Afrikan Post

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Vol 4 Issue 8

African Community News

US Trade Representative Ron Kirk Pg. 33

African Growth & Opportunity Act Celebrates 12-Year Milestone

Afrikan Post

September 2012

Page 2

Homeland Security Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

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 po r a. Yo u ma y a ls o vis it o u r web s ite a t www.a f r ik a n po s t.com f or d a ily n ews u p da tes on Af r ica .

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

George Bright-Abu Publisher and Editor

To Advertise Your Business or contribute

Call 703- 725- 6968 or E-mail: editor@afrikanpost.com Address: Bright House Productions 6236 Oscar Court Woodbridge VA 22193 D E PA R T M E N T S Vol. 4 Issue 8

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Desmond Elliot Hits Cinemas With Latest Movie Pg. 36

Interesting Facts About Africa Pg. 6

HEALTH *Breastfeeding, A Tradition That Must Continue *Foods That Will Naturally Cleanse Your Liver Pg. 13

HER PAGE

You Have No Idea Pg. 20

SPORTS

Usain Bolt to Join Manchester United Pg. 39

UPDATE

AGOA Marks 12th Anniversary Pg. 33

Afrikan Post Call : 703-725-6968 Email : editor@afrikanpost.com

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security on August 3, 2012 provided additional information on the deferred action for childhood arrivals process during a national media call in preparation for the August 15 implementation date.

On June 15, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that certain young people who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines may be eligible, on a case-by-case basis, to receive deferred action. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is finalizing a process by which potentially eligible individuals may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

USCIS expects to make all forms, instructions, and additional information relevant to the deferred action for childhood arrivals process available on August 15, 2012. USCIS will then immediately begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

Information shared during today’s call

includes the following highlights:

Requestors – those in removal proceedings, those with final orders, and those who have never been in removal proceedings – will be able to affirmatively request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals with USCIS. Requestors will use a form developed for this specific purpose.

Requestors will mail their deferred action request together with an application for an employment authorization document and all applicable fees to the USCIS lockbox.

All requestors must provide biometrics and undergo background checks.

Fee waivers cannot be requested for the application for employment authorization and biometric collection. However, fee exemptions will be available in limited circumstances.

The four USCIS Service Centers will review requests.

Additional information regarding the Secretary’s June 15 announcement will be made available on www.uscis.gov on August 15, 2012.

It is important to note that this process is not yet in effect and individuals who believe they meet the guidelines of this new process should not request consideration of deferred action before August 15, 2012.

Requests submitted before August 15, 2012 will be rejected. Individuals who believe they are eligible should be aware of immigration scams.

Unauthorized practitioners of immigration law may try to take advantage of you by charging a fee to submit forms to USCIS on your behalf. Visit www.uscis.gov/avoidscams for tips on filing forms, reporting scams and finding accredited legal services. Remember, the Wrong Help Can Hurt! An informational brochure and flyer are also available on www.uscis.gov.

Source: Uscis.gov

Notice Regarding USCIS Centralized Filing for Waivers of Inadmissibility

Since June 4, 2012, individuals outside the U.S. who have been found inadmissible for certain visas by a U.S. consular officer and seek to waive an inadmissibility ground should no longer apply for a waiver at their foreign location, but should file requests directly to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by mailing the application to a USCIS Lockbox facility in the United States. This change only affects situations where individuals outside the U.S., who have been found inadmissible for an immigrant visa or a nonimmigrant K or V visa, must file their waiver applications. These waiver applications are adjudicated at the USCIS Nebraska Service Center (NSC).

The change affects filings for:

Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States After Deportation or Removal (if filed together with a Form I-601), and Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion (if filed after a denial of a Form I-601 or Form I-212 by the NSC).

Individuals in Mexico who seek to file a waiver application continue to have the option to file with the local USCIS Field Office in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, in addition to the Lockbox, during a transition period until Dec. 4, 2012. However, those who choose to file their waiver applications at the Lockbox will experience certain advantages, such as:

Faster filing: Applicants can file a waiver application immediately after the consular interview. An applicant who files with the Lockbox does not need to wait for an appointment at a USCIS Field Office to file the waiver application and will not need to travel to the USCIS office.

Shorter processing time: The NSC’s goal is to process the waiver applications within 3 months.

Ability to track the progress of an application: Applicants who file waiver applications through the Lockbox can view the progress of their application online. This service is not available to applicants who file their waiver applications at USCIS international field offices.

Source: Uscis.gov

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December Polls Would Be Free And Fair - President Mahama

September 2012

Somalia: Parliament Elects Country's New President

Mogadishu — Somalia's federal parliament has elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the war-torn Horn of Africa country's new president marking the first presidential election to be held inside Somalia for the first time since the outbreak of civil war in 1991, Garowe Online reports.

President-elect Hassan Sheikh Mohamud won 190 parliament votes during the third round of elections, defeating challenger and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, who received 79 votes, a defeat by a margin of over 70% of all votes cast.

President Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the upcoming elections are the most peaceful in the history of the country.

He was addressing thousands of Muslims who gathered at the Independence Square, for a special prayer on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

According to the President, he would do everything within his power to ensure Prof Mills’ wish of holding the most peaceful elections comes to pass.

President Mahama praised the leadership of the Muslim Community for their immense support during the funeral of the late President John Atta Mills. According to him, the support received from the Muslims was commendable.

He added that as Ghana goes to the polls, there is the need to guard jealously the peace the country currently enjoys. He also admonished the inhabitants of the Zongo communities not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of violence by politicians.

President Mahama stated that Islam, just like other religions, teaches peace and love, hence

youths of the Zongo communities across the country should reject politicians who try to recruit them as thugs to foment trouble.

The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who led the special prayers also called on all, particularly Muslims, to ensure that the country remains peaceful.

Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu added that Ghana is relatively the most peaceful country in the sub-region due to the blessings Allah continues to shower on the nation.

He said it is the duty of every citizen to ensure that the peace the country enjoys is preserved for the younger generations as well.

The event was also witnessed by former Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Collins Dauda, Chief of Staff, J.H. Martey Newman, government functionaries and some members of the Diplomatic Corps.

Source: Ghanaweb.com

The presidential election began around 11am in the morning in Mogadishu, with 22 candidates competing for Somali President. Former Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali Gas and politician Abdulkadir Osoble were the closest runner-ups, but both candidates resigned from going ahead to second round of voting.

President-elect Hassan Sheikh and former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed went straight to the third and final round of voting, where President-elect Hassan Sheikh received an overwhelming victory.

Relevant Links

Hassan Sheikh becomes the first President of the first permanent government in Somalia since 1991. The UN-backed Roadmap peace process, whereby states like Puntland played a key role, has led to the end of the transitional governments in Somalia that first emerged in the year 2000.

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Parliament, and the fellow presidential candidates. He expressed his hope for Somalia to re-emerge from decades of conflict and statelessness, while emphasizing his willingness to work closely with the international community.

Somali political observers say President-elect Hassan Sheikh is a new politician and is known to have worked as an educator and was one of the founders of SIMAD Institute in Mogadishu.

Both the President-elect and the former President belong to the Abgal sub-clan of the Hawiye clan-family that is dominant in Mogadishu area.

Puntland President Abdirahman Mohamed Farole, leader of Darod-dominated Puntland regions of northern Somalia and a key player of the Roadmap process, spoke live on BBC Somali Service at 9:15pm to send his congratulations to President-elect Hassan Sheikh, the Somali people, the Federal Parliament, and the international community that has supported the Somali peace process.

On 1 August 2012, Somalia adopted the Provisional Federal Constitution effectively making the country the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Source: http://allafrica.com

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed conceded defeat and congratulated the Presidentelect and promised to work with him.

President-elect Hassan Sheikh expressed his appreciation to the Somali people, the Federal

United States and Sierra Leone Sign Open Skies Agreement On September 10 in Washington, DC, Under Secretary Robert Hormats and Sierra Leone’s Minister of Aviation and Transportation Vandi Chidi Minah signed an Open Skies air services agreement that will formalize the liberalization of our bilateral aviation relationship. The United States and Sierra Leone initialed the agreement in June 2012, and it has been applied via comity and reciprocity since that time.

Office of the Spokesperson Department of State Washington, DC

The Open Skies Agreement entered into force upon signature.

The Open Skies Agreement establishes a liberalized aviation relationship between the

United States and Sierra Leone. It creates opportunities for strengthening the economic partnership between the United States and Sierra Leone through closer links in transport and trade.

Open Skies agreements permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other’s territory, eliminating restrictions on how often the carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge.

This agreement will allow for the strengthening and expansion of our strong trade and tourism links with Sierra Leone, benefitting U.S. and Sierra Leonean businesses and travelers by expanding opportunities for air services and encouraging vigorous price competition by airlines, while preserving our commitments to avia-

tion safety and security.

The United States has over 100 Open Skies agreements with partners around the world and at all levels of development.

For more information about Open Skies, please visit:

Source: http://www.state.gov/e/eb/tra/ata/index.htm

Interesting Facts about Africa

Interesting Africa Facts People of Africa

Interesting Africa Facts - Animals

The worlds largest land animal is the African elephant.

The African continent has the second largest The worlds tallest animal, the giraffe, lives in Africa. population in the world, at about one billion people.

The fastest land animal in the world, the cheetah, Well over one thousand languages are spoken by the people of Africa. Some estimates put this number lives in Africa.

Africa is home to the worlds largest reptile, the Nile closer to two thousand. crocodile.

The largest religion in Africa is Islam, followed by The gorilla, which can be found in the continents junChristianity. gles, is the worlds largest primate.

The African population is approximately 14.72% of the world's population (as of 2009).

Facts About Africa's Population The oldest human remains ever discovered were found in Ethiopia. They are approximately 200,000 years old.

Most populated country in Africa - Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa with an estimated population of 125 - 145 million people. (Population statisInteresting Africa Facts - Africa tics are politically loaded and that's why these numbers Landforms vary so much). Egypt is second with over 76 million people.

The longest river in the world, the Nile (4,132 miles), is located in Africa.

Least populated country - The Seychelles has the Africa has the world's largest desert, the Sahara, lowest population of any country in Africa with around which is almost the size of the United States.

80,000 people. But Namibia is the least densely popuVictoria Falls is the largest waterfall in Africa; it is lated country in Africa.

355 feet high and one mile wide.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the Most populated city in Africa - Cairo in Egypt is continent. It towers over 19,300 feet, which is so tall Africa's most populated city with an estimated 17 milthat glaciers can be found at its summit even though lion residents living in the metropolitan area. the mountain is near the equator.

Madagascar is the largest island in Africa and the Least populated capital city in Africa - Maseru, the fourth largest island in the world. It is in the Indian capital of the Kingdom of Lesotho has a population of Ocean off the East coast of Africa. around 14,000.

Interesting Africa Facts - The continent

Africa is the second largest continent on earth, approximately 11.7 million square miles.

Africa straddles the equator and is the only continent to extend from the northern temperate zone to the southern temperate zone.

Africa is the hottest continent on earth.

Sudan is Africa's largest country (968,000 square miles).

Africa covers 6 percent of the earth's total surface and 20.4 percent of the total land area.

Cairo is the continents largest city.

Long before humans were around (the early Mesozoic Era) Africa was joined to the other continents in a massive continent called Pangaea. Over millions of years this huge continent broke apart shaping the world landscape as we know it today.

Number of Ethnic Groups (tribes) in Africa Difficult to estimate but there are at least 3,000 distinct ethnic groups in Africa. A large country like Nigeria has more than 370 recognized tribes.

Number of Languages Spoken in Africa - There are over 2000 languages spoken in Africa. Arabic (in various dialects) has the highest number of speakers with over 170 million speakers, mostly living in North Africa and the Horn of Africa.

Africa's Capital Cities - There are 54 official African capital cities. See list of Africa's capital cities.

Source: africa-facts.com

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2 Page 6

Africa's Capital Cities

By Anouk Zijlma, About.com Guide

Algeria - Algiers Angola - Luanda Benin - Porto-Novo Botswana - Gaborone Burkina Faso - Ouagadougou Burundi - Bujumbara Cameroon - Yaounde Cape Verde - Praia Central African Republic - Bangui Chad - N'Djamena Comoros - Moroni Congo, Republic of the - Brazzaville Congo, Democratic Republic of the Kinshasa Cote d'Ivoire - Yamoussoukro (official); Abidjan (de facto) Djibouti - Djibouti Egypt - Cairo Equatorial Guinea - Malabo Eritrea - Asmara Ethiopia - Addis Ababa Gabon - Libreville The Gambia - Banjul Ghana - Accra Guinea - Conakry Guinea-Bissau - Bissau Kenya - Nairobi Lesotho - Maseru Liberia - Monrovia Libya - Tripoli Madagascar - Antananarivo Malawi - Lilongwe

Mali - Bamako Mauritania - Nouakchott Mauritius - Port Louis Morocco - Rabat Mozambique - Maputo Namibia - Windhoek Niger - Niamey Nigeria - Abuja Rwanda - Kigali Senegal - Dakar Seychelles - Victoria Sierra Leone - Freetown Somalia - Mogadishu South Africa - Pretoria/Tshwane (administrative); Cape Town (legislative); Bloemfontein/Mangaung (judiciary) Sudan - Khartoum South Sudan - Juba Swaziland - Mbabane Tanzania - Dar es Salaam; Dodoma (legislative) Togo - Lome Tunisia - Tunis Uganda - Kampala Zambia - Lusaka Zimbabwe - Harare

Languages Spoken in Africa

What African Language is Spoken Where?

Below you'll find a list of the major languages spoken in the more common African travel destinations. As a general rule, the more rural a place is, the less likely you are to get by with just English, Portuguese or French.

Angola Official Language: Portuguese Other languages spoken in Angola are mostly Bantu languages which include Umbundu, Nyemba and Chokwe.

Benin Official Language: French Other languages spoken in Benin include English (in tourist areas), Fon and Yoruba (south), Beriba and Dendi (north).

Botswana Official Language: English The principal language spoken in Botswana is Setswana (or Tswana) which is spoken by 90 of the population.

Cameroon Official Languages: English and French French is more widely spoken than English but a combination of the two is becoming more widespread -- frananglais. Over 200 hundred languages are spoken in Cameroon from the Bantu and Sudanic groups.

Egypt Official Language: Arabic Modern Standard Arabic is widely understood in Egypt and is used by the media and Government. But most Egyptians on the streets of Cairo and Luxor speak a colloquial Arabic that is unique to Egypt. English is spoken by many people in the major tourist areas and some French as well.

Ethiopia Official Language: Amharic Other important languages in Ethiopia include Oromo, Somali and Tigrinya. English is taught in schools and many people will know a few words.

Gabon Official Language: French Other important languages in Gabon include Fang, Mbere, Punu and Sira.

The Gambia Official Language: English Other important lanugages in The Gambia include Wolof, Mandinka and Pulaar.

Ghana Official Language: English Other important languages (out of 79) spoken in Ghana include Twi, Ga, Ewe, Dagari and Dagbani.

Kenya Official Languages: English and (Ki)Swahili Other important languages include Luo, Kikuyu, Luyia and Kamba. Young urbanites often speak

Sheng which is a based on Swahili but uses words from many other languages.

Libya Official Language: Arabic If you're traveling to Libya you should pack an Arabic phrase book since little else is spoken, especially outside the main cities.

Madagascar Official Language: Malagasy and French Malagasy is spoken by everyone in Madagascar and many people also speak French especially in the business and government sectors.

