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Vol 6 Issue 3

African Community News

Pride of Africa: Kenya Celebrates Nyong’o’s Oscar

Tax

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Exchange Rates For The Us Dollar Against Foreign Currencies From Africa

From the Editor

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

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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol.6 Issue 3

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

One on One with Efya Pg. 32

Actor Ben Affleck Testifies Before Congress As an African Expert Pg. 11

Ola Orekunrin, The “Flying Doctor” Pg. 17

HER PAGE

Consider My Ways?

Pg. 20

SPORTS Africa's Football Fixtures Pg. 39

UPDATE

World Bank Postpones Loan to Uganda Over Anti-Gay Law Pg. 28

Currency Algerian Dinar (DZD) Botswana Pula (BWP) Burundi Franc (BIF) Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) CFA BCEAO Franc (XOF) CFA BEAC Franc (XAF) Djibouti Franc (DJF) Egyptian Pound (EGP) Ethiopian Birr (ETB) Gambian Dalasi (GMD) Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) Kenyan Shilling (KES) Lesotho Loti (LSL) Libyan Dinar (LYD) Malawi Kwacha (MWK) Mauritius Rupee (MUR) Moroccan Dirham (MAD) Nigerian Naira (NGN) Rwanda Franc (RWF) Somali Shilling (SOS) South African Rand (ZAR) Sudanese Dinar (SDD) Swaziland Lilangeni (SZL) Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) Tunisian Dinar (TND) Uganda Shilling (UGX) Zambian Kwacha (ZMK) Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD)

Exchange Rate 77.60385 8.82902 1556.79297 80.00102 475.91914 475.91914 174.83195 6.96600 19.33026 38.20000 2.55947 86.59975 10.68334 1.24378 422.82385 30.07303 8.15283 165.27667 681.02258 1031.27416 10.80045 570.35999 10.68465 1627.24240 1.57782 2531.96887 5195.00000 376.30000

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President Ernest Bai Koroma Awarded For Exemplary leadership Woman’s Brigadier General, etc.”

“President Ernest Bai Koroma is an internationally acknowledged Statesman, drawing accolades from President Barack Obama, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and many other internationally accredited organizations.”

Dr. Ken Giami said previous nominees and awardees by the “African Leadership Magazine” were met with criticism and or negative comments, or protests: but the choice of President Ernest Bai Koroma has not experienced any.

Receiving the award, Amb. Bockari Kortu Stevens thanked the organizers for making the careful decision to award Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.

(Photo: A Group of Sierra Leoneans including Ambassador Bockari Stevens, Mrs. Bockari Stevens, and APC Metro President Beatrice Conteh after receipt of the award)

Amb. Bockari Stevens quoted the authority that qualified him to stand in place of President Ernest Bai Koroma and said, “I feel highly honored to represent my President and country.” He also thanked the African Leadership Magazine for bestowing such honor to his President and country. He said all what was said by the organizers and other distinguished personalities about the development of Sierra Leone is true.

Other recipients included the Managing Director of GWI Consulting Omar Arouna, Igho Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr. Ken Giami welcomed guests and said the Charles Sanomi II Chief Executive Officer TALEVERAS Group, William Ato Essien Founder First Capital Plus Ghana, Engineer A.V. Felix Managing Director and Chief “careful” decision to award President Ernest Bai Koroma and five others Executive Officer ENERGIA Limited, and Amb. (Dr) Robin Renee Sanders. this year, was reached by the Executive Board of Trustees and panel of judges after a series of deliberations without any contrary view.

Other past recipients of the African Leadership Magazine awards include H.E. Atiku Abubakar, Former Vice President of Nigeria; H.E. Xavier Luc Duval, Vice Premier of He described President Ernest Bai Koroma as “a unique character, who Mauritius; Mr. Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank; Malam brought transformative leadership qualities, commitment, dignity, and Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Alhaji Dikko Inde integrity to Sierra Leone.

Abdullahi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service; Dr. Mo Ibrahim of Mo “With great skill, fortitude and perseverance, President Ernest Bai Koroma Ibrahim Foundation among others. continues to build on the All People’s Congress (APC) manifesto and compressed up the aspirations of Sierra Leone into an ‘Agenda for Change’ – An Source:sierraexpressmedia.coml By: Pasco Gerald Temple - IA USA Action Oriented Template for Socio-Economic Transformation”, said the CEO. He added, “President Ernest Bai Koroma commenced the biggest road construction program in the history of Sierra Leone and transformed the Energy Sector by completing the more than three-decade old Bumbuna Hydro electricity project and improved on electricity output in the country.

“President Ernest Bai Koroma launched the Small Holder Commercialization program and initiated the country’s ‘Free Health Care Program for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five.’

His reforms attracted hundreds of millions of US Dollar investments in the country’s mining and agricultural sectors – creating thousands of jobs, and the country has one of the highest and fastest economic growth rates in the world.”

Dr. Ken Giami described President Ernest Bai Koroma’s Human Rights record as exemplary, standing tall as the only President in Sierra Leone’s history that has not carried out a capital punishment during his presidency.

He is also on record for encouraging a free press and has never sent any journalist to jail.

He said President Ernest Bai Koroma’s government “Stepped up the fight against corruption, enacting one of the most robust Anti -Corruption Legislations in Africa that has seen the highest annual conviction offenses and the recovery of hundreds of millions of Leones (the country’s local currency).”

“A firm believer in Equal Rights, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has appointed women to high ranking positions including the Lady Chief Justice Umu Hawa Tejan Jalloh, the first in the nation’s history; the Auditor General, a

R: APC Metro President Beatrice Conteh, Ambassador Bockari Stevens, DCM Amb. I.S. Conteh displaying the prestigious award

3 How To Remove Grease Stains With Household Solutions

No-Chemical Ways To Get Rid Of Pest

Nutrition Corner March

2014 Page 6

Baby Powder Frying foods can be dangerous business—especially for your clothes. If you get a grease splatter on your clothing, try dabbing the stain with some baby powder on a powder puff. Make sure you rub it in well, and then remove and brush off any excess powder. Repeat until the mark is gone.

Baking Soda Say good-bye to cooked-on grease stains on your stovetop or backsplash.

First wet them with a little water and cover them with a bit of baking soda.

Then rub them off with a damp sponge or towel. Another hint—adding baking soda to your dishwashing liquid breaks down grease on dirty dishes.

Chalk Rub chalk on a grease spot on clothing or table linens and let it absorb the oil before you brush it off. If the stain lingers, rub chalk into it again before laundering. Get rid of ring-around-the-collar stains too; mark the stains heavily with chalk before laundering. The chalk will absorb the oils that hold dirt in.

14 Hidden Poisons In Your Food – Warning!

Nearly a billion cases of food poisoning and million related deaths occur in the developed countries each year. The very young, the elderly, pregnant females and people with weakened immune systems are typically the most vulnerable. Though, we’re not totally helpless. This short list of certain poisons will help you avoid food borne illnesses.

Botulism

This toxin is most often found in improperly canned foods or foods in dented cans, such as corn, peas and green beans. It can also be found in improperly heated or stored restaurant foods. What’s more, infant botulism might be caused by spores in honey.

BPA

The group of experts recently tested ten brand name canned pasta and soup products and found bisphenol- A in all of them. It is a hormone mimicking toxin which also has recently been proved to impact human DNA and to kill off women’s ovarian cells in a way to cause Down syndrome and fertility problems in future generations. While BPA shouldn’t be in any of foods, kids are thought to be the most vulnerable and the pastas and soups tested were marketed toward this age group.

Campylobacter

Found in the stool of poultry, wild birds, and several farm animals, children get it easily from eating not properly cooked poultry or indulging on unpasteurized milk.

Written by Valerie Agyeman, Dietetics Student, Radford University

Use steel wool to stop mice.

Seal cracks or holes in wall and baseboards with steel wool, which mice and other household pests can’t chew through.

Stop ants with a natural barrier.

Sprinkle a narrow, unbroken trail of cayenne pepper, black pepper, or salt across their path. Or draw a line with chalk.

Try ant-repellent herbs.

Ants dislike the strong odors of certain herbs, so try placing pots of mint, pennyroyal, rue, or tansy—or dried bunches of these herbs—near trouble spots. You can also frequently wipe down windowsills with oil of cloves or eucalyptus oil.

Keep cockroaches away naturally.

To discourage cockroaches, save the ends of cucumbers and place them in cupboards. Other repellents include vanilla beans and dried pyrethrum daisies.

Garlic - Garlic repels more than just vampires, it will repel ants and cockroaches, too! Leave a few garlic cloves where you've seen the insects, and the bugs will run in the opposite direction.

Replace the cloves when they dry out.

Cornmeal - Cornmeal has a sweet taste that ants cannot resist, but also can't digest. Sprinkle a bit of cornmeal where you see ants.

They'll eat the cornmeal, carry it off and feed it to other ants, and then die.

Eucalyptus oil - Use this essential oil to kill cockroaches, spiders, and other small insects. It is non-toxic, and leaves a pleasant smell behind. To use, combine the oil with water and store in a spray bottle. When you see the bug, spray it with the mixture.

The insect will die almost immediately.

It is a little known fact that roaches like high places. If you put boric acid on TOP of your kitchen cabinets (not inside), if space Unpasteurized milk is milk which hasn’t been processed to kill bacteria. It allows between ceiling and cabinets, the roaches will take the comes straight from the cow to your body. Omitting the process of pasteur- boric acid to their nests, killing all of them. Boric acid is toxic by ization basically means that the same bacteria found in beef can also turn mouth - keep away from children and pets. up in your daily beverage of calcium. The solution is simple: avoid unpasteurized milk and raw milk cheese completely, especially if you’re immune-compromised or pregnant.

Source: lifespan.com

Did you know that the African American population has the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity? Health organizations estimate that over 300,000 people die each year from obesity-related diseases.

Obesity can lead to various diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and some forms of cancers.

Don’t want to be a part of this epidemic? Then start today by making sustainable lifestyle changes which will guarantee you a healthier, longer, and a happier life.

“I don’t know where to start” is what you are thinking, right? Well, you can start by eating in moderation. It is very important to monitor your consumption of food at all times. Many people often confuse portion size with serving size not knowing that they mean different things! A “serving” is the amount of food recommended in consumer education materials; whereas a “portion” is the amount of food you choose to eat at any one time (which may be more or less a serving). Here are some tips to help you overcome portion distortion and to prevent you from over-eating:

1.

Eat from a plate, not a package: you will be able to monitor your food very well.

2.

Use smaller dishes: Use a lunch plate for dinner. Less looks like more on your plate.

3.

Limit distractions while eating: paying attention to your food helps you enjoy your food mindfully so you can stop when you are full.

4.

Eat slowly: it takes a while for your brain to register that you’re full eating slow has its advantages.

Eating in moderation is a very important component of your eating habits. As you practice this, you will gain a new sense of confidence and awareness of yourself and your body. This doesn’t mean you have to eliminate all favorite foods from your diet. Just remember, control your food; don’t let your food control you!

Keep yourself updated with new topics every month in the Nutrition Corner!

