Afrikan Post June 2018 online version

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African Community News

Vol 10 Issue 6

June 2018

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Chef Francis Otoo Wins both the People's and the Judges' Choice Awards at the 2018 Embassy Affordable Web Design Chef Challenge in Washington DC Pg. 12 Call 703 725 6968 FRESH LOOK Hair Salon & Beauty Shop

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Ilhan Omar, Somali-American, Seeks Seat in Congress

Ilhan Omar is a Somali-American politician who escaped from Somalia as a child, grew up in a Kenyan refugee camp, and later immigrated to Minnesota.

Years after immigrating, she became the nation’s first and only Somali-American lawmaker when she won a seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Now, she is ready to become the first Somali-American member of Congress.

Aside from the hate she receives, she also has gained a lot of support, especially from other minorities, because of her commitment to public service and to hopefully serve as a voice to fight against Donald Trump’s travel ban.

“My success is not only for me, but for every Somali, Muslim and minority group, particularly the young girls in the Dadaab refugee camp, where I lived before coming to the U.S.,” Omar told the Daily Nation.

The withdrawal of Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress, from seeking a re-election bid was what prompted Omar to run. She is confident in winning, and on Aug. 14, an election will take place to choose the Democratic Party’s nominee for the seat.

“I have proven myself to be someone who shows up, takes on the hard fight and delivers, and I am ready to do that for the people of the 5th Congressional District,” Omar said.

Whether or not Omar wins, she is continuing to break barriers and remain a role model for women and people of color.

Montana Couser

Source: https://www.theroot.com:

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Chef Francis Otoo presents Embassy Chef Challenge Awards to Ambassador Adjei-Barwuah

Executive Chef Francis Otoo has presented his double-silver trophies won at the 10th-anniversary edition of the annual Embassy Chef Challenge to Ambassador Barfour Adjei-Barwuah, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States.

Chef Francis Otoo made the presentation at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC, barely a week after he won second-place prizes in the categories of the jury and public choices awards for cooking lamb Jollof as he represented Ghana at the Embassy Chef Challenge on May 17, 2018. This year’s event was the fifth time the Chef represented Ghana at the culinary competition.

While admiring the trophy, Ambassador Adjei-Barwuah in the company of embassy personnel said to Chef Otoo: “Your commitment to lifting high the flag of Ghana over the years as an Executive Chef is greatly appreciated and has eventually brought you this remarkable milestone.”

A letter of appreciation from the embassy signed by the Ambassador in part read, “We wish you every success in all your endeavors and pray for the good Lord’s continuous blessing on you and your family.” Chef Otoo said to TheAfricanDream.net that the letter was indeed a pleasant surprise.

He thanked the Ambassador and entire embassy staff for their support over the past half-decade when he began competing at the Embassy Chef Challenge and said outside the meeting to TheAfricanDream.net,

” I also want to thank everyone at Events DC and The Culinary project, TCMA, Cultural DC, and all who put this great event together as well as all who have supported me.

” Both the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice first place awards at this year’s Embassy Chef Challenge was won by Chef Sincioco-Mateo of the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC, but Chef Otoo’s second place awards ensured that Africa was well represented on the medals table.

Find the multi-award-winning US-based Ghanaian Chef on Twitter as @cheffrancisotoo to catch up with what’s latest with him, he is also on Facebook by his name.

Written by Oral Ofori

June 2018

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Annual fundraiser inches MOBA-USA closer to $1M Endowment Fund for Mfantsipim school

An amount of about $35,000 in cash and over $150,000 in pledges was realized at the annual convention of Mfantsipim Old Boys Association in the United States (MOBA-USA). These amounts were raised during the MOBA-USA annual dinner-dance and fundraiser held May 26, 2018, at Martins Crosswinds in Maryland (MD).

Mfantsipim is a Methodist Secondary School located in Cape Coast, Ghana. It’s the first ever secondary school established in the then Gold Coast (now Ghana). Nicknamed ‘Kwabotwe’, the school came to being on April 3, 1876. MOBA-USA is a registered 501 C3 alumni network charity of the school in the US that aims to leverage their network to maintain the founding legacy of the school for the future and benefit of humanity.

“Our overall goal is for MOBA-USA to raise $100k this year out of which the targeted objective is $1M in a decade for an endowment fund,” said MOBA-USA Organizing Secretary Dominic Osei Agyepong (MOBA ’93) to TheAfricanDream.net in an interview during the annual dinner-dance, the first of which was held last year.

MOBA-USA President Pratt Abrokwa (MOBA ’86) said this year’s theme for the 3-day event chaired by the Synod Secretary for the North America Mission Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana — Rev. Dr. Casely Essamuah (MOBA 81) — was ‘Re-Engineering For Success‘. Mr. Abrokwa told TheAfricanDream.net that “our priority this year is the MOBA Endowment Fund (MEF), as Dominic said, we plan to raise the needed money to be invested here in the US as seed money.

“These amounts raised tonight are encouraging, given that this is just our 2nd year doing this. We however remain confident in the fact we will be able to hit our ultimate target of $1M in a decade. We want to help not just with infrastructural projects within the school, but to ultimately free the school of dependence on the Ghana Education Service. Only interests from the MEF will be used to finance and maintain MOBA initiated projects at the school,” said an optimistic Mr. Abrokwa.

MOBA regulations’ ‘Article 46‘ mandates the establishment of an Endowment Fund which’s seed money shall not be touched but used as an anchor to grow funds over time. Only a portion of interests accrued from the invested funds (not principal) will be used on an annual basis for projects approved

by MOBA. Get more details about the MOBA Endowment Fund by clicking on this link.

Keynote speaker Kojo Siaw Ofori-Atta of MOBA ’82 asked the Board of Trustees for the MEF to prioritize and embark on an honest assessment of factors militating against the school’s progress. “This assessment should be wide-ranging, from Management, Academics, Student Life, Culture, Resources, and Counseling,” as Ofori-Atta believes this will form the basis for the school to re-engineer itself for success.

MOBA National head ‘Ebusuapayin‘ Capt. Paul Forjoe could not attend the event this year and so was represented by Mr. James A. Morgan who flew to the event from Ghana. The oldest MOBA in attendance was 99yr old Charles H. Bartels of MOBA 1938 who becomes a Centenarian in October 2018. Currently, the Headmaster of the school is Mr. Manfred Barton Oduro, himself a MOBA ’77 alumnus.

The dinner, which highlighted day-2 activities of the 3-day event (day-1 was mostly for networking and records night) was preceded in the day by a round-table brunch session at Cape Coast Cuisine in Beltsville, MD. A joint family picnic and games closed out the conference on day-3 (Sunday, May 28) that saw the Kwabotwe boys win at both golf and draft board games by beating old students of Adisadel College Ghana (ADISCO). Adisadel however bounced back to win the MOBA-ADISCO soccer match.

Over 200 old students, friends, and sympathizers attended the MOBA-USA conference. Visit mobausa.org for more information about the nonprofit. Some notable old boys today include Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Peter Bossman — first black Mayor of Piran in Slovenia.

Written by Oral Ofori

Dominic Nitiwul, Ghana’s Interior Minister and The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Obed B. Akwa Pay a Courtesy Call on Ambassador Dr. Adjei Bawuah in Washington DC June

From the Editor

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 a n d th e D ia s p or a . Yo u may als o vis it o u r web s ite a t www. af r ik an pos t. co m f o r d aily 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 p aper ar e th o s e o f th e a u th o r s a n d do n ot n eces s a r ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ikan Pos t . All commen ts a n d s u g g es tio n s a r e welco me.

George Kwasi Bright Publisher and Editor

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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 10 Issue 6 CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Raskimon Dies at 60 Pg. 25

Emerson College Presents AMIP News Head, Nnoma-Addison, with Distinguished Alumni Award Pg. 24

Dominic Nitiwul the Interior Minister of Ghana making a Presentation to the Ambasador of Ghana to the United States, H.E Dr. Baffour Adjei Bawuah at his Office in Washington DC

Ambassador Adjei-Barwuah connects with Diaspora on US-Based Sankofa Radio Page 25

Our Litany in Time of Trouble Pg. 11 Chef Francis Otoo of Ghana wins Africa silver at Embassy Chef Challenge

Ambassador Dr. Adjei Bawuah with the Interior Minister, Chief of Defense Staff, Military Personnel from the Ghana Army and Embassy Staff

Pg. 12

UPDATE

Ilhan Omar, Somali-American, Seeks Seat in Congress Pg. 5

The Hon. Minister of Interior Mr. Dominic Nitiwul addressing the Ghana Embassy Staff

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A List of the 17 African Universities Among the Best Universities in the World

17 African universities are among the best universities in the world. According to the QS World University Ranking 2018, Africa can look forward to being worldrenowned in terms of knowledge.

Every year since 2000, QS World University Ranking publishes a list of the 1000 best universities in the world.

Dominated by American, European and Asian universities, 17 African universities are in the top 50 of the world rankings.

With first and second place Egypt and South Africa. According to the ranking, these universities are considered the best of African academic excellence.

The selection criteria are the perception of the establishment by the employers, the number of students per teacher or the number of teachers holding a doctorate.

The top 17 African universities listed in the world ranking of the best universities.