Malawi Official Language: English Chichewa is probably spoken more widely by most of the population than English in Malawi, but you can get by without it for the most part.

Yao and Tumbuka are commonly spoken around the lakeshore.

Mali Official Language: French Bambara is the most commonly spoken language in Mali, other languages include Tamashek, Songhai and Fulfulde.

Morocco Official Language: Arabic As in Egypt, Modern Standard Arabic is widely understood but Moroccans on the streets of Casablanca and Marrakech speak a colloquial Arabic called Darija that is unique to Morocco and influenced by the Berber languages also commonly spoken throughout the country. French is useful as many educated people will speak it and it may help you get from place to place.

English is not commonly spoken or understood in Morocco.

Mozambique Official Language: Portuguese Other important languages (out of the 43 mostly Bantu languages) include Lomwe, Makhuwa, Ndau and Tsonga.

Senegal Official Language: French The most widely spoken language in Senegal is Wolof. Other important languages include Fula, Soninke, Mandinka, and Bambara.

South Africa Official Languages: Afrikaans, English, Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Venda, Swati, Sesotho, Sepedi, Tsonga and Tswana.

Yes, South Africa actually has 11 official languages. Most people speak their tribal mother tongue as well as some English and Afrikaans.

Unofficial languages include San and Nama (Bushmen languages) and Northern Ndebele.

Several creole or pidgin languages are also common including Fanagalo (used in the mines) and Tsotsi taal or Isicamtho (used in the townships).

Tanzania Official Languages: (Ki)Swahili and English Swahili is more widely spoken outside of the

urban areas than English, so it's useful to pick up a few phrases when traveling in Tanzania. Other major languages spoken in Tanzania include Sukuma, Gogo, Haya, Kwere, Makonde, Mambwe, and Nyamwezi.

Togo Official Language: French Other important languages (out of 39) in Togo include Kabye, and Mina. Some English is spoken in the tourist areas.

Tunisia Official Language: Arabic French is widely spoken and understood especially in the tourist areas. The Arabic spoken in the streets of Tunisia is similar to that spoken in Morocco, commonly known as Darija.

Uganda Official Language: English Most Ugandans speak English as well as an indigenous language, the most common ones are Luganda and (Ki)Swahili. Soga, Chiga and Runyankore are also important languages in Uganda, each have over a million native speakers.

Zambia Official Language: English English is widely spoken throughout Zambia, other important languages include Tonga, Bemba, Nyanja (similar to Chichewa) and Lozi.

Zimbabwe Official Language: English English is widely spoken throughout Zimbabwe but most Zimbabweans' first language is either Shona or Ndebele.

By Anouk Zijlma, About.com Guide

September 2012

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African Proverbs

By Anouk Zijlma, About.com Guide african greetings

African Proverbs offer wisdom and poetry in just one sentence. Proverbs play an important part in African cultures all across the continent. The beauty of proverbs is the universality of their meaning, everyone can relate to them in some way, on some level. Yet they are also uniquely African and help us gain an insight into African culture. African proverbs can convey wisdom, truth, a discovery of ideas, as well as life lessons.

"When the fool is told a proverb, its meaning has to be explained to him" (Ashanti) 1. A man who has one finger pointing at another has three pointing towards himself

2. Rain beats a leopard's skin, but it does not wash out the spots (Ashanti)

3. Wood already touched by fire is not hard to set alight (Ashanti) 4. You do not teach the paths of the forest to an old gorilla (Congo)

5. He who is bitten by a snake fears a lizard (Uganda) 6. Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it (Akan and Ewe)

7. He who asks questions, cannot avoid the answers (Cameroon)

8. Because a man has injured your goat, do not go out and kill his bull (Kenya)

9. The dog's bark is not might, but fright (Liberia) 10. A tree is known by its fruit (Zulu)

September 2012

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T.D. Jakes Daughter Sarah Announces Divorce & Dispels Rumors

By Oretha Winston, Lead Editor

Sarah D. Henson, daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes, recently announced that she is divorcing her NFL linebacker husband Robert Henson after four years.

Henson, who leads the Women’s Ministry at The Potter’s House in Dallas, who ministers about being a good wife and trying to make things work has been faced with a difficult decision.

Read:Le’Andria Johnson “If Jesus Can’t Fix It” [NEW MUSIC EXCLUSIVE] “I have built my ministry and identity around being the best wife and a mother I can be.

For quite sometime I have tried to steer through some serious troubles at home, as much as I wanted my marriage to last, it cannot. After professional counseling, and prayerful consideration I have decided to end my four-year marriage. There are biblical grounds supporting this decision and I have attempted every other recourse but after multiple infractions over the course of the union, and for my personal safety and that of my children, I have come to this painful decision.After professional counseling, and prayerful consideration I have decided to end my four-year marriage.Now that it is made, I would ask for privacy while I navigate through this difficult season in my life so that I may now concentrate on being the best parent for my children possible. Thank you for your prayers.”

Source: www.elev8.com

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Nike signs on Ghanaian producer, Coptic for soundtrack to Nike Football Collection campaign

brand-new football collections as a build up to the 2012 NFL season. It shows glimpses of fresh looks on gridiron stars like Mark Sanchez, Victor Cruz, Calvin Johnson and Desean Jackson. The women’s styles were also previewed using models Chrissy Tiegen and Hilary Rhoda, as well as professional athlete Swin Cash.

The teaser features music produced by Coptic specifically for the campaign. Coptic migrated to the U.S. at 13 and started producing music years later. He since has produced records for The Notorious B.I.G (If I Should Die Before I Wake & Living The Life), Puff Daddy aka “Diddy” (I Need A Girl), Jermaine Dupri (All That’s Gotta Go), Ma$e, KRS-One, Shyne and countless other successful artists on their platinum plus .

Leading sportswear manufacturers, Nike have signed on Ghanaian-born American producer, Eric Kwabena Matlock better known as Coptic to produce music for an upcoming campaign for Nike’s brand-new football collec- Source: http://highlifetoday.com tions that combine authentic football culture with crisp, contemporary styling.

Nike Sports Wear recently released a teaser with an exclusive look at the

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GHANAIANS IN THE USA MOURN THE DEATH OF THE LATE PRESIDENT J.E. ATTA MILLS

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Friday August 10th, 2012, was a full day of mourning around the world, for the late President of Ghana, J.E Atta Mills. While the people of Ghana were mourning over Mills at Independence Square, Ghanaians in America were mourning over the late president at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington , D.C. From 7pm to midnight, Ghanaians and other mourners attended the memorial program at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C. The program included scripture readings from Romans 12:3-21 and Isaiah 25:1-12 and various tributes from area associations, including the Old Achimotans Association. A Methodist choir was in attendance to lead the mourners in hymns, including MHB 652, “Brief Life is Here our Portion” and MHB 828, “ Ten Thousand Times Ten Thousand”. The scripture readings and sermon were followed by the traditional ceremony, which included prayers, a song by Ms. Juliana Arslanian, drumming, and dancing. The memorial service at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington , D.C gave mourners the opportunity to grieve while also celebrating the life of the dear late President, J.E Atta Mills.

By: Amy Ansong

A cross section of the mourners at the funeral

A Picture of the late President displayed at the Embassy in Washington DC as his eulogy is read

Kwame Brew and Kaakyire beating fontomfrom drums at the funeral

Mourners listening to the eulogy

Renowned drummer Okyeremah Asante arriving at the funeral

Jerry Wiafe of Virginia Black Stars soccer team poses by a picture of the late President

Members of the Old Achimotans Association paying a tribute to the late President who was an old student of Achimota

Singing of hymns

Ms. Juliana Arslanian singing at the funeral

The Methodist Church Choir

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Breastfeeding, A Tradition That Must Continue

Breastfeeding has been one of the traditions that have been followed for a very long time. However, its potential in given impetus to the proper growth and development of infants and young children have not been fully harnessed.

The mere mention of breastfeeding directs all attention to women with most people thinking appropriate and successful breastfeeding is innate. Women are not born with the requisite skills to successfully breastfeed and must therefore be acquired through learned behaviour.

Mothers used to breastfeed their infants for a year and longer and sometimes till the second child is born. Consequently, paucity of time and matters of convenience is now compelling mothers to ship to powdered, bottled milk as a substitute for breast milk.

It has to be reiterated continuously for the popularisation of breast milk because of the fact that there cannot be any available substitute for it. Breastfeeding does not only provide the nutritional needs of the child, an aspect of breastfeeding which some people think can be substituted. It also creates psychological bonding between a mother and her child, an aspect which is unparallel and has no alternative.

Cow’s milk which is usually used as substitute is only nearer and the most similar to a mother’s

milk. Cow’s milk lack vitamin E, iron or essential fatty acids which can make children feeding on cow’s milk anaemic. The digestive systems of the children are not fully developed to fully digest and absorb protein and fats in whole cow milk.

Their immature kidneys can be strained by the higher protein, sodium and potassium content of cow milk.

The lack of antibodies that protect infants till their immune system is fully developed makes breast milk the best option in promoting infant and young child survival. Issues of safety are often neglected by proponents of bottle feeding.

Breast milk is convenient, clean and safe-always available at the right temperature at all times and nearly all mothers can breastfeed.

Breastfed babies are rarely constipated and are less likely to run diarrhoea due to the easier digestibility of breast milk. Recent studies have shown an inverse association between breastfeeding and childhood obesity.

Mothers are not left out when it comes to the benefits of breastfeeding. It helps in the return of the uterus to its pre gestational state faster. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer and premenopausal breast cancer.

Source: Ghanaweb.com

H E A LT H

Foods That Will Naturally Cleanse Your Liver

NEWS

The primary way in which your body expels toxins is via the liver, which detoxifies and cleanses your body by continuously filtering the blood of poisons that enter it through the digestive tract, the skin, and the respiratory system. But when your liver becomes overworked as a result of stress or excessive exposure to toxins, your entire system can be thrown off balance, and your health severely compromised.

Since the liver is also responsible for producing bile, another form of detoxification that is metabolically necessary for the breakdown and assimilation of fats and proteins from your food, it is exceedingly important that your liver be properly maintained. Without a well-functioning liver, your body will be unable to cleanse itself and absorb nutrients, which is a recipe for a health disaster.

"The thousands of enzyme systems that are responsible for virtually every body activity are constructed in the liver," writes Dr. Karl Maret, M.D., about the importance of vibrant liver function. "The proper functioning of the eyes, the heart, the brain, the gonads, the joints, and the kidneys, are all dependent on good liver activity."

"If the liver is impaired from constructing even one of the thousands of enzyme systems the body requires, there is an impairment in overall body function and a resultant greater metabolic stress on the individual."

So here are seven important foods you may want to begin incorporating into your diet in order to maintain a healthy liver.

September 2012

Garlic, grapefruit, green tea, and green vegetables

Garlic contains numerous sulfur-containing compounds that activate the liver enzymes responsible for flushing out toxins from the body. This bulbous relative of the onion also contains allicin and selenium, two powerful nutrients proven to help protect the liver from toxic damage, and aid it in the detoxification process.

Grapefruit is rich in natural vitamin C and antioxidants, two powerful liver cleansers. Like garlic, grapefruit contains compounds that boost the production of liver detoxification enzymes. It also contains a flavonoid compound known as naringenin that causes the liver to burn fat rather than store it.

Green tea is loaded with catechins, a type of plant antioxidant that has been shown in studies to eliminate liver fat accumulation and promote proper liver function

This powerful herbal beverage also protects the liver against toxins that would otherwise accumulate and cause serious damage.

Leafy green vegetables such as bitter gourd, arugula, dandelion greens, spinach, mustard greens, and chicory also contain numerous cleansing compounds that neutralize heavy metals, which can bear heavily on

Eating Egg Yolk Is Almost As Bad As Smoking

SCIENTISTS have unscrambled the hard truth about eggs - eating the yolk is almost as bad as smoking, as it speeds up coronary artery disease.

New research has suggested regular consumption of egg yolks accelerates atherosclerosis, an effect which is more often linked to smoking cigarettes.

Also known as coronary artery disease, it is a disorder of the arteries where plaques, aggravated by cholesterol, form on the inner arterial wall.

Considered as one of the key components of a traditional English breakfast, the new findings may struggle to put off egg lovers.

But Dr David Spence revealed eating the yolk of an egg is about two-thirds as bad as smoking when it comes to increased build-up of carotid.

Having surveyed 1,231 men and women, Spence, of the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada, linked the findings to stroke and heart attack risk factors.

Plaque rupture is the usual cause of most heart attacks and many strokes.

The study involved patients, with a mean age of 61.5, attending vascular prevention clinics in Ontario.

And ultrasound was used to establish a measurement of total plaque area and questionnaires were filled out regarding the patients’ lifestyles.

The research found carotid plaque area increased in line with age after 40, but increased exponentially after years of regular smoking and egg yolk consumption.

The study also found those eating at least three yolks a week had significantly more plaque area than those who ate up to two yolks per week.

Dr Spence, 67, who is also a neurology professor, said: “The mantra ’eggs can be part of a healthy diet for healthy people’ has confused the issue.

“High cholesterol intake increases the risk of cardiovascular events, and egg yolks have a very high cholesterol content.

“The study shows that, with age, plaque builds up gradually in the arteries and egg yolks make it build up faster.”

Spence added that the effects were independent of sex, cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, body mass index and diabetes.

And while he feels more research should be done, he stressed the regular consumption of egg yolk should be avoided by anyone at risk of cardiovascular disease.

The research has been published online in the journal Atherosclerosis.

Source: Thesun.co.uk

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the liver. Leafy greens also eliminate pesticides and herbicides from the body, and spur the creation and flow of cleansing bile.

Avocados, walnuts, and turmeric

Rich in glutathione-producing compounds, avocados actively promote liver health by protecting it against toxic overload, and boosting its cleansing power

Some research has shown that eating one or two avocados a week for as little as 30 days can repair a damaged liver.

Walnuts, which contain high levels of l-arginine, an amino acid, glutathione, and omega-3 fatty acids, also help detoxify the liver of disease-causing ammonia. Walnuts also help oxygenate the blood, and extracts from their hulls are often used in liver-cleansing formulas.

Turmeric, one of the most powerful foods for maintaining a healthy liver, has been shown to actively protect the liver against toxic damage, and even regenerate damaged liver cells. Turmeric also boosts the natural production of bile, shrinks engorged hepatic ducts, and improves overall function of the gallbladder, another body-purifying organ.

Source: Naturalnews.com

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State Department to Lead Business Trade Mission to South Africa

The State Department is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to lead a business delegation of approximately 10 U.S. companies to Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, South Africa from August 6-8, 2012. The mission is in conjunction with Secretary Clinton’s travel to South Africa for the annual U.S.-South Africa Strategic Dialogue meeting.

The trade mission is one facet of the Department of State’s economic statecraft policy which harnesses the tools and forces of global economics to advance our diplomatic agenda. The mission showcases our commitment to highlighting investment opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in infrastructure.

A key component of the trade mission is the U.S.-South Africa Business Summit in Johannesburg on August 6, a 200-person event that will feature remarks from business executives and senior U.S. and South African government officials. In addition, the Secretary will meet with the business delegation, senior government officials from the Republic of South Africa, and senior representatives from the South African private sector as part of the U.S.-South Africa Strategic Dialogue.

