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Vol 4 Issue 1

The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation Honors African Statesmen Visit us on the web www.afrikanpost.com Every Sunday 11.30am-2.45pm

Afrikan Post

January 2012

Common Immigration Scams

From the Editor

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

We ar e committted to b r in g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ia s po r a. Yo u ma y a ls o vis it o u r web s ite www. af r ika n p os t.com f o r d a ily n ews u pd a tes f o r Af r ica .

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

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site with: If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure that the person you rely on is authorized to give you Free downloadable forms legal advice. Only an attorney or an accredited represen- Form Instructions Information on filing fees and processing times tative working for a Board of Immigration Appeals-recognized organization can give you legal advice.

Do not pay for blank USCIS forms either in person or over the Internet.

The Internet, newspapers, radio, community bulletin

George Bright-Abu Publisher and Editor

To Advertise Your Business or contribute

Call 703- 725- 6968 or E-mail: editor@afrikanpost.com Address: Bright House Productions 6236 Oscar Court Woodbridge VA 22193 D E PA R T M E N T S Vol. 4 Issue 1

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Mercy Johnson Wins Most Outstanding Actress in Africa Pg. 36

US Africa Facts Pg. 35

HEALTH

5 Fastest Growing Diseases in the World Pg. 13

HER PAGE

Let me Not Be Ashamed Pg. 20

SPORTS

2012 Africa Cup of Nations Pg. 39

UPDATE

Rocky Dawuni Makes CNN’s List Of Africa’s Ten Biggest Artistes Pg. 34

boards and storefronts are filled with advertisements offering immigration help. Not all of this information is from attorneys and accredited representatives. There is a lot of information that comes from organizations and individuals who are not authorized to give you legal advice, such as “notarios” and other unauthorized representatives. The wrong help can hurt. Here is some important information that can help you avoid common immigration scams.

Visa Lottery

Once a year, the Department of State (DOS) makes 50,000 diversity visas (DVs) available via random selection to persons meeting strict eligibility requirements and who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. During this time, it is common for immigration scammers to advertise in emails or websites that reference either the: DV lottery “Notario Publico” Visa lottery In many Latin American countries, the term “notario pub- Green Card lottery lico” (for “notary public”) stands for something very difThese emails and websites often claim that they can make ferent than what it means in the United States. In many it easier to enter the annual Diversity Immigrant Visa Spanish-speaking nations, “notarios” are powerful attorProgram, for a fee. Some even identify you as a DV lotneys with special legal credentials. In the U.S., however, tery “winner.” notary publics are people appointed by state governments to witness the signing of important documents and administer oaths. "Notarios publico,” are not authorized These emails and websites are fraudulent. The only way to apply for the DV lottery is through an official governto provide you with any legal services related to immiment application process. DOS does not send emails to gration. applicants. Visit the Department of State website to verify if you are actually a winner in the DV lottery or for inforPlease see the National Notary Association website mation on how to submit an application for a DV lottery "What is a Notary Public" for more information. visa.

Local Businesses

Some businesses in your community “guarantee” they can get you benefits such as a: Visa Green Card Employment Authorization Document

These businesses sometimes charge you a higher fee to file the application than USCIS charges. They claim they can do this faster than if you applied directly with USCIS. These claims are false. There are few exceptions to the normal USCIS processing times. Visit our National Processing Volumes and Trends page for more information.

Dot-com websites

Some websites offering step-by-step guidance on completing a USCIS application or petition will claim to be affiliated with USCIS. USCIS has its own official web-

INS or USCIS?

To this day, some local businesses, websites and individuals make reference to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). This agency no longer exists!

INS was dismantled on March 1, 2003, and most of its functions were transferred from the Department of Justice to three new components within the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the component that grants immigration benefits. The other two components are U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

All official correspondence regarding your immigration case will come from USCIS. Source:www.uscis.gov

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January 2012

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The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation Honors African Statesmen and the African Union

The 10th Sullivan Honors event brought together Africanists from around the US, ready to see the 2011 Sullivan Honorees revealed. It was an exciting evening that brought together members of the African Diplomatic Community, Heads of State, Congressmen, and Senators.

The Sullivan Honors are named for the late Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, and Honorees were being recognized for championing human rights, democracy, good governance, poverty eradication, and a commitment to solving Africa’s ailing issues in economic development.

The 2011 distinguished Honorees were former Ghanaian President John A. Kufuor, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, and the African Union.

Mrs. Hope Sullivan Masters, President and CEO of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation stated at the 2011 Sullivan Honors, “Tonight, we honor Africa…we celebrate all of Africa…and we celebrate very significant sons of Africa this evening.”

US Agency for International Development Former Ghanaian President John A. Kufuor receiving his award Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah was also in attendance and gave a speech stating, “We (USAID) remain committed to making sure we engage with the continent…in a manner that is respectful, in a manner that prioritizes partnerships, in a manner that respects the great innovation and incredible success of so many African economies; that even during this challenging time for the global community are growing at 7, 8, 9, or 10%.”

The role of development: promoting economic growth, eradicating poverty, and creating an environment of hope, is one in part of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation’s ideals.

Dr. Shah went on to say, “We stand with you in a spirit of real partnership and support, and we seek to learn as much from our engagements on the continent as we have to offer…”

Distinguished guests of the night included members of congress such as Congressman Bobby Rush, who was honored with the title of “Sullivan Soldier”—a title given to individuals for their commitment toward building community service projects and providing a voice to individuals who have none. Other Sullivan Soldiers included Reverend Peter Mathews, Reverend Tony Lee, and Ralph Perkins.

Congressman Bobby Rush, in the opening of his speech, paid tribute to the late Rev. Sullivan stating that, “Dr. Leon Sullivan was a visionary who saw beyond our problems and recognized our potential, he saw beyond our differences and recognized our distinction, he saw beyond our poverty and recognized our prosperity. Let me remind you that the Sullivan Principles are the proven pathways for Africa and the diaspora…”

The 2011 Sullivan Honors ended with R&B singer Tyrese Gibson and remarks by John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation Hope and a member of President Barack Obama’s Presidential Advisory Council on Financial Capability.

The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Mark Lamont Hill, a leading Hip-hop intellectual, Columbia University professor, TV Host, and writer for the Washington Post, Essence Magazine, and the New York Times. Other distinguished guests included President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, who had the opportunity to speak, and Prime Minister Guillaume Soro of Ivory Coast. Former President of the World Bank and former Under Secretary of the Department of Defense Mr. Paul Wolfowitz was also present.

Source:http://thesullivanfoundation.org

President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea

Mrs. Hope Sullivan Masters, President and CEO of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation

From left :Former Presidents Kuffour (Ghana) and Olusegun Obasanjo(Nigeria), Prime Minister Guillaume Soro of Ivory Coast, and President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo(Middle) after receiving his award

Congressman Bobby Rush

Master of Ceremonies , Dr. Mark Lamont Hill, a Hip-hop intellectual, Columbia University professor, TV Host, and writer for the Washington Post, Essence Magazine, and the New York Times

R&B singer and Actor Tyrese Gibson entertaining the guests

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The Save Your Village or Town Project initiative of Ken Atta-Boakye While these accomplishments are impressive, Ken, in my conversation with him went on to still make a passionate appeal to Ghanaians in the Diaspora to go that extra mile because he personally feel the have the capability to do that so long as they're willing to.

By Oral Ofori

Some have already taken that bold initiative and like Oliver Twist, Mr. Atta-Boakye is asking for others to follow in this laudable initiative as he is himself also leading by example and giving more meaning to his words. How is Ken backing his words with action I asked and he answers simply by saying “Project Save Your Village/Town”. This project according to him is an initiative targeted at directly connecting the migrant Ghanaians with their people at home.

that, "It was an even greater joy for such prominent 'returnees' or ‘been-tos’ to have some of the people they left behind actually recalling and referring to them by their actual names and inquiring of their well being. You would turn around and exclaim… so he remembers my name?!”.

This flashback was my old uncle's way of telling me that the people we left back home are looking up to us to help them, so we must therefore not disappoint them. This story opens a whole new chapter for me, it especially made me rethink my purpose for sending money back home and if anything at all, it encouraged that effort!

When I asked Ken to tell me more about the efforts of his and his friends to raise Ken Atta-Boakye is like an uncle of mine How the project is intended to work is for the awareness of the children as our and even though we've known each other greatest asset, he told me that they have it to pool resources and expertise from for barely half a decade, he has been able to formed and registered the ‘Campaign to Ghanaians in the diaspora to be taken back leave a positive mark on me for the simple home to Ghana to champion causes like the Promote Civic Education in Ghana’ with fact that he's always done his most to elethe Commonwealth of Virginia in the provision education to children in respecvate Ghana by placing it on a much higher USA, State Corporation Commission in tive villages that are going to benefit from pedestal. Recently I've been speaking with this project. A simple effort like collecting the USA. Ken encouraged all who Mr. Atta-Boakye about his efforts towards books that will further enhance and broad- believe in this dream and have the passtarting a movement of ideas that will en the intellectual horizon of students back sion to assist or to help “Project Save encourage Ghanaians both at home and Your Village/Town” to kindly call the in Ghana would go a long way in suppleabroad to start working at lifting the image number below for details. The book for menting what they're already receiving of the country. this project is in print and will be from the educational systems back home. released in January 2012 for all to have One major draw back to the attainment of a access to read it. The book is by Ken Today's 2011 Basic Education Certificate Ghana filled with contented citizens is the Atta-Boakye and is called “Campaign to Examinations (BECE) results is not somelack of confidence in leadership and the Promote Civic Education in Ghana.” so thing to be proud of, especially in the rural brain drain situation. So diminished is the be on the alert and expect me to bring areas where educational resources and quality of leadership that a sound majority you more information on this laudable expertise are scanty.

Even some who perof Ghanaian youths find themselves without project. vision or motivation and are all looking for formed well in this year's BECE are still stranded for lack sponsorship to continue ways to leave the motherland. Despite the Ken Atta-Boakye (+1703.986.8438, their education to the Senior High School difficulties and the struggles involved in level.

The situation is scarily alarming, attaboakye@yahoo.com) visa procurement, Ghanaians defy the odds which is why initiatives like “Project Save and do everything possible to obtain visa to Your Village/Town” needs to be supported travel abroad to chase the green pastures, and encouraged to rescue such catastroforgetting that grass is greener at their fetes. phes. Mr. Atta-Boakye believes our children are our greatest assets and we have to This, according to Ken is understandable do our best to nurture and train them in the because of the success stories associated right way because they are the real owners with the travels. Thus Ghanaians all over of the country who have only entrusted its the globe have justified their travels with keep to us adults, we thus must not fail the various ways they contribute towards them. the reconstruction program of the country.

African Movie Producer fetes Children at Homeless Shelter

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Nana Ama Serwaa Ampem, a Virginia-based African Movie Producer,and her partner, Mr. Ron Rokosz, on December 31, 2011 visited a homeless shelter in Woodbridge, Virginia and spent time with the children of the residents at the shelter.

They offered them cookies and assorted drinks .

Nana and Ron started this tradition in 2010 when they donated to a homeless shelter in Richmond ,Virginia.

Nana Ama Ampem is the Chief Executive of Ghawood Angel Productions which has produced several movies in the United States. Ghawood Angel Productions also organized the first African Movie Producers Awards in the United States.

Nana told the Afrikan Post, “Ron and I share the belief that we have a moral responsibility to give wherever there is a need.The kids are a blessing from God and we have to support them.”

Nana and Ron

There is a positive gain from these individual migrants and their most direct impact is felt from their remittances back home to their immediate families which is good indeed!

The simple idea to send books to assist children of school going ages with their studies could also be translated into other aspects of society. In an anecdote, Ken takes me down memory lane as he recounts "when I was young and growing up in my Besides remittances, we see the migrants supporting their loved ones and friends with village in Ghana, we used to count the number of our village natives who were in handouts, shipment of groceries and obviabroad.

We were proud of them and hoped ously the regular phone calls to check on that one day they would be able to do how they are doing. They build houses to something magnificent for our village. accommodate their families and establish Each time they visited home we held them businesses to boost the economy. The govin high esteem and accorded them with the ernment is appreciative of their assistance greatest respect". So great was the gleam in foreign exchange revenue and is always on Ken's face as he continues to tell me asking for more. We cannot ask for more!

Nana Ama Ampem and Matilda Danquah - Host "Tilleys Corner” on Akwaaba Radio at the shelter

African Leadership Awards - 2011

January

2012

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African Leadership Awards is an annual event organized

by African Leadership to celebrate Africa’s best and brightest leaders on a global stage. The event which has become a melting pot of ideas for continental development is aimed at spotlighting African Business, political, Community and Institutional leaders who have contributed in Africa’s economic and political journey.

Past recipients of this prestigious award include:

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia and Noble Peace Prize winner, Dr. Mo Ibrahim, founder Mo Ibrahim foundation, Dr. E.K Clark, the Deputy Prime Minister of Kenya, Ghana Minister of Energy, Dr. Oba Otudeko, Hajiya Turai Yar’adua, former First Lady of Nigeria, amongst other notable business and political leaders.

