February 2012

The Ghanaian News

2010 Personal & Business Tax Filing HST Filing

February 2012

1

Ghanaian News visit us on line @ www.ghanaiannews.ca

Vol. 16 No. 2 February 2012

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GHANA 55th Milestone of Nationhood By: Dr. Michael Baffoe

Fifty-Five Years ago on March 6th, 1957. Six political leaders led by Kwame Nkrumah stood on a podium at the Old Polo Grounds in Accra and declared the birth of a new nation called Ghana. The declaration was the country’s weaning of itself from the former colonial ruler, Britain. On that night the British Flag, the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and the flag of the new nation, formerly known as the Gold Coast, was hoisted.

Premier Dalton McGuinty with some community members at Black History Month celebration at Queen's Park From left Ghana Consul General Kwadjo Mawutor, Premier McGuinty, Okyeame Dogo, Comfort Ayiku, Lucy Crenstil Full story on pg. 45

Fax: 416-916-6701

In his historic independence declaration, the first Prime Minister, Kwame Nkrumah de-

Black History Month Award Celebration at Presby Church

Some of the recipients with the Organizer. From left: Yaa Achiaa Bobie Ansah, Akua Bobie-Ansah, Akosua Serwaah Bobie-Ansah, Susanna Barning, Nana Kofi Anokye Bresiamah, Comfort Ayiku, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Opoku-Ware, Joseph Abankwah (organizer), Francis Owusu Jr. See story on pg. 50

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, 1st President of Ghana

clared that the new nation and its citizens reserved the right to “manage or even mismanage its own affairs”. Over the past 55 cont'd on pg. 7

Nana Wiafe Akenteng passes away at 65

Full story on pg. 49

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

The Ghanaian News

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

EDITORIAL KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH NEWS FROM HOME AND LOCAL COMMUNITY ISSUES

EDITORIAL Publisher / Editor Emmanuel Ayiku Contributing Editors Dr. Michael Baffoe Joe Kingsley Eyiah Director of Operations Comfort Ayiku Community Reporter Jonathan Annobil Winnipeg Bureau Dr. Michael Baffoe

The Ghanaian News Publishes news and comments from the Community, serves Ghanaians across Canada with good source of information is committed to give good community Journalism The Ghanaian News is published in Canada by The Ghanaian News Corporation

Editorial Office 2256 Sheppard Ave. Suite 202 Toronto, Ont. M9M 1L7 Tel:(416) 916-3700 Advertising Fax (416) 916-6701 Internet: www.ghanaiannews.com E-mail: cayiku@gmail.com Subscription costs $89.95 for one year. $129.95 for two years. U.S. and foreign subscriptions costs US$120.00 per year.

Letters to the Editor We encourage your feedback and value your comments. Please feel free to write to us. keep letters to a maximum of 200 words, include your full name, Telephone # and mailing address with all correspondence.

Address your letters to the Editor The Ghanaian News 2256 SheppardAve. Suite 202 Toronto, Ont. M9M 1L7 Tel: 416-916-3700 or Fax: 416-916-6701 or e-mail us at afrocan@afrocan.com

Articles appearing in various columns of the Ghanaian News are intended to generate civil and informed public discussions. You do not have to agree with opinions expressed by the writers.

That should encourage you to write to express your own views. This is the way we generate lively and civil discussions in the community.

Rejoinders are not forums for personal insults and we want readers to adhere to these principles.

Celebrating or Mourning Ghana at 55 The Land of our Birth, Ghana reaches another significant milestone this year. She will be “celebrating” her 55th anniversary of independence from colonial rule. Past occasions of similar nature have been celebrated by Ghanaians in Ghana and by Ghanaian citizens abroad in very joyous ways. We celebrate these occasions because the citizens of the country believe that they have earned the right to celebrate our achievements as a nation.

When Ghanaians celebrated the golden jubilee of the country at 50 years old in 2007, there was euphoria and great expectations that a solid foundation had been laid for the country’s progress and development. It was also expected that the next fifty years will see the country moving on to greater heights. This euphoria and great expectations have been subdued since the nation turned fifty. News coming from the Land of Our Birth is no good.

It breaks our hearts to see, hear and read about the way the nation is drifting with seemingly no sense of direction.

Our greatest achievement as a nation has been the fact that we have managed to hold our nation together. In the face of all the upheavals and turmoil happening around us on the continent of Africa, we have managed to hold our country together and prevented it from descending into chaos. However there are people in the country who are doing everything they can to push the nation in the direction of chaos and turmoil. A disturbing culture of public insults has enveloped the nation. Politicians and public officials openly insult each other with no consequences. This behaviour pattern of our leaders bodes very badly for the nation’s future. It is the beginning of the process of laying a foundation for future crisis.

We call on all respectable opinion leaders in the country, especially our religious leaders, to use the occasion of the nation’s fifty-fifth birthday to call our public officials to order.

They should be cautioned to refrain from actions and behaviours that have the potential for pushing Ghana to the corner where some of our neighbours have ended with very dire consequences.

We wish all our compatriots both at home and abroad a very happy anniversary. This is an election year in Ghana and with the process comes all kinds of dangers and behaviours from politicians and some citizens that have the potential of derailing the stability and development of the country.

As we celebrate the occasion of 55 years of independence, we should also pause to say a prayer for the nation. It is our fervent hope that subsequent anniversaries will see the nation in happy moods and conditions for celebrations and not occasions for mourning any misfortunes.

Opinion/ Commentary

By Kwabena Akuoko

Rethinking Foreign Aid and Economic Development in Africa Decades of continuous foreign aid or development assistance to Africa has simply not produced any meaningful outcomes.

Rather, it has in many respects contributed to Africa’s unending dependence on others’ benevolence for its economic development. Foreign aid has also led to a culture of bribery and corruption among select citizens with close ties to various African governments simply because aid funds often end up in their pockets.

Without entirely shunning foreign aid however, I think it is about time African countries looked for alternative means to meet their development needs.

Africa needs to take a fresh look at its problems and realize that while foreign aid helps in minimal circumstances toward achieving economic improvement, it is also a huge part of the problem of the continent’s dependency problems.

Correspondingly, if rich countries are keenly interested in assisting Africa to deal with its economic woes, it is important for the donors to rethink how foreign aid is delivered. Traditional foreign aid described by critics as a hand-down or simplistic approach to dealing with a fundamental problem does not help Africa’s economic development efforts. It is therefore a misleading notion that foreign aid greatly helps in combating poverty on our continent. We only need a hand-up to address our economic challenges, but rich countries only offer us a hand-down. And as a result, it is essential for us to come to the realization that foreign aid is not usually helpful and also is not a panacea for our economic problems. It is a question of determining what is best for us in terms of development assistance.

Neither strict conditional development aid programs that tend to benefit donors countries nor unrestricted aid initiatives that also often lead to the creation and perpetuation of dependency are good for Africa’s economic wellbeing. Conventional foreign aid is merely a

hand-down approach to help with no far-reaching poverty alleviation outcomes. It does not do much to reduce poverty among the targeted populations in the recipientAfrican countries. Instead of straight foreign aid or voluntary transfer of funds to various African governments, the people would benefit more from aid programs that are capacity-building oriented, which are also copartnered with local nongovernment organizations and aimed at helping specific communities to respond to their unique challenges. Such aid programs are proven to have meaningful results than otherwise.

While traditional foreign aid is generally perceived by donor countries as a crucial in helping to improve the lives of poor people across Africa, its strategic contribution to lasting poverty mitigation is highly debatable. While donating large sums of money to poor African countries packaged as development aid remains one of the biggest humanitarian ideas of our time, such approach does not produce effective outcomes. Yet, some individuals and entities in the developed world have made it their business in raising billions of dollars yearly to help Africa.

Western governments, including Canada are even judged by how much they donate to African countries and the rest of the developing world.

Not surprisingly therefore, calls for more aid to Africa continues to grow each year, with development aid advocates pushing for the doubling of approximately $50 billion of foreign aid that yearly goes to Africa.

Various studies have however strongly suggested that foreign aid does not address Africa’s development needs. It has rather made the poor poorer and even slowed down economic growth because it often creates and perpetuates dependency. It is for instance estimated that since 1970, 70% of government spending in such countries as Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali,

Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Rwanda, etc. has been dependent on foreign aid. This therefore underscores the contention that foreign aid leads to economic dependency in Africa. Our ability to manage our rich natural resources instead of foreign aid is a sure roadmap to economic self-sufficiency. From my standpoint, foreign aid should be understood in the context of teaching a man how to fish and allowing him to be able to feed his family for good thereby becoming independent than just continuously giving him fish.

Foreign aid is also a notorious source of bribery and corruption. Aid funds, which are intended to help poor populations often, end up in private bank accounts for example. There are two recent cases in point, which speak to the connection between foreign aid and corruption within top African political circles.

They involved former Zambian President Frederick Chiluba and former Malawian President Bakili Muluzi who allegedly channelled funds earmarked for various development projects in their respective countries to their private use in the past decade. Mr. Muluzi alone allegedly misappropriated $12million.

Incessant foreign aid has hindered Africa’s development efforts and created a culture of dependency. Instead of helping, foreign aid has in many ways become an impediment to Africa’s economic independence.

Others even see it as insidious aid culture, which has virtually left African countries more debt-laden and prone to inflation. For far too long, Africa has depended on the benevolence of rich Western nations to meet development and even basic spending needs. Therefore, a new approach to aid must be taken to move Africa forward with its 21st century development agenda. Africa needs radical shift away from depending on others’ generosity and instead, pursue policies of self-reliance.

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

7

GHANA: 55th Milestone of Nationhood cont'd from pg. 1

years, Ghana has undergone tremendous changes, some very positive, others not so positive while others have been damaging and even self-destructive. The early years of nationhood under the first President, Kwame Nkrumah and the first post colonial government run by the Convention People’s Party (CPP) were full of euphoria, promises, and high expectations. The nation has undergone dramatic infrastructural changes, social and economic development.

An accelerated fee-free elementary education dramatically transformed the hitherto mainly illiterate population and with an added affordable and accelerated secondary and technical education launched under the Ghana Education Trust initiatives, Ghana managed to train enough manpower to man the civil and industrial services that were created from the early independence years. Free Teacher Training Education was also introduced that helped to train teachers to staff the numerous elementary schools that were opened across the country.

For post-secondary education the CPP government expanded the University of Ghana, the Premier University opened earlier by the colonial government in 1948. Two more universities were established: The University of Science and Technology in the nation’s second largest City, Kumasi to train the nation’s needed technical personnel. A third University was opened in the Central Region City of Cape Coast, the cradle of Ghana’s education network, the Cape Coast University originally mandated to train teachers to staff the numerous secondary/technical and teachers’ colleges that had sprang up all over the country.

On the industrial front, a number of industries were established. A national airline, Ghana Airways, was launched.

Ghana was then set to fly high and determined to take its place among the community of nations. The country became the center for the independence and anti-colonial struggle for other subSaharan African countries still under colonial rule. Two major liberation-oriented conferences were held in Accra: the All-Africa People’s Conference in 1958 and the Conference of Independent African States in 1965. Most African countries looked up to Ghana for political leadership and inspiration. It became known as the “Black Star” of Africa. On this front the nation was somehow “managing” its own affairs.

The high expectations and hopes for Ghana’s accelerated development and political stability and maturity did not materialize or last long enough. The first post-colonial government headed by Kwame Nkrumah lasted nine years and was violently overthrown in a military take-over initiated by the American C.I.A on 24 February, 1966. This was the beginning of political upheavals, social and economic dislocations and destruction that Ghana has undergone since 1966.

Of the 55 years that the nation has existed, the military has intervened four times to overthrow the elected or reigning governments. It has succeeded in ruling the country for 21 years of its fiftyfive years of life as a nation. The first military government, established with the 1966 take-over lasted from February 1966 to August 1969 when the military government then headed by Lt. General Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa handed over power to a democratically elected government headed by Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia and his Progress Party (PP) government. This Parliamentary government headed by the Prime Minister lasted only 28 months before it was shot down by another bunch of restless soldiers led by then Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong

who established the National Redemption Council government. This government ruled for three years and re-organized itself into a Supreme Military Council manned by all the service commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces who felt that their junior officers were doing all the looting and “chopping” of the nation’s resources and demanded to participate in the looting of the nation’s resources. A palace coup organized in July 1978 brought a new set of military commanders into power with the establishment of another Supreme Military Council headed by Lt. General F.W.K Akuffo.