(References: www.eatright.org)

Nigeria’s centenary celebration has ushered the country into an era of unity and reconciliation as President Jonathan used the occasion to honor his predecessors for their contribution to National Unity.

It was touching to see the past leaders of Nigeria mount the same stage to receive their awards as it rekindled the hope of a peaceful and forward moving nation. President Goodluck Jonathan has been widely applauded by Nigerians for making the celebration a rallying point to unite the Country.

Nigeria’s Centenary Celebration

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Nigerians commemorated the 100th anniversary of the merger of the southern and northern protectorates by former colonial power Britain, which since 1914 form a unified Nigeria.

A host of World leaders paid glowing tribute to Nigeria as the country began their centenary celebration with goodwill messages.

The theme for the four day celebration was "Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for the 21st Century".

President Goodluck Jonathan kicked off the centenary celebrations with an international conference on security.

South Africa's Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and French President Francois Hollande were among those who attended the celebrations. President Hollande, who was a guest speaker, spoke extensively on the theme "Human Security, Peace and Development: Agenda for the 21st Century".

The President honored a total of 100 personalities, including past military and civilian leaders, drawn from various categories of national development strides, received honors at a banquet on Friday, February 28th.

Departed patriots and nationalists, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, General Johnson Aguyi-Ironsi, General Murtala Mohammed, General Sani Abacha, Mallam Aminu Kano, Hajia Gambo Sawaba, Herbert Macauley, Jaja Nwachukwu, Moshood Abiola, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, and Margaret Ekpo, received posthumous awards at the awards ceremony.

Queen Elizabeth II of England and Lord Fredrick Lugard, former British colonial administrator at the time of the amalgamation, were honoured posthumously. The centenary celebration ended on Sunday March 2nd.

Some of the world leaders also lauded Nigeria for its leadership role in Africa, sacrifices made by the country, its citizens and support given to sister African nations in times of need in the last 100 years and its frontal role in world peace and harmony.

The award were given in commemoration of the centenary celebration and in recognition of the individuals' efforts toward the development of the West African country.

Source: SAnews.gov.za (Tshwane)

President Goodluck Jonathan (3rd right), with the visiting heads of state and government and heads of delegations at the Nigerian Centenary Conference on Human Security, Peace and Development, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja. Photo: Anayo Opara

President Jonathan Honours Predecessors for Their Contributions to National Unity.

FROM LEFT: Former Heads Of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Gen. Muhamadu Buhari; Gen. Yakubu Gowon; President Goodluck Jonathan; Former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo; Alhaji Shehu Shagari; Former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida And Former Head Of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, After Receiving Their Centenary Awards From President Jonathan In Abuja On Friday , February 28,2014

President Goodluck Jonathan

March

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Page

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All Star Gospel Artists Compose Song for Ghana Black Stars

United States Ghanaian Gospel All-star (USGAS) is a group of rising Gospel Music Artists in the USA collaborating together to better promote and support the Ghanaian Gospel Music Industry in the USA and in Ghana. The purpose of this collaboration is to bridge the gap between USA Gospel Musicians and Ghanaian Gospel Musicians.

Andrews Nortey (Andy Angels) a Ghanaian Gospel artist based in the US came up with the vision to collaborate together as a group all these Gospel Stars to accomplish bigger and better goals. This vision was then supported by key personalities such as Johndee a sound recording engineer of Mcdade studio and Precious Hannah Ewoo Asiem a Ghanaian Gospel Star, all based in the US. The mission of USGAS is to build a united front for all the Ghanaian Gospel Stars in the States to give back to our motherland, Ghana. And therefore choosing Blackstars Brazil 2014 World Cup campaign was the premier and better Option.

The title track “Oseye Black Stars” is dedicated to Ghana Black Stars Soccer Team to motivate and encourage them to do their best at the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. This title track depicts the Black Stars official 2014 Slogan “FORWARD EVER, BACKWARDS NEVER”.

Featuring Artists includes: Andrews Nortey(Andy Angels), Hannah Ewoo Asiem(Precious Hannah), Angela Agyepong(Lady Angie), Daniel Osei Bonsu, Esther Efua Yirenkyi,Daviid Arhen(King David), Mavis Tiwaa, Samuel Quaye, Minister Kofi Sey, and Francis Acquah.

This course is to represent our motherland Ghana in a good light at the game. To all our fans out there, continue to support us and encourage us to pursue our dreams as we serve the Almighty and spread the GOOD NEWS and the GOSPEL through music. John 3:16 is the foundation of this GOSPEL which we each sing about. May you receive the free gift of salvation through Christ as you listen to these songs of Faith, Hope and Love.

Andrews Nortey(Andy Angels), Hannah Ewoo Asiem(Precious Hannah), Angela Agyepong(Lady Angie), Daniel Osei Bonsu, Esther Efua Yirenkyi,Daviid Arhen(King David), Mavis Tiwaa, Samuel Quaye, Minister Kofi Sey, and Francis Acquah.

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Next to Blaze N Cuts and Aburi Gardens Restaurant -Opposite Checkers

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Sec. Kerry and Mr. Feingold’s Remarks With Founder of the Eastern Congo Initiative Ben Affleck

Russell D. Feingold, Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

SECRETARY KERRY: Thanks, all, for coming in. Just want to say how much I appreciate Senator Russ Feingold’s efforts with respect to the Great Lakes region, and I’m particularly grateful to Ben Affleck, who’s had a longtime engagement on this. He testified before us in the Senate. We worked on this issue for some period of time. And they’ve just – have you already testified or –

MR. AFFLECK: This afternoon.

SECRETARY KERRY: He’ll be testifying this afternoon before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

But Russ did a superb job working with Mary Robinson of the UN to help bring about the Kampala Accords and a diminishment in the violence, hopefully, when we get it fully followed through on, the disarming of M23, and a movement forward towards some stabilization and economic development and other issues.

It’s been a terrific effort, and I’m appreciative to both for their leadership in that regard.

So do you want to say anything, Russ?

MR. FEINGOLD: Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

Your willingness to be involved with this every step of the way has made a huge difference. Each time you’ve given me an additional thing to get done with good guidance and always willing to make the calls that need to be made. And it makes a huge difference when the Secretary, obviously, calls people. We try to use it sparingly, but when we do it, it’s effective. So I’m grateful to you for your support on this, and we are making some progress.

SECRETARY KERRY: Ben, do you want to say anything?

MR. AFFLECK: Well, yes. I’m very grateful to be here in this esteemed company and par-

ticularly grateful to the Secretary, whose purview is the entire world, has taken time to focus on this issue and to recognize that this is a moment where we have a window where we can really effect change. And I’m grateful that he appointed Senator Feingold, who’s an extraordinary man of great influence, to be ambassador to – or Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region. And finally, it’s just a pleasure to be back here in the State Department after – the real State Department – I had to fake it for Argo. (Laughter.) I get to see the real thing here, so it’s quite intimidating. Thank you again, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY KERRY: Happy to have you here. Thank you all very much. Appreciate it.

Thanks.

MS. PSAKI: Thank you, everyone.

QUESTION: Is it better or worse than what it was like in Argo?

MR. AFFLECK: Well, this part’s much better.

In fact, this was – this area was too fancy to try to recreate so we just recreated white hallways with colored stripes. (Laughter.)

QUESTION: What’s your message to the Senate today?

STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thank you, everyone. Thank –

MR. AFFLECK: Well, you have to come to the testimony to talk about it, but in short it is in fact that while – this is a region that’s suffered enormous damage and trauma. And this fire is now abating a little bit, and we have a window where engagement on the part of Secretary, the President, the Congress all collectively can make a real difference. And I think historically, there’s an instinct to sort of put out one fire and go to the next fire. And this is a point where we can act to prevent the fire from igniting again.

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you all.

Appreciate it very much.

March 2014

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Actor Ben Affleck Testifies Before Congress As an African Expert

Capitol Hill — Hollywood star Ben Affleck on Wednesday February 26, called on President Barack Obama to directly engage with President Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo to encourage him to live up to his commitment to security reforms.

The actor and activist was appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to testify alongside Russell Feingold, the U.S special envoy for the Great Lakes region and Congo, and Roger Meece, former U.S ambassador to Congo.

11

Both Affleck and Feingold credited US and international engagement for helping bring about M23's military defeat by Congolese government forces.

However, they urged continued international pressure on the Congolese government to implement security sector reforms and organize free and fair elections.

Feingold told legislators the Great Lakes and DRC are, in his words, "at a crossroads."

Eastern DRC has experienced two decades of almost uninterrupted warfare and instability including, most recently, the M23 insurgency.

The hearing, before the US Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, came three months after M23, an eastern-DRC-based rebel group, announced it was ending its 19-month uprising "The decisions that the Congo, the region and against the Kinshasa government. the international community take now will set the trajectory of the next several years in "If it were not for bold leadership by you, the terms of security, good governance, and U.S Congress, together with the Obama development," said Feingold. administration, Congo would not be at this important turning point," said Affleck.

Last year, UN officials accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23, prompting US The star who is also the founder of Eastern and UK sanctions against the Rwandan govCongo Initiative, a grant-making and advocacy ernment, which has always denied the charge. organization working in Congo urged the Obama administration to play a greater role in Feingold emphasized the need to fight all the DRC's future. armed groups that continue to prey upon the population in Eastern DRC including a "I am also here today with an urgent message: Rwandan group FDLR. Our work in DRC is not finished," said Affleck. "We cannot risk diminished U.S lead- "I continue to emphasize, that it is essential ership at a time when lasting peace and stabili- that the FARDC and MONUSCO, conduct ty are within reach." military operations against the FDLR and the ADF," said Feingold.

Sen. John McCain said he found Affleck's expertise credible and remarkable.

"Following-through on this, is important to building confidence within the region and "Your credibility is really remarkable because maintaining MONUSCO's credibility as an of the depth of your commitment," said impartial actor."

McCain.

The Oscar winner who has visited Congo at least nine times, said he was inspired by the stories he hears from women and children.

"They are devastating but also hopeful," said Affleck. "People have the desire to reclaim themselves and their personal dignity."

BY EDWARD RWEMA Allafrica.com

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Delta Customers Access To New Priority Lounge at Accra Airport “The new lounge experience, plus Delta’s full flatbed business class seats onboard ensures that our business class passengers will have a relaxing experience all the way between Accra and the United States.”

”We’re delighted to be part of the Delta Air Lines business class travel experience,” said Michel Saouda, CEO of Sanbra Priority Lounge. “Our dedicated team will ensure that passengers receive the best possible service.”

Customers flying in BusinessElite on Delta flights between Accra and New York-JFK now enjoy forward-facing seats that convert to a 180-degree fully flat-bed and offer direct aisle access in a 1x2x1 configuration. All feature a 10.6” individual screen and a broad range of on demand entertainment in addition to 110v AC power source and USB port.

Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced that all Delta BusinessElite passengers and Elite card members will now have access to the new Sanbra Priority Lounge which has just opened at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport.