Presentation by Group Managing Director, First Bank Group of Nigeria, Stephen Onasanya

Dan Jordan -President Jordan International LLC

African Leadership Magazine, celebrated their annual leadership awards dinner on Friday, December 16, 2011.

The event was held from 6:00-10:00 pm at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC. Along with several African awardees, three prominent Americans were recognized for their commitment to Africa.

The Honorable Raynard Jackson received the Special Impact Award. This award is given in recognition of Jackson’s untiring efforts to help build trade relations and improve the bilateral relations between African governments and U.S. policy makers. He was also recognized for his syndicated newspaper columns that details the positive virtues of direct engagement with the continent of Africa.

The Honorable Patricia Funderburk Ware received the African Diaspora Development Award. This award was given in recognition of Mrs. Ware’s tireless commitment to educating Africans in the area of health care, especially HIV/AIDS. The Honorable Alonzo Fulgham received the Distinguished Service Award. This award is given in recognition of Mr. Fulgham’s lifetime commitment to the economic, political, and social development of Africa.

According to Mr. Giami, “we must continue to build stronger relations with our African brothers and sisters from throughout the Diaspora, especially those in America.”

The African Leadership Magazine is a pan-African flagship publication read by over 180,000 targeted international investors, business executives, government policy makers and multilateral agencies across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the US. It is distributed at major international and African Leadership events around the world. It is a niche and unbiased African voice born out of a desire to ameliorate the lot of Africans by focusing on individuals and corporate bodies that are known for their legacy-based approach to leadership. We believe in building sustainable leadership in Africa through the exchange of ideas in tandem with global best practices.

A presentation by Ambassador Adefuye – Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States

Ambassador Daniel Ohene-Agyekum receiving an award on behalf of President John Atta-Mills of Ghana

The Honorable Alonzo Fulgham receiving the Distinguished Service Award from Ambassador Adefuye

Honorable Patricia Funderburk Ware received the African Diaspora Development Award for tireless commitment to educating Africans in the area of health care, especially HIV/AIDS.

Staffers from the Ghana Embassy-Mrs. Vanessa Mensah -Adu ((Middle) Information Attache), Kofi Boateng (Political Desk)

From left: Mrs. Edith Haizel-Deputy Ambassador of Ghana to the United States and HE Ambassador Ohene Agyekum and wife

Source: www.africanleadershipmagazine.com.

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2012

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Thoronka Law Offices

U.S. Immigration Law Practice

Naturalization

Green Card

Removal and Deportation

Citizenship

Employment Visa (H1B) Divorce

Work Authorization Personal Injury/ Criminal Licensed in Maryland and Massachusette

Virginia Office Kamah Gueh-Thoronka 13198 Centerpoint Way Suite 101 Woodbridge, VA 22193 voice(571) 285-5497 or (571)285-5242 Fax: 703-910-4674 kthoronka@thoronkalawoffices.com

Ohio Office

1425 E. Dublin Granville Road Ste 103 Columbus, Ohio 43229-3312 614-781-1300 / 781-1303

Thoronka Law Firm Holds Immigration Forum in Woodbridge

On December 3, 2011 the reputable Thoronka law firm in collaboration with other notable lawyers organized a one of a kind immigration seminar in Woodbridge Virginia which covered the broad immigration issues ranging from a brief and general introduction to the US immigration systems, other employment and issues relating to US immigration law requirements. They educated the community on the changing face of immigration, filing, citizenship, and deportation and many others.The lawyers availed themselves to answer a wide range of questions on common immigration issues in the community.The event was hosted by the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge.

Thoronka Law Offices are one of the newest most aggressive law firms in Lowell, MA and Woodbridge, VA. Their practice focuses on complex immigration, criminal law and litigation. They represent clients in major immigration matters regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Quality legal representation is essential for every individual. It is their goal to provide the best legal representation available at a reasonable and fair cost to all clients.

According to Kamah Thoronka “We are proud of the high legal and ethical standards that have been established by our firm and the tradition of excellence which we work to maintain.�

About The lawyers Kamah Thoronka has been in practice for over three years licensed in both Massachusetts and Maryland. Ms. Thoronka focuses her services in Family Law, Criminal Law and Immigration Law.

Seasoned Immigration Attorneys at the forum

Kamah Thoronka -Immigration Attorney answering a question

Questions and Answer Session Attorney Ishmael Thoronka is a family partner of Thoronka Law Offices. He practices in the general areas of the law; however, he specializes in Immigration Law and Criminal Law

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January 2012

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Cote D’Ivoire Prime Minister Meets ECOWAS Ambassadors

January

"I make almost $5,000* per month (About N600,000 Nigerian Naira), which is more than I ever earned before! The best part is that I only work about 24 hours per week from the comfort of my home, which allows me to spend more time with my family." says Ademola.

By: Pasco Gerald Temple - USA

Cote D Ivoire’s Prime Minister H.E Guillaume Kigbafori Soro has extended his country’s heartfelt gratitude to the International community in general and the Economic Community of West African States Commission (ECOWAS) in particular for their resolve to see Democracy return to his Country and blamed indicted former President Laurent Gbagbo for the Country’s interregnum that saw devastation and chaos, before the return of democracy.

Speaking to Ambassadors from ECOWAS Countries – assigned to the United States of America at the Embassy’s 2424 Massachusetts Avenue North West, Washington D.C. 2008 Chancery on Friday December 16th, the premier said “without your determination, support and Cooperation, Democracy would not have seen the light of day in Ivory Coast”.

“On behalf of Mr. President H.E Alhassan D. Ouattara, Government and People of Cote D Ivoire, please convey (our) sincere appreciation and gratitude to your authorities for their input that saw democracy back in our country”.

He said several attempts which were made by ECOWAS, the Pretoria government, Nigeria, and other West African leaders to peacefully resolve the Ivory Coast crisis were rebuffed

by Mr. Gbagbo.

“We were ready to accept any deal for the sake of the people and the Country which are bigger than any one of us: but you know what happened”.

He said the Country is now experiencing sanity and things are changing for the better.

Giving a background of his visit to the

United States of America, His Excellency Guillaume Kigbafori Soro said he was in the USA “to participate in the 10th session of the States Parties to the statute of Rome of the International Criminal Court scheduled for December 13th to 19th 2011 in New York City.

“Outside that meeting I am here in Washington DC for some meetings with some United States Government officials, and also to meet with members of the ECOWAS Ambassadors group, to on behalf of Mr. President H.E Alhassan D. Ouattara, Government and People of Cote D Ivoire, extend our gratitude to you, for your support during our turbulent times.”

“Though sanity has returned, the impasse saw the loss of many lives and destruction of huge quantum of properties: to make mention of collapse public and privately owned institutions need not be over emphasized,” said Prime Minister Guillaume Kigbafori Soro.

Though Democracy has seen the reestablishment of the security forces, the Police, Gendarmerie, the Army and other Government Institutions including the health sector, the general rehabilitation of infrastructure is costing the Government a huge amount of money.

Prime Minister Guillaume Kigbafori Soro was accompanied by the Ivorian Justice Minister Hon. Jeaniot Kouadio Ahoussou, Deputy Chief of Staff and two other senior Ivorian Government Ministers.

Sierra Leone was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’affaires His Excellency Ibrahim S. Conteh.

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Port Harcourt Mum Makes $5,000 Monthly Working Part-Time For Google From Home

For Ademola Susan it sure is. Susan, a mother from Port Harcourt is blossoming, in the middle of an economic recession working in the comfort of her own home.

Sierra Leone's Deputy Chief of Mission IS Conteh and Prime Minister Guillaume Soro in a warm hand shake.

2012

But Susan’s life wasn’t always so prosperous.

Her recent employer, a well-known insurance agency, did some downsizing and let her go as the case of many who now share same fate with lack stricken individuals because of a failing economy.

Her husband Tolu now became their only source of income, which they both knew they couldn’t live on. That is why Susan took the job at the insurance agency to begin with. They needed extra money and they needed it fast.

Susan’s family had 2 choices. She could either look for another job in her industry (but in these tough economic times, she knew that was a long shot.) Or her husband could take a part time form and try to get a promotion at work. But that too would take too much time. And where would they get the money for school?

Susan says, “I was in tears one Saturday night because things were getting tough and we couldn’t even afford to take the kids out to dinner like we do every Saturday night. The kids asked why we weren’t going out and we had to try and explain to them that times were tough. I don’t think they understood. That’s when I knew I had to take matters into my own hands and find a solution for my family.”

That’s when Susan found out how to acquire the global wealth ambush kit online

"It was super easy - much easier than anyone could imagine. I saw an online ad for the Global Wealth Package, and I knew that it was legitimate because I had seen a commercial about it on TV. I decided to invest in it as it was under $60 (About N5,500), which I thought was very cheap if it could change my financial status.

After about four weeks of getting it, Global Wealth Package was helping me make more than $1,000 per month, that was more than a good start for me. My computer knowledge is very limited as I only know how to use the internet, but following Global Wealth Package's easy instructions is simple for everyone. "

She started making money right away and she got her first week’s paycheck the following month. To her surprise.

You get to work with a company worth more than 100 billion dollars {Google Inc} that has the most popular website on the internet. Who wouldn't want to work with only the best in the industry but always provide opportunity for new people to earn a decent income online and contribute to the massive success of the online world that is what make them different. It is well known that there are many internet scams that promise earnings of around $60,000 per month, so knowing that there are also trustworthy opportunities is very refreshing. As Susan shared:

“I am making a really decent income while feeling fulfilled as i now able to meet my family need and my husband now involved we can now have more time to to plan what business we want to do as we can not really tell how long the income will keep coming in like this. I think that it is amazing that I could achieve all this with the kids there as well. I am so thankful for this opportunity!”

Susan is so happy she did fill out the form and now her testimony can not be ignored.

Susan Ademola beat the terrible Nigeria economic hardship by taking a few minutes to complete Automated Wealth Package.

Susan wants to publicly share her steps to success.

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5 Fastest Growing Diseases in the World

H E A LT H

NEWS

South Africa Loses $1.4 Billion On Migrated Doctors

REPORTING FROM SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa, the nation with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS, has spent more than $1.4 billion training doctors, only to see them emigrate overseas for jobs. It’s part of a massive flow of expertise from poor and developing countries to rich nations such as the United States, Canada, Britain and Australia.

A Canadian study in the British Medical Journal estimated the cost of lost doctors in nine sub-Saharan African countries at nearly $2.2 billion. And that didn’t take into account the large numbers of nurses who leave Africa for the West.

By: SEM Contributor on December 23, 2011.

It is often the subject of the latest Hollywood movie: an outbreak of a disease threatens millions of life. But it isn’t science fiction. There are diseases out there that are threatening many lives. We have gathered just five of them to help you get a better understanding.

Denque fever – This has been called the “fastest growing vector borne disease in the world.” It is a viral illness that is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Once common in Southeast Asia, it has now spread to Latin American, Asia, Africa, North America, and even Australia. It has also been called “breakbone fever” due to the muscle cramps it causes and can be fatal if left untreated.

Lyme disease – The illness associated with tick bites is also on the rise. Because Lyme disease can often look like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Bell’s Palsy, and others, it can go untreated and cause loads of damage. It is most commonly found through the distinct “bull’s-eye” mark associated with tick bites.

AIDS – This remains the fastest growing STD in the world and is getting worse. The region with the most new cases is in the ex-communist parts of the world. There are an estimated 1.4 million in that region with another 210,000 expected to be diagnosed this year. It is also prevalent in the Middle East, Africa, and the United States.

HPV – However, in the United States and other parts of the world the Human Papilloma Virus is the fastest growing STD. Because many people who have it don’t know it, it can grow to cause more serious problems such as cancer in the reproductive systems of both men and women.

Diabetes – This disease takes the cake when it comes to fastest growing diseases, especially in the U.S. In the last 20 years, the number of people with diabetes has increased 767%. It is also a big problem in other countries, such as China and India, which rank higher in total number of people with diabetes. There are even regions in the Caribbean and Middle East where 20% of the population is affected, with the number expected to rise. Adult onset, type 2 diabetes is the most common and is associated with overeating, inactivity, and food and drinks that are heavily sugared.

Brooke Stafford is a nursing practitioner student and also writes for www.onlinefnp.com Family Nurse Practitioner Degrees. The site helps students find the right nurse practitioner degree to fit their needs.

By Brooke Stafford

With more than 5 million people living with HIV/AIDS, South Africa has just eight doctors for every 10,000 people.

Its public hospitals are understaffed and overburdened because of HIV/AIDS, according to medical analysts. It costs the South African government $58,700 to educate a doctor.

Zimbabwe lost $40 million, Ethiopia $25 million and Nigeria $654 million to emigrating doctors, according to the study led by Edward Mills, a global health expert at the University of Ottawa. A World Health Organization report in 2006 said Africa was facing a critical shortage of medical staff.

By recruiting African doctors, the rich countries saved themselves more than $4.5 billion, including $2.7 billion in Britain, $846 million in the U.S. and $621 million in Australia.

The report said the doctor drain weakened health systems in developing countries and threatened the capacity of African countries to reach Millennium Development Goals, a broad group of targets aimed at reducing scourges such as child and maternal mortality rates and poverty.