On May 15, 1979 a group of young military officers led by Flt. Lt. Jeremiah John Rawlings attempted to overthrow the government of the Supreme Military Council. The uprising failed and the mutineers were arrested. In the course of their trial before a military tribunal, another group of young officers engaged the government in a violent shoot-out and succeeded in overthrowing the government on June 4, 1979. They established the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) government manned by corporals and sergeants which ruled for only three months: June 4, 1979 to September 23, 1979. This three-month rule of the AFRC was a real watershed in Ghana’s history. This period witnessed the most brutal and worse human rights abuses ever unleashed on the population of the country. Unruly, undisciplined and drunken soldiers roamed the streets and neighborhoods of the country, terrorized and cowed population into submission. Six top military officers including three former Heads of State were executed by firing squad by Jerry Rawlings under some very flimsy and questionable excuses. Thank God this traumatic experience lasted only three months, but it left serious wounds and scars on the nation’s psyche. The AFRC and Jeremiah Rawlings handed over power to a new democratically-elected government headed by Dr. Hilla Liman and his Peoples National Party (PNP) on 23 September 1979. This was the Third Republic of Ghana.

The same Jeremiah John Rawlings who handed over power to Dr. Hilla Liman again staged another military take-over of the government on 31 December, 1981, only 27 months into the life of the government of the Third Republic. He established the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) which ruled the country until December 1992. As is his manner and style, Jerry Rawlings and his second military government subjected Ghanaians to another bout of brutality and human rights abuses including the arrest and brutal murder of three high court judges and a retired military officer on June 30, 1982.

Under pressure from the international community to return the country to constitutional rule, Jeremiah Rawlings lifted the ban on political activity to allow political parties to be formed and function.

He himself formed his own political party, got a Constitution to be written (on his terms), got elections organized and won the Presidency along with his political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This was the beginning of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.

Rawlings ruled the country again for another eight years, the maximum two terms allowed under the Constitution.

The second elections of the Fourth Republic organized in December 2000, was won by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under John Agyekum Kufour who won the Presidency after a second round runoff with the second place John Evans Attah Mills. The NPP also won a slight majority of 124 of the then 200-seat Parliament. President Kufour and his cont'd on pg. 39

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

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Mr. Amidu, who was re-

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Martin Amidu

lieved of his post for “misconduct” after issuing a “gargantuan” press statement over the controversial case of Woyome, heavily touted as the financier of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), said that “time is of the essence” now that the State has secured a ruling to amend the writ and statement of claim in the case.

In a two-page statement to Citifmonline.com, Mr. Amidu said: “The quality and commitment of legal representation for the Republic is very important for the success of the Republic in retrieving this gargantuan money in the face of the continued strong support from a politically immature and ignorant section of interest groups for the Government to overlook the loot.”

Below is an unedited full statement from Mr. Amidu: On 16th January 2012 I led the most senior lawyers of the Civil Division of the Attorney-General’s Office, of which I was then the Attorney-General, to the High Court (Commercial Division) Accra to seek an adjournment to enable me argue an application for leave to amend by substituting an amended Writ and Statement of Claim for the Att o r n e y - G e n e r a l ’s amended Statement of Claim. The High Court today granted the pursuant leave to amend the amended Writ and Statement of Claim and fixed 26th March 2012 for continuation. I have, however, been very disappointed by the level of legal representation of the Republic in Court.

In preparing the application for the amendment by substitution which was just granted, I had discussed issues of strategy with the Solicitor-General, two Chief State Attorneys, and the Senior State Attorney who had been

handling this case with Mr. Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh, the Chief State Attorney responsible for the case.

We were to apply to join two foreign registered companies who were the principals of Alfred Agbesi Woyome who themselves had no subsisting and enforceable contract with the Government of Ghana under the Constitution and laws of Ghana. Time is of the essence now otherwise the Republic would be perceived as unnecessarily delaying the case.

It is very important for the Republic of Ghana that these foreign parties are joined to the action now so that the Constitutional and contractual basis of the whole transaction with Alfred Agbesi Woyome and his alleged principals would be settled once and for all. How could Alfred Agbesi Woyome, for instance, as an agent be paid money pursuant to a transaction with his principals who are foreign companies without Parliamentary approval as required under Article 181(5) of the Constitution?

Indeed, the Alfred Agbesi Woyome and Austro Invest are fighting over the share of the GH¢51 million in another High Court. I had directed the Civil Division to join in contesting that action by raising Article 181(5) of the Constitution before I was relieved of my position. I do not know whether this has been done. The Republic could retrieve half of the GH¢51 million for the Republic from success in that suit alone.

What the public does not know is that in November 2011 the Solicitor-General, Mrs. Amma Gaisie, supported two memoranda written by the Senior State Attorney, Cecil Adadevoh, and the Chief State Attorney, Mr. Samuel Nerquaye-Tetteh, to me as Attorney-General to authorize the withdrawal of the pending case by the Republic in the Commercial High Court against Alfred Agbesi Woyome to enable the Republic pay a further over GH¢9 million to Alfred Agbesi Woyome in final settlement of interests in the case. I refused

and ordered them to continue with the case in court. The Solicitor-General and the Chief State Attorney, Mr. NerquayeTetteh, continued to pursue me by memo to settle the interest as late as December 2011 but I refused.

The Daily Post newspaper and the other NDC newspapers condemned me for refusing to withdraw the case and pay the over GH¢9 million additional interests. See the Daily Post publication of 6th January 2012 calling for my removal from office. In the same publication it published the memorandum of the Senior State Attorney and the Solicitor-General urging me to withdraw the action for settlement of the interest only. Mr. N e r q u a y e - Te t t e h ’ s memoranda urging me to withdraw the case for settlement was the only ones not leaked to the Daily Post and its allies in the NDC press.

But the Republic of Ghana has an excellent case to have a declaration of nullity against the Writ and processes filed by Alfred Agbesi Woyome against the Republic of Ghana beginning 19th April 2010. The quality and commitment of legal representation for the Republic is very important for the success of the Republic in retrieving this gargantuan money in the face of the continued strong support from a politically immature and ignorant section of interest groups for the Government to overlook the loot.

Now is the time for every patriot to stand up and defend probity and accountability by being vigilant. Remember that some of our compatriots died at the firing squad accused of just using their positions to take meager bank loans. GH¢51 million paid without any basis in contract or other legal right should engage the attention of every patriotic citizen to ensure a proper conduct of the case and a refund of the money to the Republic. I believe the Republic of Ghana has an excellent case for a refund! If you share my belief, then, join me as a citizen vigilante in this case.

Citifmonline

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

9

US Ambassador’s shocking revelation ...NPP is Involve in the Drug Trade As former United States of America (USA) President George W. Bush was constantly massaging the ego of former President J.

A. Kufuor as the best to have ever happened to Ghana, his Ambassador to Ghana was busy sending cables to the US State

Department on how rotten Mr. Kufuor’s empire was, as far as illicit drug trade was concerned.

Pamela E. Bridgewater,

US Ambassador to Ghana under the Bush administration, on Tuesday October 9, 2007, sent a damning cable under the subject Government of Ghana not doing enough to combat narcotics.

The cable, indeed, confirmed the lack of political will on the part of the Kufuor government to fight the narcotic drug trade in Ghana.

In the said cable, which was to be declassified on 10 April, 2017, she stated that narcotic drug barons are generally large supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Ambassador Bridgewater said in the cable that she was told by an official of the Narcotic Control Board that the NPP had no plan of pursuing some eight drug barons, even though many of their identities were known.

Interestingly, Raymond Amankwah, who happens to be the brother-in-law of Nana Akufo-Addo, the flag bearer of the NPP, had his assets that were confiscated returned to him when Nana Addo was the Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

In the said cable, the US Ambassador said that the NACOB official who spoke with her even suggested that drug barons

had penetrated the NACOB by recruiting officers of that outfit to keep them informed.

Eric Amoateng & NACOB Ambassador Bridgewater said in the cable that NACOB, according to one of its higher ranking officials, is motionless.

She said in the cable that the NACOB official said the government of Ghana had effectively neutered NACOB since the embarrassing arrest in the US of the NPP Member of Parliament in 2005.

“All of the high ranking officials during that time have been removed. He said that the government of Ghana was upset with NACOB since it cooperated closely with the US government on the case, which resulted in Amoateng’s guilty plea and subsequent imprisonment in the US. The NPP administration continued to pay Amoateng for 18 months after his arrest in the US. Ambassador Bridgewater revealed in the cable that the NACOB official said no one at NACOB was ready to rock the boat, including the new Director Ben Botwe, who lacked experience with narcotics enforcement.

Ben Botwe was appointed to head the NACOB after Mr. Kufuor fired all the top men after the arrest and imprisonment of Amoateng. Before his appointment, he was working with the Food and Drugs Board.

She went further in the cable to state that the Deputy Director of NACOB, Mark Ewuntomaah, was also a problem, and that Gary Nicholls even told her that the Secretary to President Kufuor at the time commented that Ewuntomaah should have stayed as a retired police officer rather than being recalled to NACOB. According to her, the US Embassy also had cause to worry about Ewuntomaah’s apparent unresponsiveness and general incompetence, adding “Despite repeated promises, Ewuntomaah was unable to even organize a tour to the airport for poloff.”

Ursula Owusu &

NACOB Surprisingly, all that was contained in the cable took place under the nose of one of the loudmouthed NPP members, Madam Ursula Owusu, popularly known as Vuvursla, who was a Board Member of the NACOB. Madam Owusu last week went berserk on various radio stations attacking the current administration for not doing enough to fight the illicit drug trade.

She even went on to ask the President to come out with names of members of his government, whom he said he was aware were dealing in drugs.

Observers say that it would be very crucial for Madam Owusu to tell Ghanaians of what she knew was going on at NACOB before asking President Mills for such names.

Interesting Notes Under the NPP administration led by Mr Kufuor, three women who were residing at Dzorwulu, a suburb of Accra, were arrested at the Kotoka International Airport with large quantities of cocaine but they were not prosecuted.

It is instructive to know that their dockets got missing at the Attorney General’s Department at the time Nana Addo was the A-G and Minister of Justice.

Again, 77 parcels of cocaine mysteriously got missing under the watch of the NPP. Apart from that, the NPP government sent sniffer dogs that had been brought into the country by the British Government to help fight drugs at the Kotoka airport back with the excuse that the dogs were eating too much.

It was under the NPP that the confiscated assets of Raymond Amankwah, a well known drug baron, who is the brother in law of Nana Addo, were given back to him.

Amankwah got his assets back when Nana Addo was the A-G. Under the NPP, a quantity of cocaine got missing at Tema port and the police headquarters.

THE ENQUIRER

10

The Ghanaian News February 2012

Daily mimimum wage up by 20 per cent The Tripartite Committee on Wednesday announced a new daily minimum wage of GHc4.48 effective Thursday, February 9, 2012.

This represents a 20 per cent increase over the current minimum wage of GHC3.73.

This was announced by Mr Enoch Teye Mensah, out-going Minister of Employment and Social Welfare at a press conference in Accra.

He said the committee, comprising Government, organised labour and employers agreed that

the minimum wage should be tax exempt.

Mr Mensah, the new Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, pledged government’s commitment to ensuring that the new minimum wage was implemented by employers. GNA

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The Ghanaian News

February 2012

11

Public Account Committee questions Minister over CP Euro payments The Public Account Committee of Parliament on Wednesday questioned Dr Benjamin Kumbuor, Minister of Justice and Attorney General on the payment of contracts sum of 94 million Euros to Construction Pioneers (CP) by the government.

Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Chairman of the Committee told the Justice Minister who was with the Solicitor General, Mrs Amma Gaisie, and Naana Dontoh, Chief State Attorney, that for the purpose of additional investigations the Committee would invite him for future question-

ing over the issue demanding details, terms of reference and composition, minutes of the negotiation meetings and even cabinet approval for any payment if there was any.

Dr Kumbuor only tabled a document before the committee dated March 2010 which he referred to as a settlement agreement between the Republic of Ghana and the CP, saying he was not privy to the information about other issues the Committee were looking for and would need time to study the documents and appear before the committee on later date.

He said he was under an oath and could not make statements for which he might be prejudicial if incriminated upon.

Mr Dapaah insisted on an agreement between government and CP, saying the award was classified into five beginning with Takoradi Biriwa road contract and it was better to tackle them one after the other.

But the Justice Minister noted that it was a settlement agreement, adding however that they were many of such agreements, Memorandum of Understandings, contractual agreements and settle-

ment agreement but the document he was holding before the committee was a settlement agreement.

