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Vol 10 Issue 10

October 2018

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Nana Akufo-Addo Declares 2019 as ‘Year of Return for Diasporans’ Pg. 24

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Congo’s Mukwege and Iraq’s Murad Win 2018 Nobel Peace Prize

Denis Mukwege, a gynecologist treating victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nadia Murad, a Yazidi human rights activist and survivor of sexual slavery by Islamic State in Iraq, won the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said it had awarded them the prize for their efforts to end the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.

“Both laureates have made a crucial contribution to focusing attention on, and combating, such war crimes,” it said in its citation.

Mukwege, a gynecologist treating victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leads the Panzi Hospital in the eastern city of Bukavu.

Opened in 1999, the clinic receives thousands of women each year, many of them requiring surgery from sexual violence.

Murad is an advocate for the Yazidi minority in Iraq and for refugee and women’s rights in general. She was enslaved and raped by Islamic State fighters in Mosul in 2014.

The prize will be presented in Oslo on Dec. 10, the anniversary of the death of Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel, who founded the awards in his 1895 will.

Ghanaian Fashion Icon, Ozwald Boateng To Design British Airways Uniforms October

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Veteran designer Ozwald Boateng has gotten the rare opportunity to revamp the uniforms of British Airways flight staff for their centennial.

The flag carrier of the United Kingdom and one of the largest airlines in the world, British Airways, recently announced that renowned Ghanaian-British fashion designer Ozwald Boateng is set to design new uniforms for 32,000 employees. According to British Airways, the uniforms will play an important part in their centenary celebrations in 2019.

“I am really excited about creating this new uniform for British Airways. It is important for me to create something that makes all of British Airways’ 32,000 uniform-wearing employees across the world excited, at the same time as enabling me to really demonstrate my skills as a designer,” said Boateng about his latest project in a release sent out by British Airways.

“British Airways is investing £4.5 billion over the next five years and the uniform I design will form part of that, so I’m looking forward to taking a uniform and refining it into a collection,” he added.

About the announcement, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, Alex Cruz also said: “Our uniforms have been an iconic symbol of our brand throughout our 100-year history and our partnership with Ozwald will take us forward to the next chapter in our journey.”

“At a time when we’re investing for customers, new uniforms are a visual representation of investment in our people and we want them to feel proud when they wear the new uniform.”

Ozwald Boateng OBE was born on February 28, 1967. The fashion designer has acquired the likes and admiration of many for his signature twist on classic tailoring and bespoke style. Boateng was born in North London’s Muswell Hill after his parents emigrated from Ghana in the 1950s. He draws inspiration from the immaculate suits that his father wore when he was young. Since childhood, his love for fashion has been quite apparent from the fact that he was only fourteen when he found himself a summer job of sewing linings into suits.

With numerous accolades to his belt including the “Impact in Fashion Award” at the Ghana Legacy Honors in Accra last year, British Airways couldn’t have made a better choice!

Google Unveils Navigation Maps For Kenya Taxis

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Guinness World Records: Zimbabwe is the Country With the Most Official Languages in the World

Internet giant Google has launched Motorbike Mode on Google Maps in Kenya, making it the first African state where bike riders will have the voice navigation service.

"For over a million Kenyans, boda bodas [motorbike taxis] are a convenient and affordable way to move and transport goods from one place to another," Google said in a statement.

"With Google Maps' new Motorbike Mode, users across Kenya will now be able to get directions and turn-by-turn navigation, to suggest routes that are more efficient," it added.

Ben Chelule, a 24-year-old boda boda rider in the capital, Nairobi, welcomed the announcement, Reuters news agency reported.

"What prevents us from picking [up] some clients is lack of navigation. If the road doesn't have a clear name and you are new to the area, you get lost," Mr Chelule said.

Zimbabwe is a land-locked country in Southern Africa.

Formerly known as Southern Rhodesia, Rhodesia and then Zimbabwe, it is surrounded by South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Botswana.

The country boasts 16 official languages. It is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the only country in the world to accomplish that feat.

Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, and Xhosa are all listed in the Google already provides the service in Asian countries such as India. Zimbabwean constitution as recognized dialects.

Nonetheless, Shona, Ndebele and English are mostly spoken throughout the country.

The company tweeted about its expansion in Kenya: https://bbcnews.com

The public uproar of priority being placed on English, Ndebele and Shona sent the message that marginal languages were being neglected.

In 2016, Vice President Nelson Chamisa expressed the need

for Zimbabweans to exercise pride in their languages, “Zimbabweans must be proud of their languages and, as such, parliament must ensure there was translation.”

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda commented, “we want to put electronic systems that will have automatic translation so that if someone speaks in Venda, the minister can switch on to English and understand the question and when he replies, the person who has asked the question will switch on to Venda to get the reply.”

As of this month, initiatives were in the process of being formulated – including ensuring that local radio and television stations were inclusive of the country’s official languages. https://howafrica.com

Two New African Ambassadors Credentialed at the White House October

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.

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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 10 Issue 10

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Tema-Based Musician Bkay Quietly Carving Niche For Himself In Ghana Pg. 11

On September 17, 2018, two new African Ambassadors presented their Letters of Credence to President Trump at an Ambassador Credentialing Ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House.

They are:

His Excellency Philip Jada Natana, Ambassador of the Republic of South Sudan His Excellency Martial Ndoubou, Ambassador of the Central African Republic The presentation of credentials is a traditional ceremony that marks the formal beginning of an Ambassador’s service in Washington.

Vincent Kompany's Father Becomes Belgium's First Black Mayor On his Instagram post, Vincent added: "It was long overdue but it's progress. Massive congrats!"

It's not the first time the football star has spoken about the need for progress in Belgian politics.

Uganda: Kanye West in Uganda to Shoot Video

Two days earlier, he tweeted an image of the Belgian parliament, noting "very little multiculturalism" on display.

Pg. 30

Dr. Vernon Darko Elected New President of Bobsled and Skeleton Federation Ghana Page 11

It Is Personal Pg. 11

Offinsoman Association of USA & Canada Conclude 4th Annual Convention Pg. 9

UPDATE Ghana Welcomes African Americans Back Home Pg. 24

"That also reflects non-existent diversity at all levels of power in Belgium," he said.

Belgium has elected a black mayor for the first time - the father of international football star Vincent Kompany.

Pierre Kompany topped the poll for the municipality of Ganshoren in Brussels, earning him the title of mayor.

Other mayoral candidates with mixed heritage have begun to enter politics in Belgium in recent years. Emir Kir, the son of Turkish immigrants, and was elected mayor of Saint-Josse in 2012; and Nadia Sminate, whose father was from Morocco, was elected the leader of Londerzeel in 2016.

Mr Kompany arrived in Belgium in 1975 as a refugee from what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He became active in politics in 2006 as a councillor, and took a seat in the Brussels regional parliament in 2014.

But he is perhaps best known for his famous sons. Vincent Kompany is both the captain of English Premier League club Manchester City and a constant fixture on the Belgium national team.

Vincent's brother, Francois, plays for Belgian side KSV Roeselare.

Both brothers were quick to congratulate their father in an Instagram post shared with Vincent's 1.6 million followers.

"History! We are so proud of you dad," he wrote.

"He's the first black mayor in Belgium - it's never happened Vincent Kompany is both the captain of English Premier League club Manchester City and a conbefore, it's historic.... congratulations to my dad!" Vincent stant fixture on the Belgium national team. said.

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US Issues Statement on Elections in Cameroon

Heather Nauert Department of State Spokesperson Washington, DC

October 11, 2018

The United States reiterates its neutrality with respect to Cameroonians’ right to choose their leader and calls for calm and the careful, non-partisan conclusion of the remaining phases of the vote tabulation process. We appeal to all Cameroonians to exercise patience and avoid hate speech.

We encourage Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) and the Constitutional Council to release results polling site by polling site to enhance transparency and citizens’ confidence in the outcome. Any disputes should be resolved peacefully and through established legal channels. The United States remains a committed partner on electoral, political, economic, and human rights reforms in Cameroon.

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Sec. Pompeo Issues Statement on Equatorial Guinea’s National Day

Department of State October 12, 2018

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Equatorial Guinea on the 50th anniversary of your independence this October 12th.

The United States and Equatorial Guinea enjoy robust economic ties. Our collaboration during your term on the United Nations Security Council is an indication of our shared international objectives. The United States will continue to support the people of Equatorial Guinea in their efforts to strengthen their democratic institutions and achieve greater economic prosperity.

As you enjoy this momentous occasion, we look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the years to come.

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Offinsoman Association of USA & Canada Conclude 4th Annual Convention Octoberr

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Mrs. Leticia Ofori Achaw the project coordinator of the association who led the delegation to make the presentation implored the hospital administration to take care of the items and maintain them to enable the items last since maintenance culture has always been a problem.

She assured the hospital administration of their continued support in spite of their commitment to education and other projects.

The administrator of the hospital Mr. Christopher Sarpong expressed his appreciation on behalf of the hospital and said “This contribution came at the right time”. He said the items came at a time a new block was being renovated and they had no idea how to furnish the block when completed so the donation has come as a big relief to the hospital.

Offinsoman Union was set up to support and contribute to the development of Offinsoman and the nation as a whole. Membership is open to both native residents and non-native members residing in the Diaspora. The Union is financed by the contributions and donations of its members. Their overall objective is to ensure that the local citizens will have access to the basic facilities needed to make the town a better place to live. Their support and contributions are not only limited to extending help to the local citizens back home, but also among members and their families living in the diaspora.

For further information about the association please contact Jimmy Owusu Kwarteng at 571330-9472 The Offinsoman Association of Canada and USA a non-profit socio-cultural organization whose primary goals are to develop and promote the economic wellbeing of their membership through cultural education, counseling and networking programs concluded their 4th Biennial National convention on September 2nd, 2018 at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers, New York.

The occasion also coincided with the inauguration of the New York chapter of the association with Felix Kofi Gyabaah as its president.

Under the theme “Enhancing Education in Offinso and its environs” the two day convention attracted friends and citizens of Offinso and its environs in North America who deliberated on issues of common concern in Offinso and nearby communities ranging from education, health, environment and socio economic development with a commitment to contribute meaningfully to the prosperity and development of Offinsoman (the people of Offinso, Ghana).

Beyond that the convention also enabled the association to streamline and set things in motion on how to pull resources together to enable them contribute in various ways to give Offinsoman a facelift and make it a better place to live.

The Keynote speaker Professor Samuel K Amoako, the Consul General in New York commended the Association for the various contributions they have made towards health delivery and improvement in Ghana. He said “I am aware of the presentations you have made to health institutions in the Offinso area. More important is the fact that you have identified many other sectors where you are going to apply the proceeds of the fund-raising activities you embark on. The sectors include education, infrastructure, and the environment. This year, your focus is on Education, and you could not have chosen a better focus.”

The Hon. Consul General concluded by appealing to the members to donate generously to the fund-raising since it will go a long way to improve education in Ghana as a whole, and the Ofinso area in particular.

In her address Mrs. Amma Konadu Nimo-Sefah, the President of Offinsoman Association of USA and Canada

said “We resolved to focus attention in four key areas: Infrastructure, Environment. Health and Education.”

She went on “We have accomplished a lot in the past six years. Aside the fact that great friendships have been formed amongst ourselves, we’ve achieved one of the four goals mentioned earlier”.