South Africa, where HIV/AIDS has sharply increased the burden on the medical system, hasn’t seen an increase in medical staff, so those who stayed in the country suffer burn-out and fatigue because of the heavy workload, according to the report. The finding is backed by South African medical analysts.

The report called on wealthy nations benefiting from the import of African doctors to take action to compensate poor countries for the loss of physicians.

Twins born in Brazil with two heads, one heart January 2012

Source: Los Angeles Times

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Conjoined twins have been born in Brazil with two heads, two functioning brains and two backbones - but a single heart.

The rare condition is thought to have occurred when one of the pair failed to fully develop in the womb.

Doctors say separating the twins, named Jesus and Emanuel, is not currently an option because there is only one set of organs, Reuters reports.

They are being monitored by specialists to see how they develop.

Mr de Vasconcelos said: "Despite all the problems we have as a small interior hospital we managed to save both mother and baby, which was our aim."

Dr Neila Dahas, who is treating the newPatrick O'Brien, a spokesman for the borns, said surgery was not being considUK's Royal College of Obstetrician and ered at the moment.

Gynaecologists who has been involved in several conjoined twin cases, said no But she said separating the boys would decisions were likely to be made about be impossible because of the single set of Jesus and Emanuel's future for some organs - and that it was difficult to time. choose which head to remove because both brains were functioning well.

"A lot of work is needed, in terms of scans and tests, before doctors will "What we know statistically is that the know if they can separate them or not, children who undergo surgery and surand just how organs and blood vessels vive are the children who have less are shared and linked. organs in common," she added.

"What we've got to think about at this moment is to maintain the children in good condition and see how they will develop."

'No scans'

"It takes quite a while before they can decide how feasible it is."

Mr O'Brien said dicephalic parapagus affected around one in 100,000 pregnancies, but that around half do not reach full-term.

The condition, known as dicephalic paraSource:www.peacefmonline.com pagus, is rare.

However there have been other known cases, notably Abigail and Brittany Hensel who were born in the US in 1990.

Jesus and Emanuel were born by Caesarean section weighing 9.9lbs (4.5kg) on Monday morning in a small hospital in the northern state of Para.

“Among sub-Saharan African countries most affected by HIV/AIDS, lost investment from the emigration of doctors is considerable,” the report concluded. “Destination countries should consider investing in measurable training for The baby was then taken by plane to a source countries and strengthening of their health systems.” better equipped hospital in the state capiThe report also noted the imbalance of need versus tal Belem. know-how.

“While Africa experiences 24% of the global burden of disease, it has only 2% of the global supply of doctors, and less than 1% of expenditures are on global health,” the report found.

Rich countries saved money by training fewer doctors than they needed and making up the gap by importing medical staff, according to the report.

“Developing countries are effectively paying to train staff who then support the health services of developed countries,” the report found. “Although developed countries often provide development assistance to resource limited countries, the amount that goes into the training of health workers is variable and limited.”

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Doctors say the mother breastfed both heads a few times and that the baby's appetite is normal.

Claudioner Assis de Vasconcelos, director of the hospital in Anajas where she gave birth, told Brazil's O Povo newspaper that the mother came in because she was experiencing strong abdominal pains.

It is reported that the 25-year-old, who lives in a remote area, did not have any ultrasound scans during her pregnancy and only found out about her sons' condition minutes before the birth.

Afrikan

Viewing Ceremony of the Late Pastor Oheneba Kofi Nti January

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2012

Founder of Freedom Gate Chapel (New Jersey and Virginia)

Pastor Kofi Nti’s brother, Elder Twumasi Ampofo reading a tribute on behalf of the family

Joyce Konadu -The Widow (middle)

Members of Freedom Gate Chapel in New Jersey

The Packed Funeral Home

Pastor Kofi Nti’s Sister giving a personal Tribute

Pastor Kofi Nti’s wife and Children

Family Members

Ministers in Attendance

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Afrikan

Post

January

World’s Smallest Woman

2012

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Jyoti is measured at 61.95cm on her 18th birthday by Guinness World Record officials, making her the world's shortest woman

Tiny Jyoti Amge is set to fulfil a huge ambition as she turns 18 today — by becoming the world's smallest woman.

The 23½in tall teen, who weighs just 11lbs, is anxiously waiting for confirmation she's snatched the title from 2ft 3in American Bridgette Jordan.

Thrilled Jyoti said: "It's been my dream to be recognised as the world's smallest woman for many years. I'm now a woman so I hope I don't have to wait much longer!"

She is celebrating her birthday with a cake that is almost the same size as her.

Jyoti, from Nagpur, India, has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia and stopped growing shortly after her first birthday. Growth problems have left her with brittle bones and she is likely to need care for the rest of her life.

But budding actress Jyoti hasn't let her condition hold her back and is set to star in two Bollywood films next year.

She said: "I want to make people happy."

She insists on being treated like any other young woman and likes nothing better than doing her make-up and going clothes shopping with pals.

University of Nigeria Nsukka Honours Chinua Achebe

ment of such lectures and honour to professor Chinua Achebe by us till now is a huge oversight which has to be corrected with deep sense of apology’.

The lecture, which is titled ‘Emergent Issues in Humanities in Africa in the Third Millennium‘, forms part of events for the inaugural lecture for the emeritus Professor of English.

Chinua Achebe, popularly referred to as the ‘father of modern African writing’ recently made international Eminent African novelist and famed headlines when in November he author of classic novel ‘Things Fall rejected the National Honour of CFR Apart‘, Chinua Achebe, is getting set to conferred on him by President once again rub minds with the academia Goodluck Jonathan, citing persisting in the University of Nigeria Nsukka, as unresolved political issues. It was the the International Conference and Chinua second time he was rejecting such Achebe Annual Lectures holds in national honour from the government January 2012. of Nigeria.

The Dean, Faculty of Arts of UNN, who expressed that the development is long overdue, stated that, ‘the non-establish-

Source:www.thenetng.com

The Law Office of Gina Takemori

U.S. Immigration Law Practice

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Afrikan

Post

Interview With Ace Singer Stay Jay “Undercover Love”.

The 1st song recorded was “Yawa Boy” with Yaa Pono and Sarkodie.

I am managed by Jay Black and my producer is Unda One. 6.Who is the first producer you ever worked with?

Kill Beatz.

7. How did you come up with the name “Stay Jay”? What does it mean, and is it “Stay J” or “Stay Jay”?

The official name is Stay Jay. The “Stay” stands for remain. The “Jay” stands for Johnson, my last name is Johnson. Together you have “Stay Jay”—it’s like inspiration, to stay true to myself, to remain the same.

By: Amy Ansong

STAY JAY: One on One with the Hit Making Machine

Ghana music can be equated to an open fire hydrant—the music is coming out fast and it hits you hard. Currently, some of the biggest hits in Ghana and Africa can be traced back to the harbor town of Tema, Ghana. Tema is the “Motown” of Ghana, home of the TOP hitmakers, including Stay Jay. Stay Jay, one of this year’s biggest musical sensations and Tema native, sat down with me and provided an in-depth look into his life and musical career, which continues to go higher and higher. With mega hits like “Shashee wowo” and “Sue”, Stay Jay’s music has “staying” power and he will surely be a dominating figure within the music industry for years to come.

1.Tell us a little bit about your background, how many siblings do you have and what is your real name.

My real name is William Kojo Johnson. I have 3 sisters and 6 brothers. I am the ninth child.

2.Where did you go to school?

I attended JSS at Tema Regular Baptist in Community 10 and Tema Methodist Day Secondary for SSS. Some of my school mates included Sarkodie, Yaw Siki, Ikonz(Zixu), Stonebuoy, Ruff N Smooth, and Vibz (Piesie), to name a few.

3.When did you decide to become a singer?

Singing has always been a part of me since birth, especially since my mother sang in the church. I used to rap on Dr.Duncan’s show, “Kasahare Level” on Adom FM and I also used to rap at Bambara inside Community 9, where streets were blocked every Friday in order to allow musicians to show off their talents, “show what you got”. Doms Entertainment was in Community 4 and that was where we could go to a studio and the engineer would record songs for us for free. A guy named B4 was the guy running Doms Entertainment.

4.How do you classify your music—what genre is it?

My music is classified as “other music”. It does not strictly fit into one genre. You can not classify it as solely Hiplife or Twipop, because my music includes everything. My music has Twi pop, Hiplife, Highlife, Afro Pop, and more, therefore it is all blended....I call it urban music.

5.What’s the first song you ever wrote?

“Style nu” with Sarkodie and Piesie. The next one was “Sue” and

8.What other names were you considering before you chose “Stay Jay”?

God’s Gift

9.Why do you like singing?

Music is the food for the soul and God gave me this talent to do his work. We, musicians, are like pastors. We carry our message out to the people. Our songs travel far and many people listen. I entertain to cheer up people’s sorrows and lives... I don’t do profain. I deliver for the fans and the people.

10.Are there any singers in your family?

My mother was a singer. My dad’s side of the family is also into entertainment. CK Mann is my father’s cousin and when it comes to acting, Adwoa P (the Actress) is related to my father as well.

11.What are some benefits you receive from singing ,and what’s the negative side of being a recognized artist?

The benefits include traveling around the world, meeting people from all walks of life, being able to promote yourself, and being recognized worldwide.

In terms of the negative side of fame, there will always be people out there who are not happy to see you succeed. There are people who will do things behind the scenes to purposely try to make you fail. Due to the fact that they do not know who you are, and where you came from, they do not like you and they try to tarnish your image. But as long as God lives, I shall overcome that. I love Psalm 23 – that is my daily prayer.

12.When did you first realize that people recognized you as “Stay Jay”?

I first realized that people knew who I was during an interbattle in SSS. When I got on stage and starting singing “ you used to be my lover”, the crowd went wild. Everyone in the place was cheering and singing along with the song. My group won the show that day!!

13. You just released an album not too long ago. Describe the process that goes behind putting an album together?

I released my first album,Repitition, on May 7th, 2011. When I was choosing the songs to put on that album, I consulted with a variety of people. I had approximately 20 songs for them to choose, and I had them select their favorite ones. Once I had everyone’s input, the final songs were selected for the album.

14. The music market is swamped with singers—what makes you and your style unique?

January

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I am humble, a cool person, free, and respectful. Everyone is different and unique in their own ways, but these are the attributes which define me.

15.What’s happening in Tema? It seems like all of the hottest music is coming out of Tema: Sarkodie, R2bees, Dr Cryme,Yaw Siki,Ikonz,Vibz, and many others—it’s a hotbed for music, what’s happening there creatively?

Tema has always been a hotbed for music. In Tema, you have generation music. Papa Yankson is from Tema, Highlife Ambule is from Tema, Joel Ackah, A.B. Crentsil, and Asabia Kropa—they are all from Tema. The guys who you are seeing in the music scene now, who also happen to be from Tema, it is like we are doing the rebirth. We have inherited and are continuing the tradition of music-making from the generation before us. Tema guys are united, unique, humble, and versatile—we make all kinds of music.

16.Explain the Sue video—how did you come up with that concept?

Tema is a harbor city. So the idea was to find a way to show off Tema and the people. As a harbor city, many trucks/containers can be seen here, so we decided to use the back of the truck as a stage and have people gather around, as if we were doing a show.

17.Explain the Shashee wowo video—how did you come up with that concept?

Shashee wowo is a club song. A club song belongs in a club setting – that’s the concept behind that video.

18.You recently went to the UK for a show after the Vodafone concert. Was that your first performance out of Africa for a show?

Describe the experience.

Yes the show in UK allowed me to travel outside of Africa for the first time. UK was great. I went there to perform in the “Hiplife and Afro Beat Festival” at indigO2,in late September and the audience was amazing. The promoters did a great job promoting my music and it was great performing on stage and having everyone sing along to my hits. It was a great show with other Ghanaian musicians performing, including Kwabena Kwabena,Castro, Ruff N Smooth,Tiffany,Atumpan, and others. I look forward to performing in other regions of the world in the near future.

19.What’s more important, your song playing on the radio or having a video on TV, or both?

Both, it keeps you going and encourages you to keep doing good work.

20.When you are not singing or thinking about music, what do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy playing football (American soccer).

21.What were you doing the first time you heard your song on the radio and where were you??

The first time I heard my song, I was in town with my producer buying items, running errands. When we heard my song, we were shouting and screaming!! We were so happy and thrilled. The song playing was “Shashee wowo”. I believe the song was playing through someone’s car radio, no one believed that I was the singer of the song they were hearing.

Most people also don’t realize that I had a singing part in Ruff N Smooth’s popular hit, “Swagger”. There is a repeating line in that song which I did after Bullet’s rap.

22.What’s the best advice you have ever received from anyone?

The best advice I have ever received was from my dear late mothCont. on Page 34

17 Nigerian firms invest N325bn ( $1.5 billion) dollars in Ghana

be lower.

“They would always move to places where they find stability, because nobody wants to operate in an environment that is uncertain and they also need security in form of moving around the country Mr George Aboagye, Chief Executive Officer of the freely without fear. Also, they also want to move to places where they find that their investment has agency, disclosed this while presenting the investbeen guaranteed. These are factors which determine ment opportunities in Ghana at the 2011 Lagos where business people go.... Even people within the International Trade Fair. sub-regions are also locating businesses where they Aboagye said the investments were those recorded would be most profitable,” Allortey further declared.