He said the consequence of all agreements since 1994 perhaps was what has become a liability to Ghana, adding that the invitation for him to appear before the Committee only stated that he was to give account as to why about 80million Euros was absent in the report of the Auditor General therefore he could not give details about any other particular agreement.

Dr Kumbuor noted that there have been breaches, which dates back to a number of con-

tracts that were made and as implementation went on subsequent projects came up.

Mrs Amma Gaisie said about 11 documents were found only on Monday and so the Justice Ministry could not give any figures because they have to study them and be sure of them.

Mr Dapaah said some 14 million Euro was spent based on an agreement signed after the 2010 agreement in March asking the circumstance under which it was signed.

Mr. Kumbuor said there have been three Attorney Generals thus it was the cumulative effect of three to four governments just to have a settlement.

The Chairman who tried all his best to get answers from the Attorney General to no avail concluded “you did not help the committee; the legality is too much”.

Dr Kumbuor said “my limitation by your estimation of not being helpful was because of the hindrance and I will not hazard an extempore replies while under oath.

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

FOCUS

Their Stories, Our History-Why the name Ghana?

Asks Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview Middle School, Toronto “There has never been a movement where the leader has not suffered for the cause and not received the ingratitude of the people. I like the rest am prepared for the consequences”- Marcus Garvey This March (2012), Ghana celebrates her 55 years of independence from British colonial rule.

This great nation of West Africa before its independence on March 6, 1957 was called Gold Coast!

Why the name Ghana?

Where from it? Is there anything symbolic and relevant in that name?

I would like to take my readers on a brief journey (education) into the history behind the name, Ghana. The stories of those who lived in the sub-region long, long ago have become that history of ours! Yes, the stories of today would become history for those who live tomorrow. And, as

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I couldn’t agree with him the more!

From the Ancient Ghana to Modern Ghana: The forefathers of the then Gold Coast led by Osagyefo Dr. Nkrumah chose the name Ghana for the new state from the old Empire of Ghana.

According to research, from ancient times, the Sahara of Africa has been the home to a few but not too well known civilizations. These ancient civi-

lizations included the Ghana civilization established by the Soninke people after the fall of the Songhai Empire in the 3rd Century AD when they regained their land in the region. Earlier as far back as to 2000 BCE, the Soninke people had built the most ancient cultured settlements in Africa.

Some of these wellknown locations include Tachitt Walata, Tagnant Cliffs, Augadouhst and Kumbi Saleh. The Soninke called their land “Wagadu” or “Ghanata.”

It is on record that the citizens of ancient Ghana including the Soninke and, their kin tribes Mandinke and others they conquered believed in their God King. However, they also believed in spirits who ‘occupy both living and nonliving things.’ Hmmm!

Does that underscore the religious pluralism in our modern Ghana too?

Anyway, the Soninke people were very skillful

and hardworking! They are described in History Forum as, ‘very skilled artisans, craftsmen, workers, agrarian laborers, and even superb wordsmith whose oral griots are mimicked by other local tribes such as the “Mende”. Soninke are thought to be one of the first people to utilize and capitalize on the use of “ironware” in the “Sahelian West African” region.’ What? So citizens of ancient Ghana were very hardworking and even used their words to build a prosperous and peaceful society! Why are we of modern Ghana now seem to be doing exactly the opposite for our motherland? A word to the wise is enough!

The Meaning of ‘Ghana’: “The Empire of Ghana was called that for the reason that Ghana means king in the Soninke language, Islamic and European scholars named it

after the king because it seemed the king controlled everything. Indeed the king of Ghana was very powerful but not a tyrant.

“The King’s power was moderately regulated by those who were in charge of taxes, army, justice, and other duties.”

The foregoing statements about the meaning of Ghana raise serious questions for us, citizens of present Ghana. I dare to ask the following: 1. Did the first King (President) of modern Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah become a tyrant and therefore lost ‘his Ghana’?

2. Is the present King (President) of Ghana, Dr. John Atta-Mills not in control of affairs of our nation, as he ought to be?

3. Are people put in trust of positions of the nation’s economy and our justice system over the years failed and failing Ghana miserably?

4. Is every citizen of Ghana become a King (President) of our motherland by our unbridled tongues and unpatriotic behaviors?

More could be asked but suffice these few questions for the sake of our brief journey into history behind the name ‘Ghana’.

In conclusion, I think Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the pioneers who chose the Ghana for our sovereign country 55 years ago were thoughtful and mindful of its meaning. They knew that Ghana was symbolic of the trade in gold and hardworking in industry of agriculture as well as good management in governance. Let have faith in the name Ghana and as we celebrate our 55th birthday vow to live up to the good name of Ghana, Ghana, forward in progress!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Brookview Middle School Organizes H.E.R.O.E.S Night to Honor Parents From Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Toronto The cafeteria of Brookview Middle School in the Jane/Finch community of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) was on February 23, 2012 night filled to capacity with parents, staff and students of the school.

The occasion, which was an initiative of the school authority led by the dynamic Principal, Karl Subban was organized to honor parents/wardens of students at Brookview. It was dubbed H.E.R.O.E.S. night!

“Our Parents are Our HEROES” (Home is

where Education is Reinforced Often to Engage students for Success).

It was a way for the students to communicate to their parents how much they appreciate their caring efforts. This was expressed through works of art, poetry, narratives and letters by the students, which were displayed on the walls of the cafeteria for that night.

The parents were also touched emotionally as they were engaged in laughter by the ace Toronto-based comedian,

Jay Martin during the function. How many times do parents laugh with their children. Remember, the Good Book says, “laughter is a medicine to our bones!”

Prizes were presented to parents and some students by the organizers of the Beyond 3:30 Program at Brookview. I was personally delighted to see many parents including five Ghanaians attend the HEROES Night program at Brookview Middle School.

(Parents and students being entertained in the Cafe at Brookview during the night)

(Some Brookview teachers infront of displayed works by their students honoring parents as HEROES)

(Happy Brookview students including Kweku {2nd from left}-a Ghanaian who was given a prize for being the most energetic by the Beyond 3:30 Program at the school during the night)

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

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TALKING FINANCES Rich Getting Richer, Poor Getting Poorer, Why? By: Gabriel Quayson, Toronto Poor people want to be rich and rich people want to get richer. Okay, I know that this is a sweeping generalization but for the sake of argument we can say that in America there is a premise that is very similar. How about if we get a little more precise and say it this way people who are poor and are unhappy with their financial condition want to improve it; and rich people who enjoy their financial situation want to maintain it. With this refined premise, the question is this: If there are so many poor people who want to improve their financial situation, and there are so few rich people “standing in their way”, why can’t poor people become rich?

It is evident in our society that rich people generally tend to stay rich or get richer while the poor among us stay poor. How and why does this happen? There is a famous sociological study that says if you took all the money away from everyone and divided it EQUALLY among rich and poor that in 5 years the wealth would be redistributed almost exactly as it was before the ex-

periment. Now you might say this is ridiculous. Certainly if poor people got their hands on some money they would finally have the opportunity to come up and the world would be much more balanced between the number of rich and the number of poor. Well, by the time you are done reading this article, you will see why.

It is no accident that rich people are rich. Generally speaking, people who are rich have several things in common: a) Rich people own property b) Rich people own businesses c) Rich people own investments (stocks) There are many recent articles and studies that state very clearly the facts and figures related to what the rich own and what others don’t. Here are some of the key facts: 83% of the stocks in the United States are held by 1% of the people. The top 1% of U.S. households owns nearly twice as much of America’s corporate wealth as they did that just 15 years ago. For the first time in U.S. history, banks own a greater share of residential hous-

ing net worth in the United States than all individual Americans put together.

Poor people on the other hand are the proud owners of these statistics. As of 2007, the bottom 80 percent of American households held about 7% of the liquid financial assets. The bottom 50 percent of income earners in the United States now collectively own less than 1 percent of the nation’s wealth. For the first time in U.S. history, more than 40 million Americans are on food stamps.

The statistics above serve to reinforce the concepts of why rich people are rich. Mainly, if you want to be rich you need to have what rich people have: property, businesses and investments. Likewise, if you don’t want to be poor you need to have

less debt, more wealth and more autonomy. So now that we have some basics about what needs to be done to become rich, let’s get back to the hypothetical experiment.

The rich people have lost most of their money and the poor people have gained a lot of money so what do these people do for the next 5 years?

MOST PEOPLE DO EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID BEFORE. The person who had a business before the experiment takes his money and immediately starts another business. The rich person knows how to run a business so he makes his new business successful and makes just as much money as he used to make. The person who got rich from investments before the experiment immediately takes his money and invests it again. The rich person knows how to invest, so in 5 years he has become rich through his proven investment strategies.

The person who got rich investing in properties before the experiment takes the money and immediately buys property. The rich person knows how to buy property so in 5 years he has a stable of proper-

ties equal to what he had before. As per above noted, the following should be obvious – rich people know how to make money and will use their proven methods to do so.

With this pattern established it should be no surprise what the poor people do in this situation. The poor man who has this new money does what he does best – he spends most of it on things to improve the quality of his life and the lives of his family. This is not a bad thing. The poor man is just doing what he knows how to do.

This scenario is not just about white, black or yellow people. It is also not about race or geography.

It should be clear that the only way the money gets redistributed from rich to poor over the 5 years is if the rich person or the poor person does something DIFFERENT with their money.

The poor person must take his money and do with it what a rich person would do: buy properties, start businesses and get investments. In order to do this he must change his way of thinking. The poor man must not take his money and buy things that will depreciate in value.

Instead he must invest some of it in educating himself on how to invest.

The poor man must learn about real estate and then instead of buying the new car he must buy some property. The poor man must learn about business and use his money to start his own company. Once these things are done the poor man will be rich and have enough money to buy things AND have the financial infrastructure of the rich person to maintain it.

We need to help the poor man get the knowledge so he can do what successful people do, and don’t do. For those of you reading this that know some of the keys to financial success, share them with others. For those reading this that have no clue how to do the things mentioned in this article ask a friend, find a mentor, read a book or do something! Without the knowledge and a new way of thinking, the poor man will never elevate his condition, no matter how much money he gets. Still don’t believe it – ask the drug dealer who has a room full of money but still lives in his momma’s basement.

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Diplomatic row: Ghana is wrong - Nyaho-Tamakloe prise at the diplomatic row raging between Ghana and Serbia, describing it as a wrong move contrary to

A former Ghana ambassador to Serbia, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, has expressed utter sur-

the position of the African Union (AU) on the issue.

According to Dr. NyahoTamakloe, “Ghana’s for-

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eign policy is to stay away from any activity that would create confusion between two countries” indicating that Ghana’s stance to support Kosovo as a sovereign state could have some repercussion for the country.

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe’s comments come on the back of the Foreign Affairs Minister’s declaration to Parliament on Wednesday that “cordial relations” between the two countries (Ghana and Serbia) suffered serious

bruises after the west African country recognised break-away Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008 in the former Yugoslavia as an independent state.

Following the row, angry Serbian authorities sent Ghana’s ambassador to Serbia, Samuel ValisAkyianu, packing in an attempt to mount pressure on Accra to reverse its decision.

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe told Citi News Ghana had

over the years promised Serbia never to endorse Kosovo as an independent state, adding that if the NDC government’s only reason for severing ties with Serbia is as a result of the Kosovo rumpus then the Mills-led administration took the wrong path.

He further added that “surprisingly, our (Ghana’s) position runs contrary to what the AU stands for, AU stands for ‘no recognition of Kosovo’ at this stage.” citifmonline

GHA to erect barbed wire fences to prevent deaths on N1 highway The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has decided to as a temporary measure erect barbed wire fencing on the median of the N1 or George Walker Bush Highway to prevent people from jumping over them to cross the highway.

plained that the GHA is still conducting ‘a post construction safety audit’ on the N1 Highway to ascertain defects so that concerns being raised by users especially pedestrians will be taken into consideration and acted upon where necessary.

According to the Head of Public Relations at the GHA, Mr. Norbert Boniface Quarmor, the Authority is highly concerned about the rate at which people are being knocked down and killed by vehicles on the road.

He therefore urged all to exercise restraint and abide by the existing regulations on the Highway pending a final decision by the GHA.

As at Friday, information available to the GHA indicated that between 12 to 14 people had been killed on the Motorway which stretches from Tetteh-Quarshie to Mallam Junction. “We have 52 weeks in a year so if 12 to 14 persons have lost their lives in less than two weeks, then how many are we counting in a year,” he inquired.

In an interview with Adom News, Mr. Boniface Quarmor ex-

One common concern raised so far is the distance between the six overhead-footbridges on the N1 highway while some pedestrians also complain that the footbridges are cited at places where they are not really needed.