200 1 University of Cape Town public South Africa

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University of the Witwatersrand

public

South Africa

American University of Cairo

private

Egypt

University of Johannesburg public

South Africa

University of Stellenbosch public

Cairo University public

Egypt

University of Pretoria

public

Ain Shams University

public

751-800 9

University of Kwazulu-Natal

801-1000

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801-1000

Al Azhar University

12 13 14

University of Alexandria Assisu University Northwestern University

801-1000

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University of Nairobi

801-1000

South Africa

Egypt

public

South Africa

public

Egypt

10 Al Akhawayn University of Ifrane private

801-1000 801-1000 801-1000 801-1000

South Africa

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https://howafrica.com

Rhodes Universitypublic

public

Morocco

Egypt

public

South Africa

public

Kenya

South Africa

University of Western Cape public

South Africa

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Russia 2018 World Cup Schedule: Complete Fixtures, Dates, Start Times, Tv Channels, Live Stream Info THURSDAY, JUNE 14

Russia vs. Saudi Arabia 11 a.m. ET FRIDAY, JUNE 15 Egypt vs. Uruguay 8 a.m. ET Morocco vs. Iran 11 a.m. ET Portugal vs. Spain 2 p.m. ET

SATURDAY, JUNE 16

France vs. Australia 6 a.m. ET Argentina vs. Iceland 10 a.m. ET

Peru vs. Denmark 12 p.m. ET

SUNDAY, JUNE 17

Costa Rica vs. Serbia 8 a.m. ET Germany vs. Mexico 11 a.m. ET Brazil vs. Switzerland 2 p.m. ET

MONDAY, JUNE 18

Sweden vs. South Korea 8 a.m.ET Belgium vs. Panama11 a.m. ET Tunisia vs. England 2 p.m. ET

Croatia vs. Nigeria 3 p.m. ET

TUESDAY, JUNE 19

Poland vs. Senegal 8 a.m. ET

Colombia vs. Japan 11 a.m. ET Russia vs. Egypt 2 p.m. ET

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20

THURSDAY, JUNE 21

FRIDAY, JUNE 22

SATURDAY, JUNE 23

SUNDAY, JUNE 24

Portugal vs. Morocco 8 a.m. ET

France vs. Peru 8 a.m. ET

Brazil vs. Costa Rica 8 a.m. ET

Belgium vs. Tunisia 8 a.m. ET

England vs. Panama 8 a.m. ET

Iran vs. Spain 2 p.m. ET

Argentina vs. Croatia 2 p.m. ET

Serbia vs. Switzerland 2 p.m. ET

South Korea vs. Mexico2 p.m. ET Poland vs. Colombia 2 p.m. ET

Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia 11 a.m. ET

Denmark vs. Australia 11 a.m. ET

MONDAY, JUNE 25

Nigeria vs. Iceland11 a.m. ET

TUESDAY, JUNE 26 Australia vs. Peru 10 a.m. ET Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt 10 a.m. ET Denmark vs. France 10 a.m. ET Uruguay vs. Russia 10 a.m. ET Iceland vs. Croatia2 p.m. ET Iran vs. Portugal 2 p.m. ET Nigeria vs. Argentina 2 p.m.

Spain vs. Morocco 2 p.m. ET

Germany vs. Sweden 11 a.m. ET

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 South Korea vs. Germany 10 a.m. ET Mexico vs. Sweden 10 a.m. ET Switzerland vs. Costa Rica 2 p.m. ET Serbia vs. Brazil 2 p.m. ET

Japan vs. Senegal 11 a.m. ET

THURSDAY, JUNE 28 Japan vs. Poland 10 a.m. ET Senegal vs. Colombia 10 a.m. ET England vs. Belgium 2 p.m. ET Panama vs. Tunisia 2 p.m. ET

SATURDAY, JUNE 30 Round of 16: Match 50: Group C winner vs. Group D runner-up 10 a.m. ET Round of 16: Match 49: Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up 2 p.m. ET

SUNDAY, JULY 1 Round of 16: Match 51: Group B winner vs. Group A runner-up 10 a.m. ET Round of 16: Match 52: Group D winner vs. Group C runner-up 2 p.m. ET

MONDAY, JULY 2 Round of 16: Match 53: Group E winner vs. Group F runner-up 10 a.m. ET Round of 16: Match 54: Group G winner vs. Group H runner-up 2 p.m. ET

TUESDAY, JULY 3 Round of 16: Match 55 (Group F winner vs. Group E runner-up) 10 a.m. ET Round of 16: Match 56 (Group H winner vs. Group G runner-up) 2 p.m. ET

FRIDAY, JULY 6 Quarterfinal: Match 57 (Match 49 winner vs. Match 50 winner) 10 a.m. ET Quarterfinal: Match 58 (Match 53 winner vs. Match 54 winner)

SATURDAY, JULY 7 Quarterfinal: Match 60 (Match 55 winner vs. Match 66 winner) 10 a.m. ET Quarterfinal: Match 59 (Match 51 winner vs. Match 52 winner)

TUESDAY, JULY 10 Semifinal: Match 61 (Match 57 winner vs. Match 58 winner) 2 p.m. ET SATURDAY, JULY 14

Third-place match: Match 63 (Match 61 loser vs. Match 62 loser) 10 a.m. ET

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11 Semifinal: Match 62 (Match 59 winner vs. Match 60 winner) 2 p.m. ET

SUNDAY, JULY 15

Final: Match 64 (Match 61 winner vs. Match 62 winner) 11 a.m. ET

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D.K Boateng Memorial School Raising Funds To Educate Pupils

Discover the 4 Best Airlines in Africa at the Moment; 2018 Ranking June 2018

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The AirHelp has just published its ranking of the best airlines in the world. For this 2018 edition, 72 airlines were competing. The jury relied on three fundamental criteria to highlight the best African airlines. First, punctuality, then the quality of the service, and lastly the efficiency in customer service.

For this 2018 ranking, four African companies have managed to distinguish themselves. These are South African Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways and Air Mauritius.

Regarding the criterion of punctuality, Kenya Airways company obtained the highest score: 9.2 points. According to Airhelp score, South African Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines also achieve very good scores: 8.5 points and 8.4 points.

In terms of quality of service, the Golden Palm in Africa goes to the airlines South African Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Air Mauritius which each get 7.8 points.

Kenya Airlines is doing well with 6.3 points.

D.K Boateng Memorial School envisions making a great impact in the lives of children in Ghana and West Africa at large, as a result, the educational institution designed for children from creche to first-grade has embarked on a fundraising effort to this effect.

Their mission is to play a unique and major role in the landscape of educational services available to children in Koforidua, the capital of Ghana’s Eastern Region, where they are located.

“Children who otherwise did not have the means to go to school are now enrolled with us at an affordable price thanks to the support we receive from our supporters and sponsors,” said Mrs. Irene Arthur, a Co-Founder of the school. “This is why we feel it is necessary for us to embark on more fundraising activities here at D.K Boateng Memorial, so more of these kids can be able to get the opportunity to basic education.” Mrs. Arthur continued.

not only contribute but to explore networking opportunities and exchanges. “We want to see what lies out there in other parts of the world that could be used to prop efforts we are making and building on here in Ghana,” — Mrs. Doris Boateng, CoFounder, Manager, and present administrator of the school.

“We have over the years been blessed by people, institutions, and organizations that believe in and share our passion to help provide quality education to children. This has helped provide infrastructure, logistics, expertise and most importantly, love to our benefactors and this is where we also gain our joy,” said Mrs. Boateng.

Today the school continues to feel the urgent need to do more and reach many because it believes the need and power of education are very vital for the development of young ones especially in today’s fast-advancing world of technology. “Do not hesitate to let us know if you or someone you know will be interested in joining this movement to maintain the legacy and dream of D.K. Boateng for the sake In October 2012 the school started with only 10 students, today it enrolls about a 100% of that number. of these children. Your donation will go a long way Named after Dickson Kwame Boateng, a man who to get us all there.” Mrs. Boateng appealed. held education in high esteem, the school has To get more information about the school check out worked hard to keep alive Mr. Boateng’s founding their website www.dkboatengmemorial.org or reach vision to make sure that children are able to attend school. D.K Boateng memorial believes this vision them on phone numbers +1774.670.6365 and +233.240.685.566. Their email is is now ready to accommodate more students and reneboat@dkboatengmemorial.org and you can also ideas. connect with D.K Boateng Memorial School on The school is committed to equipping students with their respective social media portals below: Twitter – dkboatengschool the tools they need for academic, personal and Facebook – dkboatengmemorialschool social achievement, as well as ensuring the educaInstagram – d.k.boatengmemorialschool tional growth of each child by providing reliable and quality services. They are doing this at very elementary stages because they feel exposure to quality education earlier in a child’s life helps build a strong foundation for their future.

Source: TheAfricanDream.net As part of innovative ways to raise funds, D.K Boateng Memorial School has begun involving social media as a way to reach potential sponsors to

For the customer service effectiveness criterion, Ethiopian Airlines scored the highest: 8.7 points ahead of Kenya Airways (7.9 points) and South African Airlines (7.4 points). Air Mauritius has a very poor performance on this criterion with 3.3 points.

In the world rankings, it is the airline Qatar Airways that comes first with 9.8 points on a scale of 10 points. The Qatar company passes Lufthansa (8.57 points) and Etihab Airways (8.43 points).

Despite these differences, it must be recognized that it is usually the price of the airline ticket that drives the traveler to choose the airline. As a result, the best company will not always be the most sought after by travelers. https://howafrica.com

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Our Litany in Time of Trouble

Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death And to keep them alive in famine.

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.

For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name.

Let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, According as we have hoped in you.” (Psalm 33:18-22)

The psalm above is ever-appropriate for this year in our postmodern hyper-technological terrorist age. In this time of uncertainties and violence, the wise must concede that we must seek God more and ensure we are enveloped in His shelter, for outside of God, there is no safe ground in this our world.

I don’t intend to come across as pessimistic, but rather as realistic. Our world today is characteristically catastrophic from one place to another. We tune in to the news stations and are immediately accosted with lasting horrifying images of building explosions, splattered blood on streets and walls, scattered bodies lying in waste, images of unrest, terror and haunting screams and wailing of mothers, children, all of humanity. It is happening in Europe, in the Middle East, Africa, Canada and here, the United States of America. Another terror attack undetected by sophisticated surveillance, unstopped by authorities, has succeeded. What do we say, what do we do? How can we make ourselves unaffected and even immune to these attacks?

After September 11, 2001, we have come to realize and accept more and more that our great and awesome superpower of a nation is not so awesome and cannot protect us much from the inside or the outside. As much as the CIA, Homeland Security, FBI and local law enforcement agencies attempt to protect the U.S. and her citizens from terror, terror, unfortunately has made its way into our present world locally, nationally and globally.

Dozens of young girls can be easily swept away from the safety of their classrooms and the care of their mothers and fathers today in Africa, tomorrow, who knows what country. These innocent ones are captured only to be subjected to molestation, abuse, rape, sex trafficking, forced marriages and/or enslavement, perhaps never to return to their homes and loved ones again. Such is our current reality.

It is a very grim view, but this depressing depiction is our unfortunate state. Is it not true that even as we go

about our day in this our beloved and prideful country that we are halted by unimaginable horrors of inexplicable shootings claiming the innocent lives of college students who bravely tore themselves from the protective arms of their parents to seek knowledge and new found independence?

But it doesn’t end with young adults. No. These shootings have dared cross the boundaries to elementary schools where kindergarteners, first graders and their fellow schoolmates, all under 12 years old are rendered victims by crazed gun men.

Their teachers and administrators, under whose care they were committed, have also been violently executed by the weaponry of disturbed characters.