Thus, it will be somewhat hard for any Nigerian between September 1994 and June 2011. who is fully aware of the realities on the ground in the country as of now, to dispute the Ghanaian He said that the investments were expected to Consular General’s submission on why Nigerian grow by $500 million (about N75 billion) by 2015. businesses have continued to move into Ghana in He said the investments were in agriculture, manu- droves, particularly in connection with continual rife facturing, building, liaison services, tourism and the insecurity of lives and property, skyrocketing cost of production, irregular power supply, and general aura general and export trade sectors of Ghana’s of hopelessness and uncertainty among the citizenry. economy.

Having created opportunities and wealth for his fellow Ghanaians for years so far, George Aboagye, Aboagye said Nigeria was his country’s 5th and 6th Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ghana Investment largest source of investment in terms of value and Promotion Centre, in a recent media chat in Lagos, number of projects registered.

He said the relations between the two countries had also cheerfully disclosed that between 1994 and 2011, about 17 Nigerian businesses located in been very warm, cordial and beneficial.

Ghana had contributed US$1.5 billion (about N240 Ghana is richly endowed with human and natural billion) to the advancement of the Ghanaian econoresources. my. He was quoted to have said that Nigerian These resources present numerous business oppor- investments in Ghana were further “forecast to grow by additional $500 million (about N80 billion) by tunities in oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, 2015.” tourism, energy and property development,†According to Aboagye, some of the key sectors in Aboagye said. which Nigerian businesses are recording visible He said the priority sectors for investment in Ghana feats while making good things happen back in his were oil and gas, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, home country include agriculture, manufacturing, manufacturing, tourism, ICT and financial services. building, services, tourism and the general and export trade sectors, saying “Ghana is richly Aboagye said that Nigerians had the high kind of endowed with human and natural resources... whenentrepreneurship that Ghana looked up to. ever a Nigerian comes to do business, the knowledge and experience he brings always prove very Whenever a Nigerian comes to do business, the useful to us in Ghana.” Why not, when their knowledge and experience he brings always proved (Nigerians’) homeland seems not ready to create an very useful to us in Ghana,†he said. enabling environment for their businesses to thrive?

Aboagye listed investment incentives to include " by Gbenga Kayode custom duties exemption for plants, machinery, equipment, graduated and reasonable corporate taxes and tax holidays ranging from five to 10 www.africatoday.com years.

Other incentives include relief from double taxation, location incentives of between 25 and 50 per cent tax rebates for manufacturing companies and automatic immigrant quotas, depending on the paid up capital.†The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre has said that 17 registered firms owned by Nigerians have so far invested $1.5 billion (about N325 billion) in the Ghanaian economy.

The theme of the trade fair is: “Increasing competitiveness of Nigerian products in the global market.™

" In a published press interview with Sylvester Parker Allortey, Consular General of the Ghanaian High Commission in Nigeria, in January 2011, on the alleged migration of Nigerian companies to Ghana in recent times, he had said: “It is true that some Nigerian companies have migrated from Nigeria to Ghana.... In a world of globalisation, most people would always move where they find opportunities and they find the cost of production to

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2012

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Books For Africa- Holiday Greetings from Tom Warth, Founder

Dear Friends,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our donors and supporters of Books For Africa, for another outstanding year. In 2011, we shipped 1.9 million books to 21 African countries. Thank you everyone for your help in sending more books to the children of Africa, where they are so needed by people who want to learn and improve their lives!

Books For Africa is also proud to report that in 2011 the following was achieved:

• Books For Africa retained its position as the largest shipper of donated text and library books to the African continent, shipping over 25.5 million books to 46 African countries. Books For Africa also retained its position as a top rated charity by Charity Navigator, which gave us its top rating for the fifth consecutive year, putting us in the top 4% of all charities in the U.S.;

• In March, a special reception was held at the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C. hosted by Ghanaian Ambassador His Excellency Daniel Ohene Agyekum honoring BFA's Summit Society donors;

• In April, Books for Africa welcomed to Minnesota His Excellency Girma Birru Geda, Ethiopia's Ambassador to the U.S. and His Excellency James Kimonyo, Rwanda's Ambassador to the U.S. as keynote speakers for our annual fundraising reception;

• In May, Books for Africa celebrated the two-year anniversary of the opening of our 20,000 square foot warehouse in Atlanta, Georgia with a special event honoring the contributions of our strategic partner, Better World Books. In December, this warehouse facility was increased by one third to 30,000 square feet;

• In September Books for Africa celebrated the milestone of shipping 25 million books to Africa to 46 countries since 1988 with a

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special warehouse open house party held on Literacy Day in St. Paul, Minnesota;

• In October, Books for Africa signed a $400,000 Memorandum of Understanding in Nigeria with the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation to ship 32 containers of books to Nigeria;

• In November, Books for Africa presented research findings at the African Studies Association Conference in Washington, D.C. exploring issues surrounding the return on investment for providing donated text and library books and comparing other educational delivery models such as e-books and locally published books. We also participated in the USAID kick-off of its initiative hosted by USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah;

• In December, Books for Africa hosted a special forum with the Corporate Council on Africa on the topic "Doing Business in Africa: Education and Workforce Development." This event, held at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management, was sponsored by Thomson Reuters, Missionary Expediters, Medtronic, Merck, Cargill, the Minnesota Trade Office, the Minnesota International Center, Bremer Bank, Borton Overseas, the African Development Center, Mshale, the Minnesota High Technology Council, and MINN.

It has truly been a great year, with so much achieved for the children of Africa. Thank you to all of you, our faithful donors, for your support which has allowed these successes to be achieved. We welcome your continuing financial support at this time as we conclude our end of year fundraising efforts.

Sincerely,

Afrikan

WINNERS Of The 2nd Annual Ghana Movie Awards

Benji:

Post

Ties That Bind

Best Music [Original Song] Agya Koo Gbengbentus – Mframa Best Movie Africa Collaboration Ties That Bind

Best Cameo Actor Kofi Adjorlolo – Somewhere In Africa

Best Cameo Actress Grace Nortey – Adams Apple Best Story Adams Apple

Best Editing Ties That Bind

Kimberly Elise - Best Actress Best Actor In A Leading Role [English Language] Madji Michel – Somewhere In Africa Best Actor In A Leading Role [Local Language] Kwaku Manu – Village Champion

Best Actress In A Leading Role [English Language] Kimberly Elise - Ties That Bind Best Actress In A Leading Role [Local Language] Vivian Jill – Yaw Donkor Best Actor In A Supporting Role [English Language] Majid Michel – Somewhere In Africa Best Actress In A Supporting Role [English Language] Nadia Buari – Who Owns The City Best Actress In A Supporting Role [Local Language] Rose Mensah – Bu Bra Pa Best Picture Ties That Bind Best Directing [English Language] Leila Djansi & Kevin Huie – Ties That Bind Best Directing [Local Language] Augustine Abbey [Idikoko] – Agya Koo Gbengbentus Best Art Direction

Best Cinematography Ties That Bind

Best Costume & Wardrobe Queens Pride

Best Make-Up Adams Apple

Best Visual Effects Grave Yard Best Discovery Kwaku Manu – So, So And So Best Music [Original Score] Adams Apple Best Sound Editing & Mixing Ties That Bind Best Writing Adapted Or Original Screenplay Adams Apple Best Actor Africa Collaboration Ramsey Nouah Jnr. – Memories Of My Heart Best Actress Africa Collaboration Omotola Jalade – Ties That Bind Source: peacefmonline.com

January 2012

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Move on, God got you Covered A movie to watch

Divine Ministries recently wrapped up production on their first feature film, Benji.

Featuring Ghollywood stars such as Kwaku Manu, Mercy Asiedu, Mr. Beautiful, and Kyeiwaa ,the film is guarantee to become a blockbuster hit when the movie is released to the masses in early 2012.

Produced by Divine Ministries, Benji is a movie about a young man who is forced to face unfortunate challenges when his parents suddenly die on what was supposed to be a joyous day. An instant orphan, Benji faces many obstacles as he is forced to live a different kind of life with relatives he does not have close ties with. His days are troubled as his new family forces him to face psychological torment on a daily basis. Without anywhere to go, the only thing that can save Benji is true divine intervention. Will Benji be rescued from his modern day enslavement or will he continue living a hopeless life at the hands of his so-called relatives? You will have to watch the movie to find out!! But in the meantime, check out photos taken behind the scenes.

By Amy Ansong

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Let Me Not Be Ashamed Her Page

Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

Oh my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

(Psalm 25 vs. 1-2)

T

he topic the Lord gave me to share here not only took a struggle to understand, but also proved difficult to put to words. Two months before writing the following, a portion of the above song had been coming to me as I contemplated and prayed for topics on which to write. The portion is the latter part which states, “let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.” The above Psalm is one of the many prayers of King David.

The Psalm has since been put in song form and the song and verse are personally important to my spiritual life.

I recall that at the tender age of fifteen, this was the worship song that my small new church was singing when I was baptized in the Holy Ghost. I remember singing the song; it was new to me then, and somehow, it touched the heart of this fifteen year old girl. It resonated with me and I felt deep in me the meaning of the song and knowing the little I knew of King David then, I sort of understood why he would need to utter such a prayer.

As I said, I was just fifteen; I had not even began to live this thing called life, but somehow, the words of the song profoundly struck the chords of my heart and I began weeping uncontrollably under God’s power and felt a powerful yet gentle force dictating my movements and outpouring of tears.

The baptism of the Holy Ghost was new to me. I mean I had seen people fall under the power of God and speak in tongues and so on, but as a child, I just watched the ongoing dramatics when

this power often seemed to invade our church space with great force and might.

Since that day, that song has never left me as I often use it in prayer and even as I have grown, the memory of that inexplicable experience has not faded.

However, this time around, when the words “let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me” ran through my mind even as I pondered topics to write on, I wasn’t coming up with the same understanding that I had always had with that scripture. As a result, I continued to wonder and ask God what exactly He wanted to say to me with the verse and how did He want me to relate it to those who might read the article?

As I repeatedly asked this question, the only thing that I felt was a response I could communicate to others was the following: I learned that for our enemies to have an opportunity to triumph over us, we must allow them to tap into our weaknesses, to tempt us where we are weak, to trip us where we are most vulnerable and that if they are successful in preying on our shortcomings, then we had a hand in the precipitation of our demise. It was a loving warning, but a warning nonetheless.

In short, I began to have a new understanding of the scripture which I always interpreted as a prayer of protection of poor and innocent me from the devil and the evil forces and motives operating in people. I never considered that those words also implicated me. I never suspected that I could or would help give ammunition to the aforementioned forces to bring about my downfall. It was a slow realization, an epiphany that gradually made its illumination real to me. And so this is what God wanted to share with me and others.

What are our weaknesses, shortcomings, vices? What are the character flaws that threaten to impede our growth and advancement in various aspects of our lives? Are they one or more of the following: gossiping, lying, cheating, anger, pride, lust, greed, covetousness, unforgiveness? These are only some of the ills that will compromise, embarrass and discredit us.

Though I am reluctant, I will use myself as an example with the hope that

it will help another open the door to an honest look at herself. First, let me say I prefer to steer away from anything resembling confusion, because I find it very disturbing and uncomfortable to be around that kind of environment and those who are drawn to it. However, I am someone who has always had to have her say. This need to have my say can and does at times land me in an unpleasant place.

It was my mother who noticed I was gifted with language at a very tender age, long before I did. God wanted to use that gift to stimulate, help, bless and perhaps even heal. As a child, the things that would come out of my mouth were baffling to her and later, when she read my grade school essays (without my knowledge), she knew that her daughter would be a writer. But then, what is positive can be used as negative. Should I become offended or provoked, the expressions that come forth are clear, concise, cleverly worded and can be hurtful to the object of my displeasure. So here, where the enemy can attempt to triumph is to goad me into becoming aggravated, for at that particular juncture, because I am one who has to have her say, it is possible that my inability to withhold my displeasure can result in injurious sentiments. These are not frantic or uncontrolled outbursts. They are usually calm and direct. A college girlfriend often observed, “Miriam, you take no prisoners.” The fact is that once provoked expressions have been uttered, the damage is done; the sin is complete.

The enemy triumphs and as we are convicted, we become ashamed not only in our relation to God, but also to those who may have expected more from us.

This was the knowledge I gained about the verse. The truth of it is that this revelation has made me even more cautious of my thinking, actions and words. Sometimes when I am prompted to say something out of irritation, I catch myself as the words of the Psalm return to me. Then again, even during those times that I don’t catch myself early enough, and therefore have my say, although at such times it is too late, the words of the Psalm still unfailingly return, as if to caution me for the next

“And while the problem remains that we are not perfect, we can’t rest on that excuse.”

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time as I take in my lesson with feelings of guilt and regret that I didn’t pass the test.

Even in those instances, I must confess that God has been merciful and forgiving. However, the truth is we can’t continue to fail the same tests and not feel the effects of them. And while the problem remains that we are not perfect, we can’t rest on that excuse. The tests and temptations will come, but what part will we play in them? Are we going to ignore or underestimate the existing threats that our weaknesses and shortcomings can bring us? Are we going to leave ourselves wide open for the devil and all sorts of negative forces to avail themselves on us in their attempt to manipulate, discredit and embarrass us?

