Afrikan Post June 2011

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Vol 3 Issue 5

Ivory Coast:

Alassane Ouattara sworn in as President Pg. 7

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Pg. 39

May 2011

Afrikan Post

From the Editor

Page 2

AFRICA

Our Gr ea t est Glory is n ot in n e v e r f a ll i ng b ut i n risin g every time we f a l l .

We a re com mittted to brin g th e c o m muni t y t he best in New s from Af ri c a and the Di a s p ora. You may also v i si t o u r w e b s i t e w ww.afrikan post.com d a i l y n e ws u p d a tes fr o m Africa.

Di s c lai mer : T h e opi ni o n s expressed in ar t i c l e s a n d s to r i es i n t hi s New spaper are tho se o f t h e a ut ho r s a n d do n ot n ecessa ri l y r e f le ct t he vi ews of A frikan Pos t . Al l c o m ments and su ggestion s are we l c o m e .

George Bright-Abu Publisher and Editor

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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol. 3 Issue 5

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Natasha Beckley crowned Miss Sierra Leone 2011 pg. 36 UPDATE

African Migrants Abandon The American Dream Pg. 6 HEALTH ISSUES

Africans Leading the Charge on Global Health Progress pg. 13

HER PAGE

The Power of an Encouraging Word pg. 20

SPORTS

Didier Drogba To Wed Lalla

Together with its adjacent islands, the continent covers approximately 30,330,000sq km (11,699,900sq mi).

Africa stretches 8,050km (4,970mi) from its northernmost point, Cape Blanc (Ra's al Abyad) in Tunisia, to its southernmost tip, Cape Agulhas in South Africa. The maximum width of the continent, measured from the tip of Cape Vert in Senegal, in the west, to Raas Xaafuun (Ras Hafun) in Somalia, in the east, is about 7,560km (4,700mi). The highest point on the continent is perpetually snowcapped Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m/19,340ft) in Tanzania; the lowest is Lake Assal (153m/502ft below sea level) in Djibouti. Africa's coastline, characterized by few indentations has a total length of about 30,490km (18,950mi).

Pg. 11

Altogether the continent has fifty-four sovereign nations, (entirely different from fifty-four states), and over one thousand languages and dialects. The population of the continent is estimated to be eight hundred million - almost three times the population of the United States. Because of its contributions to what is now know as modern civilization, this great continent is still referred to as the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of humanity, thousands of years after that era.

Indeed everything about the resilience and creativity of the people, the picturesque landscape and the endless The main islands associated with Africa, with a combined opportunities in tourism, commerce and art make it a must see continent in this twenty first century. area of 621,600sq km (240,000 sq mi) are Madagascar, Zanzibar, Pemba, Mauritius, Reunion, the Seychelles and Source: AMIPNEWS.ORG the Comoro Islands in the Indian Ocean; Sao Tome,

Upcoming Events in Africa May 24 - Eritrea Independence Day (1952) Jun 1 - Madagascar - Presidential Elections Jun 25- Mozambique Independence Day (1960) Jun 26 - Madagascar Independence Day (1960) Jun 27 - Djibouti Independence Day (1977) Jun 29 - Seychelles Independence Day (1976) Jun 30 - Congo - Kinshasa Independence Day (1960)

Jul 1 - Burundi Independence Day (1962) Jul 1 - Somalia Independence Day (1960) Jul 5 - Algeria Independence Day (1962) Jul 5 -Cape Verde Independence Day (1975) Jul 5 -Algeria Independence Day Jul 6 - Comoros Independence Day (1975) Jul 6 - Malawi Independence Day (1964

The Lord’s Tower Prayer Line Intercessory prayer line

pg. 39

Ghanaian cleaner, 50, wins $16m lottery

Principe and Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea; St Helena, Ascension and the Bijagos Islands in the Atlantic; and the Cape Verde Islands, the Canary Islands, and the Madeira islands in the North Atlantic. Although considered geographically part Africa, St Helena, Ascension, the Bijagos Islands, the Canary Islands, and the Madeira Islands have very little, if any, economic, political or cultural links with the continent. Their ties are rather with western Europe: St Helena, and Ascension are dependencies of the United Kingdom; the Canary and Madeira islands are an integral part of metropolitan Spain and Portugal respectively.

About Africa Africa is not a country; it is the second largest of the earth's seven continents covering approximately twentythree percent of the world's total land area and containing almost thirteen percent of the world's population. The continent straddles the Equator and most of its area lies within the tropics. It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west, the Indian Ocean and Red Sea on the east, and the Mediterranean Sea on the north. In the northeastern corner of the continent, Africa is connected to Asia by the Sinai Peninsula.

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Rev. Kwasi Gyimah of the Church of the Living God (NOVA) Turns 70

Rev. and Mrs. Gyimah entering the Hall

Rev. and Mrs. Gyimah

Rev. Gyimah expressing his appreciation to the gathering

Rev. Dr. Stephen Gyermeh-General Overseer of The Church of the Living God Anointing Rev. Gyimah

Some traditional dancers added color to the ceremony

Rev. Gyimah being carried shoulder high

Rev. Dr. Stephen Gyermeh(Middle) and some CLG Members

Children of Rev. Gyimah heaping praises on their Dad

A cross section of the Party guests

Dancing to Gospel music

5

May

Chad's President Idriss Deby re-elected amid boycott

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Ex-Ivory Coast leader Laurent Gbagbo ‘in good health’

based.

He has been in power for more than 20 years after seizing power in a military coup, and changed the constitution in 2004 to scrap the two-term presidential limit.

The main opposition parties accused Mr Deby's Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) of rigging February's parliamentary elections and pulled out of the presidential poll.

They said they would refuse to recognise the results.

Chad's President Idriss Deby has been re-elected One of the three boycotting opposition figures, for a fourth term, provisional official results Abdelkader Wadal Kamougue, died aged 72 after a show. long illness hours before the results were announced.

Mr Deby secured 89% of the 25 April vote, which was boycotted by the main opposition after their demands for electoral reforms had not Chad became an oil-producing nation in 2003, but remains one of Africa's poorest countries. been met.

Voter turnout was 64%, electoral officials said.

Mr Deby, who has faced two attempted coups since the last polls, has recently mended relations with Sudan, where rebel fighters were

Source: BBC - News- Africa

Niger's ex-President Mamadou Tandja 'to be freed' Last month, the junta officially handed power to veteran opposition leader Mahamadou Issoufou, who won a run-off election in March.

Ahead of the first round in January, Mr Tandja was moved from house arrest to prison.

President Tandja was held under house arrest until January when he was transferred to prison

"All proceedings against Mamadou Tandja have been cancelled. He has been wholly exempted from the accusations against him," one of his lawyers, Souley Oumarou, told the AFP news agency.

The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niger says Mr Tandja The appeals court in Niger has ordered the release was accused of embezzling state funds worth $1m (£670,000). of the country's former President Mamadou Tandja, who was ousted in a coup in February He was also linked to a corruption fertilizer deal 2010. worth between $9m and $10m.

Since then Mr Tandja, in power for 10 years, has been held and accused of misappropriating public Niger's new constitution reduces the powers of future presidents and limits them to two terms in funds. office.

The coup leaders were angered after he sought a third term in office.

Source: BBC - News-Africa

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Ivory Coast’s former strongman Laurent Gbagbo has made his first public appearance since he was arrested three weeks ago.

He met a team of mediators including former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu in the northern town of Korhogo.

The BBC’s John James says Mr Gbagbo looked in good health and joked with Archbishop Tutu.

His arrest ended a stand-off when he refused to accept defeat at the polls.

More than 3,000 are believed to have been killed since the November election, before Alassane Ouattara took power when his forces captured Mr Gbagbo in the presidential residence in the main city, Abidjan.

He is being guarded by UN peacekeepers and former rebel forces who back Mr Ouattara in the presidential villa in Korhogo, which our correspondent describes as small but luxurious.

Mr Gbagbo smiled in front of the cameras, wearing a creased blue shirt and with slightly longer hair than usual, our correspondent says.

Strong message Mr Annan said he had encouraged Mr Gbagbo to address the Ivorian people “sooner rather than later” to call for reconciliation and said that the former president had not given any indication that he contested the position of Mr Ouattara.

The former UN secretary general said what had happened in Ivory Coast sent a strong message to leaders in Africa and the rest of the world about what would happen to them if they were tempted to interfere with the democratic process.

“We were very thrilled that the former president looked forward to the country returning to normalcy,” said Archbishop Tutu.

“This is what we are urging all parties – that the country should become the country it was – peaceful, with security for everyone,” he said, laughing that Mr Gbagbo had asked for a Bible.

Former Irish President Mary Robinson was the third member of the delegation from the peacemaking group known as the Elders to meet Mr Gbagbo in Korhogo.

Police hearings are due to start this week into crimes committed during Mr Gbagbo’s presidency, while a truth and reconciliation commission has also been announced.

It is to be headed by former Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny, Mr Ouattara said on Sunday.

Source: BBC - News-Africa

May

Ouattara Takes Oath of Office as Ivory Coast President

Red Cross officials say they have collected 60 (Pictured Above): Alassane Ouattara is sworn into bodies in Youpougon this week. The office of office as Ivory Coast's president on May 6, 2011 the U.N. High Commissioner for Human at the presidential palace in Abidjan after months Rights says investigators are examining a possible link between an alleged mass grave in of political violence) the neighborhood and a Wednesday attack on Ivory Coast’s president has taken the oath of a Baptist church. office, formally ending the violent political crisis that followed November’s disputed election. A Ouattara is moving to restore security in U.N. human rights team is investigating a possible Abidjan. He has already reopened banks and mass grave in an Abidjan suburb where the new resumed cocoa exports. national army has been battling loyalists of the ousted president.

The European Union is delivering $63 million of aid for the agricultural and justice sectors as President Alassane Ouattara swore to respect and the first installment of what will eventually be defend Ivory Coast’s constitution and protect the $261 million in assistance. rights and liberties of all citizens.

The United States is providing $43 million to In a brief ceremony at Abidjan’s presidential help relief groups deliver health care, clean palace, he said it is the start of a new era of recwater, and household items to displaced civilonciliation and unity for all Ivorians. ians.

Ouattara has been the country’s de facto leader since last month’s capture of former president Laurent Gbagbo, whose refusal to hand over power sparked a wave of political violence.

World Health Organization spokesman Tarik Jasarevic says the priority now is reopening health centers that were closed by the political crisis.

Gbagbo is now under house arrest in northern Ivory Coast where prosecutors Friday questioned him about his alleged role in that violence. Two French lawyers retained by his daughter were turned back at Abidjan’s airport.

“In regions of Montagna Moyen Cavally, 55 out of 106 health centers are not operational and five out of eight hospitals. And this is due to the lack of personnel. It is due to looting of drugs and medical equipment or partial or total destruction of health infrastructures.

Sixty percent of health workers are absent, and those who have stayed have not received salaries for three months,” he said.

President Ouattara’s office says he will have a formal inauguration in the political capital Yamoussoukro May 21. Friday’s oath of office followed the constitutional council officially making him president.

WHO says it is working to help pay health workers in Ivory Coast, especially in rural Constitutional council president Paul Yao N’dre areas. It says most of the health centers in says the council endorses the African Union deci- Abidjan are open but do not have enough supsion to settle the crisis and therefore proclaims plies.

Alassane Ouattara President of the Republic of Ivory Coast.

N’dre helped set off this political crisis five Written By: Scott Stearns months ago by annulling as fraudulent nearly ten percent of all ballots cast to announce Gbagbo’s http://thejournal.eu re-election. The United Nations certified electoral commission results that showed Ouattara won the vote by eight percent.

N’dre says the council overturned its previous ruling because Ivory Coast is a member of the

Page 7

Obama calls for Immigration System Reform "But even though we've answered these concerns, I suspect there will be those who will try to move the goal posts one more time... Maybe they'll say we need a moat.

Or alligators in the moat."

African Union and recognizes “international norms and standards accepted by competent national organs” as more authoritative than internal decisions.

Fighting in Abidjan’s Yopougon neighborhood has continued as militia still loyal to Gbagbo are holding out against Ouattara’s new national army.

2011

US President Barack Obama has called for broad reform of the US immigration system, while touting measures he has taken to strengthen border security.

In Texas, Mr Obama backed a path to legal status for illegal immigrants, as well as crackdowns on employers who hire illegal workers.

Opponents, mostly conservatives, have criticised proposals as an unacceptable "amnesty" for people who have broken the law - even though one major proposal backed by Democrats would have applied only to those who came to the US as children.

While Washington DC has been unable to achieve federal immigration reform, three states have sought to take action themselves.

He called on the fractured Congress to reject "the Arizona, Georgia and Utah have passed measures giving police the power to usual Washington demand documentation games" and enact a Illegal Immigrants in the U.S: 11m in from people they suscomprehensive overthe U.S in 2010, down from a peak of pect of being illegal haul.

12m in 2007. 393,000 deported in 2009, immigrants who have been detained on other up from 183,000 a decade earlier.

An estimated 11m illegal immigrants, most of About 76% are Hispanic. Top places of charges. them Hispanic, live in the US. In El Paso, a Texas border city, Mr Obama said he had satisfied calls from conservatives to tighten security at the border and to increase deportations of illegal immigrants.

origin are Mexico (59%), Asia (11%), Central America (11%), and South America (7%). 73% of children of illegal immigrants are U.S citizens.

Source: Pew Hispanic Center Estimates, Department of Homeland Security

He called on Congress to reform the immigration system in a manner that would encourage skilled and motivated immigrants to participate in American society while ending what he called an underground economy that preys on low-wage illegal immigrants.

Arizona's law has been put on hold by the federal courts.

Meanwhile, a judge in Utah blocked the state's new immigration law on Friday, just hours after it went into effect.

District Judge Clark Waddoups issued his ruling in Salt Lake City, citing its similarity to Arizona's law.

The American Civil Liberties Union and National Immigration Law Center had sued to stop the law in Utah, saying it was modelled after the Arizona and that its implementation could lead to racial profiling.