There is no safety to be found. There is no true refuge anymore in this our great nation and perhaps even in our own homes. Enemies of nations, religious beliefs, ideologies, cultures and a peaceful humanity are treacherously haunting and hunting with no other purpose but to kill, demolish and destroy, to inflict terror on whomever they might capture in their trap. We are shaken—all of us, some for a moment, others for much longer. We tremble; we worry; we contemplate: what can be done, how long will this persist? How close will it draw to us, our mothers, fathers, husbands, children, grandchildren? Will we be the next victims of random or targeted terror from an emotionally and psychologically disturbed individual or religious zealot of the worst kind?

Within our unsettled selves, we discover that consciously and often unconsciously, we fold our hands in prayer and more than often utter pleading words to our God to assure our safety and preserve the innocent lives of our loved ones. We hope and we dare trust that He will hear us and not let it come nigh our dwelling. And so we pray, “let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in you.”

When we take our children to school, hug and kiss them goodbye until we see them at the end of the day, because we trust in His Holy Name, we pray, “let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in you.” When we are hesitant to take our children to the theaters on a Saturday afternoon to see the latest children’s movie, we dismiss our fears and move on with our plans, because we know that we cannot live in fear.

Still with unsettled hearts, we pray, “let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in you.”

When we move along our daily routines, making our way on the subway trains, journeying freely from one point to another on our path to work and home, even as we board, even as we sit, with our arms folded and awaiting our stops, we recount in our hearts, “let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in you.” We meditate and continue to pray with the psalmist for we have come to know that our help comes from none else but God. We have ascended the truth that in Him and only Him do we trust (Psalm 31: 1).

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When all about us seems to be falling apart and when even nature hurls its angry winds and storms at our vulnerable bodies and lives, we remember that while we may appear small and insignificant in the midst of great chaos and a world of spontaneous eruptions, we don’t have to cower but we can rest in Him knowing that He holds us still. And that is not only our hope, but it is our truth!

Our truth in the midst of all this destruction and violent confrontations is that our God tells us, there is nothing to fear. He tells us, “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). And with those words alone, a wind of strength sweeps over our cowering bones and intimidated bodies and we are awakened once again, brought back to ourselves, reminded of who we are and Whose we are. As the psalmist states “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountain fall into the heart of the sea, and though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging….the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress…He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth” (Psalm 46 1-10). Surely, He will be exalted. Only He should be held in awe and not the orchestrated terror of a destructive enemy.

The empowering words of our God, “be still and know that I am God,” springs us back to our reality as God-fearing children. What are our promises? That He is with us, even unto the end of the world (Mathew 28:20). What are our assurances? That we shouldn’t let our hearts be troubled and that there is a better place where He is preparing many mansions for us (John 14:1-2). What are our instructions? That we should abide in Him and that anything we ask in His name, He will grant (John 15:7). So even in the midst of the storm, we shall be still and know that He is God. We shall keep in mind that we are in Him and that He watches over us. We shall not be moved or persuaded by violence. We shall not be intimidated and crumble as if we do not have hope. We shall be still.

Our prayer affirms that our hope is in Christ Jesus.

As we utter the words of prayer, we shall continue in the faith that redeems with the blood of the sacrificial Lamb of God, the only anointed one, Christ Himself.

We shall live fearlessly as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah goes before us each and every day, guiding, protecting, shielding. We shall live and not withdraw. We will be still in our belief in Him and we shall continue to utter the words of prayer and communion, “let your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in you.” It is not only our prayer, but also our gift, our gift of hope and assurance in The One that never fails.

Chef Francis Otoo of Ghana wins Silver at Embassy Chef Challenge June 2018

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A busy-looking Chef Francis Otoo at the 2018 ECC. Photo courtesy Oral Ofori

Although Chef Sincioco-Mateo of the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, District of Columbia (DC), won gold in both the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice categories with “sisig”, a traditional Filipino dish, Africa rose to the tops again at the 2018 Embassy Chef Challenge (ECC) with Chef Francis Otoo of Ghana claiming silver.

Chef Francis Otoo’s signature dish of lamb “Jollof” ranked second on May 17, 2018, at the annual ECC. Events DC — the body responsible for promoting events in the US federal capital — organized the ECC presented by the Trade Center Management Associates (TCMA) at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC.

Jollof is a single-pot rice dish cooked with a tomato-based stew along with preferred meat, fish or poultry. It is popular in West Africa, where it originated in the Wollof Empire of present-day Senegal.

Chef Otoo who represented the embassy of Ghana at the 10th-anniversary edition of the ECC came second by winning both the Judges’ and People’s Choice Awards. This double honor comes after the fifth straight year of his participation in the culinary competition where international chefs promote the food and culture of their respective countries.

Chef Otoo with his awards. Photo courtesy Fransar Catering Services

event with entertainment when US-based Ghanaian group the “Dreams” led by Nathan Pryce, ensured that there was authentic music from Ghana to go with Chef Otoo’s lamb Jollof.

The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti placed third in the Judges’ Choice, and the Embassy of Colombia won the other third place by winning the People’s Choice Award while the Embassy of Barbados clinched the Best Beverage award.

A total of 28 countries participated in this year’s event spread across the continents of Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Africa. Ghana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Visit eventsdcembassychefchallenge.com for more information about the event.

Written by Oral Ofori https://www.theafricandream.net

“I can’t believe I won two awards, it’s just amazing and at the same time humbling, I thank my God, my wife, the embassy of Ghana here in DC and its Ambassador; Dr. Barfour AdjeiBarwuah, and my fans who kept me going every year even though I never won back then.

They are the reason I am here now — with two awards — this is for Ghana and all of Africa,” Chef Otoo said to TheAfricanDream.net

The Ghanaian Executive Chef went on to say that “almost a year ago I was a judge at the first ever Jollof Festival organized in Washington, DC. Fast forward to today, I am witnessing my lamb Jollof declared 2nd best out of many meals cooked by chefs from 27 different other countries within the Washington DC diplomatic community. It tells me that the global appeal for Jollof is here and well established, and yes I still think Ghana Jollof is the best.”

Erik A. Moses – Senior VP and Managing Director at Events DC Sports & Entertainment in an interview with TheAfricanDream.net described Chef Otoo as a fan favorite, he also said the organizers view “this event as a quintessential Washington DC event and there are very few places in the country that you can do something like this and experience the culture, the food, the music, the wine, from countries all around the world.” Washington, DC has some 177 embassies.

Africa’s performance at the Embassy Chef Challenge It is interesting to note that last year, another African meal also with lamb won the top award when Morocco’s Chef Moha Fedal’s Marrakech Tangia made with lamb shoulder sealed in a clay Tangia jar captured the Judges’ Choice Award. Chef Fedal was present this year as a member of the panel of judges. Morocco’s Chef Nazha Kasaraoui won the jury and public prizes at the first ever Embassy Chef Challenge in 2009.

This year Morocco again scored a win for Africa when she was adjudged “Best Dressed Embassy.” For the first time too, Music from Ghana provided diplomatic representations at the

Chef Ottoo Won the Celebrity Chef Challenge at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival 2018 in Washington DC

June 2018

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Odomankoma Nana

Tune in to Highlife Radio Every Saturday at 4pm for a Special Program by Odomankoma Nana .

Veteran Radio Presenter and Master of Ceremonies.

To Book the Eloquent Odomankoma to be your MC at any event call 703 725 6968

Afrikan

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World Cup Facts

June 2018

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AfriLabs Admits 40 New Hubs Across Africa

The World Cup in 2018 will mark the first time Russia has ever hosted this event.

-The 2018 World Cup will be Russia's 11th World Cup appearance. Their highest ever finish was 4th place in 1966.

-3.2 billion people (almost half of the world's population) tuned in to watch the 2014 World Cup.

-The World Cup has been played 20 times, Brazil holds the most titles with five. Italy and Germany are close behind with four each.

-For the first time in the history of soccer, the 2002 World Cup was held in two different countries: South Korea and Japan.

-The oldest goal scorer in the World Cup was Roger Milla, who was 42 in 1994 when he scored a goal for Cameroon against Russia.

-It is rumored that India withdrew from the 1950 tournament as they were not allowed to play barefoot.

-One of the venues for the 2018 World Cup, Fisht Stadium in Sochi, is the same stadium that hosted the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2014 Winter Games.

-The first World Cup was played in 1930. Uruguay was both the tournament host and winner that year.

-The World Cup trophy went missing for 7 days in 1966, when it was stolen just prior to the tournament.

-The distance between the easternmost host city (Ekaterinburg) and the westernmost host city (Kaliningrad) at the 2018 World Cup is over 1500 miles. For comparison, that's about the same distance as Moscow to London, England.

The average attendance per game at the 2014 World Cup was over 53,000 fans!

-The highest scoring game in World Cup history was in 1954, when Austria defeated Switzerland 7-5.

-The Italians have had the most number of draws in World Cup history with 21.

-Of all countries that have appeared in the World Cup, Indonesia has played the least number of matches - just one in 1938.

-Mexico has the most World Cup losses (25), though they do also have 14 wins and 14 draws.

-While 32 teams will qualify for the 2018 tournament, the number will jump to 48 in 2026.

-The most goals ever scored by one player in a World Cup match is an impressive five, by Oleg Salenko of Russia. http://allafrica.com/

AfriLabs, a network of technology and innovation hubs across Africa has admitted 40 new hubs; its largest hub admission to date into its network making it a total of 100 hubs across 30 African countries. This also extends the reach to 6 new countries; Morocco, Algeria, Somali Land, Cote D’Ivoire, Angola and Mali.

The new members of the AfriLabs network across the 5 regions are:

Central Africa Altoufikh International Chad, NexGen Technology Center Cameroon, Kivu Hub CongoKinshasa West Africa iCODE Ghana, Founders Hub Nigeria, Innovation Growth Hub Nigeria, Passion Incubator Nigeria, Civic Foundation for Innovation Nigeria, Honode Hub Ghana, Aiivon Innovation Hub Nigeria, Uplift Hub Nigeria, Roothub Accelerator Systems Nigeria, Tentmaker Ghana, CoLab Nigeria, Tribe Nigeria, Digital Development Hub Nigeria, Olotu Square Nigeria, Diaspo Hub Mali, Impact Hub Bamako Mali, DoniLab Mali, ALFTech Hub Nigeria, BabyLab Cote d’Ivoire.

East Africa Innovate Ventures Somalia, Mashinani Hub Kenya, Wired Startups Morocco, Eldo Hub Innovation Centre Kenya,, Sahara Accelerator Tanzania,, Nairobi Garage Kenya, Iris Hub Rwanda, Swahilipot Hub Kenya.

North Africa Incubme Algeria, Cairo Hackerspace Egypt, Sylabs Algeria.