After all, that is what our spiritual enemies want to do. Satan and his hosts of demonic spirits work tirelessly to cause us to compromise the word of God and our integrity. If undisciplined and unable to restrain ourselves, we succumb to his devices.

What is causing us to fall on a regular basis? To avoid becoming ashamed and our enemies triumphing over us, it is our prerogative to commit these shortcomings to God and daily attempt to cleanse them out of our beings. When I went back to read Psalm 25, I noticed that after the two verses I quoted above, there were an additional two which direct us away from our enemies prevailing over us.

African Presidential Gallery

H.E. Abdelaziz Bouteflika Algeria Since April 27, 1999

H.E. Pedro Pires Cape Verde March 22, 2001

H.E. Thomas Yayi Boni Benin April 6, 2006

H.E. José Eduardo dos Santos-Angola September 10, 1979

H.E. François Bozizé Central African Republic March 15, 2003

H.E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

Equatorial Guinea August 3, 1979

H.E. Girma WoldeGiorgis Ethiopia October 8, 2001

H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Liberia January 16, 2006

H.E. Mustafa Abdul Jalil Libya March 5, 2011

H.E. Idriss Deby Chad December 2, 1990

H.E. Ali Bongo Ondimba Gabon October 16, 2009

H.E. Bingu wa Mutharika Malawi May 24, 2004

H.E. Hifikepunye Lukas H.E. Maamodou Tandja H. E. Goodluck Jonathan Pohamba Nigeria Niger Namibia May 6, 2010 December 22, 1999 March 21, 2005

Manuel Pinto da Costa São Tomé & Príncipe September 3, 2011

H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit South Sudan July 9, 2011

H.E. Seretse K. Ian Khama Botswana April 1, 2008

H.E. Blaise Compaoré Burkina Faso October 15, 1987

H.E. John Evans Atta Mills Ghana January 7, 2009

H.E. Yahya Jammeh Gambia July 22, 1994

H.E. Amadou Toumani Touré Mali June 8, 2002

H.E.Denis SassouNguesso Republic of Congo October 25, 1997

H.E. Paul Kagame Rwanda March 24, 2000

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho H.E. Barnabas King Mswatti Kikwete Sibusiso Dlamini (PM) III Tanzania Swaziland Swaziland December 21, 2005 October 23, 2008 April 25, 1986

H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh Djibouti May 8, 1999

H.E. Alpha Conde Guinea December 21, 2010

H.E. Sir Anerood Jugnauth Mauritius October 7, 2003

H.E. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz Mauritania August 5, 2009

H.E. Abdoulaye Wade.

Senegal April 1, 2000

H.E. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé Togo May 4, 2005

2012

H.E. Paul Biya Cameroon November 6, 1982

H.E. Joseph Kabila Dem. Rep. of Congo January 26, 2001

H.E. Alassane Ouattara Cote d’Ivoire May 21, 2011

January

H.E. Moncef Marzouki Tunisia December, 2011

H.E. Mohamed Hussein Tantawi Egypt February 11, 2011

H.E. Abbas El Fassi Morocco (PM) September 19, 2007

H.E. Yuweri Museveni Uganda January 26, 1986

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H.E. Paulino Rivero Canary Islands July 13, 2007

H.E. Mwai Kibaki Kenya December 30, 2002

H.E. James Alix Michel Seychelles April 16, 2004

Page

Rt. Hon. Pakalitha Mosisili Lesotho (PM) May 29, 1998

H.E. Armando Emílio Guebuza Mozambique February 2, 2005

H.E. Sharif H.E. Ernest Bai Sheikh Ahmed Koroma Somalia Sierra Leone September 17, 2007 January 31, 2009

H.E. Michael Sata Zambia September 23, 2011

H.E. Robert Gabriel Mugabe Zimbabwe December 31, 1987

Obeng International Ghana Goods January 2011

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List of African Countries and Capitals

The African continent is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea on the north, the Red Sea and the Suez Canal on the northeast, the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the Indian Ocean on the southeast. Take a look at the various African countries and their capitals.

Countries Capitals Countries Capitals Liberia Monrovia Algeria Algiers Libya Tripoli Angola Luanda Madagascar Antananarivo Benin Porto-Novo Malawi Lilongwe Botswana Gaborone Mali Bamako Burkina Faso Ouagadougou Mauritania Nouakchott Burundi Bujumbura Mauritius Port Louis Cameroon Yaounde Morocco Rabat Cape Verde Praia Mozambique Maputo Central African Republic Bangui Namibia Windhoek Chad N'Djamena Niger Niamey Comoros Moroni Nigeria Abuja Congo, Democratic Republic of (Congo-Kinshasa) Rwanda Kigali Kinshasa Sao Tome and Principe São Tomé Congo, Republic of (Congo-Brazzaville) Senegal Dakar Brazzaville Seychelles Victoria Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast Yamoussoukro Sierra Leone Freetown Djibouti Djibouti Somalia Mogadishu Egypt Cairo South Africa Pretoria Equatorial Guinea Malabo Sudan Khartoum Eritrea Asmara Swazilaand Mbabane Ethiopia Addis Ababa Tanzania Dodoma Gabon Libreville Togo Lomé Gambia Banjul Tunisia Tunis Ghana Accra Western Sahara El-Aaiún Guinea Conakry Uganda Kampala Guinea-Bissau Bissau Zambia Lusaka Kenya Nairobi Zimbabwe Harare Lesotho Maseru

What's Up: Vocabulary for Those New to America A book for those new to America and are confused about the different slang of the average American.

The idea behind this book is to make the reader aware of slang expressions used by typical Americans. Although some people might have attended institutions of higher education in

their native countries, when they come to America, often they are baffled or confused by American slang, whether consciously or unconsciously.

Most of my friends who went to college before coming to America also have problems because they don't let go of their understanding of the local American lingo.

Even though I came from a country-Ghana-- whose official language is English, (we were colonized by the British), I had a very hard time understanding the Americans' use of informal English language. Statements like, "Are you nuts?" meant a whole different thing to me until after I had been here for a while and then I began to decipher what the subtle meanings of these slang expressions

are when it comes to the American dialect.

I began to compile these American expressions and put them together in book form so that people who are new to this country might appreciate and understand what they mean. It is my hope that this small book will help both Americans and new immigrants alike, basically by learning these expressions, using them when appropriate, and knowing when not to use expressions that may "rub people in America the wrong way."

Jimmy Gyasi Boateng-Author

Senegalese Singer Youssou N'Dour To Run For President January 2012

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Senegalese world music star Youssou N'dour has revealed he will stand in his country's presidential elections next month.

The singer is mounting a high-profile challenge to the West African state's veteran leader Abdoulaye Wade.

N'dour has been a vocal critic of President Wade who is hoping to extend his 11-year rule by getting re-elected in February against a field of about a dozen rivals.'I am a candidate. I will engage in the presidential race,' N'dour said in a broadcast last night on his own TFM (Television Futurs Medias) radio and television station.

N'dour has widely criticised what he calls the profligate spending of the Wade leadership in a country where formal employment is scarce and average income per head is $3 a day.

N'dour enjoys huge popularity in Senegal for his music, which helped expose the country's unique 'Mbalax' drumming and singing styles to the mainstream, but it remains unclear if he will be able to translate his fame into votes.'For a long time, men and women have demonstrated their optimism, dreaming of a new Senegal,' he said. 'They have, in various ways, called for my candidacy in the February presidential race. I listened. I heard.'

'It is true that I do not have a university education, but the presidency is not something you go to school for,' he said.

N'dour, who has also broken into the North American and European charts and collaborated with Neneh Cherry on the international hit 7 Seconds, announced in November he was canceling concert dates to focus on politics.The February 26 poll has been dominated by a noisy constitutional row over whether Wade, 85, has the right to stand for a third term in a country that prides itself on a record of peaceful leadership changes.

The revised Senegalese constitution limits presidential terms to two, but Wade argues that this should not apply to his first term starting in 2000, as this pre-dated the amendment.

Simmering resentment over Wade's leadership boiled over in June when Wade proposed new electoral rules that his critics said would have made it easier for him to win the poll and eventually hand power over to his son.

Protesters, also enraged by chronic power cuts, clashed with riot police in the capital Dakar leaving more than 100 wounded and forcing the president to back down.

An opponent of Wade was detained last week on suspicion of involvement in a fatal shooting, underlining tensions ahead of the poll.

Source: Dailymail.co.uk

Nigerian Lawyers Association (USA) Annual Award Dinner 2011 at the Crowne Plaza in New York

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New York, New York: Recently, the Nigerian Lawyers Association (USA) held its 2011 Annual Awards Gala at the Crowne Plaza in New York City. The Merit Award was presented to Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, Vice President of the World Bank, Africa Region and a Founding Director of Transparency International, while the Law and Justice Award was presented to Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN and highly respected legal scholar in Nigeria and former Attorney-General of Lagos State, Nigeria. The Keynote address was delivered by Professor Chudi Uwazurike, Member of the Nigerian House of Representatives and International Affairs Scholar. Other dignitaries in attendance include New York Supreme Court Judges Judge Debra A. James and Judge Gloria Dabiri.

HOW IT HAPPENED: The event commenced with a well attended cocktail reception on the third floor lobby of the Crowne Plaza hotel. Various professionals of Nigerian, African, and American backgrounds networked and intermingled at the banquet hall during the hour to commence what would be an outstanding evening. Afterwards, guests were ushered into the main event hall where the pair of MCs, Ndidi Oriji Esq and Jude Away Away kicked things off with some jokes and laughs to relax the audience. Opening prayers were delivered alongside the national anthems of both Nigeria and the USA. Ms. Yomi Ajaiyeoba, Esq. (NLA President) delivered the welcome remark. Oliver Mbamara, Esq. (Chairman, NLA Board of Directors) then introduced the keynote speaker - the Honorable Professor Chudi Uwazuruike (International Affairs Scholar and current member of the Nigerian House of Representatives) who urged Nigerians in Diaspora to be more engaged in activities back home in Nigeria. See full text of his speech below.

Award Recipient: Prof Yemi Osinbajo (middle) receives the Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili receives the NLA Merit Award from NLA Law and Justice Award from Yomi Ajaiyeoba, Esq. Oliver Mbamara, Esq. (Chairman, NLA Board of Directors) and (NLA President) and Oliver Mbamara, Esq. (Chairman, NLA Yomi Ajaiyeoba, Esq. (NLA President) Board of Directors)

Dinner was then served while New York Senator Kevin Parker presented the NLA with a Proclamation for its "significant con- Oliver Mbamara, Esq. (Chairman NLA Board of Director) tributions and distinguished record". Read the New York with Senator Kevin Parker (New York Senator) Senate Proclamation. Kunle Deru, Esq. (member NLA Board of Directors) introduced Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN and respected legal scholar in Nigeria) who received the Law and Justice Award. Emeka Chinwuba, Esq. (Member, NLA Board of Directors) then introduced Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili, (Vice President of the World Bank, Africa Region and a Founding Director of Transparency International), who received the Merit Award. Two deserving students received a total of $3,000 as part of the NLA's 2011 Scholarship Program. Oyesanmi Alonge received a scholarship in the category of Juris Doctorate and Oluwasegun Aluko in the Masters of Law category. A nook presented by Strategic Legal Solutions and two the Arik Air tickets were raffled and won by attendees. Vote of thanks was given by Diran Ajayi, esq. (NLA Vice President) just in time before the floor opened for an all night dancing and shaking. Some of the sponsors for the event include: Aluko Nollywood Filmmakers and Producers In The House. (L-R): Sir Felix Nnorom, Lady Gold, Mrs. Uwazuruike, Prof & Oyebode Barristers & Solicitors, Arik Air, Banwo & Ighodalo, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, Edozie & Madu, P.C., Uwazuruike, Bethels Agomuoh, and Mrs. Agomuoh Jacob Fuschsberg, Shearman & Sterling, Sidley Austin LLP, Strategic Legal Solutions and Wilmer Hale.

About the Nigerian Lawyers Association (NLA): The Nigerian Lawyers Association (NLA) was incorporated in 1999 as a not-for-profit, non-partisan association of attorneys and counselors-at-law. While most members are of Nigerian descent, Nigerian citizenship is not a requirement for membership. NLA represents the interests of attorneys of Nigerian descent both in the United States and all over the world. It advances the professional needs of its growing members and provides leadership and advocacy for the legal needs and interests of the Nigerian community in the United States and around the world. For more on NLA visit www.NigerianLawyers.org

Pictures by African Events

Host/Comedian Away Away and friends during the cocktail hour

L-R: Placid Aguwa, Esq. and wife; Prof Uwazuruike, and Philip Akakwam, Esq.

L-R: Ms. Enob, Chris Aguocha, Esq., Billy Enob, Esq. (NLA PRO), and Kunle Deru (NLA board member)

Mr. and Mrs. Ajibade; Traditional Parents of The Night

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New Clinic Commissioned at Bodomase

Side View of the Clinic

Front View of the new Bodomase Community Clinic

Nana Atta Tweneboah, Chief of Bodomase arriving at the ceremony

In December, 2011 a host of Bodomase citizens in the United States accompanied the President of the Bodomase Development Association Mr. Kwasi Oko to Ghana to commission a new clinic which is expected to serve the needs of about 150,000 people in seven towns in the Kumawu The Chiefs and elders of Bodomase at the ceremony vicinity. The project was funded by the Bodomase Development Association in the United States (BODDAUSA).