But Mr. Quarmor says “the GHA cannot for now promise if additional footbridges will be constructed on the N1 highway or not.

“What people must do is to cherish their lives, desist from crossing from

unauthorized points since one cannot predict when danger meets them and possibly end their lives” he said, adding “the nature of the road as it is now is a motorway with drivers, driving at a certain speed level”.

In a related development, Mr. Quarmor is calling on the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) to have a physical presence at Lapaz to discourage ‘trotro’ drivers from using the traffic intersection at Lapaz as a stopping bay.

According to Mr. Quarmor, ‘trotro’ drivers are not supposed to use Lapaz as a loading bay as has been the case since the highway was officially commissioned on 16th February this year.

He equally expressed concern about the way petty traders are gradually taking over pavements and even some sections of the highway at Lapaz thereby creating congestion.

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February 2012

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

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February 2012

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

Recipe

BEANS STEW INGREDIENTS 1/2 CUP BLACK EYED BEANS COOKED 2 FRESH TOMATOES DICED 1 FRESH ONION SLICED 1 TEASPOON POWDERED PEPPER 1 BAKED MACKAREL FISH FLAKED 1/4 PINT PALMOIL 1 TEASPOON GROUNDED GINGER SALT TO TASTE SALTED FISH (MOMONE)

PREPARATION 1. Heat the palm oil in a saucepan and add the sliced onion.

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Profile of Stephen Kwesi Asiedu, Chef Chef kwesi Asiedu was born in kumasi, the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He studied catering at Sunyani Techenical Institute now known as Sunnyani Polytecnic. He then went on to open his own catering school, named Blackberries Catering Institute with a Restaurant attached, in kumasi. Due to his hard work, enthusiastic, energetic, and love for what he does which is "cooking delicious food" he quickly established rapport with his coustomers and the community in which he served. He was able to provide delicious(mouth watering) food, that earned him a contract as a special event planner and caterer for Ashanti regional cordinating Council, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assesmbly including dignitaries. He was also assigned to cater for the Officials of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2008. He relocated to Canada in 2009 and currently works as a chef at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Mississauga. In Canada, he catered for the Kumasi Asafo Social Club in Toronto in 2010 and the Kumasi Youngsters (high Blood) in Toronto in 2011. He also caters for wedding receptions and many more. .

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Knowing heart attack symptoms can save lives Despite all the advances in medicine, heart disease continues to be the No. 1 killer in the United States, causing about one of every six deaths. It’s estimated that for half of the people experiencing heart attack symptoms, early treatment can decrease the chances of permanent disability or death.

Knowing the early warning signs of a heart attack is important because time is critical. While a heart attack is a frightening event, knowing the early symptoms and what steps to take can save a life — maybe your own.

Many people think heart attacks are sudden and intense, like in the movies when a person clutches his chest and falls over. The truth is, many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain or discomfort. If you feel this symptom, you might not be sure what is wrong.

Your symptoms might come and go.

Many people confuse this pain with indigestion. Even people who have had heart attacks before might not recognize the symptoms because the next heart attack can result in different symptoms.

While many people with early symptoms might have mild discomfort, others will have severe pain in the center of the chest or throat that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. Even if your symptoms are vague and mild, it is important to remember they can be serious.

Other early symptoms can include nausea; shortness of breath, back, jaw, neck or stomach pain; pain that goes down one or both arms; fatigue, and anxiety.

You also might break out in a cold sweat or fee nauseated or lightheaded. Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

Learn these signs, but remember that even if you are not sure it’s a heart attack, have it checked out. Fast action saves lives.

Do not wait more than five minutes to call 911.

Calling 911 is the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car.

Dr. Azhar Aslam, an interventional cardiologist with Lexington Cardiology at Central Baptist, practices at Central Baptist Hospital.

The Ghanaian News

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

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The Ghanaian News

February 2012

21

Why We Need a Ghanaian Canadian in the Parliament of Ghana NPP Nominated Parliamentary Candidate for Gomoa West Constituency www.abakah2012.com Dear Ghanaian Patriot.

We are excited to introduce Mr. Edwin Abakah Williams (Eddie) of Toronto, Ontario, NPP Nominee for Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa West Constituency, in the Central Region of Ghana.

Having been in Ghana for only a short while, Eddie was entreated by family and friends to run in the 2008 elections due to a void in leadership in his constituency.

Upon sober reflection and with prayers, Eddie ran as an Independent Candidate. It was a truly expensive sacrificial exercise but worthwhile, as he garnered about 13% of the vote.

In the 2008 Presidential Run-off, both parties sought Eddie’s support. With input from his family and supporters and with prayers, Eddie decided to support the NPP Candidate. Due to Eddie’s performance as a candidate and his hard work in the Run-Off, for the 2012 elections, Eddie was urged

to join and to seek the nomination of the NPP in the Gomoa West Constituency. He won the nomination solidly and is now poised to win the seat in 2012.

While the election of a Presi-

* * * * * * *

dent is clearly the most important next year, having someone like Eddie at the parliamentary level is also important. One can look at the president as the judge and the MP as the lawyer. One

needs both a good judge as well as a good lawyer - to present your case. Eddie wants to be the good lawyer who presents our best case for the best decisions on behalf of his constituents.

What is exciting is that Eddie is truly a Ghanaian Canadian, having lived in Canada in the last 25 years or so. Eddie is an Information Technology (IT) Professional, with over twenty years of experience. He will be one of the first if not the very first true Canadians in the parliament of Ghana. As it is, he is also the only NPP nominee in Canada. And, with only 3 other such NPP nominees in the US, Eddie is 1 of only 4 such nominees in North America.

There is no doubt that we need more people from this part of the world in key leadership roles in Ghana, taking with them all the good things learned here to bear, if Ghana is to advance. Support-

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ing one such person regardless of which party they belong to is at least a start in actualizing this necessary change in Ghana we all should share.

Eddie will always have key contacts here in Canada for ongoing communication. Eddie is determined to be the MP not only for Gomoa West Constituency, but also for his constituents outside Ghana.

In addition to his commitments to his constituents, Mr. Edwin Abakah Williams is determined to advocate on behalf of GhanaianCanadians on five main fronts: 1. To work tirelessly to see to the government’s amendment of the laws which require GhanaianCanadians to denounce their Canadian Citizenship prior to holding political office in Ghana.

2. To fight for the establishment of policies that ensure the easy flow of goods across Ghana’s land and sea ports, to fairly and smoothly to favor Ghanaians abroad.

3. To champion the cause for the government of Ghana to create a resettlement program that makes it easier for Ghanaians overseas to re-settle back home.

4. To impress upon the government to consider re-instating the concession that was formally available to Ghanaians returning home after studying abroad, in an effort to stop the brain drain in Ghana.

5. To promote causes that will advance equality and unity building initiatives among people of all ethnic, gender, regional, and religious groups to create more tolerant communities.

The sacrifices which Eddie has made, financially and in terms of career are truly laudable. We believe that it is worthwhile for every Ghanaian-Canadian to support Eddie in this effort to blaze the trail for greater participation, by folks like us, who are well placed to lead a transformation of Ghana to a much better place.

With his proven track record of building strong and vibrant communities in his constituency, Eddie intends to be the voice of emigrant issues in the parliament of Ghana, hence, retaining key contacts here in Canada that will relay his Canadian constituents’ issues to him for prompt action on an on-going basis.

Eddie is an example of what, and how we can give back to our nation Ghana; to move it forward so that it can become as advanced economically, technologically and intellectually as Canada.

He has shouldered a lot of responsibility to come this far and indeed deserve the collective support of Ghanaian-Canadians. In fact, many have started to endorse and support Eddie, regardless of political beliefs or lack thereof.

We personally entreat you to email your generous donation to abakah.williams@gmail.com, if you use Internet Banking eTransfers. You may also donate via credit card on Eddie’s website.

For further information or to offer any other support, you may visit his website - http:// www.abakah2012.com, email him at abakah.williams@gmail.com or call him at 647-786-7276. As a backup, you can call 416-3174509 to contact Eddie.

Sincerely, Friends of Eddie.

22

The Ghanaian News February 2012

Re-The cultural of insult in Towards a National Social Ghana Consciousness of Nonviolence in Ghana’s December 2012 Elections

By Bernadette Poku

In December 2012, Ghana will be embarking on another democratic election of its Presidency. Ghana is known to be a relatively peaceful country; however, with the turn of events in the world, it is important to maintain peace and unity. Writing about peace denotes that there is potential for conflict. In many countries around the world, when we listen to the news we hear and see the impact of conflict in communities. The recent uprisings in Libya, Tunisia, Syria, Rwanda, Sudan, and the pos election violence in Kenya 2008 would attest to this. “It is obvious that adversarial and armed methods of conflict resolution have dominated our various cultures” also, according to Nana Yaw Osei Darkwa, youth leader and organizer of no violence in Ghana, “It is ingrained in many of us to respond to conflict with violence”. Therefore, knowing what peace is, understanding the reasons for conflict, practical non violent means of solving problems and the practice of peace will help prevent conflict post elections 2012.

Each individual in a community is responsible for ensuring peace. Peace is from the Latin word pax, meaning

“freedom from civil disorder,” (oxford dictionary 2012). The founder of Youth Icons, Nana Yaw Osei Darkwa is an award recipient of June 2011, the Bruce W. Tancrell Outstanding Recognition Award for Peace and Nonviolence Promotion. He is a key youth organizer and educator of peace and non violence in Ghana.

Peace and nonviolence training workshops are provided to youth leaders to enhance and promote non- violent ways of conflict resolution.

In March 2012, Youth Icons will be embarking on another of these educational seminars.

The three day intensive peace and nonviolence education will take place in Suyani in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana.

The focus is pre-emptively equipping national youth organizers of the various political parties in non –violent ways of conflict resolution. At this point in our worlds’ chaotic social environment, the need to reduce political tension and violence within Ghana should be our priority.

Youth Icons being a non-profit organization depends on societies financial input to provide the free non-violence training workshops for youth leaders and organizers in the country.

Ghanaian businesses however

appear to lack the understanding of supporting such positive social initiatives. Businesses and business persons are more inclined in associating and supporting the arts (musicians) rather than education initiatives that will maintain peace in the country and help foster their business growth. Speaking with the founder of youth icons, Nana Yaw Osei Darkwa expressed difficulty in gaining businesses and business persons’ financial support for this important workshop for youth leaders.

As Ghanaians both at home and in the Diaspora, it is our collective responsibility to educate, promote and maintain the peace that the country has known within these past few years. It is also important to support the youth in the nonviolent ways to maintain and promote peace. Let us support the youth leaders of the various political institutions during this December 2012 elections by supporting Youth Icons in its efforts to create awareness on the importance of nonviolence in conflict resolution in our political dispensation. To find out more about nonviolence education seminars and support Peace in Ghana, visit youthicons.org

Once upon a time, specifically in April 11, 2009, I featured this article on Modern Ghana and after many days of pondering over what is happening in Ghana, I will like to share with fellow Ghanaians the content of this article as the message is still relevant to our young democracy.

When you meet a stranger the first impression you get about him is his appearance. A military person can be identified by his or her uniform, the colour, skin and the hair texture of a stranger may tempt you to identify him or her with a particular group of people. No wonder when you saw some one wearing clerical collar you would assume that you have met a pastor, a priest, a father , a clergyman-depending on your religious background. We more often than not forget that APPEARANCE IS SOMETIMES DECEIVING. By reason of the fact that we have been trained to believe what we see we do not question what we see except when we are proved wrong by reality. Notwithstanding the fact that we can be deceived by appearance as Homo sapiens, appearance can be one of the most effective means by which we can use , with our limited perview and understanding, to assess and judge the people we meet in life.

Beyond appearance our speech and to some extent our mannerism can tell much about a person. After all the Good BOOK says that OUT OF THE ABUNDANCE OF THE HEART THE

MOUTH SPEAKS. In another instance it says that even a fool is considered a wise person when he talks less. The practice of democracy enjoins freedom of speech and other forms of liberties.

Democracy must be promoted to any level conceivable yet as GHANAIANS WE CAN NOT REDUCE TO VILE, BELLIGERENT VERBIAGE AND INSULT. We ask ourselves as a nation where are we going with this kind of behaviour. A cursory observation of what is contained in our newspapers and in the air[waves] will convince any a man that the practice of insult is now becoming our second nature. It is now becoming a cankerworm is fast eating into socio-economic fibre. Just a month ago I heard a prominent politician calling one of the radio panelists on a popular FM Stations in Accra a NON-ENTITY and other words which to my understanding are not worthy to be printed.