Southern Africa Softstart Business and Technology Incubator South Africa, Green Innovation Hub (GiHUB) Zimbabwe, Y-BECA Youth Entrepreneurship Foundation South Africa, Injini South Africa, Shinga Entrepreneurship and Learning Hub Zimbabwe, iZone Hub Zimbabwe.

For 7 years, AfriLabs has dedicated itself to building a community of tech hubs that share knowledge, collaborate, build capacity and network – to raise successful entrepreneurs that create jobs and develop innovative solutions to African problems.

“We are pleased to report AfriLabs continued success in expanding its network. We started with 5 hubs in 2011 and we are now celebrating 100 members in 2018. The journey to 100 hubs has been an interesting one. We are thrilled with the overwhelming positive response from our network members and the tech and entrepreneurial community at large. Here’s to 100 more,” said Anna Ekeledo, Executive Director, AfriLabs. https://howafrica.com

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Afrikan

BOOK: Discover and Live Your Purpose in Life by Dr. Nana Nyame-Mireku

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‘Discover and Live Your Purpose in Life‘, a book authored by Dr. Nana Nyame-Mireku was launched at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, District of Columbia (DC) on Sunday, May 27, 2018. The author is a US-based Ghanaian clinical pharmacist employed at the Virginia Hospital Center (VHC) in Arlington Virginia.

“I wrote ‘Discover and Live Your Purpose in Life’ when I came to a deep realization many years ago of the fact that everyone is made to serve a purpose in other people’s lives. Over time, the purpose that a person serves begins to define that person and adds to their identity,” Dr. Nyame-Mireku said during the book-signing after the launch.

“A person’s purpose becomes their legacy even after they pass on, based on this I felt a strong urge to share my purpose with the world, as a result, this book became my outlet. I pray it helps all who read it know and discover their true purpose,” Dr. Nyame-Mireku hoped as he addressed the audience who included Head of Consular Affairs Joseph Ngminebayihi, Mrs. Akosua Okyere-Badoo — Head of Diaspora Desk, and Trade/Investment Attaché Mrs. Stella Akosua Ansah, all respectively of the Embassy of Ghana.

More than a hundred people from the Washington, DC metro area were at the embassy for the book launch and signing that also saw the auctioning of some copies. About a 100 copies of the book were sold that day. The dual Ph.D. holding Dr. Nyame-Mireku who is Assistant Director of Pharmacy and Residency Program Director at Virginia Hospital Center expressed appreciation for the support received from members of the Ghanaian Pharmacists Association in the US, friends, and students of his and wellwisher that were have been supportive of his journey.

Fiber Optics innovator Dr. Thomas Mensah who penned the forward to the book joined the occasion via video link from Ghana. In his video message, Dr. Mensah said: “‘Discover and Live Your Purpose in Life’ is an interesting and creative medium through which Dr. Nana Nyame-Mireku shares his life experiences with the goal of inspiring people to find and live out their purpose in life.”

“The whole book centers on a simple concept of discovering oneself through the use of six basic scientific questions. Self-discovery leads to a purposeful life and self-fulfillment…” — Dr. Mensah.

Dr. Mensah in the video described Dr. Nyame-Mireku as an “up-and-coming ‘right stuff’ in the fields of pharmacy, business, academia, and politics,” saying also that his warm personality enables the author “to connect with everyone” in the quest to make a positive difference and desire to always achieve more in life.

“I am excited I have finally been able to get this book out there, I think there will be others to follow but for now I want to go back to doing some more motivational-speaking especially with the young kids both here in the Diaspora and back home in Ghana,” the author told TheAfricanDream.net after the event.

“This is because the kids are our future and the earlier we help them embark on that journey of self-discovery the bigger a chance we stand to raise Africa up as a continent,” said Dr. Nyame-Mireku who also disclosed the book is available for purchase online at Amazon.

Doctors Samson Ansong; Aishah Ishaq; and Divine M. Agbale; respectively spoke highly of the book at the event which had for its Master of Ceremonies Ellis Wynston-Boye. US residents may contact +13017280003 for copies.

Connect with Dr. Nana Nyame-Mireku on LinkedIn to learn more about him.

Written by Oral Ofori

June 2018

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Malian Migrant Son ‘Buries His Father In A £66,000 BMW Mamoudou “Spider-Man” In Nigeria Gassama Receives Grand Vermeil Medal of the City of Paris

Afrikan

June 2018

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Mamoudou Gassama, the young Malian migrant who saved a child, received on Monday morning the Grand Vermeil Medal of the City of Paris, highest honor of the capital, awarded by the mayor Anne Hidalgo who hailed her “courage” and ” heroic act “.

Mamoudou Gassama, received Monday, May 4, the Grand Vermeil medal of the City of Paris, highest honor of the capital, awarded by the mayor Anne Hidalgo who has praised his “courage” and “heroic act”.

“You are not only a hero of the Republic, you are also a hero of Paris,” Mrs. Hidalgo told the young man, long applauded by all elected officials standing in the Chamber of the Paris Council.

Greeting a young man who “listened only to his courage” and a “heroic act that has upset us all”, the mayor of Paris has sent him a “huge thank you”.

“I have nothing to say, thank you very much, thank you, thank you,” said Mr. Gassama, accompanied by General Jean-Claude Gallet who commands the fire brigade of Paris where he will perform a civic service.

A Nigerian man has buried his father in a brand new BMW instead of a coffin in order to see him off in style in the local village graveyard.

The wealthy son, identified only as Azubuike, lost his father, to old age but according to local reports had always promised him one day he would have a flash car.

So after he passed away in the remote village of Ihiala, Nigeria, Azubuike is reported to have splashed out £66,000 cash on a car from the showroom to bury his father in. An incredible photo taken at the funeral shows the enormous car being lowered into a huge grave dug six feet deep by hand in the village.

A remarkable photo taken at the funeral shows pall bearers lowering the enormous SUV into the vast grave. The picture has gone viral on social media as pall bearers reportedly guided it down logs into position and then the logs were pulled out to allow the BMW to drop.

According to NAIJ.com the son lost his father recently and decided to honour his father by buying him a luxurious car for his final journey and placed him inside.

Locals quipped that the BMW is equipped with Sat Nav to help him find his way to the pearly gates. However, many on Facebook were angered at the waste of money and said it could have been put to better use.

source:howafrica.com

Sifiso Inno Makhashila said: 'Buy the car for your parent while he is still alive if you are moneyed and bury them with a decent coffin but this is just being foolish and showing off.

Obienice Mohale wrote: 'This is the sort of thing that keeps us poor as black people'.

Calvin Cal Diamean said:'Insanity and selfishness regardless of that fact that is your cash.'

In 2015 a similar burial made headlines after an Enugu billionaire buried his mother in a brand new Hummer and in the same year a man was buried in his favourite car in China.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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June 2018

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Wigs and Selected Weave

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BAKES, DESSERTS AND CHILLS

June 2018

Tel : 571 719-1665 ginniebakesdesserts@gmail.com

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Afrikan Post

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Emerson College Presents AMIP News Head, Nnoma-Addison, with Distinguished Alumni Award Afrikan

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J u n e 2018

Emerson College last Saturday recognized and presented AMIP News head, Frederick NnomaAddison, the 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award alongside two other notable alumni. Incoming President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors Ms. Carla Lewis ‘86 presented the award to Mr. Nnoma-Addison during the Alumni Association Awards Breakfast at the Paramount Center.

During his acceptance speech, Nnoma-Addison enumerated some of his accomplishments, but quickly followed it up to highlight some of the challenges he confronted before establishing AMIP News.

“I am really proud. Proud that… But the real story is the struggle and the battles that made each one of those possible; I will never have enough words to describe them, but they were worth it,” he said. Nnoma-Addison thanked Emerson College and the Alumni Association Board for “recognizing me in this manner.” Emerson College President Dr. Lee Pelton (pictured (left) with NnomaAddison above) later described Nnoma-Addison’s communications endeavors in the nation’s capital as “important work.” The occasion also marked the 50th reunion celebration of the class of 1968.

Washington, DC-based Nnoma-Addison is one of 37,000 Emerson alumni making a difference in the global media-communications industry.

About Frederick Nnoma-Addison

Frederick Nnoma-Addison is a US-based, Ghanaian-born journalist, author, and media communications consultant. As president and CEO of AMIP News since 2004, he covers US-Africa-centered news and events in Washington, DC. In January 2018, the African Union (AU) Permanent Representative to the United States in Washington, DC, appointed him as the new publisher of Invest in Africa, a premium, official AU magazine that is distributed to African heads of state; government ministers; and political, financial, and corporate leaders worldwide.

With the College President, Dr. Lee-Pelton

In 2013, Governor Martin O’Malley (D-MD) appointed Nnoma-Addison as a commissioner to serve on the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs for a four-year term. In 2016, Governor Larry Hogan (R-MD) renewed his commission for a second four-year term. Between 2004 and 2008, Nnoma-Addison worked at Discovery Communication’s world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, as the special assistant to the president and general manager of the Discovery Channel.

He is the author and publisher of United States and Africa Relations: The Obama Presidency (2017), The United States & Ghana (2010, 2012), and The United States & Nigeria (2010). He has written for notable web platforms such as CNN.com and whitehouse.gov and has granted interviews to major networks such as CBS. He is also a guest lecturer on African affairs at the Foreign Service Institute of the Department of State as well as at other US colleges and universities. In 2014, he was a guest lecturer with President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Nnoma-Addison began his media career in Ghana as a young presenter on national television in the early 1990s. He received a journalism degree from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Accra, and a BA in Television Production from Emerson College in 2002.

Award Receipients

Award Winners

https://www.emerson.edu/alumni/alumni-weekend/award-winners About Emerson College

Emerson College is internationally recognized as the nation’s premier institution of higher learning devoted to communication and the arts. Energized by engagement with the creative life of Boston, Los Angeles, and the Netherlands, students are independent minds from diverse backgrounds who develop their own personal voice and expertise in professions that profoundly shape society and culture in the 21st century. The College educates students to assume positions of leadership in communication and the arts and to advance scholarship and creative work that brings innovation, depth, and diversity to these disciplines. It’s mission is informed by core liberal arts values that seek to promote civic engagement, encourage ethical practices, foster respect for human diversity, and inspire students to create and communicate with clarity, integrity, and conviction.

Established in 1880 as a small, regional school of oratory, Emerson has evolved into a diverse, coeducational, and multifaceted degree-granting institution with a liberal arts rather than conservatory orientation. But our mission and focus remains largely the same as it was in 1880: to explore and push the boundaries of communication, art, and culture and, thereby, to contribute to the advancement of society.

