2 Lead Foundation

THE STORY: About 2 years a go Read 2 Lead was founded to breed the next generation of leaders through reading.

Although having a library in a community is a basic necessity most communities around the globe do not have access to one. Last year we were able to build a library in Gbawe a community in the capital city of Ghana.

This library serves over 6,000 students in the community. This year we are building a library in Asuodei a community an hour away from the second biggest city in Ghana, Kumasi. This new library location holds a special place in the heart of our founder Samantha Boateng because 50 years ago her grandfather built a school for this same community that she will be adding on to. In addition to building this library, part of the funds raised will be used to hold our Academic Bowl Competition which brings together about 10 schools to compete and win prizes. Part of the funds raised will go to help maintain and improve certain aspects of our library in Gbawe. Read 2 Lead is a 501(c)(3) and any donation is tax deductible. 100% of the proceeds go directly to building the library and the other projects. All volunteers fund their own travel and expenses. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the life of the next generation of leaders.

To Donate : https://www.crowdrise.com/help-build-a-new-library-in-ghana

Medical Supplies Shop For Sale

Location : Woodbridge, Virginia For More information Call 571-490-2187

June 2017

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Afrikan Post

June 2017

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African Ambassador’s Group, Washington, Host 2017 Africa Day Celebration June 2017

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Photo by George Bright Abu (The Afrikan Post) Ronald Reagan Building, Washington, DC May 25, 2017 (AU Day)

Story by Frederick Nnoma-Addison

The African Diplomatic Corps in Washington, under the leadership of its current Dean, Ambassador Serge Mombouli, of the Republic of Congo,hosted a gala dinner to commemorate the 54th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of the African Union (OAU). Over 250 dignitaries from the diplomatic, government, civil society, and business communities attended the colorful and hearty ceremony. The theme for the celebration was Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investments in Youth, and the event was organized under the co-chairmanship of the Ambassador’s of South Africa and Mozambique; H.E. Mninwa Mahlangu and H.E. Carlos dos Santos, respectively.

H,E Dr Arikana Chihombori Quao African Union Ambassador to the United States of America

Peter H. Barlerin. Deputy Assistant Secretary, African Affairs

The African Union (AU), the successor organization, was established in 2002 by the nations of the former OAU, to promote economic, social, and political integration, and a stronger commitment to democratic principles. Chad’s Moussa Faki is the current Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The event was marked with music and dancing, speeches, inspirational videos about Africa’s past and promising Ambassador Serge Mombouli of the Republic of Congo future, and congratulatory remarks and messages from corporate sponsors. Ambassador Arikana Chihombori Quao, African Union Permanent Representative to the United States, delivered remarks on behalf of the AU Chief, H.E. Moussa Fakki. The speech highlighted the AU’s Agenda 2063 which has a 7-point focus:

A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.

An integrated continent, politically united, based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance.

An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.

A peaceful and secure Africa.

An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics.

An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children.

Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and political partner.

The Management of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Platinum Sponsors: Caterpillar, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Sasol, South African Airways, and South African Tourism, and Silver Sponsors: AETNA, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Ethiopian Airways, Sahouri Insurance, all expressed their gratitude for participating in the historic celebration. Sahel Band and Angolan star performer / percussionist, Vivalda Dula, entertained the guests to African music and dance.

H.E. Mninwa Mahlangu of South Africa

2nd from left : Linda Thomas-Greenfield former assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

H.E. Carlos dos Santos-Mozambique

Masters of Ceremony

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President Akufo-Addo attends UN SDG, G-20 Meetings

Africa Addresses G7 Nations at Summit

Africa: G7 Gives Africa the Cold Shoulder

Ghana News Agency – President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo left Ghana on Monday to attend the meetings of the United Nation’s on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) in Belgium and the US, and the G-20 Partnership Africa Summit in Germany.

Photo: Samuel Miring'u/PSCU President Uhuru Kenyatta (sitting, fourth from right) and other world leaders at a Group of 7 session in Taormina in Sicily, Italy in May 2017.

Despite inviting several heads of state from Africa, G7 leaders meeting in Sicily had little to say about the many challenges facing the continent. Migration and terrorism are only some of them.

By holding the summit on the island of Sicily, Italy had hoped to make Africa the main focus of the annual G7 meeting on Friday and Saturday.

"Perhaps the choice (to be in) Taormina and Sicily says much about how important our relations are with Africa," Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said in opening remarks.

Over the past four years, hundreds of thousands of migrants have taken up refuge in Sicily after fleeing war and poverty in their African countries.

Italy was hoping to convince fellow G7 members about the positive effects of legal migration as a means of slowing down migrants' dangerous boat trips via the Mediterranean, but that idea was dismissed by the Americans and the British.

Unfulfilled aid pledges

Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou, who attended Saturday's session, called on the G7 leaders to take swift measures to end the Libyan crisis.

"The fight against terrorism in the Sahel countries and the Lake Chad region demands that urgent measures be taken to put out the Libyan cauldron," Issoufou said in his opening remarks.

He also berated the leaders of the world's most industrialized countries for failing to fulfill their aid promises to tackle poverty.

His West African nation is one of the poorest nations on earth, with more than 60 percent of the population living below the poverty line. Niger is one of the main transit points for African migrants seeking to reach Europe through Libya.

"Be it Niger, a transit nation, or the countries of origin, it is only through development that we will prevent illegal migration," Issoufou said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is one of the four new leaders attending the G7 meeting for the first time, said more needed to be done to support countries like Niger. France has more than 4,000 troops stationed across West Africa.

G7 plus Africa?

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta was quoted by the Daily Nation, a Kenyan newspaper, as questioning the wisdom of sidelining African leaders from such high-profile meetings when the continent was a focus point of issues affecting the world.

British charity organization Oxfam referred to the G7's tough stance on migration, which has been strongly influenced by US President Donald Trump, as a "scandal."

"This is the scandal of this summit: That G7 leaders could come right here in Sicily on the doorstep of the sea where 1,400 people have drowned this year alone and fly home tonight without doing anything serious about it," Edmund Cairns, Oxfam's policy adviser on humanitarian crises, said. cm/tj (Reuters,dpa)

He would be attending the UN’s SDG meeting in his capacity as coChairperson of the Advocacy Group of Eminent Personalities.

Whilst in Belgium, President Akufo-Addo would meet with the Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, his co-chair of the UN SDGs Advocates Group of Eminent Personalities.

The President would also hold separate meetings with the Belgian Prime Minister, Charles Michel; and President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.

At the opening of the 2017 European Development Days, Europe’s leading forum on international co-operation and development, he would deliver an address on the theme “Making Gender and the Youth the Private Sector’s Business.”

In the United States, President Akufo-Addo would participate and address the UN Oceans Conference, the high-level UN Conference being held in New York to support the Implementation of SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (Life under Water).

The President would also have his first formal meeting with UN Secretary General, António Guterres.

In Germany, President Akufo-Addo is expected to call on the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, and participate in the G-20 Africa Partnership Summit, being held in Berlin to deliberate on Germany’s “Marshall Plan” for Africa, at the invitation of the German Chancellor.

He would also deliver a speech on the theme “Ghana, Africa’s Rising Star”, at an event organised by the Konrad Adenaeur Stiftung.

President Akufo-Addo would then pay a two-day private visit to the United Kingdom, and return to Ghana on Saturday, June 17.

The President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway and officials of the Presidency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

GNA

Dangote to Spend U.S.$1 Billion On Rice Cultivation

US State Department to Build Somalia Interim Facility Jine 2017

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Picture: U.S. Mission-Somalia (Twitter) @US2SOMALIA Executive Secretary, NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote (left) and President, Dangote Group of Industries, Alhalji Aliko Dangote on maximizing Local Content in the construction of Dangote Refinery project recently in Lagos.

Lagos — The Dangote Group shone at the just concluded 2017 Gateway Trade fair which was held in Abeokuta, emerging as the second most patronised exhibitor, just as the Group disclosed that it was investing N10 billion dollars in rice cultivation in five states to boost food self-sufficiency.

To mark its Day at the Fair, a subsidiary of the Group, Dangote Cement, gave out several tools and implements to the block makers in Ogun State in appreciation of their patronages.

Tools such as wheel barrowers, shovels, umbrellas and hand gloves were donated to block makers who assembled from different areas of the state.

During the 10-day trade fair, Dangote Flour delighted customers and participants with free sampling of its new pasta products.

The wet sampling made the Group's pavilion the center of activities at the Fair as participants trooped in for their daily meal.

Customers were rewarded with branded coolers, kitchen aprons, exercise books and customized ladles.

Commending Dangote Group for its sponsorship and participation at the Fair, President of Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) Mrs. Adesola Adebutu said the support given by the Group went a long way in making the staging of the Fair a success.

She commended the Pan African Conglomerate for its giant strides in economic development of the country through massive investments in several sectors of the economy describing the feat as worthy of emulation by other Nigerians.

A director of Dangote Group, Tunde Mabogunje

who represented the Group at the special day, said that the partnership with OGUNCCIMA is beneficial as Ogun State is the host of the 12 mmtpa Dangote Cement Plant, Ibese, the second largest cement plant in Nigeria.

Dangote Cement, he said, "through the plant provides thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the state. As a responsible corporate citizen, we participate fully in all events and activities designed to drive social and economic welfare of the state."

He described the theme for this year's Trade Fair: Promoting Agricultural Value Chain through SMEs for Nigeria Economic Recovery as being apt, given the nation is now paying attention to Agriculture, which has the potential of becoming the major driver of the economy instead of oil, pointing out that in line with the theme the Group is at the forefront of job creation and is the largest employer of labour outside government.

Mabogunje stated "We have been contributing our quota to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. Towards aiding agriculture, we are building a fertilizer plant in the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos State. When completed, farmers will have regular access to fertilizer for their farming activities. The delays and disruptions experienced in waiting for imported fertilizer will cease."

"We are investing about $1 billion in rice cultivation. We have an outgrowers scheme where thousands of farmers are empowered with improved seeds and items needed to cultivate rice."

Source: http://allafrica.com

Story: Diplopundit

By Domani Spero

The State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) is requesting submissions to pre-qualify firms for Design-Build Construction Services for the construction of an Somalia Interim Facility – in Mogadishu, Somalia. OBO seeks to commission “our nation’s top constructors to produce facilities of outstanding quality and value.” The estimated construction cost for this project is $85 – 125 million.

This project — available for full and open competition — is the design-build construction of “an expeditionary unclassified castin-place concrete facility that will contain office space, staff and guard housing, dining facility, secure perimeter, guard towers, compound access controls, and also morale, welfare, and recreation spaces.”

The 20- acre site is located on the Mogadishu International Airport (MIA) Compound. The announcement says that the USG understands that access to the Mogadishu International Airport (MIA) Compound is extremely restricted and therefore “establishing a presence on the compound to execute construction of the subject project may not be feasible.”

There are currently three firms working on the compound, they are Bancroft Global Development, RA International, and SKA Group. The announcement includes additional information on airport access requirement:

MIA Compound Access Requirement.

Based on the site access restriction described above and the compelling urgency and need for the earliest possible completion of safe secure facilities to house the diplomatic operations and the people task with protecting the mission, firms being considered for award under this

acquisition are limited to contractors with established relationships and formal agreements that reflect the firm is authorized access to the MIA Compound for the purpose on construction. To be eligible for contract award, Offeror shall submit documentation either 1) issued by the MIA Authority evidencing the firm’s alreadyestablished access authorization to the MIA compound to conduct construction, or 2) showing a formal joint venture or formal partnership/teaming agreement with one of the firms with access and already working on compound (Bancroft Global Development, RA International, and SKA Group).

The announcement also includes the following:

To demonstrate performance of similar construction work for Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986 purposes, the offeror needs to provide information demonstrating that it has successfully completed in the United States or at a U.S. diplomatic or consular mission a construction contract or subcontract involving work of the same general type and complexity as the solicited project and having a contract or subcontract value of at least $63 million. The value of the construction contract or subcontract offered to demonstrate performance will not be adjusted for inflation, currency fluctuation, or any other market forces.

South Africa Revokes Citizenship of White Supremacist June 2017

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The South African government has revoked the citizenship of Janusz Walus, a white supremacist responsible for the assassination of a top antiapartheid leader in 1993.

Janusz Walus is currently serving a life sentence for shooting and killing top ANC leader Chris Hani in 1993, just as the negotiations were taking place to bring an end to the repressive apartheid regime. Recent reports in the Eyewitness News say the Home Affairs Department has confirmed that it has revoked Walus South African citizenship while also serving him with a warrant of deportation.

The details of this were made known during a Supreme Court of Appeal hearing in Bloemfontein on Monday when Justice Minister Michael Masutha brought an appeal against an earlier decision by a High Court in Pretoria to grant Walus parole after serving less than three decades in jail.

Walus’s lawyer Roelof du Plessis however says his client would not be deported for as long as he remains in prison.

Janusz Walus, 64, was born in communist Poland but moved to South Africa in 1981 to join his father and brother, who owned and operated a small glass making factory. He received South African citizenship in 1986 and held a dual Polish-South African citizenship.

A Law Firm with a Difference Call Today 571-285-5242

After the family business went bankrupt some years later, Walus, then a truck driver, began adopting extremist white supremacy views. He joined both the National Party and the Afrikaner Weerstandsbeweging and became involved in the politics of far right groups supporting South Africa’s apartheid regime.

Working closely with an accomplice named Clive Derby-Lewis, who was also a white supremacist, Walus trailed Hani to his home in Johannesburg and shot him multiple times at close range.

At the time of his assassination Hani was the Chief of Staff of the Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC) and perhaps the most influential member of the ANC after Nelson Mandela.

Waluś and Derby-Lewis were both sentenced to death for their actions, but their sentences were commuted to life imprisonment after South Africa abolished the death penalty.

Mark Babatunde

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Kenyan-Born Woman Elected Senator in Australia

A Kenyan-born woman, Mrs. Lucy Gichuhi, has been elected as a senator in Australia to replace the former senator for South Australia Bob Day. Mrs. Gichuhi, a lawyer by profession, has been declared the winner of the special senate vote following a recount ordered by the Australian High Court last week, according to ABC News.