The Sanbra Priority Lounge is positioned next to Delta airport gates, number 3 and 4, and provides customers with a luxury lounge experience prior to their Delta flight to New York-JFK or Liberia. The lounge has a capacity for 108 people with leather seating, free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and a wide variety of soft and alcoholic drinks, as well as televisions and shower facilities.

“Delta is committed to providing a first class travel experience for our Ghanaian passengers in the air and on the ground,” commented Perry Cantarutti, Delta’s Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

In addition Delta has also invested in its economy class with seats that provide additional legroom, adjustable headrests, personal in-seat entertainment screens with over 350 films, 250 TV shows, 100 hours of HBO, 4,500 songs and 30 games as well as USB power at each seat.

Delta has operated service to Ghana since December 2006 and now operates service to five African cities in five countries. Delta has grown from 22 weekly departures to and from Africa in December 2006 to more than 50 planned for summer 2014. Through the hubs in Atlanta and New York-JFK, Delta offers an unsurpassed network of hundreds of convenient onward connections.

About Delta

Delta Air Lines serves nearly 165 million customers each year. Delta was named by Fortune magazine as the most admired airline worldwide in its 2013 World’s Most Admired Companies airline industry list, topping the list for the second time in three years. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 322 destinations in 59 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs nearly 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 700 aircraft. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance and participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 15,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. Delta is investing more than $3 billion in airport facilities and global products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Additional information is available on delta.com, Twitter @Delta, Google.com/+Delta, Facebook.com/delta and Delta’s blog takingoff.delta.com.

Source: 3gmediaonline.com

13

Groom Cancels Wedding After Pastor Orders Ladies To Go To Church Bride Passed Pregnancy Test Without Panties And Bras … For Christ To ‘Enter’

Afrikan

March

Post

A pastor from a church in Dandora Phase 2 has ordered all female members to go to the church free without bras and panties for Christ to enter their lives!

A groom cancelled a wedding packed with guests after his 'no-sex before marriage' bride surprisingly passed a pregnant test.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG in Nigeria conducted a pregnancy test for the bride, Cynthia, 24 hours before the day and the result turned out positive.

groom came out, took the microphone and announced to the surprise of all guests present that he is no longer interested in the marriage.

Cynthia's family begged the man to forgive and marry her but he stood his ground calling the woman a liar. The lady cried but it didn't change anything.

Apart from this contravening the Christian position of chastity before marriage, the real shocker was that the groom insisted, he had never slept with the lady and could not The lady insisted she was not pregbe responsible for the pregnancy. nant and went to do her own pregnancy test in a different hospital with the results testing negative.

A source told that the man's main anger was that while they were dating, she didn't The Redeemed Church called their allow him to go too "far" - saving the best doctor to do a second test and several for last. The dissappointed groom said she more with the result showing Cynthia was trying to paint herself as a good girl so was pregnant. he can't go ahead and marry her since another man was enjoying what he was At the time of filing the report, she denied. still insists she is not pregnant.

On that fateful last Saturday, 22nd February, 2014, guests got to the venue of the big wedding at about 9am but 2 hours later, neither the bride or the groom came out.

As guests started getting impatient, the

Source: http://news2.onlinenigeria.com/

Rev. Njohi of Lord’s Propeller Redemption Church has advised female worshippers from wearing any undergarments to the church terming them as ungodly.

In a meeting chaired by him, a law was passed banning the wearing of inner wears. Njohi claims that when going to church, people need to be free in ‘body’ and ‘spirit’ to receive Christ.

He went ahead to warn members of dire consequences

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if they secretly put on their inner wears. A member of the church who sought anonymity said that in Sunday’s service, ladies were ngothaless and braless just as the pastor ordered.

Mothers were advised to do the same and check their daughters when coming to church on Sundays so as to receive Christ too.

What is really happening to our pastors?

-The Kenyan DAILY POST

Identical Twins Deliver Babies On Same Day , One Has Twins

Two Africans Among 2014 International Women of Courage Award Winners

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President Mugabe Celebrates 90th Birthday

Harare — Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe celebrated his 90th birthday in Marondera, about 70 kilometers east of Harare.

Story courtesy of AMIP News

Mali’s Fatimata Touré and Zimbabwe’s Beatrice Mtetwa are among this year’s International Women of Courage Award Winners. First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama, Ambassador-At-Large for Global Women’s Issues Catherine Russell, Dr. Vanessa Kerry, and Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Heather Higginbottom attended the awards ceremony held at the State Department.

Established in 2007, the annual Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award honors women around the globe who have exemplified exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights, women’s equality, and social progress, often at great personal risk. This is the only Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders worldwide.

Ms. Fatimata Touré – Mali (back row, extreme right)

During the terrorist occupation of northern Mali, Fatimata Touré channeled her 22 years of experience advocating for women’s health rights to fight resolutely against countless acts of genderbased violence. When extremists attacked the hospital in Gao, she assisted victims in relocating and finding much needed safety and care. As the conflict ensued, Mme. Touré provided counseling and shelter for victims of rape and forced-marriage and publicly denounced perpetrators of gender-based violence. Her actions drew threats from the extremists and, even as her own home was under assault, Mme. Touré hid beneath her bed and used her mobile phone to continue documenting acts of violence against women. Her limitless courage ensured that victims received medical care and that the abuse they suffered was not forgotten during the conflict. As the current head of the Regional Forum on Reconciliation and Peace in

Gao, she continues advocating for justice and women’s rights.

Ms. Beatrice Mtetwa – Zimbabwe (front row, extreme right)

Beatrice Mtetwa is Zimbabwe’s most prominent human rights lawyer. For more than 20 years she has fought against injustice, defended press freedom, and upheld the rule of law, accepting difficult cases that other lawyers have declined for fear of political reprisal. Despite experiencing harassment, assault, violence, and arrest, she remains a steadfast advocate for human rights, women’s equality and advancement, and social justice.

Mtetwa defended two previous International Women of Courage awardees, Jestina Mukoko and Jenni Williams. She has also represented politicians, civil society activists, and local and international journalists including British and American correspondents arrested while covering Zimbabwe’s 2008 election.

Source: amipnewsonline.org

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During a speech that laste more than an hour, Africa's oldest leader said he would not allow homosexuality in Zimbabwe. He said it promoted the spread of HIV/AIDS. "We are created as men and women so that we can have children. So there we are; use your organs properly. If you use them improperly, they will reject you and say; 'Aah, you have misused us," he said.

Mugabe, who has ruled Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980, also said he would fight corruption. He spoke a few days after some senior officials from the national airline were arrested on corruption charges involving more than $10 million.

After his speech, Mugabe cut several cakes, one of them said to be weighing 90 kilograms. Then his supporters started giving presents, including 90 head of livestock. One businessman gave him $20,000 cash.

Former student leader Twoboy Mugwadi was one of the thousands who attended Mugabe's birthday party. "Today is a nice day. I think it is a nice day for every Zimbabwean and for every African because we are celebrating the life of one the icons of Africa. The struggle of Africa has always been the agenda of the man we are celebrating today," he stated.

Cynthia Marwa, a mother of two, says she got land from a former white commercial farmer for nothing, thanks to Mugabe's land reform. "So I am proud of my president and my country," she said.

The party is believed to have cost about $1 million. Members of Zimbabwe's opposition did not attend the birthday celebrations, to protest Mugabe's failure to heal the country's bleeding economy.

Source: www.bbcnews.com

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NATIVE DOCTOR

Alternative Medicine

2014

Ola Orekunrin, The “Flying Doctor”

from remote areas to hospitals. “From patients with road traffic trauma, to bomb blast injuries to gunshot wounds, we save lives by moving these patients and providing a high level of care en route,” Orekunrin says:

“I wanted to find a way that I can facilitate people who were critically ill…get them to see a doctor, and not just any doctor — I wanted to facilitate getting the right patient to the right facility, within the right time frame for that particular illness.”

Kanu Recovering from Corrective Heart Surgery March

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In addition to the distance to health care facilities, there are many other challenges in the region that make air transport critical: “Many of our roads are poorly maintained, so emergency transport by road during the day is difficult. At night, we have armed robbers on our major highways; coupled with poor lighting and poor state of the roads themselves, emergency transport by road is deadly for both patients and staff.”

Orekunrin is proud of her accomplishments, but sees much more room to improve the state of medical care in Nigeria:

When Ola Orekunrin was a 22-year-old medical student in the UK, her 12-year-old sister became critically ill while visiting relatives in Nigeria. With no medical facility nearby that could treat her condition, the family attempted to arrange an air evaluation. Orekunrin was shocked to discover that not only was no air ambulance available in Nigeria, there was not one available in the whole of West Africa: “The nearest one at the time was in South Africa. They had a 12-hour activation time so by the time they were ready to activate, my sister was dead.” It was then, she explains, “I started thinking about whether I should be in England talking about healthcare in Africa, or I should be in Africa dealing with healthcare and trying to do something about it.”

Motivated by her sister’s death and the desire to help others with minimal access to trauma care, Orekunrin left a promising medical career in the UK to found West Africa’s first air ambulance service, Flying Doctors Nigeria. Now a 27-yearold trauma doctor and helicopter pilot, Orekunrin’s fleet of airplanes and helicopters have airlifted hundreds of people

“Eighty percent of the world trauma occurs in low-middle income countries just like Nigeria. I feel there should be more focus on the trauma epidemic that Africa currently faces… I want to achieve a proper use of the healthcare sector in Nigeria.”

For her impressive accomplishments and determination to fill a critical social need, Dr. Orekunrin was named one of the World Economic Forum’s 2013 Young Global Leaders, the organization’s prestigious group of the world’s top leaders under the age of 40.

Source: http://peacebenwilliams.com/

By Oluwashina Okeleji BBC Sport, Lagos

Nwankwo Kanu is recovering in the United States after undergoing corrective heart surgery.

His younger brother Ogbonna told BBC Sport that the former Arsenal striker is doing well after the operation.

"It's important to clarify that decision to operate him was reached during his annual medical check-up.

"We give thanks to God that everything went well and he's in perfect condition.

"The family would like to say a big 'thank you' to Nigerians and Nwankwo Kanu's fans across the world for their prayers and best wishes."

The former Nigeria captain first had heart surgery in November 1996 to correct a faulty aortic valve.

After year out, he returned to action for Inter Milan and in February 1999 joined Premier League side Arsenal.

The experience prompted him to set up a foundation to build five hospitals in Africa to treat undiagnosed heart disease and provide surgery.

At the weekend, the Nigerian government named Kanu among the 100 most distinguished Nigerians during a ceremony to mark the centenary of the unification of north and south Nigeria.

Kanu announced his retirement from international football at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

His international success includes a Fifa under-17 World Cup title in 1993 and the 1996 Olympic football gold medal.

Kanu's individual honours include African Footballer of the Year awards in 1996 and 1999.

Apostolic Governance Convention Ends With Massive Deliverance And Miracles

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2014

With a mission to reach the unreached and to empower the reached, Nkum’s World Outreach Ministries in conjunction with Christ Dynamic Church International organized a six day conference under the banner of Apostolic Governance with “Under Cover” as the theme.