He made those statements with impunity and in an unashamedly fashion. Today we watch gleefully as the young insult people in the helm of affairs. I wonder what has become of the culture of civility and respect we were raised up with. We dare insult our President and former Heads of states. It is high time we began to check we way we talk. The rule is DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU WANT OTHERS TO DO UNTO YOU. BY min aba abamin@rocketmail.com

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A new study finds 11 percent of doctors say that they have told a patient or a child’s guardian something that was not true in the past year, and about 20 percent say they have not fully disclosed a mistake to a patient because they were afraid of being sued.

The results also show 34 percent of doctors surveyed did not “completely agree” that physicians should disclose all significant medical errors to affected patients. Instead, these doctors said they only somewhat agreed, or disagreed.

“Our findings raise concerns that some patients might not receive complete and accurate information from their physicians,” the researchers write in the February issue of the journal Health Affairs. The findings also question whether patient-centered care — which is a philosophy of medicine that respects the preferences, needs and values of patients — is possible without more openness and honesty, the researchers from Harvard Medical School said.

While the ultimate effect of such untruths is not known, they could make patients “less able to make health care decisions that reflect their values and goals,” the researchers said.

To be fair, the researchers acknowledged not knowing the circumstances under which physicians lied, and communication regarding health issues can be complex. Physicians must often wade through conflicting and confusing information as a case goes on. Telling a patient something that turns out to be wrong might not be helpful, the researchers said.

More research is needed to better understand when and why physicians feel justified in a lapse of honesty.

The researchers surveyed close to 1,900 physicians from a broad range of specialties about their agreement with the principles outlined in the Charter on Medical Professionalism, a charter endorsed by more

than 100 professional medical groups worldwide.

While the majority of doctors agreed that physicians should “never tell a patient something that is not true,” about 17 percent did not completely agree.

In fact, 55 percent said that they had “described a patient’s prognosis in a more positive manner than warranted,” in the last year, and about 28 percent said they had “intentionally or unintentionally revealed to an unauthorized person health information about one of [their] patients.”

In addition, about 35 percent of doctors did not agree with the statement that physicians should “disclose financial relationships with drug and device companies to heir patients.”

Women and minority physicians were more likely than white, male doctors to say they agreed with the principles of honesty and openness, according to the study. This may be because, as underrepresented groups in medicine, women and minorities feel more compelled to comply with such professional codes, the researchers wrote.

When is it OK to lie?

Some physicians might not tell their patients the whole truth because they don’t want to upset them, worry them or cause them to lose hope, the researchers said.

“Especially in the context of life-threatening illness, physicians might not tell patients the complete truth because of lack of training, time limitations, uncertainty about prognostic accuracy, family requests and feelings of inadequacy about their medical interventions,” the researchers said.

Some physicians may also wonder about revealing errors when no harm came of them.

However, studies show that “informing patients fully about medical errors can reduce anger and lessen patients’ interest in bringing malpractice lawsuits,” the researchers said.

Pass it on: About 1 in 10 physicians say they have told patients something that was not true in the last year. My Health News Daily,

EE

Everybody lies — even doctors.

23

FR

1 in 10 Doctors Admit Lying in the Past Year

February 2012

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL ISSUES By: James A. Kwaatemg, B.A. (Hons), LLB (Hons)

Newly-introduced Super Visas for Parents and Grandparents Foreign nationals who are parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada can now apply for what is described as a Super Visa. It is a fast way of uniting with relatives in Canada and living with them over a considerably long period of time instead of waiting for years to get sponsorship applications processed.

mined to be a genuine visitor; must be found admissible to Canada and must meet certain other conditions.

Under the Super Visa application system, one may apply for a single-entry visa for two years or apply for a multiple-entry visa for up to ten years, the fees payable depending on what you want. A Super Visa in form of a multiple-entry visa will provide multiple entries for a period of up to ten years with the status periods for each entry lasting up to two years.

porary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada (IMM5257) to a visa office. Applicants would be asked to provide certain additional documents to support the application.

Some reasonable flexibility is however built into the system to permit parents and grandparents who are in Canada on an authorized stay of up to six months to apply for an extension of their status of up to two years from within Canada if they meet all the criteria for Parent and Grandparent Super Visa.

An application for a new single- or multi-entry Super Visa must not be done from within Canada. It must be done from outside Canada by submitting an Application for a Tem-

To apply for the Super Visa, the parent or grandparent, apart from being the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, must be deter-

The certain other conditions that apply may include a written commitment of financial support from their child or grandchild in Canada who should necessarily meet a minimum income threshold determined from time to time by the Immigration. The applicant – the parent or grandparent must also complete and pass an Immigration Medical Examination.

In addition, parents and grandparents applying for the Super Visa must provide a proof that they have a private medical insurance with a minimum coverage of $100,000 valid for a minimum of one year from a Canadian insurance company covering health insurance, hospitalization and repatriation. The insurance should be valid for each entry to Canada and available for review by a port of entry officer.

If the parent or grandparent of the Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada is from a visaexempt country, the applicant can still benefit from the provisions of the Super Visa. In such situations, notwithstanding the visa-free status, an application could still be submitted to the nearest visa office and additional supporting documents would be submitted with the application if the applicant would like to enjoy a twoyear authorized stay in Canada. Visitors from visa-exempt countries are not required to pay fees when submitting their application for a Parent or Grandparent Super Visa.

If their applications are approved, the parent or

grandparent would be issued a letter to present to a Canada Border Services Agency officer at the port of entry upon his or her arrival in Canada and the visitor may be authorized to stay in Canada for up to two years.

Dependants of parents and grandparents are not eligible for the Super Visa.

Only your spouse or common-law partner can accompany you under this provision.

Your dependants are however eligible to apply for regular visitor visas.

Do not be over-excited.

Compare the benefits and disadvantages of the Super Visa with those of the regular single visitor visas,

regular multiple-entry visas and actual sponsorship applications before you make up your mind.

This article covers the topic superficially. It would therefore be advisable for you to contact a specialist in Immigration Law and discuss details of your case with the specialist before you make such applications.

James A. Kwaateng, is an Immigration Law practitioner with offices located at 168A Oakdale Road, Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario. For thorough discussion of your immigration and related social and legal issues, contact him at telephone number (416) 743-2758.

Despite Strong, Reasonable Opposition, Government Proceeds with Anti-Refugee Bill 1

The government introduced Bill C-31, the new “Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act,” that could penalize, detain and endanger people who come to Canada seeking asylum. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is very concerned about this Bill which, if passed and implemented, would violate several of Canada’s constitutional and international obligations. Of greater concern are the effects of this Bill on people who

The Bill’s provisions include a mandatory, automatic detention for “designated” groups of refugees; a stripping away of basic constitutional freedoms and human rights; separation of refugees from their children; and a lack of fair process in this critical decision.

dramatic departure from the ethos and reputation of Canada as a compassionate, humanitarian voice on the world stage. It strips away basic rights and protections from people who may have escaped torture, death or persecution, and it denies a fair process to people for whom this may be, literally, a life or death decision.”

Noa Mendelsohn Aviv, Director of CCLA’s Equality Program said “Bill C-31 represents a

It is critical that this Bill be brought to the attention of people in Canada - and that it be defeated.

came to Canada in need of protection and safety.

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The Ghanaian News

February 2012

25

Immigrant marriage fraudster finally deported It is one of the unsavoury secrets of Canada’s immigration system. Each year hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Canadian women and men marry foreigners and agree to act as sponsors for them in Canada, only to find themselves abandoned once that spouse is in the country.

wished for,” she said. “This was the man I married and I thought we would build a life together. But it was worth it if this outcome is going to change the system to help others.”

That the system needs change is unquestionable. Estimates are hard to come by, but Julie Taub, a long-established immigration lawyer, This past weekend, however, estimated the number of one of those marriage cases of immigrant marriage fraudsters got his just desserts fraud ran into “thousands.” thanks to a spouse who refused to be a victim. Lainie “I get about two or three calls Towell’s ex-husband, Fode a week on this, but I can’t take Mohamed Soumah, was by all them all on,” Taub said. “I accounts deported back to his have many clients whose native country of Guinea in complaints I have passed on West Africa. to the CBSA. These cases are a rip-off of the Canadian He had walked out on his 2007 taxpayer.” marriage to Towell three weeks after uttering his They are also emotionally wedding vows, but it took more wrenching. The fraudsters than three years for the prey on and betray the Canadian Board Services fundamental human need for Agency to get him on the love and companionship airplane after he used every without, as it seems, any moral avenue of appeal. compunction. “It’s all about playing on human frailty,” Officials in the office of Taub said. “All of (the clients) Public Safety Minister Vic without exception are lonely, Toews, who is responsible for susceptible and want to meet the CBSA, did not respond somebody.

Monday to queries about the deportation. However, Towell “There are older Canadian said Monday she heard from men who fall for young “a couple of good sources” Russians or Chinese and that Soumah had left the agree to marry them despite country. “I’m confident he’s the huge age discrepancy, and gone, based on information then the women walk out on from people who would them. There are women who know.” are divorcees, never been married, older, and who are What does she think now? “It’s thrilled that they have found not something I would have

someone who is romantic and courts them. All these people are victims.”

Towell’s experience is likely typical. A well-known Ottawa dancer and performance artist, she married Soumah in April 2007 in his hometown of Conakry. She had come to know him after first visiting Guinea in 2004 to study dance traditions. Subsequent trips demonstrated their devotion to each other, or so she thought.

As Towell later discovered, Soumah had fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl before leaving Guinea to come to Canada.

After they got married, Towell started the application process to bring her husband to Canada. He arrived on New Year’s Eve 2007. Three weeks later, he left for Montreal, saying he wanted a divorce and warning her that if she made a fuss, he would start collecting welfare which she would have to repay to the government. As Soumah’s sponsor, Towell signed a contract with Citizenship and Immigration Canada that made her financially responsible for Soumah for three years even if the marriage failed. If he received any form of social assistance, she’d be on the hook.

“Imagine what it was like,” Towell said. “I brought this man home and introduced him to all my friends and my family, all my dance students.

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Then my prince turned into a frog, and I’d been defrauded.

I felt completely ashamed and embarrassed.”

Perhaps so, but Towell did not play the passive victim. She complained to the immigration ministry, but it wasn’t until she

went public that government officials began to pay attention. At one point, she donned her white wedding dress, strapped a door on her back and crawled up the steps of Parliament Hill.

soon heard from others who had also been victims of marriage fraud, asking for help and advice. Women’s groups and other advocacy organizations started showing up at Immigration Minister Jason Kenney’s town hall

Not surprisingly, the stunt attracted attention. Towell

cont'd on pg. 26

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

Mugabe blasts gays on 88th birthday (AFP) - Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe marked his 88th birthday with a trademark attack on gays and foreigners at a mass rally of his supporters on Saturday to celebrate the occasion.

He told British Prime Minister David Cameron “to hell with you” over his calls to respect gay rights and accused non-governmental organisations of trying to destabilise the country, at a birthday rally in the eastern border town of Mutare.

“NGOs come with these stupid ideas, some to destabilise us. Quite often they support

ject gay rights in a new constitution, currently being drafted as a key step toward new elections to replace Mugabe’s rocky unity government with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.

“Please, young men and women, you don’t have the freedom for men to marry men and women to marry women. You have the freedom for men to marry women. That’s God’s freedom. That’s what created you and me.”

But he urged his supporters not to resort to violence, as debate over the charter and the date for new polls has intensified over the last week, with Mugabe insisting on fresh polls this year.

one party. We say to them get away from our country.

Leave us to solve our political problems. Leave us to manage our own systems,” Mugabe said.

Africa’s oldest leader lambasted Cameron, who at the Commonwealth summit last year said countries receiving British aid should respect gay rights.

“Nature is nature. It has created male and female,” Mugabe said. “That’s how we were born, so we reject that outright and say to hell with you.”

He also urged voters to re-

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meetings to demand regulatory changes.

The wheels started to turn. The immigration ministry enlisted border services enforcement officers to investigate cases of alleged marriage fraud.

According to news reports, the border agency opened nearly 40 criminal cases of suspected marriage fraud from 2008 through to the end of 2010. It also received roughly 200 leads on possible marriage fraud cases in that same time period.

prevent people from using marriages of convenience to circumvent Canada’s immigration laws. The proposed changes include a five-year ban on the sponsored spouse being able to sponsor another mate in order to stop people from engaging in cyclical marrysponsor-divorce schemes.

There would also be a twoyear conditional residency requirement to ensure relationships were legitimate before granting permanent residency to the sponsored spouse. As well, the minister said he would increase the number of investigators and

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resources to go after fraudsters. These regulatory changes are under review.