Source: http://thezebra.org

Fred Nnoma-Addison

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Ambassador Adjei-Barwuah connects with Diaspora on US-Based Sankofa Radio

4A f r i k a n

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Nigerian Reggae Star Ras Kimono Dies At 60 June 2018

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By MOHAMMED MOMOH Nigeria’s reggae star Ukeleke Onwubuya , popularly known as Ras Kimono, is dead.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency (HE) Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah has addressed Ghanaians in the United States (US) and the diaspora on issues including them registration [to vote] with respective embassies, filth in Ghana, import duties and among others, land-acquisition disputes. This happened during his June 2, 2018 visit to Sankofa radio in Woodbridge, Virginia.

HE Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah was hosted by Wofa Yaw Agarko Appea on Sankofa Radio’s ‘Susubribi Ma Wo Man’ show which airs on Saturdays at 10 AM-12: 30 PM. This was the first time an ambassador has paid a visit to the Ghanaian radio station based in Woodbridge, Virginia. He was interviewed in the Akan language.

On Representation of the People’s Amendment Law (ROPAL), the ambassador reiterated that for ROPAL to be successfully implemented, Ghanaians abroad must ensure that they have registered with their respective embassies, wherever they may be outside Ghana. He added that Ghanaians must drop the misconception that registering with the embassy can land them into trouble based on their immigration statuses.

“As at today, I have no idea of the number of Ghanaians in the US. We need this data to be able to plan for the successful implementation of ROPAL and to also have a working and readily available roster in times of emergency,” said Ambassador AdjeiBarwuah.

Continuing to plead with every Ghanaian on the matter, the Ambassador explained that embassies are the “last defense walls” of help in times of emergency and other needs, hence the need to register is not only for voting purposes.

Click to read more about Africans in the Diaspora.

Clarifying whether a dual-citizen can register to vote, the Ambassador pointed out that “all are welcome to register themselves, we actually also want to encourage those born here [in the US] to assume

Ghanaian citizenship to help in the development of their country of origin.”

According to the Ambassador if everyone registered there would be a rooster of specific variations catering to all kinds of matters, plus, “we will have easy access to you when needed,” he added. He, however, pointed out that, It’s not the embassy’s duty to enforce immigration rules: “it is our duty to protect the rights of every Ghanaian in the United States regardless of their immigration status.”

On the issue of filth in Ghana, he encouraged Ghanaians to take full responsibility for their actions in a bid to keep a cleaner environment and society. A call for active supervision and enforcement of environmental rules in the country was also made.

On import duties, the Ambassador said the perceived notion that they are high is relative, the specifics of which are not well founded. He cited that most of the duties and taxes collected at the ports go towards the development of infrastructures such as roads.

Land litigation involving Ghanaians abroad purchasing lands and properties in Ghana could be prevented the Ambassador if care is taken with land-acquisition. As he spoke on the matter the Ambassador cautioned all to do proper background investigations before purchasing. There are untrustworthy people all over he said; therefore a small level of diligence on the part of purchasers can go a long way to curb this nuisance.

Callers that phoned the radio station to interact with the Ambassador commended his work at the embassy. The Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC can be reached online at www.ghanaembassydc.org.

Sankofa radio is a subsidiary of Sankofa Media Group LLC that seeks to cater to the evolving needs of its listeners and viewers in the US and the larger diaspora. Find out more about them at sankofaradio.com

Here in this link is a snippet video from the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0YODm0mJdU

Source: Oral Ofori

The 60-year-old died on Sunday, according to close family sources, who revealed that the musician was rushed to a hospital in Ikoyi after he slumped on Saturday.

The President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) Mr Pretty Okafor, described the reggae artiste’s death as a big loss to the music industry.

Ras Kimono, whose debut album Under Pressure, led by the single RumBar Stylée, was a big hit on the Nigerian music scene in 1989 .

Besides Under Pressure which was released in 1989, Ras Kimono had other hits, including, We No Wan in 1989, What’s Gwan in 1990 and Rub A Dub released in 1990.

MANY AWARDS

Ras Kimono won many awards, including City People Movie Lifetime Achievement Award.

He hit the Nigerian music scene in 1989, before releasing his solo album.

Ras Kimono was in a group called The Jastix along with Amos McRoy and Majek Fashek.

His music was greatly influenced by the poverty, inequality and hardship he witnessed in his early life.

He released Under Pressure on the Premier Music label in 1989, which propelled him to instant continental stardom.

The album had hits like Under Pressure, Natty get jail and the massive hit Rhumba style.

TOURING AFRICA

Ras Kimono later released a string of hit albums, touring all over Africa, Europe and the US, promoting his brand of reggae music.

By 2010, he was still performing to a loyal fan-base of all ages and his music is still played throughout Africa.

Ras Kimono served a long apprenticeship on the Nigerian music circuit, experimenting with a number of styles, before making his late 80s breakthrough as a reggae singer.

Afrikan

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African Migrant Who Rescued Dangling Baby In Paris Meets With Real Madrid Star.

June 2018

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Zimbabwe Breaks the Marimba Guinness World Record

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Zimbabwe is the Guinness world record holder for the biggest ensemble of marimba players.

The record was broken at the ZiMarimba Fest on May 25 at Prince Edward School in Harare.

Real Madrid defender Marcelo met and congratulated the Malian migrant Mamoudou Gassama popularly known as the “Spider-Man” who saved a child in Paris-. The meeting which was held yesterday in France – ended well as the Brazilian star player signed an autograph on his jersey which he gave to Gassama and also encouraged him.

Brazilian and PSG defender Thiago Silva was also present.

The Malian migrant scaled four-storeys up a building in Paris, France to rescue a dangling toddler. Mamoudou Gassama who was nicknamed the Spiderman of Paris – climbed the city apartment block to reach the helpless child.

The gesture earned him honorary French citizenship after meeting with the president, Emmanuel Macron and also a job with the Paris fire service.

Two hundred and twenty-two students played the popular marimba song, “Manhanga Kutapira”, on the marimba for 5 minutes, earning Zimbabwe the record.

The participants played together in the largest marimba ensemble and surpassed Australian record of 108 participants playing together in November 2016.

US Announces Humanitarian Aid for Conflict in Nigeria

The United States announces more than $112 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help people in Nigeria and surrounding countries in the Lake Chad region affected by the ongoing crisis.

Nearly a decade of conflict perpetuated by Boko Haram and its offshoot ISIS-West Africa has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the region. More than two million people remain uprooted by the violence, and nearly 11 million people need assistance to survive. The funding in today’s announcement will provide life-saving aid to hundreds of thousands of people, including emergency food, nutrition treatment, shelter, health care, safe drinking water, services for survivors of sexual violence, and support to children separated from their families.

The United States is the largest donor for the humanitarian response in the Lake Chad region, having provided nearly $761 million since Fiscal Year 2017. While the United States remains committed to helping the people affected by this conflict, a comprehensive political and security solution is ultimately the only way to end their suffering and bring peace to the region. The United States calls on other donors to step up to address the basic life-saving needs of those displaced and the communities that host them.

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson

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Here's Who Made Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 List

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By Chidirim Ndeche Year after year, Forbes features some of the brightest young leaders, entrepreneurs and billionaires under the 30 Under 30 list across various continents.

This year, over 90 people make the Forbes Africa 2018 list spanning across Business, Technology and Creatives. As such, 13 Nigerians make the list including Wizkid, Davido, Bidemi Zakariyau, Beverly Naya and Adebayo Oke-Lawal.

Zuko Tisani, 25, South Africa- Founder, Legazy Technology Conferencing

Gisela van Houcke, 27, DRC-Founder, Zuri Luxury Hair&Beauty

Bidemi Zakariyau, 28, Nigeria-Founder, LSF|PR

Photo: allafrica.com Wizkid, Nomzamo, Yemi Alade and Nasty C See the complete list below:

Business

Yannick Nzonde, 29, DRC- Co-founder ATI Groupe

Leroy Mwasaru, 20, Kenya-Founder, Greenpact

Ladipo Lawani, 29, Nigeria- Founder, L&L Foods

Emmanuel Ademola Ayilara, 29, Nigeria- Founder, LanaWey Investment Limited

Mwiya Musokotwane, 28, Zambia- Founder, Thebe Investment Management

Nomvula Mhambi, 29, Zimbabwe-Founder, Disruptive Innovation

Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Falalu, 28, Nigeria-Founder, FalGates

Roger Boniface, 29, South Africa-Founder, EDISIM

Gilbert Eugene Peters, 29, Zimbabwe-Founder, Spidex Media

Sihle Ndlela, 28, South Africa-Co-founder, Majozi Bros Construction

Vera Shaba, 29, South Africa-Founder, Shaba and Rampling; Green Building Solutions

Thomas Duncan, 28, Namibia-Owner, Anticor

Wesley Beneke, 29, South Africa-Founder, WCB Construction

Anita Adetola Adetoye, 26, Nigeria-Founder, Anita Brows Beauty

Akinwande Durojaye, 28, Nigeria-Founder, JustBrandIt; FixMyRide. Cofounder, FueledUp; LashBells

Samuelle Dimairho, 27, Zimbabwe-Co-founder, Chengetedzai Depository Company

Joey Friedman, 26, South Africa- Founder, LA Group of Companies

Zareef Minty, 24, South Africa- Founder, ZRF Holdings Fred Apaloo, 28, Ghana-Founder, Villa Grace Kene Rapu, 28, Nigeria-Founder, Kene Rapu Jack Mthembu, 27, South Africa- Founder, First One Adventures Reabetswe Ngwane, 25, South Africa- Co-founder, KreamFields Anelisa Mntuyedwa, 28, South Africa-Founder, Gilbert Civils Gozie Coker, 29, Nigeria-Founder, Coker Creative Alexander Knieps, 27, South Africa-Founder, Printulu Adam Amoussou, 27, Benin-Founder, Amosconsult Group Nataliey Bitature, 28, Uganda-Co-founder, Musana Carts -