In May, 2018 the Association fulfilled one of the pledges to the Offinso Community by contributing to the St. Patrick Hospital in Offinso Masse. The association donated 75 mattresses, 45 beds, 100 bedsheets and assorted and needed medical supplies to the hospital worth about nineteen thousand dollars.

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Going To School In The Middle East And North Africa’, a book by Dr. Kwabena Dei OforiAttah of teaching experience in the West African nations of Ghana and Nigeria, and also in the US.

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The 50 Men, Women On Buhari's Travel Ban List

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Impressed with literacy spurt in region ten years after the book When asked of his opinion on what has changed in the region’s educational system since the book was published in 2008 vis-a-vis today, the author said some of the significant changes that he has witnessed are in the simple development of higher education systems in the region: “the halving of illiteracy which had aggressively begun even before my book started has been greatly improved upon today”

‘Going To School In The Middle East And North Africa‘ is a book authored by Dr. Kwabena Dei Ofori-Attah of Ghana.

According to Dr. Ofori-Attah, he wrote the book to show the world that apart from the violence we read in newspapers, from social media, and other media, the Middle East and North Africa region is home to a good education.

The region according to Dr. Ofori-Attah, is the cradle for our modern school system. In the quest to find out more, TheAfricanDream.net had a chat with the author to learn more about the motivation behind the book published a decade ago.

“I got the inspiration to write the book from two of my college professors, Dr. Gifford Doxsee and Prof. Milt Ploghoft.

I took three demanding classes with Dr. Doxsee about North Africa and the Middle East. After graduation, I decided to put my ideas together to write the book,” said Ghanaborn Dr. Ofori-Attah when asked what gave rise to the book.

Dr. Kwabena Dei Ofori-Attah journeys into the genesis of his book In June 1995 the author completed his doctoral studies in education at Ohio (OH) University in Athens, OH in the United States (US). Soon after graduation, he started teaching at University of the Cumberlands (formerly Cumberland College) in Williamsburg, Kentucky. After a while, he received the academic financial inspiration to write the book from Prof. Ploghoft.

“I was inspired by him to develop the online journal, ‘The African Symposium‘ from which I got a lot of information for my work. The online platform is for publishing educational research reports on Africa. The journal published by the African Education Research Network (AERN) is basically what set all of this off,” said the author who spoke highly of Prof. Ploghoft, the man who provided him with the funds to develop the AERN website.

Until he wrote the book, the Ghanaian author’s only connection with North Africa was through his studies and also letters from his younger brother who taught the English language in Libya. “Also, I had three students in my classes from North Africa and the Middle East who I interviewed for information about the book,” explained Dr. Ofori-Attah who also interviewed others outside his classes for the project.

Besides being Founder of the AERN, the author was its Managing-Editor for over five years. He has over 25 years

“The region has almost achieved a total gender parity in their primary education sector and literacy rates for young adults has greatly improved in the last 20 years from 59 percent in 1990 to 78 percent in 2010. That indeed is highly impressive,” — Dr. OforiAttah.

Click here to read recent book reviews and author interviewed done by TheAfricanDream.net

Looking back today, the author told TheAfricanDream.net that he is glad he pushed on with work to get the book published by the publisher — Greenwood Press. He said some of the setbacks he encountered at the time involved some interview candidates and students talked to for the book, who initially felt uncomfortable talking to him about education in the region.

Thirteen former governors and seven former ministers, all facing corruption trials, were among the 50 men and women that make up the travel ban list under Executive Order No. 6 issued

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The restriction followed the judicial affirmation of the constitutionality and legality of the order.

The watch-list and restriction were put in place pending the conclusion of the cases against those affected.

“Again, I did not want to include Israel in the book because of the ongoing conflict but the publishers refused to agree with me on this because they argued it is part of the region. So we went on and added it. Today it is such a humbling opportunity to look back at all that good work and the impact it is having on lives.”

The former governors barred from leaving the country are: Saminu Turaki (Jigawa), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo), Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia), Danjuma Goje (Gombe), Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto), Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); and Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina). The affected governors belong to both APC and PDP.

What Dr. Ofori-Attah has been up to these days “I am a Research Fellow for the AERN. In this capacity, I work with international students all over the world, something which keeps me busy,” said the author.

Two female former ministers , Nenadi Usman and Jumoke Akinjide also made the list, along with Bashir Yuguda, Bala Mohammed; Abba Moro; Femi Fani-Kayode; and Ahmadu Fintiri.

Higher education institutions from all over the world are opening up branch universities in the region. Qatar for instance now has created what is called the ‘Education City‘, where many countries outside the region are competing for space to build branch campus- On the list also is the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), es.

Others include a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh; ex- Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral A. D. Jibrin; a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar; a former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero; and a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu; Chairman Emeritus of AIT/ Raypower, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi; Waripamowei Dudafa (a former Special “COL is helping developing nations improve access to quality eduAssistant (Domestic) to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan); a cation and training.” said the author who currently teaches at former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Innocent Central State University, Wilberforce, OH. He has published a Umezulike; a former judge of the Federal High Court, Justice number of articles in places like the Encyclopedia of Education Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia; (2004), and a chapter in International Handbook on Urban Education, 2006, and many others.

Also on the list are a former National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh; Chief Jide Stay tuned for more info on two book chapters the author is writOmokore; Ricky Tarfa; and Dele Belgore (SAN). ing on Teacher Education in Liberia and Sierra Leone. For now, you can get ‘Going To School In The Middle East And North Most of the affected persons are currently facing trial for Africa’ at Amazon by searching bit.ly/deioforiattah. alleged corrupt practices in different courts. written by Oral Ofori He is am a member of several international organizations such as the Commonwealth of Learning COL; an intergovernmental organization created by Commonwealth Heads of Government to encourage the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources, and technologies.

Source:www.allafrica.com

It Is Personal

and even cause our demise. At such times, we should recall that because we have clearly and consciously chosen to serve God, though we have been promised righteousness, peace and joy (Romans 14:17) and all that God has to offer to us here and beyond, we have nevertheless enlisted ourselves in an army, and there are ongoing battles and wars in which we partake on the spiritual level which can obviously result in injuries and casualties. We must acknowledge and accept this, for it is a spiritual truth from which we cannot escape.

Take for instance the story of Queen Esther. In The Book of Esther, the queen’s cousin Mordecai was personally being pursued by his enemy Haman, because the proud Haman was angry that Mordecai wouldn’t bow down to Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah him as did everyone. Mordecai understood that he was only to bow to God and not to any man or idol. As a result, ver wonder why some things happen to you? Do you search Haman hated him, and conceived in his heart a means to and find no clear answers to questions about your personal kill not only him but all the Jews of the kingdom as well. adversities? There is an answer. It is because of who you The plot was personally designed against Mordecai, but he are. It is because as a child of God, you are special; you are “the knew what to do. He enlisted the help of Esther and apple of His eye” (Zechariah 2:8); you have been made a “peculiar although Esther knew that standing up for Mordecai and person” (1st Peter 2:9) and as a result, someone, something, desires the Hebrew people could mean certain death to her, she that very special thing in and about you. And they will come in took up the challenge and proclaimed a three-day fast for their full strength to separate you from it and even usurp your her people. In the end, it was neither Mordecai nor the place. Are you going to cower in the fetal position somewhere in a Hebrew people who were killed, but the gallows that corner and relinquish your rights, joy and peace for that someone Haman had fashioned intending to trap Mordecai were the or are you going to stand to assert yourself and strength knowing very gallows that sealed his fate; Haman was executed! who you are in the Lord?

When you are a faithful child of God, your enemies in the It is obvious that all people will experience adversities spiritual and even the natural realm will become jealous and challenges. That is a clear and undeniable truth of life conand hateful wanting to see you disgraced and destroyed. firmed time after time. Perhaps for an entire year, your nation’s But your response to the trials they precipitate and your rainy season will be so overwhelming that it will begin too early, unwavering belief and faithfulness to God in this time of rain too much and end well after its usual time, leaving your crops pain and anguish will ensure that they will be the ones to in ruins, unsalvageable. Or perhaps, the dry season also will come be made ashamed. What they had wished on you will too early, stay well after its welcome and leave your land parched rather befall them. and unquenchable. The world’s economy could fall drastically and Let’s confirm the above with another incident in we will all feel the pinch in job loss and inflation. Such things Daniel chapter six which has the same end. Daniel, a happen not only to you, but to everyone and we will all suffer Hebrew leader in Persia was hated and envied. Daniel was along with each other. hated because not only did he excel at his work and was Then there are those times when something will happen favored by King Darius, but also because he faithfully only to you. Sometimes, such occurrences are simply the natural prayed to and worshiped his God and not the gods of the order of life, but then at certain times, they are directed at you and land. As a result, venom filled the hearts of the other leadyou alone. All we know is that moments before, we were walking ers so much so that they plotted to compromise him where on solid ground and then in the next moment, we have fallen into a he would eventually be killed. His enemies connived to pit, desperately looking up, frantically calling for help. The adverhave an irreversible edict written and approved by the king sity could be financial, where all was well and now as a result of that for 30 days, only the king should be prayed to and that job loss you become virtually homeless. It can be an unhappy and anyone found praying to any god or man should be put to unstable home life, serious health problems, or even the sudden death. See, the fact is that your enemies watch and study death of a loved one. The fact is that once upon a time, you were you. They come to learn about you so that they can place happily serving and worshiping your God, obeying His word and obstacles in your way to cause you to trip and fall. Their enjoying the blessings, but in the next moment, everything changed constant intention is to see you knocked off your pedestal, as if the ground you were walking on was quaking, threatening to the very pedestal with which God has so graciously come apart and swallow you. Don’t fret. It is personal. endowed you. The schemers in this case knew that Daniel According to God’s word, our personal trials and tribulations was faithful to his God and that despite the decree, he and even eventual demise can be warranted by our own disobediwould pray and thus, their innermost desire would be realence as in the case of Jonah, who intentionally disobeying God’s ized when Daniel is put to death. Daniel wasn’t fooled. It directions, was swallowed by a whale that God Himself had was personal, but he knew in whom he had believed. He assigned to swallow him. Jonah remained in the whale for three also knew that come what may, he would rather obey his days repenting and praying until God released him. Let’s also God than men. So unafraid and unashamed, Daniel continrecall Samson, who after disobeying by mingling with people God ued to pray three times a day by his open windows. He had forbidden the Israelites to consort with, yielded to the seducwas seized and thrown into the lions’ den to be demolished. tress power of Jezebel and found himself without his hair and But when morning came, Daniel was still alive as God had strength. Samson met his demise with his enemies because he had shut the lions’ mouths so that they could not devour Daniel. sinned by doing his own thing. If you are undergoing adversities, Rather, those who conspired and developed the decree solesearch to see if you have erred in some way and quickly make ly to entrap Daniel were the ones who, along with their amends with God and whomever else, to bring an end to your wives and children, were thrown into the lions’ den and affliction. destroyed.

However, many times in our Christian journey the attacks in It is personal when an entire edict has been estabour lives are not warranted. We have done absolutely nothing to lished simply because of one person. It is personal when deserve those severe hardships. In fact, we have rather been faith- your enemies search and plot to determine how they might ful in our roles as children of God. This is when we should discern bring about pain and misery to your life. Would they be that it is a personal attack brought by our enemies to undermine successful with their gossiping, backbiting and shunning?