The international conference which was the first to be hosted in the Washington Metro Area brought together an array of international worshippers.

Apostle Emmanuel Nkum, the main speaker for the convention preached series of soul inspiring messages on breaking out of poverty, connecting with the right people, and seeking God’ protection and empowerment.

The Apostle took the congregation through several testimonies on how God’s unmerited favor has changed lives in his ministry.

The conference veered to a different level when the Apostle unleashed miracles and deep prophecies on people’s lives. Many people dazed under the anointing and could barely stand on their foot which was an indication that the presence of the Holy Spirit was strong. Each day the attendees gave shouts of affirmation and confirmation anytime Apostle Nkum made startling revelations about people’s lives.

The core of his message was centered on being under cover in order to discover ones inner potential.

Apostle Emmanuel Nkum is the President of Nkum's World Outreach Organization, Inc., a ministry that gives mentorship and fatherhood to Ministers and believers through Conferences, Workshops, Teaching, Training and Healing Services. He is the CEO of League of professional, Founder of Widows and Orphans Forum (W.O.R.F.O), President of Young Minister's Network and Founder of Strategic Advanced Leadership Training (S.A.L.T.). a regular speaker on various satellite television and radio stations. In 2011 received an honored and was given an award as the Ambassador of Peace by the United Nations. In addition to being the President of the Association of International Gospel Assemblies (AIGA) which is a body of ministers of like faith all over the world that promote unity in the body of Christ with headquarters in De Soto Missouri, he is also the President and Founder of Zenith Christian Center with branches in Italy, London, Ghana and the United States. Apostle Nkum provides Apostolic covering to several ministries in over 57 countries in the World.

Apostle Evan Ahmed Nyarko a charismatic preacher and founder of the Switzerland based world renowned Christ Dynamic Chapel International teamed up with Apostle Nkum to steer the affairs of the six day power packed convention. He set the ball rolling each night as the fore runner to Apostle Nkum and led the worshippers through prayers of intercession. The team efforts and combined anointing of Apostle Emmanuel Nkum, Apostle Evan Ahmed Nyarko and Rev. Thomas BaiKamara made a big difference as burdens were broken and the afflicted received redemption at the A and C Banquet Hall in Woodbridge, Virginia where the events were held.

A man who came to the convention on the last day gave up his walking stick and started walking on his own to the admiration of all. Another lady who had been diagnosed with arthritis could bend her knees for the first time in years after an encounter with the men of God. The convention ended on Monday February 24th with destinies changed.

The Apostolic Governance Convention would be held every three months. The date of the next event is yet to be announced.

Apostle Emmanuel Nkum

A man who left his walking stick and started walking on his own testifying .

Looking on with the walking stick is Apostle Evan Ahmed Nyarko

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March

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Offices in Dumfries and Alexandria Call to Make an Appointment

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Consider My Ways?

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Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

ometimes we think we know what is right and when we are justified. We think we have covered all the bases and we are on the right with God because, after all, we have tried our best and done our part to the best of our abilities considering what we have been given, so we think.

And then we are jolted into a rude awakening when we learn that God is not only disappointed with us, but also that He is very angry with us and is ready to punish us severely!

All this time, I thought my hands were clean. All this time, I thought I had done all I knew and that it was rather God who had delayed, rather God who had withheld time, money, and sometimes, forgive me to say, even grace! And so I am going my way doing the best that I can with what has been given, knowing that God Himself saw me struggle physically, spiritually, emotionally and every which way with what He had laid at my doorstep. God Himself witnessed all my hard fought efforts to do right

by Him, all to no avail. So I simply resolved even after much prayer, fasting and labor that God had not allowed this to come to pass at this juncture, that what He was telling me with all the resistance that I was encountering was that His time had not yet come for the fruition of my labor. But even in my “well assessed conviction,” it was not so. He was not happy and more importantly, He was angry.

Imagine my surprise when I read what the Lord said to the Israelites through the Prophet Haggai. I was astonished. I was in disbelief, and actually said to myself during my reading of that prophesy, “is God serious?

Is He truly angry with the Israelites, having seen the bitter struggle and discouraging hardships they went through? Is He really angry knowing very well how the people were weakened, frustrated and battled repeatedly by lawyers and officials and aggressive letter writing campaigns when they

tried whole heartedly to rebuild the Temple? You’ve got to be kidding!” (See Ezra chapter 4). Yes, those were my words because I couldn’t believe that in the first chapter of Haggai, the Lord was bitterly accusing the Israelites for abandoning the rebuilding of the Temple and telling them how because of their abandoning His mission, this mission that He had clearly directed them to accomplish, He had been punishing them with all sorts of curses.

The Lord speaks through the Prophet Haggai saying, “This people says, “The time has not come, even the time for the house of the LORD to be rebuilt…Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this house lies desolate? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, Consider your ways! You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes…Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains, bring wood and rebuild the temple, that I may be pleased with it and be glorified,… “You look for much, but behold, it comes to little; when you bring it home, I blow it away. Why?...Because of My house which lies desolate, while each of you runs to his own house.

Therefore, because of you the sky has withheld its dew and the earth has withheld its produce. I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on what the ground produces, on men, on cattle, and on all the labor of your hands” (Haggai 1:1-7).

What an indictment! If you read Ezra, especially chapter four, I believe that you might very well agree with my response, but our thoughts are not God’s thoughts and our ways are not His ways (2 Samuel 7:19). For God, our letting go of the things He has laid upon our hearts, because of “lack of time,” exhaustion, shortage of financial and other resources, frustration, discouragement and even our failed expectations of another parting of the Red Sea for our benefit, is no excuse.

With what we learn in Haggai, as children of God, we are given a purpose, a mission, a duty, a calling, and despite the odds, and struggles, irrespective of the unrelenting attacks, frustrations and waging of war by our enemies, there is no excuse for us to stop pursuing and striving to do the work He has called us to do. He expects us, we who are more than conquerors through Christ (Romans 8:37) to

push on, fight on, and make our way out of the darkness and overcome all opposing forces. We are not supposed to stop. No we must forge on despite the obstacles and inconveniences stacked against us. We cannot say that every which way we tried, Satan weakened our hands and left us no option.

If this is what we have done, let it be clear to us today through the Prophet Haggai that God is not only disappointed with us but that He is seriously angry with us enough to punish us. Yes, if we are in this situation, let us consider our ways. Let us look about ourselves and assess our lives to see how God might be punishing us. In what areas we are struggling? Is it financial? It is marital? Is it medical? Could it be that our children are disrespectful and wayward? Could our punishment be the lack of respect we receive from our colleagues and superiors at work?

The possibilities are many.

Evaluate yourself. Have you neglected the voice and prodding of God when He directed you to take care of his little ones by becoming a Sunday school teacher? Did you respond that you are too busy to devote such time or did you neglect this duty and ignore His voice because you prefer to sit in the sanctuary all the days of your life to be fed, but not give thought of feeding another with the word of God? When He called you to be an usher, did you return with “I am too shy or I don’t have money to buy the uniforms”? When He spoke to your heart to go on the mission field, did you turn away with the excuse that you can’t leave your comfort zone or that you are afraid of cultural and climatic challenges you might face? When He called you to become a minister, did you respond with the excuse regarding your fear of failure, criticism, and financial dependence on the church? Even yet, what trials and challenges have you stopped fighting through? What brick wall did you allow to stand in your way of pushing on in your spiritual growth and attainment? What situation has forced your hand to yield to the power of evil spirits, accepting defeat at their hands? What have you neglected and what pursuit have you given up, although according to the word of God, you surely would have been a conqueror?

What were the excuses of the children of Israel for not continuing the rebuilding of the Temple? When they started, in two years they had laid the foundation, but the harassment by the officials frustrated and discouraged them so much so that they simply abandoned it and the Temple laid their unfinished for 14 years. I repeatedly read about their struggles in this effort, understood their perspective and agreed with them when they stopped. They had been battled.

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They had been tried. They had been aggravated and they had been disheartened. I didn’t see that they had erred when they stopped rebuilding. Even still, God expected them to fight on. He wanted them to keep at it because He knew He had spoken it and that it would come to pass. So it is with you.

Are you going to remain in this state of stagnation where your work is not accomplished, where your mission and life’s purpose are stalled? Are you going to give up in that struggle or trial simply because you are tired of fighting? Or are you going to pick up where you left off and let God be your guide and strength?

After the Prophet Haggai prophesied, the people repented and the Bible tells us, “then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the LORD their God had sent him. And the people showed reverence for the LORD” (1:12). They resumed rebuilding despite the opposition of their enemies and in four short years, they had accomplished their mission. “And the sons of Israel, the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy” (Ezra 6:16). This is what God wants from us. He wants us to continue to fight against spiritual opposition despite how tough the fight gets. He wants us to put away our excuses and live for Him, work for Him, avail our bodies to Him as vessels of honor and faithfulness. And we know that vessels of honor are not punished but rewarded; they are not cursed but blessed.

Finally, they will rejoice!

Let us consider our ways. Let us rethink and evaluate our lives, for where we might think we are perfectly right and justified, where we might think we have been faithful with all we have been given, we could be sadly mistaken and our God will be judging.

Quick Email Note

A Illinois man who left the snowballed streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email.

Unable to find the scrap of paper on which he had written her e-mail address, he did his best to type it in from memory. Unfortunately, he missed one letter and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher's wife, whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her e-mail, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor dead.

At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

Dearest Wife, Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Your Loving Husband.

P.S.: Sure is hot down here.

Pastor v. Choir Director

Church feuds are not uncommon, especially among cliques in the congregation. But when the pastor and choir director get into it, stand aside.

One week our preacher preached on commitment, and how we should dedicate ourselves to service. The director then led the choir in singing, 'I Shall Not Be Moved.'

The next Sunday, the preacher preached on giving and how we should gladly give to the work of the Lord. The choir director then led the song, 'Jesus Paid It All.'

The next Sunday, the preacher preached on gossiping and how we should watch our tongues. The hymn was 'I Love To Tell The Story.'

The preacher became disgusted over the situation, and the next Sunday he told the congregation he was considering resigning. The choir then sang 'Oh, Why Not Tonight.'

When the preacher resigned the next week, he told the church that Jesus had led him there and Jesus was taking him away. The choir then sang, 'What A Friend We Have in Jesus.'

Joke Center

Akpos The Bad Houseboy

Akpos who was a houseboy usually sneaks into his Oga's room, drinks his wine and add water to top it up.

One day his Oga bought a new wine called pasties, it was a french wine that changes colour if water is added to it. Akpos unaware of this, sneaked into his Oga's room, drank the new wine and added water to it.

Immediately it started changing colour. ...

Akpos: I am in trouble, big trouble.

He ran to the kitchen.

Meanwhile, oga and madam were seated in the parlor, while Akpos was in the kitchen. ...

OGA: Akpos Akpos: Oga OGA: who drank my pasties?.

No answer!

OGA: Akpos, who drank my pasties?.

No answer.

Oga walked to the kitchen and saw Akpos there.