“I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve Australia. I see it as an opportunity to give back to this great nation,” Mrs. Gichuhi said in a statement.

Legal Hurdle

However, the High Court is yet to officially declare her the winner as it is still expected to consider questions that have been raised about her citizenship.

Kenya’s High Commissioner to Australia Mr. Isaiya Kabira has come out to support her saying she automatically lost her Kenyan citizenship the moment she became an Australian citizen.

Humble Background

“I am an Australian citizen and am eligible to serve. I will continue to take advice on all of these matters as we move forward,” Gichuhi said.

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Photo Credit: Fox News

Nigerian couple Ajibola and Adeboye Taiwo have welcomed sextuplets after waiting 17 years to conceive.

Based in Virginia, United States, Ajibola and her husband Adeboye welcomed sextuplets in to their family with the help of a 40-person medical team at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center, according to Fox News.

The babies 3 boys and 3 girls — weighed between 1 pound and 10 ounces to 2 pounds and 15 ounces.

Born in 1963 in Nyeri County, central Kenya, Lucy Gichuhi was brought up in a poor fami- A statement released by hospital authorities after the births said all six babies were doing well and would continue to be monitored at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s neonatal intensive care unit. ly, walking barefoot to school and sharing a single bed with her eight sisters.

She also had to juggle between school and domestic chores such as milking cows and gathering food for her family from their garden.

A Big Surprise Doctors told the couple after a routine ultrasound scan in November to prepare for the arrival of four babies, but then another scan in January at the VCU Medical Center revealed Mrs. Taiwo was actually pregnant with two more and carrying sextuplets.

“I was excited,” Adeboye said. “For the very first time, we were expecting.”

The 40-man medical team at the VCU included nurses, anesthesiologists, social workers, nutritionists, cardiologists, hospital chaplain services personnel, and experts from maternal-fetal medicine and neonatal medicine.

After high school, Gichuhi joined the University of Nairobi where she did a course in accounting and proceeded to work as an accountant with several local auditing firms “The medical team is excellent in medicine and hospitality,” said Adeboye. “We are far from home, but before relocating to South Australia with her the medical team is our family. That is what got us this far.” husband William Gichuhi and their three chil“We’re going through this extraordinary journey together with the family,” Ronald Ramus, MD, director dren in 1999.

“You have to help with going to the garden to There have been concerns that Mrs. Gichuhi holds dual citizenship, which pick the next meal for the day, because we could prevent her from assuming her didn’t go to the shops for food, or you go seat in the senate. But she maintains help milk the cows,” Mrs. Gichuhi was quoted by the ABC News as saying. that she is an Australian citizen and has never held dual citizenship.

She completed her Bachelor of Law degree from the University of South Australia in Confirming the eligibility issue, 2015 and immediately began volunteering as Australia’s acting shadow Attorneya women’s legal services attorney.

General Katy Gallagher told ABC

News that the election of a senator is of paramount importance and therefore the validity of each senator should be beyond reproach.

Nigerian Couple Welcome Sextuplets After 17 Years of Childlessness June 2017

The cheerful attorney was later appointed to the Australian Senate by the Family First Party and went on to win the 2016 election after a special recount of the vote.

Fredrick Ngugi Contributor, F2FA

of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine at VCU Medical Center, explained.

“It’s not every day that parents bring home sextuplets. Mrs. Taiwo was eating, sleeping, and breathing for seven. A lot of the support and encouragement we gave her to make it as far as she did was important and one of the biggest contributions we made as a team.”

Mrs. Taiwo gave birth via C-section at 30 weeks on May 11th and was discharged a week later on May 18th. Like her husband, she also expressed her gratitude to the hospital officials and nursed the hope that some of her babies will grow up to pursue careers in medicine.

“I hope for the smallest of my six children to grow up and say, ‘I was so small and look at me now.’ I want my kids [to] come back to VCU to study and learn to care for others with the same people who cared for me and my family.”

According to the U.S.’ Center for Disease Control, multiple births of the order of four (quintuplets) or more are very rare with only 24 recorded out of the 4 million live births in the United States in 2015.

And while it is not clear if the Taiwo babies were conceived with the help of a medical procedure, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), their names indicate that they are from southwest Nigeria, a region that boasts one of the highest rates of twin and multiple births in the world.

https://face2faceafrica.com

BY MARK BABATUNDE,

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Opinions Of The #Stopgalamseynow Agenda Among A Cross Section Of Ghanaians June 2017

application of crude chemicals like mercury by these galamseyers is messing up the land. Even worse is that these chemicals seep through the land into nearby water bodies. One of the persons I spoke to asked a rather poignant question: “will the Chinese government allow Ghanaians to galamsey in Shanghai or elsewhere in China?”

Trying to find the origin of the tweet

Frank Asante in photo courtesy of TheAfricanDream

This is an attempt by TheAfricanDream.net to find out what people feel about #StopGalamseyNow by talking to Ghanaians in and out of the country.

But before that, a little background: in April 2017 Yaw Osafo Marfo; the former Finance Minister of Ghana, who is now a Senior Minister in the Ghana Government (under President Akufo-Addo) granted TheAfricanDream.net an interview at the Ghana Embassy in Washington D.C. A question of mine to the minister bordered on the galamsey issue in Ghana and that was what prompted the desire to look deeper into the #StopGalamseyNow hashtag.

If you are Ghanaian following news in Ghana and are in or out of the country then you know pretty much enough about #StopGalamseyNow, if you don’t that’s OK, you would not be alone.

Let us throw a little light on what Galamsey is according to Wikipedia: a galamsey is a local artisanal gold miner in Ghana, West Africa; such workers are known as galamseyers or orpailleurs in neighboring francophone nations. Galamseyers are people who do gold mining independent of mining companies, digging small (pits, tunnels, and sluices) and working by hand. So there you have it, now we all know, well, at least the basics of what galamsey is.

What a government official said about #StopGalamseyNow

Anyway during [my interview with Yaw Osafo Marfo https://vimeo.com/214420959], the Hon. Minister said Galamsay has been around since his youthful days and the regulation has been that it has to be done about 100 yards from a water bed or water bodies.

Recently though, the Chinese have evolved a new technology that has discovered rich deposits under water beds. This changed the dynamics of galamsey which has unfortunately affected the environment and water bodies as never before.

Now Ghanaians all over have become very concerned about the levels of pollution this new method of the Chinese is causing, both to water bodies and erstwhile virgin forests, all of which, including humans, are now suffering the negative effects of galamsey, prompting a serious call on Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo to take action to arrest the problem, and to hopefully — #StopGalamseyNow!

So, some people I talked to were of the opinion that we have arrived at this place because although there are regulations governing artisanal mining intended to prevent abuse and harm, such laws are either not enforced in Ghana or the enforcers collude with some galamseyers to turn a blind eye. This is why some people, with impunity, disregard the law. As for Aisha; the ’Galamsey Queen’ and her sex-tape intervention, well am going to leave that up to you to Google for yourself.

One major negativity that galamsey is causing to the Ghanaian hinterlands is that since the economy of those areas is agro-based, the

Let that sink in, the harm is done, the quest to salvage the situation has begun. Kindly allow me to bring you with me on my journey to the internet to discover the origin of the #StopGalamseyNow hashtag. I too was curious to know of its origin, I went to Twitter and begun my search. I looked hard and deep, and after close to 80 minutes of researching, I hit a stop at the tweet below, there was nothing more beyond it so I settled on the fact that this is the first tweet of the hashtag on Twitter.

Here is a quote of the tweet: “I see this #StopGalamseyNow commercials on TV. Ba I ask ma self, how many govt officials own Galamsey pits?” and here is the link to it: https://twitter.com/piziilelee/status/485145422852546560

The above tweet is from 2014, I am now writing on it in 2017 — this obviously is not a new story. Anyway, the owner of the tweet is Frank Asante, I tracked him down and we talked on the phone since I wanted to get into his head and find out what made him tweet that tweet.

“On my university bed in 2013, I tweeted #StopGalamseyNow. I was pushed by how illegal mining was destroying our country and how nothing was being done about it. Back then, I had a strong feeling the difficulty in the fight and persistence of the act was because there were some 'faceless strongmen' who probably owned pits in some of the mining areas” Frank told TheAfricanDream.net.

In fact, Frank was so passionate about the matter that he at the time focused his undergraduate thesis on the health effects of illegal gold mining in some four communities in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana (where Newmont Ghana Gold Limited was undertaking its exploration works). During the time, he had a personal interaction and experience with illegal mining; this was based on his visits to sites and interviewing some of the miners.

Newmont Mining Corporation is a US-based mining company in the state of Colorado. It was founded in 1916 as a diversified holding company, with active gold mines in the US, Asia, Australia, South America and Ghana being the one African country it has operated in since 2002 but begun production in 2006.

Today Frank works with the Geographic Information System (GIS) unit of the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) where has had more experience with this #StopGalamseyNow issue because his department in the agency is directly involved in its monitoring.

My new friend Frank told me he has always held a strong stance against illegal mining, today however it is the source of livelihood for many, sadly. He feels We cannot look on unconcerned as we loose our water bodies and arable lands in the name of money or making a living.

“I only hope the fight against it will be in a more sustainable fashion in which there will be alternative sources of livelihood for these people [involved in the galamsey] especially the indigenes” — Frank Asante.

Frank mentioned two things in our conversation, ‘Newmont’ and ‘alternative sources of livelihood’ [for galamseyers] and

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that brought to mind someone I felt could weigh in on this matter — Audrey Quaye of Strategic Insurance Solutions Inc in Durham, North Carolina, USA.

Audrey Quaye feels the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources in Ghana needs to have an Audit and Enforcement Division (AED) that can monitor compliance with the Mining law. She commended the Ghana police for their role in the campaign to stop illegal mining but admitted that they are not positioned to monitor who is licensed or not, although they can assist the AED when needed.

What a Ghanaian in the US had to say

"Ghana cannot ban small-scale mining. It is allowed under the current Mining Law. What needs to happen is a total halt of all small-scale mining operations; cancellation of all small-scale mining licenses; reissue of licenses following review of each applicant's operations; provision of mandatory training in artisanal mining techniques; and monitoring of their operations "Use of large equipment, such as excavators, and chemicals should be banned. All foreigners engaged in small-scale mining activities in Ghana should be banned from engaging in any mining related activities which include equipment and sale of chemicals meanwhile", Audrey said.

When TheAfricanDream.net asked her what happens to displaced galamsey workers, she suggested they could be given reparations and redeployed to engage in other development activities. She further suggested "they could be trained and engaged to undertake reforestation and reclamation of lands damaged by galamsey mining operations. Simply put: they can be trained and put to work.

The children involved must be encouraged and given bursaries to attend school" according to Audrey.

So, there seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel and at the time of publication, TheAfricanDream.net discovered Ghana is going to establish a Business Reporting Bureau at which corrupt activities of staff and officers of state-owned enterprises will be monitored to ensure they are doing the right thing in an attempt to fight corruption and encourage good business practices. The hope is that this doesn't become a nine-day-wonder.

The fight goes on to #StopGalamseyNow for Ghana. We need to go about this in a very transparent manner with time so that the nation can seriously fight corruption which president after president has failed to put a stop to.

This is not a battle only for the government, all well-meaning Ghanaians must chip in, Galamsey is just a small part of this cancer. When that is out of the way maybe the country can tackle the next hashtag, whatever it may be...

Source: Oral Ofori of TheAfricanDream.net

How is Your Heart? Come Clean

who saved them from Pharaoh, the Red Sea and other adversities simply because they were faced with hunger and thirst and a brief absence of Moses, their man of God. These so called children of God were punished severely for their disobedience and too many of them died at the hands of God. When we are so quick to say we love God, we love our Savior Jesus and identify ourselves as Christians, are we certain that the words we are claiming are sincere? Are we confident that they are coming from a truthful place? Are we sure that our hands have not been compromised and still being compromised with properties of Satan, the enemy of Christ and our souls?

Psalm 24 vs. 3 asks, “who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?

And who may stand in His Holy place?” then the psalmist, King Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah David himself, answers saying, “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn When the supposed righteous and powerful King deceitfully. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and David, God’s own chosen and anointed leader of His righteousness from the God of his salvation” (4-5). begotten Israel, became a voyeur of Bathsheba’s naked King David clearly knew what he was speaking of body, how was his heart? When this same chosen king when he wrote the psalm. He had been righteous and unrightsexually seduced or perhaps raped this wife of a soldier eous and he knew very well the different positions he placed busily fighting on the fields, in David’s own war, how was himself in with his choices and actions. When his his heart? When upon discovering that Bathsheba had unrighteousness left him as the object of God’s anger and become pregnant and David attempted to cover up the disappointment, when his treacherous behavior left him alone pregnancy by orchestrating Uriah’s return home, hoping and without the Spirit of God, he prayed, “create in me a clean Uriah would sleep with his wife and clandestinely pin the heart and renew the right spirit within me. Cast me not away pregnancy on him, how was his heart? When David found from thy presence and take not thine Holy Spirit from me. that it was useless to tempt Uriah with his own wife (Uriah Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and grant me a willing didn’t think it was right to sleep with his wife while the spirit to sustain me” (Psalm 51: 10-12). David sinned, big time, other soldiers were at war away from their wives.) and that but he also had an open heart and was ready to surrender it fully he David could not cover his adulterous sin and therefore to His God in supplication and obedience. David wrote psalm conspired to have Uriah killed on the battlefield and was 51 as a prayer of repentance after he had committed his sin successful, I ask: how clean were his hands? Finally, when against Bathsheba and Uriah. Are we willing to do as David upon Uriah’s death, David marries Bathsheba, pretending after he had sinned? Are we willing to repent and ask God to that he was doing an honorable thing, how was his heart? renew us and keep us away from unrighteousness?