The clinic was commissioned on December 26, 2011 with thousands of people in attendance. In an interview with an executive member of the association Mr. Basoah otherwise known as Nana Owusu, he revealed that this is just the beginning and that there are plans to upgrade the clinic to a hospital in the near future. He also disclosed that the clinic is very well equipped with state of the art hospital equipments purchased and shipped from the United States.

He therefore urged all Bodomase citizens living in the United States to join the association and contribute their quota towards devlopment projects at home.

Redemptionews

THE GIFT OF THE PERSON OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: A PROMISE FOR ALL BORN AGAIN CHRISTIANS -Part 1

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were at Jerusalem heard that the gentiles in Samaria had received, believed and given allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ they sent Peter and John to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. The reason being the new converts had only being baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.

10 years after the Pentecost

Rev. George Annan

In AD 33 fifty years after the ascension of Jesus Christ and ten days after His ascension the disciples of Jesus gathered in an upper room praying and tarrying for the baptism of the Holy Spirit as instructed by Jesus. They began to speak in other tongues when suddenly the Holy Spirit came upon them. The disciples were filled with supernatural boldness so much that Peter who once denied Jesus could preach the gospel and three thousand people were convicted. These new souls were pricked in the hearts so much that they asked Peter and the rest of the apostles “what shall we do to be saved”.

Peter responded by saying “repent and be baptized and you shall receive the gift of the person of the Holy Spirit”. For the promise which has been fulfilled today charactized with the speaking of other tongues was made for you, your children, those far and near and as many as the Lord shall call (in other words shall become Christians or followers of Jesus Christ).

In his sermon Peter was not referring to the gifts of the Holy Spirit but the Person of the Holy Spirit and attested to the fact that the Holy Spirit baptism was not a promise made only for the apostles but a promise for all born again believers as given by prophesy Joel 2:28-32, confirmed by Jesus Mark 16:15-17, Luke 11:9-13 and fulfilled on the day of Pentecost Acts 2:1-4.

In Luke chapter 9:11-13 Jesus Himself laid down the rule for how any of his followers who desire to receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit could receive him after His departed to heaven.

He said assuring that” Ask and you shall receive” because if natural parents know how to give good gifts to their children how much more shall our heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. 8 years after Pentecost

In Acts chapter 8:5-17 an event that occurred eight years after Pentecost the citizens of Samaria (a people group that the Jews had no dealings with and were considered aliens) believe the gospel preached to them by Philip and were baptized. Now when the apostles’ who

10 years after Pentecost, an account is written in Acts chapter 10:1-48 of a Centurion, a devout man and one who feared God. He was living as a secret disciple of Jesus so to speak.

This man was instructed by God in a vision to call for the apostle Peter who will show him what to do. The apostle Peter in the same time frame was warned in a vision not to consider any group of people as second class or unqualified to merit the promise of the Holy Spirit Acts 10:8-28 Peter arrives in the house of Cornelius and while he was still preaching what seem to have been an introduction to his sermon the Holy Spirit falls on the whole household (a people Peter had taught to be unclean). At that point the Jews who had held the opinion for years that they belong to the circumcision so they were spiritually clean and thus are custodians of the law, the prophets and the Holy spirit were amazed because they could testify that the Holy Spirit had been given to the gentiles because they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. 20 years after Pentecost

It’s been twenty years after Pentecost Paul goes to Ephesus and comes across some disciples and asks them if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed Acts 19:1-7. Their answer was in the negative. They had never about the Holy Spirit. Paul then lays his hands on them and they receive the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.

To be continued…..

Visit redemptionnews.org

Final Funeral Rites for the Late Pastor Oheneba Kofi Nti

January 2012 Page 26

CHIEF MOURNERS : Baffour Agyei-Kese (IV)-Adumhene of Kumasi, Nana Asante Krobia-Adum Kyidomhene (Brother), Obaapanin Akua Serwaa (Sara Agyeman) -Sister Abusua Panin Edward Yaw Berko (Brother) A.L Owusu Poku (Brother) Elder Twumasi Ampofo-VA (Brother) Ivy Forson –VA (Niece) Phillip Aboagye Manu-VA (Nephew) Frank Nketiah VA (nephew) Adum Serwaa Yesu –VA (Niece) , Pastor Dickson Kwakye VA (Nephew) Grace Akyaa (Maame)-NJ (Sister) Joyce Konadu-Wife, Pastor David Ocansey, the entire Congregation of Freedom Gate Chapel and the entire leadership of the Church of God in Christ Jesus

Saturday January 21, 2012

Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Hall 14508 Telegraph Rd Woodbridge, Virginia VA 22191 9pm-2am

Elder & Mrs. Twumasi-Ampofo Phillip Aboagye Manu Frank Nketia Ivy Forson Adum Serwaa Yesu Mr. & Mrs. Agyen Joyleen Kani Adwoa Kani Ama Pokuaa Dinah Berko Nanita Danso Gladys Darbo Vivian Andoh Mr. & Mrs. Bright –Abu Elder Sintim Aboagye Mr. & Mrs. Kofi Ababio

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Rev. & Mrs. Sackey-Ansah Pastor & Mrs. Isaac Essel Rev. and Mrs. Amoah Pastor Kwabby Adom-Fosu Pastor & Mrs. Somuah Pastor & Mrs. Aboagye Danso Pastor Dickson Kwakye Rev. David Ocansey Rev. Nana Akua Pastor & Mrs. Akwasi Asomani Pres. Elder & Mrs. Kofi Adarkwah Elder & Mrs. Akuamoah Boateng Mr. & Mrs. Asibe Boakye Rev. & Mrs. Michael(Majestic Myvians)

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Afrikan

Apostle Seth Baah’s Ministry Thriving In Maryland Post

January 2012

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Apostle Seth Baah a renowned gospel musician and producer of the Weapon series of gospel CD’s has set up camp in the United States. His thriving ministry Praise Chapel International holds services at the Hilton Hotel in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Praise Chapel International opened its doors in 2005. The vision for the ministry is founded on 1 Timothy 2:1-4, which says, "I urge

then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those who are in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth". Under the leadership of Rev Seth Baah, PCI has been called to seek out and save the lost and then to bring them to the knowledge of the truth (God's Word).

Apostle Seth Baah

Minister Margaret Agbeyomi and other ministers

Host of supporting ministers

Pastor Ricky Cleaver on the keyboard

Apostle Seth Baah ministering

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Divine Word International Ministries

Apostle Dr. Kofi Adonteng Boateng

Divine Mass Choir led by Mr. Osei Asibey

Divine Youth Choir

Divine Ministry members from Maryland at the Convention

All Pictures by Amy Ansong

January

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Afrikan Post

Concludes End of Year Convention

January 2012

Apostle Dr. Kofi Adonteng Boateng

:From lleft: Pastor T, Pastor Bismark and Pastor Narh

Ministerial Team :Mrs. Bertha Domfeh, Pastor Harry Domfeh and Agya Osei

Deliverance Time

New Years Eve Service

This Gentleman surrendered all his voodoo dolls and talismans and confessed Jesus as his Lord.

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1st Annual Baffour Fundraising Gospel Concert

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Bafour is a young gentleman who was involved in a car accident one fateful morning on January 31, 2006, while on his way from work. He suffered severe injuries to his spinal cord, which has left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Due to reasons beyond his control, he barely qualifies for any United States Government assistance, which all handicapped citizens are typically eligible. This unfortunate life-changing situation has impeded his ability to do any work as he used to do, which means he has no income coming in to him, no medical insurance coverage.

Life for him has been very difficult until now. Through the help of loved ones and events like this, a smile has been put back on his face and he is going through life a more cheerful person.

To know more about Baffour, also known as John Oduro, please visit www.Friendsofbaffour.com.

Okyeremah Asante,an expert of traditional Ghanaian talking drums.

Barfour and friends

Pastor Emmanuel Nickson Ministering in songs

Deacon Ebenezer Amo-Adu ministering

The Earth is the Lord’s - Principles for Sustainable Increase- Part 5

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GRACE FRONTIER

Rev. Kwabby Adom-Fosu Tel: 703-498-5133

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again” Prov.19:17 Credit Card companies do not extend credit lines because they like you. They do it because it is good business; they make their money out of the finance charges. Any Bank that gives out loans gives them because of the interest they charge on the loan. If you cultivate the habit of making only the minimum payment every month, you give the Bank the opportunity to profit at your expense. That is why they are in business though. Even if you make only the minimum payments every month try to make additional payments towards the principal. If you do, you would be lowering your interest, why? The interest comes off the principal, so if you are able to bring down the principal, the interest on the loan goes down too.

Banks always have interest on their minds.

College commencement meetings are flooded with Credit Card companies; showing up ostensibly to extend credit lines to the new cash cows to be milked. After four (or five or six…) years of midterms, lectures, finals and research papers, it is time for students to apply their education to career and to progress to the next chapter of life. Anticipating the fat pay checks awaiting them as they scale the corporate ladder, CC companies show up to entice them to sign up; the catch? The interest.

Banks do not give loans for free.

Consequently, when the Bible says whoever gives to the poor lends to the Lord, It suggests that, God would make all grace abound to the individual who makes up his /her mind to support the poor in society. If lenders charge interest on their money, then it stands to reason that God would also pay interest on the money given to the needy in society. Why? The Bible says in Deut. 15:11that, “the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shall open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land” The Lord Jesus had buttressed this in John 12:8, when Mary had anointed His feet with the now famous alabaster perfume and the populist Judas had opined that the money could have been best used to feed the poor. Jesus replied by saying ‘the poor always you have with you...’

As a result, the God of equity made provision for the needy in society to be catered for. He says He would bless you for being a blessing.

Think about it!

Although God through Moses had studied to prevent any Israelite from being born poor, He

nonetheless exhorts them to exhibit great compassion and benevolence; and not to refuse assistance to the less-fortunate Israelite. His favor rests on the house of the one who makes him/herself a conduit of His goodness.

As a matter of fact, it says in Prov. 28:8; 21:13; 13:22, that he who cheats the poor to amass wealth stores it up for the one who will consider the poor. In other words he who makes fortune by being mean and stingy stores the wealth for the enjoyment of the heir who will demonstrate concern for the disadvantaged in society.

Walter Isaacson, the biographer of Apple’s Steve Jobs believes Steve did not show much concern to the needy in society like Bill Gates: At the beginning of his rich and very fair biography of Steve Jobs, Walter Isaacson notes that Steve himself “found the endeavor of assessing historic influence fascinating.” So when Isaacson came into the San Francisco TechCrunchTV studio earlier this week, I asked him for his personal assessment of Steve Jobs’ historic influence. Including Jobs in a pantheon of business icons such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Walt Disney, his major contribution to history, Isaacson explained, lay in his ability to combine awesome artistry and technology. But Jobs not only made history, Isaacson went on, he was also a reflection of it, channeling the Zen-like values and minimalist aesthetics of the counterculture into his products.

Herein perhaps lies the most fundamental difference between Jobs and Bill Gates. Jobs poured himself into his products; Gates continues to pour himself into society. Thus, as Isaacson noted, Steve Jobs, who represented a strand of the 60′s counterculture that withdrew from society, had more interest in dishwashers or furniture than in politics and even refused to discuss what he intended to do with his money after he died. Some people say this is why Gates’ historic influence will eventually be measured as being more meaningful than Jobs’. But I’m not so sure. Will Steve Jobs eventually be remembered as a selfish, selfabsorbed ex-hippie unwilling to give anything back to society?

Steve Jobs did not use unjust means to increase his wealth yet his biographer says he did not do much for society. One can only hope that whoever inherits Job's estate would be a more visible philanthropist: if indeed there is one.

Even though God sanctions free enterprise, He also encourages social responsibility from the successful entrepreneur. Unbridled capitalism is not His pantsuit.

Contrast Steve Jobs with another deep pocket man Ted Turner. Ted has made his mark as one of the most influential philanthropists in the U.S. In September 1997, Turner announced his historic pledge of up to $1 billion to the United Nations Foundation (UNF), to better enable the UN to champion humanitarian causes around the world. Ted now dedicates his time and resources to making the world a better, safer place for future generations.

In addition, he remains actively involved in business with the rapidly expanding Ted’s Montana Grill restaurant chain. Until this year – 2011 - Ted was the single largest individual freehold land owner in North America. And he

has over 50,000 Bison’s roaming free on his land, which he supplies to his Montana Grill Restaurant. Ted keeps increasing in wealth and health.

Psalm 24 verse says; ‘the earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein’ God owns everything the human eye can see and cannot see and He chooses to give some to whoever He chooses (Deut. 18:8; Prov. 6:22) He says the cattle on the thousand hills belong to Him (Psalm 50:10) If He promises to give back, multiplied whatever you give to the poor, why don’t you heed His advice. He uses your giving to make His world more equitable; alleviating human suffering. He does not drop down manna any more. In view of that, if you make yourself a channel of His goodness, He strengthens your hand with more.