"We need to come together around reform that reflects our values as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants, that demands everyone take respon- In 2008, 67% of Hispanics voted for Mr Obama, compared with 31% for Republican sibility," he said.

John McCain, exit polls showed.

Immigration reform is of particular importance to the growing Hispanic electorate, which is Democratic-leaning and whose continued support Mr Obama will need in his 2012 re-election bid.

The Hispanic vote pushed Mr Obama over the margin of victory in four states won by President George Bush in 2004, some analysts calculate.

Ahead of Mr Obama's speech, White House aides stressed Mr Obama remained committed to reform, The Republican Party lost significant supeven though Republicans derailed overhaul efforts port among Hispanic voters following the 2004 election, in which Mr Bush won 40% in 2006, 2007 and 2010. of the Hispanic vote, in part because of the party's hard line on illegal immigration, In Texas, Mr Obama mocked Republican oppoanalysts say. nents on the issue.

Source: BBC - News- Africa "We have gone above and beyond what was requested by the very Republicans who said they supported broader reform as long as we got serious about enforcement," Mr Obama said.

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President of APC WDMC, Yabom Thaslim Koroma and entourage meet President Ernest Bai Koroma at State House The President of the APC Washington, DC Metropolitan Chapter, Madam Yabom Thaslim Koroma and entourage met with President Koroma at State House on Tuesday May 3, 2011. Present at this august meeting with the President were Ministers Alpha Kanu- Political Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo- Minister of Information, Minister of Local Government Ambassador Hon. Dauda Kamara, Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Hon. Martin Bash Kamara, Hon. Ibrahim Kemoh Sesay Political Adviser to President Ernest Koroma. Hon. Victor Foh APC Secretary General, APC Women’s Leader Madam Elizabeth Mans and many other ministers and APC functionaries.

Accompanying Madam Yabom Thaslim Koroma were officials of APC-NA, and members of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Chapter including APC-NA Chairmen Aziz Turay, APC-NA Treasurer Ms. Abie Bangali Mansaray, APC Fundraising Ambassador Hon. Dauda Tombo Bangura, APCNA Women’s Leader

Sierra Leone @ 50

Mary Turay and APC Washington DC chapter members, Mariama Kabineh, Mr. Bismarck Koroma and many others. Issues of mutual and paramount importance were discussed with the President Ernest Koroma during the meeting.

In another development the determination of the team and the delegation led by Mrs. Yabom Sesay-Koroma together with the support of the party’s affiliate bodies – the women’s wing, the youth wing, and the party secretariat will implement the project “Feed the People” in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The dynamism and indefatigable leadership of Mrs. Yabom SesayKoroma and the untiring support of our membership remains the cornerstone of this project.

We will continue the good works of the chapter selflessly and die-hearted party stalwarts of our beloved APC Party under the indomitable leadership of our President, H.E. Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.

By Joseph Sherman, Asst. PRO APC WDMC Stay with Sierra Express Media

Madam Yabom Thaslim Koroma

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Ghanaian cleaner, 50, wins $16m lottery

2011

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Barclays to cease Africa operations from Dubai, 123 staff affected said employees had been informed of the plan and their options.

Sami Lahoud, head of corporate affairs at Barclay’s Africa, said 123 employees affected by the move will have until the end of the year to decide.

“These are individual decisions based on peoples circumstances and preferences,” Lahoud added. “The majority of senior positions will move to Johannesburg.

“By the 1st of January 2012, we will be operating out of Johannesburg.”

Barclays Africa headquarters was based in South Africa until 2006 when it was moved to the Gulf Arab emirate.

A 50-year-old Ghanaian who works as a cleaner in Toronto is now a multimillionaire.

John Sarkodie Addo made 16.6 million dollars overnight by winning the top prize in the Lotto Max drawn on April 15.

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation says John Addo checked his ticket at a local store and found he had one of the three winning tickets in Friday's 50 million dollar draw.

He plans to buy a home and visit his family in Ghana with his winnings, and also wants to invest some of the money.

"I will definitely go back and visit my family now,” he said Tuesday at the OLG prize centre. “My first priority though will be to buy a home of my own and invest my money properly."

Mr. Addo says he couldn't stop crying when he found out that he had won. "I Mr. Addo who is said to have gone immediately went straight to Canada 20 years ago, has been home and lay down for a working seven days a week for an while to think about it," he industrial cleaning company to said in a statement released make ends meet. by the OLG on Tuesday. "I could never have imagined He says his friends teased him winning this much money in about his weekly ticket purchase, my life. but he always believed he would win one day. "My coworkers would often tease me about my weekly ticket purchase, but I had Source: faith I was going to win," said www.citytv.com/toronto Addo. "When it really happened, I couldn't stop crying.”

DUBAI (Reuters) – Barclays Plc plans to move its Africa headquarters in Dubai back to Johannesburg, a spokesman for the bank said on Sunday, leaving more than 120 employees with the option of relocating or quitting the bank.

The latest move follows the recent decision by Barclays and its majority-owned Absa Group to combine their operations, the source said.

Barclays bought a 56.4 percent stake in Absa in 2005.

Barclays Capital’s head of Islamic products left the company in January as the British bank refocused its attention to core businesses.

Source:Reuters

The British lender mainly runs back office functions for its Africa operations out of its Dubai base. A source

Media Freedoms Improve in Africa

A human rights group says people in sub-Saharan Africa had greater access to free and independent media in 2010 compared to the year before.

U.S.-based Freedom House on Monday reported “impressive” improvements in Guinea and Niger and “smaller positive steps” in Kenya, Liberia, Senegal, Mauritania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The group elevated the status of Guinea, Liberia and Niger from “not free” to “partly free.”

However, the group reported a deterioration of free and independent media in Angola, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar and Sudan.

Equatorial Guinea and Eritrea, where it said free and independent media are either nonexistent or barely able to operate.

The group based its report on a study of 196 countries and territories worldwide during 2010.

The report rated 68 countries as “free,” 65 as “partly free,” and 63 as “not free.”

Freedom House says that globally, the number of people with access to free and independent media declined in 2010 to its lowest level in more than a decade.

Source : BBCNEWS.COM

Freedom House said the 10 worst-rated countries included

Egypt's ex-Tourism Minister Zuhair Garranah 'jailed' Last week, ex-Interior Minister Habib al-Adly was jailed for 12 years for money-laundering and profiteering.

A number of former officials are being investigated in Egypt following the popular uprising that ousted President Hosni Mubarak in February.

Mr Mubarak, 82, who is under investigation on suspicion of involvement in the killings of protesters, had his detention extended by 15 days on Tuesday, the state prosecutor's office said.

Egypt's former Tourism Minister Zuhair Garranah has been jailed for Garranah, who was sentenced along with two businessmen, five years on charges of corruption, an Egyptian judicial source has was charged with wasting public funds worth $51m (£31m) said. after authorising the sale of state-owned land for well below the market price, the AFP news agency reports.

Garranah had handed out tourism licences illegally, the source said.

More than 20 Mubarak-era ministers and businessmen linked to the regime have been detained since Mr Mubarak's departure.

The trial of corrupt officials, including Mr Mubarak, was a key demand of protesters.

Mr Mubarak - who was ousted on 11 February - remains in a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, despite a directive from the new government that he too should be moved to prison.

Officials said Mr Mubarak's detention would be extended by 15 days from 12 May, when it was due to end.

At least 846 civilians were killed during 18 days of street protests. Most were shot in the head and chest.

Source: BBC - News-Africa

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H E A LT H

NEWS

Africans Leading the Charge on Global Health Progress Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division, he has worked and shared his technical expertise with the Nigerian Ministry of Health while Nigeria revised its National Strategic Plan. These kinds of inter-African exchanges are instrumental in expanding the many success stories in African health that have been seen over the past decade.

On April 10th, I traveled from my home in Accra, Ghana to Washington D.C. to join a group of senior African health officials – leaders from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Swaziland and Uganda – and take part in Global Health Progress’ (GHP’s) 4th Annual Health Delegation.

Through GHP, African health officials meet with U.S. government representatives, members of the donor community, the private sector, NGOs and universities, to talk with global health stakeholders and work to align their priorities in the fight to overcome Africa’s health challenges.

Although the meetings are critical for partners to connect – some who have talked only at a distance before this opportunity allowed them to meet face-to-face – it is the chance to speak directly and openly about Africa’s health needs that draws delegates to Washington D.C. and New York City each year. And, for me, it was inspiring to hear these leaders speak firsthand about their experiences at the front lines and how they’ve overcome hurdles to achieve success.

The theme of the 2011 delegation was “Accelerating Progress through Strengthened Partnerships,” and the week of events from April 11th – April 15th included the most partners and the widest spectrum of US stakeholders to date. Delegates repeatedly called on these partners to expand their vision of partnership, improve the coordination of their programs and support the countries’ own work in building capacity and developing National Health Agendas.

Counterfeit drugs are a significant barrier to ensuring quality healthcare for all Africans.

It is estimated that between 30 and 50% of the medicines sold in some African countries are counterfeit. Despite these challenges, African countries have found local solutions.

On April 12th, Bright Simons of mPedigree moderated a panel discussion on combating counterfeits in Africa. Bright, who saw his countrymen dying from counterfeit and substandard drugs, founded mPedigree, a mobile-based service that empowers consumers with the ability to verify drug quality.

This innovative model has won Bright many awards, but his continuing goal is to engage Africans in protecting their own health through fighting counterfeits.

Whether the issue was combating counterfeit drugs, ensuring access to vaccines, or understanding how new disease types will impact African health systems, African delegates led the week’s discussions of how private sector partners — such as the pharmaceutical firms sonafi-aventis, Pfizer, Endo, Merck, and GlaxoSmithKline — and other stakeholders, like the Clinton Global Initiative and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and even technology companies like Hewlett-Packard, have partnered with Africans to expand Africa’s ability to tackle its health challenges. An example of true progress in global health.

I’ve stayed on after the Delegation, reaching out and spreading the messages African delegates shared during our week with global health stakeholders. It is my hope that after I return to Ghana, my voice and the voices of Africans engaged on health issues will continue to lead from the front lines.

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Africa’s Malaria-Fighting Trees Threatened Researchers warn that East African plants that notes that they have been used by traditional healcould cure malaria could disappear before sci- ers for centuries. entists have a chance to study them.

“This is not today’s knowledge,” she says. “This is very old knowledge, indigenous knowledge, The World Health Organization estimates 800,000 people die of malaria each year, most which has been disappearing because the youngsters don’t take it (up).” of them young children in Africa.

A new book by scientists at the World Agroforestry Centre, “Common Antimalarial Trees and Shrubs of East Africa,” identifies 22 tree and shrub species that traditional healers in East Africa use to fight the disease.

But, the researchers say, they are being cut down for cooking fuel and other uses and could disappear before scientists have a chance to study them.

The knowledge is not all that’s disappearing.

Dharani says the some of these anti-malarial trees and shrubs are being cut down at an alarming pace, along with other wood in the area, largely to make charcoal. That’s the cooking fuel of choice for many poor people around the world who can’t afford other options.

Limited options for treatment

Herbal medicine

She understands the economic motivation to cut down the trees. But, she says, it will be these same poor people who will ultimately suffer.

A person suffering from malaria in East Africa is likely to visit a local herbalist for treatment. Lead author Najma Dharani at the World Agroforestry Center in Kenya says the traditional healer may recommend the patient take a few grams of a plant known locally as knobwood.

“They don’t have access to clinics. They don’t have doctors,” she says. “They have to go hundreds of kilometers to reach clinics. So, it’s so very important for local communities to conserve these trees. If [the trees] completely vanish, they will remain with nothing.”

Either root or bark may be used, fresh or as powder. “It’s quite bitter,” she says. “Drink it for three or four days, until it cures a person.”

Dharani and her colleagues at the Kenya Medical Research Institute have used modern science to identify promising malaria-fighting compounds in knobwood and 21 other trees and shrubs native to the region.

Traditional cures at risk

The World Agroforestry Center is working to reduce deforestation by encouraging people to grow their own trees for timber or firewood, rather than harvesting the forest. The center also is helping communities plant medicinal trees and shrubs, and conserving samples of the trees in its genebanks and nurseries.

Knobwood extract would not be the first plant to cure malaria. The first anti-malarial drug, quinine, came from the bark of a South American tree. The latest treatment, artemisinin, comes from a Chinese shrub. The next cure could come from East Africa — but not if the last tree is burned up as charcoal.

She has spent the last 12 years studying medicinal plants in East Africa with the potential to treat a range of diseases. A lot more research is needed to identify how effecSource :VOA tive they are and how they work, but she

The Whitaker Group

This topic of country ownership was revisited Written by Francis Ansong during a working dinner discussion on April 11th moderated by Dr. Jeff Sturchio of the Global Health Council. Delegates highlighted the need for more forums like GHP where they can share their experiences of how partnerships actually work on-the-ground. These forums are also great platforms for them to discuss best practices and share strategies for sustaining successful partnerships with colleagues and practitioners across the world.

Representing Ghana’s Ministry of Health, the always eloquent Dr. Frank Nyonator spoke about the need for information and expertise to flow not just from America to Africa, but also within Africa. In his role as Director of the

On April 13th, representatives from Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Nigeria, Swaziland and Uganda met with Members of the U.S. Congress as part of GHP’s 4th Annual Health Delegation.

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Hon. Stephen Atubuga(Alex Acolatse) Launches Political Campaign in Virginia

MP aspirant Hon. Stephen Atubuga (Alex Acolatse) launched his campaign to contest parliamentary primaries of the NDC in Binduri constituency of Ghana

Hon. Cletus Avoka (NDC) -Majority leader in Ghana’s Parliament

HE Daniel Ohene Agyekum -Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA stressing a point

Other Parliamentary aspirants

A group picture of the guests and political aspirants. Also in the picture are Hon. Cletus Avoka-Majority leader, Hon. Ohene Agyekum -Ambassador to the U.S, his Deputy -Mrs. Edith Haizel, Edwin Janney-Journalist, and NDC executives in Maryland and Virginia.