(II Samuel 11). As professed children of God, we might When we sin, we become separated from God and when and, then again, might not be so deliberate in our sins and we live in sin and still continue to attend church and pretend as our plans to sin and subsequent cover up. Yet all the same, if all is well with our relationship with God, we are living a lie. we might venture where we know we should not. Let’s stop Perhaps some of us want to live a lie because living the truth and ask ourselves the question, how is our heart and how might be too challenging for our flesh, which perhaps, we still clean are our hands? have not crucified for Christ even as He has already required of Are your hands clean? Is your heart pure? These are us. If we deliberately sin and/or plot to sin as David did or we questions we must ask and answer for ourselves if we are to actively or passively live in sin, yet claim we love God, then we benefit from the promises of the kingdom of God. Written are not serious about our salvation and relationship with God.

by King David himself, Psalm 24 vs. 1 tells us “the earth is If we live in sin and still expect to be blessed by God, outside of the Lord’s and all it contains, the world, and those who the everyday rain and sunshine that everyone gets, then we are dwell in it.” If you should read this psalm in exclusion of yet again blind and delusional about spiritual truths and what it the verses which follow it, you will not get the full message takes to maintain a rightful relationship with God. For the Bible and import of the psalm’s purpose. By reading only the tells us that we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. And first verse, you might become excited and feel a confirmaChrist Himself tells us that “if you love me, keep my tion within your heart and faith that yes, indeed, God is the commands” (John 14:15). What’s more, we bring curses and creator of all things and all people, so He has everything in unnecessary hardships upon ourselves when we don’t follow His hands and I can pray for any blessing or petition Him to God’s commands. In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 28, God deal with my enemies. This much is true; however, if you clearly lays out to His children all the blessings they will continue to read the rest of the psalm, you will come to receive should they obey Him and then also all the curses they learn what David has realized in his relationship with God, will endure if they neglect His word. If one calls herself a child which is, if we desire to live under the blessings and loving of God, the do’s and don’ts are very clear. There are no power of the Lord, then we must consider our hands and compromises, so having the Bible at your disposal, you cannot hearts seriously and be truthful of where we stand with our be ignorant of what is righteous or unrighteous.

God. Unfortunately, too often we want to do our own thing and Too many people somehow believe they stand with God sometimes we become complacent in our sin and accept it as but sadly, they do not because Jesus Himself warned us part of our lifestyle and believe all is well with us and God when He said, “not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ simply because we may not sense the anger of God in our lives. will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will So we think we are ok and in the right with God. Not so. David of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matt. 7:21). The committed his sin and thought he had gotten away with it. He Bible also tells us that “for many are called, but few are continued to reign as king and had taken Bathsheba as his wife chosen” (Matt. 24:14). We also learn throughout the Old and no one knew, but God knew and because His word never Testament, particularly within the book of Exodus how so changes, because His expectations of his children never change, many “children of God” were quick to get their hands He was angry with David. The merciful God directs His soiled with idol worship and turn their backs on the God

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prophet Nathan to remind and confront David of his sin and for him to learn that He has not and is not getting away with his adulterous and murderous commissions.

As Christians, our poor choices can result in big or small mistakes. Clearly, it was a deliberate evil and self-serving mistake of his flesh when David took another man’s wife, impregnated her and killed that man in an attempt to cover up his sin. But the beauty of being a Christian and having a loving and forgiving God is that although you might go astray, although you might venture where you have no business, if you bear His name as your identity, you can be forgiven, renewed and reclaimed, just as the prodigal son in the New Testament and just as King David. When the prophet Nathan was sent by God to confront David of his evil deeds, David sorrowfully repented and sought for God’s forgiveness.

And while he was still punished for his actions, God forgave him; God didn’t kill him as He did to so many in the biblical past and God also did not dethrone David as he had dethroned Saul. That God forgave David is significant, but we must note that what is most important after all is said and done is man’s repentance, making the decision to stand with God and falling in line with His word, subjecting yourself to His commands.

Moreover, we must also acknowledge and accept that God is Lord of all, including every area of our lives. The innate heart and mind of David to honor and to subject himself to the will and servitude of God, to accept God’s word without resistance, is why God calls him a man after his own heart (I Samuel 13:14). This is exactly what God wants of us, to see and know that we love Him and His word completely. He wants our hearts to melt and our wills to bend to His word. In the end, God wants to see that we love Him more than He wants to hear it, because saying we love God but not showing it with our actions is untruthful. In His complete humility, the warrior king David prayed to God confessing his sins. Can we also examine our lives and confess our sins? Can we turn away from the lust of the flesh, the eye and the pride of life to live in true righteousness with God? Can we be completely honest in our relationship with God so that there is nothing hindering our blessings and no curses befalling us? If we can do that, then with His help and by His grace, we are keeping our hearts pure and our hands clean.

Dr. Miriam Gyimah is available for speaking engagements. You may contact her at newepistlespress@outlook.com

Morocco shines for Africa at Washington DC 2017 Embassy Chef Challenge

From Accra to Washington Dulles Airport SA209 Mondays,Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays Departs Johannesburg 5:25PM Arrives in Accra 9:45 PM Departs Accra Accra 10:45 Arrives in Washington 0605 AM the next day

Washington to Accra SA210 Chef Moha Fedal of Morocco_ winner of Judges Choice Award at 2017 Embassy Chef Challenge speaks to Oral Ofori of TheAfricanDream.ne

Chef Moha Fedal of Morocco cooked Marrakech Tangia made with lamb shoulder sealed in a clay tangia jar to win the Judges Choice Award at the 2017 Embassy Chef Challenge (ECC). The event was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington DC on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

The Morocco chef, who was a debutant at the ECC told TheAfricanDream.net in an interview that he was really delighted to be in Washington, DC and even more excited to have won the event at his first try, saying: “Morocco first time and first place” with a smile.

Besides lamb shoulder, the chef from Morocco added traditional Moroccan spices and vegetable accompaniment sealed in a tanjia — a Moroccan clay jar purposefully for cooking such meals, to his cuisine. Meals cooked this way normally take between 4-6 hours to cook.

Some other popular Moroccan cuisine according to the chef are Couscous, Chorba, Cholent and Chebakia among others.

Haiti Chef Cynthia Verna won the People's Choice Award to join Morocco’s Fedal in being crowned victors of the night and best chefs among the participating countries of this year’s ECC.

In an interview with TheAfricanDream.net, Erik Moses who is the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Events DC Sports and Entertainment who helped put the event together, said “this year’s event is one of the most successful ever.

Moses revealed that "in the 9-year history of the event, 2017 has seen the most participants ever, another significant thing also being that Chef Creig Greenidge; 2016 Judges Choice Winner from Barbados, returned to the event this time as a

judge.”

Some 35 countries were represented at the 2017 ECC, which is almost a double from last year’s 18 participants. There were a lot of first-timers besides the winning country Morocco.

Other African countries like Kenya and Tunisia made their debut appearances alongside veteran participants like Mauritius and Rwanda who were both at the 2016 event. Ghana recorded her fourth appearance with veteran Chef Francis Otoo.

Chef Otoo said he really believed that “a victory for Morocco is particularly a victory for Africa and most importantly too, a victory for this night of great cuisine, culture, music and arts.

The Ghanaian chef revealed that he will continue participating whenever he qualifies because the excitement in the eyes of people who eats his meal and commend it is equally a great victory. He also said the event gives him "a wonderful experience for him, plus it gives him a splendid opportunity to sell his country Ghana."

The ECC is an annual international cooking and cultural event where embassies choose a chef to create a dish from their national cuisine to celebrate the cooking talents of chefs in the respective participating Washington DC embassies. The event is also a ‘Cultural Tourism DC’ event.

Find out more about ECC at www.eventsdcembassychefchallenge.com Source: Oral Ofori / TheAfricanDream.net

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays Departure :Washington 5:40PM Arrival -Accra 07:40 AM Departs Accra 08:40 AM

Arrival Johannesburg 4:30

SA052 Saturday

SA053

Johannesburg 16:55 Accra 21:15

Saturday Accra 22:30 next day

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Johannesburg 06:20 the

Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday Johannesburg 12:50 Accra 1710 Accra 18:10 Abidjan 19:10

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Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday Abidjan 20:10 Accra 21:25 Accra 22:30 Johannesburg 06:20 the next day

Beyoncé Prepares for Birth of Twins with Nigerian-Themed Push Party

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Controversial South African Pastor Who Fed His Congregation Snakes Admits He Was Wrong

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Controversial South African Pastor Penuel Mnguni, who made his followers eat live animals, admitted he was wrong to lead his congregation astray and attributed his excesses to a misinterpretation of the Bible.

Pastor Mnguni of the End Times Disciples Ministries in Soshanguve, Pretoria, expressed his admission Sunday, when he visited the Synagogue Church of All Nations headquarters of famous Nigerian televangelist Prophet T.B. Joshua in Lagos.

Beyonce and Jay-Z at the push party. Photo credit: Elle

According to the Citizen, Mnguni said he had misinterpreted the Bible and had traveled to T.B. Joshua’s church for deliverance.

Mnguni, nicknamed the “snake pastor,” first made headlines in 2015, after shocking images of him making members of his congregation eat live snakes and rats surfaced online.

Mnguni — who claims to have unlimited healing and miraculous powers — also convinced his worshipers during his wild church services to eat grass, clothing, and their own hair, telling them it was chocolate.

Despite a series of arrests by authorities and outrage on social media, Mnguni continued with his religious antics.

On Sunday, however, an apparently contrite Mnguni told the congregation at the Synagogue that he had misinterpreted certain scriptures, such as Mark 16:17-18, which led him to believe that he could feed his congregants with strange items to prove the power of God.

Beyoncé and her husband Jay-Z have a well-documented passion about all things African. Photo Credit: Popsugar

In February, pop diva Beyoncé broke the Internet when she announced on social media site Instagram that she was pregnant and expecting a set of twins with her husband, Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter.

According to Romper, Beyoncé’s party, which held Saturday in Los Angeles, had an unmistakable African theme to it: Both the singer and the guests were dressed in African-inspired designs while the music of late-Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti played in the background from one of the makeshift huts.

executive producers for the production of FELA!, a Broadway show about the life and times of the iconic Afrobeat creator.

In fact, Beyoncé also reportedly worked on a 20-song album inspired by the music of the legend but later chose not to release it.

https://face2faceafrica.com Mark Babatunde

Pictures from the event, which were later uploaded to Instagram by Beyonce and her mother, Tina Knowles, show the singer with her exposed belly covered in intricate patterns drawn with henna (a type of organic dye popular with brides in Africa).

Mnuguni, 26, established the End Times Disciples Ministries in 2014, when he was barely 23 years old. Using the advantage of his charismatic personality, he succeeded in convincing his followers — some of them several times his age — to engage in the most bizarre acts as proof of their faith.

Other images from Mnguni’s website and Facebook page show the self-styled prophet feeding his members stones, which he claimed to have turned into bread. He also locked up one of his members in a freezer for more than 30 minutes, made some strip off their clothes, and rode on a congregant as if he was a horse.

Following his actions, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) charged Mnguni with animal cruelty but later withdrew the case for lack of evidence in 2015.

However, in 2016, angry locals offended by Mnguni’s antics attacked and destroyed his church, chasing him out of Soshanguve, a township north of Pretoria where his church was located.

Guests in attendance included Beyoncé’s former members from the defunct Destiny’s Child, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland; tennis superstar and fellow expectant Mother Serena Williams; Lala Anthony; and Beyoncé’s sister, Solange Knowles.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z have a well-documented passion for all things African. Jay-Z, alongside actor Will Smith, served as

He added that he only recently came to realize his wrong doing after watching T.B. Joshua preach on TV. That realization, he said, prompted him to visit T.B. Joshua’s church all the way from South Africa.

MARK BABATUNDE https://face2faceafrica.com

Beyonce’s Push Party. Photo credit: Essence

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Susanna Wesley Mission Auxiliary (SUWMA) Donates To Fire Department

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As part of activities marking the Church’s 15th Anniversary The Susanna Wesley Mission Auxiliary (SUWMA) chapter of the Ghana United Wesley Methodist church in Woodbridge, Virginia, donated assorted items to the Woodbridge Fire Department. The Items donated included Cases of Water, and assorted soft drinks.

Mrs. Florence Agyemang the President of the Association said the donation is part of the duty of care they owe to the community. They were accompanied by the Senior Pastor, Rev. Emmanuel Nkrumah, Richmond Opoku Agyemang, a church member and some of their patrons . The donations were made on Saturday May 20th , 2017 at the Woodbridge Fire Department on F Street.

Earlier on they invited the needy in the community to pray for them and also feed them as part of a program called “ The Lords Table” This was done in collaboration with St. Paul United Methodist Church

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The Susanna Wesley Mission Auxiliary (SUWMA) of the Methodist Church of Ghana is an association of female members in the Methodist Church who are committed to cleaning and decorating the church, organizing retreats to study the word of God, ministering the gospel to prisoners and participating in all church activities.

SUWMA Members With Rev. Emmanuel Nkrumah at the Fire Department

Florence Agyemang - SUWMA President with her Group

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W.H.O. Elects Ethiopia’s Tedros as First Director General From Africa

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reformed a sclerotic bureaucracy and implemented effective community-based services.”

“Precisely the same thing is needed to make W.H.O. effective,” he added.

The W.H.O. is accused of fostering a culture in which bureaucrats live comfortably on tax-free United Nations salaries in Switzerland while making constant appeals for money to fight epidemics.

On Sunday, The Associated Press released a scathing report, based on internal W.H.O. documents, on its travel spending.

The report said the $200 million the agency spent on travel each year was more than it devoted to AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Staff members, it said, routinely broke internal rules against flying business class and staying in luxury hotels.

Because donors are skeptical, many tasks that might naturally belong to the W.H.O. have been shifted to other agencies.

For example, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is now the main conduit for fighting those diseases and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia was voted director covered up repeated outbreaks of cholera in Ethiopia, which general of the World Health Organization on Tuesday, the may have delayed the international response and, more recently, raises about $5 billion a year. The Seattle-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which is funded by the Gates first African ever to head the agency. the use of a cholera vaccine there. foundation, produces independent analyses of global death and disease rates.