A history professor once said America is the policeman of the World. He was right. But what he did not say is that America is also the Philanthropist of the World.

By landmass the biggest nation on earth is Russia (17,098,242 km2) followed by Canada (9,984,670km2) United States is third (9,629,091km2). In terms of population China is the biggest nation on earth (1,341,335,000) followed by India (1,224,614,000) United States follows at a distant third. (310,384,000) However, when it comes to economic development, United States leads the rest of the world. US have $14,660,000,000,000 GDP followed by China, $10,090,000,000,000 GDP with Japan at third position with a $4,310,000,000,000 GDP. The economy of the United States coupled with its military might make it the greatest nation on earth. The greatness of the US stems more from its ability to use its enormous wealth to alleviate human suffering the world over. Wherever disaster strikes in this world the United States shows up to help out; including Iran of all nations, which constantly preaches ‘death to the great Satan’ (US). When Iran was hit by an earthquake the US sent them emergency supplies; they did not say no.

After World War II Europe was devastated and its economy was in shambles, United States put together the Marshall Plan; designed to restore the economic stability of Europe.US rebuilt Europe.

The United States contributes more to the United Nations regular budget than any nation – 22%. In 2009 US assessed an amount of $598,292,101.

Philanthropy is not only a corporate American culture it is in the individual citizens as well: no developed country approaches Americans' sense of giving. For example, in 1995 (the most recent year for which data are available), Americans gave, per capita, three and a half times as much to causes and charities as the French, seven times as much as the Germans, and 14 times as much as the Italians.

In 2006, Americans gave about $295 billion to charity. Wow! 4.5 million Native Americans make up 1.5% of the US population of 311 million. The rest of the population is of European, African and Asian origin. The United States was an experiment based on Judeo-Christian principles and it has succeeded big time. Why? God’s favor moved into the Founding Fathers faith-filled values. He that hath pity upon the poor lends unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Looking for a man who has the potential to be mega rich? Do not look beyond a giver!

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Rocky Dawuni Makes CNN’s List Of Africa’s Ten Biggest Artistes

Culture and Arts - Profiles

Dr. Atuahene on Joining Efforts with Face2Face Africa

January 2012

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Interview With Ace Singer Stay Jay

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Cont. from Pg. 16

er. She taught me to believe in everything that I do. She always advised me to be humble, respectful, calm, and quiet. If someone is arguing or there is a disagreement, she taught me to be still and to be calm. She also taught me about the importance of humility as sharing is caring. I love you mum!!!!

23. Were there any people who discouraged you from singing? How do you handle discouragement?

Yes, there were always people who tried to discourage me from becoming a singer, and there are still people who are trying to discourage me.

But when you believe in yourself, it is important that you follow your dreams and ignore the distractors - do not listen to them. Faith in God is the most important thing. I am Monday born, so I always fast, every Monday, in the morning. Apart from that, before every performance, I pray with my pastors and ask for God’s protection, guidance, and presence to go before me. I could not do any of this without God.

Dr. Richard Owusu Atuahene is the president and CEO of Rapsoco Group of companies. He is an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist with 10 successful business set ups including Rapid Solutions Inc, Rapsoco Media and Entertainment, Amerigest Home Health Aide, Rapsolco Microfinance, Foxwood Group Insurance Co, Rapsolco Real Estates, Rapid Solutions Travel and Tour, Rapsolco Oil and Transport, Clear Vision Consulting and Richard Atuahene Foundation.

Ghana may have missed out on the Forbes list of 40 most influential entertainers in Africa but when CNN narrowed it down to ten of the continent’s most famous and muchloved musical exports ten, the celebrated and award-winning international Ghanaian reggae artist, Rocky Dawuni made the cut.

Rocky, widely acclaimed as Ghana’s Bob Marley, has over the years raised high the flag of Ghana in international circles and has performed to audiences across the world as well as working with music legend, Stevie Wonder. He has won several international awards from his last album, Hymns for the Rebel Soul which was released early this year. The awards include, Best African Artist at this year’s International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

The world acclaimed Ghanaian singer, now based in Los Angeles, was featured on CNN’s African Voices in September this year. Rocky Dawuni is the only Ghanaian in the featured list which is dominated by Nigerian artists such as Asa, Nneka and 2Face Idibia. Other renowned artistes who made it to the list includes; Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour, Mali’s Salif Keita and Somali-born rapper K’naan.

Dr. Atuahene has a wide range of experience in business consulting and development, accounting, media consulting, banking, project management, marketing and advertising.

Richard Atuahene has had professional education in Ghana (University of Ghana), The United Kingdom (Milton Keynes College) and the United States (Kean University, Harvard Law School and University of Phoenix). He is a CDPE and a Certified International Negotiator from Harvard Law School, USA. He is currently a member of AICPA, NAIFA, CDPE, THENAE, ACFE, ASTA, OSSN and TRUE. Dr. Atuahene is a true professional and has received recognition from Face2Face Africa with the IAAPA Award.

In a special interview with Dr. Richard Atuahene, he said, “over a long period of time Africa has faced a lot of problems.

Some of which are cultural, educational, developmental, industrial and a host of others”. As a result, our continent has been burlesqued and travestied by the rest of the world. Our image has been thwarted and we seem to be losing ourselves in the global world which most countries from other continents like India, Brazil and China have been able to take advantage of.

However, all is not lost and that is the primary reason we are gathered here this evening to join in one accord with FACE 2 FACE Africa to help rebrand and restore the image of Africa."

He continued to say that, an important aspect to the rebranding is the need to reappraise our inherited cultural traditions to come to the terms of the global community. Culture, he said, undoubtedly is the identity of people. "We are Africans because of our culture and therefore we must hold it in high esteem. However, we need to ensure that this culture of ours is packaged to reflect the transitions of the world and the challenges of this new age. This must reflect in our businesses and our daily lives."

24.If you were not singing, what would you be doing?

I would be a professional footballer with the Black Stars or an international team abroad.

25.Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Rihanna and Justin Bieber.

26.Between now and the New Year (2012), what do you have in store for your fans : are you releasing new music/new videos, etc?

I will be releasing a new video within the next week for the song “ Twaame la la (Play Me A Song)”; I will be releasing a song I did with Sarkodie (beat produced by Guilty); and I will be releasing my second album within the next few months.

27.When you are making a song, what do you do first- do you write the lyrics or do you listen to a beat first??

I always pray to God to guide me and give me the ability to write good music .With Shashee wowo, I wrote the song first before adding the beat to it. When I am in the early stages of writing a song, it is very important for me to get the views and opinions of the people around me, especially the kids. I test my songs out with the local children. Many of my songs have a “call and response” chorus, so I test it out and see if the kids respond accordingly. If they do, I know the song will work. If not, I rewrite it.

RANDOM FACTS ABOUT STAY JAY: Favorite food: Jollof Rice, Salad, and Fish Favorite Book: The Bible If you were asked you to sing the National Anthem at a National event, would you be able to do it? Absolutely!!! God bless our homeland GHANA.. ( I hope the Ghana @55 Committee is taking note of this! ) Left handed or right handed: Right Handed

Favorite Ghanaian song (excluding your own): Oh there is a gospel song I really love. I do not know the exact title, but there is one song I really enjoy.

Favorite YouTube Video: Azonto – FUSE ODG featuring Tiffany

Most Embarassing Moment: Once I went to a club and I was there with a friend who was very popular, a very well known guy. However, for some strange reason, the bouncer would let me in, but refused to let in the famous guy. As a result, we turned around and went home.

Talent you have that no one knows about : I can draw.

Last time you cried: I just recently cried a few days ago when my friend Gabby Small died. We were just hanging out with him over the weekend and then we heard that he was dead. We just buried him and it was very Face2Face Africa is keen to ensure that this important aspiration is attained. But they are not in this alone because when the very sad. Also, a year ago my cousin died in a car accident. So those are good name of Africa is restored all Africans will become bene- the last two times I can remember truly deeply crying. ficiaries. He therefore challenged everyone that evening to join Biggest fear: The sea. I have personally witnessed the sea carry away two of my friends. When the sea returned them to the shore 3 days later, Face2Face in achieving this goal. they were missing their noses, ears, eyes, and other body parts because the fish in the sea had eaten them. I do not go to the beach at all.

Afrikan

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1957 President Dwight D. Eisenhower sends Vice President Richard Milhous Nixon to Ghana to participate in Ghana’s independence celebrations.

1958 U.S. State Department creates the Bureau of African Affairs. Joseph Satterthwaite, the first Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, is sworn in on September 2.

1958-61 African diplomats serving in the United States face discrimination while seeking housing in the Washington, DC area. In 1961 the Kennedy administration establishes the Special Protocol Service Section within the Department of State to work with local and state governments to resolve and prevent cases of discrimination against African diplomats.

1960 The United States refuses to support Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba during Congo’s independence from Belgium because the Eisenhower administration believes he is a communist.

Suspicions of U.S. involvement in Lumumba’s death would later on taint America’s image in Africa for many years.

1961 Newly elected President John F. Kennedy establishes the Peace Corps on March 1. The first American Peace Corps volunteers depart for Ghana and Tanzania on August 28. On November 3, President Kennedy establishes the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to administer economic foreign assistance programs.

1963 May: The Organization of African Unity (OAU) is formed with the intent of creating a unified United States of Africa, comparable to the United States of America.

1964 Civil Rights Act of 1964: Landmark American law bans racial discrimination in public accommodations, effectively ending legalized racial discrimination in the United States.

1965 Immigration Reform Act of 1965: By ending a quota system that heavily favored European countries, the law launches an era of large-scale legal immigration from African and Asian countries to the United States.

1966 U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy makes a historic visit to Apartheid South Africa at the invitation of the antiapartheid National Union of South African Students to deliver its Annual Day of Affirmation speech at the University of Cape Town. The visit emphasizes the connections between the fight against racism and that for civil rights in both the United States and South Africa.

1974 April: Portugal’s “Carnation Revolution” – An officers’ revolt leads to the independence of Portugal’s African territories. Fear of Soviet-backed leftist liberation movements leads the Nixon and Ford administrations to place Angola and Mozambique at the top of U.S. concerns in Africa.

September: Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie is overthrown by the Derg, a secretive group of military officers,

U.S. – Africa Fast Facts

whose brutally repressive Marxist regime prompted thousands to leave the country over the next decade. Many Ethiopian families settled in the United States, whose vibrant Ethiopian-American community can be traced to this period.

October: World heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman loses to challenger and former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire, in a match billed as “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Ali’s win cemented his image as the most popular and perhaps most recognized American in Africa and provided evidence of a tolerant, pluralist America with the success of a black and Muslim American.

November: Cuban forces reach Angola via Soviet air transports in time to help MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola) halt a South African incursion from the south and a U.S.- and Zairean-backed assault from the north. MPLA declares Angolan independence on November 11.

1975 July: President Gerald Ford approves $6 million in covert aid for the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and the National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), two allied factions who opposed the Soviet-backed Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) in the Angolan civil war.

1976 Congress passes the Clark Amendment, prohibiting U.S. assistance to Angolan rebel movements.

1977 Roots – Alex Haley’s fictionalized African-American family history is made into a hugely popular television miniseries that airs over eight consecutive nights in January 1977. The series garners enormous ratings and becomes an overnight sensation as approximately 130 million Americans tune in at some time during the eight broadcasts, galvanizing African-American interest in Africa.

1978 President Jimmy Carter makes the first official state visit by a U.S. president to sub-Saharan Africa March 31 – April 3, meeting with President Olusegun Obasanjo in Lagos, Nigeria, and with President William Tolbert in Monrovia, Liberia.

1981-90 The anti-apartheid movement gains momentum in the United States. A grassroots campaign built from a coalition of African-American groups, student activists, political groups and churches came together to pressure U.S. businesses and state and local governments to oppose the white-minority government’s apartheid policies by withdrawing investments in South Africa.

1984 Guinean President Ahmed Sekou Toure dies at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, after undergoing heart surgery. Toure had ruled Guinea since its independence in 1958 and often had been at loggerheads with the United States. He invited civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael to live in Guinea. Carmichael and his wife, South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba, moved to Conakry in 1969, where he lived until his

death in 1998.

Cuban troop strength in Angola reaches at least 40,000. Their presence fuels Reagan administration hostility to MPLA and support of Jonas Savimbi’s UNITA (supported

by South Africa) in what much of Africa views as a U.S.-USSR proxy war.

Meanwhile, U.S.-owned and -operated Gulf Oil pumps oil in MPLA-controlled Cabinda province. Gulf eventually becomes ChevronTexaco, currently the foreign company with the most extensive holdings in Angola.

1986 U.S. anti-apartheid activists score a major victory when Congress passes a new law “The Comprehensive AntiApartheid Act” imposing U.S. sanctions on South Africa until it releases Nelson Mandela and establishes a timetable for the end of apartheid, among other conditions.

1988 The New York Accords: After 24 months of negotiations chaired by Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Chester A. Crocker, Angola, Cuba and South Africa formally agree to a December 22 cease-fire. These accords also grant Namibian independence and provide for the withdrawal of Cuban forces from Angola.

1990 South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela is released from prison on February 11 after serving 27 years.