OGA: Are you insane or what?. Why when I call, you say "Oga" but when i ask you a question you don't answer me.

Akpos: Oga when you are in the kitchen you don't hear or understand anything except your name.

OGA: Is that so?. Okay go to the parlor, stand beside madam and ask me a question while I stand here.

Akpos went and did what oga said.

Akpos: Ogaaaaaa OGA: Yes Akpos Akpos: Who goes into the maid's bedroom when madam is not at home?.

No answer.

Akpos: Ogaaaaaa!!! You dey hear me, I say who dey sneak enter the house girl room when madam no dey house.

No answer.

Oga runs out of the kitchen.

OGA: Wonders shall never end. Akpos, it is true o, when one is in the kitchen, one does not hear anything, except one's name.

MADAM: That's not true. It's a lie.

Akpos: Madam, do you want to be tested?.

MADAM: Yes Akpos: Oya enter the kitchen She enters.

Akpos: Madam MADAM: Yes Akpos Akpos: Who is Junior's biological Father?. Me or Oga Madam rushed out of the kitchen MADAM: This kitchen needs to be fumigated o, I can't understand or hear anything at all. http://najoke.com/

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Miss Ghana USA Hosts Essay Competition in Three West African Countries

Miss. Ghana USA Miss Alice Gyamfi poses with the Lartey Family who won a traditional Ghanaian Akuaba (Mama Africa Statue) in a live auction as part of the fundraising efforts

"Africa's children are being denied the right to responsibility, the right to know, and most importantly, the right to an education. The UN Declaration of Human Rights has outlined 30 rights to which all humans are entitled through birth. Human right number 26 is the right to an education. Miss Ghana USA, Alice Gyamfi, the Miss Africa USA organization and Youth for Human Rights partnered to host a scholarship competition in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ghana. Each student wrote a 500 word essay on whether or not they believe education to be a human right. Each country had one overall winner who received a full ride scholarship including books, tuition, and uniforms. The overall winner of the competition hails from Nigeria. This young 7th grader will be flown to the international human rights conference in Brussels this summer.

Esther Sewordor Excels in EVHS Pageant

OBAMACARE !!

If You Don't Have Health Insurance, March 31st Is Your Last Chance To Enroll In Coverage That Starts In 2014.

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The Affordable Care Act was signed into law to reform the health care industry by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010 and upheld by the supreme court on On June 28, 2012.

• ObamaCare's goal is to give more Americans access to affordable, quality health insurance, and to reduce the growth in health care spending in the U.S. What is ObamaCare?

To avoid the penalty you must enroll in a marketplace plan no later than March 31st, 2014.

Remember open enrollment ends March 31st, 2014 so if you miss the deadline you won't just owe a fee, you'll have to wait until the marketplace opens again on Novemeber 15th, 2014.

• The fact is ObamaCare does not replace private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

• ObamaCare doesn't regulate your health care, it regulates health insurance and some of the worst practices of the for-profit health care industry.

• ObamaCare offers a number of new benefits, rights and protections including provisions that let young adults stay on their plan until 26, stop insurance companies from dropping you when you are sick or if you make an honest mistake on your application, prevent against gender discrimination, stop insurance companies from making unjustified rate hikes, do away with life-time and annual limits, give you the right to a rapid appeal of insurance company decisions, expand coverage to tens of millions, subsidize health insurance costs, and require all insurers to cover people with pre-existing conditions.

• Ten Essential Health Benefits including emergency care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, maternity, and newborn care must be included on all non-grandfathered plans with no annual or lifetime dollar limits.

• Free Preventive services including yearly check-ups, immunizations, counseling, and screenings must be included on all non-grandfathered plans at no out-of-pocket costs.

ObamaCare's Health Insurance Marketplace is open until March 31st, 2014. You won't be able to purchase marketplace insurance again until November 15th, 2014 without qualifying for a special enrollment period.

The top three finishers in the 2014 Miss EVHS pageant were first place - Morgan Brown, second place - Rachel Brakowiecki, and third place Esther Sewordor.(Right) Nine Eastern View High School students showcased their beauty and brains on stage during the fifth annual Miss EVHS Pageant on Saturday, March 8th, in the hopes of garnering $2,000 in college scholarships.

The show took place inside Eastern View High School in Culpeper , Virginia .

The annual event which was sponsored by the Future Business Leaders of America is an annual contest that gives students a chance to display their talent, intelligence, poise and appearance.

This year’s participants included Esther Sewordor whose parents are from Ghana in West Africa.

The judges evaluated the participants in four areas: group dance performance, question/answer session, individual talent and the formal dress/gown competition.

Judges also considered each contestant’s grade point average as part of their score, Before the main final competition, 17 teenagers entered this year’s competition.

According to Kevin Baker, FBLA adviser and Eastern View business teacher, producing the pageant coincides well with many concepts taught

in his business classes.

“Putting on this show is a lot of work and many of the things we do to prepare for the pageant provide the students with real world business experiences,” said Baker. “From creating the programs, to promoting the event, to setting up concessions and selling tickets, students get involved with many business activities and organizational tasks.”

This year’s judges included former Culpeper County High School Principal William Pearson, Culpeper County Public Schools Superintendent Bobbi Johnson, JC Roman Construction Managing Partner Alisa Roman, ReMax Crossroads Associate Broker Candace Southard and Germanna Community College Associate Professor of Nursing Sharon Leake.

Source:www. starexponent.com

Even if you miss open enrollment for ObamaCare you can still buy a private health insurance plan outside of the marketplace to avoid the per month fee for not having insurance. Please note that you won't be able to use subsidies outside of the marketplace and will still owe the fee for each month you go without insurance or an exemption.

What Will ObamaCare Cost Me?

Obamacare will cost most of us between 3% and 9.5% of our income after cost assistance.

Cost assistance is give to low-to-middle income Americans who shop on the Health Insurance Marketplace (an online marketplace for insurance that is established by ObamaCare.

Many Americans will qualify for lower costs on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs via subsidies through the marketplace.

• Cost assistance is based on income.

If you cannot find affordable insurance, after cost assistance, you may be exempt from the fee.

• ObamaCare says health insurance companies can price your insurance based on location, family size, age and smoking status, but not on health status or gender.

A recent study showed the price for a 21-year-old buying a mid-range policy will average about $270 a month before cost assistance. With cost assistance that 21-year-old could pay much less. Over 80% of 21 year olds in the US will be eligible for cost assistance, meaning they will be paying up to 1/10th of that $270 cost per month for quality health insurance and many may even get it for free. Everyone's costs will be different in 2014. As a rule of thumb, the less you make the less you pay (assuming you will be using the Health Insurance Marketplace to shop for health coverage).

http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-facts.php

The Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA), Washington DC Metro Hosts Independence Dinner Dance

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The Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA) is an umbrella group of all Ghanaian Associations in the Washington Metro Area. COGA was established in 1989 and one of their objectives is to hold jointly sponsored activities and also celebrate Ghana’s Independence Anniversary. Ghana attained 57 years years on March 6, 2014 and as part of activities marking the anniversary, the Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA) organized a fund raising dinner dance at the Dunyah Banquest Hall in Alexandria Virginia. Ghanaians from various part s of the Washington Metro area attended the colorful event in their numbers . Notable personalities who graced the occasion with their presence included the Head of Mission (Ghana Embassy), Dr. and Mrs. Osei Dankwah of Hawknad Industries, The Omanhene of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area and Dr. Nana Osei Amoah , a Virginia based Medical practitioner who chaired the function.

Ms. Ama Darko-Head of Mission -Ghana Embassy

Mrs. Margaret Tabiri-COGA President

Dr. Nana Osei Amoah-Delivering the Chairman’s Remarks

Osagyefo Dr. Kwamina Ennimil, Paramount Chief of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area

Representatives of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) promoting Ghana’s World Cup participation in Brazil 2014

Dancing Time

A line up of the Executives of COGA

Biggest Solar Project In Africa To Add 155 Megawatts To Ghana's Power In 2015

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Source: Ghana | Business Day

Azumah Nelson admiring one of the shoes

Success, they say, has many routes and so it seems. This statement perhaps best describes Tonyi Senayah, the Managing Director of Horseman Shoes, who has now shot to fame for being the brain behind President John Mahama’s locally made shoes. The very shoes making headlines.

The country would by the middle of next year add 155 megawatts of power to the national grid in a bid to improve Ghana's energy stock.

It will be the biggest solar project in Africa when completed.

This was disclosed by managers of a solar facility, Mere Power Nzema, at a workshop in Accra, Friday.

The Mere Power Nzema with its parent company in UK, Blue Energy are to begin the construction of the solar plant from September this year.

The completion of the project would come as a great relief to Ghanaians especially at a time when the country is going through some energy crisis.

Developers of the project are hoping to provide solar power to over 100 thousand homes.

Director at Mere Power Nzema, Doug Coleman told Joy Business' George Wiafe they were encouraged to invest in Ghana because of the regulatory environment.

"Investing in Ghana is an interesting opportunity primarily because government has shown ready support for the growth of renewable energy.

"The put laws and procedures in place to support it. There is an open and transparent regulatory regime which investors can understand and recognise," he said.

Blue Energy a UK based renewable company say they are hoping to spend 350 million dollars on the project. According to the company this would be the biggest solar project in Africa.

Source: Ghana Joy Business

Senayah, a young entrepreneur in Kumasi, founded Horseman Shoes in 2010 and the company quickly took off. Horseman shoes is a Ghanaian based footwear manufacturing company that makes quality and fashionable footwear with the finest of leather some of which are men's dress shoes, unisex sandals and slippers, school sandals and security boots.

In 2011, Senayah was named young entrepreneur of the year at the Global Professional Achievers Awards in Accra. Senayah and his shoe manufacturer were also given the Outstanding Product Quality award from African Leadership Magazine in 2013. His goal is to lead Horseman Shoes to become Africa’s largest footwear manufacturer.

Senayah has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Ghana, where he was also a student leader. In 2009, he noticed a demand for high-quality shoes and knew of a lot of young and skillful shoe makers who were looking for work. He put the two elements together and started his shoemaking business from the ground up, first buying from local manufacturers, then establishing his own workshop. Senayah says that the key to success is overcoming the fear of failure.

his address.

Mr. Senayah said: “We have been overwhelmed by orders as people continue to place demand for our shoes because of the President’s endorsement. This means with presidential endorsements of local products, our businesses will boom and we will all contribute towards changing the structure of our economy.”

He continued: “When local companies gain such presidential endorsements, it goes a long way to change the mentality we have of our own products.”

Mr Senayah further stated: “We are surrounded by lots of opportunities. The most important step is the beginning.

Young people should step out of their comfort zones and try. They should not let the fear of failure hold them back; with the right attitude and determination, everything is achievable.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Reroy Cables Limited, a local manufacturer of electrical cables and conductors, Kate Quartey-Papafio who happened to have been part of a meeting held with the President prior to the State of the Nation’s Address, was excited at the proactive manner government intends to support the local industries.