Confirmed business delegates include senior executives from Black & Veatch, Boeing, Chevron, EMD/Caterpillar, FedEx Express, GE,

Symbion, Trimble, Wal-Mart, and Zanbato. The heads of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im), and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) as well as Under Secretary of State Hormats and Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Sánchez are participating in the mission.

South Africa is the leading market in Africa for American goods, and the United States is both an important export market and a source of foreign direct investment for South Africa.

Expanding and deepening this vital economic relationship helps to grow businesses, increase exports, and create jobs in both countries. The U.S. government is committed to assist and facilitate trade and investment through its existing programs and advocacy both in the United States and through its embassies and missions in South Africa and throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Learn more about the activities of the Bureau of African Affairs at the Department of State at: http://www.state.gov/p/af/index.htm.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at: http://www.facebook.com/DOSAfricanA ffairs http://twitter.com/#!/AFAsstSecy Source: State.gov

USCIS Begins Accepting Requests for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

WASHINGTON— U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will begin accepting requests, effective immediately, for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

On June 15, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines may request, on a case-by-case basis, consideration of deferred action.

“USCIS has developed a rigorous review process for deferred action requests under guidelines issued by Secretary Napolitano,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas.

“Childhood arrivals who meet the guidelines and whose cases are deferred will now be able to live without fear of removal, and be able to more fully contribute their talents to

our great nation.”

Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. USCIS will review requests and make decisions on a case-by-case basis. While it does not provide lawful status or a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship, individuals whose cases are deferred as part of this process will not be removed from the United States for a two-year period, subject to renewal, and may also apply for employment authorization.

USCIS is committed to ensuring that this new process works within the agency’s mission to administer our nation’s immigration benefits, provide high quality service to the public, and safeguard the integrity of the immigration system.

Source: Uscis.gov

September 2012

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New Mandela Bank Notes to Reflect South Africa Pride South Africa:

Pretoria — The Reserve Bank has launched a communication campaign to introduce the new Nelson Mandela bank notes which will come into circulation before the end of the year.

"We hope the new note will be something we all like to have. We are pleased to issue this new series of banknotes which reflect South Africa's pride as a nation and pays tribute to a much loved world-icon," said Governor Gill Marcus, adding that the launch was a momentous occasion.

The campaign is aimed at educating and raising public awareness of the new banknotes that features the image of South Africa's first democratically elected president. The reverse side of each denomination features an image of one of the "big five" animals.

The theme of the campaign is "One of a kind".

The new notes which will be introduced at a later stage will include features such as unique numbering and micro printing.

Marcus stressed that the new notes as well as the old notes will continue to be legal tender.

Additionally, countries using South African currency will also be educated on the incoming new notes.

Asked about whether the new currency will be easy to counterfeit, the Governor said that counterfeiting still remained a global phenomenon and that the central bank was embarking on the communication campaign to educate the public on the security features of the new note so that they are familiar with it. She said it would be difficult to replicate the notes.

"A country's currency is a fundamental component of its national identity. It should be a reflection of its cultural heritage," she said, adding that it was decided not only to upgrade the security features (which best practice is to do every six to eight years) but also to redesign the notes.

"We hope it's a design that stands the test of time," she said. Many banknotes around the world have never been redesigned.

The central bank hopes to swap out the existing

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September 2012

The bank has no plans to either introduce bigger denominations higher than the R200 note or introduce a R10 coin. Marcus said it was already sometimes difficult for people in rural areas to break up a R200 note.

Additionally, the new notes will have enhanced features for the visually impaired including raised print on both sides.

Hlengani Mathebula, head of group strategy and communications said that the training of people from banks has already commenced.

The communication campaign is expected to continue into next year.

Winnie Madikizela Mandela, who was present at the launch of the communication campaign, said she was proud and thankful to the staff of the Reserve Bank.

The announcement of the former president's appearance on new bank notes was made in February.

The Reserve Bank's head office in Pretoria has been wrapped with a 25-storey billboard to create further public awareness of the new notes.

Meanwhile, as of December 2011 R100 billion banknotes were in circulation in the South African economy.

Source:www.allafrica.com

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Ghana’s Jubilee Oil Field Produces Over 41 Million Barrels of Oil Ghana:

resource estimates within the field remain unchanged. "I am well informed that 3 of the first batch of 5 wells have been drilled to their designed total depth.

Other activities such as fabrication of the aforementioned infrastructure are going on smoothly," he said.

The Jubilee field commenced oil production in November 2010 with 25,000 barrels per day (bpd). Production ramped up to October 2011 with an average daily production rate of 80,000 bpd. The field started experiencing pre-mature production decline in November 2011. The field production declined from the October 2011 average daily production rate of 80,000 bpd to about 63,000 bpd at the end of July 2012.

notes as soon as possible. "As we introduce the new note we will swap out the old note, it will take time," she said, adding that the role of the bank is not only to produce notes and to circulate them but also to ensure that notes are fit for circulation.

The communication of the introduction of the new notes, which will be done to the tune of a total R32 million, will happen in both urban and rural areas and in diverse languages. Information about the notes will be done in print media, television, radio and social media platforms including road shows.

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By Laud Nartey The Jubilee field has produced over 41.3 million barrels of oil (MMBO) from November 28, 2010 to August 31, this year, exporting over 41MMBO during the period. Total Jubilee crude oil stocks as at August 31was 237,914 barrels. The government and the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) have also lifted 6.9MMBO, representing 16.85 per cent of total crude oil exported.

From January 2011 to August 2012, a total of 6,919,556 barrels was lifted by the Ghana Group with a total net value of US$ 770,744,733.11. In 2012, a total of 2,989,367 barrels was lifted with a total net value of US$ 326,620,009.43.

The Minister for Energy, Dr Joe Oteng-Agyei, disclosed this when he took his turn at the meet-thepress series in Accra last Thursday to update Ghanaians on the progress made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in the implementation of programmes and projects in the energy sector as outlined in the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA), a medium-term policy framework which seeks to concretise the "Better Ghana Agenda" of the government.

Dr Oteng-Agyei said in order to improve production and extend the production plateau considerably, an addendum to Jubilee Field Phase 1 Plan of Development (Jubilee Phase 1A PoD) was being implemented with the drilling of additional eight wells (made up of five oil producing wells and three water injection wells), and the installation of additional sub-sea facilities. Some of the oil producing wells has been designed as horizontal wells to enhance well productivity.

He said the Phase 1A project was estimated to cost approximately US$1.2 billion and would take a total of 18 months to complete. He revealed that it is expected that three of the five oil production wells and one of the three water injection wells will be drilled, completed and hooked up to the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah by the end of 2012. Recoverable

He said the GNPC and the Jubilee Partners have successfully arrested the pre-mature production decline of the Jubilee field and increased daily production rates to 87,000 bpd. This improvement, he noted, is as a result of successful acid stimulation operation performed on five of the nine Jubilee production wells.

Outlining strategies for sustaining petroleum operations, the Energy Minister said participating in oil exploration, development and production come with an obligation to contribute to the costs incurred during the process. "Without these contributions the bulk of revenues that are currently being received would not be earned and there would not be enough and sustained revenue inflow to fund the other needs of the country...

There is the need to sustain investments to increase and sustain oil and gas production and continue to add up to petroleum reserves. In this direction the Government will continue to resource GNPC to enable it to meet our existing financial obligations in an efficient manner and to maintain and increase our level of participation in petroleum operations."

Source: www.allafrica.com

Atta Mills Deserves A Monumental Presidential Library

The hullabaloo surrounding the burial of the tireless Educationist and Late President, Atta Mills, should be geared towards how it will benefit the current and future generations. He is the First President to die in active duty as the army will say and at post. The committee should visualize how the burial will benefit the Nation’s education and tourism industry. It will continue to be a legacy for his spiritual belief, teaching and educating people.

The whole Nation is behind the Government, Family and The Committee so they should visualize and bring it to reality by putting up a Monumental Presidential Library in honour of this fallen Leader.

The edifice will be developed to attract visitors of all kinds of visitors including visiting Presidents and dignitaries. School children will travel on an excursion to visit and feel the presence of their Leader while Educationists and Future politicians will go there to make their researches for the betterment of the Nation. Ghana needs to grow in terms of development so we must be prepared to visulize and capitalize on any eventuality that befalls on the Nation and eschew personal, tribal and political sentiments.

Atta Mills Presidential Library will serve multipurpose functions for the Family, Region and the Nation at large. It will be a place where you will feel the physical presence of the Late President; what he stood for and his accomplishments. A place where his bereaved wife, Naadu Mills, will join his dear husband when her time comes. Visit his burial

grounds -Library-and see his shoes, the famous dresses he wore, his pictures, videos, scripts and speeches he wrote, campaign pictures and messages, International assignments, pictures of the famous and infamous students he taught when he was a lecturer , video on his biography etc.

There should be an ITC center for the Library where a resident lecturer or custodian will direct visitors where to go and see some facts for themselves. There should be conference centers that will be rented out to companies, organizations, government agencies, churches and political parties for their meetings. If the Library is planned well to serve the needs of visitors and Ghanaians, it will definitely draw the attention of businessmen to put up hotels, restaurants and cluster of businesses thereby creating jobs to boost the economy.

Preferably, it should be cited at no place other than his birth place which at the moment is a historical place .After all, he was born and bred at the place. Spiritually and culturally, he should be buried at a place where his umbilical cord was buried just to give him eternal rest and an honour to his people. We have to develop the place since it was the place where the President who died in active duty was born. People travel far and near to see the burial & birth places of historians and important dignitaries so why not Atta Mills, our Late President? We must not deprive future generations of such an edifice to serve a noble course.

Thank You.

September 2012

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USA Ambassador Inaugurates Peace Corp Volunteers

Anyinasin (ER) Aug 16, GNA - The United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Ghana, Donald Teitelbaum, has inaugurated 24 American Peace Corp Volunteers expected to work in the Ghana Education Service (GES) at Anyinasin near Akyem-Tafo.

He asked the volunteers to zealously serve the various communities that they would be posted to indicate the commitment of America to the development of Ghana.

The volunteers, who had gone through a three-month training in local language, culture and the Ghana educational curriculum, particularly in Mathematics, Science and Visual Arts, would be posted to Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools to teach for three years.

The Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Ebenezer Okletey

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Terlabi, said there were many vacancies in the rural areas because trained teachers had refused postings to those communities due to lack of development.

He said that the situation had remained a challenge to the education sector, and hoped that Ghanaian teachers would take a cue from the volunteers who were ready to serve in any community where their services would be needed.

Mr Terlabi said Science was a “fearful” subject and asked the volunteers “to use their skills and knowledge to demystify the learning of science to generate overwhelming interest among students, especially girls.

Source: Allghananews.com

Libya Interior Minister Quits After Sufi Shrine Attacks

By: Frimpong-Manso, J. Y

Sudan: 31 Killed In Sudanese Plane Crash, Khartoum Confirms Death Of Minister Khartoum — The Sudan government has officially confirmed the death of Sudan's Minister of Guidance and Endowments Ghazi al-Sadiq in a plane crash in Taloudy town in South Kordofan State that claimed 31 lives.

"The plane was carrying a ministerial delegation, headed by a minister and 25 others who were accompanying him in addition to 5 crew members - all of them were killed after the plane crashed following its collision with a mountain at the area of Taloudy in South Kordofan State," said Ahmed Bilal Osman, Sudan's Minister of Information, in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua.

This was confirmed by earlier remarks from AbdulHafez Abdul-Rahim, spokesperson of Sudan's Civil Aviation, that all the 31 passengers aboard the plane were killed in the incident.

Osman's statement noted that the plane tried to land twice but failed before colliding with a mountain due to bad weather conditions.

The statement pointed out that the delegation headed on Sunday morning to South Kordofan State to present congratulations of Eid Al-Fitr, the day that marks the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, to the people of the area and members of the Sudanese armed forces there. The region has been witnessing armed clashes between the Sudanese army and rebels

of the Sudan People's Liberation Army ( SPLA)/northern sector.

The statement did not mention that the plane was shot down by a military attack.

The civil aviation's Abdul-Rahim have said earlier that the crashed plane, an Antinov, belonging to a civil aviation company, left Khartoum at 6:00 a.m. local time (0300 GMT).

"The plane flew over Taloudy airport in South Kordofan.

An explosion was heard inside the mountains surrounding the area," he said.

Sudan has seen several plane crashes in recent years.

On June 20, 2012, a Sudanese military training aircraft crashed at the air base in Port-Sudan city in eastern the country, leaving its two-member crew killed.

On December 30, 2011, six crew members were killed when a military helicopter crashed in the western region of Darfur.

In 2008, at least 11 were killed in two cargo plane crashes in Sudan.

Source: Allafrica.com

Fawzi Abdelali resigned in protest at criticism from Congress over his handling of the violence, an aide said.

The latest incidents include attacks on two Sufi shrines that were blamed on ultra-conservative Salafi Islamists.

ministry.

On Saturday, a shrine in Tripoli venerating Sufi Muslim saint alShaab al-Dahmani was partly destroyed by men with bulldozers.

A day earlier, a group attacked the tomb of 15th-Century Sufi scholar Attacks on shrines of sects have risen since the end of the eight-month civil war Abdel Salam al-Asmar in Zlitan, about 160km (100 miles) south-east that toppled Col Muammar Gaddafi. of Tripoli.

There has also been a recent double car Hardline Salafists regard the shrines bombing in Tripoli and clashes between of the Sufi sect - which practises a rival tribes in Zlitan. mystical form of Islam - as idolaBulldozers trous.

Fawzi Abdelali's aide said: "He submitted The destruction in Zlitan followed his resignation to protest against congressmen criticising the government and two days of clashes between rival local tribes there which left at least to defend the revolutionaries." three people dead.

The newly elected General National A week ago in Tripoli, two people Congress had accused the interior minwere killed by a double car bombistry's High Security Committee of failing to prevent the destruction of shrines. ing as people celebrated the Muslim feast of Eid al-Fitr.

The committee includes rebels who fought Gaddafi's forces last year and Source: Bbc.co.uk were then integrated into the interior

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Kenya: Women Seek Justice Over Sterilisation

Togo Opposition Calls For Sex Strike Against President Gnassingbé September 2012

Mother and daughter in HIV clinic

Over 40 HIV-postive women who were allegedly sterilized against their will go to court to demand justice and possible compensation.

The chairperson of the National Gender and Equality Commission Winfred Lichuma who is championing the women's cause described what happened to the women as "atrocious an infringement of their human rights and contrary to medical ethics."

The women also suffer from other post-sterilisation complications which include the inability to have monthly menstrual cycles apart from marriage breakups. "Most of these people continue to live in pain silently, as they fear talking about their conditions as a result of stigmatization and discrimination," Faith Kasiva, the lead researcher of the African Gender and Media Initiative which conducted the survey. She called for an all-inclusive public awareness campaign on reproductive health rights and choices for women living with HIV, to enable them make informed choices.

Police arrested about 120 opposition supporters last week during clashes between protesters and security forces, according to Togolese human rights groups.

Government officials said all but eight had been released, and those still detained were in possession of knives.

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want to remain in the kitchen, but we can have our say in politics,” Ameganvi said.

“We cannot stay hand-crossed, as our children and husbands are being kept in jail.”

In addition to the sex strike, she called on women to wear a special color during a demonstration Thursday.