Kenney’s press secretary, Candice Malcolm credited people such as Towell who came forward with their stories for helping to bring about the regulatory changes. “Minister Kenney became aware of marriage fraud through some high profile cases, as well as from individuals who came forward during various town halls and consultations to alert the minister of this problem and the suffering it causes for victims.

“Our government takes the issue of marriage fraud very seriously. We have no tolerance for those who abuse our system, who lie and cheat to jump the immigration queue, and who prey on innocent and vulnerable victims.”

Regulations similar to those in the works in Canada have long been in place in other countries such as the United States and Australia.

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cont'd on pg. 45

cont'd from pg. 25

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since 2000 has been marred by violence, most recently the 2008 presidential run-off in which Tsvangirai says more than 200 of his supporters were killed, prompting him to pull out in hopes of curbing the unrest.

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The Ghanaian News

February 2012

27

Ghanaian appointed member of Commission on Global Governance for Health

Professor John Gyapong, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Development of the University of Ghana, has been appointed a member of the Lancet-UiO Commission on Global Governance for Health.

The Commission is an independent academic research initiative managed in collaboration with the Harvard Global Health Institute.

This was contained in a statement issued in Accra on Monday by Ms Stella A. Amoa, Director of

Public Affairs, University of Ghana.

The Commission consists of 16 renowned researchers and policy-makers from across the worlds who contribute with valuable insights from different fields of expertise and experience into the work of the Commission.

Members come from a wide variety of countries, Ghana, India, the US, Norway, Japan, Thailand, Palestine, Canada and Belgium.

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Prof John Gyapong

Ottersen, Rector of University of Oslo is the current Chair of the Commission.

The statement said over

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the next two years, the Commission’s work will include examining aspects of governance, at both national and global levels, within the health sector and in other sectors that impact health.

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2nd Biennial Kwame Nkrumah International Conference (KNIC2) September 21-24, 2012 JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY (OF CANADA) VENUE: THE KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KUMASI, GHANA The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana and Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Vancouver, Canada, invite you to participate in the 2nd Biennial Kwame Nkrumah International Conference at the beautiful campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana.

THEME: “Africa’s Many Divides and Africa’s Future” “If in the past the Sahara divided us, now it unites us.” Dr. Kwame Nkrumah declared some fifty years ago. Keenly aware of Africa’s many artificial divides, Nkrumah was determined to lead a revolution that would bridge those divides. One way to achieve this goal, Nkrumah proposed, was a continental pan-African government, which would provide the African people the opportunity to pool and marshal their enormous real and potential economic, human and natural resources for the optimal development of their continent. A continental union government, Nkrumah was convinced, would ensure that Africa ended the divisions created by the trilogy of enslavement, colonization and neo-colonization of Africans. Nkrumah was concerned by other divisions as well; those created by time/ history, nature and above all those created by Africans themselves, such as ethnic/ racial, and religious discrimination, classism, sexism, ageism, as well as atavistic and backward traditional practices, including ‘tribalism’ and patriarchy.

Nkrumah had long predicted that unless Africans formed a political and economic union to address the continent’s acute problems, the raging ‘revolutions’ in the north of the continent, religious, and ethnic strife and civil wars in other parts of Africa were inevitable. He warned that unless urgent steps were taken to bridge Africa’s divides, Africans would be warring among themselves as their detractors and neo-colonialists hide behind the scene pulling “vicious wires” to cut “each other’s throats.” For him, these upheavals are all masked economic “wars.” In other words, these wars and unrests are struggles over scarce economic resources and scrambles to control political power. Religion and “tribalism” are mere fronts for deep-seated grievances over economic deprivation.

Topics to be discussed include, (but not limited to) the following: The Northern Africa-Southern Africa Divide The Linguistic Divide The Class Divide The Ethnic Divide The Ideological-Political Divide The Gender and Sexuality Divides The Generational Divide The Religious Divides The Rural-Urban Divide The Afro-Pessimism-Afro-Optimism Divide The Continental Africa-Diaspora Africa Divide The Intellectual-Non-intellectual Divide The Elitism-Non-Elitism Divide The Global South-Global North Divide The Cold War Ideological Divide (the Soviet-East-American-West) Divide The Post-Cold War Divide (s) The slaver-raiders/sellers and the enslaved Divide The rhetoric (theory)/action (practice) Divide

Paper Abstract Submission Abstracts of approximately 250 words for papers of 20 minutes duration, and suggestions of panels consisting of 3 panelists each are welcome and should be e-mailed, with a short bio-note (50 words) contact address, and one to three keywords related to the area of research to Dr. Charles Quist-Adade, knic@kwantlen.ca no later than February 15, 2012, final notification of selection to be communicated by March 30, 2012.

For More Information, Contact Charles Quist-Adade, PhD Department of Sociology Kwantlen Polytechnic University 12666 72nd Avenue Surrey, British Columbia V3W 2M8, Canada E-mail: charles.quist-adade@kwantlen.ca Telephone: 604.599.3075 Conference website: http://www.kwantlen.ca/knic/

Bovaird Drive west / Chinguacousy, Brampton

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

29

Community Information The Immigrant TV Talk Show

All Nations March Break Program

with Host Vivian Premiered January 9th 2012 on ROGERS TV 63 & 10

March 12 - 16, 2012

Exploring the realities of immigration, settlement & integration . . . . . . .

Facilitating an open forum for the immigrants & their receiving communities to discuss professional experiences with special reference to "getting into the Canadian system" & Social experiences with focus on dealing with "culture conflict" e.g. challenges unique to Canadian immigrants, topics such as: teens, retirement, bereavement‌..

Producing a program that does NOT only focus on immigrant challenges, frustrations or system gaps, but also captures success stories to inspire others Increasing public awareness of the services available to immi grants and understanding of challenges facing them (complimenting current services) A grounded theory approach to immigrant integration (concepts emerge from real life stories) Locating topic experts to give immediate feedback on emerging concepts, opportunities, resources and solutions Resonance for our audiences: that they are not alone in their experiences, there is help!

*Narrowing the gap between intended process/outcome (policy) & the actual experienced process/outcome (reality)?

ROGERS TV CHANNEL 63 YORK REGION VIEWING TIMES Mondays at 1pm & 9.30 pm Wednesdays at 9:30am & 7pm Saturdays at 8.30pm, 10:30pm

Tuesdays at 9:30am, 12.30 pm & 5.30pm Fridays at 7:30am, 3pm, 6:30pm & 11pm

Sundays at 1 pm to 6:30 pm

ROGERS TV (i) DURHAM & (ii) PEEL REGIONS: CHANNEL 10 (i) Tuesday: 2.30am, 10.30am & 9pm

Friday: 12:00am, 10:30am, 12:30pmSat. 2.30pm & 8:30 pm

(ii) PEEL: BRAMPTON & MISSISSAUGA

TUESDAYS 1:00am (Wednesday morning1:00am)

To be a guest or to advertise your business/Organization during the show or through our website please Email us at: info@theimmigranttalkshow.com 905 370 0093 or our Rogers TV Sponsorship Consultant: Carla.RoblinPryce@rci.rogers.com 9057807257. For details visit www.theimmigranttalkshow.com

Calling All Toronto Ghanaian Certified Teachers and Educators There will be a meeting of all Ghanaian Certified Teachers and Educators in Toronto at the Auditorium of

Living Word Assembly of God Church 139 Millwick Drive - (Islington/Millwick) on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.

The main speaker for the occasion is Professor Joe Mensah.

Light refreshment will be served.

R.S.V.P.

Mr. Kweku Bilson Ekwam 905 553 6825 abeiku@rogers.com

30

The Ghanaian News February 2012

The

Youth Journal MOVINGFORWARD WITH OUR YOUTH THE FUTURE OFOUR COMMUNITY

Domestic Violence Has Adverse Effects on Children’s Academic Outcomes

Politics is for Everyone

By Kwaku Wirekoh-Boateng

By Kwabena Akuoko, MSW, RSW, Toronto

Domestic violence affects family members differently.

Besides victims’ physical or emotional well being, which is usually the initial casualty of domestic violence, its ramifications on others extend further than most people tend to realize. Violent situations at homes are damaging not only to the direct victims, but other individual family members as well. The problem for instance has tremendous impact on children and youth. It leads to psychological, behavioural difficulties and also susceptibility to aggressive behaviour and others, which in turn negatively impact on their academic performances.

A child may be subject to one or several problems identified with domestic violence, but for the purpose of this article, I intend to primarily focus on the irrefutable correlation between violent family or domestic disputes and young people’s poor academic outcomes. Children who have been exposed to violent conflicts between their parents, caregivers or any significant adults in their lives are more likely to have poor academic achievements than otherwise.

Family violence and its negative effects on young people has to do with the simple fact that people are products of their environments and will more likely to repeat examples in adult relationships based on what they learned in their childhood. Children and youth exposed to family violence are more likely to become abusers or victims of abuse in their adult lives for example. Furthermore, they tend to have poorer relationships with others and also have poorer behavioural issues and more damagingly, unsatisfactory academic outcomes. It is thus not coincidence that domestic violence is now a valid reason for child welfare intervention.

While children’s experience with any type of violence has generally been linked with array of negative consequences, there is a direct and strong relationship between those who have been exposed to family violence and their poor academic outcomes. Children who have witnessed household violent situations are more likely to have difficulties with school adaptation as well as poor academic results. Similarly, children of all ages, including even infants and toddlers who unfortunately get exposed to violence at home are more likely to end up being disturbed cognitively and emotionally, and that in turn may play a role in their academic abilities in a more profound negative way.

Other serious negative ramifications of domestic violence on children have to do with psychosomatic difficulties such as depression, anxiety as well as behavioural problems and poor relationships with educators. Affected children tend to have chronic disciplinary issues at school, which may include the tendency to be disrespectful toward teachers and also have poor interactions with classmates. They also have predisposition to use violent methods to resolve conflicts and as such, those children have

difficulties making friends.

In the end therefore, they become loners on school and playground environments due to the fact that they are usually shunned by other children. Children do not simply want to involve hostile peers in group activities, not even academic tasks, which may sometimes require strong collaborative efforts.

It is apparent that there is a consistent thread running through the research findings of higher levels of aggression, greater likelihood of seeing the intentions of others as hostile, difficulties with school work, poor academic performances in particular, school phobia and difficulties in concentration and attention all because of children’s exposure to domestic violence. Other school related problems such as refusing to go to school, being late to school or class, disobedience in school by breaking simple rules such as cheating in examination and even failing to finish required academic tasks on schedule are other known difficulties linked to children’s exposure to domestic violence.

I therefore think an awareness of the overwhelming effects of violent domestic disputes on children of all ages is necessary for parents, caregivers and others to take steps to prevent or markedly reduce the occurrences of domestic violence in our community. It is hoped that a more greater understanding of the short-term and long-term adverse effects associated with the exposure of children to domestic violence will better inform parents and caregivers’ and even arrays of human service counsellors’ understanding of the complexity of the problem. It is also hoped that a better understanding of the severe impact the problem specifically has on children’s academic performances will motivate abusive partners to refrain from their destructive behaviours.

There are many underlying reasons for children to underperform at school.

This may include medical problems, below average brain power, learning disability, attention deficit hyperactive disorder and others. Since people are known to be the products of their environment, children who live in violent homes where inter-parental or intra-familial physical conflicts regularly occur are more prone to have poor academic achievements. Absenteeism and school mobility are among the major mechanisms that impact school success for children who come from violent families, especially when such young people have been or continue to be exposed to domestic or family violence on repeated basis.

Children of all ages growing up in homes where violence is present demonstrate low academic achievements because of their exposure to violent situations even irregularly. Underneath a child’s poor academic performances, behavioural and other school related problems may be a number of reasons that emanate from home.

The Ghanaian News online Check it out www.ghanaiannews.ca

The upcoming federal election presents an opportunity for us to discuss an issue I have written about here before but is worth raising again. That issue is the lack of political participation among Ghanaians in Canada. I do not know how many of us plan to vote on May 2, but my guess is that it is not a large number. The Ghanaian-Canadian community is marked by pervasive political apathy. Most of us simply do not care about what happens in Canadian politics. There is probably a combination of reasons for this, but that is not what I want to discuss. For now, I would like to highlight the importance of political participation and the gains it can bring

for Ghanaians in this country.