Speaking to Business Day, she specifically made reference to the portion of the President’s address which tasked the He noted: “You have to be something extraordinary to be suc- Board and Management of the Electricity Company of cessful here in Africa. Startup entrepreneurs run and manage all Ghana to purchase cables, transformers and meters from facets of their enterprises. These include production, finance the local manufacturers, who meet quality standards. and marketing duties, among others.”

Mrs. Quartey-Papafio said presidential engagement with As you start your own business you realise it requires a great the business community should be regular, realising the deal of discipline and tenacity to carry on. These, among other swift response with which the president addressed the virtues of entrepreneurship, I have come to learn with time, he concerns they raised at the meeting. concluded.

“I believe such high level meetings should be encouraged Mr. Senayah could not hide his excitement at such a high level as long as the President recognises the private sector as endorsement of his product. He told Business Day that though the engine of growth that could possibly lead the change his company had won several awards in the past, the presiden- in the structure of our economy,” Mrs. Kate Quarteytial endorsement had instantly elevated his company and also Papafio noted. increased demand for its products.

Source:www.myjoyonline.com “Horseman Shoes are very nice and very comfortable shoes. In fact, I am wearing a pair right now,” the President stated during

Afrikan

Pride of Africa: Kenya Celebrates Nyong’o’s Oscar Post

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Oprah Winfrey Hosts Lupita’s Mum & Brother

American media proprietor, talk show host and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey, yesterday, hosted Lupita Nyong’o’s mother, Dorothy Nyong’o, and, brother, Peter Nyong’o Jr to lunch at her lovely home.

Washingtonpost, Kenya — “You are the pride of Africa,” Kenya’s president exclaimed on Twitter as he celebrated Kenya’s first major Oscar win by actress Lupita Nyong’o.

“She (Nyong’o) attributes to her success to a lot of other black actresses who made her believe she could be something This follows the feat achieved by Lupita on Sunday at the Oscars and that she could make it in film,” Maathai said. “And I where she won an award for her performance in Steve McQueen’s think it’s so important to have role models, so important to epic drama, “12 Years A Slave”. have people who you can say, ‘Ah, if she made it, maybe I Nyong’o was the topic of the day on Kenya’s radio and TV can too.’”

It was gathered that Oprah and the guests talked exhaustively while stations Monday, the day after her Oscar win for Best Supporting Actress in the movie “12 Years A Slave.”

While celebrating the win, Kenyan film critic Ogova Ondego the wining and dining went on. She had inspiring words for Peter. criticized Kenya for not supporting the arts. Nyong’o, whose “When your personality matches the energy of your soul, that is when you are truly authentically powerful,” she said. Success has father is a Kenyan senator, did not get any support from the At a conference at the United Nations headquarters in many friends as they say. government while developing her talent, Ondego said.

Nairobi, more than 300 people broke out into applause after Wanjira Maathai — the daughter of the late Kenyan Kudos to Lupita!

Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai — mentioned her Kenyatta in Sunday’s statement said the government has made the promotion of arts a key pledge that must be delivmother and Nyong’o in the same sentence. ered. He said many young Kenyans will have access to fundSource: BBC “We all had hoped of course that she would win. ing for artistic projects.

Everybody feels a sudden attachment to her, she’s a Kenyan woman,” Maathai said in an interview later. “A lot “It is our intention that Lupita becomes the first of an endless of her work, a lot of her experience in film started in line of Oscar nominees and winners from Africa and Kenya,” Kenya.” he said.

Nyong’o, 31, was born in Mexico to Kenyan parents but was mostly raised in Kenya. A graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Nyong’o had starred in several productions in Kenya before landing her breakout role alongside Brad Pitt.

Nyong’o had been considered a front-runner in a category that included Jennifer Lawrence and Julia Roberts. When her name was called Sunday, she bent over in her seat as the audience erupted.

Just before her win, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a statement saying Nyong’o’s accomplishments testify to her talent and the determination to go the extra mile that success demands.

At the end of her Oscar speech, Nyong’o asked that her win remind “every little child that no matter where you’re from your dreams are valid.”

Maathai spoke Monday, which is Wangari Maathai Day in Africa, to honor the Nobel prize winner’s dedication to the environment. She said that like her mother, Nyong’o is another Kenyan who has reached great heights.

David Opondoe, the managing director of Phoenix Players, a Kenya-based theater company where Nyong’o performed earlier in her career, said Nyongo’s success will encourage many in in Kenya to embrace the arts.

“It shows that there is so much talent, only that the opportunities are not there,” he said. “It’s time for parents and government to see that this is not a pastime. It’s something you can do professionally and bring glory.”

More than 1,000 people have auditioned at the Phoenix Players this year, he said, whereas before they had to actively hunt actors for parts. Opondoe said he first saw Nyongo on stage in the play “There Goes The Bride” in 2002, which he also starred in.

“At that time she was viewed as an amateur and she gave us, some of the professionals, a run for our money. She had her lines and was on point and I knew this person is passionate about acting,” he said.

“We are going to celebrate this for a very long time,” Opondoe said.

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Pope Francis Allows Married Man to Join Priesthood for First Time in Nearly 100 Years

Afrikan

Post

March

World Bank Postpones Loan to Uganda Over Anti-Gay Law

The World Bank has postponed a loan to Uganda's health system because of the African country's new anti-gay law.

By Morgan Lee , Christian Post Reporter

Pope Francis has signed off on a married man’s decision to join the priesthood in the Maronite Catholic Church.

Deacon Wissam Akiki, of St. Louis, Mo., who is married and has a daughter, was expected to be ordained on Thursday night, in a the Maronite church. The sect of the Eastern Catholic Christianity originated in the fifth century in what is now modernday Lebanon.

While married priests are common within in the Maronite Catholic Church overseas, says St. Raymond’s Chancellor Louis Peters, marriage for religious leaders was banned in the U.S. in the 1920s.

According to the church’s American spokesperson, the Pope did not reverse the ban but merely made an exception for Akiki.

The church’s namesake, St. Maron, was a hermit, who “by his holiness and the miracles he worked, attracted many followers.”

After his death, Maron’s “monastic disciples built a large monastery in his honor.”

Other monasteries were subsequently founded.

The Maronite church is unique in its identity because it never severed its bond with the Vatican, even as other Eastern churches splintered or broke off at various times from Rome.

While the church first arose in the Middle East, many Maronites now live in the United States. Many of those once-affiliated with the church have adopted Western

Catholicism, as priests and churches practicing their strain of Christianity have not always been available.

The Catholic Church did not mandate priesthood celibacy until the Middle Ages, a practice that was initially instituted to fight nepotism, as many church leaders gave “preference to their sons for plum positions and [tried] to edge out the competition to protect their legacy.”

A church council affirmed the ban on marriage in 1139 A.D. and reaffirmed its tradition in 1563 at the Council of Trent.

Today, the only Catholic priests that are married are those in Eastern rite churches and Episcopalian and Lutheran priests who were married before converting to Catholicism.

There are about 3.29 million Maronite Catholic Church members globally.

2014

It comes after similar moves from Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway and criticism from the US.

The World Bank's loan was worth $90 million dollars (65.6 million euros) to Uganda for maternal health, newborn care and family planning. It follows decisions by the Netherlands to freeze a $9.6 million subsidy to Uganda's legal system, while Denmark and Norway said they would redirect around $8.2 million each towards private sector initiatives, aid agencies and rights organisations.

"We have postponed the project for further review to ensure that the development objectives would not be adversely affected by the enactment of this new law," a bank spokesman said on Thursday. The bank still has a $1.56 billion portfolio of projects in Uganda.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 28 years, signed a bill into law which holds that "repeat homosexuals" should be jailed for life, outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to report on homosexuals.

In reaction to the criticism, government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said in a message on Twitter: "The West can keep their 'aid' to Uganda over homos, we

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shall still develop without it."

Names and photographs of 200 people accused of being gay were printed in a tabloid newspaper in Uganda this week.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Thursday condemned the publication of the names, warning that it not only violated the right to privacy, but also "demonstrates the very real danger that the new anti-homosexuality law will encourage acts of violence and harassment".

US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday compared the "flat-out morally wrong" and "atrocious" law to anti-Semitic legislation in Nazi Germany or apartheid in South Africa.

Ugandan gay rights activist Frank Mugisha met with the top US diplomat for Africa, Linda Thomas-Greenfield and acting assistant secretary for human rights Uzra Zeya in Washington on Thursday to discuss "mutual concerns" about safety and "how the US might respond to the law's enactment."

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One On One Interview With Award-Winning Ghanaian Musician, Efya By: Amy Ansong

8.You are very active on Twitter. How important is social media in promoting your music?

It’s amazing, I can reach a large number of fans and get their feedback on what they want to hear more of, what they like and so on about my music.

9. What year did you officially enter the market as a musician?

2008

10. How would you label your music?

Afro Neo-soul, Jazz, but overall I’d call it timeless music.

11. What was going through your mind when you won your first Ghana Music Award?

I was really grateful because I was young. It made me feel really good about myself.

Born on the 10th of April 1987, Jane Awindor who performs under the mononym "Efya", is a Ghanaian singer songwriter and three time best female vocalist in the Ghana Music Awards initially, Efya had dreams of following in the film making footsteps of her mother, Nana Hemaa Adjoa Awindor, a filmmaker and celebrity in her own right and host of popular late 90s Ghanaian TV Show, Greetings From Abroad. Efya emergence on the music scene wasn't until 2006, when she auditioned came in as a runner-up in the Charterhouse "Stars of The Future Talent Hunt".

This landed her and the winner Irene Logan, a three-year recording deal, with the event company Charterhouse as the duo Irene & Jane.

The group was well received, but ended up working together on only one album, their debut titled "Unveiled", which was only released in South Africa. After their contract concluded, Efya, who had until then been performing under the moniker "Miss Jane" decided it was time to reinvent herself & go solo. Having made her entrance onto the music scene through Charterhouse, Efya was able to secure a slot on all of the media giant's concerts & events.

However, once her contract with Charterhouse concluded, she found herself a free agent once more. She began to juggle playing shows and recording songs with reading for her degree in Theatre Arts Directing & Music at the University of Ghana, Legon. During this period Efya, almost singlehandedly amassed a small following until she officially signed with One Nation Entertainment in 2011, which took her efforts to new heights. http://www.efyasworld.com/video/ Efya , the beautiful and talented songstress, entered the music world with such songs like “Little Things” and “I’m in Love with You”. Since releasing those hit songs, Efya has established herself not only in Ghana, but throughout the world, as a singer with a unique and unforgettable sound. A prolific live performer, Efya always give the crowd more than they are expecting , with her stellar command of the stage and lyrical prowess. No two performances by Efya are ever the same.

Having just released her T.I.N.T mix tape and her newest song , “Forgetting Me” which was produced by Emmanuel Nana Kwesi Bonsu of Klasik Beats, Efya graciously took the time to

share her thoughts regarding life and music. Please read the following interview I conducted with Efya:

1.Tell us a little bit about your background- where were you born, where did you grow up and go to school, how many siblings do you have?