“You don’t go demonstrate with these,” secu- “You all have to be dressed up in red pants to show your anger,” she said, amid rity minister Damehane Yark said of the Lichuma said the commission will push for the rights of cheers. weapons. the women to get access to their medical records to help them in their court case which will demand among othThe actions will be among a series of Demonstrators have taken to the streets in ers, a reversal of the operation or compensation where civil disobedience events planned. the capital of Lome for weeks to protest new this is not possible. Forced sterilisation is also considelectoral reforms they say favor the ruling ered a crime against humanity under the Rome Statute and is prosecutable by the International Criminal Court. party ahead of October’s parliamentary elec- “If our people are not released by According to the report, most of the forced Thursday, the women are going to rush to The issue of forced sterilization is neither small nor new tions. They are seeking a repeal of changes sterelisations -75 per cent- were conducted in the prison naked to get them released, to the electoral laws. in African according to the international lobby group, public hospitals while the rest were carried out only in red pants and nothing else,” she Stop Torture in Health. There are several cases pending in private hospitals. Majority of the women are said.

Protests continued Saturday, with a female before the courts in Zambia, South Africa, Malawi and from low income cadres of society. Most of opposition leader calling for sex strikes startNambinia. them claim they were not aware and did not The security minister said any attempts to ing Monday. understand what they were being asked to sign enter the prison will lead to arrests. as they were in active and difficult labour at the Just last month, a court in Namibia ruled it was illegal “I am inviting all women to observe a onefor the government to sterilize without their consent, time. Some of the women were also uncon“We await them,” Yark said.” In a state of week sex strike, fasting and prayers to set three HIV-positive women. The court rejected the govscious and could therefore not give consent or rule of law like ours, we will get them our arrested brothers and husbands free,” are illiterate and were asked to sign a document ernment's claims that the sterilisations had been consenarrested for offending moral values.” said Isabelle Ameganvi, leader of the opposisual and said poor record keeping in the hospitals had which turned out to be an authorization for the tion Let’s Save Togo.

“So all you ladies have left the women with no defense, and rejected the govprocedures. ernment's claims that the sterilizations had been consen- to keep the gate of your ‘motherland’ locked Togolese officials invited the opposition for talks Friday, but it turned down the up to all men from Monday up to Sunday.”

In some instances, some of the women especial- sual. government invitation. ly those whose operations were done in the pubThe opposition leader said she is inspired by The court stopped short of ruling that the pattern of lic hospitals, were told that the procedure was forced sterilizations of HIV-positive women in Namibia Liberian Nobel laureate and current President “We will not hold any discussions with government mandated for all HIV-positive Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who in 2003 called on the government except those aimed at constituted discrimination and is yet to decide on the women. According to the report-Robbed of women in her nation to observe a sex strike negotiating President Faure Gnassingbe’s women's demand of compensation amounting to Choice: Forced and Coerced Sterilization departure from power,” said constitutional to press for peace amid a raging war.

US$150,000 (Sh12.5 million). In 2009, Rwanda was Experiences of Women Living with HIV in law professor Zeus Ajavon, an opposition forced to withdraw a Bill that would have made AIDsKenya- some of the women were also told supporter.

Sex strikes have become a common way of testing compulsory and permitted the forced sterilization threatened with having their supply of antiretroviral drugs stopped if they did not agree to for people deemed to be mentally disabled. Sterilisation civil disobedience in recent years. In 2009, Togo has been led by the same family for is usually an irreversible operation. It is possible to have Kenyan women pressed for a sex strike to the operation. more than 40 years . end bickering among coalition government a tubal ligation reversed, but its success will depend on officials.

Yesterday, some of the women victims- majority the method used. It is also a very costly affair and the Gnassingbe Eyadema ruled for 38 years success rate is usually not very promising. of them in their mid-to late-20s narrated how until his death seven years ago. His son Last year, a group of women in a violencethey have had to endure a life of loneliness and has led the nation since then. plagued area of the Philippines slapped men ostracism as they could no longer have children. Source: Allafrica.com with a sex ban until they promised to quit "Most of the men who have approached me for Source: Channelstv.com fighting. Their stand helped end clashes in marriage want children. The moment they realJuly between villages in rural Mindanao ize l cannot have babies, they leave," Ruth Island.

Achieng, a survivor of the coerced sterilization who lives in Nairobi's Kibera slums said.

“We have power to change things. We do not "Those responsible should be punished to the fullest extent of the law," Lichuma said during the launch of a report on coerced sterilization of HIV women by medical personnel. The study was conducted this year in Kakamega and Nairobi.

September 2012

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You Have No Idea Her Page

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Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

ave you noticed that sometimes (actually most of the time) when you pray, you have so much on your prayer list that by the time you finish, you haven’t prayed for anyone else outside yourself and your immediate family? I have. We can get so wrapped up in ourselves and our needs that we forget to consider the needs of our friends, church family, community and our world at large. We fail to intercede for each other. One of the important lessons we learn from Jesus is that even while facing persecution and His pending crucifixion, He considered and prayed for his disciples. We have to keep this in mind so that we fulfill a crucial part of being imitators of Christ, interceding for each other.

A critical area where we need to intercede for each other is our safety and well-being. I think we should continue to pray for our own personal safety, but praying for everyone’s well-being is key in protecting ourselves. When we intercede for each other, we close all gaps, all opportunities for the enemy to take a strong hold in our lives. We strengthen our core as well as our borders. It has become more and more necessary that we become cognizant of our responsibility to each other, for what affects one person affects us all. If anything, we must realize that if someone is not safe, then our safety too is not secured.

I am moved to write on this subject because of the many accounts of senseless cruelty, violent crimes and deaths surrounding us. Each day, we are confronted with news from various communication sources citing grievous incidents. The information presented to us confirms that our world is only getting worse. We become disturbed and disheartened, but these are the signs of the times as the Bible has already warned us that we “will hear of wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6-7) and that because “iniquity will abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt. 24:12).

Unfortunately, these events are not removed from us, but very close. We are living in dangerous times and we are all vulnerable to premeditated or random violence.

The news we hear is not the tale of someone else. The news is about us, not only because it is about mankind, but also because just as it happens to another person, it can easily happen to us. These narratives from the media are about our safety, our chances, and our tragedies. We can be hit hard with senseless violence and preventable tragedies. Even worse, our children are more vulnerable and there is almost no safe harbor for them. These days we can’t rest assured that they will be safe in their schools, the Boy Scouts or even in the church. There is someone always preying on them, pedophiles, child abusers of the emotional and physical kind, cruel and psychologically disturbed people. They can emotionally and spiritually impact our kids in a very harmful way.

I don’t enjoy being the bearer of bad news, neither do I want to incite fear in anyone, but I think that as much as we might want to distance ourselves from such fearful thoughts and acts, we have to at least bear some reality in mind and then take the necessary steps to combat becoming victimized. As Christians, we are in the midst of warfare and must be vigilant and wise as the Bible advises. What do I mean by warfare?

I mean that even as we go about innocently minding our business and living our lives as law-abiding and practicing Christians, danger is lurking somewhere, someplace. We have to understand that negative spiritual forces are at work against the lives of all people, even if one is a child of God. For instance, there are some accounts of individuals who walked close with God and had no idea that they were in warfare. The Apostle Peter walked closely with Jesus. If there was an inner circle within the twelve apostles and Jesus, Peter was certainly in that circle. He loved Jesus and Jesus loved him. Peter was passionate and even aggressive for the Lord, but Jesus knew that with all his passion and with all his good intentions for the ministry, Peter was like everyone else. He was a prey for the devil and the devil had set his sights on him. Peter was clearly unaware of this as Jesus revealed to him that “Satan had desired to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you….” (Luke 22:31).

Just as he wanted with Peter, the enemy has a desire to destroy us, to render us useful for his kingdom or useless for God’s. But Christ’s revelation to Peter is one to us also. It warns us that we are not entirely safe and we shouldn’t take comfort in our ignorance. Although we can take comfort in knowing that Christ is watching over and praying for us, we also have to be aware that our adversary, the devil, is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1st Peter 5:8).

Knowing this, we are left with one important duty, to pray for each other.

Christ’s example with Peter teaches us

how we should relate to each other as Christians. I think it even teaches us how we should relate to all people. We ought to intercede for each other. We ought to have foresight, empathy and compassion. Our compassion should not be activated after one has been sifted as wheat or completely destroyed. It should be constantly within us and expressed outwardly.

A genuine expression of compassion is to remember each other in prayer.

I remember that when I was younger, it puzzled me so much when someone would feel for another person whom they did not really know and they would cry or weep terribly for that person. My mother used to do that. I recall that when I was in high school, she received news on the death of an acquaintance’s daughter. I remember she cried and cried on the phone while talking with the family and then when she was done talking, with the phone still in her hand and her back against the yellow kitchen wall, she slowly slid down to the floor and cried even more. I looked at her as if something was wrong with her. I had heard parts of the conversation and deduced that a young girl had passed. Even still, I didn’t really understand why she was crying so terribly. I said directly and insensitively to her “why are you crying? You don’t even know the girl.” With tear tracks down her face, and tears still welling in her eyes, my mom quietly looked at me and said nothing.

Quite a few years later and as life now counts me as a mother, I now understand what my mother felt. I will say that ever since I became a mother, I sense in me a pain and empathy I had never really felt for others before. I could be doing one thing or another and upon hearing of a particular tragedy that has occurred to another’s son, daughter, irrespective of the age, I become so disturbed that my eyes begin to well up with tears that I have to control myself by forcefully shutting down the tears that might want to make their way out of my eyes. I would force myself to endure the pain internally, especially when people were around just so that I wouldn’t appear as an emotional nutcase, a woman without any control of her feelings.

There was one situation that I just couldn’t shut my heart and emotions down enough to restrain the flooding of the tears. A little five year old girl was raped and strangled. It turned out that her own mother had sold her into prostitution for a few dollars worth of drugs. The story resonated with me because I have a five year old niece; I also have a four year old daughter as well as help with children from infancy to five years old at my church. I know how I adore them and can only imagine how other mothers and families could easily adore their little princesses. There was no shutting down of the tears that time. I wept out loud in my home. I wept for the tragic loss of that girl’s life.

After we have heard so many terrible accounts of such events, what are we doing about them beyond shaking our heads in disbelief? How are we expressing our compassion?

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How are we also working to prevent such a thing from happening to those near us and even ourselves? This girl’s situation reminds me of what Jesus said to Peter. He tells him that Satan had desired to sift him like wheat. Satan hasn’t changed and Peter is not the only intended victim. All the evil in the world is orchestrated by Satan’s dark forces and it is these forces that move human beings to become so destructive and murderous that they would harm little children. But aside from that particular news event, what of all the others like the adoptive mother in the state of Maryland who emotionally, psychologically, and physically abused, murdered and kept the bodies of two of her adopted daughters in a freezer?

How could something like this happen?

How could the domestic landscape become so tumultuous that a husband would intentionally set his wife on fire?

While we hear these horrific stories, we have to remember that this is what Christ was talking about to Peter. We have to know that like Peter, we have no idea what the enemy is plotting against us, how he is ready to use someone to bring pain and heartache to our lives whether it will come by harming us directly or indirectly by harming a loved one. We have no idea. The great Job also had no idea that the devil had gone to God seeking permission to harm him. Consider all the destruction of his wealth, the death of all his children and what he physically suffered. Although Job was a righteous man, he didn’t know that he was in warfare and he certainly didn’t know that the enemy had intentions of destroying him, sifting him like wheat.

So what are we to do, be nervous, insecure and intimidated by life? No, but we ought to recall the actions and words of Christ so that we will pray not only for ourselves but for each other. There is power in compassion, empathy and most importantly, prayer. There is power in interceding for each other. We ought to pray for our family, our church members, our neighbors, our children’s friends and acquaintances. We ought to pray for as many people as we can on a regular basis, so that we could spiritually thwart any physical manifestation of harm that the enemy of righteousness is plotting against lives. That is the action we should take. That is the advice inherent in Jesus’ words to Peter.

The Quadruplets With Numbers On Their Heads

Girl With 2 Heads

September 2012

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world in 1996 when they appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and the cover of Life Magazine.

Since then, they have lived a quiet, normal life with their family in Minnesota, keeping away from the media spotlight until they agreed to appear on a documentary for TLC when they turned 16.

When the twins were born on March 7, 1990, in Minnesota in the United States, doctors warned their parents Patty, a registered nurse, and Mike, a carpenter and landscaper, that they were unlikely to survive the night.

But that prediction was to prove wildly wrong.

When growing up, they, like many twins, had very different personalities and tastes.

Easy as 1, 2, 3 (and 4) ... quadruplets in China are branded by their parents THE parents of these quadruplets were so worried their kids would get mixed up at school they BRANDED them with numbers on their heads.

The six-year-old lookalikes had their hair shaved into numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 so teachers and classmates could tell them apart in class in Shenzhen, South China.

But it is not the only bizarre phenomenon to take place as schools go back in China – further north, pupils’ lessons consisted of SLEEPING on their desks.

Rows of youngsters curled up for a classroom doze during lunchtime in a school in Xi’an, western China.

Teachers from the Goaxin Number 1 Primary School explain that their buildings are too small to have dormitories, and most of their pupils live too far away to go home for lunch.

Instead they take their traditional midday nap on top of their own desks to set themselves up for an afternoon of studying.

“There is no time for them to go home and no room for beds, so they use their desks.

“They are perfectly comfortable – and there’s no chance of them being late for class either,” said a school spokesman.

Source: thesun.co.uk

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Abigail, the feisty, stubborn one, liked orange juice for breakfast, while Brittany, the joker of the family, would only touch milk.

A 22-year-old lady has one body with two heads but her par- They also stunned doctors with their astonishing co-ordination while playing the piano, with Abigail taking the rightents insist she is not one person but rather ‘they’ are twins hand parts and Brittany the left. with one body conjoined from the chest and below.

Abigail and Brittany recently turned 22 years and have lived They enjoyed sports such as bowling, volleyball, cycling, softball and swimming. their entire lives believing they are two distinct human beings.

And on their 16th birthday, they passed their driving test, a mind-boggling feat of teamwork with each twin using one According to the Daily Mail, the girls buy two seats every arm to control the steering wheel. time they go to the cinema – even though only one will be used. They have separate meals and two different birthday cakes with candles each year and if one of the twins misbe- Speaking at the time, their mother Patty conceded that haves, their parents, Patty and Mike, are careful to scold the could have been a problem. individual responsible – even if the other has been dragged “I don’t know what would happen if they got pulled over unavoidably into the misdeed. for speeding. Would they each get a ticket or just Abby Yet, while the twins have developed their own tastes in food, because it’s her foot on the accelerator?” drink, clothes and separate personalities, their body works as The Daily Mail first introduced the Hensel twins 16 years one – although they have different urges to eat and sleep. ago, when they were six years old, and now their latest When they eat, they have separate plates. One of them holds escapades show the dramatic progress they have made into the fork and the other the knife to cut the food, and then take early adulthood. turns to put the meal in each other’s mouth.

The Hensels are believed to be one of only a few sets of dicephalus twins in history to survive infancy, and when What is perhaps most touching about Abigail and Brittany, they turned 16, they allowed the cameras into their fiercely however, is their ability to get on – despite their different guarded private world to share this milestone in their lives. personalities. They seldom argue, despite Abigail always wanting to be the leader and – according to their mother – Speaking back then, Brittany said: “Believe me, we are liking ‘to rule the whole house’. totally different people.”