The invited Guests

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Baptist Churches in Virginia Unite for Easter Convention

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What started as a beautiful gathering of Baptist Church members with roots in Ghana degenerated into three split Churches all located in Virginia. The three churches used the Easter celebration as an opportunity to bridge their differences and come together under the same umbrella. It was a very beautiful occasion as the main speaker spoke about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its significance in the life of a Christian. The three Baptist Churches are :Word and Spirit Baptist, Calvary Baptist, and Revival Baptist in Alexandria Virginia.

Pastors and leaders of the ministry

The Congregation

The Main Speaker

The Congregation

The Congregation

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Kate Middleton voted the world's ninth most beautiful woman Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, from top spot.

Cruz moved into third place behind Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto.

And septuagenarian screen siren Sophia Loren, 77, remained in 10th spot for the second year running.

The top 10 is: Nicole Scherzinger

1. Nicole Scherzinger

Freida Pinto

Penelope Cruz

2. Freida Pinto 3. Penelope Cruz 4. Keira Knightley Catherine Duchess of Cambridge

5. Michelle Pfeiffer

The Duchess of Cambridge received a post wedding pick-up after scooping a top 10 spot in a poll of the world’s most beautiful women.

6. Angelina Jolie

Kate Middleton came ninth in the Wizard Jeans poll, which was crowned by Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger.

8. Bar Refaeli

The poll comes just days after the newlywed entered the top 100 of the FHM’s Sexiest Woman in the World in 39th spot, for the first time since 2007.

Scherzinger knocked last year’s winner,

10. Sophia Loren

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ADVICE TO GRADUATING SENIORS

Written by Amy Ansong Finally, the school year has ended!

Exams have been taken and fees have been paid. By the time you read this publication, the school year will be coming to an end and you will be getting ready for the next chapter in your life. As you reflect on the school year and prepare for life, I have a few words I would like to share with you-view it as my graduation gift to you!

LIFE IS A BOOK: Everyone's life is a book. The lives they have lived have formed chapters in their book. However, the chapters that have already been written will not compare to the chapters that are going to be written in the future. Just like a good book, life has its ups and downs, victorious and challenging moments, and positive and negative defeats. However, no matter what people face in life, they will get through it. Somehow, some way, they will go through and continue walking down the path of life and continue adding chapters to their book entitled" Life".

LIFE IS NOT A CONTEST: Sometimes it may seem that some of your friends are progressing faster and better than you are. So what? Life is not a contest- no one is holding a stop watch.

As an individual, you need to do what is best for you. Do not compare yourself to your friends. Compare yourself to yourself and live your life for yourself because at the end of the day you will be responsible for you. Your academic achievements and life successes will be based on how well you were able to navigate your life. You are your own GPS and it is up to you to navigate yourself to the final destination you want.

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE: It doesn't matter whether or not the graduating students are rich or poor, labeled smart or stupid. The world is full of opportunities and it is up to the students to grab opportunities as they come. If the opportunities don't show themselves, then create the opportunities. As long as

BEHIND THE FAME - IKONZ

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you have breath in your body, you should follow your dreams and go after them. If you don't know what you want to do in life right now, it is okay. It is better to sit down and think about what you want to do than rush into something and realize that it was never what you wanted to do. Think and then take action. Your feet and legs are not there to look nice and pretty. Your feet and legs are there to support you and walk you into your destiny. Claim what is yours.

OPPOSITE OF YES IS NO AND NO MEANS "NEW OPPORTUNITIES": When you go into the world, do not be afraid to go after what you want.

However, when you are met with rejection, it is ok. When someone tells you "No" , don't accept that as a defeat.

When someone says "NO" be happy and overjoyed, for it means that a "new opportunity" is on its way. You went for a job interview and they said that they didn't want you? Good, that means another opportunity is on its way. You applied to a college and didn't get in?

Good, that means you will get to go to another college. You asked a girl/guy out on a date and they rejected you?

Good, that means you can spend your time looking for someone better. In life, you will be faced with rejection, alot of rejection, more rejection than you ever faced during your time as a student. But remember, rejection is your connection to a new opportunity. That's right, I just came up with that line, take it and use it : Rejection is your connection to a "new opportunity".

When you turn on the radio, the airwaves are blasting the new hit by IKONZ, “Back Case (remix)”. Amy Ansong, news correspondent for Afrikan Post and DJ with Sankofa Radio, recently had a pleasant conversation with the founders of IKONZ, discussing the making of IKONZ and the future plans of IKONZ. 1. Where are you from: Lyrikal Monxta a.k.a Kweku Abojwis3 & Qweku Zixu: We both represent Tema, Ghana.

2. How many siblings do you have?

Lyrikal Monxta: I have 6 brothers and 6 sisters. I am the sixth boy.

Qweku Zixu: I am the first born out of three kids- I have 2 junior sisters.

3. How did you get into music: I (Qweku Zixu) started really focusing on music in junior high. I joined a group called Born Black— we were 4 in all. There was a time when I was singing at a studio NO MAN IS AN ISLAND: called One Blaze Studios in Community One-Tema. The Make friends. Good friends will support engineer encouraged me to join forces with Lyrikal, and you when you are down and lift you up vice versa. We came together around 2004-2005, formed when you have excelled. In life, you do the group Kasapa, and the rest is history. not need thousands of friends, only a couple. Having four good friends is better than having one hundred bad friends. 4. Did you guys sing in your church, play instruments?

Pick people you trust. They don't have No—we are rappers. to look like you, sound like you, or be Qweku Zixu: Right now I am learning how to play the from the same socioeconomic backguitar. ground or country as you. But you have Lyrikal Monxta—Right now I am learning how to play to trust them. Trust is colorblind and has the piano. no boundaries. Find people you can trust. Find people you can share your 5. Originally your name was Kasapa—why did you knowledge, thoughts, and dreams with. change the name?

Find people you can laugh with, cry Yes, originally our name was Kasapa. When we came out with, mourn with, and be at peace with. as Kasapa and we were becoming known throughout Ghana and other regions of Africa, the name we had chosen for ourselves came into conflict with a telecommuniWith these tips in hand, may the gradu- cations company in Ghana which went by the same ating class enter the new chapter of their name. In Ghana, you have different telecommunication lives, already armored with the tools of companies, such as Kasapa, MTN, and others. Kasapa, life. the telecommunications company, was not happy that there was a group using what they felt was their by-right

name. The name was creating confusion. Also, when we were invited to perform at concerts which were sponsored by MTN and other telecommunications entities, we would not be given the proper introduction, because the sponsors felt that we were representing Kasapa, a competitor. Without a proper introduction, the audience was unaware of our personalities and what we represented. Therefore we decided to change our name to Ikonz. And now, Kasapa, the company, has been acquired by Expresso, so they have a new name as well.

6. How did you choose the name Ikonz?

When we decided it was time to change our name from Kasapa to something else, we had a few names in mind and presented them to our fans via social media, like Facebook. The fans decided that they liked the name Ikonz the best. The name” Ikonz” is the presentation of music. It encompasses everything and the belief we have in ourselves that we are music icons. The Z at the end of Ikonz was placed there to spice up the name a bit – and to recognize our music mentors, like Jay Z. 7. Who do you look up to, musically?

Qweku Zixu- Little Wayne Lyrikal Monxta—Snoop Dogg.

8. What was your first album with Kasapa and your first number one hit?

When we were known as the group Kasapa, we never came out with an album. Instead we released singles. The first song we released, “Wobe Nyem No”, was a hit song. We wrote that song ourselves, we did not feature anyone, and the beat was created

by Mob Possigee.

9. Do you write songs for other artists? If so, who ?

Right now, we write for underground artists, like Mafia, Rhythm, Reb Joe, and Nachinsi.

10. As artists, how do you stand out from others?

There are so many musicians in Ghana- what makes

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The Power of an Encouraging Word know of other people's stories which we could appropriately relate to another.

Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

T

he words we speak can potentially make or break a person. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that "death and life are in the power of the tongue..." Those who have experienced the potency of words can attest to this truth. Interestingly, the Akan people of Ghana have a concept which connects to the above biblical truth. The concept is "the mouth that eats salt and pepper." This roughly means that a person's mouth can be the origin of blessing as in the salt that preserves and enhances food's flavor and, at the same time, the mouth can be a source pronouncing curses and hardship as in pepper's harsh and burning sensation.

When words are used as a blessing, they have the power to bring encouragement, strength, and rebirth to another, while as a curse, well, they can be disempowering and destructive. Let us opt for the former by committing to being a source of empowerment and rebirth for each other.

I began with the above biblical and cultural allusions in order to come to the following point. There are times when people we know and love undergo trials. These unfortunate circumstances test their will, character and faith.

Sometimes, they are not certain that they will overcome their trials, because too often, these issues are multiple and sometimes, too discouraging. While we should be there praying for and supporting them, let us not end it there, simply declaring to them, "it will be well." There is one thing we can do that will do their minds and spirits well. We can share an encouraging word, an experience, a testimony, if you will. There is life-affirming, energy-building power in relating a testimony to another. While you will not have solved their problems, you would have made a significant difference in their perception and even their approach to the problems.

It is important that we position ourselves as resources to share our experiences and victories with others so that they too will be encouraged and hopeful. Besides, although knowing the truth of our experiences strengthens us, not sharing them with others who are encountering trials does not give new life and potency to our narratives of overcoming adversities. It is only when we share these experiences that we open an even greater door of hope and strength for another who is not certain how she will overcome her trials. We all have something personal to share to lift up someone and besides that, we also

I, for one, have quite a few to share with my students, friends, family, and even acquaintances who are in struggle. I have learned from personal experiences and God's word that as private as I may want to remain, it is more useful that I share my narratives with others at appropriate times.

After all, these narratives are not completely mine, but also belong to God, for it is by His mercy that I should have such testimonies. I can share the story of how I battled infertility for seven years, but God, after all the pain and tragedies, granted me miracle twins, a boy and a girl. I could readily broach the fact that for nearly ten years, an unrelenting life-threatening condition plagued me, but somehow miraculously disappeared after years of prayer and fast-

The words we speak can potentially make or break a person.

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 18:21 that "death and life are in the power of the tongue..." ing. There is more. Depending on the person's circumstances, I can relate a story that will be most relevant to their experience.

To bring my point home, permit me to share a narrative. Once, one of my top students, and I mean a very sharp 4.0 college student, who had been awarded just about every accolade, had been rejected by the law schools to which she had applied.

During an appointment in my office, I saw she was distraught and decided to open up to her so that she might be encouraged. I told her of how after being promised a fellowship for my doctoral program, I had been disappointed, but God reversed the situation.

lowship was where I truly wanted to attend.

Rejecting the other school was a little risky and unwise, because at that point, the process for selecting fellows had not been completed, but the department chair had assured me that I would receive an award. I believed that the Lord will make it happen.

When I arrived on campus to claim the fellowship, I was informed by the same chair that the award had been given to another. I was crushed.

Some close to me remarked that I was foolish and that I should not have dismissed the other school without getting the award letter. I knew they were right in practical terms, because I had wanted that same letter, but I had decided to walk in faith. I made that difficult decision, because I sensed within me that God was working something out which would require my trusting in Him and not in a document of promise. So I did.

I began my doctoral program without the funds promised and faced having to secure an enormous amount for student loans, not only to pay for my education, but also for all my living expenses. Privately, I was hurting. In my one bedroom apartment, I prayed and I cried just about everywhere. Even in the shower. I knew that pursuing a Ph.D. was costly and had decided that if having to pay for it was what I had to do, then I would do it. Nevertheless, what was most painful was that I had rejected the other offer believing that the Lord had spoken to my heart that I should go to that particular school, for He was giving me a special gift. But the gift was not forthcoming and therein laid my frustration. "Why was God not delivering on His promise?" I attended classes and did my work, only to cry in between them, because I had been there near a month, and even after I had gone to offices seeking scholarships and grants, I was still not successful.

In between my tears, I prayed and believed that it will happen. I shut out the doubters and focused on my prayers and course of study. One day, after praying and fasting with the support of my parents, I decided to make an appointment with the vice provost for graduate studies. I prayed before the appointment and was filled with confidence as if a soldier proceeding to battle. I had prepared my arguments regarding my qualifications and also what had been verbally promised me. I met and greeted her. I spoke and she listened. After 13 years, I can vividly recall the meeting. All she said was "okay Miriam, I will look at your file and get back to Towards the completion of my master's you." I thanked her and we parted. By the time degree, I applied to doctoral programs and I returned to my apartment, she had called leavreceived offers for a teaching assistantship ing a message that they had made an error and and a doctoral fellowship. Having served as that I should return to her office the next day to a Teaching Assistant during my master's receive the award letter. I burst into a song of program, I wanted a fellowship, which was praise and just thanked God. I called and more prestigious and rewarding. Thus, after informed my parents as well as my concerned much prayer, I rejected the offer for the friends. Of course the doubters were in disbeteaching assistantship and accepted the lief. school which offered the fellowship.

Incidentally, the university offering the felI had gone through a trial and had become

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victorious, but I wasn't surprised. I knew I was going to receive the fellowship and I did. I related all of this to my student, so that she would be encouraged. This young lady was almost in despair, but I told her to wipe away her tears for God was preparing something better for her and He did.

This former student has since said numerous times that sharing that experience encouraged her heart greatly. She applied to law school again and got in a program better than the others which had rejected her.

Today, that young lady has graduated from law school and is serving the State of Maryland as a lawyer. I was proud to join her at her church after graduation to hear the testimony of how she had endured the entire ordeal of applying to and surviving law school. Oh, did I mention that while at law school, she also was awarded scholarships, some of which were unsolicited? Wouldn't you know that in her testimony, she recounted how I had encouraged her with my own narrative and shared the word of God with her? .

The testimony of my experience gave her encouragement and strength.

Likewise, she passed on such encouragement by sharing hers with her congregation. Revelations 12:11 tells us that we overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. There is power in testimonies. Share your experiences with someone who is encountering difficulties and assure them that they too can overcome them. It will uplift and persuade them to fight on.