The election was the first conducted by the W.H.O. under Dr. Tedros was also accused of complicity in his country’s dismore open and democratic rules. After nearly two years of mal human rights record, which includes massacring protesters Nonetheless, the W.H.O. remains essential during crises. Only it public campaigning, originally by six candidates, the voting and jailing and torturing journalists and political opponents. can declare a global public health emergency, which tends to took place in a closed-door session in which the health minstir member states to action. isters of 186 countries cast their ballots in secret.

Dozens of Ethiopians opposed to his candidacy demonstrated

Dr. Tedros — a malaria expert who campaigned under his first name — ultimately beat Dr. David Nabarro of Britain after three voting rounds. The final tally was 133 votes to 50, with three abstaining or not voting. Dr. Sania Nishtar, a Pakistani cardiologist and expert in noncommunicable diseases, was eliminated after receiving 38 votes in the first round.

Dr. Tedros, 52, replaces Dr. Margaret Chan of China, who has held the post for a decade.

He is best known for having drastically cut deaths from malaria, AIDS, tuberculosis and neonatal problems when he was Ethiopia’s health minister. He trained 40,000 female health workers, hired outbreak investigators, improved the national laboratory, organized an ambulance system and oversaw a tenfold increase in medical school graduates.

He promised as the head of W.H.O. to pursue health insurance in even the poorest nations, strengthen emergency responses and make the agency more accountable and transparent.

He backs greater access to birth control and preventive care for women and is committed to having more gender and ethnic diversity in the agency. He also has promised to fight the health effects of climate change.

Dr. Nabarro, 67, has led the campaigns of various United Nations agencies against avian and swine flu, cholera, Ebola, malaria, hunger and other crises.

“It’s a joy, the continent is celebrating at last,” said Janine Barde, a Rwandan delegate, flashing a victory sign to another African representative. “I feel stakeholders are now in charge, not bureaucrats.”

The race, which began in 2015, turned bitter in recent weeks as an adviser to Dr. Nabarro accused Dr. Tedros of having

outside the Palace of Nations in Geneva, where the vote took place, and one person who interrupted the proceedings was escorted out.

Dr. Tedros is from the Tigray tribe, which holds political power in Ethiopia; many protesters are from the rival Amhara and Oromo tribes.

Although the W.H.O. directorship is the pre-eminent health policy post in the world — one in which bold leadership can turn the tide against epidemics — the organization itself is in peril.

The agency was accused of fumbling the response to the 2014 Ebola epidemic, and it is seriously underfinanced.

Dues from member countries make up less than third of its $2.2 billion budget. The rest comes from large donors, including the United States, Britain, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Rotary International and Norway.

Some of that money comes with strings attached, directing the organization to pursue specific projects, like polio eradication.

The United States is its largest donor. But President Trump has shown little interest in the United Nations and has strongly suggested that his administration will push for funding cuts.

Dr. Tom Price, the secretary of health and human services, issued a statement congratulating Dr. Tedros. He did not threaten any cuts, but focused heavily on the need for change at the W.H.O., saying all members “must commit to further enhancing the transparency and accountability” of the agency.

And when hundreds of doctors and nurses, sometimes in military uniforms, must enter a small country to help defeat an outbreak — as happened during the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014 — the W.H.O. provides the diplomatic cover necessary for those doctors to be seen by locals as medical peacekeepers, rather than invaders.

The agency also oversees cooperation among national laboratories, turning them into a vast surveillance network for fast-moving diseases like avian flu. It also sets global medical standards needed by poor countries, such as declaring which inexpensive generic drugs are safe and what are the best treatments for emerging diseases.

Lawrence O. Gostin, a professor of law and public health at Georgetown University Law School and the informal adviser to Dr. Nabarro’s campaign who accused Dr. Tedros of covering up cholera outbreaks, said he “really wanted him to succeed.”

He also hoped Dr. Tedros would “make a clear statement of the importance of human rights and rapid reporting of outbreaks.”

Amir Attaran, a University of Ottawa expert on law and global health, called Dr. Tedros “a good choice because he was very diligent on malaria,” but argued that geopolitics played a greater role than personalities in the election.

“Choosing an African to head W.H.O. was past time,” he said.

“And Britain is in the doghouse for choosing Brexit and undermining global stability — it’s their Guantánamo, their Tiananmen.”

Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, who until recently led the Centers for Donald G. McNeil Jr. reported from New York and Nick Disease Control and Prevention and who came to Dr. Tedros’s defense last week in a letter to The New York Times, called him Cumming-Bruce from Geneva. Denise Grady contributed reporting from New York. “an excellent choice.”

Source: https://www.nytimes.com

In Ethiopia, Dr. Frieden said an email, Dr. Tedros “rapidly

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27-Year-Old Nigerian Wins £25,000 For Tutoring App, ‘Tuteria’

A 27-year-old Nigerian, Godwin Benson has won an engineering award given by UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering for the tutoring app developed by him.

According to the BBC, Benson, a systems engineer, beat 16 participants to clinch the £25,000 ($32,000) prize money.

At the awards ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya on 23 May 2017, the four finalists delivered presentations, before Africa Prize judges and a live audience voted for the most promising engineering innovation.

The app called Tuteria provides a platform that links qualified tutors to students in their area and within their budget.

Benson said he developed the platform based on the experiences he had as a tutor.

An important part of the service is that both students and teachers are thoroughly vetted before being allowed to use the platform.

The scope of skills on offer ranges from learning to play the piano, sewing clothes, learning a new language and more.

Tutors also cover a range of academic subjects for all ages.

The platform has a ratings system, and students book lessons using an upfront online payment system. Tutors are paid once the lessons have been confirmed, and Tuteria takes 15 to 30% commission for each paid lesson.

The engineering innovation award was launched in 2014 and rewards innovators in sub-Saharan Africa.

The head judge of the competition Malcolm Brinded said that Tuteria could change the lives of people eager to learn:

“We’re proud to have him as our third Africa Prize winner, and we trust Tuteria will go on to change the lives of millions of people who are eager to learn and develop new skills.”

Mr Benson told the BBC Focus on Africa radio programme that he always knew he had a great project

“It is something that solves the problem of access to quality,

personalised learning and helps people earn income from sharing their knowledge,” he said.

Mr Benson plans to use the prize money to widen Tuteria’s offering “even beyond Nigeria.” And to include online classes and video courses as well.

Sixteen shortlisted Africa Prize entrants, from eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa, received six months training and mentoring during which they learned to develop business plans and market their innovations.

The group received coaching on communicating effectively, focusing on customers and approaching investors with confidence.

The three runners up, who each won £10,000, are:

Andre Nel from South Africa for the GreenTower Microgrid system, which reduces the energy used to heat water by 90%. A single unit can service 15 homes and reduce electricity demand from a community by 65%.

Hindu Nabulumba from Uganda for the Yaaka Digital Learning Network, which teachers and students can use to share academic knowledge and materials.

Kelvin Gacheru from Kenya for the Mobi-Water system, which allows water tank users to monitor and control the water in their tanks remotely using a mobile phone. Users will be able to save more than 30% of their water.

Benson commented: “I am so humbled and grateful to the Academy for the training and support. It’s such a vote of confidence to be chosen out of sixteen such incredible businesses – we will do the Africa Prize proud!”

Meanwhile, the fourth Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is now open. Individuals and small teams living and working in sub-Saharan Africa, and who have an engineering innovation, are invited to enter.

Potential entrants can find more information here.

The deadline for entries is 24 July 2017.

Source: Daily Graphic

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Faure Gnassingbè is New ECOWAS Chair

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe has been named the new chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Liberia’s capital Monrovia.

He takes over the rotational role from Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who faced a tough task in her 12-month tenure.

This was announced at the 51st ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State held for the first time in Liberia on Sunday, June 4, 2017.

In attendance was the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu who congratulated the incoming chairperson and invited the West African leaders to the Africa-Israel summit to be held in Togo in October.

Faure Gnassingbe will face a less tedious task as chairperson compared to President Sirleaf who was faced with the electoral crisis in The Gambia.

President Gnassingbe will officially assume the role at the end of the Summit.

Source: tcjonline.org

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A Royal 50th Birthday Celebration In Virginia Congratulations to Adwoa Obour

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Friends and Family at Sunday Thanksgiving Service

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June 2017

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She Just Graduated College And Is Starting Her Ph.D. — And She’s Only 18 know how young she was, which gave rise to many moments of surprise.

“People usually reacted with shock,” she says. “Then they became really protective.”

With the blessings of her parents, Chidi-Ogbolu spent the summer after her junior year researching African weather patterns with Professor Paul Ullrich at UC-Davis. “While I was there, I decided that grad school was what I wanted to do.”

She started working on her graduate school applications during her senior year. “I can’t say it was stress-free,” she jokes. Her hard work paid off on February 7, when she received her acceptance letter from UC-Davis.

“It was definitely a wonderful moment,” she says.

Prasant Mohapatra, UC Davis vice provost of graduate education, and dean of graduate studies, had this to say about Chidi-Ogbolu: “We are delighted to welcome Nkechinyere into the graduate education community at UC Davis. We hope to provide a dynamic educational experience that will deepen and expand her passion for advancing the field of biomedical engineering, and we are truly impressed by her future plans to help people worldwide through scientific research and innovation.”

USA Today – While many students have just graduated from high school, 18-year-old Nigeria native Nkechinyere Chidi-Ogbolu is not your typical teen.

Chidi-Ogbolu just graduated summa cum laude from Howard University with a degree in chemical engineering — making her the youngest person to graduate from Howard this year, and one of the youngest in Howard’s history.

But that’s not all for Chidi-Ogbolu.

She’s now preparing to start a Ph.D. program at the University of California-Davis after the summer ends. She’ll be studying biomedical engineering with a focus on creating and discovering new medicines.

“I’ve always been interested in the medical field,” she told USA TODAY College. “But I want to have a broader scale of impact than in treating patients one-on-one.”

Chidi-Ogbolu said she’s always been the youngest person in her classes. While most students from Nigeria graduate high school at the age of 16, Chidi-Ogbolu finished high school particularly early, at 14, since she skipped 5th grade and attended an accelerated high school.

After high school, she left Nigeria for America and enrolled full-time at Howard University, a historically black university and her first-choice school.

“I thought I would be more comfortable at the age going to a school with more people that looked like me and therefore I could more easily relate to,” said Chidi-Ogbolu. “Plus, they gave me a full scholarship, so that definitely helped.”

Leaving her parents in Nigeria was difficult, but Chidi-Ogbolu wasn’t alone. Many of her extended family members live in America, including an aunt who lived not far from her dorm, and other family members in Texas and Alabama.

She credited her family’s support for her ability to cope with her new surroundings.

“I spoke to my mom almost every day on the phone — for over an hour almost every time.

My dad and I talked really often too,” Chidi-Ogbolu says, adding that she spent most holidays with her aunts in America. “Talking to them definitely helped sometimes when things were overwhelming.”

“My support system was a very big part of why I was able to stay very grounded during the whole journey,” she says.

Her friends at Howard were very supportive of her too. Many of her them didn’t initially

What’s next for her? This summer, she’s taking an advanced biology class at a local community college to prepare for her doctoral program. She’s also working on a book, provisionally titled Tales of an Uber Minor in College.

While she says she’s super busy, she does set aside free time to relax. “I love watching movies and series, especially Korean ones, and I like to sing and do karaoke,” she says.

Chidi-Ogbolu also has some advice for teens her age.

“Don’t limit yourself because you think you can’t do it or because no one you know had done it,” she advises. “You can always be the exception to the rule and end up being exceptional.”

Prince Among Slaves: The Ethiopia Overtakes Kenya As Economic True Story of an African Giant Of East Africa Prince Sold Into Slavery in the USA

4A f r i k a n

June 2017

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Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ibn Sori (a.k.a. Abdul Rahman) was born in Timbo, West Africa (today’s Guinea).

He was a Fulbe from the land of Futa Jallon and his father was a wealthy king who sent him to study in Mali, Timbuktu in 1771.

Ethiopia has officially overtaken neighbouring Kenya as East Africa’s economic giant.

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Another factor believed to be driving the economy is the country’s large population – which is almost double that of Kenya.

According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) figures, Ethiopia’s annual economic output (i.e.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)) for this year was Ethiopia’s economy since 2015 has been on an Timbuktu is a city in Tombouctou Region, where the West African nation of Mali expected to hit $78 billion from $72 billion upward trajectory since the government moved to lives. It’s a home to the prestigious Sankore University which was an intellectual and recorded last year. modernise its roads, railway and power plants. They spiritual center for propagation of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th cenare on cue to have Africa’s biggest hydroelectric dam tury.

Their economic growth since 2015 has been upon the completion of work on the Grand Ethiopia pegged at 10.8% which has helped put a signifiRenaissance Dam (GERD). cant gap between them and Kenya. In monetary Abdulrahman studied law and philosophy and when he completed his studies he Even though landlocked, the country continues to terms, Ethiopia has opened a gap of about $29 returned to Futa, to participate in the daily activities of his father’s court. make giant strides in trying to industrialize. The counWhen Ibrahim returned to Futa, he became the leader of one of the army divisions of million over Kenya. try is now connected with Red Sea port nation of his father. From this point on, his troubles started. Around 1788, at the age of Djibouti via an electric railway that was launched last approximately 26, Ibrahim led one of his father’s army divisions in a battle.

Ethiopia’s economic growth is hinged on public- October.

Unfortunately, he lost the battle and was taken in captivity by the rival tribe led spending on infrastructure and a strong “Hebohs.” demand by locals. It has also recently become an It also recently announced huge profits in the area of destination of choice for particularly Chinese power supply to neighbouring countries including He was subsequently sold to different slave traders until he ended up in the USA, in investors Sudan and Djibouti. They have also signed agree1788. He was auctioned to Colonel Thomas Foster and became a field hand in his ments to supply Tanzania and Kenya with power as ‘‘Non-resource-intensive countries, such as Ivory generation capacity increases. cotton plantation in Mississippi.