1992 December: U.S. forces enter Somalia at the beginning of Operation Restore Hope, a joint U.N.-U.S. effort to provide food relief to starving victims of Somalia’s civil war.

1993 Eighteen U.S. troops are killed in an October raid in Mogadishu, Somalia.

Soon after, President Clinton withdraws troops from Somalia. The incident enters into the American popular imagination with the movie Black Hawk Down.

1994 The genocide in Rwanda begins after the Rwandan president, Juvenal Habyarimana, is killed when his plane is shot down on April 6. By July 18, more than 800,000 Rwandans are killed in the conflict as the international community fails to agree on taking action.

April: In South Africa’s first fully democratic election, Nelson Mandela is elected as the first black president in the nation’s history, signaling an end to apartheid and white-minority rule.

1995 The United States backs a February 2 U.N. resolution to establish a special international war crimes tribunal in Arusha, Tanzania, for perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide.

1996 A U.S. military program is launched to train troops in Mali, Ghana, Uganda and Nigeria.

1998 President Bill Clinton pays the first visit by a U.S. President to sub-Saharan Africa in 20 years, March 23 – April 2.

August: Two massive car bombs are detonated at the U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya on August 7, killing more than 220 people and injuring more than 4,000, mostly area residents and passers-by. Both attacks are later linked to al-Qaida.

1999 The African Growth and

January 2012 Opportunity Act (AGOA): The Clinton administration introduces an initiative to create new economic opportunities by increasing African exports to the United States.

2001 The Africa Education Initiative: An effort to strengthen basic education in Africa is created in July.

2002 UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi is killed in Angola February 22. Six weeks later, a cease-fire is reached, bringing the 27-year Angolan civil war to an end.

July: The Organization of African Unity (OAU) merges with the African Economic Community (EAC) to form the African Union (AU) July 9.

November: Camp Lemonnier, a former French military base in Djibouti, becomes site of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), an extension of the Central Command and operated by the U.S. Navy. The base is the first permanent U.S. base in modern Africa.

2003 President George W. Bush announces the launch of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in his January 28 State of the Union address.

February: President Bush announces an important new effort to combat famine and hunger worldwide, recognizing that 30 million people in Africa are at risk of starvation or are facing severe food shortages, including 14 million people in Ethiopia alone.

July: President Bush visits Botswana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda in his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa July 8-12.

August: Liberian President Charles Taylor goes into exile under pressure from the United States and other nations, and a small American force joins Nigerian peacekeepers in an effort to bring stability to wartorn Liberia.

2004 President Bush establishes the Millennium Challenge Corporation to reduce global poverty through the promotion of sustainable economic growth. Thirty-two African countries are on the list of 63 countries eligible to submit proposals for funding.

June: President Bush leads his G8 partners in a meeting with African leaders from Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda. Their discussion focuses on the challenges faced by Africa, including promoting private-sectorled growth, combating HIV/AIDS and poverty.

2005 The January 9 Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement ends the civil war in southern Sudan.

June: President Bush announces the

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President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).

June: President Bush announces approximately $55 million to support women’s justice and empowerment in Africa.

July: Leaders of the world’s leading industrialized countries (the G8) pledge to step up development aid by $50 billion by 2010, with half of the increase going to Africa.

2006 March: U.S. Commerce Department releases U.S.-Africa trade figures for 2005, showing that American imports from African countries under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) increased 44 percent from 2004, to $38.1 billion.

2007 February: The U.S. Department of Defense announces the creation of a new Africa Command (AFRICOM) to coordinate U.S. military and security interests throughout the continent, promote security partnerships in the region and support humanitarian aid efforts.

2008 February: President Bush makes his second trip to Africa, visiting Benin, Ghana, Liberia, Rwanda and Tanzania.

August: Senator Barack Obama, whose father was from Kenya, becomes the first AfricanAmerican presidential nominee of a major political party.

2009 January: President Obama is sworn in as the first U.S. president with direct African heritage (Kenya).

July: President Obama visits Ghana and delivers speech to Ghana’s parliament.

August: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton attends 8th U.S. – Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum (AGOA Forum) in Nairobi, Kenya. and follows it with a seven-nation sub-Saharan African tour.

2010 January / February: Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson attends 14th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and travels to Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria to confer with the heads of state of these West African nations.

June: Vice President Joe Biden & Dr. Jill Biden travel to Egypt, Kenya and South Africa for talks with leaders of each country. The Bidens conclude their African tour in Rustenburg where they stop to attend the U.S. Men’s National Team’s first game – USA v.

England at the FIFA World Cup. Source:AMIPNewsonline.org

Osita Iheme Discusses His Mercy Johnson Wins Sweetheart And Marital Plans Most Outstanding After Aki Tied The Knot Actress in Africa Afrikan Post

In a recent chat with him, he opens up on the national award.

Pawpaw, who is so happy for his (Aki) partner’s decision to marry also told us he has equally found love. But pressed to reveal the identity of the woman rocking his world, he declined comment.

Nollywood Actress Oge Okoye, Shaves Off Her Hair For New Movie January 2012

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He rather appealed to us to be patient.“I am in serious relationship,” was all he said.

Asked again how it feels to be recognized by the Federal Government, “It’s exciting and great to be so chosen amongst millions of eminent Nigerians. When I missed it last year, I told people my own is coming. And finally it’s here. So, I am so, so happy. I thank President Goodluck Jonathan for his honor. I promise I won’t disappoint. It’s now Aki and Pawpaw MFR. God is the greatest”.

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie has emerged the Most Outstanding Actress of the year.

Mercy, who is one of the hottest faces in the Nigerian movie industry, won the award at the prestigious AfroAustralian Music and Movies Awards (AAMMA) which was held in Australia recently.

The Afro-Australian Music and Movies Awards is the only African awards event in the whole of Australia and New Zealand.

The award recognized Mercy Johnson as Africa’s queen of the screen which is a symbolic recognition.

Credited with over 100 movies, and on high demand as a performing artiste, Pawpaw is one of the richest actors in Nollywood.

Osita Iheme is arguably one of the best actors in Nollywood. He is widely known for playing the role of ‘Pawpaw’ in the film Aki na Ukwa alongside Chinedu Ikedieze. He lives in an estate in Ogba, Ikeja axis of Lagos while he and Chinedu (Aki) are building a twin duplex in Lagos. Both have In 2007 Osita received the Lifetime also completed their buildings in Aba, Achievement Award at the African Movie Enyimba City, Abia State, Nigeria.

Academy Awards. He is considered to be one of Nigeria’s most famous actors.

Recently, he was awarded the Nigeria National Honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Source:www.onlinenigeria.com

Though MJ regrettably was absent at the awards ceremony, due to circumstances beyond her control, Nollywood actor Desmond Elliot received the award on her behalf.

Other distinguished award winners at the exquisite event were Desmond Elliot, John Dumelo, ‘Makossa’ crooner Awilo Longomba and Pascal Atuma.

As we learnt, the trio of Queen, Oge and Rukky had their heads shaved in other to play the role of wives to a man in a new movie, whose shoot is taking place in Lagos.

Source:www.onlinenigeria.com

AAMMA appreciates, encourages and celebrates talents in and outside the African community of Australia, the African continent and the Diaspora. Past winners of the awards include the ‘African Queen’ crooner, Tuface Idibia, Jimmy Bangura and Emmerson Bockarie.

MJ, who made her movie debut in ‘The Maid’ years ago, has featured in over 100 movies and still counting.

Source:www.onlinenigeria.com

According to information available to us the trio of Oge Okoye, Queen Nwokoye and Ghanaian Rukky Mashud were paid some millions of naira in the region of two digits for them to have their heads shave.

Other top actresses that have had their heads shaved in the past for movie roles are Mercy Johnson, Adaora Ukoh, Stella Damasus, among others. The movie is yet to be titled, according to confirmed information getting to us.

The event was the third edition of AAMMA, and it was held at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney, Australia.

She has won other notable awards including the best actress at the exquisite Future Awards.

News getting to us from the grapevine confirms that two top Nollywood actresses and one top Ghanaian actress are now two digits million-naira richer as a result of money paid them by one of Nollywood producers to shave their heads to the skin in other for them to fit in the characters needed of them.

Osita - bestman at Chenedu’s wedding Picture from www.bellaniger.com

January 2012

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African Post

High Life Radio 24th Night Dinner Dance

January 2012

Page 38

Highlife Radio, a Manassas Virginia based Internet Radio station treated their listeners and fans to a night of dancing and dining on the 24th of December 2011. Highlife radio otherwise known as Highlife today under the mamagement of Wofa Yaw and Obaa Yaa is currently the most listened to Ghanaian internet radio station in North America.

Wofa Yaw Ansah-Agyei CEO of highlife radio and Obaa Yaa

Nana Adu Konkoni giving a word of exaltation

Dancing Time

Some of the Presenters on Highlife Radio

Amankrado Mark -MC of the Night

P

2012 Africa Cup of Nations

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations will be the 28th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the football championship of Africa organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It will be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The two countries won the right to host the tournament after defeating a Nigerian bid along with two other bid winning nations, Angola and Libya. Bids from Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Senegal were rejected.

For the first time in CAF history, the hosts of three successive tournaments were chosen at the same time; Angola was chosen to host in 2010, Gabon/Equatorial Guinea were chosen as hosts for the 2012 cup and Libya for the 2013 edition. Nigeria was chosen as a stand-by host in the event that one of the chosen nations were to become unsuitable.

From the calendar, Group "A" teams will based in Bata; Group "B" - Malabo, Group "C "Libreville and Group "D" - Franceville.

Africa Cup of Nations 2012 Groups

Group A: Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Senegal, Zambia

Group B: Cote d'Ivoire, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Angola Group C: Gabon, Niger, Morocco. Tunisia

Group D: Ghana, Botswana, Mali, Guinea

A Brief History Of The African Cup Of Nations

In 1956 in Lisbon a meeting between seven delegates resulted in the formation of the Confederation of African Football and the organisation planned the first tournament for the following year in Khartoum.

However, as the start date drew near, there were a few hurdles to overcome, such as the exclusion of South Africa after the apartheid regime failed to approve a multi-racial team. So with South Africa out, the tournment came down to a playoff between just three teams Egypt, hosts Sudan and Ethiopia.

Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia played the first two tournaments in odd years before it increased to four, six, eight, 12 and then 16 teams.

Since the early days, North Africa - and Ghana in particular - has maintained its reputation, while the other pioneers Ethiopia and Sudan have deteriorated.

And while there have been many highlights, few African Nations Cup tournaments have taken place without any problems.

One thing is certain, though - that Caf and the Nations Cup is still in existence is due to the passion for the game on the African continent.

21 January 2012 21 January 2012 25 January 2012 25 January 2012 29 January 2012 29 January 2012 22 January 2012 22 January 2012 26 January 2012 26 January 2012 30 January 2012 30 January 2012 23 January 2012 23 January 2012 27 January 2012 27 January 2012 31 January 2012 31 January 2012 24 January 2012 24 January 2012 28 January 2012 28 January 2012 1 February 2012 1 February 2012

Equatorial Guinea Senegal Libya Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea Libya C么te d'Ivoire Burkina Faso Sudan C么te d'Ivoire Sudan C么te d'Ivoire Gabon Morocco Niger Gabon Gabon Niger Ghana Mali Botswana Ghana Botswana Ghana

January 2012

Afrikan Post

v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v v

Libya Zambia Zambia Senegal Zambia Senegal Sudan Angola Angola Burkina Faso Burkina Faso Angola Niger Tunisia Tunisia Morocco Tunisia Morocco Botswana Guinea Guinea Mali Mali Guinea

Previous Winners Of The African Cup Of Nations

Year 2012 2010 2008 2006 2004 2002 2000 1998 1996 1994 1992 1990 1988 1986 1984 1982 1980 1978 1976 1974 1972 1970 1968 1965 1963 1962 1959 1957

Hosts

Equatorial Guinea Angola Ghana Egypt Tunisia Mali Ghana/Nigeria Burkina Faso South Africa Tunisia Senegal Algeria Morocco Egypt Ivory Coast Libya Nigeria Ghana Ethiopia Egypt Cameroon Sudan Ethiopia Tunisia Ghana Ethiopia Egypt Sudan

Winners

Egypt 1-0 Ghana Egypt 1-0 Cameroon Egypt 0-0 Ivory Coast (4-2 Pens) Tunisia 2-1 Morocco Cameroun 0-0 Senegal (3-2 Pens) Cameroun 2-2 Nigeria (4-3 Pens) Egypt 2-0 South Africa South Africa 2-0 Tunisia Nigeria 2-1 Zambia Ivory Coast 0-0 Ghana (11-10 Pens) Algeria 1-0 Nigeria Cameroun 1-0 Nigeria Egypt 0-0 Cameroon (5-4 Pens) Cameroun 3-1 Nigeria Ghana 1-1 Libya (7-6 Pens) Nigeria 3-0 Algeria Ghana 2-0 Uganda Morocco (League Format) Zaire 2-0 Zambia (After Replay) Congo 3-2 Mali Sudan 1-0 Ghana RD Congo 1-0 Ghana Ghana 3-2 Tunisia Ghana 3-0 Sudan Ethiopia 4-2 Egypt Egypt 2-1 Sudan Egypt 4-0 Ethiopia

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