In Zora Neale Hurston's acclaimed novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Janie, the protagonist, after surviving the traumatic ordeal of a natural disaster and the loss of her husband, relates her entire narrative to her best friend Pheoby. When Janie completed her tale, her thoughtful friend Pheoby "breathed out heavily" confessing that she had grown "ten feet higher" just listening to her story (1990: 182). What Pheoby points to is the power of the personal narrative and how it is crucial that we share it, for it is indeed a tool of empowerment that we should neither take for granted nor withhold from each other. Cause another to grow ten feet higher by sharing an encouraging word.

May

Ghanaian Programer Develops Game for Apple Kwasi: Since November.

Mike: How did you pay for it?

Kwasi: All self-funded… boot-strapped. In my mind Ananse Productions is like really cheap grad school.

I spend some money on it and at this point I’m satisfied that we made a good game. Even if the business side of it falls through I can live with that. If we’re still around 5 years from now and I have office space and people’s 401k’s to worry about I probably won’t be so cavalier about it, but right now I’m 24. I’m OK with not having tons of money at my disposal.

Kwasi Mensah is the 24 year-old founder of Ananse Productions The inaugural game of Ananse Productions, Stem Stumper is built from the ground up to be enjoyed by both the iPhone's burgeoning blind community and fully sighted players around the world. Stem Stumper is fully integrated with VoiceOver, Apple's built-in screen reader for iOS devices. And if you think you can solve the puzzles with a blindfold on, the game includes a sound only "sonar" mode.

While this might be Ananse Productions' first project, members of Ananse's team have already worked on several successful projects.

Kwasi Mensah, lead developer and programmer has worked on games as varied as Green Day: Rock Band, Borderlands and Mass Effect: Pinnacle Station. Jennifer Kanis, the lead artist, has worked on the iPhone games in the Curious George franchise for FableVision. Dawn-Marie Dunn, the Audio guru, has been involved in gaming for more than ten years and music for more than twenty, composing original audio for Flash projects and sound effects for websites.

Eric Sutman, lead Level Designer has worked with several Boston independent developers including Demiurge Studios and Dejobaan Games I recently had the chance to talk with Kwasi Mensah, founder of Ananse Productions, about his game Stem Stumper coming to IOS in the next few weeks. Stem Stumper is a puzzle game designed for both sighted and blind players.

Hopefully it will be the first of many games Ananse Productions puts out that draws new groups of people into the fun and learning of games. I’m really excited to have had the chance to talk to somebody whose work addresses new groups of gamers (the blind), doing good in the world (crossing boundaries between blind and sighted) and striking a balance between his own design vision and the wishes of his audience.

Mike: Tell me about the game you’re working on Kwasi: We’re hoping to release in April. It’s an iPhone puzzle game. It’s blind accessible, which means it’s not meant only for the blind but for everyone. We also include a “sonar mode” to help people realize what it’s like for a blind person to play. The idea is that you’re a vine named Mimea and you have fertilizer that you’re trying to find in every level and there are obstacles in the way, like stumps and weed killer, and you need to find a way around those with bombs, shields and slingshots.

Mike: Why the iPhone?

Kwasi: Apple is way ahead of the curve on accessibility for smartphones. iPhones have something called “VoiceOver” which is a built-in reader.

Mike: What motivated you to start Ananse produc- There’s a huge blind community using iPhones and tions?

Apple products because that’s built in. I also had almost everything I needed in order to develop for Kwasi: I wanted to go out on my own for a while. iPhones, so unlike releasing on XBLA, where you I always knew I wanted to make games and I don’t have a blind market and you have to buy a lot knew I wanted to help the world in some meanin order to build for it, it’s a lot easier to build for ingful way. iPhones.

When you say that about games people are like, “What?!”, but I know I wouldn’t be here if it Mike: So there are other games for the blind? weren’t for other people helping me out I want to make games in a socially responsible way.

Kwasi: Yeah. Aurifi, which is a music ‘tap the Mike: How many people are at your company?

Kwasi: Just me full-time and 3 contractors.

Mike: How long has the game been in development

screen’ type of game. And Papa Sangre, which is like a haunted mansion you have to find your way through. Really good audio design. The problem with those is that they both rely purely on audio.

Papa Sangre relies on really clever things with binaural, which is kind of like stereo on steroids, but makes it inaccessible to someone who can’t hear as

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well. Stem Stumper is trying to be more accessible to reach a wide variety of people.

aside from the blind, who do you want to reach out to?

Mike: What have the blind people who’ve tested the game had to say about it? What have you learned or changed because of them?

Kwasi: Originally Ananse’s mandate was more cultural. It was more about making games that were not just for the straight white gamer. I felt underrepresented as an African-American gamer. I’m interested in bringing in people who don’t consider themselves gamers, like people’s mothers, who may play games, but don’t think it can be a serious way to spend time.

I like to consider myself a gamer, but I don’t like Tolkien inspired Western fantasy… I don’t like FPSs because guns just don’t excite me.

The idea of twitch gaming doesn’t excite me either. I like solving interesting problems.

I think as long as you give people an interesting problem, and don’t put it in a ‘boys only’ context, you can get people to play it. I think things like Bejeweled and Diner Dash are very complicated games and you can get people to play games that require some depth without dumbing them down because they’re “casual.”

You could have the best RTS in the world and as long as it’s military sci-fi, people will just ignore it because sci-fi is not for them.

People who play games have gotten more diverse, but people who make them haven’t. It’s a lot of people who have all watched the same TV shows, played the same games, read the same comics, etc., that are making games.

The people who PLAY games are more diverse, but they aren’t developers yet.

Kwasi: I’ve tested with one blind person face to face. I played a game of chess with him at one point and noticed that he takes a long time to make a move – that’s ok in his head. That’s why in Stem Stumper there’s no time limit. You solve the game at your own pace. That helps people with mobility issues. Another thing for mobility issues is that there’s no double tapping. I volunteer at Perkins (Perkins School for the Blind) and I have a person there who’s tested it and I’ve been sending out the remote beta to some blind people. It seems like blind people actually pick it up faster than sighted people because they’re more used to reading directions.

Mike: How much of the design was about building for this market and how much was about this great game idea you had?

Kwasi: I originally had an idea that was more like “Breakout”. That does not work well at all with The challenge isn’t in figuring out where things are, voiceover, so I had to revise that idea. but the right order in which to use the bombs and I think one of the things I was trying to do was shields to get around these obstacles, which I think design a game not only for the blind but so both is something which transcends “sighted” or “not people could understand it. So there was an ebb sighted”. and flow between, “A blind person needs to be able to play it,” and “I’m not making this game Mike: Why target the blind instead of some other only for blind people.” group?

Mike: So the “sonar mode” you mentioned earlier Kwasi: Going with Ananse’s tag line, “Games For is a way for people to see what it’s like for the The Rest Of Us,” we wanted to make games that blind to play this game? represented the diversity of the people playing.

I wanted to work with accessibility. I also had some Kwasi: Pretty much. Normally, you can see the things I wanted to do with specific ethnic angles, stumps and the items become clear when you get but as I did more research into what it took to make close to them. In “sonar mode” you only see the games accessible I decided that accessibility would UI, none; of the objects, you have to use sounds be a good enough place to begin for a first project. for almost everything. It’s not on by default, but you get achievements for using it. It’s a kind of Mike: So blind just happened to be an underserved subversive way to get people to think about accesgroup? sibility without forcing it on them.

Kwasi: I thought they would be the hardest group.

Once you’ve done this and have the tech in place, we have a good basis for everything we do afterwards.

2011

Mike: So where’s the problem when it comes to ethnic groups?

Kwasi: Whenever you see a character of another race, there’s a lot of stereotyping; people don’t trust their audiences to get the subtlety of a black character who doesn’t speak “ghetto.”

It’s ok to use race as part of a character since it’s part of someone’s background, but there needs to be more to it than that. Afro Samurai, I think, is a lead character with depth beyond being black. He wants to avenge his father; he has a relationship with a former friend who becomes a rival. He was someone who had a lot of depth who was also black, though I think that Mike: Is that about building a shared experience? depth is missing from a lot of characters in video games. I know Stem Stumper doesn’t do Kwasi: anything to address that, but it’s working for a Yes. It’s about having a shared experience. As cool different group. as an audio only game is, it scares away people who are sighted; you’re going to raise more aware- Mike: Any games you’re looking forward to? ness by saying that, “Hey, here’s a game that everybody loves that blind people can play,” than Kwasi: Portal 2 and Outland. by saying “This is a really awesome game that only blind people are supposed to play.”

Thanks for the interview, Kwasi.

I’m also looking at it differently than a lot of indies who are saying, “I’m going to do this until I catch a publisher’s attention and can make a AAA game.” I’m OK making smaller scale games for the foreseeable future.

Mike: In terms of design constraints, you’re building a game that’s accessible to the blind; other than audio, what do you need to do to make this work for the blind?

Kwasi: UI layout: the “play now” button, for example, lets you into the game without having to go through level select. There’s a lot of overlap between accessibility and usability.

Mike You’ve mentioned “Games for the rest of us” –

Kwasi Mensah grew up in Parkchester in the Bronx (NYC) and attended Carnegie Melon as an undergraduate then came to Boston to study at Berkeley. Before starting his company he interned at EA and worked at Demiurge (makers of the upcoming “Shoot Many Robots“).

His family is from Ghana which is where the name “Ananse” comes from. According to Kwasi ” is a spider in a lot of West African folklore and there are a lot of stories about him tricking people or him trying to be clever but making mistakes. It’s kind of like Aesop’s fables, a lot of parables are told through stories about Ananse doing things the right or wrong way.”

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Ghanaian Man on JEOPARDY!

Amy Ansong, reporter for AfrikanPost , had the opportunity to interview Jonathan Corbblah, the Ghanaian man who appeared on JEOPARDY as a contestant on December 13th and December 14th,2010. The following interview provides a detailed look at the life of a Ghanaian JEOPARDY contestant.

HISTORY: Amy : Jonathan, can you please tell me about your upbringing. Where did you grow up and go to school. How many brothers and sisters do you have?

Jonathan: I grew up in Brooklyn in the 1980s which was interesting. My neighborhood was not great,(drugs, violence, etc.), but I was able to stay away from all of that because my parents instilled in me values. I went to local schools and in high school I got the knack for chess. I went to SUNY in New York and after that I lived in Los Angeles for some time. I have an older brother and sister.

Amy: How are you connected to the Country of Ghana? Are both of your parents from Ghana?

Jonathan: My father is Ghanaian and my mother is Jamaican. My older siblings were born in Ghana but I was born in the United States. I love Ghana. I have been there and enjoyed visiting, eating, and most of all seeing my extended family.

Amy: What subjects did you excel in as a student?

Jonathan: History, Social Studies, and Geography were always my strongest subjects. I have always hated writing papers or essays, but I loved tests.

They were like games to me. Tests suited my memory and those subjects required less critical thinking or calculations. Applying what I learned hasn't really been my strong suit -- I have gained alot of knowledge in my life-- but converting that into intelligence has been tricky. That is why I enjoy game shows.

Amy: What after school activities were you involved in?

Jonathan: I was active in the debate team, as well as the chess club. I played scrabble in high school as well. I never joined a single athletic team although I was recruited heavily. Being 6'6 and 260lbs in high school, it seemed like a peculiar thing to be into such nebbishy activities.

Amy: How did you get involved with chess.

Studios in Culver City before a live studio Who taught you how to play chess and what do audience, and the audience is quite big. The you find so interesting about it? lights are bright and you are face to face with Alex Trebek. The rehearsals take place in the Jonathan: I learned the game at the age of 7. I morning. competed in tournaments at school and the library.

It wasn't until high school that I started taking the Amy: Is Alex Trebek as intimidating in pergame seriously. I devoted hours and hours to son as he looks on TV? learning and improving. By the time I was out of college I was an expert strength player.

Jonathan: Not intimidating at all. He, as well as all of the production crew and staff, make it Amy: Do you get to go to Ghana often? When as relaxing and comfortable of an atmosphere is the last time you were in Ghana? as it can possibly be considering the circumstances. Alex told jokes and had an overall Jonathan: I have not been to Ghana as often as I avuncular demeanor. But, not to take any credit would like - I have only been there twice. I have away from him, because he is whip smart. been to Cape Coast, Tema, and all over Accra. I was last there in 2009. It is so amazing and I hope Amy: How long is the actual taping? to return soon. I actually got married in Osu. When I visit Ghana, I stay in Labadi or Teshi.

Jonathan: When you view the show, you view Last time I was there we stayed in Madina, at a it for 30 minutes because commercials are church mission. Everyone was so welcoming and included. The show only takes 22 minutes to I learned alot from conversations with local peotape. When you take the 22 minutes and subple. tract out the time that Alex spends talking to contestants, the competition is only about 15 Amy: Would you ever consider going to Ghana minutes. I'm not sure how long the taping truly to host a national televised game show there? is, but it only felt like 5 minutes. JEOPARDY tapes one week's worth of shows in one day.

Jonathan: It was funny, to flip through the chanWhen I won the show on the "first" day, I only nels one night in Ghana and I saw a college geog- had a few minutes to change and get ready for raphy bowl being played between a team from the second taping.

Ghana and another from Nigeria. It would be an honor to become a Ghanaian t.v star.

Amy: Why is everyone the same height on ?

JEOPARDY? JEOPARDY: Jonathan: They use boxes for people to stand Amy: How many times did you try out for on. The ladies that I competed against were 5'4 Jeopardy? and 5'2 and I am 6'6 so they put both of them Jonathan: I tried out for Jeopardy 11 times. When on pedestals.