One twin will scratch an itch the other cannot reach or hold It has not been unknown, however, for the twins to go out her hand still so the other can count during a maths lesson and when Brittany was ill with pneumonia and couldn’t keep in a specially made top with two different necklines – to reflect their unique tastes – and leggings with each leg a the medicine down, Abigail volunteered to take it in the contrasting colour and a different shoe on each foot. hope of making her twin better.

Only once have the twins talked about separation – in child- Yet their parents; Patty, 46 and Mike, 47, never once considered having the twins separated, through fear that one or hood – when Abigail became bored and restless after both might die or be left with such severe disabilities their Brittany fell ill with pneumonia and was confined to bed. quality of life would be compromised and could no longer enjoy all the activities they love.

She started to suggest being separated from her sister, but when Brittany began to cry, Abigail reassured her that everyThey would each have just one arm and one leg and be thing was fine and that they’d never be parted. confined to a wheelchair.

Despite their optimism, devotion to each other and apparent happiness, what of the inevitable challenges they will face in Patty had no idea she was carrying twins until the birth at life? It is not clear if either has yet, but will they fall in love the local hospital where she worked and with whom?

The Daily Mail reports that the girls first captivated the

Cont. on Page 32

September 2012

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Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Dies in Office

Late Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi

of arbitrary detention, torture, and surveilOn Tuesday, August 21, Meles Zenawi lance of opposition members, Zenawi was became the third African leader to die in also a democratic failure. He won his last office this year, following deaths in Malawi election in 2010 with a controversial 99 perand Ghana. He is survived by his wife, Azeb Mesfin, a member of parliament, with cent of the vote. Opposition group that mostly consists of ethnic Somalis openly clashed whom he had three children. with the government and in 2007, Ethiopia sent troops to Somalia to fight al-Shabab Described by the United Nations' militants.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon as a legend whose "exceptional leadership and advocacy on African issues within and out- However, he makes up for his democratic and human rights deficits with his record of side the continent," Zenawi, Ethiopia's economic reforms. He brought Ethiopia out prime minister died at Saint Luc Hospital of economic doldrums following Mengistu's in Brussels, the Belgian capital city of an rule and made important progress. undisclosed infection, after not being seen since mid-July, after he attended a meeting Hailed by the U.S. President Barack Obama of heads of state of the African Union in for "his unyielding commitment to Ethiopia's Addis Ababa, his country's capital.

Speculations were rife over his health prob- poor," and Nobel peace laureate Jimmy lems but Ethiopian officials gave no details, Carter for his work to improve the lives of insisting that the prime minister was "very Ethiopians that led to increased crop production, the training of 30,000 health workers, good." That finally came to an end on and programmes to help prevent the spread Tuesday. of horrific diseases such as Guinea worm, His death at 57 was curious; Zenawi, spent river blindness and malaria, Zenawi died an enigma. the last two decades as leader of Africa's oldest independent country and the contiUnder him, Ethiopia witnessed strong gains nent's second most populous nation. in education with the construction of new schools and universities. Women also gained Apart from a five-year occupation by Benito Mussolini's Italy, Ethiopia has never more rights. By the mid-2000s Ethiopia's economy has become strong economic been colonised. Born on May 8, 1955, in growth, earning Zenawi global plaudits. the northern town of Adwa, where his father had 13 siblings from multiple The International Monetary Fund in 2008 women, Meles became president in 1991 said Ethiopia's economy had grown faster after helping to oust Mengistu Haile Mariam's Communist military junta, which than any non-oil exporting country in subwas responsible for hundreds of thousands Saharan Africa. Despite those gains, Ethiopia remains heavily dependent on agriof Ethiopian deaths. culture, which accounts for 85 percent of the country's employment.

The deceased became prime minister in 1995, a position that is both the head of the federal government and armed forces. His Per capita income is only about $1,000, or roughly $3 a day. For his efforts, the Horn of political coalition known as the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front is Africa would miss a reliable anti-terrorism notorious for being too focused on building campaigner, statesman and strong-willed its own authority in recent years instead of ideologue. It is the end of an era but the world has a lot to learn from the benevolent building up government institutions. dictator's demise.

Credited with economic gains but blamed Source: Allafrica.com for human rights abuses including his use

President Obama Urges New Leader to Promote Human Rights, Security September 2012

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Ethiopians mourn the death of the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

Addis Ababa — US president, Barack Obama, has spoken with Ethiopia's acting prime minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, who has become nation's new leader following the death of his predecessor on 21 August.

According to statement by the US embassy in Addis Ababa, Obama has urged the new Ethiopian leader to promote regional security, democracy and human rights.

During their phone conversation on Thursday, Obama pledged the US's continued commitment to partnership with Ethiopia, mainly on security areas.

"We encourage the Government of Ethiopia to enhance its support for development, democracy, regional stability and security, human rights, and prosperity for its people"

Obama lauded Zenawi's "life long" contributions to bringing development to Ethiopia and also admired his role for peace and security in Africa, mainly in Somalia and his responses to the crisis in Darfur, where Ethiopia deployed thousands of peace keeping forces.

Obama also mentioned the late Ethiopian premier's contributions to the African Union, and his voice for Africa on the world stage.

Zenawi was the US's key security partner in the horn Africa region, mainly in the war on terror and particularly in the fight against Al-Qaida linked al-Shabab radical group in war-torn Somalia.

After more than two months of illness, Zenawi died last Monday, leaving behind a mixed legacy. Under his rule millions of Ethiopians were lifted out of poverty and the nation has seen double-digit economic growth for nearly a decade.

However he has been criticized of doing little to enhance democracy and human rights while leading the country for 21 years, after toppling the former dictatorial Derg Regime.

Following Zenaw?s death, there are fears that nation may face a power vacuum and instability.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune, many asked whether the achieved developments and consecutive economic growth would be sustained after Zenawi.

Others also raised questions about the political landscape and the nation's relationship with other countries.

The unresolved Ethiopia-Eritrea border dispute is another major concern for Ethiopians. The two countries fought a 1998-2000 war which killed 70,000 people.

Communication Minister, Bereket Simon, downplayed the concerns saying the current leadership is united and will remain as strong as ever despite Zenawi's absence.

Source: Allafrica.com

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Man who came up with iMac name tells what the ‘i’ stands for

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Laptop inventor Moggridge dies S e p t e m b e r 2012

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consultancy firm called Ideo.

He also became visiting professor in interaction design at the Royal College of Art in London and consulting associate professor in design at Stanford University, California.

Mr Moggridge wrote two books, Designing Media and Designing Interactions.

In 2010 he was given a lifetime achievement award by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Ken Segall, the man who came up with the catchy iMac name concept that would help a slew of other products defy capitalization rules — iPod, iPad, iTunes and so on — said the little letter could evoke a sense of individuality or innovation when he pitched the idea to then-CEO Steve Jobs.

Segall recounted the pitch, which Jobs initially rejected, during his keynote address Thursday at ACG’s 2012 Mid-America Corporate Growth Conference in the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.

But what did the “i” really stand for? A member of the audience asked Segall the question after the speaker’s roughly hourlong speech, encouraging growing company hopefuls to embrace Apple’s philosophy of simplicity.

“I hate to make it sound less magical than it may seem,” Segall said.

It’s really about the Internet, he said.

He reminded the audience of days when not everyone had an email address and connecting to the Internet was a challenge for the everyday consumer.

The intent of the iMac was to take away some of this mystery and make the Internet more accessible, he said.

Segall previously worked with the Los Angeles-based ad agency TBWA\Chiat\Day, which handled Apple’s account in 1998 when

it launched the iMac.

On Thursday, Segall gave the audience a recap of his recent New York Times bestselling book, “Insanely Simple: The Obsession That Drives Apple’s Success.”

Here are the highlights:

• “Simplicity isn’t about dumbing things down,” he said — it’s about making things more elegant.

• Apple’s most powerful weapon is that it is made up of a smaller group of smart people — and zero committees.

• Take a cue from Jobs, and detest focus groups.

• “(Jobs) could not care less what his customers wanted,” Segall said. For him, it was Apple’s job to come up with innovative products that its customers didn’t even know they would want.

Bill Moggridge, a British industrial designer who created the original computer laptop shape, has died.

Mr Moggridge died from cancer at the age of 69.

His computer, the Grid Compass, was designed in 1979 and initially used by the American military. It retailed at $8,150 (£5,097) and was installed on board the space shuttle Discovery.

The magnesium-cased device was distinctive because the screen display folded down over the keyboard.

'Boundary-pushing' Mr Moggridge founded a London-based design company in 1969, which is now a global

He told BBC News at the time he was "astonished" to receive the prize, which had previously been awarded to Sir James Dyson, Terence Conran and Lord Norman Foster.

Mr Moggridge had been director of the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York since 2010.

"Beloved by the museum staff and the design community at large, Bill touched the lives of so many through his wise council, boundary-pushing ideas and cheerful camaraderie," said associate director Caroline Baumann in a statement.

Mr Moggridge is survived by his wife, Karin, and sons, Alex and Erik.

Source:BBC

American Music Abroad Tours Africa media outreach, and collaborations with local musicians. The group will conduct a pre-tour outreach program with local students in Washington, D.C. September 25-26.

• Jobs rejected the notion that “businesspeople are a different type of of human,” Segall said. He advised to “think human” and speak and communicate in plain language.

Source: bizjournals.com

Office of the Spokesperson Department of State Washington, DC The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with American Voices, announced today that the Detroit, Michigan-based Hip Hop/ Spoken Word group Mahogany Jones-LIVE will tour Africa this fall as part of the American Music Abroad series.

Mahogany Jones-Live will tour Zambia September 29- October 5; Botswana October 6-11; Uganda October 12-18; Rwanda October 19-26 and Ethiopia October 27-November 5. Tour activities will include public concerts, lectures, demonstrations, workshops,

The American Music Abroad program sends American bands overseas to engage with audiences and communities, especially underserved youth. The program builds on Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s vision of “smart power,” which embraces the full range of diplomatic tools, including music, to engage people and create opportunities for greater understanding.

This season’s 12 participating American Music Abroad groups were selected from a pool of nearly 300 applicants to travel to more than 40 countries to promote cross-cultural understanding through music. The 2012-2013 season will feature a variety of American musical genres, including urban/hip-hop, bluegrass, country, Americana, classical/jazz, rock/blues, and Hawaiian slack key guitar/hula.

For more information, please visit http://exchanges.state.gov/cultural/ama.html and http://amvoices.org/ama/

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Niger Floods Cause Widespread Devastation

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U.S. Ambassador To Libya Killed In Benghazi Attack September 2012

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BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to Libya and three other embassy staff were killed in a rocket attack on their car, a Libyan official said, as they were rushed from a consular building stormed by militants denouncing a U.S.-made film insulting the Prophet Mohammad.

can cause outbursts of anger in the Islamic world and among Muslims in Europe.

Libya's interim government has struggled to impose its authority on a myriad of armed groups that have refused to lay down their weapons and often take the law into their own hands.

It was clearly overwhelmed by Tuesday night's attack on the consulate that preceded the assault on the ambassador.

Many Muslims consider any depiction of the Prophet offensive and any depiction of him

Source:www.yahoonews.com

Gunmen had attacked and burned the U.S. consulate in the eastern city of Benghazi, a center of last year's uprising against Muammar "The Libyan security forces came under Gaddafi, late on evening of September 11th, killing one U.S. consular official. The building heavy fire and we were not prepared for the intensity of the attack," said Abdel-Monem was evacuated.

Al-Hurr, spokesman for Libya's Supreme Security Committee.

The Libyan official said the ambassador, In Benghazi, unidentified men had shot at the Christopher Stevens, was being driven from consulate buildings, while others threw handthe consulate building to a safer location when made bombs into the compound, setting off gunmen opened fire. small explosions.

"The American ambassador and three staff members were killed when gunmen fired rockLOOTED ets at them," the official in Benghazi told The River Niger burst its banks, flooding parts of the country On Wednesday morning, the compound stood Reuters.

Heavy flooding in Niger over the past few the floods have destroyed 14,000 homes and 7,000 empty, with passers-by freely walking in to weeks has killed up to 65 people and left fields of cereal crops across the country. take a look at the damage.

There was no immediate comment from the 125,000 homeless.

State Department in Washington. U.S. ambas- Walls were charred and a small fire burned The West African country is already suffering sadors in such volatile countries are accompa- inside one of the buildings. A small group of After appeals from the country's president for from severe food shortages caused by recent men was trying to extinguish the flames and nied by tight security, usually travelling in international aid, the first supplies, donated by drought. three security men briefly surveyed the scene. well-protected convoys. Security officials will Ireland to Plan International, have now arrived. be considering whether the two attacks were President Mahamadou Issou pledged 1,400 tonnes coordinated.

A Reuters reporter saw chairs, table and food The southern Dosso region has been worst of food and 900,000 euros (ÂŁ712,443) in aid for lying alongside empty shells. Some blood Libyan deputy prime minister Mustafa Abu affected, with over 10,000 homes destroyed people affected by the flooding, but admitted that Shagour condemned the killing of the U.S. stains could also be seen in front of one of the it would not be enough and called for international diplomats as a cowardly act. according to the UN. buildings. Three cars were torched. help.

The capital Niamey was also hit when the River The crowd of around 2,000 protesters in Cairo The consular official had died after clashes Niger burst its banks, flooding the city's subThe first international aid - 35 tonnes of supplies between Libyan security forces and Islamist was a mixture of Islamists and teenage soccer urbs. on a plane chartered by Ireland - arrived on fans known for fighting police and who militants around the consulate building.

Sunday.

Looters raided the empty compound and some played a part in the revolt that toppled Egypt's Plan International's Niger director Rheal leader Hosni Mubarak last year. onlookers took pictures after calm returned.

Drisdalle said on 18-19 August, the river Mr Drisdalle said the United Nations and other aid In neighboring Egypt, demonstrators had torn reached levels "not seen since the 1920s". agencies were trying to raise funds to send further down an American flag and burned it during The fortress-like U.S. mission is near Tahrir supplies.

Square, where Egypt's uprising began and the the protest. Some tried to raise a black flag "As the river has not been this high for a very, with the words "There is no God but God, and scene of many protests since. Youths danced very long time, people had built their houses Other West African countries have also experiMohammad is his messenger", a Reuters wit- and chanted football songs. A Reuters reporter near to the river - and then all the rice paddies enced higher than average rainfall and flooding said they appeared to climb into the embassy ness said. along the river have been flooded," he told the this season, including Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso compound almost as an afterthought.

BBC. and Ghana.

PORTRAYAL OF PROPHET "We sacrificed dozens and hundreds during U.S. pastor Terry Jones, who had inflamed At last count, the United Nations' Office for the Source:allafrica.com anger in the Muslim world in 2010 with plans the uprising for our dignity. The Prophet's digCoordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that nity is more important to us and we are ready to burn the Koran, said he had promoted to sacrifice millions," said mosque preacher "Innocence of Muslims", which U.S. media Mohamed Abu Gabal who joined the protest. said was produced by an Israeli-American property developer; but clips of another film called "Mohammad, Prophet of Muslims", had U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in a statement late on Tuesday, confirmed the been circulating for weeks before the protest. death of the U.S. consular diplomat in Libya, who was not identified, and condemned the That film portrayed Mohammad as a fool, a attack there; but she made no mention of an philanderer and a religious fake. In one clip posted on YouTube Mohammad was shown in attack on the Ambassador's car. a sexual act with a woman.