Coast, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Senegal, generally Ibrahim knew everything about cultivating cotton and that helped him to rose an continued to grow robustly, benefiting from authoritative position on the plantation and later became the de facto foreman. strong domestic demand and high levels of public spending, though in some cases, growth eased There he met Dr. John Cox who was previously saved by Ibrahim’s family after he fell sick and was stranded by his ship. Cox told this story to Forster and asked him to from 2015,’‘ an IMF report released in April 2017 read. buy the Prince so he could help him return to Africa. Foster refused the offer since Ibrahim was one of his best and most valuable slaves.

In 1826, Ibrahim decided to write to the President and to the Secretary of the USA, so he copied the words of the Emperor of Morocco and the protector of the Moors, asking for enforcement of his rights pursuant to Articles 2, 6, 16 and 20 of the Treaty of Friendship between USA and Morocco, signed in 1776.

Abderrahman Ben Hicham, Sultan of Morocco Abderrahman Ben Hicham, Sultan of Morocco After the Sultan of Morocco read the letter, he asked President Adams and the Secretary of State Henry Clay to release Abrahim Abdul Rahman.

After 40 years, he was finally released and he made it to Africa but died before reaching his homeland.

Source:howafrica.com

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Nigeria: Don Jazzy, Wizkid, Two Other Nigerians Among Forbes Top 10 Richest African Musicians

By the age of 10, Jidenna Theodore Mobisson knew he wanted to do music but was afraid to tell his father who wanted him to be an engineer. He is ranked sixth according to Forbes Africa.

June 2017

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‘Mama Africa’: 7 Facts You Should Know About South Africa’s Zensi Miriam Makeba

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7. WIZKID, NIGERIA

Wizkid is arguably currently the uncrowned king of African music. Grammy Award-winning artist, Alicia Keys and husband Swizz Beatz, danced to his songs Ojuelegba and Caro, with Keys posting a video on her Instagram account with the caption, "This song makes me happy". Kylie Jenner also posted a video of herself dancing to Wizkid's music on Snapchat.

By Adie Vanessa Offiong With Agency Report Four Nigerians, Don Jazzy, Jidenna, Wizkid and Davido are among Forbes top ten richest African musicians.

The artistes came in fourth, sixth, seventh and eighth on the list which was drawn up collating information about their endorsement value, popularity, show rates, sales, awards, YouTube views, newspaper appearance, investment, social media presence and influence among others.

The top ten are: 1. AKON

Akon has over 35 million albums sold worldwide. He has won numerous awards including five Grammy Award nominations and has 45 Billboard Hot 100 songs under his belt. He tops the list according to Forbes Africa.

2. BLACK COFFEE, SOUTH AFRICA

The multi-award-winning artist's real name is Nkosinathi Maphumulo. He was born in South Africa's house music province, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and raised in the Eastern Cape province, where Nelson Mandela hailed from, before moving back to KZN to study music.

3. HUGH MASEKELA, SOUTH AFRICA

Hugh was born in Witbank, east of Johannesburg. He has released more than 43 albums and performed with Marvin Gaye, Dizzy Gillespie, The Byrds, Fela Kuti, Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder and Miriam Makeba.

8. DAVIDO, NIGERIA

Davido has claimed a high status in just five years. He said it was people like P-Square and D'Banj who made him believe this was possible. He became famous for his widely acclaimed 2012 debut album "Omo Baba Olowo".

9. SARKODIE, GHANA

Michael Owusu Addo started out as an underground rapper and through the help of Duncan Williams, his former manager, his career was launched. Staying true to his identity, he is a big advocate of Azonto, a Ghanaian genre that is said to have been born out of Kpanlogo, a traditional dance.

His first single off his fourth album, Mewu, sold almost 4,000 copies on the first day of its release in Ghana. He was also the first Ghanaian to win a BET award.

10. OLIVER MTUKUDZI, ZIMBABWE

Oliver Tuku Mtukudzi has 65 albums under his belt, more than the legendary Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. It's a remarkable career stretching back 41 years with songs that have enlivened parties all over the world.

He is ranked 10th richest musician in Africa.

Zensi Miriam Makeba, nicknamed Mama Africa, was a South African singer and civil rights activist. In the 1960s, she was credited as being the first artist from Africa to popularize African music around the world. Here are a few other interesting facts to known about “Mama Africa.”

1. Makeba was born in Johannesburg in 1942. Her mother was a Swazi sangoma, a traditional healer-herbalist. When she was 18 days old, her mother was arrested for selling umqombothi, an African homemade beer brewed from malt and cornmeal. Her father died when she was a young child.

2. Makeba married at the age of 18 and gave birth to her only child, Bongi Makeba. She was later diagnosed with breast cancer and her husband left her shortly afterwards.

3. Her musical career began in the 1950s when she was featured in the South African jazz group, The Manhattan Brothers. She left the Manhattan Brothers to record with an all-woman group, The Skylarks.

4. In 1959, she sang the lead female role in the Broadway-inspired South African musical, King Kong. She made her U.S. debut on November 1st, 1959, on The Steve Allen Show.

4. DON JAZZY, NIGERIA

5. “Mama Africa” is best known for the song “Pata Pata,” first recorded in 1957 and released in the U.S. ten years later. She recorded and toured with several famous performers, such as Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, and her former husband, Hugh Masekela.

5. TINASHE, ZIMBABWE-AMERICAN

6. She campaigned against the apartheid in South Africa. The South African government responded by revoking her passport in 1960, and her citizenship and right of return in 1963. As the apartheid system crumbled, she returned home for the first time in 1990.

Don Jazzy is ranked fourth richest in Africa and also first in Nigeria. Like many artists, his real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, and he started playing music as a child in church before moving to the UK to pursue his career.

Tinashe was a child model by the age of three. The twentyfour-year-old sang before she could talk and made her first appearance in 2000 in the film Cora Unashamed. Her voice also starred in the cartoon feature film The Polar Express alongside Oscar-winning actor, Tom Hanks.

6. JIDENNA, NIGERIAN-AMERICAN

7. “Mama Africa” died of a heart attack in 2008 after performing in a concert in Italy. The musical event was organized to support writer Roberto Saviano in his stand against the Camorra, a mafialike organization local to the region of Campania.

www.howafrica.com

Agogo Citizens Association inWashington DC Elect New leaders

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June 2017 Page

The Agoogo Citizens Association of Washington Metro Area changed batons with the swearing in of new leaders to run the affaires of the Organization. Maxwell Brempong the new President will lead the new team. In his speech Maxwell who has been a member of the association for the past 19 years said “The task ahead of us is enormous but that is the more reason we are called to serve. Indeed there are challenges ahead but with the support of everyone here the sky shall be the limit.� The seven member executives were inaugurated and sworn into office in Alexandria , Virginia on saturday May 27th. In attendance was the Omanhemaa of Agoogo Traditional Area Nana Afrakomaah Serwah Kusi Aboadum

The New Executives

The New President Mr. Maxwell Brempong delivering his Speech

Agogo Hemaa, Nana Afrakomaah Serwah Kusi Aboadum addressing the Agogo Citizens

Maxwell Brempong and Wife, Mabel

The Outgoing President handing over

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Kenya Opens Nairobi-Mombasa Madaraka Express Railway

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Image copyrightMICHAEL KHATELI Image caption The spectacular Mombasa terminus was designed to resemble waves and ripples in the water radiating from the central tower Kenya has opened a major new railway between the port city of Mombasa and the capital, Nairobi, 18 months early.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said during the launch that the $3.2bn (£2.5bn) Chinese-funded line signalled a new chapter in the country.

He warned that he would authorise the execution of vandals after four people were arrested damaging sections of a guardrail.

It is Kenya's biggest infrastructure project since independence.

840km (525 mile) line linking the port city of Mombasa to the western border town of Malaba.

The Chinese will be in charge of the new railway line for some time, while Kenyans are being trained to take over.

During the Belt and Road Forum for International Corporation meeting on 15 May, Mr Kenyatta asked China to ensure a win-win situation in its economic relationship with Kenya, as the country formally joined the infrastructure initiative.

The cost of the project has been criticised by opposition parties, who say it is too expensive The 470km (290 miles) line is part of China's Belt and the economic returns exaggerated. and Road initiative of massive global infrastructure The government says that it needs to invest in projects. infrastructure to attract foreign investment.

The railway is supposed to eventually connect land-locked South Sudan, eastern Democratic Kenya's new railway at a glance: Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Ethiopia Cost $3.2bn (£2.5bn) to the Indian Ocean.

Funding for the 470km (290 miles) project was Last week, Mr Kenyatta secured an additional provided by China $3.6bn from China to extend the railway line It took three-and-a-half years to build, using 250km (155 miles) west from the central town of Chinese track-laying technology Naivasha to Kisumu.

The line is supposed to eventually connect landlocked South Sudan, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Mr Kenyatta, who is touting his development Ethiopia to the Indian Ocean record as he seeks a second term in August's elec- Cuts the journey-time from Mombasa to Nairobi tion, said the railway line heralded a new chapter to four-and-a-half hours, compared to nine hours in Kenya's history: by bus or 12 hours on the previous railway "A history that was first started 122 years ago An economy class ticket will cost 900 Kenyan when the British, who had colonised this nation, shillings ($9; £7), slightly cheaper than a bus kicked off the train to nowhere... it was then ticket. A business class ticket will be $30. dubbed the 'Lunatic Express'."

'Vandals to be hanged' "Today... despite again a lot of criticism we now On Monday, police arrested three men for vandalcelebrate not the 'Lunatic Express' but the ising sections of the railway and are pursuing Madaraka [named after the day Kenya's attained charges of economic sabotage. internal self-rule) Express that would begin to Mr Kenyatta said such vandalism would not be reshape the story of Kenya for the next 100 years." tolerated: "I acknowledge that the presidency gives me the The railway may be Kenya's biggest infrastructure right to pass laws... those found vandalising the project since independence but it is also a part of a infrastructure... I will pass a law for them to be strategic plan for China to deepen its economic hanged." links in Africa.

A concessionary loan from China will pay for 80% of the cost.

Source: TheAfricanDream.net The loan has a 10-year grace period, within which the railway line is expected to have started to generate income. The repayments will then be spread over 30-40 years.

The Mombasa-Nairobi line is the first phase of a

Asanteman Association of Chicago Coronate’s Chiefs and Queen June 2017

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Sankofa Online, Chicago – The Asanteman Association of Metropolitan Chicago coronated the Asantefuohene ,Nana Addai Baffour,the Asantefuohemaa, Ohemaa Abena Amponsah and their 15 Sub-Chiefs in Chicago at a colorful cultural ceremony held at the flamboyant Grand Ball (GB) Room,6351 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, on this year’s memorial day weekend. The Inauguration and Oath Swearing-In Ceremony on Saturday May 24 by Nana Addai Baffour and his 15 Sub-Chiefs was fabulous , and was followed on Sunday, May 25 by a memorable Kente and cultural dance.

His Majesty, Nana Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was represented by Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem I, Tepahene. Led by traditional gun and sword-carrying royal guards, drummers and Adowa dancers, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem 1 arrived in the Grand Ball Room much to bewilderment of cheering fans and the expectant crowd. Other dignitaries include Chiefs, Queens, elders and members of Ghanaian Communities across the USA and Canada. A few celebrants flew into Chicago from Ghana and Europe to witness the historic Ghanaian traditional Inauguration and Coronation. The Torontohene, Nana Sarkodie Bandoh stole the show on the first day from his fellow invited Chiefs and Queens when he arrived in the hall with the largest visiting group. He was trailing a stern looking “Brafo” in a traditional war attire and beautiful Adowa dancers!

The coronation of Nana Baffour and his 15 Sub-Chiefs as predicted was a remarkable and unforgettable sight. From the procession of his fellow Ghanaian Chiefs and Queens in Chicago and the invited Chiefs and Queens, to the professional Ghanaian cultural troupe from Cincinnati’s display of their mastery with different indigenous instruments including makeshift bells, gongs, different types of drums ,fontomfroms and metal castanets to name a few, transformed the ballroom into a native land of its own. The Adowa and Kete dancers, noted especially for their teasingly wiggling waists like wasps to the accompaniment of throbbing frontomfrom drums or kete and Adowa music brought the wildest excitement and admiration from the large crowd gathered in the luxurious ballroom.

Nana Addai and 15 of his sub-chiefs each swore before the Tepahene ,to the Asantehene, Nana Otumfuo’s “TAMKESIE” ! After each chief’s swearing-in, he was “showered” with powder and lifted amidst wild cheering and jubilations.

In a remark to the newly coroneted chief, the Tepahene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem exhorted Nana Addai Baffour to lead selflessly and help develop Asanteman and Ghana.

Nana Addai Baffour in turn thanked the Tepahene, invited guests and members of the Ghanaian community and all the attendees for their generous support in making the celebrations a success.

It is refreshing to reflect on the lines of Berko Akoto when he stated in a previous write up on this celebrations that “ As we become ambassadors of our heritage in representing our various countries, different ethnicities and countless cultures, we have to bear in mind that leaving legacies for our descendants is tantamount with our existence in making our lives prudently worthwhile.”

The Asanteman Association in Chicago would like to thank all sympathizers and well wishers who made the celebrations worthwhile!

June 2017

Two Chibok Girls Graduate From U.S. High School

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Chibok grad giving vote of thanks at the graduation reception

Chibok Girl with EMC sponsors showing her diploma Two Chibok schoolgirls who escaped from their Boko Haram abductors in 2014 have graduated from a high school in Washington DC, the United States Capital.

The two girls, known by their first names, Debbie and Grace, on Thursday graduated after completing junior year (11th grade) and senior year (12th grade) at a prestigious private international school in the Washington metro area in America.

This was disclosed through a press release on Friday by Emmanuel Ogebe, a U.S.-based human rights lawyer and the International Director of Education Must Continue Initiative, a Nigerian non-governmental organization involved in the care of the girls.

According to the release, Debbie and Grace were among 57 girls who escaped from the terrorists after the mass abduction of almost 300 of them at Government Girls State School in April 2014.

Unlike most of their colleagues who jumped out of the trucks in which they were being herded away into captivity, the two girls arrived the terrorists camp in Sambisa forest before escaping back home in a terrifying journey that took about a week with their captors in hot pursuit.