I was fourteen I tried out for Teen JEOPARDY. I have been trying to get on Jeopardy my whole life, starting with kids, then teen , then college. I Amy: What is behind the JEOPARDY even wanted to become a celebrity so that I could Podium that you stand behind? go on Celebrity JEOPARDY! Jonathan: There is a Final JEOPARDY light In my lifetime, I passed the test three times and pen, a pencil and paper for making calculafinally made it on the last time. The test is given tions, a bottle of water, napkins, and pedestals in Los Angeles. It is a long hard process to get on to stand on. the show. Out of 20,000 people, 600 people make the show. These are the steps I had to go through Amy: You appeared on JEOPARDY twice. to appear on JEOPARDY: 1)Take the online test Tell us about the first appearance? which has approximately 50 questions- I got 43 Jonathan: I appeared on the first show and won questions right; 2)Take the in-person test - which $13,000. includes 50 questions; 3)Interview/meet with the show producers and participate in a buzzer game Amy: Yes, you won the first night, even with other people; 4)Wait to see if you have been though you missed the Final jeopardy quespicked to appear on the show. In my case, I took tion? The answer was the first test in January 2010, I found out that I "What is Niger and Nigeria?" Why did you passed in March, I auditioned in April, got the call miss that question? in August, taped the show in September 15th 2010, and the show aired on television on Jonathan: I do not know why I missed it. I just December 13th,2010. did not write it down because I did not know it at the time. It really is pointless to think about Amy: How did you prepare for the show? it, because I am not entirely over it.

Jonathan: I read all the books I could get my hands on. I studied everything because they do not tell you what categories you will be faced with, so you have to study everything.

Amy: How is the audience?

Jonathan: show is taped at the Sony Pictures

Amy: Well either way, you won that day's show. Tell us about your next day's appearance on the show.

Jonathan: Since I won the first time I appeared on the show, winning $13,000, I automatically

appeared on the next day's show. When I won the first night, I was content, and relieved but I never really was super happy because I knew I could have done better. On the Tuesday show, I was leading, I answered more questions , but a lot of my answers were wrong. I got the Final JEOPARDY question right- the answer had something to do with the Olympics, something about North and South Korea being banned. But due to the fact that I finished third, I got the complimentary $2,000.00.

Amy: What do your parents and wife think about your appearance on JEOPARDY? Jonathan: They are proud of me, but it was never anything that changed who I was, and they have not treated me any different. It truly was just another day in the life.

Amy: Perhaps it is because JEOPARDY is not the only game show you have been on. Please tell us all the game shows you have appeared on?

Jonathan: I appeared on WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE in 2005. I got to the 125,000 question and missed the question. I appeared on CASH CAB in 2008 and won $1,600.When I was a kid I appeared on WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SAN DIEGO. I am trying to set a record for the most game show appearances. Right now I have appeared on 4 game shows, and the record is 8, so I am well on my way.

Amy: How has being on JEOPARDY changed your life?

Jonathan: I am a little bit richer. I have been able to pay off some debts. Due to my appearances on game shows, I get recognized a lot, especially due to my appearance on the CASH CAB show. I was on a Jet Blue flight and CASH CAB was on the T.V monitor. When I got off the plane, people in the terminal were like, "I saw you on T.V." - the show reairs plenty of times. It is good to have recognition because it allows you to organically do something else. Also, due to my appearance on JEOPARDY, I get to do awesome interviews for AfrikanPost and people are recognizing me on the street. It is awesome.

Amy: Would it be accurate if I said that you may be the first Ghanaian to have ever appeared on JEOPARDY? Jonathan: It might not be accurate, but I am going to say it anyway-yes.

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23 year old Ghanaian Medical Student Mobilizes Funds to Save Life of Ailing Sister ting to him, yet upon probing further, I came to discover that Kodjo's mind was preoccupied with worries over the state of his sister's health back home in Ghana.

Mr. Karikari's sister; 17 year old Akua Adoma Ofori, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Adoma, as Mr. Karikari and I affectionately calls her, is presently dying a slow death in Ghana with medical complications ranging from a stage-3 pilocytic astrocytoma and low-grade glioma on her thalamus — the control center of the brain. She began to experience symptoms including severe headaches, disorientation and memory loss in October 2010. She is now bedridden and unable to control her own basic movements and even complete basic daily tasks.

Akua Adoma Ofori back in happier times in Ghana before she took ill

By Oral Ofori I've personally known Kodjo Karikari for over a decade now and in all those years, I've watched him grow into a fine young man full of zeal and passion for life. A kind of a person who puts his all into what he believes in and works hard to make his dreams a reality. Therefore it deeply troubled me when I came to find out that this young man's family is facing severe crisis that could turn tragic if God's intervention through human kindness does not set in on time to avert what seems to be a looming calamity.

Kodjo has since the past two years been studying the complexities of the brain at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, as he pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. As a good brother of mine, I occasionally call to check on him and encourage him, however barely a month ago, I realized that the young man's heart was heavy since the verve with which he salutes me was missing, initially I thought all that school work was get-

So troubling is the plight of Kodjo's sister that the young man, who is majoring in neuroscience at the Bucknell University and is scheduled to graduate May 2011, has put a hold on his academic pursuits and embarked on a spirited campaign to help raise funds to save his 17 year old sister's life. It is obvious that Kodjo's intentions regarding his academic aspirations has always been to take back home with him to Ghana the knowledge he acquires in the States so it becomes beneficial to his natives, yet at certain points in a man's life, you're forced to place certain things first and in this case, family has taken precedence over academics.

cause destruction of other regions of the brain. She also has developed diabetes and thyroid issues as a side effect of her medications" Kodjo says.

In order to avert the above condition causing more damage to Adoma's life and even possibly ending it, Kodjo brought up his sister's plight to fellow students of his on campus and together with a number of well wishers and faculty menders, they've created 'Hope4Adoma' on Facebook which could be accessed here: http://www.causes.com/causes/606378 They've also been able to raise about $8,000 as of May 9 through the Walk On Foundation and a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the Lewisburg Alliance Family Life Center in Pennsylvania according to Paula Myers, Assistant Dean of students at Bucknell University and director of International Student Services, who is helping to coordinate fundraising efforts.

The Alliance church also in Pennsylvania, contributed about $1,000 of that amount. The student groups are currently planning to work with another church and other bodies to raise more funds to help fly Adoma out of Ghana to the USA to receive much needed medical attention, you can also join in the race to save Adoma's life by donating your widow's mite here: http://hope4adoma.cz.cc/ It is amazing to watch this young man, who is only 23 years old, I asked Kodjo whether Adoma's condition can be remedied in take life's bull by the horn and decide at an early stage of his life Ghana, and he told me that even though the tumor in his sisto make this all important and life changing choice of embarking ter's brain is operable, hospitals in Ghana, including the counon a campaign to save his younger sister's life at the expense of his try's leading medical institution--which is also a reputable education. I would forever admire and respect him and he will teaching hospital in West Africa--called Korle-Bu, unfortucontinually remain an inspiration to me as a person and to his fam- nately do not have the equipment or facilities to perform the ily as a whole. Anyway, here's my attempt to simplify the rather life-saving surgery she needs, so Karikari, a Bucknell intricate situation Adoma is facing right now based on what Kodjo Community College Scholar who transferred from Harrisburg tells me himself: "The tumor is putting a lot of pressure on her Area Community College in 2008, tells me he is now looking brain and she has a shunt in the brain to drain fluid caused by the tumor. But as the tumor grows, it hinders other areas and might Cont. on page 27

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May

Ex-Black Queens player killed in car accident in the USA cer and her academics.

“This is the biggest shock of my life,” A&M women’s soccer coach Frank Davies said. “It’s unbelievable.”

Ofori, 29, played for the Bulldogs from 2005-2007 and led the team to the 2007 Southwestern Athletic Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.

She was a second-team All-SWAC selection in 2005 and also played on two World Cup teams with Ghana.

Former Black Queens player, Patricia Ofori was killed in a car accident Wednesday, April 20, 2011, in Huntsville, Alabama in the United States.

The 29-year-old, who played in two World Cups, lost control of her Ford Mustang while driving south on Pulaski Pike just outside Huntsville.

According to Diane Wilkinson Snoddy, an instructor at A&M, Ofori, who was in graduate school, was on the way to class when the accident happened. “She was a wonderful person and one of the world’s great soccer players,” Snoddy said.

Ofori started her career in Ghana with Mawuena Ladies before she was called to Her car slid into the northbound lane, where it the national team in 2003. was hit by a pickup truck and caught fire.

Patricia Ofori was an alumni of Alabama A&M University, where she excelled in soc-

Source: 3gmediaonline.com

Didier Drogba To Wed Lalla ical WAG bash though.A source said: "Didier isn't interested in celebrity magazine deals or needless expense.

"He just wants a private wedding with his closest friends and family. He wants to give Lalla the wedding of her dreams because they couldn't afford much when they got together as youngsters in France."

CHELSEA stars will have something to celebrate this summer - DIDIER DROGBA's wedding. The Blues striker is tying the knot again with sweetheart LALLA DIAKITE in the south of France in June or July.

His best pals at Chelsea will be munching vol-au-vents alongside friends and family at the ceremony, which should cheer them up even if they don't beat Manchester United in tomorrow's crunch match.

Their three kids will be heavily involved and it's going to be a real family celebration. It will be interesting to see if Didier lays on a wedding singer. If he does, he's unlikely to turn to any of his Chelsea team-mates - especially new signing DAVID LUIZ. When the Brazilian did his Chelsea initiation song in front of players and coaching staff, the training ground windows took a battering.

Kitman GARRY GREY said: "David went for this Brazilian number and it was the worst performance ever. "You could hear his claps more Ivory Coast team-mates KOLO and YAYA than his voice and he was just trying to get on TOURE plus Arsenal loon EMMANUEL with it. "David is a confident lad but he wasn't EBOUE have also been invited. Eboué comfortable standing up on that chair. should be great value at a wedding - if he "In the end, MICHAEL ESSIEN had had doesn't shove anyone over just before the enough and got up and did a really over-theend. Didier met Lalla in Paris when he was trying to make his name as a pro. They had a top African-style dance in front of everyone." tiny wedding back in the day but now he's got a few bob, the striker wants to do things Hopefully the Ghanaian will remain seated during the vows. properly.

The ceremony is not going to be a stereotyp- Source: thesun.co.uk

2011

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2011

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Rocky Dawuni talks of his music, Branding Ghana, and Today's political Trends

By Oral Ofori

Ghana's musical sensation and growing reggae superstar, Rocky Dawuni, has said in a soul to soul interview with this reporter that the global political scene is undergoing a revolution and it is up to the forces of good to take advantage of this revolution for the overall benefit of the world, this is because the forces of negativity are also looking to exploit the current political state of the world to their singular advantage.

Rocky said this as he spoke to us from his part time base in Los Angeles, California about his recent appointment as the "Tourism Ambassador of Ghana" by Akua Sena Dansua, Ghana's Minister of Toursim. This appointment came about earlier this April 2011 after Rocky's efforts at projecting Ghana positively on the global stage was noticed by the Tourism Ministry of Ghana. Prior to his appointment by the Government of Ghana, Rocky has already been seen as an ambassador for the country through the global music stage.

This elevation is purely ceremonial; a nonpaid and non-political one which will see Rocky helping Ghana with his influences across the music world to promote the branding of Ghana wherever he appears on the globe. Mr. Dawuni says he accepted this position purely out of the burning desire to be of service to his country; a responsibility which falls on every Ghanaian wherever they find themselves in the world, irrespective of their political affiliations and social beliefs.

Rocky Dawuni is also a member of the board of Advisers of the Jammin Java Corporation, a publicly traded company on the US Stock Exchange and producers of the world acclaimed Marley Coffee. This appointment was made by the Chairman of the Board, Rohan Marley, son of the great reggae icon Bob Marley. As a musician and a social artiste, the Ghanaian reggae superstar believes his work and music which has gained a lot of attention globally is what drew Jammin Java Corporation to appoint him member of its Advisory Board. Rocky's personality according to Jammin Java Corporation, ideally rep-

resents their brand and ideologies in today's time and era--hence their appointment of Rocky to help craft their corporate vision as both the company and musician's profile continues to grow.

The Ghanaian reggae musician who personally embraces all these appointments with humility also sees them as his way of taking positive advantage of the current shifting in the global musical sphere. His agenda is to be a force to effect change positively for the overall benefit of not just Ghanaians, but of all people everywhere in the world by using his music as a powerful tool. Dawuni's music has also won him recognition in the eyes of the NAACP (National Association on the Advancement of Colored People) Awards organizers following their nomination of him for their 42nd Image Awards in the "Outstanding World Music Album" category alongside great musicians including Herbie Hancock, Bobby McFerrin and Angelique Kidjo.

The NAACP Image Awards are one of the most respected awards among the African American community in the United States which recognizes the works of people of color in all disciplines from acting to music to sports and other disciplines. This nomination is as a result of Rocky Dawuni's current album entitled "Hymns for the Rebel Soul" making it into the world music category. The album being primarily of the Reggae genre, has been able to transcend the boundaries of just one genre and thereby drawing attention to itself globally. The nomination didn't come as a great surprise to Rocky who personally says he already knew the potential of his album. Lots of energy and time went into the making of the record which contains songs that were written all around the world in countries like Ghana, Finland, Indonesia and Israel.

Despite his nomination for countless awards on the world music stages, his businesses endorsements, his music being used as scores to some television programs and soundtracks for video games and until recent, his appointment as a Tourism Ambassador in his home country Ghana, Rocky Dawuni says for the first time to the world here on your trusted news source that he's absolutely not interested in any form of political appointments whatsoever. He believes he functions pretty well at where he is right now as one who uses music as a tool for positive change. Politics creates affiliations which leads to divisiveness if not properly handled, Rocky says he's however for the opposite--oneness!

Mr. Dawuni's views on the current upheavals in the Mid-East and other parts of the world which have seen ordinary people clamoring for the removal of governments and individuals that have entrenched themselves in political power for decades are quite philosophical.

Rocky is of the view that the world political arena is undergoing a dramatic change and it's a sign of the new paradigm in which we live. The proliferation of information has greatly increased and improved, putting more information in the hands of individuals and taking away the power some of these leaders had in the past to control the flow of information or directing it to favor their sole interest even to the disadvantage of the people that elected them into political office.