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Will that be the way they will cause you to become discouraged and stop doing what you have been doing for God? Are you going to stop leading the praise and worship team or quit the choir? Are you going to step down from that post to which you were elected or appointed on your job or at church? Are you going to stop attending church service or quit the church altogether? What is going to be your response to the attacks and machinations made against you? Are you going to accuse the Lord of being unfaithful to you because the loss of a good job and good health are now your woes or are you going to stand firm and fight these battles knowing who you are in God and acknowledging the manipulations of the enemy?

Finally, let’s consider another individual who was perfect in every way even according to God Himself, but was faced with unbelievable tragedy, simply because of another’s resentment. In the Book of Job, Job of Uz, the greatest man of the East in those times, was blessed beyond measure, because he was upright and faithful to God. But of course, Satan himself could not leave that alone. He was jealous, because while he was homeless roaming back and forth on Earth, Job had real estate properties, innumerable livestock and blessed with ten children. Job also had the respect of his community.

Consequently, Satan challenges God that Job is only faithful because of the blessings that God has granted him, not because he loves God. God allows Satan, Job’s enemy, to have his way with his wealth and all his blessings. He does and Job loses everything, even his children in one day. But Job only prostrated himself and worshiped God, accepting God’s supremacy.

Dissatisfied with Job’s response, Satan goes back to God and asks to attack Job’s health. God grants the permission, trusting that Job will never cease to love and worship Him. Job’s body is attacked with painful boils from his head to the soles of his feet, but he remained faithful in his worship and never cursed God. In the end, the Lord rewarded Job for his faithfulness by not only healing his body, but by also blessing him with twice as much as he had before. Additionally, God blessed him with ten more children, the very number of children he had previously, and lastly, he was blessed with long life, where he lived until 140yrs.

Was the attack on Job personal? No doubt. Was it intended to undermine and discredit him? Absolutely. Did Job stop worshiping God and did he curse Him? No. While Job was not privy to what had transpired between God and Satan, Job knew his God and understood that both blessings and curses can come from His hands. Believing that he had been faithful to God, that he had not brought those curses unto himself, he stayed true to his Lord.

What is your response when such things happen to you?

What challenge or trial are you facing? Have you determined its roots? Was it brought about by your disobedience to God or can you identify it as a personal attack to test you? What are you doing about it? What will you do about it? Are you going to fight by praying and fasting as Esther, Mordecai and the Hebrews did in order to claim your victory over the situation?

Are you going to obey your God and continue to pray and call upon his name as did Daniel? Or are you going to continue to worship and continue your faithful relationship with Him as did Job, knowing that your God is faithful and supreme and that despite your afflictions, He is worthy to be worshiped and praised? When such attacks come, know that they are personal, but know even more that this is when it is time to fight and shame your enemies and claim what is yours. Don’t allow the jealous ones to triumph over you. Don’t let Satan and his demonic and human agents to harass and have their way with you. There is something special about you that they desire.

There is something wonderful about you that they want to destroy. Are you going to let them? Fight them all the way until it is over, knowing that God fights alongside you.

Tema-Based Musician Bkay Quietly Carving Niche For Himself In Ghana

Bkay says “happenings in my life and around the people and places I know are what have mainly inspired my lyrics. music is a very personal thing for me and I can say love and life have heavy influences on my style,” in response to TheAfricanDream.net about the inspiration behind his music.

Known as Bless Fianko in personal life, the Ghanaian born musician dabbles in multiple genres including Afropop, Hiphop, and Ghanaian created genres like Hiplife and Highlife. The recording artist born on February 19 is from Ghana in West Africa.

He grew up in one of West Africa’s pioneering port cities — Tema — where he also went to school.

Bkay gradually started to take a liking to hiphop and music in general. “Life in Tema heavily influenced my style of music, even though I’m from the Volta Region, specifically Kedzi, I have never lived there.

But that doesn’t stop me from singing in the ‘Ewe’ language of that region sometimes,” he said.

The artist signed to King Louis Entertainment has worked with many high profile artists in Ghana, Kenya and a few in the United States. Some names in the Ghana music scene he has worked with are Edem, Epixode, Opanka, Alo Obra, Phieso Kimata, and Nicky Monroe.

2017 saw the release of Bkay’s hit song 'I swear' which was a follow up to his April 2016 debut single titled ‘Scatta Bada‘ that featured Akosua Mansa.

Watch the 'I swear' video below from the artist who traces his team online with the hashtag #KingLouisEnt. Since 2014 when Bkay decided to venture out as a professional musician, he has released a handful of singles that have received welcoming airplay on TV and radio in Ghana. His most recent work is 'Jonnie Walker' released June 2018. Earlier this February he released 'Kumkum Bhagya'. Other singles under his belt are ‘Waakye’ and 'Akosua Mansah' respectively.

“I cannot thank my fans enough for being there for me since I started my career, I wanna thank all those who have in diverse ways also showed support and encouragement. My new music video will hit the screens this October and I assure you that it will be the usual quality product you have always known from your boy Bkay,” — said Bless Fianko to TheAfricanDream.net.

For what’s new with the young Ghanaian act, connect with him on social media where you will find him on Instagram and Twitter as Bkay_GH, and Facebook as Bkay GH. Reach out to his management by emailing The Tema-based rapper disclosed that there are a few kinglouisentertainment@gmail.com for collaborations people in the industry that he looks up to with a lot of respect and admiration, one of them “especially is and bookings.

Mugeez of R2bees fame who rose to stardom from Written by Oral Ofori Tema. The story of R2Bees is a really inspiring one for up comers like myself, as a result I am working really hard to release my debut album when the time is right.”

Sincere Regards, Oral Ofori

Inspiring: Ghanaian Student Creates Breast Cancer Detection System October 2018

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A high school student in Ghana has successfully created a system that uses a predictive analytic model to detect breast cancer.

Mustapha Diyaol Haqq is currently studying at TI Ahmadiyya High School in Kumasi and is working on an artificial intelligence model to diagnose and predict breast cancer.

The teenager is also a content developer, code instructor and volunteer with the Ghana Code Club. ” I work as a code instructor and mentor at the Ghana Code Club. I trained myself to code and build a file. I also wrote my first research paper on the use of predictive analytics to diagnose breast cancer, “ he said.

The machine learning / artificial intelligence system uses two main classifications, malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous) to classify a cancerous breast tumor.

” The goal is to classify whether breast cancer is benign or malignant and to predict recurrence and non-recurrence of malignant cases after a certain period of time.”

” To achieve this goal, we used automatic learning classification methods to adapt a function that can predict the discrete class of new inputs,” Mustapha said.

Source:howafrica.com

October 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

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Bishop Adonteng Boateng: All Set For ‘Faithful Servants Awards’ With Police

Bishop Kofi Adonteng Boateng of Divine Word International Ministry (DWIM) has disclosed that plans are on schedule for the first ‘Faithful Servants Awards’ to be held October 27, 2018, at 7 pm in Alexandria, Virginia (VA).

According to Bishop Boateng: “we recently had a meeting at the event venue with some of the senior officers of the Northern Virginia police department of Fairfax [in the United States (US)] to fine-tune plans for October.

The venue is already finalized and it will be the Mark Center Hilton located at 5000 Seminary Road here in Alexandria, VA.”

The Bishop who spoke at a press conference at the DWIM branch in Woodbridge, VA, revealed that ‘Faithful Servants Awards‘ which is being organized by the faith-based community of Northern Virginia in collaboration with the respective police forces of the area, is a long overdue attempt to recognize the great work of the police in the community.

According to the Bishop, the theme for the event will be – ‘Law Enforcement and Citizens Working in Faith Towards Community Gratitude and Safety.‘

Some of the awards that will be given out include: ‘Officer of the Year’ award for Fairfax County Police, ‘Deputy of the Year‘ award for Fairfax County Sheriff, and ‘Trooper of the Year‘ award for Virginia State Police among many others.

“This is going to also be a great way in which the community and the police force can come together through an initiative led by the faithbased community to not only get to know and understand each other better, but to kill the false myth that misinforms people that the police are out to get them,” Bishop Boateng said.

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Women In Healthcare And Civil Society Advocate For Endometriosis Awareness In Nigeria

EndoSurvivors International Foundation (EIF) held an endometriosis conference in the third week of September 2018, in Lagos, Nigeria.

EIF used the event to raise awareness about endometriosis and educate women, the public, as well as healthcare professionals.

“Our agenda, as embedded in our theme, is to foster an environment within which cops and the community can come together to work towards the overall safety and development of society, irrespective of religious differences. In the process, we want all parties involved to not lose Endometriosis is an abnormal growth of cells sight of the importance to appreciate each other,” affecting an estimated 1 in 10 women and girls the Bishop explained. during their reproductive years. Victims of the condition are usually between the ages of 15-49 Individuals and corporate entities interested in years and form approximately 176 million supporting the upcoming awards event were women in the world today. encouraged to get in touch with the church to explore sponsorship and collaborative opportuniSome facilitators of the went were Olivia ties by emailing the church with jadontengNwankudu -- a Mandela Washington Fellow boateng@gmail.com.

(MWF) and an endometriosis awareness campaigner, and Amaka Obi -- a media personality It was also announced at the presser that a week turned radio host who is now founder of Wives before the ‘Faithful Servants Awards‘ the church Round Table. will hold a 21-day fasting and prayer session under the theme ‘It is not too late‘ scheduled Amanda Uzoma Obidike, regional lead and from 1st to 21st October online via the ‘Divine general administrator for YALI west Africa told Prayer Line‘ Facebook page which will see TheAfricandream.net in a recent interview that members of the church join worldwide on phone though the cause of endometriosis is not number +16415529785. known, there is a theory that its got something to do with tissues deposited where they are not On September 10, 2018, the Bishop became an supposed to be during the female menstrual international Police Chaplain in the United States cycle, some of which sometimes end up in the having completed studies at CELA University stomach area of the affected person.

International Police Chaplain Ministry in Miami, Florida. As a result, his passion for community"It affects the outside lining of a woman's police relationship development is very strong womb, harming the productivity and psyche of and this event will be one of many he intends to a woman, hence, leading to depression. put together to foster that relationship.

Improved healthcare for women through early diagnosis could help a long way in the realizaThe DWIM leader and founder ordained Bishop tion of a better menstrual hygiene," Ms. in the US in 2012 is originally from Ghana. Visit Obidike said. www.divinewordint.org to follow the church on Facebook by visiting Reaction to endometriosis can be different for Facebook.com/DivinePrayerLine. different patients, but typically known symptoms pointed out by resource persons at the Source: DWIM Media Department conference included: headaches, nausea and or vomiting during one's period, and diarrhea or Sincere Regards, constipation. Other symptoms are long and Oral Ofori

heavy periods, menstrual cramps, lower back, and upper leg pains, all of which can have serious consequences.

Click to read more women health related stories.

Dignitaries who spoke at the event included Mrs. Dorcas Shonibare; Director of Nursing Services in Lagos State Ministry of Health, who was joined by Dr. Adeniyi Adewunmi; Associate Professor and acting head -Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lagos State University College of Medicine.

Majority of the speakers and resource persons encouraged women to speak among themselves and to professionals about their condition as "..early treatment and intervention leads to a better life."

The event which held at the College of Medicine of Lagos State University at Ikeja in Lagos was sponsored by the Endometriosis Foundation of America and Lagos State Ministry of Health and Rave TV, Nigeria.