I was born in Kumasi but grew up in Accra, I went to school in Garrison, then Yaa Asantewaa Secondary then the University of Ghana. I have two brothers and a sister.

2. When you were a student at Legon did you have it in your mind that you would become a professional singer?

Yes, because I’d already auditioned for Stars of The Future & had begun performing already.

3. How did you choose the name “Efya” for your professional solo career rather than Jane?

When I decided to go solo, it made sense at the time to reinvent myself in every way, I wanted a name that was African and unique but at the same time relevant to me in some way. My manager Jimmi helped me come up with the name “Efya”,

4.Who were your favorite musicians when you were growing up?

Kojo Antwi, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations. I was really into old school jazz and highlife.

5. Who are your favorite musicians now?

Can’t say, I like a lot of music right now.

6.Which Ghanaian musician would you like to work with and why?

Some of the older ones like Kojo Antwi and Pat Thomas.

I want to learn as much from them musically as I can. I feel they make timeless music.

7.How does technology impact your music and global reach?

It’s amazing how many more people I can reach now with my music, people all over the world. Technology helps me get to my fans faster than I ever could have.

12 .Out of all the awards you have won, which one meant the most to you and why?

Definitely a tie, between record of the year for “Best in Me” as well as winning best female vocalist for the third time in a row. I was really excited to win both.

13. Out of all of the songs you have released, which one is your favorite?

I’d say “Best In Me” or “Little Things”, but I might have to go with Falou because of the impact it made, the fact that we completely reinvented an already fantastic song by singing it over a movie score. I like it a lot.

14. Out of all of the songs you have released, which one became a surprise hit?

When we put out “Best In Me” we didn’t know it was going to be so big. We released it in Nigeria on Valentine’s Day, and it just blew up and went from there. It was exciting to have it be a hit in both countries like that.

15. Where were you the first time you heard your song on the radio and what were you doing?

I don’t remember exactly but I know I got excited and called my mom and all my friends and told them to watch me on TV.

16. How has fame changed your life (or perhaps it hasn’t).

What can you not do now that you could do before you were so recognizable?

I can’t really say it has, I’ve been working at this my whole life so I can’t say I know any other way to live my life. It’s always been busy for me, I just grew into it.

17.Compared to male artists in Ghana, there are very few female musicians. What do you consider your role to be in Ghanaian music society, especially among female artists?

I don’t look at it as a gender specific role, I’m here to help expand the music scene because in the end it’s all about putting Ghanaian music on the map. Doesn’t matter who does it.

18.If you could only describe yourself in three words, which 3 words would you choose?

I would say… bold, ambitious and ready

19. What three words would your friends use to describe you?

My friends would say wild, gifted and kind Cont. on page 33

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One On One Interview With Award-Winning Ghanaian Musician, Efya By: Amy Ansong

29. Your T.I.N.T album is clever, the name. Why did you call it that?

Jamestown where we paint and feed the kids.

Because I had to put out a mixtape before my album and seeing 39. If you could look back and give one piece of how anticipated my album was, I didn’t want there to be any con- advice to yourself, like 5 years ago, what would you fusion whatsoever so I decided to spell it out. say?

Keep singing, and make more money.

30. Your TINT mix tape has 13 songs on it. Many of them are well known, and some of them are a little less known. 40. What’s the one mistake you have made in life Tell us about the “Weather for Two”—the concept and the that you wish you could take back? inspiration behind that song?

I’m not sure, I’m pretty happy with the way I turned out.

20. Tell us about the last song you wrote and what inspired it? Describe your song writing procedure?

Most of the time I’m inspired by the things and the people around me, things I’m going through etc. it usually comes from feelings.

21. What’s the greatest opportunity being a musician has afforded you?

I get to meet some really awesome people like presidents, dignitaries, people I respect in the music industry like Femi Kuti, Hugh Masakela, Miriam Makeba, Jerry Wonder, etc.

22. Overall, what role does Ghanaian music play in world music?

Ghanaian music is about to take the world by storm.

23. Apart from being a solo artist, you have many great collaborations- with Sarkodie,Manifest,Jayso and others. How did the “I’m in Love With You Now” collaboration come about?

Sarkodie wanted to make a love song, because at the time he hadn’t made one with a girl before & Little Things was a hit at the time so we just went to the studio, Killbeatz made the beat & the rest is history.

24. Will you ever do a collaboration with a female Ghanaian artist, like Tiffany, Noella, or Becca in the near future?

I will.

25. You are known for your immaculate stage performances.

What goes through your mind as you are performing live?

I hope I don’t fall down!

26.What was your most nerve wrecking live performance and why?

Hands down the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, because it was a live telecast and all of Africa was watching so the pressure was on to put on an unforgettable show.

27.After you finish recording a song, how do you test it out ?Do you ever test it out with friends and family- have them listen to it to see what they think or do you just wait for the world to hear it at the same time.

I normally play it for the people around me a few times and get their thoughts on it, work on it some more and when I’m completely comfortable with it, we put it out when the time is right.

28. How do you decide which producer to work with?

It usually comes from a connection, I hear their music or they send me some music and if I can vibe to it I use it. It’s all about if you can get the right vibe or connection with the music.

Well I wrote “Weather for Two” because it used to rain a lot at the time and I wanted to make some slow, sensual cuddle music for my fans. Also there was a funny story to it, there was a joke on the internet that the Nigerian president said “when it rains instead of the youth going out to plant yam they tweet ‘weather for two’”.

41. What are your goals for the upcoming year?

Total domination. We need to break records, making music that goes everywhere and trying to achieve the African dream .

42. If you were not making music, what do you 31. Your mixtape is about love, romance, appreciating think you would be doing in your life today? relationships and then there are the odd topics like cigaI’d be making films, directing, writing and producing rettes. What message do you want your listeners to receive films. Definitely that. from your mixtape?

I make mood music, every song tells a story. I try to take the lis- Fun Random Facts about Efya tener on a journey and share my life with them. So my mixtape is Favorite TV show: Hannibal basically a day in my shoes, a little piece of myself.

Favorite song: All of Me Left-handed or right-handed: Rightie 32. Many of your songs are sung in English.Is that inten- Do you play any instruments? The piano tional or is that the language you are most comfortable Name one thing that scares you: Failure singing in?

Name one hobby you enjoy: Playing basketball It’s just to make the music more international so more people can Tell us one thing most people don’t know about you: I’m understand and relate to it. a deep person Favorite food: Fufu & Green Soup 33.Many people compare your sound to India Arie and Hidden Talent: I can stand on my head If you were stranded on an island and could only take one other neo soul artists. How do those comparisons make item, what would it be: my cellphone you feel?

Favorite Book: Cinderella I don’t mind at all, India Arie is an amazing singer and to be Favorite Place to Visit: New York compared to someone of her stature internationally, to me, says If you could pick a song to describe your life now, what that I’m doing something right. song would you pick: Drunk In Love 34.During your few years in the music industry, what’s the Favorite Hang out spot in Accra: Twist Name the Weirdest thing you own? Bow & quiver of best piece of advice you have received? arrows Someone once told me, “just keep doing what you’re doing”, sounds simple but it’s worked out for me so far.

Efya’s Twitter handle: @EFYA_Nokturnal Efya’s website address: http://www.efyasworld.com/ 35. Over the past two years, you have been included in

some beautiful and intricate videos. I’m in love with your girlfriend was like a mini movie, and Best In Me was a feel Efya’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/efyagood video about love. What do you enjoy more—writing music the song, recording the song in the studio, or making the video?

Making videos is very stressful but I’d say they’re my favourite part because you get to have fun creating something you love, and every time you see the video you’re reminded of all the good times you had making it

36. Are there any songs you have on the TINT mixtape/album which have never been performed live?

Yeah, “This Life”, I’ve no idea why.

37. What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever done?

Stole my panties, right off the drying line. That was super weird.

38. Apart from singing .you are also involved in humanitarian work, appearing in Awal’s ‘This is Who I Am’ song and video.

Tell us a bit about your role.

Awal’s charity for orphans was just our small way of giving back to the kids. It’s one of the charities I belong to where we make and perform music and give all the proceeds to the orphanages to look after the kids with & also once a year we get together at

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Bamboo Bikes Turn Around Fortunes For Working Women In Ghana one of the Ghanaian bikes.

Christiana Figueres, the head of the United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also entrusted herself to the bicycle's rigid pannier rack to hitch a ride around the center.

"They're made by women and these women are teaching other women to make these bamboo bikes and to sell them so that they have another income stream," Figueres said.

Building opportunities

As a vehicle for women's emancipation, the bicycle in history has been unrivalled.

During the bicycle craze in the United States and Europe of the late 19th century, it came to symbolize the new woman, not only giving them unprecedented mobility but launching reform movements such as the Rational Dress Society which advocated for a woman's right to dress appropriately for cycling.

For Dapaah -- who co-founded the company with school friends Kwame Kyei and Winnifred Selby -- the Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative proudly carries on that tradition.

By Peter Shadbolt, for CNN

(CNN) -- Durable, shock resistant and, most of all, growing in a ready-to-use tubular form, it's a wonder bamboo hasn't always been used to make bicycle frames.

While the prototype for a bamboo-framed bicycle was first developed as early as 1894 -causing a minor sensation when it was unveiled at a London technology show at the time -the idea never took off.

Now 120 years later and a small but determined outfit in Ghana is working hard to change all that.

"We can't keep (up) demand with the orders for our customized bicycles," explains Bernice Dapaah, the executive director of Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative. "We are hoping to go into mass production by June this year."

While mass production for a company that currently employs about 30 people means turning out just 60 to 100 of the beautiful handmade bicycles a month, Dapaah is confident of scaling up the operation.

Here the advent of a minimal amount of technology has made all the difference.

"We still do it by hand, but now we've got a construction jig and this makes manufacture that much faster," she told CNN from the small factory outside the capital Accra.

"Currently we have about 20 to 25 women trained who are working in the factory but as we expand we hope to bring more on board," she said, adding that the initiative was launched as a way of using local renewable materials and satisfied local needs and created employment opportunities.

"Not only that but it looks cool and attractive," she said.

One customized model even comes emblazoned with Martin Luther King motifs rendered in distinctive Ghanaian folk-art style.

She said the prize the initiative won last year in Warsaw, the UNFCCC Momentum for Change Women for Results Award, was bringing with it more attention, more orders and greater ambitions for the company.

"Currently we don't manufacture many of the metal parts -- the chain and the forks we have to import but some of the metal parts for the frame are manufactured here.

"But we are hoping that if we find a collaborator in the medium to long-term, the tires, the wheels, the chain, and everything else could be made here in our factory."

Source:www.cnn.com

Using a method developed by American engineer Craig Calfee -- a renowned bicycle designer who first experimented with bamboo bicycles in 1995 -- the frames are lashed together with fiber and then coated with epoxy.

Sturdy, and with a greater weight-to-strength ratio than steel, the bikes are robust, make for a smooth ride and are gaining a small but devoted following in Europe.

Growing international attention

"We are getting a lot of interest from the United Kingdom where people are using them for touring," she said. "And they're popular with shops and exhibitors because people like the look of them."