Today's information age easily allows people to circumvent the way information flow used to be in so called developing and third world countries. This means people are tapping into a much larger information pool by looking beyond the boarders of their country thanks to things like the Internet and social networking platforms like Facebook which places free and easy access to information and news in the hands of the people. Most of the leaders of these African and Middle-Eastern countries experiencing this current uprising and dissent from their own people were caught on the other side of the digital revolution, they were thus To Rocky, the uniqueness about his album's nomination is the fact that though taken by surprise. According to Rocky, these it's an independently released project under leaders' longevity in power and adherence to Aquarian Records; his own record label, it the old-fashioned ways of doing things is what caught them off guard as they didn't have has managed to gain global attention and younger and enterprising advisers in their inner following, to the extent of competing circles to warn them of the power of things like shoulder to shoulder with other nominees Facebook and the Internet or their ability to who have the backings of huge and critiexpose a person to new information and cally acclaimed Grammy award winning recording labels. This speaks to the quality changes around the world in seconds. with which the music is associated. This Rocky believes all these leaders who are facing also goes to elevate the profile of Reggae music, African music and Ghanaian music removal from office through the use of peoplepower are painfully coming to grips with the in general. This achievement draws home fact that political mandate is not and has never the fact that Rocky Dawuni has no limits been a birthright or a dynasty where you see as far as achieving is concerned and leaders grooming their children or cronies to whether he wins a Grammy or not, the take over governance when their tenures are most important thing in his opinion is to due, a trend synonymous to some African and use his music as a force for bringing Middle-Eastern countries. Today's youth togetherness and galvanizing people according to Rocky has a powerful tool in the towards great ideals through positive eleform of social media with which they can use vation and empowerment.

to mobilize, communicate and organize within a short space of time towards the achievement of a common agenda like the rejection of a system which is not representative of the common good or the silencing of all forms of constructive opposition and divergence by authority.

As hoped by Rocky, all these revolutions are going to create changes for the good, so long as the world is able to manage them very well by continuing to push the ideas and ideals that are currently inspiring and calling for change in the global political arena to create democratic institutions that will facilitate this paradigm shift and lead to the development of places like Africa and the Middle-East from now and into the future as preached about in "Download the Revolution", a track on his acclaimed album, "Hymns for the Rebel Soul."

The future presents a greater opportunity for Rocky Dawuni to push his music deeper and further into new horizons and territories and the musician is presently looking at garnering more fans in Asia following his successful performance in Bali, Indonesia two years ago during the period of the web premiere of Playing For Change "a collaborative work with Bono and other artistes around the world (watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgWFxFg7-GU).

Playing For Change Foundation seeks to connect the world through music by providing resources to musicians and their communities around the world.

For now, Rocky Dawuni is looking forward to performing creditably well in Trinidad come May 28 at the International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA) show where he has been nominated for Best Album and Best African Entertainer, and again at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on July 24th, 2011 where he'll be performing alongside the legendary Stevie Wonder with special guest Jeanelle Monae. These two will be backed by Ricky Minor of The Tonight Show fame. Rocky also hopes to see his yearly 6th of March Independence Splash Festival Bash grow into a show with a stature as big as that of the Reggae Sun Splash held annually in Jamaica.

Rocky Dawuni

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May 2011

Kofi Akpaloo 2012 campaign Taps Ghanaians in Diaspora.

IPP intends to transform people's lives through technology, by embracing the 21st century technology tools to enhance lives and will rely heavily on the power of the Internet in their fund-raising programs, reaching Ghanaians everywhere, and above all, using it as their communication tool to gain positive results.

Facing a stiff competition from NPP and NDC, Independent Peoples Party (IPP) kicked off its 2012 campaign with a fund raiser with the theme "Putting People's Lives First through Technology" in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. The campaign which will officially begin in May with the launching of the party in Accra, Ghana has gathered considerable steam abroad, especially among Ghanaian communities. Kofi Akpaloo, who has long decried the role big money plays in Ghanaian politics, is poised to change the dynamics of the Ghanaian political landscape in the 2012 general election. He declared , 'We will win this election because Ghanaians are tired and fed up with the old same political machines who have taken the people for a ride'. He said Ghanaians have been neglected for too long, and the grassroots are up in arms demanding for a real change. Our communities are deprived of development because the MPs only stay in the capital until the next elections to show up in their constituencies for reelection.

IPP's campaign will reach out to a broad group of young potential contributors, including an aggressive use of Face book, Twitter, ippghana.com, and other social media platforms. Akpaloo pointed out the role a smaller contributor can play in the 2012 elections. "We are presenting a clear choice to the disgruntled Ghanaian electorate", Akpaloo said. He told Ghanaians who attended the fundraiser "we can get Ghana where it is supposed to be and get our fiscal house in order.

Mr. Kwadwo Asare, the Media & Communications Director ,stated that the campaign will also rely on email solicitations, online advertisements on social networking sites, grassroots campaigning, and the parties' own online website.

During the questions and answers session, Mr. Kwame Atakora, the National Organizer of IPP, passionately urged and challenged Ghanaians to have the courage to break away from the colonial blue print of doing things and join the practical, innovated, motivated and highly committed team who has the political will to move the country forward.

Mr. Atakora took the opportunity to appeale to Ghanaians in the Diaspora about the urgency of the time. He stated that IPP should not be seen as another political Party, but as a movement that seeks to bring real change to all levels of government to help improve lives in Ghana.

He stated that Ghanaians living in the Diaspora are morally obligated to help ease the pressure of poverty on their people, their families back home need their assistance, and the human capital that has been acquired over the years here is the key contribution that is going to make the dream of a better Ghana come true.

By Afrikan Post

Visit us on the web www.afrikanpost.com www.ghanaianpost.com

Ataa Ayi Joins Church of Pentecost

Credible Information available to Peacefmonline.com indicates that notorious armed robber Ataa Ayi, real name Raymond Aryee Aryeetey, currently serving over 100 years in prison for several armed robbery cases has joined the Church of Pentecost Assembly in the Nsawam Medium Prison.

Ataa Ayi, who is very popular among the inmates, is currently a staunched member of the Church. He is said to be a regular church attendant and diligently partakes in other Christian activities. Ataa Ayi, known to be a ruthless armed robber, is presently very calm and totally changed.

The once notorious armed robber, whose name and raids sent shivers down the spines of most people, has grown lean and was spotted in a white T-shirt and khaki pants, when he was last spotted by yours truly.

Indeed, he was very reluctant to show his face when Gospel musician Ohemaa Mercy, at a recent performance in the prison yard as part of her official visit to the Nsawam Prisons on Friday, April 15, 2011, requested that he (Ataa Ayi) join her on stage.

Ataa Ayi, who seemed shy, initially failed to respond to Ohemaa's call until his inmates and some Prison officers convinced him to go on stage.

When he finally appeared on stage, Ohemaa Mercy shook hands with him and said "Ataa Ayi - to God be the Glory. I understand you have joined the Church of Pentecost. You shall become a very great man of God".

He thanked Ohemaa and quickly ran off the stage amidst loud cheers from the inmates.

Source: Eugene OsafoNkansah/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana

Page 28

Kumasi GPRTU shocked over gay marriage in their premises

Officials of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Kumasi branch say they are completely dazed over reports that a gay wedding was held in its conference hall on a Sunday night.

One of the gay couple, Akwasi Aboagye, is reported to have confessed and has subsequently been banished by Nana Agyin Frimpong, Tafohene ofr the area.

GPRTU officials who spoke to Joy News said many people are tight lip over the incident but union leaders have promised to pursue the alleged wedding.

Hajj Issah Clifah Principal Industrial Relations Officer of the Ashanti Regional branch of the GPRTU told Joy News they met today and have launched a full scale investigation into the matter.

“We heard that last week there was a gay wedding at our premises so we became so alarmed. This afternoon, we met to discuss that issue and tomorrow we are meeting because we have instituted a full scale investigation into the matter.”

He revealed that, “Another bird whispered to us that these guys are residents of a suburb around Tafo and I understand the chief there has even banished them.”

Hajj Issah said they have been seeking information as to whether the incident did occur and also try to get a footage of the incident.

“Since we’ve heard that the chief of that suburb has banished them, of course we will meet him, we will discuss issues with him and if it is true that he has banished people who have had gay marriage then we will know the agenda,” he hinted adding they will get the security agencies to get to the bottom of the matter.

Source: Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

May

2011

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Afrikan Post

Double Blessings Hit Virginia

May

2011

Page 30

Prophet Kofi Adonteng Boateng’s Divine Prayer Line Holds Big Easter Convention

Prophet Kofi Adonteng Boateng leads the deliverance team

Prophet Kofi Adonteng Boateng ministering

Worship time

The Congregation

The Divine Choir during praises time

A cross section of the congregation

The congregation listening to the prophet with rapt attention

The packed auditorium

This page was paid for by Maame Hagar Anaman -Ghana

May 2 0 1 1

Afrikan Post

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John Blazewick and Nancy Agyapomaah Tie the Knot at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Virginia

John and Nancy exchanging their vows before Rev. Yaw Nkansah

Mr.and Mrs. Blazewick

The couple cutting the wedding cake

The Bridal Party

The Victory Singers

The wedding reception

Bridal party and families of bride and groom

Family of the Bride

Nancy’s last dance with Her Dad, Daniel Owusu

Afrikan

Triumphant Entry - Part 2 A Cultural Celebration Of Worship

By Pastor George Annan

In Matthew 21:1-9, 16; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-17 we read of a Biblical account popularly known as the triumphant entry.

Here the story is told of Jesus riding on a donkey decorated with garments.

The streets were also carpeted with garments while multitudes swing palm branches.

At that point in history Jesus was approaching His death in Jerusalem. From Bethphage He sent His disciples to go find an ass (donkey) in a specified location and bring it to Him. Jesus sat on the donkey and rode to Jerusalem with multitudes coming from all corners of the city waving and swinging palm branches and 'singing Hosanna to the son of David. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord Psalm 118:26'.

Under the subheading Symbolism; the Wikipedia, the on-line encyclopedia comment that "palm branch was a symbol of triumph and victory in pre-Christian times. The Romans rewarded champions of the games and celebrated military successes with palm branches. Jews followed a similar tradition of carrying palm branches during festive times" and is treated in other parts of the Bible as such e.g. Leviticus 23:40.

It was also a common custom in many lands in the ancient Near East to cover, in some way, the path of someone thought worthy of the highest honor with garments. The Hebrew Bible reports that Jehu, son of Jehoshaphat, was treated this way (2 kings 9:13). All the Gospels report that disciples and multitudes alike gave Jesus this form of honor.

Prophetic interpretation Matthew quotes a passage from Zechariah 9:9 when narrating the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:4-5. Meaning the event of the triumphant entry was a fulfillment to prophecy. God took the form of a man, came on earth and actually led His tribesmen in the celebration of culture. What a historic moment.

The Chief Priest and the Scribes demanded of Jesus to quieting His followers. Instead Jesus quoted a scripture in the Old Testament supporting the cultural celebration taken place. He affirmed that as long as the earth abides God had ordained, instituted the cultural expression of worship (Matthew 21:16; Psalm 8:2).

There are a number of ways of expressions in praises depending on a particular culture. In my book Experience God's Glory - the ultimate blessing for the true worshipper I have identified thirteen Ways of expressing worship

May

Post

with our bodies and one with nature. All the forms cannot be employed at any one point in time. Once you employ any one form you approve the rest. For instance if you sing hymns you also approve the use of instruments or shouting, dancing or lying down prostrate. Jesus employed some forms of expressions in worship.

He kneeled down Luke 22:44, laid prostrate in prayer Mark 14:35 and also accepted congregational expressions of culture in worship and praise when entering Jerusalem to accept His death on the cross.

One reason Jesus accepted the use of the expressions of our being, culture in other words the Tabernacle of David including the use of musical instruments in worship and praise is because the expressions are not essentials with regards to worship.

Worship is simply the offering of sacrifices while praises is an outward expression of worship. If our sacrifices or worship are not sincere our praises or expressions have no value Amos 5:21-23, Matthew Jesus confronted and celebrated the challenge of dying on the cross with confidence because He lived a life of sacrifice worshipping the father in truth and maintaining the right relationship with heaven.

If Christians learn to deny ourselves and live a life of sacrifice in obedience to God's word we will be worshipping the Father in Spirit and in Truth and just like our senior brother Jesus Christ we can have a triumphant entry into the territory of any upcoming challenges and problems and come out in grand style making a public spectacle of our enemies who had wished our downfall.

Excerpts from the book EXPERIENCE GOD'S GLORY - The Ultimate Blessing for the True Worshipper by Pastor George Annan ©2010 Visit www.redemptionnews.org or breakthroughhour.com to buy your copy.

Email: renewinme@redemptionnews.org

2011

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Cont. from Pg 18

BEHIND THE FAME - IKONZ you unique?

We don’t have one style we present. We sing a variety of music in different styles – we hit all the genres of music- from hip hop to dancehall.

Lyrikal has the gift of singing in various vocal tones, and he likes to rap and sing in English and Twi. Physically, Lyrikal has the beard and mustache and he is popularly known as “Kweku Abojwis3”. Qweku Zixu likes to mix his vocal styles by singing in Fanti and English and rapping. Qweku Zixu does the controversial lyrics.

Plus he is very good at dance hall.

11. How do you create songs?

Music is based on the environment. Yes there are times when we sit down together, with the intention of creating and writing a song. However, we also read books, watch movies, listen to our friends discuss their issues in life—everyday life is what inspires us in terms of our music.

12. How does Africa receive your music? What makes people connect to your music?

Africa has received our music very very well.

We have a single called “Party Rida”, which is doing well in several regions of Africa. It is doing very well in Cameroon and the video is being played on Channel 4 in South Africa- so yes, our music is being received quite well across the continent. Outside of the continent of Africa, our song “Lose Control” is doing quite well in the United Kingdom.

We think people connect to our music because we don’t follow trends. If there is a style of music that is hot, we don’t make music in that same style just because it is hot during that moment of time. We do not follow trends- we

just make music.

with big time performers like Sarkodie and Ruff and Smooth?

Sarkodie was Qweku Zixu’s junior classmate at Tema Methodist Day High School, so we have all known him for a while. Ruff and Smooth have been friends of the family, so we have known them for a while as well. We are very appreciative of all the artists we collaborate with.