Almost 300 persons attended the event, they were made up of medical students across colleges in Nigerian states like Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and the Osun States respectively.

Other members of the audience were secondary school students, advocates for mental and physical health for women, and the media.

Visit www.endosurvivors.org and www.endofound.org to see what role you can play in the vital quest to bring endometriosis-awareness to communities in Nigeria and Africa.

Written by Oral Ofori

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Can you Imagine What Church Will Be Like In The Year 2030 if care is not taken...

Pastor: Praise The Lord!

Congregation: Hallelujah!

Pastor: Can We Pls Open our iPads to Exodus 20:1.When U r Done Kindly Switch On Ur Bluetooth To Receive The Sermon...

Pls Have Ur Debits Card Ready As We Collect The Tithes And Offerings....

You Can Connect To Church WiFi Using Password Lord3732 And As For The Renovations And Donations U r Welcome To Contribute Via Cellphone Banking.The Holy Atmosphere Will Be Electric As IPads Flicker.

Meanwhile...ANNOUNCEMENT.Church Secretary: Dis Week's Meeting Will Be Held On Various WhatsApp Groups So Pls Don't Miss Out ...Wednesday Bible Teaching Will Be Held Live On Skype @1900GMT...

By D Way You May Follow The Pastor On Twitter For Counselling And don't Forget Our Weekly Prayers On YouTube... God Bless us....

If care is not taken, this is how next generation children willlearn their ABC. 'A' for Apple won't be useful anymore....

A is for ATM

B is for Bluetooth C is for Chatting

October 2018

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Four Most Popular Foods In Africa

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African continent is well known to many as the home to over hundreds of different cultural and ethnic groups, thus this diversity of the 2nd largest continent of the world is reflected in its local cuisines, driving the popularity of these foods across the continent.

A Nigeria’s food ordering platform, shares 4 of the most popular foods in Africa.

Nshima

This is a fufu-like staple food popular in Zambia and Malawi. Nshima is basically made from maize flour (white cornmeal) and water. It is widely eaten across Africa and is typically prepared by boiling maize flour with water into a porridge. It is then ‘paddled’ to create thick paste with the addition of more flour. Once cooked, the result (Nshima) is portioned and dipped in water or coated in oil called ‘Chipande’. The Nshima is usually eaten with two side dishes known as ‘relishes’; one of the side dishes is dubbed the ‘protein source’ and is called ‘Ndiyo’, and the other is dubbed the ‘vegetable side’ and is called ‘Masambaor’.

Jollof Rice

F is for Facebook

This is a popular rice dish in many West African countries especially Nigeria and Ghana. It is consumed throughout the regions of Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Togo, Cameroon and Mali. The dish is basically a mixture of rice, tomatoes and tomato paste cooked with onions, salt, spices (such as nutmeg, ginger, Scotch bonnet, curry, thyme etc) and chilli pepper. Other ingredients like vegetable, meats and/or fish can be added to the dish.

H is for Hotmail

Fufu

D is for Download E is for Email

G is for Google

I is for instagram J is for Java

K is for Konga

L is for Laptop M is for MTN

N is for Network

O is for Opera mini P is for Picmix

Q is for Quick time R is for RAM

S is for Skype

T is for Twitter

U is for USB

V is for Vista

W is for WhatsApp X is for Xender

Y is for Yahoo! and

Z is for Zuma.

This is a stable food that’s common in many African countries especially Nigeria and Ghana. It is basically made by mixing and pounding separate equal portions of cassava and green plantain flour thoroughly with water, which is adjusted to either increase or decrease the viscosity of the Fufu depending on your preference. Other flours like semolina, maize flour or mashed plantains can be used in place of cassava flour. Fufu is a finger food (eaten with the fingers) and is usually served with light or draw soups like groundnut soup, okro soup etc.

Suya

This is a spicy shish kebab (skewered meat), especially popular in the West African region. It is traditionally prepared by the Hausa people of northern Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Ghana and some parts of Sudan (where it is called agashe). Suya is typically made with skewered beef, ram or chicken. The thinly sliced meat is marinated in various spices like salt, vegetable oil and other flavourings, and then barbecued. It is then served with further helpings of dried pepper mixed with spices and sliced onions.

https://howafrica.com

Akwasi Frimpong Featured in 2018 Official Olympic Film

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Akwasi Frimpong, Ghana's first skeleton athlete, who is also the country's second Winter Olympian says he is proud to be featured in the official Olympic film 'Crossing Beyond,' which was filmed during the Olympic Games PyeongChang 2018.

The film which was done by award-winning documentarian Yi SeungJun made its World Premiere on Tuesday, October 9, at the Busan International Film Festival in Busan, South Korea.

"Almost 3,000 athletes competed from 92 countries. To be one of the five featured was special and an honor. I hope my story will inspire others to follow their dreams," said Akwasi Frimpong who had just returned from the event, which he described as inspiring.

Frimpong, who is currently training for the upcoming skeleton season with his goal of using the season to help prepare for the 2022 Winter Olympics, says director Yi Seung -Jun and his team did a great job putting the film together.

"After watching this documentary, I have come to realize that our adversities, hardships, and obstacles were put in our way to inspire and give others hope," Frimpong says. "I hope more people get the opportunity to see the documentary, especially the youth, and know they have what it takes to be successful, to know that they have what it takes to be champions and to know they have what it takes to cross beyond obstacles to fulfill their dreams."

More than anything, Frimpong says he is thankful his story meant so much and made such a positive impact on the 2018 Winter Games. He hopes his message will continue to inspire others in the years ahead, both through competition and by example.

"I left something positive behind during the Olympics. I'm glad I can bring joy and a smile on the face of people in South Korea," Frimpong said.

"Reaching a billion people individually will be impossible, but this documentary will help reach a billion people. The Billion people who were told success was unattainable, or the billion underdogs who refuse to give up."

'Crossing Beyond' will make its international premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival in November. For more info from Akwasi's camp contact Robby Messer at contact@akwasifrimpong.com

Source: akwasifrimpong.com

October 2018

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Dr. Vernon Darko Elected New President of Bobsled and Skeleton Federation - Ghana

The Bobsled and Skeleton Federation – Ghana (BSFGhana) on Thursday, October 4, 2018, announced the selection of Dr. Vernon Darko as its new president.

Dr. Darko brings his own athletic experience to the position, as well as more than two decades of experience in international business success, which he will plans to use to help grow the sport in the years ahead.

“I think one of the most obvious challenges, is that it is the winter Olympics, versus the summer Olympics,” Darko said. “In addition to that, the sport itself is relatively new to Ghanaian athletes, so the learning curve presents a challenge as well.

However, despite the challenges, I am very confident that our coaching team will prepare our athletes to not only learn the sport but to excel at it!”

One of Dr. Darko’s first decisions as president was the appointment of international athlete Zach Lund as HighPerformance Director this past September to help train Ghanaian athletes such as Akwasi Frimpong, Ghana’s first skeleton Olympian, and raise the level of excitement for winter sports in Ghana.

“Hopefully the buzz will generate more interest into the BSF-Ghana, which will allow us to secure and maintain experienced competitive coaches, athletes, and sponsorships, to take us to the next level,” Dr. Darko said.

The appointment of Dr. Vernon Darko as BSF-Ghana President means founder Akwasi Frimpong will step down but remain the Federation’s Technical Director.

“For the past few months I have been looking for someone dedicated who can take over my position as current president,” Frimpong said.

“Someone with the passion for sports, a Ghanaian who is loyal and business-minded that can help our federation grow towards Beijing 2022. Dr. Darko is highly qualified not only as a businessman, but also as a man with vision who has so much love for sports and for Ghana.” — Akwasi Frimpong.

Dr. Darko says he wants to support Frimpong as he goes for gold in 2022 and is excited about the growth of

Bobsled and Skeleton Federation – Ghana moving forward.

“I am looking forward to seeing the future growth and success of the BSF-Ghana,” Darko said. “And I urge Ghanaian businesses as well as business owners to show their support for our team, as they prepare to represent GHANA!,” he continued.

The new President holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on International Business from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.

He continued his post baccalaureate studies at the University of Houston with concentration in Marketing.

Browse www.bsfghana.com for more information about these new appointments and how you can be part of helping BSF-Ghana towards its long term agenda.

Source: BSF-Ghana Sincere Regards, Oral Ofori

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October 2018

Sale !!!!!

Wigs and Selected Weave

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Ghana Welcomes African Americans Back Home

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His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, president of the Republic of Ghana, addressing the audience at the Year of Return Launch Program, Sept. 28, at the National Press Club in Northwest, Washington, D.C.

October 2018

Minister of Tourism -Hon. Catherine Afeku

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Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway-Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs

By Micha Green, AFRO Washington, D.C. Editor, mgreen@afro.com

Four centuries ago Africans were taken from the Ghanaian coast and shipped to the Americas, and now 400 years later the country is calling her descendants back home.

At a luncheon on Sept. 28, American and Ghanaian dignitaries, Pan African advocates, spiritual leaders and the President of Ghana His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, launched The Year of Return Ghana 2019.

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the Auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture along with the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, the PANAFEST Foundation ,the Adinkra Group of USA, and Ghana Advocacy Group (GAG) hosted the program at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Diallo Sumbry is the U.S. Coordinator for the Year of Return

Rabbi Kohain of the Panafest Foundation

The goal is to get African Americans to return to Ghana and have a transformative experience of connecting with the continent from which they were taken 400 years ago.

President and CEO of the Adinkra Group, Diallo Sumbry explained that the collaboration with Ghana should “have an impact at least nine generations deep,” and if not, “then we’re making a serious misstep right now,” Sumbry said. “We have an opportunity. It takes work, it takes commitment and it takes sacrifice.”

The President of Ghana dedicated “the ceremony to the memory of the prodigal son,” because he was lost and found. As the leader of Ghana, the President welcomed the lost children of Africa and people of any descent seeking to learn more about the country’s rich history. He also said he would try to ensure that the acquisition of visas becomes easier.

The President and other dignitaries, like Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin) and Rep. Sheila Jackson- Lee (D- Texas), mentioned the importance of welcoming people of all races to see the important sites in Ghana.

“I will imagine, that when the return starts, there will not [only] be people who look like me, and in this nation I hope that America will rise to the point where we glorify in each other’s history,” Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas) told the crowd. The Texas congresswoman rushed to the National Press Club after having been in a Senate Judiciary committee listening to critical testimonies and debates and voting on the decision to do an FBI investigation into Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s sexual harassment allegations.

As someone who studied abroad in Ghana, Jackson-Lee said that those who have the opportunity to return there are bound to have a transformational experience.

“Those who have never been- that if they go- there’ll be a certain coming of age, that will be grander than we’ve ever imagined,” she said.

The congresswoman said the invitation from Ghana to return for a historic and

HE Ambassador Adjei-Bawuah, Ambassador Of Ghana to the USA transformational experience makes for a strong union.

“The continent which I honor and Ghana with its amazing history, will be in the forefront of galvanizing and cementing this wonderful relationship between the nation of the United States of America, the people of the United States of America and the great Republican nation of Ghana with this wonderful President and First Lady, who [are] leading us into the 21st and 22nd century.”