They were the last to escape until Amina Ali also escaped last year after two years with the terrorists.

The two schoolgirls were among a dozen Nigerian girls sponsored to schools abroad by the NGO with the help of Mr. Ogebe.

The NGO is run by victims of Boko Haram helping other victims to overcome the impact of the insurgency.

“By this graduation, Debbie and Grace became the first escaped Chibok girls to graduate from an American high school with diplomas after completing and meeting academic standards,” Mr. Ogebe stated.

Chibok girl with her proud American sister and family “This comes three years after terrorists interrupted their education during their final year in school in northeast Nigeria. Several other girls had dropped out of EMC’s school abroad project after managing to graduate from middle school (8th grade) last year and are now attempting to take the GED exam (external GCE equivalent).

“On hand to witness the historic graduation of the two Chibok girls in the class of 2017 were a delegation from Nigeria which included the founders and directors of Education Must Continue Initiative, Mr and Mrs Paul Gadzama, and the parent of one of the girls who travelled all the way from Chibok in North-east Nigeria.

“The only Chibok girl currently pursuing a degree programme in an American university, cut short her summer vacation in Nigeria

to return for the graduation of her colleagues. The girls’ American host families and Mr. Ogebe and his family were among the audience who witnessed the historic graduation.

“The class of 2017 was the 50th graduation of the school which was the first high school in America to win a prestigious President’s award last year. The Chibok girls were among only 21 students who graduated as a few international students were unable to graduate.

In remarks during a celebratory reception, the Chibok girls thanked their host families and the NGO volunteers from EMC for supporting them to achieve their dreams. They particularly appreciated them for driving the girls daily to and from school for two years.

“Also speaking, the parent visiting from Nigeria stated that he had personally seen that the team had done more for his daughter in America than he could have done for them in Nigeria and thanked them for their love”.

Recounting how the initiative started, Mr. Ogebe said he first brought the orphan of a pastor murdered by Boko Haram to school in the U.S in 2013.

Mr. Ogebe “appreciated the sacrifice of EMC founders, Mr. and Mrs. Gadzama, who flew at their own expense to witness the girls’ graduation after missing their own daughter’s graduation with a masters in Public Health (MPH) in Michigan just a few weeks earlier.”

He also thanked EMC’s “American volunteer Education Adviser, Deanna who helped obtain admission and scholarships to the exclusive $35,000 per year school for her role after their former school tried to take advantage of them. The girls had to repeat 11th grade after their initial school failed to meet up to its obligations”.

Mr. Ogebe said the girls won several awards, including for “Most hard-working student in English as Second Language 3”.

“This is an outstanding feat for Chibok girls especially given the fact that in Nigeria, most continue to speak in Hausa to the consternation of many Nigerians. This shows that our education model of immersion – placing the students in American homes – was immensely successful as they are now able to engage confidently, communicate effectively and blossom generally.

“This is why the girls in EMC’s US program are the most articulate Chibok girls anywhere in the world.”

“Confirming this, host parents including lawyers, doctors and accountants narrated tales of how Americanized the girls are

quoting one as saying ‘mum, the weather is gross’ while on another occasion explaining to her host mum, an American doctor, how Uber, the app-based taxi service, operates.”

Chibok grad giving vote of thanks at the graduation reception Chibok grad giving vote of thanks at the graduation reception With this graduation, Mr. Ogebe said EMC has no more students in high school in the US. “All are now post-secondary level and exceed all the Chibok girls in the Nigerian programs run by the Federal Government and Borno State government. EMC and AUN’s programs are the two most advanced programs for Chibok girls.

“The fact that these girls could succeed in spite of the worst of terrorism and the opposition of their own government no less is proof that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the march of a girl committed to achieving her dreams or any band of individuals united to support them. They are truly a testament to the indomitable human spirit under guidance of a great God. “Not one iota of support has come from any government anywhere. Rather we have paid the Nigerian and U.S governments numerous times for various needs for the girls.

“At the end of the day, our labour of love has been crowned with success in spite of all the naysayers and saboteurs. To God alone by the glory. We thank all our friends and supporters,” Mr. Ogebe stated. http://www.premiumtimesng.com

Trivia 15 Ways To Know You Are At A Ghanaian Party

(1) You were given one invitation card, but you invite 20 other friends.

(2) You call the attention of the people serving food by saying "please Madam we haven't eaten in this area o!"

(3) Even when it was obvious that no alcohol was served, you still ask "don't you have any alcohol?

(4) At a kids party scheduled to start at 5pm and finishing at 12am, you arrive with kids (some of them already sleeping) at 11pm.

(5) You go back to ask for more food and drinks.

(6) You dance to "Daddy Lumba " or "Kontihene" music as if your life depended on it.

(7) You hear people talking, as if they are in a fight, about sports and politics.

(8) Towards the end of the party you see people going into the kitchen helping themselves to "take away" food and drinks.

(9) You ask the DJ to play a specially recorded cassette tape or CD you brought with you.

(10) You ask the caretaker of the hired hall to extend the party time by bribing him with money and drinks.

(11) Most of the guys are frowning and cursing because fufu, waatche, kenkey or banku wasn't served.

(12) More than two bouncers are at the door that leads to where the foods/drinks are kept.

(13) The men are sitting in groups, instead of sitting with their women or they are hanging out by the food table talking loudly and spitting right into the food.

(14) On the dance floor, you have women dancing alone or with women and men dancing alone or with men.

(15) Most of the guys are hanging around outside, attending to "business" with cellular phones. The hall empties immediately after food has been served.

and one sure sign that you are at a Ghanaian party - nobody wants to be the first to arrive at the party.

June 2017

You know you are Ghanaian if ......

1. You unwrap all your gifts carefully, so that you can reuse the wrapping.

2. You don't have genuine Tupperware, only use margarine, ice-cream and yoghurt tubs.

3. You call an older person you've never met before 'uncle' or 'aunty.'

4. More than 90% of the music CD's and cassettes in your home are illegal copies.

5. Your garage is always full of stuff because you never throw anything away, just in case you need it someday.

6. You have a collection of miniature shampoo bottle from your stays at hotels.

7. You have almost always overweight baggage when travelling by plane.

8. If a store has a limit on the quantity of a product, then each member of the family will join separate queues to purchase the maximum quantity possible.

9. All children have annoying nicknames.

10. Nobody in your family informs you that they are coming over for a visit.

11. You stuff your pockets with, mints and toothpicks at restaurants.

12. Your mother has a minor disagreement with her sister and does not talk to her for 10 years.

13. You only make telephone calls at a cheaper rate at night.

14. You teach others swear words in your language.

15. You never have less than 20 people to meet you at the airport or see you off even if it is a local flight.

16. You keep changing your Internet Service Provider because the first month is free.

17. Office supplies mysteriously find their way to your home.

18. You don't buy a printer because it is cheaper to do it at work.

19. You wash your car on a Sunday.

20. Weddings never start at the appointed time.

21. You always lie about the ages of your children if they have to pay higher admission fees.

22. When you are young, your parents buy you clothes at least two sizes too big so that they would last longer.

23. At least one of your uncles is a teacher.

24. You have a 10 kg bag of rice in the kitchen.

http://www.ghanaweb.com

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25. You always read the Sport sections of the Sunday newspapers first.

Source: http://www.ghanaweb.com

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Meet Nigeria’s Obinna Ukwuani, The MIT Graduate Who Is Building Africa’s First STEM School

Most graduates of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston have their choice of sixfigure-salary jobs after graduation.

But for one graduate, a different calling has meant he’s sacrificed a comfortable life and taken a big risk to follow his dream: to open Africa’s first STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) school in Nigeria.

Nigerian-American Obinna Ukwuani, who grew up in Washington D.C., went back to Nigeria for eighth and ninth grades as his family felt it was important for him to know his roots. He had a revelation when he returned during his freshman year at MIT. “I met up with my peers, the friends and classmates I’d met during my time there and it was shocking to see how far behind me they were. It was a very real experience for me,” says Ukwuani. The edge, he realized, was due to his schooling in the United States. The imbalance he recognized, he says, “was an injustice.”

“In the U.S., if you work hard, you’ll be fine in this life.

So I had that moment where I knew I wanted to improve things in Nigeria.”

Robotics boot camp.

Ukwuani’s sudden realization eventually led to the launch of a robotics summer school in Lagos for high school students from 2012 to 2014. The Exposure Robotics Academy taught 113 boys and girls from 17 states around Nigeria how to code and build robots.

The five-week residential program hired MIT students to mentor Nigerian high school students in a program sponsored by Shell Oil. Recently, a documentary based on the program, “Naija Beta”, won “Best Documentary Film” at the Roxbury International Film Festival. He’s hoping on repeating the experience with a new STEM school.

Taking risks

It’s early days but initial investment for the school, to be called Makers Academy, is happening, and Ukwuani’s sleepless nights are starting to pay off.

“I really believe in what I’m doing,” he says.

After writing a business plan, Ukwuani spent five months shopping it around before four investors came forward, each offering a $50,000 investment.

“It’s a long-term model. It could be a decade before they get their money back,” he says.Ukwuani believes Nigeria’s biggest issue presently is that the country doesn’t produce anything. “We import everything, and it comes back to education. We’re not doing a good job,” he says. He’s hoping to change that. When the school opens in Abuja (he projects this will happen in 2018 or 2019), Ukwuani is aiming for 600 students living on the Makers Academy campus.

While there are other schools in Africa offering STEM education, the Academy would be the first such campus of its kind.

Similar to himself, the students will possess a certain proficiency in mathematics and an aptitude for building things.

“I was taking things apart when I was 10 years old. If you had purchased a remote control car, I would rip it apart and put it back together,” recalls Ukwuani.

The current economic situation in Nigeria could be a benefit, he says. The recession is forcing people to bring kids studying abroad back to Nigeria. “Now more than ever we need more options — and we don’t have them.” Hopefully Makers Academy will be the first of many for Nigeria’s youth.

Source:howafrica.com

June 2017

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Meet Congolese Makao: The ‘Giant’ Bodyguard Of French President Emmanuel Macron During His Presidential Campaign!!

Do the Wanda Boys often like to show they have the muscles here out there?

Here is the big brother of the big arm. 2m13 for 140 Kg! Yes, he is Congolese and it was the French president who found him to ensure his safety during the presidential campaign. His name is Makao and he was nicknamed “The Tiger”!

With his look of impenetrable sphinx, his headset stuck to his ear, his unique hairstyle, imperturbability and giant size: the Congolese colossus Makao succeeded in imposing himself in the image of the brilliant campaign that the candidate became President Emmanuel Macron has led in recent months.

Wanda People, a native of Kinshasa in the Congo is a giant in the first sense of the term with measurements that make you flee the problems as soon as you see it. Naturally as a good security guard, there is very little information circulating about this mastodon except that his first language is the lingala he uses most often.

Nicknamed the Tiger because of his beard and his white hair in some place (each his part of nooor style), Makao almost took the spotlight to his boss during certain meetings, being the attraction of the visitors who wanted at all costs to take A selfie with him. This is justified because it is not every day that we meet a man of this magnitude.

Today, President Macron has been given the services of the Security Group of the Republic (Presidential Guard), composed of 64 members, depending on the choice of the president, either from the gendarmerie or from the national police . For the difficult time of knowing if Emmanuel Macron will still appeal to Makao as a member of this team, but what is sure is that because of the notoriety he acquired with this election, no doubt that unemployment can not Be part of his current vocabulary.

Mathew Source:howafrica.com

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About the Author William deGraftColeman is a Journalist, a Social Commentator, and founder of Gold Mind Enterprises LLC., in the State of Florida. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Colorado State University. And Bachelor’s degree from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He is the author of Reflections from Beyond.

Folks, I am kinda wondering if anyone thought about this; our hurts are meant to be used as tools, tools for nurturing; whoever said the time spent by the “Tool Maker” were wasted years! To draw home my point, guys, shall we briefly immerse ourselves in the following real life happenstances?

****************** It was dawn before Ninette Pertey could stop trembling. The chill she felt was bone deep. Kenneth was dead. She wanted to curl up in a ball. She wanted to disappear. She wanted to die. She laid there, desolate, thinking about the love of her life.

It’s been two weeks since her husband died, having lived an ill-fated life. Now she has to plan the funeral.

She walked into Kenneth’s closet. There were two racks filled with suits. Each outfit held a treasured memory.

There was the tan suit Kenneth had been wearing the first time they met at the art gallery. Could she select it for him? How would his lifeless body look in that expensive suit? She shook her head apprehensively. Kenneth is gone, gone like the wind. Her fingers touched the next one. It was the light gray sport jacket Kenneth had been wearing on their first date. It was a picnic. She reflected a moment, picturing the memorable scene. She shook her head forlornly. She couldn’t let go of the memory neither could she let go of the jacket. She moved over to the next and the next and the next; the navy blazer, the suede jacket, on and on and on. At one blue jacket, she wrapped the arms around herself and hugged it. With each of them, it was a cherished remembrance. Tears welled up her eyes quickly, knowing that she could not pick a single one.

Moments later, still sobbing, she closed her eyes shut, and grabbing one at random, she fled the closet of her dead husband…

******************* Francisca was a woman candle that had exploded into the world of fashion at the beginning of the century. She was in her late twenties, a Ghanaian – American with

Nurturing Tools

skin the color of melted honey and a face that was a photographer’s dream. She had intelligent soft brown eyes, sensual full lips, lovely long legs and a figure filled with erotic promise. Her dark hair was cut short in a deliberate flair, with a few strands sprawling across her forehead.

As she finished dressing, she looked around the executive suite, feeling as always, a sense of wonder. The apartment was spectacular. It was located in one of the magnificent skyscrapers lining the banks of the Potomac River. The apartment itself had a double door entry that opened into an elegant hall with high ceilings and soft red panels. The living room had been furnished with electric mixture of French and Regency furniture. From the terrace across the river, was the Washington memorial. Francisca was looking forward to the coming weekend. Her husband of six months was going to take her out, for a treat. She smiled to herself. Her husband was the most wonderful man in the world. Francisca glanced at her wristwatch and sighed. The fashion show starts in less than an hour.