16. Let’s pick one song—Back Case— what is that song about?

Back case is about lifestyles. In life we get so caught up in other people’s business.

The song “Back Case” is about focusing on yourself and minding your own business.

17. Have you started making videos for your upcoming album?

Yes, in fact, this Friday (May 6, 2011), we will be shooting the video for “Back Case (Remix)”. It will be an All Star video shoot with Trigmatic, Captain Planet, Okra Tom Dawidi, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy Burniton, Guru, Bra Kevin Beats, Tipaeley Brothers and all Tema Stars. We will be filming the video in Accra, around Cantoments- and we expect it to be a fun and exciting shoot.

18. A year from now, should I expect to see you at the Ghana Music Awards?

Absolutely!! We hope to be nominated for 13. How has music changed since you were a best collaboration and best video. kid, in terms of beats, lyrics, and composition? ******** ****** Over time, music has changed significantly.

Now the music contains more beats and IKONZ is a musical group in Ghana, coninstrumentals, making the music sound better. sisting of two members, Qweku Zixu and In terms of access, social networks like Lyrikal. Their latest track, "Back Case" has Facebook are helping musicians get their been released and they have several more music across borders. We definitely believe mind-blowing tracks that will be released that music is changing for the better. in the near future. You can hear their tracks at : www.reverbnation.com/ikonz Keep your ears open for the 14. When will IKONZ release an album?

IKONZ sound.

We plan on releasing an album sometime this year, hopefully around August 2011. The album will have 12 tracks and will be entitled, “Tema Nightmare: Mission I”.

15. How were you able to get collaborations

Afrikan

Post

May 2011 King chose to walk in the ways of God and massively profited from it.

GRACE FRONTIER

Rev. Kwabby Adom-Fosu Email address: adomso@aol.com

FAITH honors GOD and GOD honors FAITH. He sought the Lord in the days of Zachariah who had understanding in the visions of God. So long as he sought the Lord, the Lord made him prosper - 2 Ch 25:5 Mercy is the most important attribute of God. When Moses went to God at the tent and asked to see God's glory. He might probably have reminded Moses, have you forgotten you are a murderer? I am going to talk to you about my mercy. It is my mercy that left you off the hook.

As a result God passed by and proclaimed his mercy and compassion instead. (Ex 33:19)God is merciful. His mercy let go and forgives what a person deserves: judgment; condemnation. And His grace endows what an individual does not deserve: salvation; favor. No human being can reach God's standard by himself. God always meets anyone who comes to Him half way by grace (Eph. 2:8-9) The mercy of God overlooks every sin committed if an individual trusts God(Ps 32:10) Naomi and her family journeyed from Israel to the land of Moab, there her husband and two sons died and she decided to go back to Israel.

Her two daughter-in-laws decided to follow her.Naomi tried to talk them out of it. Orpha agreed. But Ruth did not budge. Destiny urged her on. She said I will follow you, your God will be my God and your people will be my people.

By her confession of faith in God, Ruth literally forced herself into the Kingdom of God and took her place in history. With the heart you believe and with the mouth confession is made into salvation. (Rom 10:8-11) By faith, she who was banished from the assembly of the Lord, (Deut 28:3) pushed herself into the line of David and the genealogy of Christ the King.

Ruth is the main reason why I am emboldened to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Why? The benefits are immense; Jer. 17:7-8 says blessed are those who trust in the Lord whose confidence is in Him. They shall be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

Her moral integrity won God's approval and was handsomely rewarded. (Isa 54:14) She forgot the anguish of an early widowGod honors faith! hood. Married a wealthy man and lived large.

There are only two books in the bible named God abhors prostitution so much that after women: Ruth, the Moabite and Queen even the offering of a prostitute was not Esther. allowed in the temple. You must not bring the earning of a female prostitute or a male God honors faith.

Listen to this, Uzziah, the son of Amaziah prostitute into the House of the Lord your sought the Lord in the days of Zachariah who God to pay a vow. Because the Lord you God detests them both. (Deut 23:18) had understanding in the visions of God. So long as he sought the Lord. God made him Yet Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho also prosper. (2 Ch. 26:5) This young guy, Uzziah had become King pushed herself into the genealogy of Jesus Christ. (Matt 1:5) Just by her confession of of Judah at the age of sixteen. You know at faith in the God of Israel (Josh 2:9-12) sixteen he did not have any significant life Rahab was in the mode of the 'DC Madam' experience; personal or vicarious to rule a -- Deborah Jeanne Palfrey; a woman nation. Political sagacity was alien to him. charged with running a Washington, D.C.He did not know any statecraft. As result he area prostitution ring -- she had access to sought out a mentor, and found one in the the High and the Low: the Cream and the person of a knowledgeable pastor (Jer.3:15) Dregs of the society. If you could pay for it by name Zachariah who enlarged to him the you could have it. She was at the city gate decrees of life; principles that govern life. whoever went through the gate went Uzziah practiced it. through her. Intelligence gatherers loved her Boy-king Uzziah was but a teenager. place owing to the fact that she could However, he decided not to do what some privileged teenagers do: drugs, alcohol, con- seduce men to tell it all. A commercial sex quering girls, late night partying etc. Though worker, even her money was not accepted in Church, so long as she was practicing her he did not have any parental restrictions, no school or house work assigned to him. As a trade. But with her change of heart and king of a sovereign Kingdom, he had no cur- repentance God accepted her person. The only condition for pardon is repentance (I few yet he decided to do God; he went to John.1:9) Faith honors God and God honors church. He set the fear of God before him.

And prosperity married his soul. He excelled. faith.

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23 year old Ghanaian medical student mobilizes funds to save life of ailing sister Cont. from pg. 24 to his adopted community for help in bringing Adoma to the United States for treatment. This young man's family is heavily depending on him to find a hospital that will take on his sister's surgery and long-term treatment as a charity case and to raise the needed funds to support that treatment.

Juliana Oates, a permanent resident of the United States, is the mother of both Kodjo Karikari and Akua Adoma Ofori and in a phone conversation with Juliana, I found out that she cannot bear the financial burden involved in taking care of her daughter's medical condition since she herself does not have health insurance here in the USA. Juliana however believes she can cover the expense of flying her daughter to seek medical attention in the States once the money to take care of the operation and after-care of the operation has been secured.

For now, she has abandoned her job in the States and has flown back home to Ghana to be by her daughter's bedside as she helps Adoma win the batAll you need is faith in God; believe with tle to hang on to dear life. Adoma's mother calls on If you set the fear of God before you, you people willing to make donations to her daughters your heart and confess with your mouth invite God's mercy and grace into your tent. cause but do not want to do it online to write a (Rom 10:8-9) Yes it is that simple. If you God's ability comes to pitch camp in your paper check to Walk On Foundation Inc., P.O. Box think you do not qualify, do think again. capability. Grace opens favorable doors to you. (Zach. 4:6) God advertises Himself as a The mercy of God is flowing earnestly like 62, Mifflinburg, PA 17844. Hope4Adoma is also accepting recommendations of medical professionRiver Amazon and it is available to all.

Living God in your life. His favor that can als and hospitals in the United States that might take you to your desired destination smiles at agree to treat Ms. Akua Adoma Ofori.

Talk about the Syrophoenician woman, you. Why? Because you have put your trust in Him (Ps. 32:10) You make it where others not in covenant with the Lord but she wanted Jesus to drive out an evil spirit from her Today, Kodjo Karikari, is a volunteers at have failed, all because you have decided to Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg daughter. She was a Greek born in Syria obey the Word of God. (Is.66:2). Uzziah Phoenicia. Jesus told her, let the children eat Pennsylvania who needs your help in saving his sischose God. first all they want. For it is not right to give ter's life. Kodjo hopes to become a pediatric oncoloTeenagers, it is choices you make not gist, orthopedic surgeon or general surgeon in the the children's bread to the dogs; the Jews chances you take that determines your dessee all gentiles - you and I - as dogs. But the future and he tells me that watching his sister battle tiny. for life is somewhat saddening, yet the entire situaIn church Uzziah developed godly charac- woman did not give up, she quipped even tion has emboldened him and filled him with much the dogs eat the cramps under the table. ter, which is the foundation of a life well lived. (Is.54:14) Godly character enables you Jesus then commended her faith and healed more determination to make his dreams a reality. As the first person in his family to graduate college, he her daughter. (Mk 7:25-30) to avoid the pitfalls of life and there are says he'll be extremely happy his family and above many.

She did not let Jesus words deter her. She all, his sister Adoma, shares in his moment of joy as A woman placed a 911 call, angrily wantpersevered and got her daughter delivered. "‌that moment, belongs to us all." ing to know why they had allowed trains on She honored God with her faith in Him and the highway. Highway Patrol fed her phone So where do I come into the picture in all this you God honored Her. number into their Geographic Positioning ask? Well Juliana Oates is my father's ex-wife, System and located her in no time. And when Kodjo Karikari (who will be first to graduate colFaith conquers; it does the impossible, they administered sobriety test on her, she lege on his side of the family and is indeed my half failed. She had excessively consumed liquor believes the incredible and sees the invisibrother as said in paragraph two of this piece) and I ble. Invite the Spirit of Faith (2 Cor. 4:13) and as a result had impaired vision. into your tent and you will see the impossi- share Juliana for a mother and Adoma, well yes Consequently, she was seeing trucks caught Adoma is my very own half sister. All of us, includble become possible. (1 Jn 5:4) How do in traffic as trains. ing Kwame Asante, Adoma's immediate brother and Highway Patrol subjected her to a sobri- you get faith by listening to the Word of all friends and family members are praying to God God (Rom 10:17) Try that. Will you? ety test because you do not see trains on the for our sister's life‌ I personally think it's funny highway. If you drive on the highways you how life goes around in circles! meet automobiles, on the rails you meet trains. Up there in the skies you meet airplanes and on the seas you certainly meet ships.

If you walk in the ways of God you will meet God, that is for sure. Uzziah the teenage

Afrikan

Post

May

Culture and Arts - Profiles

Nollywood star, Pat Attah now a preacher

Nwosu, towards the end of his life, found comfort in religion as he told a reporter late in 2009: “Something new is happening in my life. Although, I have always been a Christian, the level, which I have gone now is higher. I have never in my life envisaged this.”

He has been absent from the movie scene for some time now and is making huge waves in Europe with his music career.

He was the star of Glamour Girls, the first ever Nollywood English movie released in 1994.

Several media outfits including online sites are reporting that Nollwood actor Pat Attah is born again and is currently winning souls for Christ.

According to the reports, Pat who is currently based in Hamburg, Germany has turned into a preacher and is using social network sites including Facebook to deliver his sermon/message

Since then, he has featured and starred in over 40 movies including Secret Fantasy, Final Spirit of Love, Fools in Love, More than Gold, Only Love and Songs of Sorrow.

His passing is the fifth major death to have hit the Nigerian celebrity and entertainment industry this year.

Ashley Nwosu, actor and thespian who came to fame with the movie Day of Reckoning in the early days of Nollywood has died. He passed at the Military Hospital, Yaba Lagos on Thursday April 21 of complications arising from liver disease. He had fallen into a coma on Monday.

Nwosu once described music as his one true love and acting as his second but found fame in front of the camera playing domestic roles of husband, father and sugar daddy in most of his

Global News while gathering this piece took time to contact the movie practitioner but we were told by her media representative that she is out of the country.

However, the source of worry to some is who could be responsible for the alleged pregnancy as it becomes more evident as time passes on. On this note, one person that has repeatedly come to mind is businessman and CNN consultant, Linus Idahosa. Remember, the two have been romantically linked in recent times and they never deny it. They have been spotted severally at different functions displaying their love in public recently.

they drifted far from each other, they continuously missed the old lives they left behind. Can they come back together? The movie answers this…

Saturday, June 4 · 7:00pm – 11:30pm IIT McMCLOSKA AUDITORIUM Ghanaian Actress “Joyceline Gyimah” has put 3201 S STATE ST Chicago, IL (a Robert Peters film) “the perfect love story until it together a perfect story for her yet to hit the market movie “Immoral Affair”. Directed by becomes the perfect crime” A RED CARPET EVENT. Robert Peters and starring Joyceline Gyimah, ADVANCE TICKET $10 $15 AT GATE. CALL 312 Chet Anekwe, Femi Ossai, Sena Kanu and others, “Immoral Affair” re-echoes the adage 217 8380. “what belongs to you shall surely find you”.

CONTACT JOYCELIN GYIMAH @ 312 217-8380 OR NANA WIAFE AKENTEN II. “In “Immoral Affair”, two different set of SHEFILMS@YAHOO.COM. lovers fall in and out of love. Even though

Source:onlinenigeria.com

pregnancy and for other personal reasons.

“Immoral Affair” featuring Joyce Gyimah Premieres in Chicago on June 4th

A SHEFILMS/LINZYDELL PRODUCTION .PROUDLY INVITES YOU TO THE PREMIERE OF IMMORAL AFFAIR IN CHICAGO.

Abia-born Nwosu started his career like most actors of his generation at the government-run NTA and performed in TV soaps.

He played a part in the break away success Glamour Girls 1 and 2 in 1992 among many others. He claimed to have lost count of the number of Nollywood flicks he had acted in.

Stephanie Okereke Pregnant For New Lover Linus Idahosa

Story by Ernest Dela Aglanu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana

Immoral Affair has an intriguing storyline full of betrayal, mystery, obsession and Love”.

34

movies.

Pat, one of the pioneers of the Nigerian movie industry, apart from acting, is also a fashion model and musician.

Pat burst onto the Nollywood scene in the early 90s playing the lead character in the popular Nigerian soap, Mega Fortunes, acting as Ken.

Page

Nollywood veteran actor Ashley Nwosu is dead

to those who log on.

Reports have it that he, with his band, has performed at several major musical concerts around Europe, including the Hamburg Xmas Reggae Sunsplash, Live Demo Concert in Berlin, Torino Reggae Gig, the Black History Month concerts in Hamburg in 2008 and 2010.