Events surrounding The Year of 2019 include the “Bra Fie” Concert hosted by Damien Marley, son of celebrated reggae artist Bob Marley, in January, a Homecoming and Investment Summit in June; Panafest and Emancipation in July, Ghana Carnival in November and Afrochella in December.

In partnership with the Adinkra Group, artists such as The Crossrhodes with Raheem DeVaughn and Wes Felton, the band Black Alley and Farafina Kan will be returning to Accra, Ghana, Feb. 25- March 8, where they’ll perform. Through the Adinkra Group, legendary go-go band Backyard, also returned to Ghana and performed. As part of Friday’s luncheon program, guests had the opportunity to view the trailer for a film documenting Backyard’s trip to Ghana called “Back2Africa.”

The many celebrations and performances is a means of celebrating “the resilience of the African spirit,” the Minister of Tourism the Honorable Catherine Afeku said.

Diallo Sumbry is the U.S. Coordinator for the Year of Return and can be reached at info@yearofreturn.com and (240) 389-4044.

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Ghana Proclaims 2019 as Year of Return

October 2018

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Dr. Samuel Quartey presenting .Nana Akufo Addo with the The Liberty Bell which is an iconic symbol of American independence, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rep. Sheila Jackson- Lee (D- Texas)

Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin)

(L-R) Jan Du Plain-,President at Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc. HE Ambassador Adjei-Bawuah and Andrea Edney, National Press Club President

Mamamah airport: Sierra Leone Ghanaian Pilot, Capt Quainoo to Flies World’s Biggest Aircraft To Accra cancels China-funded project

Afrikan

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October 2018

Sierra Leone has cancelled a $400m (ADB), the European Commission, the (£304m) Chinese-funded project to build a European Investment Bank, the International new airport outside the capital Freetown.

Finance Corporation, the World Bank and the Group of Eight (G8) countries combined.

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma signed the loan agreement with China Critics say China is luring countries into debt before he lost elections in March. traps by lending them money for massive infrastructure projects.

At the time, the World Bank and the IMF warned that the project would impose a In August, 16 American senators voiced their heavy debt burden. concern about "predatory Chinese infrastructure lending" in a letter to US Treasury The decision comes amid concern that Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of many African countries risk defaulting on State Mike Pompeo. their debts to China.

Zambia's government has had to publicly Aviation Minister Kabineh Kallon told the deny reports that China could seize some of BBC that the project, which was due to its parastatal companies if it defaulted on have been completed in 2022, wasn't nec- loan repayments. essary and the country's current international airport would be renovated instead. But China has denied claims that it is leading countries into a debt trap.

He said current President Julius Maada Bio "didn't see any need for Mamamah "If we take a closer look at these African [the proposed airport]" and was consider- countries that are heavily in debt, China is ing building a bridge from the capital to not their main creditor," China's special Lungi airport - the only international airenvoy for Africa, Xu Jinghu, told a news port in the country. Currently passengers conference in September. need to get a boat or helicopter to reach Freetown.

"It's senseless and baseless to shift the blame onto China for debt problems."

Mr Kallon said he did not know whether the cancelled contract would lead to finan- Some Africans are also wary of the high levcial implications, and Sierra Leone els of debt being built up and say the costs of remained on good terms with China. some projects have been inflated by corruption, while others welcome China's involve"I do have the right to take the best deciment, saying that the roads, ports, railways sion for the country," he told the BBC's and other projects are badly needed.

Focus on Africa programme.

China's ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wu Peng, told the BBC that relations would not sour between the two countries.

"I don't think the airport project should affect our future bilateral relations," he said.

China is now the single largest bilateral financier of infrastructure in Africa - surpassing the African Development Bank

https://howafrica.com

The recently built state-of-the-art Terminal 3 at the Kotoka International Airport continues to dominate the headlines.

Since its opening, the $250 million project has drawn praise from many Ghanaians and foreigners who have used the facility.

To commemorate its inauguration, Dubai carrier, Emirates, has scheduled a one-off flight of its much famous Airbus A380 flight to Accra.

The Airbus A380, the biggest ever passenger airliner which can carry between 525 and 853 people depending on class configuration, is expected to test facilities and infrastructure at the new terminal.

Flying the Airbus A380 on this historic journey will be a Ghanaian pilot known as Captain Solomon Quianoo.

Captain Quainoo is an airline pilot and captain with over 10,000 flying hours and has worked for respected international airlines.

A holder of a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Physics and Geology from the University of Ghana, Quainoo proceeded to Kingston University in London for a Master of Engineering degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

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He got a job with British Airways as a Material Agent/Design Engineer from where he enrolled at the Oxford Aviation Training for his pilot qualification course which he completed in 2003.

After obtaining his licence, he got his first pilot role with British Midland International before joining British Airways (IAG) where he flew the Boeing 737 and 300 400 and 500 series, among others in his six-year stay.

He has spent the last seven years with Emirates serving as a first officer for his first five years before being promoted to captain. Captain Quainoo is an inspiration and he is definitely worth celebrating.

Meanwhile, the world’s most expensive shoes which is called the Passion Diamond has been put on sale.

Created by Jada Dubai the striking pair of heels is made from silk and gold patent leather embellished with 236 diamonds.

www.https://howafrica.com

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The 10 Most Indebted Countries in Africa:

African countries, which are badly rated financially, are for the most part forced to take loans at high interest rates. A situation that leads some to lock themselves in the vicious circle of debt.

In a recent ranking of the ten most indebted countries in Africa, according to data from the World Bank, South Africa beats all “sad” records in this Top 10, with a debt of 80,520,000,000 USD or $ 1,613 per capita.

What is surprising in this ranking is the fact that the economically stable countries are the most indebted of the continent. It is therefore imperative for these countries to diversify their sources of financing, as recently advocated by UNCTAD.

Here is the ranking of the 10 most indebted countries of the continent

1- South Africa With debt of more than $ 80,520,000,000, or $ 1,613 per capita, South Africa is Africa’s debt champion.

5- Tunisia The Tunisian debt amounts to more than $ 18 760 000 000 or $ 1 779 per Tunisian.

6- Angola Angolan debt amounts to more than $ 17,980,000,000, or $ 944 per Angolan.

7- Democratic Republic of the Congo With a debt of over $ 13,500,000,000 or $ 197 per capita

4- Morocco With a debt of more than $ 75 470 000 000 USD or $ 712 per capita, Morocco is the fourth African country in debt.

In 2004, Kenyan environmental political activist, Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for “her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.”

Maathai was born April 1, 1940 in the small village of Ihithe within the Nyeri District of the Central Highlands of Kenya. An excellent student, Maathai was one of the 300 Kenyan students selected for President John F. Kennedy’s “Kennedy Airlift” project that gave them opportunities to earn an education in the United States.

Maathai studied at Mount St. Scholastica College, now known as Benedictine

College, in Atchison, Kan. She left the school with a bachelor’s in science 8- Ivory Coast Ivorian debt amounts to more than $ 11.6 billion, or degree in 1964.

527 per capita.

9- Nigeria Nigeria is in ninth place with a debt of more than US $ 11.020 million

10- Kenya With a debt of more than US $ 7,935,000,000, Kenya is the tenth most indebted African country.

2- Sudan The Sudanese debt is over $ 37 980 000 000 or $ 946 https://howafrica.com per capita.

3- Egypt Egypt has a debt of more than USD 30 610 000 000 or $ 391 per capita

Meet Kenya’s Wangari Maathai, The First African Woman to Win the Nobel Peace Prize October 2018 Page

After completing her undergraduate studies, she was awarded funding from the Africa-America Institute and entered the University of Pittsburgh and earned her master’s degree in biology. At the school, Maathai was introduced to environmental restoration, which would become her life’s calling.

After returning to Kenya, Maathai worked at the University College of Nairobi. Maathai has said in past interviews that as she become more successful she faced gender bias in her home country. But she met and eventually married fellow American-educated Kenya Mwangi Maathai during her time at the university. In 1971, Maathai became the first Eastern African woman to become a Ph.D, earning it in veterinary anatomy.

In the 70’s, after marriage and motherhood, Maathai began dipping her toe in the activism pool. She campaigned for equal rights for women workers at the university and attempted to form unions. Maathai was also active in the Kenya Red Cross and other nonprofit groups. Labeled a firebrand for her outspoken approach, Maathai claims that her activism and drive led to her divorce.

https://howafrica.com

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Afrikan

First Lady Melania Trump Visits 4 Countries in Africa

October 2018

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cloth, hand-made sandals, and a hand-made necklace and bracelet.

Following her visit to Emintsimadze Palace, Mrs. Trump walked throughout Cape Coast Castle, visiting significant locations, including rooms that were formerly used as slave dungeons. The First Lady placed wreaths in the Male Dungeon and the Female Insurgents’ Cell in memory of the tens of thousands of innocent people brutally impacted by the cruel injustices that took place at Cape Coast.

Fist Lady Melania Trump Visits Ghana First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Accra, Ghana Tuesday morning. Mrs. Trump was greeted by the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo and the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy to Ghana, Christopher Lamora. Flowers were presented to Mrs. Trump and local schoolchildren greeted her waving United States and Ghanaian flags. Mrs. Trump was welcomed to the Jubilee Lounge for an official meeting with Mrs. Akufo-Addo.

In the afternoon, accompanied by USAID Administrator, Mark Green, Mrs. Trump visited the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, also known as Ridge Hospital. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provides robust assistance to this hospital, specifically to support maternal, newborn, and child health. The First Lady and Administrator Green were met by Mrs. Akufo-Addo, the Hospital Medical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Srofenyoh and the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Cynthia Morrison, who escorted them on a tour of the hospital. The first stop was to the old wing of the hospital, the Child Welfare Clinic, where they observed how newborns were weighed with cloth bags hanging from a scale, and their vitals recorded in a ledger. The medical staff showed Mrs. Trump and Administrator Green how they educate new mothers on infant care and the importance of immunizations and good nutrition.

The second stop was to the new wing of the hospital, where the First Lady and her delegation visited the newborn intensive care unit. Mrs. Trump also had the opportunity to meet with new mothers being trained in the hospital’s Kangaroo Mother Care – a method used in caring for premature babies where infants are held skin-to-skin with the mother. Before departing, Mrs. Trump donated baby blankets, teddy bears, weighing sacks, and diaper bags to the hospital. All donations were personally selected by the First Lady.

The First Lady then traveled to the Jubilee House to meet with Mrs. Akufo-Addo at her residence on the grounds, where they discussed the importance of maternal and newborn health in all communities.

In the afternoon, the First Lady met with the Chargé d’Affaires, Christopher Lamora, and his staff at the United States Embassy to thank them for their service to the United States.

On Wednesday morning, Mrs. Trump traveled to the central region of Ghana to meet with Chieftains at Emintsimadze Palace and tour Cape Coast Castle, one of about 40 castles used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. As is custom, before touring Cape Coast Castle, Mrs. Trump had an audience at Emintsimadaze Palace with Cape Coast’s Paramount Chief, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II and chieftains to be granted permission to visit the Cape Coast Castle. During a cultural ceremony, the chieftains gifted the First Lady with a traditional Kente

“I want to thank the people of Ghana for such a wonderful visit and the opportunity to learn about their history and culture,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “My time in your country was filled with so many meaningful stops. It was encouraging to see the commitment and compassion of Ridge Hospital staff and their focus on maternal and newborn health, and I want to thank Mrs. Akufo-Addo for accompanying me. I also enjoyed visiting with the Omahen of the Oguaa Traditional Area Cape Coast, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, queen mothers, and other traditional leaders at Emintsimadze Palace, and it was an incredibly moving honor to have the opportunity to pay my respects at Cape Coast Castle. Thank you to President and Mrs. Akufo-Addo for their hospitality and to the hardworking Embassy staff who helped make this visit possible. I look forward to visiting Ghana again in the future.”