A few moments later, she left the apartment, heading down the hallway toward the elevator. As she did so, the door of a neighboring apartment opened and Mrs. Aidoo came into the corridor. A small, stocky woman, she always had a friendly word for Francisca.

Whilst exchanging pleasantries, a burly man in work overalls was adjusting a wall fixture a few feet away. On seeing the two women, he quickly turned away. Consumed with their hearty conversation, they had missed him completely.

The elevator door arrived, Francisca and Mrs. Aidoo stepped in.

The man in the work clothes spoke rapidly into a cell phone and disappeared behind a large curtain. As the elevator doors started to close, Francisca heard the telephone ring in her apartment. She hesitated. She was in a hurry.

For all she knew it could be her husband calling. He was always in the habit of pulling surprises.

“You go ahead, Mrs. Aidoo.” She directed.

Francisca stepped out of the elevator, fumbled for her keys, and ran back to her apartment. After unlocking the door, she raced to the ringing phone and picked it up, blushing with excitement. The rich baritone voice of her husband spoke hurriedly, pleasantly cautioning her to stay put, that he was already on his way up.

Francisca put the phone down. As she did so, there was a tremendous crash that shook the whole building. A moment later, there was a babble of voices and loud screams. Horrified, she rushed into the hall to see what had happened. The sounds were coming from below. Francisca ran down the long flight of stairs and when she finally arrived at the lobby, she heard loud excited voices coming from the basement. Apprehensively, she went down the stairs to the basement, and stood in shock as she saw the crushed elevator car. In between the smashed sliding doors was the horribly mangled body of Tony, her husband.

Had Francisca noted the man in the work clothes, a few minutes ago, she would have instantly recognized the disguised features of her husband’s former boss, whose envious position had now been taken over by her husband, Tony, a man twenty years younger, a youth…

******************* Guys, the above real life scenarios you would agree have one single theme, one thread, and this connection is nothing but pain or tragedy. Not to talk of the unseen emphasis on one fact; that life is transient, life, our life here is anything but brief. That we whittle away either by old age, sickness, accident or plot. What then is pain? And what is tragedy? Why do they happen, and how do we heal from these sometimes unavoidable atrocities? These troubling questions have confounded humanity since creation but considering what the Good Book had variously explained, and prescribed as to why, and how to deal with such travails, a close look even at our own bodies, at our very own anatomy reveals a deliberate design of structures and organs made of nerves, tissues and protein. These play salient functions and uses. Here is a tiny illustration; Consider the Tear gland, a very small structure confined around our eyeballs.

Apart from their primary role of serving as lubricants, these glands discharge salty fluids to commemorate several occasions, some

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occasions sad, some joyous, but mostly sad, supporting the divine fact that these occurrences, these life situations form a very nuclear part of our existence here on earth. That either by plan or celestial intention, we’ve got to endure these mayhems, these atrocities. Our tear gland is a precursor that life ahead is turbulent, has ups and downs, has moments of joy and moments of sorrow, for which this gland will serve its purpose, of which this gland is put to good use.

Seriously, folks, we have no choice but to bear, withstand and go through this real life phenomenon. Does it make sense as a friend once pondered out loud for the Creator to bring into being, into existence something as unpleasant, and matter of fact painful such as tragedy, or pain or death? Did He need to create such an overwhelming yet enabling environment, questioned another, only for the ugly scenarios narrated above to rear their heads? Again the Good Book through the use of metaphors etc, elucidates abundantly clear what gave birth to these anomalies. It explains adequately why as humans, largely made of flesh and blood, we are limited immensely by our ability to perceive the size, the scope, the purpose, and power of our Creator, hindered pretty much, unable to envision the magnificent One in charge of all things - the God of old, the Ancient of Days. Plainly, we cannot grasp His reasoning for we are incapable. We are too minute in size, not insignificant but infinitesimal, and impure in stature and standing, unqualified for such a herculean task, a task of figuring Him out.

So then, guys, friends, the million dollar question is; where does that leave us? Where do we go from here? As a people with common destiny, experiences and fate, what do we do?

Where do we go from here? Of course, God’s word provides a much needed solace, and countless support systems, but here is the deal. There is a silver lining, and that is nothing but the concept of interdependence. A notion so innate, and so native that we can barely survive without it. In economics and in ecology, we are in lock step with each other, responsible to each other, at the family level and corporate. Through interdependence, which in my opinion is a kind of social contract among and between us, we are able to share our triumphs, and failures with each other. We are able to advise, counsel, motivate and guide one another in so many ways. Most especially in times of sorrow and pain, the gifts of empathy and sympathy come into play. They are vital. They are our collective experiences both good and bad that serves as the tool, the impetus to contain and look beyond, to the futuristic moment when we shall claim our divine inheritance, our heavenly heritage as is assured in His word.

So going forward, let us be in the know that nothing is wasted, that everything that happens to us have solid reasons behind them. That they are for our ultimate benefit as we strive to seek His face. We are feeble but guess what; it is our feeble nature that makes the journey worthwhile. Check this out; if we humans, nonentities like us wouldn’t waste our time. If we care so much about how we spend our time, how much more the Omnipotent, the Maker of all things? If you don’t have time to spare, so does He. Every time He has spent is accounted for. Will be accounted for. Nothing of His is wasted. The concept of recycle is a 100% testament of His word that says among others that everything He has made was good, is very good. Both animate and inanimate. It’s not only a matter of faith alone but that of perspective as well.

So beloved, do not try to figure Him out. Don’t even go there, because you can’t. And you are not a waste, no one is.

The time He spent on you, the time and the effort He is making on your behalf is sure bound to bear fruit. So just chill…

Our hurts are meant to be used as tools, tools for nurturing; whoever said the time spent by the “Tool Maker” were wasted years!

Please reflect and be blessed. Thanks and see you next time.

Top 7 Strongest Currencies in Africa 1. LIBYAN DINAR LYD (1$= 1.4116)

Based on its exchange rate to the dollar and its purchasing power, the Libyan dinar is Africa’s strongest currency. One dollar currently exchanges for about 1.4116 Libyan dinars. This is an impressive achievement considering that the North African country has been cut up in a civil conflict since former strongman Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in the 2011 Arab spring uprising. Some analyst believe the currency has been buoyed by the country’s extensive oil reserves and its role as a gateway for African migrants looking to enter Europe.

2. GHANAIAN CEDIS GHS (1$=4)

Ghana is the only West African country on this list. One USD currently exchanges for 4 Ghanaian cedis, making it the second most valuable currency on our list. Ghana boasts one of the most stable democracies in Africa, and the economy is well managed. In addition, despite the slump in commodity prices, the recent discovery of oil has served to boost the economy.

3.SUDANESE POUNDS SDG (1$=6.4)

Despite decades of civil war, Sudan has managed to keep the value of its official currency respectable through a series of re-evaluations, with the most recent coming in 2011 and $1 currently exchanging for 6.4 Sudanese pounds. Crude oil exports, fishing, and agriculture remain the major sources of the government’s revenue.

4. ZAMBIAN KWACHA ZMW (1$=9.84)

The kwacha is the official currency of Zambia. The exchange rate is currently 1USD for about 9.84 Zambian kwacha, making it one of the most valuable currencies in southern Africa. Zambia maybe considered another of the surprise inclusions on this list since its economy is largely agrarian with some extra revenue coming in from the tourism sector.

5. MOROCCAN DIRHAM MAD (1$=9.9)

Morocco boasts one of the strongest currencies in Africa, with $1 currently exchanging for about 9.9 Moroccan dirham. The economy is built around tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture.

6. BOTSWANA PULA BWP (1$=10.8)

The pula is Botswana’s official currency, with $1 worth about 10.8 Botswanan pula. The Botswanan economy is often regarded as an African success story; the country enjoys one of the highest Human Development Indexes (HDI) on the continent. Government revenue is derived from mining, cattle ranching, and the service sector.

7. SOUTH AFRICAN RAND ZAR (1$=14)

Alongside Nigeria, South Africa boasts one of the continent’s strongest economies; however, a sluggish global economy and a fall in commodity prices has hit the rand in recent times with its value declining against the dollar. It currently exchanges for 14 rand to every 1USD.

BY MARK BABATUNDE,

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African Currency Exchange Rate To The US Dollar Convert USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD USD

Convert To

Algerian Dinar Angolan Kwanza Botswana Pula Burundi Franc Cape Verde Escudo CFA BCEAO Franc CFA BEAC Franc Djibouti Franc Egyptian Pound Ethiopian Birr Gambian Dalasi Ghanaian Cedi Guinea Franc Kenyan Shilling Lesotho Loti Libyan Dinar Malawi Kwacha Mauritius Rupee Moroccan Dirham Namibian Dollar Nigerian Naira Rwanda Franc Somali Shilling South African Rand Sundanese Pound Swaziland Lilangeni Tanzanian Shilling Tunisian Dinar Uganda Shilling Zambian Kwacha

As Of 6/1/2017 10:15 PM

Exchange Rate 108.36323 165.92076 10.26883 1725.36559 98.93307 584.78047 584.78047 178.90561 18.00163 23.08624 46.08659 4.36014 9080.79318 103.30322 12.89415 1.37004 725.03363 34.67609 9.75151 12.89415 314.45987 841.59171 578.73803 12.89250 6.69021 12.89415 2237.07028 2.43023 3595.11238 9.34334

Source: http://www.exchange-rates.org/currentRates

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WHY PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT MUST INVEST IN REAL ESTATE

Dear Reader,

It is always a pleasure to have this opportunity to ink these articles to you. I anticipate you have had the opportunity to read some of the past real estate articles I have put forth in this paper titled: “Why People of African Descent Must Invest in Real Estate”, “The Joy of Home Ownership”, “A Comeback from Short Sale or Foreclosure”, Simple Steps to make Home Ownership a Reality”, and “Tips on Buying a Home After a Short Sale”; just to name a few.

From these articles, I have had several readers contacted me asking important questions pertaining to the home ownership process. These questions posed by readers such as you gave birth to the following questions and answers. Here we go!

Question: What are the benefits of home ownership?

Answer: A home is an investment. When you rent, you are throwing money away. You write a monthly check and that money is gone forever. But when you own your home you enjoy a lot of benefits such as writing of your mortgage interest, you can deduct a room in your home as home office business expense and biggest advantage is the principle you pay on the mortgage is like putting money in the bank in the form of equity. Home ownership allow you landscape your yard/backyard how you want it, decorate/paint or renovate your house as you please without dealing with obstinate landlord. The joy of home ownership is endless.

Question: What documents are required?

Answer: Copies of bank account statements; most recent paycheck stub detailing your earnings; copies of your last 2 years' income tax returns; statement of any investments, list of debts on loans and employment verification.

Question: What credit score do I need?

Answer: The credit score criteria defer from lender to lender. There are lenders who will 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; however there are eligibility guidelines set for one to be approved. There is the most common type of loan known as FHA. Typically, FHA requires a 3.5% down payment of the loan amount or the total sale price of the transaction.

Question: In addition to the mortgage payment, what other costs will I be responsible for?

Answer: Well, if you are renting and utilities are covered in your rent, this might be new to you. As a home owner you will be responsible for paying your gas, electricity, water, insurance, property taxes, and possible homeowner association (HOA) fees. Typically, property taxes are rolled into your mortgage payment.

Question: I have foreclosed/short sale in the past, can I still buy now?

Answer: Yes, it is definitely possible to come back to buy a house again after foreclosure or short sale of a property.

Question: I have filed for bankruptcy, how long will it take before I am able to buy again?

Answer: If you filed Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it takes about a year from the time it was fully closed or recorded. If you filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy, it takes about 3 years from the time it was fully closed or recorded.

The good news is that law makers are constantly reviewing these laws, therefore, I recommend you reach out to me to connect you to a loan officer who will be able to review your unique situation and offer a solution to it.

I hope this addresses some of the burning questions you have for making the bold decision to emerge into the idea of home ownership.

For more information about your real estate needs (buying, selling, and leasing/renting a house) call me at 571-229-6694 and I will help you get started.

Blessings in full portion!

Anita A. Bediako- REALTOR® –Licensed in the Common Wealth of Virginia Prince William CountyLocal Expert CONTACT 571-229-6694 Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com Borderlessrealestate.com

Secure Your Future Get Life Insurance Call Today 571-778-1917 June 2017

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Investments opportunities

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June 2017

The Stanley Matthews Football Revolution Made In Ghana

THE STANLEY MATTHEWS FOUNDATION/JOHN D CROSS

Sir Stanley Matthews remains one of England's most famous footballers and was known as the Wizard of Dribble. But he was also arguably the first global icon, paving the way for superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. And it all began in Ghana, writes Scott Anthony.

Football is the closest thing the planet has to a global popular culture.

Wherever you go in the world, you'll find people kicking a ball around, watching matches in cafes, wearing replica shirts, and betting or playing football games on their phones.

Yet the idea of a footballer as a global icon is a relatively recent phenomenon. The idea that a footballer could bring nations, classes and races together had to be invented. And it was an idea that was arguably invented in Africa.

The story begins 60 years ago in Ghana when veteran English footballer Stanley Matthews strode out to play for Accra's Hearts of Oak against Kumasi Kotoko.

'A god among us' Newly crowned as the first European Player of the Year, Matthews came to Ghana to play a series of exhibition matches to celebrate independence.

"Matthews' visit had a tremendous impact," says football writer Fiifi Anaman. "When I spoke with some of the players about it, they said they couldn't believe Matthews came - it felt almost as if a god was walking among them."

The media had hyped up the visit, speculating how local hero Baba Yara, "Ghana's King of Wingers", would measure up against the superstar of European soccer.

Matthews was mobbed on arrival and more than 80,000 spectators turned up to watch his first three matches against Kotoko, Sekondi Hasaacas and Kumasi Cornerstone.

Shortly after his arrival, Matthews was presented with an ivory sword and installed as a "soccerhene" (soccer chief) in front of the press.

Using sport to promote pan-Africansism Matthews' tour of the region led people to compare European and African styles of football.