Technology-

Rivo Mhiari, 23, South AfricaFounder, Rikatec-Olaoluwa Samuel-Biyi, 27, Nigeria Co-founder, SureGifts. Director, SureRemit Isaya Yunge, 28, Tanzania- Founder, SomaApps Technologies Company Limited Mahmood Oyewo, 26, Nigeria- Co-founder, RubiQube Kevin Lubega, 28, Uganda Founder, EzeeMoney Berno Potgieter & Thatoyaona Marumo, 28, South Africa-Founders, Domestly Leonida Mutuku, 29, Kenya-Founder, Intelipro Chris Kwekowe, 25, & Emerald Kwekowe, 21, Nigeria-Founders, Slatecube Phiwa Nkambule, 26, Swaziland-Co-founder, Riovic Sunkanmi Ola, 22, Nigeria-Founder, Syracuse Digital Perseus Mlambo, 29, Zambia-Founder, Zazu Africa Limited Kola Olajide, 26, Nigeria-Co-founder, Bridge Labs Nneile Nkholise, 29, South Africa-Founder, iMed Tech Bamal Namata, 26, Cameroon- Founder, Maibeta Riaz Moola, 26, South Africa-Founder, HyperionDev Leonard Stiegeler, 29, Nigeria- Co-founder, Zanda, Jumia & Director Ringer Africa AG Kofi Genfi & Nii Osae Osae Dade, 24, GhanaFounders, CYST Company Limited Juan Pienaar, 27, South Africa-Founder, Apex Media Timothy Adeleye, 29, Nigeria-Founder, Optiweb Communications Maya Horgan Famodu, 27, Nigeria- Founder, Ingressive Abraham Omani Quaye, 28, Ghana-Founder, Farmart Melvyn Lubega, 28, South Africa-Founder, GO1 Huston Malande, 28, Kenya-Founder, Skyline Design Cukia Kimani, 26 & Ben Myres, 25, South Africa Founders, Nyamakop Ink Eze, 28, Nigeria. (YAY!! BN Alum!)-Founder, AsoEbiBella

June Syowia, 23, Kenya.-Founder, Beiless Group Obinna Okwodu, 27, Nigeria-Founder, Fibre

Abdellah Mallek, 28, Algeria-Co-founder, Sylabs

Yasmine El Baggari, 25, Morocco-Founder, Voyaj

Simba Mubvuma, 26, Zimbabwe-Co-founder, Lexware Inc.

Creatives

Thuso Mbedu, 26, South Africa.- Actress.

Maria Borges, 25, Angola.- Supermodel.

Herieth Paul, 22, Tanzania.- Supermodel.

Eddy Kamuanga Illunga, 26, DRC- Painter.

Cassper Nyovest, 27, South Africa.- Rapper & Entrepreneur.

Stacey Gillian Abe, 27, Uganda.- Multidisciplinary Contemporary Artist.

Yemi Alade, 29, Nigeria. Singer & Songwriter.

Falz, 27, Nigeria.-Rapper & Actor.

Orapeleng Moodutle, 29, South Africa.-Fashion Designer.

Nomzamo Mbatha, 27, South Africa.-Actress.

Kwesta, 29, South Africa.-Rapper & Entrepreneur.

Davido, 25, Nigeria.-Singer & Songwriter.

Safia Elhillo, 27, Sudan.-Author & Poet.

Joyce Jacob, 28, Nigeria.-Founder: Joyce Jacob Beauty.

Shekhinah, 23, South Africa.-Singer & Songwriter.

Adebayo Oke-Lawal, 28, Nigeria.

Fashion Designer. Founder: Orange Culture.

Wizkid, 27, Nigeria.

Singer & Songwriter.

Koleka Putuma, 25, South Africa.-Poet & Author.

Nasty C, 21, South Africa.-Rapper & Producer.

Beverly Naya, 29, Nigeria.-Actress & Entrepreneur.

Simphiwe, 27, South Africa.-Visual Artist.

Rina Chunga-Kutama, 29, South Africa.-Fashion Designer.

Kemiyondo Coutinho, 28, Uganda.-Playwright, Actress, Filmmaker & Entrepreneur.

Sarkodie, 29, Ghana.-Rapper & Entrepreneur.

Mapeseka Koetie-Nyokong, 29, South Africa.-Actress & Entrepreneur.

Sonia Irabor, 28, Nigeria.-Writer, Filmmaker & Actress.

Tony Gum, 22, South Africa.-Visual Artist.

ANATII, 25, South Africa.-Producer, Writer, Director & Artiste.

Sasha Pieterse, 22, South Africa.-Actress & Singer/Songwriter.

Tania Omotayo, 26, Nigeria.-Model & Entrepreneur.

Russia 2018: Meet the 5 Players Who Will Kru People: What You Decide the Fate of the African Need to Know About Representatives African Tribe that Refused to be Captured into Slavery

Afrikan

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The 2018 Russia Football World Cup is making good progress. A few days before the kickoff of the 21 th edition of the largest mass of football, all attention turned to the five countries, representing the African continent. Even if their chances of going far in this competition are very low, each of these selections will have a say in betting especially on his master to play.

Here are the 5 players who will decide the fate of the African selections during this World Cup.

The Egyptian idol of Liverpool almost did not celebrate. Injured in the first minutes of the champions league final, lost by his club on May 26, Mohamed Salah and his bruised collarbone kept all the African football fans in suspense. Finally the Egyptian with 43 goals scored last season, with Liverpool, should even be able to play the first game of his national team. For those who are worried about his performance in the selection, the Egyptian scored 33 goals in 57 appearances with the shirt of the Pharaohs. To leave his group, the right winger of Liverpool and his teammates will have to do battle with Russia, the host country, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. If the Egyptians manage to leave their group After Mohammed Salah’s injury in the Champions League final, Senegalese Sadio Mané had almost had to fight alone against Real Madrid’s invincible armada. Scorer that night, he could not prevent the defeat of his team. At the World Cup, Sadio Mané will be part of the African selection with the most impressive squad. Alongside many players playing in European elite leagues, the left winger, having scored 20 goals with Liverpool in the past season, has everything to shine. In addition, the Senegalese have inherited, a priori, the least popular group among African representatives. If they will fight against Colombia, Senegalese have ample means to hang Poland and Japan. Finally, in theory …

The Nigerian star Chelsea has enough to wear his team during this World Cup. In addition to its technical qualities and power, it is the will and tenacity of the player that make it a real asset for his selection.

These qualities, Nigerians will need to hope to come out of one of the most competitive groups of the competition. It must be said that between Argentina Lionel Messi, Croatia and Iceland, the slightest mistake can compile the return ticket of the Nigerian selection.

Being the least publicized player of this list does not prevent to constitute the main weapon of the Tunisian selection at this world cup. As needed attacker or mid-

fielder, the player playing in Rennes has always been able to help his selection. With 12 goals in 37 caps, Wahbi Khazri is one of the most effective Tunisian strikers still active. In a group where ogres like England and Belgium, as well as the surprising Panama, promise hell to Tunisians, the salvation could well take the form of the right paw of Wahbi Khazri.

In a Moroccan team where talent abounds, Younès Belhanda is certainly the most dangerous individuality among the players of the Moroccan kingdom.

The Turkish club player Galatasaray, brilliant by his technique and his ability to find spaces, can allow a Morocco, promised a virtually certain elimination, to survive in a rather complicated group. Between the Portugal of CR7, champion of Europe in title, Spain, great suitor to the coronation, and Iran, the Moroccan task seems Herculean.

The Kru people are an African tribe of coastal southeastern Liberia and neighboring Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast). The tribe is known for sailing. Many of the Kru people also migrated to neighboring areas such Sierra Leone to look for work as fishermen and dockworkers.

The Kru along with the Grebo resisted Maryland settlers’ efforts to control their trade. They were also infamous amongst early European enslavers as being especially opposed to capture.

There were about 24 subgroups with dialectal and cultural differences. Their political organization was traditionally un-centralized, each subgroup inhabiting a number of autonomous towns. It was believed that the Kru people were viewed as less valuable during the Transatlantic slave trafficking because they would not allow themselves to be captured by Europeans they would often take their own lives first, or fight viciously to avoid being taken away.

The Kru people engaged in migrant labor, seafaring and migrant working. They settled as far as fareast as Cameroon and west as Freetown and Cape Verde. They had exceptional canoeing skills in treacherous surf waters and were well-known for it by the 1700’s when they served on British merchant and warships. Although the natives were in many respects similar in type and tribe, every village was an independent state; there was also very little intercommunication.

The tribe is one of the many ethnic groups in Liberia, they comprise about 7 percent of the population. It is also one of the main languages spoken. By the late 20th century there were probably more Kru outside tribal territory than within. The largest single Kru community in the late 20th century was in Monrovia. Notable ethnic Krus include former soccer star George Weah and Christian Evangelist Samuel Morris who was originally known as Kaboo. Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is of mixed Kru, Gola, and German ancestry.

Source:howafrica.com

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Ambassador Adjei Bawuah Hosts National Association of Realtors In Washington DC

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The realtors in a Group Photo With the Ambassador, MD of State Housing Company (SHC) and Embassy Staff

Kwabena Ampofo Appiah-Managing Director of State Housing Company (SHC)

The Realtors

YES, It’s A RED HOT MARKET TO SELL or BUY TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOUSE

I am a 2nd generation of an African descent living overseas and over the years I have realized that the first generation of African descent has a myopic way of thinking and doing things. As a Realtor, I have come across a number of scenarios that I feel burdened and overwhelmed to address. One of the attributes I have encountered is “IGNORANCE”. Of course scripture does say that “for lack of knowledge my people perish” and indeed most Africans are perishing because of the symptom of ignorance. What I have been trying to wrap my mind around is when you lay the foundation and educate one about the benefits of buying a real estate property in America, they are quick to say “I am concentrating on my project back home where I will spend my golden years!” Over and over I keep hearing this statement. Yet, I have seen people go back home and come back to America in a twinkle of an eye. When I asked the reason for their sudden return back to America, the laundry list of things that drove them back to America goes on and on. Most go back home to find their project in shamble, or the monies that were sent home have been used by their relative (s) for other things; or sadly they go home and tragically die and not even enjoy the fruits of their labor. You know the stories. It puzzles me that we have not learned anything from these atrocious stories. We continue to perpetuate this cycle.

Imagine if you had invested in real estate here in America, you would have greatly reaped the benefits. Here are a few things to consider.

You would have gone back home and come back to your real estate property in whole to enjoy, or you could have enjoyed rental income from the real estate property in America while living overseas or you could have sell and cashed out the equity on your real estate in America as you venture off to motherland. You see real estate investment in America is a win-win coin for you.

The other side of the issue that troubles me is

that our parents have failed to recognize that their decision for not investing has impacted the younger generation. We find it difficult to keep par with our peers who are non-Africans. Most of our peers graduate with minimum or no student loans because their parents were able to use their home equity to support their college education.

Furthermore, our peers tend to get ahead of us because they have the luxury of living with their parents after college and as a result they are able to purchase their own first home and other things that give them an edge over us. Most importantly, our parents have failed to recognize that "us” the 2nd, 3rd etc…generations, the chances of us going back to motherland to acquire or posse your properties are slim. We ask that you keep the investment(s) here so we (your children, grand children, great grand children) can enjoy your labor.