First Lady Melania Trump Visits Malawi Readout of First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Lilongwe, Malawi

First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Lilongwe, Malawi, known as the “warm heart of Africa,” on Thursday afternoon. Mrs. Trump was greeted at the airport by the First Lady of Malawi, Gertrude Mutharika, and her granddaughter, who handed Mrs. Trump flowers. Children and dancers performed at the arrival ceremony.

The First Lady traveled to the Chipala Primary School, and was greeted by the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology, Bright Msaka and the Head Teacher, Maureen Masi. Over 8,000 students attend the school. The facility has 22 classrooms with an average class size of approximately 106 students per class. The First Lady toured the classrooms, observed an English lesson, and later met with teachers, parents, and local school management.

At a textbook handover ceremony, the First Lady discussed the importance of educating and empowering youth and lauded USAID’s continued efforts to increase access to education for children in Malawi. Before departing the school, Mrs. Trump stopped in the schoolyard to watch students play soccer with a few of the soccer balls that she donated. Along with the soccer balls, the First Lady donated other Be Best items including tote bags with classroom supplies inside for the teachers, as well as Frisbees for the children.

“The growth and success of a country starts with educating our children,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “I want to thank the teachers and children at Chipala Primary school for today’s warm welcome and commend the staff for their commitment to providing their students the education and tools needed to grow and to be able to contribute to a prosperous society. The positivity and passion to learn was so evident in each classroom, and I appreciate the time everyone took to show me around the school.”

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Following the school visit, Mrs. Trump met with Ambassador Virginia Palmer and the Embassy staff, thanking them for their service on behalf of the United States and their continued efforts in Malawi. Mrs. Trump is the first United States First Lady to visit Malawi.

Mrs. Trump then visited First Lady Mutharika at the State House. The two had a productive discussion around the importance of ensuring education and resources are available for all children. The visit also included a cultural performance on the rooftop garden of the State House.

“Thank you to Professor Mutharika and the many other key leaders in Malawi who made me feel very welcome today. This visit showed me the warmth and kindness of Malawi and the incredible efforts that support the growth of education for children. I look forward to returning to Malawi in the future.”

First Lady Melania Trump Visits Kenya

First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Nairobi, Kenya late on Thursday evening. She was greeted by the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta and the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya, Robert Godec.

On the morning of Friday, October 5, Mrs. Trump traveled to Nairobi National Park. Upon arrival, she went to the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage to learn about their facilities and mission and to observe the staff engage in their daily routine of feeding the baby elephants rescued by the shelter. Mrs. Trump, joined

by Mrs. Kenyatta, fed the baby elephants with large bottles of milk. After the feeding concluded, Mrs. Trump spoke with briefly Angela Sheldrick, the owner of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Edwin Lusuchi, the Chief Elephant Keeper.

On the Safari, the First Lady was able to see many wild animals including zebras, hippos, rhinos, and giraffes. Along the way, Mrs. Trump was briefed by Nelly Palmeris, the senior warden of Nairobi National Park, about the conservation efforts of the Kenya Wildlife Service. Near the end of the tour, Mrs. Trump visited one of the ivory burn sites, which are important landmarks in conservation, where Kenyan president Daniel arap Moi made a dramatic statement to poachers by setting fire to 11 tons of seized ivory in 1989.

Following her visit at Nairobi National Park, Mrs. Trump visited the Nest Baby Village part of the Nest Children’s Home, which cares for children ages newborn to 17 whose mothers are imprisoned. This shelter focuses on children by providing them with clothing and food, emotional support, medical care, and educational opportunities.

Director and founder of the Nest Children’s Home, Irene Baumgartner, greeted the First Lady. Children sang and danced around Mrs. Trump to welcome her and escorted her to the nursery village. Mrs. Trump met with the staff and held many of the babies. Outside in the gardens, older children sang to the First Lady. Mrs. Trump read a story titled The Lion and the Mouse. Before departing, the children circled the First Lady for a prayer and each child gave her a flower.

The shelter, which has been in operation since 1994, is a charitable trust that relies solely on private donations. The First Lady donated baby blankets, teddy bears, and children’s bags containing several items, including Frisbees and water bottles.

In the late afternoon, Mrs. Trump joined Mrs. Kenyatta at the State House for a private meeting where they discussed their

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October 2018

First Lady Melania Trump Visits 4 Countries in Africa shared goals within their respective countries – noting the importance of maternal health and education for children. First Lady Melania Trump and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta visited the Nairobi National Theater for a cultural performance by the Sarakasi Allstars. The audience included children from various schools and programs including the Nest and USAID Nilendi program.

Mrs. Trump also attended an Embassy Meet and Greet in order to thank United States Ambassador Robert Godec and Embassy employees for their service.

“My time in Kenya impacted me greatly and I want to thank everyone who took the time to meet with me, especially Mrs. Kenyatta,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “The hospitality that I received made the experience so special. I was awed by the beauty of Nairobi National Park and was very interested to learn more about Kenya’s conservation efforts. The Nest is a prime example of what it means to protect and nurture our next generation – seeing their efforts shape the lives of so many children is something I will never forget. I look forward to visiting again in the future.”

Melania Trump visited a former slave holding facility on the coast of Ghana.

First Lady Melania Trump’s Visit to Cairo, Egypt

First Lady Melania Trump landed in Cairo, Egypt on Saturday Morning. Entissar Amer, the First Lady of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Thomas Goldberger, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy to Egypt, greeted Mrs. Trump.

The first stop in Egypt was to Ittihadiya Palace for a meeting with President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi of Egypt and First Lady Lady Entissar Amer. Mrs. Trump discussed her focus and goals of supporting children all over the world in order to ensure future generations have every opportunity to grow up and contribute to society in meaningful and positive ways.

Melania in Malawi

Following the meeting, the First Lady met with the Chargé d’Affaires, Thomas Goldberger and his wife Eden Goldberger, and staff of the United States Embassy, thanking them for their service to the United States.

Mrs. Trump visited a few of Egypt’s many cultural sites including the Sphinx, and the Great Pyramid – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While there, she also received a briefing about USAID’s Water Table Reduction Project at the base of the Sphinx.

“I want to thank President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and First Lady Entissar Amer for hosting me in Egypt,” said First Lady Melania Trump. “It was a nice opportunity to see the pyramids in person, which are truly a historical treasure. We must always do our best to preserve such important historical sites, and I was so pleased to learn of the work that USAID has done to help with preservation efforts at the base of the Sphinx.”

Melania in Kenya

Melania in Egypt

At the Ridge Hospital In Ghana

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October 2018

Uganda: Kanye West in Uganda to Shoot Video

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By Monitor Reporter

up with the Kardashians”.

He is married to Kim Kardashian, an American reality television personality, entrepreneur and socialite.

Mr West is expected to shoot a video at Chobe, in which some Ugandan artistes could perhaps play a part.

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Mr West, Sunday Monitor has learnt, was booked into the excluKampala- Kanye West, an American rap singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur and fashion design- sive Chobe Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park, which we have learnt he and his entourage fully took over. er arrived in Uganda Saturday morning to record a video, sources have told Sunday Monitor.

The guests who were booked into the lodge, Sunday Monitor has learnt, were refunded the monies and paid an extra 200 per cent Mr West, who recently changed his name to Ye, has recently courted controversy in the United States due to of whatever they had originally paid to let the American star a closeness he has struck with President Donald Trump. have the lodge to himself.

Many Ugandans follow Ms Kardashian show “Keeping

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com

Kanye West Gives Museveni Autographed Sneakers Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has tweeted that rapper Ye - previously known as Kanye West - gave him a pair of his branded sneakers when they met at State House.

"I thank Kanye for the gift of white sneakers. Enjoy your time in Uganda," Mr Museveni tweeted.

"I held fruitful discussions with the duo on how to promote Uganda's tourism and the arts," the president said, after meeting the rapper and his wife Kim Kardashian.

Kanye West And Kim Get Ugandan Names Mr Museveni told the couple that Uganda is for all.

“This is the source of human life, even the whites originally came from here,” the president is quoted by his office as saying.

The US rapper said he was happy to be in Uganda, which he described as his second home, according to Mr Museveni's office.

"He informed the president that he intends to put up a world class tourism school in the country, which will support the tourism industry not only in Uganda but the East Africa region in general," Mr Museveni's office added.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni's office says he has given US rapper Kanye West, who changed his name to Ye last month, the Ugandan name Kanyesigye, which means "Ï trust".

Mr Museveni had given the rapper's wife, Kim Kardashian, the name Kemigisha, which means "the one with blessings from God", his office added in a Facebook post.

The couple were "excited" by the names given to them by the president when he met them at State House earlier today, his office said.

"Pieces of lemon in a glass of hot water can save you for the rest of your life," says Professor Chen Horin, chief executive of the Beijing Military Hospital.

TRIVIA

October 2018

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Even if you are busy, you should look at this message and pass it on to others!Hot lemons can kill cancer cells!Cut the lemon into three pieces and place it in a cup, then pour hot water, it will become (alkaline water), drink it every day will certainly benefit everyone ..Hot lemons can once again release an anti-cancer drug.Hot lemon juice has an effect on cancerous tumors andhas shown treatment for all types of cancer.Treatment with this extract will only destroy the malignant cells and will not affect healthy cells.

Second: The acids and mono-carboxylic acid in lemon juice can regulate hypertension and protect narrow arteries, adjust blood circulation and reduce blood clotting.After reading, tell someone else and pass it on to someone you love and take care of your personal health.Advice:Professor Chen Horin points out that anyone who has received this letter is at least guaranteed to save someone's life ...

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the Rose flower

October 2 0 1 8

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simple thought makes you cringe. Having your face virtually dipped in hot cooking oil, swooped from off a red burning stove, with hotly spiced Tilapia in it. Quite scary, huh?

God is an Intellectual, an Intelligent Being, an unquestionable When she broke into a smile, her beguiling, oyster-white teeth lit conclusion drawn just by looking at the magnificent interplay of up the room. It could jolt you like an electric current when that megawatt smile gave you her full attention. Filed to perfection, her His handiwork. So why, you may ask.

I once saw a man working in the deep of a very quiet night in Venus-red fingernails ran through her nougat-brown hair. Spools of his backyard, a sculptor, and amazed at the fluidity of his workit plunged around her photogenic face and hid a swan’s neck, eleing hands, I allowed myself to ask; gant and smooth.

“How do you make such beautiful things from stone, sir?”

Erica’s voguish clothes kept captive an aroma redolent of cinna“Beauty is already hidden in there, I just remove extra stone,” mon and meadow-fresh mint. It lingered in the room long after she he said. had gone wherever she went.