Newspapers emphasised that Matthews rarely ran, played corners short and almost never passed the ball off the ground. He avoided heading the ball.

His visit prompted calls for Ghanaians to prioritise teamwork and alertness over effort and physicality.

Even more importantly, Matthews arrived as Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah, was trying to create an identity for Ghana - a country knitted together from numerous different ethnic groups under colonial rule.

Removing the portrait of Elizabeth II from stamps and coins was easy but it was more difficult to create new symbols capable of bringing the new nation together.

In particular, President Nkrumah stressed the need for real-life examples. He wanted to emphasise the idea that you live your values rather than passively inherit them.

Born 1 February 1915 in Stoke Played for Stoke City, Blackpool and England Did not smoke or consume alcohol and drank carrot juice every day Known as the Wizard of Dribble Won only major trophy in "Matthews Final", when Blackpool beat Bolton 4-3 in 1953 Won inaugural European Footballer of the Year award in 1956 On 15 May 1957, aged 42 and 103 days, became the oldest person to play for England 1965: First footballer to be knighted Never booked or sent off Died aged 85 in 2000 - his ashes are buried beneath the centre circle at Stoke's stadium The story of Sir Stanley Matthews The success of Matthews' tour helped convince Mr Nkrumah that sport could also play a significant role in the dissemination of African values.

At this defining moment, Matthews was playing alongside the early greats of Ghanaian football such as James Adjaye, Chris Briandt and CK Gyamfi, who would go on to define that greatness.

Ultimately, Ghana's president believed that sport was the perfect vehicle for the expression of pan-African idealism.

"By meeting together in the field of sport," Mr Nkrumah said, "the youth of Africa will learn what our elders were prevented from learning - that all Africans are brothers with a common destiny."

In the years immediately after independence, Ghanaian football would not only serve as a vehicle for the development of what the president termed "the African personality" but be invested with the hope that it could help build a new kind of global solidarity.

'The saint of soccer' The England international, aged 42 when he arrived in Ghana, was a compelling if unusual figure.

He had become a celebrity during World War Two when Allied authorities promoted the matches of touring All Star XIs to keep up morale in war zones.

Here Matthews was a propagandist's dream. In addition to his amazing dribbling ability, he was never booked and lived an ascetic life. The contrast between Matthews' modesty and the icons of Fascist sport could not be clearer.

After Matthews' Blackpool beat Bolton in the 1953 FA Cup final, popularly known as "the Matthews final", his fame was propelled worldwide through newsreels and television.

Affection for "Our Stan" grew as his stringent fitness regime allowed him to play professional football until the age of 50. During his visit, Ghanaian newspapers labelled him "the Saint of Soccer" as he visited schools and hospitals.

Independent Ghana required its own brand of heroic gentlemen.

Approachable but exceptional, the example of the "soccerhene" encouraged Ghana's government to make sport and sports stars central to their project.

As independence spread throughout the African continent, Mr Nkrumah's use of sport for nation-building would be widely imitated.

Later in the 1960s, it would become fashionable for icons of global sport, from Pele to Muhammad Ali, to make pilgrimages to newly independent African states.

Immediately after Matthews' visit, the Englishman George Ainsley was appointed manager of the national team, the "Black Stars".

Ghana became the first African nation to tour Eastern Europe and the first sub-Saharan African nation to qualify for the Olympic Games.

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In 1963 CK Gyamfi would coach Ghana to victory in the African Cup of Nations, a trophy they retained in 1965.

Mr Nkrumah also pushed Fifa to guarantee a spot for an African side at the World Cup, which was introduced after African nations boycotted the 1966 World Cup. Matthews himself would become a regular visitor to Africa, playing and coaching in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

In later life he favourably contrasted the collective spirit of African football, especially in Soweto, with the economic bigotry he saw taking over the game in the UK. "Going into the townships at a time when racial discrimination was at its most intense [was] something that had all kinds of ramifications," remembered Archbishop Desmond Tutu. "It made a dent in the apartheid armoury."

In Ghana, President Nkrumah's politicisation of football would prove a double-edged sword, as the regime's centralising and authoritarian tendencies eventually brought the league into disrepute and fanned regional factionalism.

Internationally, however, African governmental activism broke the European and South American duopoly over football and in the process the idea that football was an uncontainable and universalising global force was born.

Scott Anthony is a fellow at the Johannesburg Institute of Advanced Study

Matthews was installed as a "soccerhene" (soccer chief

Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah (r), was inspired by Matthews visit to use sport as a national unifier

Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA-USA) holds first Dinner Dance Fundraiser in Maryland USA Afrikan

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The Mfantsipim Old Boys Association (MOBA) gathered in Maryland in the USA on the Memorial Day weekend (May 26th – 28th, 2017) for a 3-day conference, networking, and fundraiser event in the Diaspora as they sought to positively impact the school, the country and execute projects.

The climax of the 3-day conference which sought to also harness the role of MOBA outside Ghana and particularly in North America was on Saturday, May 27, 2017. At 8 PM that day the event was highlighted by a well-attended maiden Dinner Dance Fundraiser at La Fontaine Bleue in Lanham, Maryland.

Attendees of the event which was chaired by Prof.

Robert Yaasi was mostly composed of MOBA boys from 1970 to the 2010 year groups who came from all over the US. Three of old boys came from Canada.

There were 6 other attendees who flew to the event from Ghana, notably among those were the MOBA Ebusuapayin; Capt. Paul Forjoe and Mr. Charles Cobbina who is national MOBA organizer in Ghana.

MOBA Ebusuapayin Capt. Paul Forjoe in his message for the event “hoped that it will be an annual event and a recollection of experiences at the school”, he thanked all present, from old boys to others who came from other schools in support of the occassion.

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of the best ways to help a school “would be to help it attract and retain good quality staff. This calls for providing some incentives and training to all levels of staff, including the headmaster, retirees, and the administrative staff.”

Among other things Prof. Wright also called for the provision of support to students, not just needy students but academically excellent ones too, suggesting the introduction of scholarship incentives by MOBA-USA for which students in their first years can compete.

President of MOBA-USA Pratt Abrokwa, urged members to extend their friendships to other year groups as well. He also encouraged members to pay their dues and “participate in MOBA-USA activities and programs and contribute towards the MOBA-USA scholarship program and endowment fund.”

Left to right: Prof. Yaasi, Pratt Abrokwa, Paul Forjoe, Prof & Mrs. Wright

There was room for fun and activities for others outside the Mfantsipim fraternity

Activities on the MOBA Conference timetable included: on Friday, May 26th there was happy hour and Networking with Adisadel College (Adisco) from 6 PM at the Mango Cafe, Bladensburg, Maryland (MD). The following Saturday morning saw a MOBA RoundTable Addresses by speakers to the old boys at the event Prof. Robert Yaasi, the Chairman of the occasion, in his Brunch Session from 9 AM to midday at the Cape Coast Restaurant in Beltsville, MD. Sunday address debunked the assertion among some members Afternoon witnessed a family picnic from 11 AM of the public that MOBA is living in old glory. In his to 6 PM at the Acredale Park in College Park remarks, he said “the Mfantsipim Old Boy of today is where the games and activities for family and dynamic, energetic, creative, strong and delivers in children occured. every field of endeavor. A very competitive fighter.”

The Family Picnic on Sunday and recreational sports activities between Adisco old boys and Mfantsipim saw MOBA-USA win the Golf competition by 37:43. Adisco came in stronger in Table Tennis when they defeated MOBA by 2:1 with both schools recording a tie in soccer with a scoreline of 2:2.

Prof. Yaasi is a seasoned journalist who has worked with almost every major US news house and is credited It was not an all men affair, the 3-day event also featured representatives from historically prestiwith spearheading the founding an amalgamation of gious girls schools in Ghana that included MOBA in the US and Canada.

MOBA sister school; Wesley Girls high school.

Krobo Girls, Saint Louis High School, and Aburi Prof. Albert M. Wright in delivering the Keynote Girls high school were other girls schools repreaddress at the event maintained that the 3-day event, sented and notable boys schools such as Prempeh particularly the Dinner Dance Fundraiser was “a very noble and praiseworthy cause”, he also appreciated the College in Kumasi were represented. theme of the maiden event – ‘The Role of Mfantsipim Old Boys in Diaspora’, and said “it is my hope that by Mfantsipim is a Methodist secondary school in Cape Coast, Ghana, with origins as the first ever the end of the event it will be very clear to us all what secondary school to be established in the then that role should be.”

Gold Coast, which is now Ghana. The school nicknamed Kwabotwe was established April 3, Noted as the Ghanaian engineer and technologist who 1876. Mfantsipim Old Boys Association USA, introduced the Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit Inc (MOBA-USA), is a registered 501 © charity (KVIP), Prof Wright is a Ph.D. degree holder in Civil in the United States and all donations to the Engineering from the University of California at organization are tax-deductible.

Berkeley and an honorary degree holder from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology Find out more about the Mfantsipim old boys’ (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana. alumni by emailing MfantsipimUSA@gmail.com, they are aslo on The keynote speaker praised John Mensah Sarbah, a Facebook. foundational figure in the then Gold Coast (now Ghana) who played pivotal roles in the founding of Mfantsipim and the political history of Ghana, he then Source: Oral Ofori / TheAfricanDream.com went on personally to suggest that in his opinion, one

Some MOBA 80’s boys

He continued, “We are confident that this is not a flash in the pan, but rather a monumental and promising start at fostering camaraderie, fellowship, and unity among all sons (and daughters) of Mfantsipim, in the United States”.

Some MOBA wives at the event

Some MOBA 90’s boys

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Nana Amuah-Afenyi VI Of Otuam Consoles Captain Mahama’s Family

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Anna Mensah-Nti Honored

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in private life as Peggy Bartels, noted that the death of Capt. Mahama is a great loss to the whole country and appealed to the Ghana Armed Forces to exercise restraint in the handling of the crime.

She commended President Nana Akufo Addo for the swift manner he responded to the murder of Captain Mahama and his assurance to the nation that the culprits of the heinous crime would be dealt with as the laws of the country demand.

Nana Afenyi asked the residents to volunteer information to the Police for a speedy investigation and trial of perpetrators of the murder of Captain Adam Mahama.

Nana Amuah-Afenyi VI, Omankrado of Ekumfi Otuam in the Central Region, has expressed her sincere condolences to the Mahama family, the wife and the Army unit of the late Captain Maxwell Adam Mahama, who was lynched by angry residents of Denkyira-Obuasi this week.

Captain Mahama was jogging on Monday dawn, May 29, 2017, when some residents of Denkyira-Obuasi perceived him for an armed robber and lynched him and burnt his body.

In a statement issued at her Silver Spring residence in Maryland, United States, Nana Afenyi, known

Kevin-Prince Boateng voted best Ghanaian player in Europe for 2016/17 season

Kevin-Prince Boateng has been voted the best Ghanaian player in Europe for the 2016/17 season.

The attacking midfielder secured more votes in a poll conducted by Ghanasportsonline.com.

The 29-year-old surpassed fellow countrymen Christian Atsu, Frank Acheampong and Abdul Majeed Waris.

Boateng secured 40% of the total votes cast followed by Christian Atsu who had 35%.

Frank Acheampong and Majeed Waris finished in third and fourth with 18% and 7% respectively.

The former AC Milan man who recently signed a three-year contract extension with Las Palmas was able to score 10 goals at the end of Spanish La Liga.

Anna Mensah Nti, the Founder of Access Home Care in Alexandria was honored in May 2017 by the Sierra Leone Community Builders Association for providing jobs in the community. Access Home care currently employs over 200 people in the Washington DC Metro Area.

Access is a privately owned corporation founded by Anna Mensah Nti and operated by trained and licensed health care professionals with a mission is to provide individuals with affordable, competent, comprehensive home care services.

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Embassy Chef Challenge 2017

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Chef Challenge was a great success and full of culture and fun! The 2017 Judges’ Choice was awarded to Chef Moha Fedal of Morocco with his Marrakech Tangia: lamb shoulder sealed in a clay jar called tangia (preserved lemon, saffron, tumeric, garlic, aged butter and olive oil. Chef Cynthia Verna from Haiti won the People’s Choice with her shrimp ceviche with plantain chips.

Andrew Gelfuso, VP of Global Business Development

Chef Moha Fedal of Morocco winning Judges Choice

Gelfuso announcing Judges Choice

Haiti's Winning Dish-shrimp ceviche with plantain chips

Morocco's Winning Dish-Marrakech Tangia: lamb shoulder sealed in a clay jar

Chef Cynthia Verna from Haiti Won the Peoples Choice Award

Dancers

Afrikan

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This time of the year is a great moment of reunion for the people of Baoulé .

Baoulé is an Akan tribe and one of the largest groups in Côte d’Ivoire. The Baoulé people originally lived in Ghana. This is where Abla Pokou was born early in the 18th century. She was the niece of King Osei Tutu, founder of the Ashanti confederation of Ghana. Baoulé left present day Ghana and traveled west into present day Côte d’Ivoire under the leadership of the Queen Pokou.

This time of reunion in ” Baoule ” they maintain and consolidate the spirit of solidarity and reconciliation.

Paquinou 2017 was celebrated in collaboration with Asanteman Association of New York The Baoulé community use this Paquinou event to celebrate with the Akan community from Ghana.

The invited guest for this year’s event was Côte d’Ivoire ambassador to United States Mr Diabaté Daouda, Consul Général M. Christophe Kouakou, and Army General Kousme Akissi.

Beautifully adorned kings, queens, clad in their traditional cloth and gold ornament amidst intensive drumming, singing, and dancing. The atmosphere was beautiful, it was a time of celebration of culture and friendship.

This Cultural event was a rare celebration of the Akan reunion. There rich and glamorous culture was on full display.

The rich cultural display thrilled Americans who were in attendance.

Ivoire Adeba” PAQUINOU 2017

Côte d’Ivoire ambassador to United States Mr Diabaté Daouda, Consul Général M. Christophe Kouakou

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Nana Okokyeredom Acheampong Tieku-Asantefoohene of New York