As many may know, at all three levels of government in Canada – municipal, provincial, and federal – interest groups are afforded the right to take issues of concern to elected officials for appropriate response (at least, that’s how it’s supposed to work). Of course, the reality is that the interests of the most powerful and numerous groups often take precedence over that of others. The largest and bestorganized groups have the ear of the politicians at the end of the day. By banding together to form a powerful political force, we can wield influence, considering our significant and increasing population, especially in the GTA. What is stopping us from doing so is our collective lack of interest. By alienating ourselves from the Canadian political process, we fail to exercise a lot of potential influence and lose out in the end.

Ghanaians in Canada ought to seek political power.

We need to mobilize with one voice in order to have our concerns heard and issues addressed. This starts with the re-

alization that as an ethnic group, we are as Canadian as any other. The rights and privileges afforded to Canadians of other ethnic backgrounds apply equally to Ghanaian-Canadians. We therefore should not relegate ourselves to the sidelines in the political process, as we have done for our entire existence in this country. When we fail to recognize ourselves as full Canadian citizens, we essentially disenfranchise ourselves.

There is much to be gained in engaging and participating in the political process in Canada. Those who excel in the system understand this.

The only way to have your voice heard is to mobilize politically. The fact is that as a community, we are failing to do that. We do ourselves a great disservice by alienating ourselves from the political discourse. It is high time we tapped into our collective political potential. By getting more involved in the political narrative, we will be able to command attention to our issues and concerns. A good way to start is by going out to vote in the upcoming federal election next month.

Make the best choice for your mortgage protection By: Marian Ayiku-Teye, B.Adm You’re sitting in an office across from a mortgage loans officer. It could be in a bank, a credit union, or another lender.

You’ve signed all the papers for your mortgage.

Now comes a question that you haven’t thought about: “Would you like to have mortgage life insurance?”

“What’s that?” you ask.

“If you die, the mortgage life insurance will pay off your mortgage so your spouse or family doesn’t have to worry about it.”

You, like many others, are tempted to respond, “Where do I sign?”

But wait a minute! Think about what you’re getting before you put your name on that mortgage life insurance application.

Put yourself in charge Using an individual life insurance policy to protect your mortgage offers numerous advantages. It’s important to note the difference between an individual and group insurance

policy. With mortgage life insurance, you’re a member of a group — a collection of people who have mortgage debt with the same lender.

The lender or insurer may cancel a group policy at any time, and that means you could lose your coverage. With an individual life insurance policy, you’re in control, so you’re the only person who can cancel or alter your policy.

With a life insurance policy that you own, you decide who the beneficiary will be; with mortgage life insurance, the financial institution is the beneficiary and gets all of the death benefit.

If you have a life insurance policy to protect your mort-

gage, and a better mortgage rate exists at another company, you can transfer your mortgage to that company knowing your insurance remains in force. You don’t need to reapply. You’re protected from the danger of not qualifying for a new life insurance policy if your health changes.

In short, you lose control, value, and flexibility when you sign for mortgage life insurance with your mortgage lender. Make the comparison and take a life insurance to cover your mortgage where you can have the flexibility to make changes to the policy as well as having a lump-sum tax free payout that could be to pay down the mortgage or other debts, invest rather than pay off a low-interest mortgage, cover living expenses, or make important purchases.

The final choice is up to you.

Weighing your options will help you get the most out of your money.

THE CRITICAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EMPLOYEES AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

31

BUSINESS Being Your Own Boss: Its all about timing and smart thinking

By Eddie Twumasi Smith Bsc(Hons) Chem Eng, MBA,CGA, CPA

I want to use this opportunity to thank all those who read my column, send comments, criticisms and share other ideas. I guess through this, we can grow as a community and learn from one another. My desire has been to raise awareness on the need for our community to think and act differently in ways to better our lives in areas of alternative income, investments or portfolio of assets, for those of our baby boomer generation, or generations X and Y. I hope through these articles, I will be able to encourage someone now or later to believe in him or herself on how to translate opportunities around us into long term benefits as well as avoiding threats or other bottlenecks during startups. Our neighbors and partners in the community from Asian have done so well in these areas and have provided us with enough examples to emulate.

I have a story to share and before proceeding, I must add that, I have the approval of the person whose story I am about to share.

A reader of the Ghanaian News recently responded to my previous article entitled “Self-Employment: A Career Option”, asking me for an advice on what steps to take to be able to start his own business. The basis for his decision was that he was not happy with his current job. He indicated there was tremendous work related pressure, there was no job security since their company is a takeover candidate by another mega company, hence he suspect he might loose his managerial role when the to-be parent company embark on an organizational restructuring sooner or later. He has over 15 years managerial experience in various industries in Canada & USA, a mortgage and other investments. With these resources, he thinks he has the financial “muscle” to enable him to quit his current job and start a franchise business I asked him which area of activity he might choose or think best to venture in?. What was his present area of activity or opportunity/market that he would like to offer services or products? Apparently, he had not thought about these basic questions yet but wanted to know where (areas for business opportunities); and how to start a new enterprise?

I was a little baffled and wasn’t sure if my dear reader was really thinking right? Or could it be that he does not want to share his trade secrets or business plans with me? I really didn’t want the details but just the high level stuff or plan before offering my candid advise. The world is full of surprises and the last couple of weeks; I had my fair share of those.

I could not conclude or under-

stand the motives of my dear reader but guess that, this man was just looking for an escape “channel” from a job that is not challenging anymore, probably boring or that which he does not see any future in the years ahead. For me, that is not strong bases for wanting to start his or for that matter your own business. If one cannot manage the stress that comes with managerial roles in a corporate world, then I can safely argue that such personalities will not be able to survive the challenges of running their own business or a franchise.

I think there is the need for us to challenge ourselves a bit more, think a little more, find a passion, utilize our talents in a positive way and consider other factors such as: A. Why do you want to start a new venture? If it is purely for earning more, although there is nothing wrong to wish to earn more, such efforts normally do not succeed. If you are sick of the present job and want to be your own boss, this also might not be a convincing reason. A desire for accomplishment is a better reason. It is even better if you acquire some expertise, knowledge, skills, have a passion to utilize your talents and the talents of others to achieve your targets. Also worth considering are: * What products or services?

On what basis was this arrived at? On the basis of a detailed market survey, or general perception, hearsay or competitive advantage? This will require a detailed assessment of the current market, competition, pricing, What advantage(s) of your product or services will the buyer gain?

Will this be sustainable? * Has anyone failed in similar business before and are you in a position to take care of and overcome these initial challenges? * Why do you think you will succeed? Analyze your qualities, both positive and negative with respect to your plans. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. * What are your capabilities, expertise, present financial position, and mindset or confidence to take risks? * Have you checked your cashflow and keeping adequate safety margin? * Location of factory, office, and workforce required technical expertise to support your product or services? * Time required for implementation of product or services?

How long it will take to get the set up ready and running?

Time frame for testing some trial products or penetrating the market or breaking established competition? * Taxes, obtaining government clearance or required license to operate business? * Consideration for distribution outlets for products and contractual agreements with trade partners? * What are the possible reasons for which your plans can fail? If you cannot find any then it is more probable that you will not succeed B. After all the above considerations, you are now set to quantify the costs implications for the following items:

* Renting and Office furniture, computers and other appliances that will be required. * Plant and machinery if producing physical products from a raw material inputs. * Raw materials and consumables, transportation, repairs & maintenance. * Value added costs for transforming input materials into finished good * For services operations, costs for developing clientele, knowledge required to deliver services should be quantified in dollars terms, and how to break into established market or competition are some of the key success factors for start ups. * Insurances, administrative expenses for supplies and stationeries. * Staff salaries, wages and benefits. * Miscellaneous and about 20% on the above costs for contingencies. * Estimate sales proceeds, being mindful of seasonality in revenue inflow if any, and working capital availability given about 5.0% bad debt C. When all these costs estimates and completed, one is left with the challenge of translating these numbers into a coherent business plan and then a consideration for funding.

Potential source of funding are: using your own savings, unsecured loans i.e. contributions from families & friends, small business funding program of Canada grants, or from institutional loans, e.g. banks or venture capitalist. Small business funding program of Canada grants are available to those start ups with detailed documentation of research and market based analysis.

The above list looks somehow long or daunting and not for the faint hearted. All that I am trying to put across is, starting a new venture should not be taken lightly. There is the need for detailed and in-depth planning, organization, a desire to succeed and a passion to be original or innovate. A casual approach to begin a business will not do.

A line of business must be chosen depending on one’s strength, ability or liking, talent and the art of leveraging the talents of others to achieve profitable end results.

I will conclude this by quoting Dr. Mensa Otabil of International Central Gospel Church, who stated, the pleasure of achievement, fulfillment brings real worth. He further defined REAL WORTH as being absolutely Reliable in your desire and vision; supported by your Expertise in a chosen field; and with ample Ambition; and a practice to be Logical in your thinking; Wise and well-mannered; with stress on Originality; and your organizational skill, being Righteous; and with emphasis on Thinking power (constructive and creative manner) and above all being Humble, one will be able to create real worth.

Talents abound in our community and with careful considerations, planning, can do attitude; we should be able to harness these talents and translate into thriving businesses which will set the pace for others to follow the good works. Over to you my dear reader!.

Email:eddiesmith77@gmail.com

When do I need a lawyer and what does it cost?

By: Jayson Schwarz LL.M. Lately I have had a large number of new buyers come to me after conditional periods in an offer have expired. When I ask why they waited, I get one of two standard responses: I didn’t think I needed a lawyer until it was time to close; the sales agent told me I didn’t need a lawyer until it was time to close. Wrong on both counts, get a lawyer early A lawyer must advise you at the time you make your offer, and it is critical that you see a lawyer before your deal is firm. It is important that your lawyer explains all the potential costs you will face and the potential changes and the potential delays you may encounter. Insist on this and if you don’t get what you want or need see another lawyer. Lawyers are service providers just like anyone else and as the customer, make sure you get the necessary information to make an educated decision. There is a clothing retail chain that I remember in Florida that has a slogan which sounds sort of like, “An educated consumer is our greatest asset”. This holds true for much of life and seeing this is one of the most important purchases you will ever make, become an EDUCATED CONSUMER!!!

OK, what about that lawyer. First of all you are going to pay the fee, whatever the amount the two of you agreed to. You did of course have a preagreed fee, didn’t you? Then there is a list of disbursements. Disbursements are those monies expended by your lawyer on your behalf necessary to properly search and close the transaction. Be careful, it is here that

someone may try to take advantage by charging large fax, mail and photocopy fees. Make your lawyer justify all expenditures that don’t make sense. What about disbursements, what can you expect? Generally between $450 and $650 and includes such things as electronic searches, registration, execution searches, title insurance, cheque certification, status certificates for condos, etc. Don’t forget GST and Land Transfer Tax as applicable.

Generally speaking your first meeting with your lawyer should be free until the time you retain the lawyer.

Retain? What that simply means is hire the lawyer. Make sure the retainer agreement is in writing and that it sets out all of the services the lawyer is going to perform and what the lawyer and his staff’s hourly rates may be if they perform services in excess of those included in your ”Package Price”. Make sure you get a disbursement list with suggested maximums so that you have something to work from in your budgeting.

When you hire (retain) your lawyer you want the same certainty you would get in any contract.

Jayson Schwarz is a real estate lawyer and partner in the law firm Schwarz Law LLP. If you have a topic in mind, or a question, mail, deliver or fax letters to the newspaper or to the firm, call us (888-609-8888), use the web site (www.schwarzlaw.ca), email (info@schwarzlaw.ca) and give us your questions, concerns, critiques and quandaries.

Schwarz Law Barristers and Solicitors Schwarz Law LLP is a full service law firm, offering sound and practical professional advice in the areas of Business Law, Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate, General Litigation, Personal Injury, Construction Liens, Immigration and Estates and Tax Planning. Schwarz Law LLP is also associated with law firms in Providenciales (Turks & Caicos Islands), Kansas City, Missouri (USA), Accra (Ghana) & Montreal, Quebec. Jayson Schwarz is also a foreign referral associate of Cyrus Ross International (Europe). As a result, through our network of associated firms, we can provide national and international solutions as required.

Tel: 416-486-2040 schwarz@schwarzlaw.ca

Fax: 416-486-3325 www.schwarzlaw.ca

1984 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4S 1Z7

32

The Ghanaian News February 2012

Row in Ethiopia over Nkrumah’s statue in front of $200m China-funded new AU building

New AU building with Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s statue

Some Ethiopian citizens are unhappy about the presence of the statue of Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah in front of the China-funded new $200 million African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

President John Evans Atta Mills assisted by Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Dr Jean Ping, Chairman of theAfrican Union Commission unveiled the statue moments after the building was inaugurated.