2011

Nollywood screen diva, Stephanie Okereke is reportedly pregnant. Those who saw the actress before her departure for United States of America affirmed this. It was said by those who saw her recently that she now has a protruded tummy, which indicates she could be on a ninemonth course. This would not be the first time a pregnancy allegation would be speculated around the actress. During President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s presidential declaration in Abuja , tatafos who ran into her also came out with similar speculation. While the gist is high flying, some close allies of her have taken their time to quiz her on the authenticity of the pregnancy story, but the lady has refused to answer anyone as she continues with her life and career. It was even said that she has relocated to Los Angeles in America to keep eyes off the

They were sighted at Auto Lounge on Lagos island where both held each other tightly, grinning from ear to ear and throwing banters last year. Another outing was at the MNET Face of Africa event which took place on February 6, 2010 at the Eko Hotel Exhibition Centre, Victoria Island in Lagos . We learnt they also demonstrated their love to all and sundry that very evening. Read more in Global News Categorised as : News by globalnewsnigeria

Afrikan

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May 2011

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Internet Kissing Machine Invented Sheryl Cwele: SA minister's wife gets 12-year jail term with his tongue. A program stores the movements on a computer and then transmits them to another device, causing its tube to move -presumably in someone else's mouth.

But how many countries in the rest of Africa - or further abroad - would allow the relative of a minister of intelligence to be jailed?

The idea is to help lovers -- in long-distance relationships, say -- by transmitting the tactile sensation of kissing from one person to another. The lab is running both devices on the same computer, but says a system could be set up to connect them via the Web. We admit to being sort of creeped out by this: A Japanese lab has created a device that may let let you "French kiss" someone over the Internet.

And by "kiss," we mean waggle your tongue on a plastic straw, thereby making another plastic straw waggle remotely on someone else's tongue.

"Kiss information" can be recorded and replayed, presumably meaning someone could save and share a "kiss" over and over.

"For example, if you have a popular entertainer use this device and record it, that could be hugely popular if you offer it to fans," Takahashi says. (Can you say, "Justin Bieber"?)

The researchers seem to realize that most people might not exactly find licking a plasHot, huh? tic tube a suitable replacement for sucking face. But there are refinements on the way, Well, the folks at Tokyo's Kajimoto Laboratory say it's just the beginning of what they say. could become a full-on person-to-person "The elements of a kiss include the sense of experience over the Internet. taste, the manner of breathing and the moistness of the tongue," Takahashi said. "If we The lab, part of The University of Electrocan re-create all of those, I think it will be a Communications, posted a video in which a really powerful device." researcher demonstrates the "Kiss Transmission Device." It's a motorized box that looks a little like a police Breathalyzer.

In the video, Nobuhiro Takahashi, a graduate student and researcher at the university, manipulates the plastic tube on one device

Source: CNN

Boats capsize in Togo: '36 dead' At least 36 people have died in Togo when according to the Reuters news agency. their boats capsized during a storm, offi"Then two or three other smaller boats carrycials say. ing women and children also capsized," he The boats were caught in strong winds and said, adding that he had lost three of his children who were with him. torrential rain as they sailed across Lake Togo, about 40km (25 miles) east of the capital, Lome.

Police say the victims were returning home from a funeral on the other side of the lake.

Local official Akouete Edan said there were 21 survivors and that most of those killed were students.

It is not known how many people were on board the boats, and a search is continuing for further bodies.

"When the winds hit, the largest boat carrying some men and drums capsized first," a survivor told a local radio station,

Women's Minister Henriette Amedjogbe travelled with the prime minister to the village of Agbodankope, where many of those killed came from.

"It is a real tragedy," she said, according to the AFP news agency.

"We came to bring you the support of the government and the Togolese people."

Source: BBC

Sheryl Cwele, the wife of South Africa's intelligence minister, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail for drug trafficking.

Cwele, married to Siyabonga Cwele, was convicted of recruiting women to smuggle drugs into the country.

Her accomplice, Nigerian national Frank Nabolisa, received the same sentence.

Allegations of drug trafficking surfaced in 2009 after the arrest of a South African woman caught in Brazil with cocaine worth $300,000 (ÂŁ200,000).

She was found with 10kg (22lb) of cocaine in her luggage.

There was a solemn atmosphere at the Pietermaritzburg High Court on Friday when the pair arrived for sentencing, South Africa's Times newspaper reports.

Delivering the sentence, Judge Piet Koen described their offences as serious.

"Many families are affected by drugs which are brought here illegally. They suffer as a result of dealers who often initiate addiction by constant supply and thrive on that addiction," he said.

The pair, who had pleaded not guilty, say they will appeal against their drug-trafficking conviction and can remain at liberty until the appeal hearing.

Nor is it the first time such well-connected individuals have fallen foul of the law. Former police chief Jackie Selebi was found guilty of corruption last year. And the ruling African National Congress managed to remove Thabo Mbeki as head of state after the party lost confidence in his ability to lead the country.

None of these were easy to accomplish, but they were done within the law and without a mutiny in the security forces.

They could have received up to 15 years in prison.

Opposition parties have called for Mr Cwele to step down, arguing that if he is not aware of his wife's illegal activities, he should no longer be in charge of the country's intelligence-gathering.

"Either the minister knew about his wife's operation to distribute hard drugs and benefited from it," opposition Congress of the People spokesman Phillip Dexter said in a statement posted on the Polity.org.za politics portal.

"Or he did not know about it, casting aspersions on his competency for the role of minister of state security.

"Either way, this entire episode is an embarrassing blow to the reputation of South Africa and its government," he said.

Mr Cwele says he will not comment on the case until after the appeal has been heard.

Source:BBC

There are two ways of looking at this story. One is to suggest that it indicates that the illicit drugs industry has penetrated the highest echelons of South African society.

Afrikan Post News as it happens .

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2011

Page 36

Natasha Beckley crowned Miss Sierra Leone 2011 in singing and miming, dancing and other forms of artistic display. In the Question and Answer session, the contestants displayed their intellect and oratory. At the end of the contest, Miss Natasha Beckley was declared the winner. Umu Bayoh was first runner-up while Ramatulai Bangura was second runner-up.

The 5 feet 8 inches tall, skinny, soft spoken 24 years old Natasha Beckley stole the show right from the start. Her glittering and mouthwatering performance convinced the audience that she was a deserving winner.

The rhythmic movement of Natasha’s feet, the swaying of her hips and the portrait of her immaculate beauty were attestation that she was indeed the deserving winner,” pointed out one of the audience.

Whenever she appeared on the stage, she was hailed and exulted by the audience. Her posture, body build, height, sparkling beaming eyes and her mesmerizing cat-walks was spectacular and mouth watering. Side attractions included musical performances.

(Photo: Miss Sierra Leone 2011, Natasha Beckley) Sierra Leonean U.S based charismatic pageant queen, Swadu Natasha Beckley, a finalist in the Miss Africa-USA 2010 pageant, on Friday April 29, 2011 was crowned with the enviable title of Miss Sierra Leone 2011. The highly enthralling show that was organized by the Madam Yoko Entertainment Group was co-sponsored by the nation's choice for communication, Comium-SL and Pinnacle Media World..

The annual organized national event was hotly contested by ten beauty queens from across the country and abroad. Miss Beckley represented Bombali District. Some other contestants for this year’s prestigious 2011 Miss Sierra Leone were Mahawa Massaquoi, Ramatuali Bangura, Elizabeth Tutu, Kadiatu Conteh popularly known as Aunty P, Basiyatu, Natasha Beckley, and Umu Bayoh.

The categories for the pageant included Africana dress, casual dress, evening/party dress, beachwear, executive dress, talent show, and a Questions and Answers session. The contestants displayed their talents and showcased their beauty in their different attires to the thunderous applaud of elated and emotionally cheering crowds.

The pageantry and glamour displayed dispelled the old age adage that the beautiful ones are not yet born.

Speaking to this reporter immediately after the show, the Executive Director of Madam Yoko Entertainment who has the franchise to send Sierra Leoneans premier beauty queens to Miss World, Mr. Sida Asumana Mansaray, said that he was very pleased with the way and manner in which the contest ended.

He heaped praises on particularly the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, the Government of Sierra Leone, Pinnacle Media World and the best mobile operator in the country, Comium-SL, for their unflinching support of the Miss Sierra Leone annual pageant contest.

desires to promote Sierra Leone and the education of young girls Natasha’s first international pageant win has really made Sierra Leone proud. As 1st runner up, Natasha is the first African Princess; winner of the Diplomats Award and also winner of the Best Promoter award, including an array of gifts, presents and some cash.

Natasha says she owes her performance at this finale to God, her family; her church family at the United Wesleyan Church, Alexandria, Virginia and the many little girls in Sierra Leone and Africa in general and to the members of the “Natasha FC” soccer club in Freetown. The 24 year old poet (with over 300 poems in her name) and a senior majoring in foreign studies at the University of Virginia’s college at Wise is current Miss Sierra Leone in Washington DC, 2009 and reigning Miss University of Virginia, Wise, 2009.

About her future plans, Swadu had this to say: “I believe that I have found my calling. As a young SALONE tity I intend to publish my first book of original poems entitled “Beauty, Brains, and Good Lyrics; complete my Bachelors in foreign studies, then pursue a Masters in Public Health. I believe that I have what it takes to make a difference in the lives of my sisters in Sierra Leone.” Natasha Beckley is a woman that has dedicated herself to improving the lives of Sierra Leonean women. “I have pride in my culture, and a strong belief in the capacity of the Sierra Leonean woman. I am proud to be Sierra Leonean and I love my country,” she noted before departing to the USA.

By Ibrahim Babatunde Sesay Sierra Express Media

Also, in an exclusive interview with this reporter before departing for the USA, Natasha Beckley noted that her dream has become to true after clinching the Miss Sierra Leone title. She added that she is going to raise the country’s flag high in the Miss World Pageant contest.

“I am determined to put my country’s flag high in the global world,” she promised.

Natasha heaped praises on her entire family, her fans and particularly her uncle, Hon. Alpha Khan and her mother who supported her tremendously during the course of the pageant contest.

Below is a short profile of Ms Sierra Leone 2011 Natasha Beckley

One category that greatly caught the imagination of the audience was the Africana dress as the contestants cat-walked the stage in elegant and extravagant masterpiece designs. The event set the Family Kingdom ablaze with roar of applauds from supporters of the different contestants.

Ms. Swadu Natasha Beckley, left the shores of Sierra Leone at the age of 10. She was jealous of local school children who had smart new uniforms to wear to school and wished that she could have shared that experience. Natasha is currently providing scholarships to over 50 girls in secondary school in Freetown and hopes to raise more funds to support Another eagerly watched event that thrilled the audience was the beachwear as the queens posed to exhibit their physical and natural the project. Students from many of Freetown’s girl schools beauty leaving an awe-struck the distinguished panel of judges and that attended the show thanked Miss Beckley with a mixture of song, poetry, and jokes. The reigning champion launched the audience to draw their conclusion. her scholarship program in Freetown before a guest of 200 Under the talent show category, the ladies showcased their talents students, parents, and teachers. Natasha expressed her deep

Miss Natasha Beckley

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2011

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May 2011

Virginia Black Star to Join America Soccer league in Arlington.

Open Recruitment 20-40 Years Interested Players should call

Nigerian Star Killed In Car Accident

Kwame Asomaning 571-234-2025

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Published By B r i ght H ouse P roductions Managi ng Edi tor G e orge Bri ght -Abu Em a il:e ditor@ afri kanpost . com Nigerian international Olubayo Adefemi has died in a car accident. The 25-year-old Skoda Xanthi defender lost control of his vehicle on the Egnatia motorway while driving to Salonika in northern Greece.

Police said the former Rapid Bucharest player was on his way to finalise details of his wedding when the accident happened.

Adefemi joined Xanthi last summer and made 24 appearances for the club, scoring two goals. He

was also capped three times by Nigeria.

A statement from the Greek football federation read: "The Super League and the entire Greek football family would like to express its deepest condolences and sympathy for the family of Olubayo Adefemi, who died tragically in a car accident."

Am y AnsongH a rdc opy/pri nt copy edi t or)

Source: thesun.co.uk

Sierra Leonean wins Italian Title draw against the Giallorossi at the Stadio Olimpico. The former FC Kallon midfielder is the first Sierra Leonean to lift the Scudetto with AC Milan.

Alhaji Danso 240-461-1241 Kofi Oppong (Capito) 703-459-3937 RolandBoateng 571-332-8966

Afrikan Post 6236 Oscar Court Woodbridge VA 22193

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For Further Information Jerry Wiafe 703-786-7070 Osei Tawiah 703-229-2429 Sylvester Agyeman 571-423-9723 Dennis Duku 571-405-8098 Sulley Yusif 571-201-7406 Kofi Sakyi 571-431-9388 Kwame Ahenkorah (Phobia) 571-436-7929 Paapa Ameyaw 571-315-4848 Caesar 571-278-9775

Page 39

Strasser made his first-team debut on 21 December 2008, in a 5–1 win against Udinese, coming on as a substitute for Kakha Kaladze in the 82nd minute has stated “It’s a good feeling to win a major title after joining the first History for the young Sierra Leonean team permanently.” midfielder Rodney Strasser who joined Milan in 2007 and was part of According to reports, this is the the Rossoneri side that cinched the eighth Scudetto and the 27th title Italian league title, the team’s first in the Berlusconi era. Strasser’s Serie A title since 2004 . first appearance of the season Strasser 21, in 2009-10 who also won the Coppa Italia Primavera has said he is very much excited for such a wonderful achievement in his career.

was in a UEFA Champions’ League group stage 2–0 win against Auxerre on 23 November which also marked his debut in European club competition, January 6, 2011 he went on to score a vital goal in his Milan career against Cagliari and that was a vital three points for the Rossoneri.

“The is the greatest moment and a wonderful achievement of my career and I want to thank everyone that supported me, including my Manager Massimiliano Allegri for his trust in me with opportunities this season to make the Milan squad, Strasser told Source:Sierra Express Media Sierra Express Media.

This is Milan’s 18th league title, and has two games go, after a goalless

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