Mommy, Daddy, Uncle, Aunt; the younger generation is crying out loud that you wake up and begin to realize that America is the land of opportunities and investment through home ownership is part of the deal that drove you from motherland to this great country you live in and now call “home”.

When we see you investing or owning a property, it gives us something to look up to and the will to achieve greater things. It is no longer about you and going back to motherland; it’s about investing in our future so we can also enjoy all that America has to offer.

I will leave you with this to ponder; scripture says “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children.” So as you start thinking of this, I urge you to start planning and start dreaming. The American dream is achievable and attainable. Imagine that!

Stay tuned for the next article which will provide a step by step guide on how to achieve the American dream through home ownership. Blessings in full portion!

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

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

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Nathan Pryce ‘Dreams’ come to live at Embassy Chef Challenge in Washington DC

Ghanaian food won second place but also for the first time, Ghanaian music was present and stole the show with many in the audience dancing at the 2018 Embassy Chef Challenge (ECC) held on May 17, 2018, which saw Executive Chef Francis Otoo of Ghana place second; winning both the Judges’ and People’s Choice Awards by cooking Jollof and lamb.

Before the Embassy Chef winners were even announced, Ghanaian smooth-jazz guitarist Nathan Pryce and his ‘Dreams’ band entertained the audience to a mix of AfroJazz and Highlife music from the recently released “Dreams” CD.

The group put up a remarkable performance which excited the interest of the audience.

Noticeable among the dancing crowd was His Excellency Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States who got to his feet to join the crowd as they danced to tunes from the Ghanaian band who had the crowd dancing at the atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, DC.

ECC provides a taste of the world’s foods to the diplomatic community, politicians, and businesses on the Capitol Hill and people interested in culinary arts within the diplomatic corps of Washington, DC. This year the chef of the Philippines Embassy Sincioco-Mateo won tops in both the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice categories, beating chefs from 27 other countries.

In an interview later that night Nathan Pryce told TheAfricanDream.net that he was “excited to see Chef Otoo take 2nd place for Ghana and Africa and to also see Ambassador Adjei-Barwuah and his entourage from the embassy dancing to every tune in front of the stage as we performed selected songs from the recently released ‘Dreams’ album. I can’t tell you how exhilarating that was, my crew and I also truly appreciated all who positively responded to us,” he said.

As he shared his excitement with TheAfricanDream.net after the performance Nathan Pryce disclosed that “I love authentic Ghanaian highlife and jazz music and for me and my colleagues to receive this great opportunity on this great stage to perform to a global audience tonight is truly a dream come true. We couldn’t have been even happier to hear after our performance that Ghana’s Chef Otoo finally wins a double-award having competed at the ECC for 5yrs now.”

A few members of ‘Dreams’ not present during their ECC performance were renowned Ghanaian flutist Dela Botri, and guitarists’ Sam Awuku Apau and David Aidoo. Present to perform however included Michael Turkson, Samuel Ofosu aka Pompor, and Francis Akrofi who were all gracing the ECC stage for the first time.

Some numbers performed by the group included songs like ‘Agro be sor‘, ‘All for you‘ and a few songs from the group’s ‘Dreams‘ album produced by Nathan, which has 6 tracks on it including ‘Goodnight’, which was released as a single in March 2018 on Audiomac.

Information available to this writer indicates that Nathan Pryce and his ‘Dreams‘ will be performing at the 2019 edition of the ECC. For now though, the album will soon be available on online music stores through CD Baby. Email contact@oralofori.com to book Nathan Pryce and the ‘Dreams‘ or to get more information about new CD and the group.

Written by Oral Ofori

June 2018

Agogo Citizens Association (Washington Metro) Celebrate 25th Anniversary-Congratulations !!

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Office Space for Rent

Please Call

703-494-8000 Great Location

Close to a Shopping Center

Elevator and Stair case Access to the 2nd Floor 1690 Oldbridge Road Lake Ridge VA 22192

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Afrikan

June 2 0 1 8

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Nina Baksmaty on stitching the Royalty Collection for KoshieO

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rally to me was designing clothing growing up in my mom’s sewing room,” she added.

Life in the US particularly influenced young Nina because of “how hard it was at the beginning to shirk a potential career in the pharmaceuticals. I however after deciding to let go of the sciences which my family was passionate. I made the bold decision to follow my dreams as a designer. The result today is KoshieO, which was registered as a business in 2010 here in the US.”

Social media as a needle to stitch into the fabric of Nina’s future The future promises to be bright for Nina and KoshieO. Even though there is yet to be a physically located store for the brand, it is thriving well online by harnessing the power of social media to meet customer demands and expectations in the production of blazers and shirts for men, dresses for women and accessories for both.

A lot of networking has been done via social media for this fledgling brand that believes in the power of following your dreams genuinely to arrive at realities that invite the world to share or enjoy your talents.

Almost a decade down the line and now with distribution in shops all over the United States (US), the KoshieO brand has won its way into American hearts and still managed to maintain its African roots, thanks to its Ghanaian born Founder Nina Baksmaty.

KoshieO has preoccupied itself with appreciating the beauty and uniqueness of Africa. This is evidenced in the colors, stitch, and design of their products that give great aesthetic pleasure.

The confidence of wearers and admiration of onlookers have played a huge role in them getting embraced by the international markets. Their latest line is the ‘Royalty Collection’.

Meet KoshieO in all its Afrocentric glory “KoshieO is a juxtaposition of ancient African inspired designs with modern coolness in an attempt to evolve a new combination appealing to every fashion-conscious and style-informed millennial, irrespective of where they are on the globe today,” Nina explained to TheafricanDream.net in an interview from her Maryland-base in the US.

“Our clothes are a representation of a myriad of symbolism that pays tribute to ethnic aesthetics from my Ghanaian and African roots while appreciating the influence of American culture.

Certain things you will quickly notice are the attractive colors, symbols and yet exclusivelytrimmed looks that unearths our luxurious style,” Nina said in response to the reason why her line has gained huge acceptance in some of America’s clothing stores.

During a visit by TheAfricanDream.net to Nina in Maryland, we had an opportunity to examine some finished Royalty Collection and noticed the brand quality of the shirts, how they gently hug wearers plus the fact that some of their designs are made from sourced out fabrics from Italian Mills.

According to Nina: “all the cotton we use is Egyptian cotton which explains the feel-good-sensation on your skin. We have engineered the fit to gauge between slim and regular fit to make it flattering to accommodate free-movement for all.”

Multinational: Italian and Ghanaian connection When we asked the reason behind her preference for Italian Mills fabrics, Nina simply blurted out, “the late Franca Sozanni,” smiled, then explained: “it’s probably due to the influence of Franca Sozanni, one time head of Vogue fashion magazine for Italy, whom I was blessed to meet in person.”

Click here to read other fashion stories

“She’s been a great mentor, exposing me to her treasured network of movers and shakers of this industry, I can’t say enough how blessed I am by this opportunity God chose me to experience.

When Franca passed away in 2016, I was so sad because what my relationship with her brought me was hope and the audacity to dream.”

“Another pivotal influence on me is my mom who is herself a designer. She’s always inspired my journey from way back when I was a student in New York and eventually a Westminster College (Missouri) biology degree holder in the US.”

Nina tells that as a student in Missouri, she started trading in goods like knock-off Jordans etc between New York and back and that this was what ignited the flame of entrepreneurship and designing in her. “I realized I wanted to sell my own product and the only thing that came natu-

“I must confess though that I am working on taking my brand to Ghana and all of Africa soon,” — for now, KoshieO invites all to immerse themselves into Nina’s Royalty Collection.

Do keep an eye out for their Adinkra symbols that convey traditional African wisdom. Some of our personal favorites at TheAfricanDream.net include the stitched paisley or Kente fabrics. To see them go to www.koshieo.com and check them all out for yourself.

Written by Oral Ofori

June 2 0 1 8

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Sankofa Radio And Tv To Celebrate A Decade On The Air Come October 2018

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n October 6, 2018, Sankofa Radio, a Washington DC-based radio station will be joined by the Diaspora community in celebrating 10yrs of their existence. The radio station which now has a TV broadcast does its programming in the Ghanaian language of Akan.

The celebration which has been dubbed the ‘Sankofa 10th Anniversary Dinner Dance‘ will happen at the Comfort Inn Ballroom located on 6560 Loisdale Court in Springfield, Virginia. There will be live entertainment, dancing and comedy, and of course, mouthwatering dinner featuring some popular Ghanaian cuisines as well as networking.

Sankofa is an Akan word that translates into English to mean “Go back and fetch it”. Emmanuel Nana Yaw Darko aka DJ Ras — Founder and CEO of station located in Dumfries, Virginia said “we established this outlet purely with the purpose of serving the diaspora community, this year we feel the need to reflect on the past while seeking newer and better ways to forge into the future must be explored, hence this event.“

Fans of the radio station in close proximity to the event address are advised to arrive early as guests will be traveling from outside other states and even from Ghana to converge at the venue for the celebration.

Red Carpet and Cocktail hour start at 6 PM, dinner will be served at 7 PM and an hour afterward the main event begins.

According to the event organizers, the dress code will be formal and tickets will range from $60 for single attendees to $100 for couples. To arrange for special tickets or obtain other information about this event feel free to contact +1703.445.4014.

“Make it a point to be there to interact with management officials from both Sanko Radio and TV, get to meet presenters like myself, Obaapa Afia Boakyewaa of Obaapa Afutusem, Amankrado of Aburokyire Yede, Kojo DC of Akasanoma and Prekese. Other exciting radio and TV personalities from respective media portals in the Diaspora that you see or hear capturing news, entertainment and information will join us on that day,” said Sankofa’s CEO.

Sankofa Media Group LLC is a subsidiary of Sankofa Radio and TV, it seeks to cater to the evolving needs of their listeners and the changing landscape of the media market in the Diaspora and around the globe. To become part of the October program whether as a sponsor, partner or donor, visit their website at www.sankofaradio.com to send them an email.

Source: TheAfricanDream.net

Google's first African AI Research centre 5 High Salary Jobs That Are In Demand In Africa to open in Ghana

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Google has announced it is to open its first African artificial intelligence research centre in Ghana later this year.

Google boss Sundar Pichai said the multi-national was "really looking forward" to opening the centre.

The centre will open later this year in Accra, the company said in an official statement.

"We’re committed to collaborating with local universities and research centers, as well as working with policy makers on the potential uses of AI in Africa," the statement continued.