From the lowest or smallest to the highest of His creation, Some long lost friends described her like a single red rose flower beauty is there, beauty has always been there. There’s no doubt signifying love at first sight and conveying the outright sentiment about it. But almost ridiculously, it is mostly those at the top, William deGraftColeman is a Journalist, a Social Commentator, of love forever. Many others who spoke fondly of her claim her the most intelligent, that is us humans, who display questionable and founder of Gold Mind skin kind of had the magical effect like that of a Chameleon Enterprises LLC., in the State of Florida. He holds a Master of depending on her choice of clothing. Erica was a pink rose flower intelligence and perceptions which painfully drags the name of the most High in the mud. Making fun of people, especially of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Colorado State signifying sincere affection if she wore pink. She was an orange their pain is the most egregious thing anyone could ever do. It is rose flower signifying ‘I am proud of you’ if she was in orange.

University. And Bachelor’s degree from the Ghana Institute of abominable to grieve the Holy Spirit but equally so is this, And if she was in white, she was a white rose flower that says ‘my Journalism. He is the author of Reflections from Beyond. equally so is the behavior of Erica’s doctors even if their comlove for you is pure.’ ments were made out of ignorance.

For all intents and purposes, Erica was a beautiful woman, is a It was during a small feud between her and her ex-husband when Would you make fun of a beast? How much more a beautiful beautiful soul not only physically but inwardly as well. Like the Erica received her face wounds. Red hot frying oil called Frytol, had soul? thorns of the rose flower that serves as defense mechanism against mangled her features almost beyond repair. Plastic surgeons had To attain God’s perfection is in itself a totally complete realm. attacks so was Erica’s inner steel. Behind her moist, soft and humworked patiently on her, and considering what she looked like before When we strive to lighten the burden of others, we attain God’s ble exterior laid a solid inner core of resilience and strength and an she passed through their hands, they succeeded in achieving a minor perfection. If you belittle others, you are saying your existence unconquerable wall of faith in the benevolence of the good lord. miracle in giving her some resemblance to a human being. Her left eye Talk of uprightness and she was there. Talk of trust in the lord, and is a mistake. If you deride others and go to the extent of laughwas covered with a brown patch, to match her brown skin color. her belief was without a doubt. Talk of all the elements associated ing out loud at the sick, the hurt and the so called invalid, you Her now thin lips looked cruel from deformity because it had been are proving beyond every reasonable doubt that you are a piece with a Christ-like life and there was no argument. Fasting, intertwisted down, showing some of her lower teeth, giving her a horrifyof something the president said. cessory prayers, tighten, compassion, empathy, selflessness and ing look of a beautiful cat in a snarl. The rest of her features looked The attainment of God’s perfection is a very sweet feeling. It love for children and human kind; these attributes were like they had been moulded by some kid playing in a very fine clay. is so tasty, it is better than ice cream. It is satisfying. It is invigThe surgeons had told her to let the scars heal and then come back for unmatched. orating and refreshing. The Creator of this super intelligent And then one cold summer morning, a flimsy charge from her another series of surgeries. They assured her that in a year or so they husband, a faithful man, a man who was supposed to know better, Earth isn’t stupid, isn’t senseless. If you assist an armless man would make her a passable-looking woman, who could very likely in a moment of a bedeviling anger had done the unthinkable. How you attain God’s perfection. If you adopt an orphan, you create attract a blind man. Imagine that. joy. If you create joy, you affirm the satisfying feeling God had could a man respected highly in the community lose his temper But Erica had never gone back. She intended to but she never found in Genesis which says that God saw his handiwork and knew it and pour a hot boiling oil over the face of his flower of a wife, a the time nor the desire, and when she was swept up in a Tornado one partner of almost fifteen years of marriage, rendering her a human was good. When you help, assist, share, care, feel, cry and smile stormy day, a day she almost lost her left leg, she had completely put in the life and experiences of others, believe me, you are God’s walking caricature, a living breathing scarecrow. How could this the idea out of her head for good. She wasn’t going to spend any perfection in of itself. You might be physically here on Earth, happen, she of all people?

Erica of all women, my goodness! painful months in the hospital being made fun of, being sliced over but spiritually, you are in a different realm, in God’s realm. It’s A Rose is a very important flower.

It is a thing of beauty. and over again by the sharp knife of some crazy surgeon, when for all an experience that surpasses every understanding. The referEveryone agrees with that. Erica is a human Rose. So why should she knew another misfortune could strike anytime, any day. Hell no! ences below kinda drives home the point perfectly, more than this happen?

Why must this happen to her, God’s child?

The She always said to herself. any man can. humiliation alone, saying because of her misfortune, she can only At first, getting around in her new neighborhood without attracting be attracted to a blind man. Are you serious? What a terrible thing Matthew 5:48 E sneers from strangers and locals was tough but as the bitter months You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perto say. This is not to spite those who are sadly visually impaired. stretched on and on and on, she developed a perverted pleasure in fect.

But considering this context, the statement is in fact terrible. watching people look at her, shudder and look away. Those who froze Folks, this long talk, what is my point? What am I trying to say, 1 Peter 5:10 before her and made fun of her, she would always feel a spurt of And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, or even prove? vicious fury run through her. Most often, she wished to grab their neck who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will himself Ok, first of all, let no one for even a split second think this long and sink her escaping teeth in like a deranged vampire, her singular restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. talk is a work of fiction, a figment of my imagination, for it is not, wish, to make them feel how she felt, to make them have a taste of no, nada. Ever been to an accident ward before? Ever seen a defor- Romans 12:2 feeling dead when actually they were fully alive and well.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the mity even once, in your life? Are you aware people are out there So touchy was she about her face that the only times she felt safe renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is living with the worst of ailments and deformities?

Some people are and normal was when she was in the dark, when she was in the shadthe will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. living with leprosy, do you know that? Some people have their ows when her fast beating heart would quietly slow down, and settle Romans 8:28 whole limbs and features eaten away by some flesh eating virus. down.

And we know that for those who love God all things work Do you know that?

Some people can’t poop and got to carry a bag There were several instances when she believed she was going to together for good, for those who are called according to his purhave a heart attack, and the thought alone would make her swoon with wherever they go? Do you know of anyone like this, or anyone pose. who lives a life close to something like this? deadly pleasure, knowing that that would be the end of her terrible Romans 3:23 I think that, if you and I are blessed to be living in some kind of ordeal, the end of her curse. What a disappointment when her stubborn For all have sinned and fell short of the glory of God, isolation that had fortunately saved us from experiencing or witheart always failed to grant her wish, the only desire she ever dreamed 2 Corinthians 7:1 nessing any of these I call atrocities, I think we have to be quiet, of.

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves take a step back, and silently say a prayer of gratitude to Almighty Until her disfigurement, Erica was the colors of the Sunset. She was from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to God. the constellations in the sky, the waves of the mighty ocean, bubbly completion in the fear of God. This topic, the Rose Flower is part of someone’s Memoir I’m and bubbling. The first thing anyone would see when they came into Friends, let’s not allow this world to overshadow our beauty working on, a true story indeed.

So let’s shelve it for now.

If you contact with her were her eyes. Set wide apart in equidistance, and with misconceptions, doctrines and falsehoods and strange wish to know what became of Erica, that will be another story for appearing as transparent and translucent as emerald, only few could belief systems. Everyone is beautiful, believe me. Deformed or another day. Or perhaps you can call me. Lol. gloss over her unless maybe you are a Witch. She had a round oval not, poor or rich, strong or sick, let’s remember that. Let’s strive This is what I wish all of us can do this very moment even as we face and cheeks that carried two perpetual dimples. Her eyelashes to emulate the beauty of the splendid petals of the Rose flower. read on.

Can we please pause, shut our eyes closed, and for a were extra-long and required no artificial enhancements, and her lips And all shall be well. moment switch places mentally, with Erica, the Rose?

Shall we? that were full and shaped artistically and equally symmetrical, never Thanks guys, and see you next time. ceased to smile. They were Botox-free. Her brown skin tone carried no Let’s immense our minds, our bodies, and souls in her shoes, to trade places with her.

Imagine you’re Erica or Eric for that matter. blemish for it was shiny and silky and looked like it had been smeared with a glossy sheen. No one dared touch her without feeling self-con- Can you imagine? Can you imagine how you would feel? I bet this scious. She had a sculpted figure which was twine-thin. Her waist was tapered and decanter shaped.

Five Years of Transformation-Power Of Redemption Apostolic Ministries Climax 5th Anniversary With Appreciation Service October 2 0 1 8

Five years of transformation at Power of Redemption Apostolic Ministries was climaxed with a powerful message from the General Overseer Rev. Justice Arthur who used the opportunity to express deep appreciation to God for how far the Lord has brought the Church. He was very optimistic that greater things were in the pipeline.

In his message, Mr. Joseph Ngminebayihi, Consular Officer at the Embassy of Ghana, Washington, DC. said “Any nation that has fallen..., has fallen from within!” Let’s us care for each other rather than throwing our own under the bus!

The theme of the celebration was “A New Dawn, A New Beginning!”

During the course of the week.The entire Church embarked on a Clean-up campaign at Springhill Assisted Living in Alexandria

Power Of Redemption Apostolic Ministries is located at 8615C Engleside Office Park,Richmond Hwy (15.33 mi) Alexandria, Virginia 22309

Clean-up campaign at Springhill Assisted Living in Alexandria.

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

interest rates on loans with different points. You can make three main choices about points. You can decide you don’t want to pay or receive points at all. This is a zero-point loan. You can pay points at closing to receive a lower interest rate.

Alternatively, you can choose to have points paid to you (also called lender credits) and use them to cover some of your closing costs.

Underwriting: Paid to the lender, this fee covers the cost of researching whether or not to approve you for the loan.

Appraisal: This charge pays for an appraisal report made by an appraiser.

Dear Readers, Credit report: This fee covers the cost of a credit report, which shows your credit For some time now, I’ve had several history. The lender uses the information people contacted me regarding the in a credit report to help decide whether essence of closing cost and if it is or not to approve your loan and how mandatory part of the real estate purmuch money to lend you. chase or selling transaction. The answer Flood determination: This is paid to a is YES. There is no way around escapthird party to determine if the property is ing the closing cost fees associated with located in a flood zone. If the property is a real estate transaction. What, then is found to be located within a flood zone, closing cost? Closing costs are expenses you will need to buy flood insurance. over and above the price of the property The insurance is paid separately. in a real estate transaction. Costs Pest inspection: This fee is to cover incurred include loan origination fees, inspections for termites or other pest discount points, appraisal fees, title infestation of your home. searches, title insurance, surveys, taxes, Survey: The lender may require that a deed-recording fees and credit report surveyor conduct a property survey. This charges, etc. In a real estate transaction, is a protection to the buyer as well. realtors typically ask the Seller to cover Usually the buyer pays the surveyor’s the closing cost which could run from fee, but sometimes this may be paid by 3% to about 4% depending on the state the seller. you live it. It is not guarantee that the Title insurance binder: Commitment to Seller will cover all the closing cost. issue a title insurance policy at future Some sellers will cover the entire closdate. ing cost, others will cover a percentage of 1% or 2% and other will decide not to Lender’s title insurance: The cost of the cover any at all. If seller refuses to cover lender’s policy, which protects the lender’s investment. the closing cost, it becomes buyer’s Owner’s title insurance: The cost of the responsibility. Closing cost is different owner’s policy, which protects the homefrom down payment. Down payment owner’s investment for as long as they, reduces your loan amount whereas closor their heirs, own the property. ing cost covers the cost or expenses Settlement: This fee is paid to the settleassociated with the purchase. ment agent or escrow holder.