(Additional reporting by Hadeel Al Shalchi in Tripoli, Sarah N. Lynch and Arshad Jones, a pastor in Florida whose latest stunt Mohammed in Washington, and Reuters fell on the anniversary of the September 11, reporters in Cairo and Benghazi; Writing by 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, triggered riots in Afghanistan in Edmund Blair and Tom Pfeiffer; editing by Ralph Boulton and Janet McBride) 2010 with his threat to burn the Koran.

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New Creation Realities Our Position In Christ ANGELS.

Hebrews 1: 13-14 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

ILLUSTRATION

Pastor George Annan

Our walk with God, the victories we have from God’s word, the influence we have in society, how best we maximize our potential, the effectiveness of the salt and the light that we are in this world all depends on how we understand and live out our new identity in Christ. I will start with the first of our identity i.e. our position or who we are in Christ.

Kings And Kingship Right

When we receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal savior He washes us in His precious blood and presents us to God as Kings:

Revelation 1:5-6 and from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth.

Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen As kings we have kingship right and delegated authority from the Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords. Our kingship rights are given to us to reign on earth: Revelation 5:9-10 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou was slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Because our kingdom is basically spiritual our reign begins in the spiritual realm where we enforce our kingdom principles here on earth through PRAYER. Just as our natural kings have servants who carry out their commands, we also have servants in the realm of the spirit who fights our battles and delivers answers to our prayers when we pray. These servants are called

 In Daniel 10: 1-15, Daniel had fasted and prayed for three full weeks desiring some petition from God. He did not have the answer in the period he had fasted and prayed. Three days after an angel appears to him with an astounding revelation that from the very first day he stated the fasting and prayer God send him (the angel) to deliver the message but demonic, opposing angels resisted him until another angel Michael came to assist in the fight with the demonic angel. Finally the angels succeeded and brought the message to Daniel.

 In Acts 12:1-12 the Apostle Peter was arrested and kept in prison by King Herod with the intent to execute him. The church went into intercession prayer for him. A miracle happens. In response to their prayer and angel was released by God to the prison and miraculously led Peter out. Peter went straight to the place where the church had gathered to prayed and behold they were still praying for his release. Amen. What a mighty God we serve.

DREAM Act:

September 2012 Page 26

Questions about President Obama's immigration order for undocumented children ?

Call Attorney Nana Nketiah Mensah Tel : 206 850 1137 or Email : mensaah@comcast.net

The DREAM Act (acronym for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) is an American legislative proposal first introduced in the Senate on August 1, 2001, by Dick Durbin and Orrin Hatch.

This bill would provide conditional permanent residency to certain undocumented residents of good moral character who graduate from U.S. high  In Luke 22:39-44 Jesus was approaching the time of His death and as one born in the likeness schools, arrived in the United States as of men began to experience uneasiness in his spirit. minors, and lived in the country continHe went to the Mount of Olives to have a time of uously for at least five years prior to the prayer. In response to His prayer an angel visited bill's enactment. If they were to comhim to strengthen Him. plete two years in the military or two years at a four-year institution of higher Angels are ministering spirits assigned to those who learning, they would obtain temporary are Born Again to serve us because God has raised residency for a six-year period. Within us up as kings with kingship rights so take advanthe six-year period, they may qualify tage of this and pray without ceasing. for permanent residency if they have "acquired a degree from an institution of higher education in the United States

or have] completed at least 2 years, in good standing, in a program for a bachelor's degree or higher degree in the United States" or have "served in the armed services for at least 2 years and, if discharged, [have] received an honorable discharge".

Military enlistment contracts require an eight-year commitment, with active duty commitments typically between four and six years, but as low as two years.

However, the military does not allow illegal immigrants to enlist, and those that have done so under a false identity, or used fraudulent documents. "Any alien whose permanent resident status is terminated... shall return to the immigration status the alien had immediately prior to receiving conditional permanent resident status under this Act. Source:Wikipedia.com

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Manasseh Azure Awuni Scoops GJA’s Best Journalist Of The Year Award Post

Peter Cardinal Appiah Turkson, President Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at the Vatican, who described journalists as prophets, urged them to unite the country with their reportage and not divide with bias reporting that would open ethnic cracks.

Below is the full list of award winners:

Journalist of the Year Manasseh Azure Awuni Best Report in Feature Writing (Print) Manasseh Azure Awuni(Freelance) & Doreen Hammond

Manasseh Azure Awuni

Freelance Journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, was on Saturday night, adjudged the 2011 Journalist of the Year at the 17th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held at the Banquet Hall, State House.

Azure Awuni, who stood tall among his peers, swept three awards on the night - Best Report in Feature Writing (Print), Best Report In Sanitation and Best Report on TV News to crown the year under review as the best in the inky fraternity.

A graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism, an emotional Manasseh, who recently completed the University of Ghana School of Communication studies, was appreciative of the efforts of his father in seeing to it that he was given the best of education.

“People used to ask me, ‘Manasseh, what’s your secret?’…the secret is God; this is all the handiwork of God…I want to say thank you to my father (for the gift of education) who is unable to be here; I know he is watching on T.V…I used to be ashamed of my father when I was a kid…my father was a night watchman (and I didn’t want people to know I was related to him), but he did all he could to give me education…I want to tell all parents that poverty is no excuse (to shirk your responsibilities) not to give your children the best of education…,” he said after he received his award.

A little over thirty awards were handed to journalists (both the electronic and print) and to media houses who excelled during the year under review. The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation had six of its journalist taking home various awards.

Runners-up in some categories were also congratulated for their work.

Themed "Giving Credence To Elections And Democratic Stability: The Role Of The Journalist", the 17th GJA Awards was chaired by Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Director, Legon Center for International Affairs and Diplomacy, University of Ghana.

The Guest Speaker for the night, His Eminence

Best News Reporting Radio Dominic Hlodze (GBC)

Best Report in Social Security Michael Oti (Metro TV)

Best Feature for Radio Neslon Nyado (Diamond FM)

Best Report on Water Edmund Smith Asante – Ghana Business News

Best Report on Human Rights with Focus on Children Albert Oppong Ansah (GNA)

Best Report on Arts, Entertainment and Domestic Tourism Akua Oforiwaa Darko

Best Report on Health Richard Bright Addo (Net2)

Best Report on the Environment Emilia Anim Abbey (Business Guide)

Best Report in Education (Print) Sepenyo Dzokoto (GNA)

Best News Report for Print Dzifa Emma Tetteh (Ghanaian Times) Best Report on TV News Manasseh Awuni Azure Best Feature on Radio Diamond FM Best Feature on TV Sarah Ofori (GTV)

Best Report on Telecommunication Samuel Nii Narku Dowuona

Best Media House for Democracy and Peace Building GBC

Best Radio TV programme (Akan) Radio Peace 88.9 Winneba

Best Radio TV Programme (Ga) Negbe Nyeshe (Obonu FM) Best Rural Reporting: Isaac Kaledzi (Tomefa Island)

Best Report on the disabled: Jamila Akweley (Daily Guide)

Best Report on Sports: Rosemary Baisie GBC)

Best Newspaper Layout and Design The Finder

Best in Photo Journalism: Geofrey Buttah (Ghanaian Times)

Best Report on Sanitation Manasseh Awuni Azure

Best Report on Anti-Corruption Emmanuel K. Dogbevi (Ghana Business News)

Best Report on Development Journalism for furthering the MDGs Nelson (Diamond FM)

Best Report on Oil and Gas Sector Albert Futukor (GNA)

Best Report on HIV AIDS Kweku Owusu Peprah (Joy FM)

Kwadwo Baah Wiredu Best Report in Business & Finance & Economic Reporting Emilia Anim Abbey (Business Guide)

Page 28

Best in Investigative Reporting Moses Dotse Aklorbortu (Daily Graphic)

Best Report on SMEs Shirley Asiedu Addo (Daily Graphic)

Best Report on Agric Features Desk - TV Africa

Angola Deports China 'gangsters' September 2012

Best in Parliamentary Reporting: Emmanuel Adu Gyamera (Daily Graphic)

Best in Political Reporting: Kofi Enchill (The Heritage)

Best Report on Science: GBC Honorary Award Fiifi Nettey

Source: Peacefmonline.com

The suspects will now face trial in China

They allegedly targeted other Chinese, kidnapping businessmen for ransom and sometimes burying victims alive.

They lured women to Angola, promising well-paid jobs, but then forced them into prostitution, Chinese police said.

Tens of thousands of Chinese live in Angola, and Chinese state-run firms have large interests in the country.

China's Ministry of Public Security said a special police team was sent to Angola in July to help investigate criminal gangs.

The ministry said the officers had helped their Angolan counterparts break up 12 gangs and free 14 victims, most of whom were thought to be women forced to work as prostitutes.

The 37 suspects arrived at Beijing airport in handcuffs with balaclavas covering their faces. They are due to be tried in China.

Mineral-rich Angola is China's biggest trading partner in Africa, with some $24.8bn (£15.7bn) in 2010.

Commercial opportunities have attracted private businesses and state-run firms.

But according to Chinese media, crime had begun to seriously affect operations in the country.

China Police, a website run by the ministry, published an article documenting 14 kidnappings during 2011 in which five victims were killed.

The article said Chinese business owners had moved away from the capital Luanda, while others had hired private security guards and bought bullet-proof cars.

Source: Bbc.co.uk

September 2012

Page

GA PEOPLE IN THE US CELEBRATE HOMOWO FESTIVAL IN VIRGINIA

29

Homowo Festival

This harvest festival is celebrated by the Ga people from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

It begins with the sowing of millet by the traditional priests in May. After this, a thirty-day ban on drumming is imposed on the land by the priests.

Homowo recounts the migration of the Gas and reveals their agricultural success in their new settlement. According to Ga oral tradition, a severe famine broke out among the people during their migration to present day Accra. They were inspired by the famine to embark on massive food production exercises which eventually yielded them bumper harvest.

Their hunger ended and with great joy they "hooted at hunger" this is the meaning of the word HOMOWO.

During the festival, they perform a dance called kpanlogo. The festival is climaxed with the great feast that takes place for which they prepare palm soup and kpokpoi (a traditional dish)

Source: (Quartey-Papafio, A.B. " The Ga Homowo Festival", Journal of the African Society, Vol. 19, 1919)

The Ga language is spoken among a very limited population of Ghana.

Throughout the culture and history of the Ga-Dangmes of Ghana, is a very strong conclusive evidence that they are direct descendants of the Hebrew Israelties that migrated to West Africa by way of Egypt, Ethiopia, Sudan, Lake Chad, Ile-Ife, Dahome, Togo and to the Gold Coast (modern Ghana). Their cultural practices, laws and customs and even, some of their names are so identical to those described in the Holy Bible.

Thus, the only logical conclusion to make is that they are, as they claim descendants of Biblical Hebrew Israelites.

Similarly, if we consider the Holy Bible, we find names of GaDangmes, their customs and tradtions, such as the Homowo Festival (see, Exodus 11:4-7; Exodus 12:1-50; Exodus 13:1-9; Numbers 9:1-5), names of some of their towns and villages (such as Tema (Job 6:19, Isaiah 21:14), Ada, Hebron, La, Osu, etc); GaDangme proverbs and laws (similar to the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20: 1-17) etc., are so identical to those in the Bible

Source: http://wiki.answers.com

Traditional drummers A display of corn harvest by Thursday representatives (So Bi)

Ga fetish priest pouring libation to the ancestors

Traditional kpanlogo dance Pictures by Snoku Digital Imaging" <info@snokudigitalimaging.com

Chiefs and elders of the Ga community

Afrikan Post

S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 2 Page 30

September 2 0 1 2

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ABOUT REVEREND SETH BAAH

Under the leadership of Reverend Seth Baah, Calvery Baptist International has been called to seek out and save the lost, and then bring them to the knowledge of truth, God’s Word. We believe that God’s will for every man is that they be born again. Once a man is born again, he must be taught how to live according to the principles that God has given us in His Word. He is then able to come to the knowledge of truth through prayer, preaching and teaching the word of God.

Apostle Seth Baah, spiritual shepherd to many, is founder and overseer of Calvary Baptist International, a ministry with a reputation for evangelism, prophecy, music and healing that has grown into three branches in Ghana, the UK and Maryland and Virginia . Blessed with the five-fold ministry gifts, Reverand Seth Baah is also an award-winning gospel musician, recording artist, composer, arranger and producer.

Sunday Service

Join us at: 8505 Highland Lane Alexandria, VA 22309 Time 10:00 AM

Friday Jabbok Night Join us to pray Prayerline # 218-339-3600 Pin# 2300 Time: 10:00 PM

It has c ome to the attention of Reverend Seth B aah (Weapon) that his C Ds are being pirated and s old in s ome of the Afric an markets and other plac es in the c ommunity. Pleas e, if you want to buy a c opy of his C D, make s ure to get the original c opy . You may c all 1 -8 8 8 7 7 5 -6 6 6 2 to obtain a c opy.

Any unauthorized duplic ation of Rev. Seth B aah’s mus ic C Ds by any Afric an outlets is s tric tly prohibited. Pleas e put an end to pirating by purc has ing the original c opy.

T hank you.

Our goal is to preac h the Gos pel to all people of all nations , bac kgrounds and c ulture. If you've never vis ited C B I, we'd love to have you attend one of our s ervic es .

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IN MEMORY OF THE LATE AKUA ADOMA OFORI

September 2012

Girl With 2 Heads

Page 32

Cont. from pg. 21

Juliana Ofori, made a passionate plea to the government of Ghana to get involved with the work of the foundation by helping to create more awareness about the dangers of brain tumors and to also help raise funds for the provision of the necessary facilities that the country's health institutions need to detect such complicate diagnosis as tumors in the brain.

Adoma(extrene right ) with friends)

By Oral Ofori

The family of the deceased Akua Adoma Ofori, a female Ghanaian teenage student who was flown to the USA to seek medical treatment for a tumor lodged in her brain has established a foundation; The Akua Adoma Memorial Hope Foundation, in her memory.

The sole objective of the foundation will be to provide medical assistance to young children in need of critical surgery from complications in the brain. Akua passed away on July 24 2011, in Pennsylvania (PA) USA.

According to Akua's brother; Kwame Asante Ofori, his sister underwent successful surgery in Pennsylvania's York Hospital after friends and other well-wishers embarked on a fund raising effort to obtain money for her surgery. A year after Akua's passing, members of her family, friends and well wishers both in Ghana and the USA decided establishing The Akua Adoma Memorial Hope Foundation: http://www.aadomahopefoundation.org/ is going to be a permanent representation of what Adoma stood for, which was her strength and zeal to hang on to life in spite of her difficult ailment.

In an interview on a local Ghanaian TV station:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbuYTRAx EXw the mother of the deceased said the foundation in conjunction with other NGO's and benevolent organizations and individuals will seek to provide help to children in need of dire medical attention but can not afford the costs involved. Akua's mother;

Akua's mother was thankful to all those whohelped in diverse ways to fly her late daughter to the United States for treatment and specifically mentioned the York Hospital in Pennsylvania and the Casa Corazone, an organization that helps to bring Latin American children who are in critical need of surgery to the USA for treatment. She was impressed by the fact that Casa Corazone decided to make an exception in her late daughter's case by making her one of the very few children they brought into the USA that was not from Southern America.

Kwame Asante Ofori, also a brother of the deceased, was so full of gratitude towards fellow students and tutors of the Bucknell University, members of the Ghanaian community in the USA especially in Pennsylvania, who helped in diverse ways to make sure Adoma received the best of everything while she was living her last days. The family was also grateful for prayers and support received from various high schools, especially the Achimota High School which is Adoma's almamata.