We are getting a lot of interest from the United Kingdom where people are using them for touring.

Bernice Dapaah, Bamboo Bikes Initiative

Their first prototype came out of the factory more than four years ago and is still in operation. Dapaah said the bikes are remarkably durable and there's every indication that the first model will continue for many years to come.

With just two sticks of bamboo enough to make one bicycle, and six regions in Ghana where bamboo grows abundantly, the Ghana Bike Initiative is unlikely to run out of raw materials.

Last November the bicycle was the darling of the Warsaw Climate Change Conference (Conference of the Parties 19) where UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon donned a crash helmet to take a shaky turn around the conference center on

Ban Ki Moon and Christiana Figueres of the UNFCCC at COP19 in Warsaw last year.

Getty Images/AFP

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Word and Spirit Baptist Church Inducts Pastor

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On Sunday February 23, Word and Spirit Baptist Church held an Induction Service for their new pastor, Rev. Ossei Mensa Sapong in their main Sanctuary on Jefferson Davies Highway in Woodbridge Virginia. There were representatives from several Ghanaian Baptist churches in North America. There were goodwill messages from some of the Baptist Churches present which included the South Gate Baptist Church, All Nations Baptist Church, Revival Baptist Church and Abundant Life Baptist Church.

Rev. Patrick Amo Amoah,The Current Chairman of the North American Baptist Association of the Ghana Baptist Convention who was the main speaker preached a very meaningful message about commitment and admonished the Church to support the new Pastor who has a been in ministry for the past 20 years and managed bigger branches. He said “let us join hands as God’s people to

work together in partnership under the supreme authority of the Lord Jesus. He asked for a “ renewal for a commitment to be the people that God has called us to be .”

Rev. Ossei Mensa Sapong, was assigned to the Word and Spirit Baptist Church from The New Tafo Baptist Church in Kumasi-Ghana . He is married with two sons who are currently in Ghana . He expressed his profound appreciation to the congregation and the entire Ghanaian community for welcoming him and accepting him to be one of their own.

Guest Speaker- NABA President Rev. Patrick Amo Amoah, All Nations Baptist Church Columbus, Ohio-

Rev. Ossei Mensa Sapong

Rev. Charles Prempeh McWhales of South Gate Baptist Church and his Wife delivering a goodwill message

Moment of non-stop praises by the Anointed Vessesls Choir

Church Members proudly dancing and offering praises

Rev. Patrick Amo Amoah, Rev. Samuel Nana Poku (Middle)Abundant Life Baptist Church and Rev. Ossei Mensa Sapong

Afrikan Post

Ghanaian Ministers Fellowship in the Washington Metro Area Join Hands to Exalt The Lord f

As part of activities marking Ghana’s 57th Independence Anniversary The Ghanaian Ministers Fellowship (DC, MD, VA) organized a Praise and Worship meeting under the theme “GHANA EXALTS THE LORD” on Saturday March 1st in Woodbridge, Virginia . The colorful event, which was well-attended was the needed spiritual booster Ghana badly needs to break through into rapid development at this time in our history.

The audience were treated with songs from Faith Sanctuary Choir of Faith Family Ministries, Crossroads Choir, The Church of the Living God Choir, and Rev. Carol Bridi Williams. Okyerema Asante and the Youth Dancing Group from Ebenezer Presby Church topped it up with electrifying performances.

Rev. K. O Gyimah, of Church of the Living God in his remarks to the audience recounted aspects of Ghana’s history that demonstrated God’s bountiful mercies on the nation, and called on Ghanaians to be grateful to God at all times.

Pastor Thomas Ofosuhene of Breakthrough Ministries led the audience to pray for elimination of corruption and for rapid development in the land.

General Apostle Edwin K Otabil of End-Time Glory International, President of GMF spoke about the necessity of lifting up Jesus for God to lift up a people.

The Ministers Praising God

He spoke about how the Father set the example for us by lifting up Jesus above every other person.(Philippians 2:9-11). He further explained that Jesus called John the Baptist the greatest man born of a woman, just because John the Baptist sought to decrease in order for Jesus to increase. ( John 3:30). Rev. Edwin Otabil said the lifting of self, no matter who or where always produces corruption and disappointments . Ghana should therefore exalt the Lord so his Presence can fill our churches and his Glory will fill the nation with rapid development.( Isaiah 6:1-8).

GHANA EXALTS THE LORD is the event for the Ghanaian community to express gratitude to God and to seek Him for a brighter future.

The GHANAIAN MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP(DC, MD, VA) have broken new grounds and set the pace in lifting up Jesus for Him to show himself alive to us with infallible proofs.

To contact the GHANAIAN MINISTERS FELLOWSHIP call: 571-278-1216, 703-855-6836, 571-594-3771, 703-628-6993.

Legendry Drummer Okyeremah Asante

Youth Dancing Group Performing

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CELEBRATION OF LIFE

The Aduana clan of Tetrem (Ashanti Region of Ghana)Abusuapanyin Kwasi Boateng, Opanin Kofi Brentuo, Maame Ama Nyamekye, Maame Ama Tawuah ,all ofTetrem (Ghana), Nana Agyeman Nimoh Simpinimu, Ekoona Abusuapanin of VA, Rt. Rev. Benjamin K. Asare-SMC: North America Mission of Ghana Methodist Church, Very Rev. Dr.Jacob French, Supt Minister, Washington Circuit of Methodist Church Ghana, Very Rev. Kofi Bart-Martin, Minister in Charge, Covenant Methodist Church, Silver Spring MD, Very Rev. Prof. Kwasi Kwakye Nuako, Minister in Charge Ghana Resurrection Methodist Church of Alexandria, VA, Very Rev. Dr. Casely B.Essamuah, Minister in Charge St. Paul’s Methodist Church Baltimore, MD, and Host Rev. Thomas Atta-Akosa of Gaddiel Acquaah Memorial Methodist Church, Alexandria VA, Temple Of Grace Ministries Woodbridge, VA, Bishop Dr. Kofi Adonteng Boateng, Divine Word International Ministry,Brothers and Sisters: Mr Isaac Kwadwo Owusu,( Kumasi) Maame Comfort Akua Menaah (Kumasi), Ms Adwoa Sakyi(VA),Mrs.Eva Enti(UK), Ms.Sophia Owusu (VA), Mrs Esther Owusu Adebisi (VA), Dr. John Owusu (Australia), Ms Rosina Owusu (VA), Ms Yaa Owusu (Australia), Mrs Victoria Wright, (VA), Ms Margaret Frimpomaah (VA), Mr Emmanuel Kyei(MD). Children: Mrs. Gloria Asiedu (VA), Mrs. Pepertual Nsiah Afriyie (Kumasi), Mrs. Nilramdom Agyei (Kumasi). Nephews and nieces:Mr. JK Owusu (VA), Mrs. Mensah (VA), Ms.Naana Bawuah( VA), Ms. Adriana Agyeman(VA), Ms. Akua Amponsah (VA), Nana Yaw Manu (VA), Ms Nana Amponsah (VA) Mr.Edward Afriyie (VA), Ms. Akua Fremah (VA), Mr Anthony Antwi(VA). Grandchildren: Yaw Asiedu, Abena Asiedu, Kwasi Asiedu, Akosua Asiedu, Adwoa Afriyie Asiedu, Adwoa Serwaa Asiedu. The entire Methodist Church of USA, Wofa Sakyi,the entire Sakyi and Owusu families of USA, the Juaso Community Association of USA, wish to invite you to the final celebration of their beloved Mother, Sister,Grandmother, mother in-law Ms. Doris Mercy Owusu (a.k.a Auntie Akua Afriyie( Age: 69), who’s sudden death occurred at Fairfax Hospital on February 20th 2014

VIEWING: March 28th 2014 8009 Fort Hunt Road Alex, VA 6-9pm

Mrs. Sakyi (Sister)

Ms Esther Owusu Adebis (Sister)

Ms Margaret Frimpomaa (aka Maame Police) Auntie Esther Owusu Adebisi…

Mrs Rosina Owusu..…

Nana Yaw Manu…….…

Nana Amponsah (aka Sis Esther) Mr Anthony Antwi………………….

FUNERAL: Ghana Community Center 6424 General Green Way Alex, VA 22312 10pm-2am

Ms. Rosina Owusu Aka yes mama (sister)

703-965-1896 202-384-9866 703-221-2817 703-389-4808 571-303-8790 703- 221-7461

Ms Margaret Frimpomaa (sister) Nana Akua Serwaa………… ………..703-992-3420 Edward Yaw Afriyie……………………..202-258-2205 Aunt Araba……………………………...703-217-8455 Naana Bawuah………………………… .703-987-8041 Ms Akua Frema………………………….571-331-4201 Akua Amponsah…………………………703-622-251

Ms. Doris Mercy Owusu a.k.a Auntie Akua Afriyie Aged 69

Mrs. Gloria Asiedu Daughter

Mr &Mrs Asiedu………..…..703-362-2432 ……………………………… 703-314-3180 Mr Atta Buabeng ………… 703-717-8026 Mr Collins Sakyi…………… 703-780-3455 Mrs Wright………………… 703-499-9244 Ms Comfort Anane………….571-388-0073 Ms Adriana Agyeman………850-339-3202

P

FIFA Okays Religious Head Covers For Soccer Players

Africa's Football Fixtures

5 March-2014: International friendlies

15 March-14-2014 April: Fifa U-17 Women's World Cup, Costa Rica 12 June-13 July 2014: World Cup finals, Brazil

1-31 August, 2014: Fifa U-20 Women's World Cup, Canada 13 August, 2014: International friendlies

5-9 September, 2014: International friendlies

10-14 October, 2014 : International friendlies

10-20, 2014 December: International rule-making body for soccer lifts ban on kippot, hijab, turbans, after 2-year trial period.

A FIFA panel known as the International Football Association Board made the decision, extending a two-year trial period during which hijabs were permitted. Turbans will also be allowed.

The decision on head coverings follows extra trials after a July 2012 decision to approve scarves worn by Islamic female players.

FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said Saturday’s decision extended to male players following a request from Sikh community leaders in Canada.

“You cannot have discrimination,” Valcke said at a news conference in Zurich, Switzerland. “It was decided that what can apply to female players can also apply to men.”

Last year, Quebec’s soccer federation set off a political firestorm — and was suspended by the Canadian Soccer Association — for enforcing a ban on turbans and other religious headwear.

The federation lifted the ban after FIFA clarified last June that such headwear was acceptable.

The Quebec organization had cited safety issues for its controversial move as well as the fact the garments were not endorsed by FIFA.

The Parti Quebecois government came out in favour of the federation’s position, while many federal politicians slammed it as exclusionary.

The federation maintained it wasn’t trying to create problems and only wanted to get clarity from FIFA. Source: : jpost

Club World Cup, Morocco

FIFA 2014 WORLD CUP DRAW Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Côte d’Ivoire, Japan

Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

Group F: Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, USA

Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, Korea Republic Source:fifa.com

February 2014

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