Responsibility for payment of this fee Here are some of the fees associated can be negotiated between the seller and with closing cost: Origination: The fee the lender and any the buyer.

Title search: The fee to search the public mortgage broker charges the borrower records of the property you are purchasfor making the mortgage loan. ing.

Origination services include taking and processing your loan application, under- Document Preparation: This fee covers the cost of preparation of final legal writing and funding the loan, and other papers, such as a mortgage, deed of trust, administrative services.

Points: Points are a percentage of a loan note or deed. amount. For example, when a loan offi- Notary: This fee is charged for the cost cer talks about one point on a $100,000 of having a person who is licensed as a loan, this is 1 percent of the loan, which notary public swear to the fact that the persons named in the documents did, in equals $1,000. Lenders offer different fact, sign them.

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Prempeh College Old Boys in America Target $1 million for Schools Endowment Fund

The 2018 Amanfoo North America(ANA) reunion was held Attorney fees: Both the homebuyer and this past Labor Day to raise funds towards the Amanfoo North America Prempeh Endowment Fund (ANAPEF). Amanfoo the seller might have their own legal as Prempeh College old boys are referred to - traveled from representation to prepare and record far and wide, converging in Springfield, Virginia for their legal documents. Frequently, however, annual reunion.

where an attorney is acting as a settlement agent, there may only be one involved in the closing. Who pays for those services is a matter of contract negotiation.

Recording fees: These fees may be paid by you or by the seller, depending upon your agreement of sale with the seller. The buyer usually pays the fees for legally recording the new deed and mortgage.

Transfer tax: This tax is collected in some localities whenever property changes hands or a mortgage loan is made, can be quite large and are set by state and/or local governments. City, county and/or state tax stamps may have to be purchased as well.

Homeowner’s insurance premium: This insurance protects you and the lender against loss due to fire, windstorm, and natural hazards. Lenders often require the borrower to bring to the settlement a paid-up first year’s policy or to pay for the first year’s premium at settlement.

Mortgage insurance premium: The lender may require you to pay your first year’s mortgage insurance premium or a lump sum premium that covers the life of the loan, in advance, at the settlement.

Prepaid interest: This is money you pay at closing in order to get the interest paid up through the first of the month.

Property taxes: Usually six months of county property taxes.

Home warranty: Fee for an insurance policy to protect you from cost of unexpected failures to the major systems and appliances in your home.

I hope this has been a wealth of information and has given you a great sense of what closing cost is all about. If you need further assistance or consultation, contact me at 571-229-6694 or borderlessrealestate@gmail.com

Anita Bediako, Realtor, Samson Properties 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

This year’s event celebrated the formidable class of 1975/77.

Senior Kwaku Sintim-Misa popularly called "KSM" a Ghanaian actor, satirist, and talk show host, himself an alumnus of Prempeh College, and a member of the celebrant class of 75/77 kicked off the week-end festivities with his award winning stand-up performance “The Saga of the Returnee” at The Waterford. Thereafter, Amanfoo capped the evening’s activities with a meet-and-greet session at the Courtyard by Marriot Hotel. The business meeting was held the next day, Saturday September 1st.

The well attended meeting largely focused on the structure and progress of the endowment fund. Amanfoo renewed their commitment to Prempeh College, and the ANAPEF in particular. The highlight of the weekend was the fundraising dinner dance at the Hilton Hotel in Springfield.

The chairman of the occasion, Senior Kwabena Nyarko (nicknamed Sakino),the Amanfoo Global President applauded the members for honoring the class of 1975/77. Snr Sakino lauded Amanfoo North America saying “having been a witness myself to the passion and love you show to Prempeh College and the National Association of Amanfoo,

I can assure you that the Global Leadership is solidly behind your efforts to support Prempeh College with an Endowment Fund to help keep up the standards of our Alma Mater.”

He concluded with a charge to the Amanfoo North America President thus saying, “finally, let me take this opportunity to humbly appeal to you, Mr. President, to actively seek to consolidate all other splinter Endowment Funds into a single well-managed entity for the betterment of the School.”

At the end of the evening, about $90,000 had been raised towards the endowment fund. This furthers the spirited commitment of the old boys to supporting educational programs and infrastructural development of the school. Amanfoo capped the evening’s fundraising with dancing through the wee hours of Sunday morning. The Annual Reunion continued the next day with a picnic and competitive activities.

Amanfoo engaged in various games including a table tennis competition, singing and dancing. It was quiet a sight seeing the old students singing their “jama” songs, heartening back to their old school days. The curtain was drawn on Sunday evening with the singing of the spirit-filled school anthem and a group photograph. The alumni left looking forward to the 2019 event which will coincide with the 70th Anniversary of the founding of Prempeh College. Prempeh College, a public boys’ school located in Kumasi, was founded in 1949 through collaboration between the Kumasi Traditional Council, the Presbyterian and Methodist churches in the then Gold Coast and the British Colonial Government. It is one of the premier high schools in Ghana, and won the National robotics championships a record three times between 2013 and 2016.

In 2016 Prempeh College won the Toyota Innovation Award at the International Robofest World Championships held in Michigan, USA.

H.E Ambassador Baffour Adjei-Barwuah Hosts Town Hall Meeting and Diaspora Forum on Ghana State Book Project

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As part of his commitment to community engagement the Ambassador of Ghana hosted the Ghanaian Community at a Town Hall meeting held at the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC on Saturday October 13, 2018.

A full delegation of the Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA), which is the umbrella body of Ghanaian Associations in the Washington Metro Area, led by its President Mr. Henry Y. Adu was at the forum.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Henry Adu stated that COGA has played a pivotal role as a major link between the Ghanaian community and the Embassy through community education and dissemination of information. He used the opportunity to shed light on some of the major achievements of the Association in recent times which include a donation to an orphanage in Ofoase in the Eastern Region of Ghana, adoption of 8 schools in different districts and disbursement of about 8000 dollars to these schools.

COGA, he stated, has also donated 110 beds received from the Howard University Hospital to various hospitals in Ghana. Mr. Adu then gave the assurance that COGA will continue to assist hospitals without beds.

Mrs. Akosua Okyere-Badoo , the Head of the Diaspora Desk at the Embassy of Ghana introduced a two member delegation from the Ghana State Book Project in the persons of Mr. Isaac Bright Botchway , the Project Coordinator and Nana Yaa Yankson, Queenmother, Aboso Asona Royal Family of Agona Nyakrom. The delegation was in town primarily to promote the Ghana State Book Project and engage the Diasporan community to solicit their collaboration and support for the project.

According to Mr. Botchway, the Ghana State Book Project is collaborating with the National Commission on Culture and the National House of Chiefs to document traditional histories and cultural practices in all the traditional states across the various regions of Ghana. The project intends to protect the Ghanaian heritage for posterity whilst authenticating lines of succession in Ghanaian chieftaincy to help minimize chieftaincy disputes. The project which begun in 2007 to undertake intensive research and publish State Books has since completed and published five comprehensive historical reference books for the following States, Techiman, Offinso, Awutu, Tepa, Hwidiem,

Mr. Isaac Botchway intimated that as part of the exercise, the project seeks to link Ghanaians in the Diaspora to their roots as well as educate them about their history and culture. He averred that such a project could not be all encompassing without the involvement of the Diaspora community thus the attempt to engage them.

He entreated the Ghanaian Diaspora to place their knowledge and resources at the disposal of the project to ensure its success.

When H.E Ambassador Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah took his turn to address the forum he expressed his profound gratitude to the community for their support and willingness to engage on issues of common interest to all.

He used the opportunity to address a reportage by a Ghanaian journalist on the sidelines of the recent UN General Assembly on the alleged deportation of about 7,000 Ghanaians from the United States.

According to the Ambassador, he was quoted out of context and his statement was in no way endorsing and confirming the deportation of Ghanaians from the United States as was erroneously reported.

Ambassador Adjei-Barwuah then referred to a number of video recordings circulating on social media seeking to pit Ghanaian tribes against each other in the name of politics and averred that such developments do not bode well for the unity of Ghana. He thus advised that COGA, being the representative body of the various Ghanaian Associations, should take it upon themselves to sensitize their members on the potential dangers of such developments. He asserted that Ghanaians owe it as a duty to contribute to the development and unity of Ghana and that “The greatest protection we have is to protect each other� The forum which stated with an opening and closing invocation by Dr. Samuel Amoako-Atta was moderated by Mr. William Adzimahe.

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Ghanaian-American Emmanuel Mensah Posthumously Named ‘Local Hero’ by NYC Red Cross

"Emmanuel Mensah was simply an amazing Private First Class (Pfc) of the United States (US) army. It is so honoring and equally humbling for me to receive such a huge recognition on his behalf from the Red Cross. May his soul rest in peace."

This was said Catherine Cudjoe who had just accepted a posthumous award for Pfc. Emmanuel Mensah from the American Red Cross in Greater New York (NY).

Catherine spoke to this writer barely a week after she had accepted the award on October 10, 2018, at The American Red Cross Local Hero Award gala themed 'Heroes Among Us', at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in NY. “He will be greatly missed, but he will equally be greatly loved for his valor and bravery,” she said about Pfc. Mensah.

She also thanked CNN’s Ashleigh Banfield from whom she accepted Private Mensah’s award, and “the entire Diaspora African community of NY, and well-wishers for their overwhelming support.”

Army Pfc. Mensah received the award due to his act of selflessness and bravery when in December 2017, while visiting his family in the Bronx, NY building located at 2363 Prospect Avenue, Belmont, in which he also lived [on the third floor].

During the visit, he noticed a fire breakout raging uncontrollably, and sprung into the _Ashleigh Banfield (in red) hands Pfc Emmanuel Mensah's award to Catherine. Photo - NYC Red Cross part of the building with the fire from where he led neighbors to safety. Though 13 lives were claimed by the fire [his included], Mensah’s choice to put the lives of others before his saved four lives through his singular act of bravery.

“I still can’t think where he got the courage to do what he did. His actions will inspire a generation, including myself,” Catherine said, as she went on to explain that father of Pfc. Mensah, Kwabena Mensah, on behalf of their family “asked me to receive this honor on behalf of their son from the Red Cross ‘Heroes Among Us’.”

Prior to this Red Cross honor, the late Pfc. Mensah was posthumously awarded the highest award for valor outside of combat — the Soldier’s Medal, he also received the NY State Medal for Valor. Born May 11, 1991, in Accra, Ghana, the Private also received American citizenship in 2017 after he was brought to the US in 2012 by his father.

Catherine on behalf of the Mensah family told this writer that the family was thankful to Josh Lockwood — NY region Red Cross CEO, the entire Red Cross, the respective event sponsors including Macy’s Inc., Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and among others Ogilvy and IBM.

According to Catherine who is also President of the National Ghana Parade Council (NGPC), the NGPC and the Ghanaian Community in NY will hold a thanksgiving vigil in the Bronx, on December 27, 2018, at 6 PM. “It will be in remembrance of the 6 Ghanaians among the 13 that lost their lives in the December 27, 2017 fire,” she calmly explained.

Kwabena Mensah, Mr. Mensah’s father, sitting behind his son’s portrait. Photo courtesy Demetrius Freeman for The New York Times

Written by Oral Ofori

Catherine (right) with CEO of NY Red Cross Josh Lockwood. Photo courtesy NY Red Cross

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