"We want to make sure that in the future, children who are facing similar medical conditions like Adoma did do not end up dying for lack of treatment, faccilities or financial capability" says the late Akua's mother; Juliana Ofori as he tried to explain the reason behind the establishment of The Akua Adoma Memorial Hope Foundation. Find out more about this foundation on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/AkuaAdoma-Memorial-Hope Foundation/130553633727259

Adoma was laid to rest at the Osu cemetery located inside Ghana's capital city of Accra. Prior to that, her funeral service was held at the International Central Gospel Church at Abossey Okai, also in Accra, Ghana.

Both events occurred on August 19, 2011.

“The paediatrician said my babies were together but they had two heads,” she recalled in 2006. “It was blunt, but completely accurate.

“From the first time we saw them, we thought they were beautiful.

“I kissed Abigail and then Brittany and gave them a hug. It’s like that every time I pick them up from school, two kisses and one hug for the most beautiful children in the world.”

each has their own head. That’s what we have encouraged them to do, to develop their own individuality as much as possible.”

Three years ago, unconfirmed reports claimed Brittany was engaged, but no details were given about the fiancé.

What if one of the twins detests the boy the other one likes? Will they have children – a choice they must both make in tandem because they Both Mike and Patty’s families have lived share one reproductive system? in a small Midwestern farming community of 300 people for generations and it is There is no medical reason why they shouldn’t be able to have chilhere where they have brought up the dren and they have in the past said twins and younger brother Dakota, 20, they would like to start a family. and sister Morgan, 18, away from the media spotlight.

Their father Mike certainly Although Brittany is more susceptible to believes the girls will at the very colds and has twice suffered pneumonia, least get married one day. the twins have remained in good health despite a series of operations.

Source: dailymail.co.uk In infancy, a third undeveloped arm was removed from their chest and when they turned 12, they underwent surgery to correct scoliosis – curvature of the spine – and expand their chest cavity to prevent future breathing difficulties.

They attended a private church school and are popular with their friends, who treat them no differently from anyone else. Only when the family ventures outside this close-knit community does the curiosity of strangers have the potential to wound.

Once Patty heard a child at a swimming pool ask his mother if she had seen the little girl with two heads. “We have talked about that with Abigail and Brittany,” she said.

“When children ask the girls if they have two heads, they say they don’t but that

African Growth & Opportunity Act Celebrates 12-Year Milestone

Afrikan

Post

China Offers Sincere, Unconditional Help to Africa September 2012

China, as a true friend of Africa, has provided sincere and unconditional aid for the continent by improving infrastructure and pouring investment there, African experts said.

Washington, D.C. – United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk presided over a ceremony in Washington DC heralding the 12th Anniversary of the enactment of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade preference program. Ambassador Kirk was joined by several past and present senators and Members of Congress – both Democrats and Republicans – who played key roles in the drafting, passage and implementation of AGOA. They include Senators Mark Begich and Max Baucus and Representatives Chris Smith, Karen Bass, Ed Royce, Charles Rangel Jim McDermott and Ms. Rosa Whitaker of the Whitaker Group. Others participants came from the African Diplomatic Corps, the private sector and civil society organizations. The event was organized by the AGOA Action Coalition and the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa and sponsored by Chevron.

“By opening the American market to almost all goods from beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries, AGOA has helped Africans use trade to fight poverty and grow their economies – and AGOA is also good for U.S. business,” said Ambassador Kirk. “By promoting an improved business environment in many African countries, AGOA has opened up new opportunities for U.S. exports. The result is a substantial increase in two-way U.S.-Africa trade since 2000, with African countries now exporting to the United States a more diverse range of value-added products. The success of AGOA is a powerful demonstration of the linkage between trade and economic development – and more can be done to help African countries make the most of the opportunities AGOA provides.”

Background on AGOA: Congress passed the AGOA legislation in early 2000 with strong bipartisan support. President Clinton signed the AGOA bill into law on May 18, 2000. Since then, three successive administrations, including the Obama Administration, have actively implemented AGOA, working closely with African partners and other stakeholders to help them make the most of the program.

AGOA builds on the existing Generalized System of Preferences program to allow eligible sub-Saharan African countries to export almost any product to the United States duty-free (nearly 6,500 tariff lines), with a special focus on valueadded and non-traditional products such as apparel, footwear, and processed agricultural goods. Since AGOA’s enactment, U.S. non-oil

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time and you can see from the media here that Kenyans are very happy," said Dr James Oruko, a lecturer on development studies from Egerton University.

Africa has witnessed a fast pace of China-sup- Dr Lloyd Adu Amoah, a lecturer at the ported growth in the last decade, even in coun- Ashesi University College in Ghana, said the impact of China's relations with Africa is tries without mineral resources. evident across the continent, and the choice for Africa would be to create conditions to This is being seen as evidence that potential exponential growth can be realized in a shorter enable this relationship to grow. time if relations between the two are deepened.

"Even among the African and Chinese peoDevelopment analysts told Xinhua that the imports from sub-Saharan Africa under AGOA ples, there is a growing understanding, espepace of infrastructure development in Kenya, a have more than doubled, reaching $3.4 billion in cially among the middle class, on the need country that does not have mineral resources, is 2009. Among the sectors that have experienced to work together," Amoah said. "This is not faster compared to the similar period when the sizable increases under AGOA are apparel, a forced realization, but an admission that country was more Western leaning in its diplofootwear, vehicles, fruits and nuts, prepared vegthe relations are having a positive consematic relations. etables, leather products, cut flowers, prepared quence," Amoah added. seafood, and essential oils.

The Chinese-supported infrastructure projects Several countries have witnessed noteworthy He said the announcement of additional in Ethiopia, which has no mineral resources increases in exports under AGOA: investments

by China in Africa of 20 billion either, have won the hearts and minds of the -- South Africa exports the widest range of AGOA U.S. dollars during the Forum on Chinalocal people and helped change the biased perproducts, including vehicles, citrus, wine, and ception fed into Africans through the Western Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is an indicafootwear; tion that "Chinese interest in Africa is genmedia that China intends to exploit Africa.

-- Lesotho has become the leading sub-Saharan uine."

African exporter of apparel to the United States; -- Kenya’s AGOA exports include fresh cut roses, Kenya just discovered oil a few months ago, sport fishing supplies, nuts, plastic products, jewel- but China, especially in the last ten years, has The bulk of this money is expected to be helped the country finance major infrastructure used to develop infrastructure in the contiry, and essential oils, as well as apparel; nent, a major need for Africa whose develprojects through concession loans and -- Ghana’s value-added exports under AGOA opment is largely hampered by a lack of betinclude chocolates, jewelry, baskets, and preserved grants."There is enough evidence today that China is not only interested in natural resources ter roads, hospitals, schools and water syspineapple. tems.

AGOA requires the President to determine annual- in Africa. ly whether sub-Saharan African countries are eligiIt is not an exploitative relation, and this is ble for benefits under AGOA based on their Source: allafrica.com very clear now. It's about long-term trade interprogress in meeting certain criteria set out in the Act, including progress toward implementing eco- ests that are also beneficial to Africa," said nomic reforms, establishing the rule of law, reduc- Professor Celestas Juma, a Kenyan lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government ing poverty, and strengthening labor and human rights. There are currently at least 38 sub-Saharan and an expert on sustainable development.

African countries eligible for AGOA. "The best Africa can do is to harness these The United States has provided substantial trade relations because of the way it is. China is in capacity building assistance to African governments and firms to help them utilize AGOA trade Africa for a long time," Juma told Xinhua in an preferences. Much of this assistance is carried out interview in Nairobi on Tuesday. by experts at four regional competitiveness hubs, managed by USAID, that work with African gov- For instance, the 50-km long, 12-lane NairobiThika Highway is a signature infrastructure ernments and businesses to identify and develop AGOA trade opportunities. The United States pro- project that not only has eased traffic congestion and increased transport efficiency, but also vided over $1 billion dollars for trade capacity becomes the most modern superhighway in building activities in sub-Saharan Africa in 2008, East and Central Africa. including trade-related assistance provided under Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts with Beijing is also helping Kenya to develop its African countries. geothermal resources, a sustainable, renewable and cheaper alternative that will reduce the cost AGOA Eligible Countries of electricity.

Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, "Look at it this way, for a project like NairobiDemocratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Thika Highway to get financing, it could have Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, taken a very long time and with lots of condiGhana, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, tions, including political ones, before the Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, money is released, if it came from the West or Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Western-controlled financial development instiTome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra tutions," said Juma.

Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.

"But its construction through China's help, including the key by-passes, has taken a record

By Frederick Nnoma-Addison (AMIP News)

Veteran Director Reveals Secrets Of Nollywood's Success

Afrikan

Culture and Arts - Profiles

Post

September 2012

"That's my job, that's the never say die spirit of the Nigerian man," he explains.

"If you can't get it this way, you have to do it this way and so I tried to do right. And for me that was a great challenge and when you're good at what you're doing, there is a tendency that people call you to do more," adds Imasuen.

Nollywood, Nigeria's booming film industry, has grown in recent years into a mighty movie-making machine, capturing audiences with its universal themes and strong narratives of urban culture.

The mega industry, one of Nigeria's biggest employers, has been notorious for churning out more than 1,000 typically low-budget films a year, fusing a wide array of stories ranging from romance and drama to comedy and witchcraft.

It is currently the third-largest producer of feature films in world, ranking behind only Hollywood in the U.S. and India's Bollywood revenue.

And lately, instead of relying on shoe-string budgets, many Nollywood movies are attracting funding of a few million dollars, benefiting from the films' growing popularity.

But while the industry gets bigger, insiders say Nollywood has remained true to its recipe for success -- its connection with the audience.

Nigerian director Lancelot Imasuen, who is currently working on a $2 million film called "Invasion 1987," says Nollywood movies are made for Nigerians and the rest of the continent.

"People get in touch with [Nollywood's] direct

realism," says Imasuen. "People are getting more and more interested, more and more involved in our productions because they can feel the pains, they can feel the excitement, it's so real to them."

Read more: Nigerian blockbusters for the internet generation

Imasuen, a pioneering filmmaker with more than 10 years of experience, says that Nollywood's themes strike a familiar chord with the audience making them feel part of the stories.

And that, he says, is the industry's big advantage compared to the competition posed by Hollywood productions.

"For us in Africa, we just get entertained by American films," says Imasuen. "When I'm watching Spiderman or Batman and all that, its just for spectacle. I'm just having fun because I know its not realistic for the guy just to fly here and there -there is nothing that relates to us as individuals."

Read more: 'New Nigeria Cinema' sparks Nollywood renaissance

Known in Nollywood's circles as "The Governor," Imasuen is one of the most sought after names in Nigerian filmmaking -- he once directed 29 movies in just one year, 27 of which were big hits.

Jim Iyke and J-Martin snatch awards at CAM in Washington D.C

Nollywood bad boy actor, Jim Iyke and Afro singer J-Martins were rewarded for hard work and excellence at the first Cameroon Entertainment Awards held recently in Washington DC, USA.

The award ceremony was held at the prestigious Cramton Auditorium in Washington DC, USA .

The event saw the convergence of top Cameroonian entertainment stakeholders in attendance.

Jim Iyke won the Pan African Actor of the Year Award in that category while J-Martins won the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choice Award. The singer was present at the event to receive the award.

Source:onlinenigeria.com

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her lifelong dream of becoming an actress in Nigeria.

Eke, who is among the stars of Nollywood's latest hit movie "Last flight to Abuja," says her goal is to become one of the top names in the industry.

"I'm working hard and I'm very hopeful, it's just the positive attitude and the strength that I have to get there," she says. "Nigeria is by no means the easiest Read more: Exhibition shows off the art of place to start a business or a career, but I Nollywood think it's the tenacity, the spirit to succeed despite the odds, that can always "And before you know it, you don't have time to even lie on your bed for 30 days or 365 days drive you to reach your goal, actualize your dream. So with that spirit that I of the year." have, I know the sky's my limit."

In fact, it is the hard work and dedication of Going forward, Imasuen says that raising people like Imasuen that have helped funds to develop story ideas and train Nollywood to grow and become a thriving new talents is still one of Nollywood's industry in the last two decades biggest challenges.

"If you spend any time in Nigeria, it is difficult "The intellect, the inspiration, the creto come across a person who hasn't heard of ativity, they all abound, but the truth of Nollywood," says Jason Njoku, founder of iROKO Partners, an internet company that dis- the matter is the challenges almost exceeds the goodness," he says. tributes Nollywood films to online viewers across the world.

But despite all the difficulties, Imasuen says that he and his peers will continue "But at the same time, the pan-African nature doing what they love in order to help of it -- from the Kenyans to the Ghanaians to Nollywood grow even further.

Gambians to people in the DRC -- there's a massive base of people who really love this "We've been able to build a profile over content." the years," he says. "We're ready for the change, we're ready for the time and we The thriving industry is constantly attracting new talents -- aspiring film stars looking to fol- still want to maintain the Nigerian way of making film, but globalizing it." low in the steps of already established Nollywood names.

Source: Cnn.com Read more: Genevieve Nnaji: Nollywood's Julia Roberts One up-and-coming actress is Uru Eke, a newer face in Nollywood who has followed an unconventional path to stardom.

Born in the UK, Eke went to university and began a career in information technology that lasted for five years before deciding to pursue

Liz Benson returns to Nollywood After many years of being away from Nollywood, the beautiful and talented actress who became an evangelist many years back, has returned to Nollywood.

Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently on a set of a movie with Nextpage Production.

The movie will be out in a couple of months.

Source:onlinenigeria.com

Afrikan

Post

Zambia's Zone Fam Take Their Brand Of African Hip Hop To The World Stage

September 2012

Page

Virginia Based African Movie Producer Ties The Knot

Nana Ama Ampem of Ghawood Angel Productions and the love of her life Ron Rokosz tied the knot at the Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge on August 18, 2012.

The couple have in recent times made donations to homeless shelters in the community and also organised the first African Movie Producers Awards in the United States . Nana Ama is the producer of several African Movies which includes “Crossing Paths” and “Ladies in the City” .

Afrikan Post wishes the couple a happy and successful marriage.

new wave of Zambian Hip Hop after they were adjudged one of the Best African Group at the first ever Global African The Republic of Zambia, one of Africa's Music Awards (GAMA) that was held landlocked countries in the southern late last year in Malaysia and organized hemisphere of the continent is experiencby Saintz & Sinnerz and King Lhota who ing a Hip Hop wave in its music indusis the CEO of African Asia Radio and TV try. Leading this wave is one of the coun(ARTAM). For Zone Fam, the 2013 try's top Hip Hop group known as Zone GAMA awards presents them an opportuFam. In 2009 Zone Fam burst onto the nity to improve on their gains at the preAfrican and Zambian music scene with mier event and to prove to all that they their first mix tape which was produced have come to represent the new brand of

by Nigerian Producer Teck-Zilla.

Zambian Hip Hop music.

By: Oral Ofori

Duncan Sodala, Manager of the group says they have released a handful of mix tapes with their hit album 'The Business (Foreign Exchange)' also available on iTunes receiving good support from the Zambian Hip Hop music circles. Zone Fam is made up of four young men named: Sam Sakala aka Dope G, Jackson Banda aka Jay Rox, Reginald Mogane aka Yung Verbal and Tim Chisenga aka Thugga.