The Accra office will join similar AI research centres in places like Paris, Tel Aviv, and, of course, San Francisco.

Nigerian Admits Running Illegal Blood Bank

A Nigerian has confessed to running an illegal blood bank - paying donors small sums before selling their blood on at profit.

Achegbulu Paul, 45, was running the operation out of his one-room apartment in Lagos.

According to a police press release, he offered people 2,000 naira per pint ($5.50; £4), which he then sold for 7,000 naira.

The racket was discovered, the release explained, after a 17-year-old was admitted to hospital, having donated four pints of blood in the space of just six days.

The press release said his mother realised something was wrong when he was spotted riding his bicycle "looking like a corpse".

After he was arrested, Mr Paul, a trained lab technician, told police he had been running the scheme for five years.

However, he said he thought the teenager was 20.

Police say they have started a wider investigation, amid fears that the blood, which was not screened before being sent to a local hospital, could have been carrying infections.

Somalia Bans Toy Gun Imports on Eid Ibrahim Aydid

BBC Monitoring

Somalia's government has released a circular banning importation of toy pistol, guns and bombs on Eid days.

The circular warned businesses importing the toys could have wider implications for the country, possibly motivating the children to engage in violent acts themselves.

Businesses should rather import other goods which will help the children learn over the period, it said.

Source: https://www.bbc.com

Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man — Outdoors Africa The rate of unemployment in Africa is high, hovering between 12% and 14% in sub-Saharan Africa. People who are able to get jobs, however, still look out for better salaries and working conditions. Acquiring a well-paying job can be very difficult, especially when talks about jobs that pay well and those that do not continue to cause controversy. In order to choose your career wisely, here are 5 high salary jobs in Africa to consider.

In Africa, entering into politics is one of the fastest ways to acquire riches and wealth. Members of parliament, governors, senators, and the likes are wellpaid. Others such as analysts, political activists, advisers, political commentators are also making big cash out of politics.

More organisations are seeing the need for technology occupying key areas of their operations and hence there is an increased demand for the IT managers and professionals in IT disciplines. In Kenya, people at the top of the profession can earn over ksh500,000 ($4,982) a month.

Surgeons specialize in delicate operations on the sick and thus, they are among the list of the top paid jobs in Africa. In South Africa, depending on the rank of speciality, people in this profession receive between 476,000 rands ($38,034) to 616,000 rands ($49,279) a year.

People who work in oil companies are some of the highest paid. These companies are usually by multinationals and they pay their workers good salaries.

Most engineers in Nigeria earn about N7 million ($19,425) to N15 million ($41,625) yearly. Due to infrastructural development, civil and structural engineers would also be smiling to the bank.

Most of the world’s billionaires are businessmen and entrepreneurs. Some of them have had to quit their blue collar jobs to start up their own businesses. In Africa, the same situation holds. Businessmen and women are among the highest earners. Aliko Dangote, the richest black man in Africa and Folorunsho Alakiya are both Nigerian business people and entrepreneurs. https://face2faceafrica.com

Why You Should Open A Joint Bank Account With Your Partner

Afrikan

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Should couples have joint bank accounts? This has been a raging topic for many people over the years.

Many couples would want to retain their financial independence for several reasons including the trust factor and the fact that they would want to keep their financial issues very personal and private.

For some, they could be earning more than their partners so keeping a joint account could spell doom as they may be giving away their hard spent money without being given the freedom to spend it as they deem fit.

But many couples have also told stories of how keeping a joint account has been one of the best decisions they’ve ever made.

With emotional strength, you can share your finances with your partner and this comes with some tremendous benefits. Here are some of them:

When couples create a joint account, they deposit a portion of their money or paychecks and this can be used to pay bills, rent, loans, buy groceries and other household items. Depending on the bank, each account holder will be given a debit card, chequebook and allowed to make deposits and withdraw funds. Some banks even offer online services which can help both partners to monitor their account information and others.

Some accounts offer higher interest rates when there is more money in an account. Having combined savings with your partner would enable you to enjoy this benefit. You will be able to meet minimum requirements and saving towards a shared goal such as a weekend treat or vacation, down payment for a home, children’s tuition or retirement would be relatively easier than having a separate account.

When you are married and have a joint account, keeping track of finances comes with no stress as all expenses come out of one account. You will not miss any account activity such as withdrawals and payments and experts say you can easily balance the chequebook at the end of the month.

Depending on the local laws within respective countries, a spouse who loses a partner goes through a lot of difficulty and long legal processes to claim money in a separate account. But with a joint account, the surviving partner can still retain access to the funds without looking at what has been expressed in a will or what the deceased and family members think.

Source: face2faceafrica.com

More and more people are beginning to hoard their money outside of the banking system. Such

5 Simple Ways To Save Money Without Going To The Bank June 2018

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people hate the banks due to the stress involved, poor customer service and bureaucratic procedures. Thus, avoiding these traditional financial institutions with their low-interest rates gives them peace of mind when it comes to their hard-earned money.

They simply get alternatives to living a bank-free life. Here’s how to save cash without the bank.

This is traditionally a container where money is kept. It was often in the form of a pig, but with time, it has changed to any container. The most common container is a box, which is not easy to break open or have access to until you are certain you really need the money in it. With a piggy bank, instead of using loose change to buy savouries and other petty items, you can put them in the piggy bank and watch the money grow.

This is an informal rotating savings club where a group of people get together and contribute an equal amount of money into a fund. They do this weekly, every two weeks or every month. The total pool, that is the large sum is then paid to one member of the club on a schedule that has already been agreed on. The lump sum rotates until all members of the club have received their share. Susu which came from West Africa is practised in many African and Caribbean countries to start a business, go on vacation, make down payments on items, among others.

Many have preached against keeping your money under your bed due to disaster and theft fears. But keeping a small pile of notes under your bed should not be a bad thing as it is a form of investment against the unexpected. It essentially saves you from the hustle of making a trip to the bank or ATM in case of an emergency at home or outside the home where a family or friend needs help. Knowing that there is money under your bed also gives you some sort of comfort and convenience as it is readily available for you as and when you need it.

You can keep your money in big metal tin jars. The good news with using these tins is that it is difficult to open them even when using a tin opener. So the struggle involved in opening it means you can’t just spend the money in it.

If you are planning to keep more money at home than a few pennies, then it would be worth having a home safe. You can bolt these home safes to the floor. With this method, your money is safer as home safes require passcodes with series of locks and combinations to access the money. Consider keeping these home safes in different locations where you will be able to access them if necessary.

Ghana’s All-Girls Team Prepares To Fly High At Global Robotics Competition In Mexico

After a stellar performance in 2017 at the maiden edition of the FIRST Global Challenge robotics competition held in the United States, Ghana is preparing for this year’s competition to be held in Mexico in August with another all-girls team.

The team is made up of students from the Wesley Girls Senior High School in the Central Region.

They will represent Ghana and compete with over 150 countries in the challenge titled “Energy Impact”.

The girls are expected to collaborate with two other nations to fuel power plants, activate renewable energy sources and fully construct and programme a robot from a standardized kit of parts.

STEMbees, an organisation that mentors and engages primary and secondary school girls in STEM activities, is supporting the girls to prepare for the challenge. The organisation is raising funds to pay for the registration fees, the required robot kits and travel expenses for the girls.

“Our girls represented Ghana well on the global technology stage last year and are very excited and eager to place even higher in this year’s competition. We, however, call on corporate, governmental institutions and individuals to support the team’s participation in the 2018 FIRST Global Challenge competition to make the trip possible and let the world know that young African women are making our mark in technology,” says Linda Ansong, one of the team’s mentors and a co-founder of STEMbees.

“By participating in events such as the First Global Challenge, a new generation of young women can be inspired to actively participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics careers and feel empowered to become entrepreneurs and professionals that ultimately develop unique solutions to Ghana, Africa and the world’s problems,” Ansong added.

Ghana ranked 66 out of 163 teams from 157 nations in last year’s competition. The West African country was represented by the only all-girls team selected from the Archbishop Porters Girls’ Secondary School in Takoradi.

Their challenge was to build robots that will accomplish engineering tasks as a global society to solve the world’s water crisis.

Benin and Liberia were ranked highest among the 40 African countries that participated in the competition. They ranked 7 and 12 respectively. Behind Benin and Liberia were Nigeria (25), Mozambique (29), Mali (30), Zambia (32), Sierra Leone (37), Cameroon (43), and Equatorial Guinea (50).

All the participating students – aged between 15 and 18 – were recognised for their efforts while the top three ranked teams – Team Europe, Poland and Armenia – were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.The 2018 competition will be held in México City, Mexico, from August 15 to August 18, 2018.

Source: face2faceafrica.com

June 2018

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Comedian Kansiime - Why My Ex-Husband Dumped Me

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Photo: Anne Kansiime/Instagram

By Thomas Matiko Ugandan top Comedian Ann Kansiime has revisited her broken marriage that lasted for only four years.

Rumours have swirled over the cause of the couple's breakup, ranging from finances, to childlessness and power dynamics in the relationship.

To a large part, the Kansiime's stronger financial status over her ex husband Gerald Ojok was seen by many to be the reason for their split.

In an interview with a Kenyan TV station over the weekend, the comedian was non-commital on the finances bit, but acknowledged that there were 'other issues' that affected the marriage.

The comedian was in Nairobi for the East Africa Comedy gig at the KICC grounds. She rose to fame with her 'Don't Mess with Kansiime' chronicles.

MAN OF THE HOUSE'

Asked if her financial muscle had scared away Ojok, she said; "That's a fact I earn much than him, but I don't know if that is the reason he left. There could be other reasons that I will not get in to."

Kanssime and Ojok were touted as the best Ugandan celebrity couple. The marriage hit rock bottom mid last year, before Kanssime confirmed on a live Facebook question and answer session that they were actually no longer together.

In a recent interview, she said her marriage had long died, but she kept fronting a show of unity with her husband in public because of pressure of the media.

"Actually my relations ended six months before the whole world knew, but the pressure kept it going" she added.

Besides finances, there were claims that Kansiime's inability to have a child during the four years was a major cause of their split because of pressure from Ojok's family to have babies.

Other quarters indicated that Kansiime preferred to cement her career first before getting children Source: allafrica.com

Afrikan

Post

June 2018

Page

37

Afrikan

Post

June 2018

Page

38

Afrikan

Post

June 2018

Page

39

Congratulations to Akosua Asantewaa Nyamekye on the Occassion of Her 50th Birthday

Asantewaa Welcoming Dr. Rokoto and Wife To her Residence