One of Zone Fam's music videos called 'Chaka Zulu on Em' with over 50,000 hits on YouTube talks about the African pride with specific reference to the great warrior of Southern African History, Chaka Zulu. Chaka Zulu is known to have played a very influential role in uniting the people of the Zulu Kingdom of Southern Africa. Like Chaka, Zone Fam seeks its inspiration from within when they say they inspire and motivate each other, something which accounts for why Besides their music, these young men are they've reached this far in their budding involved in respective fields of profescareer. 'As we were coming up, finance sional studies ranging from Information was difficult to come by but with the litTechnology, Journalism and Accounting. tle resources we had -- we stayed As two of them work their way towards focussed together and did the best we graduation, the group in its entirety is could with what we had -- they say of focussing on developing their musical how far they've come as a group. career. Zone Fam primarily define their genre to be a fusion of Hip Hop with In July of 2012 the Zambian group some English and other Southern African signed one of its most lucrative record dialects like Nyanja, Bemba, Zulu, and deals yet with Taurus Msik of Kenya.

Tswana among others. Their solo mixTalking about the deal, Duncan Sodala; tapes that were released in 2010 proManager of Zone Fam said -- it is the pelled them into the Southern African first Record Label deal of its kind on the Hip Hop music scenery and their main continent -- it involved the signing of album; 'The Business (Foreign several African artists from different Exchange)' that featured prominent countries. The members of the group Zambian artists has gone on to be one of attribute a lot of their progress also to the best albums of 2011 in Zambia. their manager who they say has left an impressionable mark on them in relation The group sees itself as pioneers of the

to their career simply because he believed in them when no one did.

Most of the Zone Fam members were raised by single mothers who are still very much a part of their lives today.

They are thankful to their mothers for allowing them to explore their talents in music, something they greatly appreciate everyday.

Second to their love for chicken is their passion for Hip Hop and music in general. Zone Fam says they are 'aiming to become one of the top groups out of Africa'. As they embark on this ambitious quest, they express gratitude and appreciation to everybody that has supported them since day one; from their families, friends and even foes. '…they have all motivated us to be where we are right now; winning multiple awards such as the Born and Bred awards at home and the GAMA hosted in Malaysia was all made possible by our networks' thegroup says.

When I asked Zone Fam this question: 'What do you hope to achieve in life through your music?', their response was: 'We want to build an Empire that will not only encompass music but also involve merchandising, advertising, management and much more'. To those who believe in the African music and entertainment industry, I say watch out for this Zambian group who are poised to create a great change in the music world when they say this: 'in the words of the Father of our home country -- Kenneth Kaunda -- The inability of those in power to still the voices of their own consciences is the great force leading to change'.

Mr. and Mrs Rokosz

35

Desmond Elliot Hits Cinemas With Latest Movie

Afrikan Post

Miss China Wins Miss World 2012 September 2 0 1 2

23-year-old aspiring music teacher WenXia Yu from the People’s Republic of China won the 2012 Miss World competition which took place at the Dongsheng Fitness Center Stadium in Ordos, China yesterday (Saturday, August 18th, 2012).

movie all by himself. The project was coproduced with Caroline Danjuma, a former actress, singer and a respected figure in the industry. "I met Caroline Danjuma and we both agreed to produce the movie having seen the uniqueness and the power of the script" he added

"In the Cupboard" according to Desmond should have been "Skeletons in the Handsome Nollywood super star, Cupboard" but for good effect they had Desmond Elliot is a guy who has decided to go with "In the Cupboard". come a long way in the movie indus- The movie is a drama about a dysfunctry and no one can question the fact tional, long-separated family which had to that the tall, dark and handsome dude come back from their various destinations has done right by himself, not only abroad upon the death of their father. by appearing in more than 200 movies but also by shaping himself During the reading of the deceased's will into a veritable brand, establishments a startling revelation comes up and knock themselves over to associate changes everything among the siblings. with. Though currently, working in Their lives are never the same as they Sierra Leone the Glo Ambassador is come face to face with certain realities of lighting up cinemas across Africa life that may very well make or break from this Friday August 17th with them. his latest movie 'In The Cupboard'

The movie which features a powerful cast including Ini Edo, Uti Nwachukwu, Alex Ekubo, Biola Segun Williams and the upcoming comedian, Bishop, among many others, was actually shot last year, mostly in choice locations around Lekki and environs.

A suave lady who is really coming into her element, Kehinde Olorunyomi wrote the story with a little tinkering from Desmond himself. "Kehinde wrote the story but while she was doing the script we shared ideas from time to time" said Desmond.

Talking on the message the movie is trying to pass on to the society, Desmond explained that the whole idea is to foster family ties and bring to fore why it is important for family to stick together.

"These days it is so disheartening to see brothers and sisters at each other's throats over issues of land, property and other things. This movie just goes to show family are meant to stick together"

On what he is doing in Sierra Leone: " Currently I am shooting a movie called "Reflections" and this one is way bigger and it has a mixed cast and crew of Nigerians, Sierra Leonians and Americans. Though we have a rich cast but I am banking on the story to sell the film which is built around the Sierra Before making its berth in cinemas Leonian story; going deep into Sierra across Africa, starting from tomorLeonian history with a little bit on liberarow, the movie premiere was done in tion of Sierra Leone" reported the actor the United States of America. who is shooting, directing and producing According to the director, Desmond, the film. it was taken around five states in the United States of America. Namely; Source: Allafrica.com New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, Minnesota and Texas.

"It is meant to hit African cinemas, including Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, from Friday August 17th and then Silverbird Lagos, Porthacourt, Enugu, Abuja and Genesis Cinemas in Lagos and Porthacourt. It will be showing in 16 centres at the same time all over Africa same day. It is a well-planned arrangement and I can beat my chest that movie lovers are in for great a treat" enthused the obviously elated actor/producer/director.

Not taking the credits all by himself Desmond said he didn't produce the

Page 36

This year, 116 beauties from all over the world congregated in China for the competition.

Miss Wales Sophie Moulds took the first runner-up spot while Australian beauty queen Jessica Kahawaty was the second runner-up.

Newly crowned Miss World Yu Wenxia of China waves after she won the Miss World 2012 beauty pageant at the Ordos Stadium Arena in inner Mongolia, China

Five Continental Queens of Beauty were chosen and they are South Sudan (Africa), Brazil (Americas), Asia & Pacific (China), Europe (Wales) and Caribbean (Jamaica).

Jackie Appiah, Nadia Buari, Gifty Anti And Others Honoured

Jackie Appiah giving her acceptance speech

Queens Magazine, a glossy publication that celebrates African women all over the world officially launched in Ghana with its second edition at the Holiday Inn Hotel over the weekend.

The new issue which has Ghanaian star actress, Jackie Appiah on the cover features inspiring stories and interviews, the latest fashion trends, lifestyle and beauty tips.

The launching ceremony which was attended by some A-Listers was accompanied by the African Women of Worth Awards (AWOWA) which saw the likes of Jakie Appiah, Nadia Buari, Gifty Anti, Becca, Beatrice Bee Arthur and others receiving honours for inspiring women and the younger generation in a positive light.

Source: Peacefmonline.com

Nadia Buari displays her award

Nadia Buari display her award. The ceremony which also saw actor, Majid Michel making and appearance with his wife, also included a fashion exhibition, catwalk show, comedy and a live musical performance by singer, Bertha.

Here is the full list of award winners on the night Gifty Anti (GTV) – Inspirational Woman of the Year

Estelle Akofio-Sowah (Google Ghana) – Excellence in business and

Innovation Becca – Excellence in Music

Beatrice Bee Arthur (B’Exotic) – Excellence in Fashion and Creative Design

Shirley Frimpong-Manso – Excellence in Movie Producetion

Jackie Appiah – Best Actress

Nadia Buari – Queens’ Choice Awards.

Source: Peacefmonline.com

Afrikan Post

September 2012

Page

37

African Post

Air Nigeria Passengers Asked To Contribute Money For Fuel After Getting Stranded For Hours

Twin Sisters Marry Same Husband

September 2012

It has been said that twins share almost everything but sharing a husband may seem unimaginable. But Zambia's Livingstone-based twin sisters Gracious and Grace are happily married to a man they gave conditions to, they said “take all or none.”

game as I walked out of the stadium I was greeted with a sweet voice from one of my wives, I can’t tell who. I was told that I had played a nice game. "From there I continued talking to her or now realise that it was them on a cell phone as I later discovered that they were using one phone so I was talking to either of the two every time I called,” Kaundula says.

Page 38

It also surprised me that I fell in love with both of them and when I proposed they also said I would get none unless I got them both.

They say love is not shared but for me it’s shared equally,” he says.

He says that he can now tell his wives apart, unlike the early days The Tswana, Botswana twins are when he first met them. Kaundula married to 25-year-old Kays says they would both answer to Kaundula, who lives in Livingstone He says their relationship continued their lives when they were told to any of their names when he Over 190 Air Nigeria passengers arrived Island in Zambia. from phone conversations until he called. “When I call and say at Gatwick Airport to fly back to Nigeria, come back for their luggage! was later to meet them again as if by Grace I would get a ‘yes’ at the and for 8 hours, they were stranded at the Many of the Passengers were so angry Kaundula, his wives Grace and destiny’s design in Livingstone when other end when actually I was airport.

Gracious and his three daughters about what they went through yesterthey visited one of their sisters. talking to Gracious. I have three from the two twin sisters show off day and are planning to sue Air “After I left Botswana, I enrolled at daughters; one with Grace and The travelers were informed of lack of their family and lifestyles.

Nigeria and it's chairman, Jimoh Livingstone Institute of Business and twins with Gracious. I have 'JET A1' to fly the aircraft to Lagos, and Engineering studies and I happened to Chiluba and Chipo aged four and were told to contribute extra £40 each for Ibrahim.

Kaundula runs his own motor vehi- one day meet one the twins when one month old. Chiluba who is purchase of the Aviation Fuel cle mechanical workshop in From tomorrow Monday September they came to visit their sister who named after my only surviving sister who is a teacher in Mansa Eventually, the plane left Gatwick airport 10th, Air Nigeria will no longer fly for Livingstone Island's residential area was staying near the institute and and shares a house with his wives. at least a year, having sacked all but from there here we are,” he said. and the other after my other sibat 4:30 pm and arrived Nigeria at about Kaundula however was later to dis50 of their staff. ling Chipo who is in Lusaka. "My 12:30 early this morning. cover that the sisters shared a cell Kaundula, who is chief executive other daughter from Grace is phone and that in his conversations officer of Kays Auto Services dealing Blessings. I also have another Upon Arrival, passengers got the shock of www.onlinenigeria.com he proposed love to both sisters and in engine overhaul, servicing, electric brother in Lusaka (named) Paul,” both accepted. repairing and motor vehicle repair Kaundula said. consultancy, says he was told by the A visit to plot 140, the residence of twins when he proposed that they Asked how people in the commuKaundula, was met with a sweet wanted to get married to one man and nity react to the marital arrangegreeting of small twin girls, who are if he was not ready, he would have ment, Gracious and Grace say Kaundula’s four-year-old daughters neither of them. they have been told that they did a from Gracious.Gracious and Grace right thing. “Our friends say we seem happily married and Gracious “I proposed and they told me that did a good thing and they envy us. even says when her daughters grow they have been discussing my propos- I work at Tukale Lodge and my up and decide to get married, she als which I had been advancing sister is at home helping with the would want them to get married to through the phone. Mind you it was children. On your question of him one man. one phone that they shared and at that bringing another wife our only time they were much slimmer than resolve would be to divorce him, “I want them to be together just like now and I could not tell them apart, we are very happy with the way us. This is what we set for ourselves so I accepted and got married in we are staying as a family and that as we grew up and we are happy that 2007. "My dowry was paid to my is what we want for our children,” we have achieved what is good for mother in-law who has since passed Gracious says. us and our children,” she says. on in Botswana,”Kaundula says.

The sisters say they are the last children in a family of five and Asked what they would do if He said he underwent a few difficul- that all their relatives who are in Kaundula decided to get another wife ties with his own family when he told Botswana approve of their marsince he was already in a polygathem of the marriage riage. Kaundula has continued mous status, the two sisters at the arrangement.“Some opposed and oth- with his football career with Blue same time reply, “we will divorce ers seemed to agree but also said I Arrows Football Club who train at him.” was overloading myself. One funny the Zambezi Sports Club under Kaundula’s marriage is one which he thing I realised later was that on the the sponsorship of the Zambia Air says he first could not understand as day I met the twin in Botswana, I was Force. he was first confused when he met greeted twice by a person I thought the two sisters. “I was picked by an had greeted me earlier.

Source: nigeriafilms.com amateur football team to play in Courtesy:www.peacefmonline.com Gaborone in Botswana and after one "I did not know that they were twins.

Only in Africa

P

Clottey named world's 8th Usain Bolt Signs For Man United Best striker From: MTNFootball.com

According to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS), the home-based striker has now been named Africa’s best marksman so far this year.

His five goals in international competitions catapulted him to the 8th position which he shares with Bayern Munich’s Mario Gómez and Dorlan Mauricio Pabón.

The statistics were based on the

The Berekum Chelsea striker failure to get a national team call-up affected his ranking because of the seven players he tied with Gomez and Pabon had not scored for their countries.

Clottey beat the likes of Neymar, Salomon Kalou and Sergio Aguero who are all on four goals.

Lionel Messi heads the list with nine goals followed by Klass Jan Huntelaar on eight with Philip James of Phillipino side Loyola Meralco Sparks on six goals.

6236 Oscar Court Woodbridge VA 22193

Tel : (703)725-6968 E-mail:

Pu b lis h ed By Brig h t Ho u s e Pro d u ct io n s Man agin g Ed it or G eorge Br ight- A bu Email:editor @af r ikanpos t.com

IFFHS takes into account the number of goals the player has also scored for his country.

Berekum Chelsea striker Emmanuel Clottey has been named the 8th best striker in the world so far this year, surpassing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid.

Afrikan Post

Page 39

editor@afrikanpost.com

number of goals scored by players for their national team, club sides at continental level in this calendar year, a period within which Clottey has really flourished.

Clottey hit a brace in their Champions League clash against Liberian side LISCR and followed that with a hat-trick against Raja Casablanca.

September 2012

A gn es Ow u s u - Brigh t CEO

OLYMPIC champ Usain Bolt is being lined up to play for Manchester United against Real Madrid.

The sprint king — who is a huge Red Devils fan — could appear in a glittering friendly next season.

Bolt, 25, was guest of honour at United’s first home game of the season against Fulham, when fans cheekily urged boss Sir Alex Ferguson to “sign him up”.

Now Ferguson, 70, has hinted he could make the Jamaican’s lifelong ambition come true.

He told Inside United magazine: “Usain’s a character and a big United fan.

“But it’s interesting he says he’d like to play in a charity game. It could be brilliant, and next year when we play Real Madrid’s Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him up and see how he does.”

Just last month, Bolt told The Sun he would happily quit athletics for a spot in the United squad.

Fergie also revealed how he cashed in after backing Bolt to win the 100m and 200m at the London Games.

He said: “I must thank him because that was my biggest bet. Bolt was 4/5 to win each of them a week before the Olympics started. It was a brilliant bet.”

Ferguson added: “I watched all the Olympics. For us to get 29 gold medals was terrific. It was probably the most uplifting thing that’s happened in Britain for a long, long time.”

Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk

Amy AnsongA s s ociate Editor

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