The Reuters news agency reports February 10, 2012 that a row has broken out in Ethiopia over why the country’s late emperor Haile Selassie I was not accorded the same tribute, with opposition officials expressing dismay over the snub.

“No one deserves more recognition than Haile Selasse when it comes to fighting for the African cause. Not Nkrumah, not anybody else,” former opposition party chairman Gizachew Shiferaw told Reuters.

Photo credit: AU

Some Ethiopians living abroad are said to have added their voices over the absence of Haile Selasse’s statue.

“He (Haile Selassie) has the legal, moral, historical and diplomatic legitimacy to have his statue erected next to Kwame Nkrumah, we believe,” Reuters quotes a letter written by a group of Ethiopian expatriates to the AU’s deputy chairman Erastus Mwencha.

Opposition members are suspecting a political motive for snubbing the emperor as Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is widely known for criticizing him as a dictator.

But addressing the Ethiopian parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Meles defended the Nkrumah statue as the news wire quoted him saying “There is nothing political about the statue.”

Nkrumah was an automatic choice when it came down to picking one statesman as an African symbol, he noted.

“I think it is even crass and disrespectful to question why a statue has been erected in Kwame Nkrumah’s honor,” he said.

Officials at the AU are yet to comment on the matter.

GBN

Community-Based Credit Unions offer alternative to "Big Five"

By Dave Schurman According to a survey commissioned by FirstOntario Credit Union, the average Canadian has been with the same bank for more than 15 years. This is surprising, given how much we hear about rising bank fees, swinging mortgage rates and overall discontent with the banking system. But the truth is that most people are simply hesitant to move because they find the idea too complicated, or they feel there might be negative consequences if they make the leap.

There are a number of common misconceptions that keep most of us from straying too far from the safety blanket that is our bank of choice. These include: - Switching banks can have a negative impact on your credit rating - It’s complicated changing to another bank - The bigger the bank, the better the benefits - Only chartered banks in Canada are regulated - Only big banks offer online banking The reality is that if you are unhappy with your financial institution, switching is pretty simple and straightforward. Despite this, 40 per cent of Canadians are unhappy with the high service fees their bank charges them, according to the FirstOntario survey.

So what choices are out there?

It turns out that more than 10 million Canadians and small business owners – roughly one-third of our population – belong to a credit union or caisse populaire. Credit union “members” are drawn by a better deal, including lower banking fees, lower loan interest rates, and higher savings rates.

So much so that Canada boasts the world’s highest per capita membership in the credit union movement. Membership is particularly high in Quebec (70 per cent), Saskatchewan (60 per cent) and in PEI and BC (both more than 30 per cent). cont'd on pg. 55

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

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Children’s Day celebrated at Calvary Methodist United Church

By Jonathan Annobil

Children at the Calvary Methodist United Church on Sunday, February 26, 2012 were given the opportunity to celebrate their day. It was under the theme “Christ our example; yield to Him”. All aspects of the service for that day were conducted by the children, from cont'd on pg. 41

Preacher-De-Graft Obiri Jnr.

Ushers

Liturgist Nana Mensah, Middle, Rev. Mpere, left, Rev. Semie Obiri, right

Bible Recital

Group picture with leaders, Rev. Obiri and Rev. Mpere

Dancers

Chairman and Supporters

Congregation

Thanksgiving Service for the home going of Opanin Kwabena Owusu-Ansah, father of Mrs. Mary Osei-Amoah and father-in-law of Rev. Joseph Osei Amoah On the evening of Sunday January 29, 2012, the Pastors, leaders, and members of Lighthouse and Evangel Assemblies of God churches joined Rev. and Mrs. Osei-Amoah, leaders, and members of Living Word Assembly of God Church, Toronto, to give thanks to the Lord for receiving Opanin Kwabena OwusuAnsah, the father of Mrs. Mary Osei-Amoah, to Himself.

Opanin Owusu-Ansah was a committed follower of the Lord Jesus Christ after receiving the Lord as his Saviour in 1962 at the Central Assembly of God Church, Akwatia Line, Kumasi. He was instrumental in getting his children to church and his other daughter, Mrs. Margaret Agyemang-Duah, was one time the Women’s Ministries President at the Central Assembly of God church.

Agya Buor, as he was affectionately called, and his colleagues started the Men’s Ministries Department at Faith Assemblies of God church, Tafo Nhyiaeso, Kumasi, after transferring his membership from the Central Assembly of God in 1977. Although he never had a formal education, he attended what used to be call “Night School” or “Mass Education”, an adult education program organized by the Ministry of education in Ghana. He would spend hours reading the Twi Bible and memorize scriptures. One would hardly hear him engage in a conversation with someone without him quoting a verse or two from the Bible.

Opanin Owusu-Ansah was a “complete” tailor by profession, in other words he was trained to sew suit. He was a very active man who loved to walk for long distances. No wonder he lived for 96 years; it is believed he was over 100 years.

His children and sons-in-law had prayed that the Lord should spare him of a protracted illness when it was time for him to be called home and the Lord answered that prayer beautifully when he passed away in a taxi heading to the General Hospital. Rev. Dr. Paul Dapaah, his Senior Pastor conducted his funeral service and Rev. Dr. Paul Frimpong-Manso, the General Superintendent of The Assemblies of God, Ghana, attended his thanksgiving service in Kumasi. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.

Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’” (Revelations 14:13 NKJV)

Men's Ministry group in action

From left: Rev. Milton Ofei, Rev. Isaac Takyi De-Graft, Rev. & Mrs. Osei-Amoah, Mrs. Olivia Takyi De-Graft,

Women's Ministry group singing

Brethren from Lighthouse A/G

34

The Ghanaian News February 2012

Community

y in Pictures

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

35

36

The Ghanaian News February 2012

PEOPLE AND PLACES Arista's 7th birthday party at Chucky E Cheese

Group picture of Arhin's family

George Agyemang's 50th birthday party

Agyemang with wife Mrs. Dora Agyemang

Bennedicta Opoku Ware (Maame Akua) celebrated her 8th birthday with friends at Living Word Assembly of God Church on February 18th 2012

Bennedicta cutting her birthday cake flanked by friends and well-wishers

Victoria and Asare Bediako dedicated their new born, Marcus Boakye Bediako to the Lord at the Heritage Ghanaian SDA Church in Toronto on February 18, 2012 Pastor Damson Oppong, the officiating minister reading the certificate of baby dedication during the function.

The Ghanaian News

The Ghanaian Clergy in Toronto held a retreat at Ghana Methodist Church of Toronto, 19 Penn Drive, on Friday February 17, 2012.

The theme for the retreat was, "As The Father Has Sent Me, I Am Sending You" (John 20:21). In all, eleven pastors from eleven Churches attended the program. They fervently prayed for one another, their families, ministries and all clergy, especially Ghanaian Clergy in Toronto and its environs, that, Jesus Christ who has sent them as his Father sent him would continually equip and anoint them with the Holy Spirit and power to lead his people to the glory of His name. Our gratitude goes to the Ghana Methodist Church of Toronto for hosting the clergy. We wish the church God's manifold blessings.

The next retreat will be held at Christ Redeemer Church (4 Racine Rd, Unit # 9) on Friday March 16, 2012 at 10:00 am. All Ghanaian Clergy are respectfully invited to attend accordingly.

For more information, please contact the Rev. Fr. Gabriel Opoku-Ware at 416-9013932 or 647-624-4044.

February 2012

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Ghanaian Clergy Retreat in Toronto

Group picture from left: Pastor Isaac Takyi De-Graft, Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, Apos. Dennis Awuku, Bethel Prayer Min. Int'l, Pastor Eric Amoah, Christ Redeemer Church, Apos. F.Y. Agyemang, Apostolic Church Int'l, Very Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare Kusi, Ghana Methodist Church, Rev. Frank O. Adu, Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, Pastor Emmanuel Oduro, Good News Int'l Church, Rev. Fr. Gabriel Opoku Ware, Ghanaian Congregation St. John's Anglican Church, Apos. Twumasi Ankrah, The Christ Healing Church Int'l, Very Rev. DeGraft Semie Obiri, Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church

Ryerson alumna Stephanie Asare Nti is creating a better future for children worldwide Stephanie Asare Nti, Social Work ’01 is a global go-getter. And she has a 2012 Ryerson University Alumni Achievement Award to prove it.

After graduating from Ryerson and completing a master’s degree at the University of Toronto, Asare Nti wanted to make a difference globally.

So she approached celebrated humanitarian Stephen Lewis for an internship. Lewis, who was then the United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa and is now a

distinguished visiting professor at Ryerson, was impressed with the young Ghana-born woman and he helped her land a placement at the Global AIDS Alliance in Washington, D.C. In the years that have followed, Asare Nti has volunteered for Lewis’s Toronto-based AIDS foundation and coordinated high-level international meetings for the joint UN Programme and HIV/AIDS. Through her work as a consultant to UNICEF and

From left, Sheldon Levy, Stephan Asare Nti and Adam B. Kahan

Stephanie with family

USAID, she has been involved in policy initiatives supporting the strengthening of child protection systems and the social welfare workforce that cares for orphans and vulnerable children.

Clearly, the need is great and Asare Nti is making her mark by working to fill it. In 2006, she founded Social Workers Beyond Borders (SWBB), a non-governmental organization that enables North American social work students and professionals to volun-

teer in developing countries. Currently, SWBB is forging a partnership with the African Union Youth Volunteers Corps to support exchanges for the continent’s next generation of social work leaders.

A labour of love, SWBB is just one of the ways that Asare Nti is living her favourite African proverb: “In times of darkness, one must stop searching for the light, and become the flame for others to follow.”

Stephanie Asare Nti

Group of family, friends and well-wishers

Group picture of recipients and organizers

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

Profile of Heads of Governments in Ghana since 1957 By: Joe Kingsley Eyiah and Emmanuel Ayiku It would be exactly 55 years ago on March 6, this year (2012) that Ghana gained its independence from British Colonial rule. The struggle for independence had begun with the United Gold Coast Convention in the aftermath of World War II. However, the man who led the nation to freedom and became its first President was Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Dr.Nkrumah was overthrown in a military coup in 1966 and since then the nation has seen 5 more military governments and 3 more civilian administrations. We bring to our readers as we celebrate the 55th birthday of our great nation, the profiles of the heads of governments in Ghana since 1957 when the country became a sovereign state.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (21 Sept; 1909 – 27 April 27 1972) Dr. Kwame Nkrumah who became the first head of government of independent Ghana under the Convention People Party (CPP) in 1957 was born on Saturday, September 21, 1909 at Nkroful in the Western region of Ghana. He married Helena Ritz Fathia, a relative of President Gamal Abdel Nassar of Egypt in 1958 and had three children with her.

Nkrumah was formerly known as Francis Nwia-Kofi, but he later changed his name to Kwame Nkrumah. Interestingly, the Fanti teacher who enrolled Francis NwiaKofi Ngonlomam into school inadvertently wrote “Nkrumah” for “Ngonloma” and it remained as such.

After completing his elementary education at Half Assini, Nkrumah in 1927 entered the Government Training College in Accra (became known as Achimotta School later that year).

He obtained his Teacher’s Certificate from the College in 1930. His life as a schoolteacher was brief as in 1932 he became a student at the Roman Catholic Seminary at Amisano near Cape Coast. He left for USA in 1935 to further his studies and obtained his BA degree in 1939 and another one, this time in Theology in 1942, all from the Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

By 1943, Kwame Nkrumah had annexed MSc Education and MA Philosophy degrees at the University of Pennsylvania, USA. Meanwhile, he had combined his studies with lectureship, a job he did so well that he was voted the “Most Outstanding Professor-Of-The-Year” by ‘The Lincolnian’ in 1945. In the same year Kwame Nkrumah left USA for London, England to study Law for his Doctoral degree. He shortly met George Padmore in London and they teamed up to organize the Sixth PanAfrican Congress in Manchester, England. Thereafter, Nkrumah intensified his activities for the de-colonization of Africa. He wrote his first book titled ‘Towards Colonial Freedom’ in 1947.

In December 1947 Nkrumah returned to Gold Coast and became the General Secretary of United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC). The Colonial government in 1948 detained him and 5 other Executive Members of the UGCC. Nkrumah was dismissed as the General Secretary of UGCC the same year due to his radical stand on independence. He had already

formed the Convention Peoples Party (CPP); and declared Positive Action to demand Independence for the then Gold Coast in December 1949. He was arrested in January the following year and incarcerated.

However, while in prison, Nkrumah won the seat for Accra Central in an election held in February 1951. He was immediately released from prison to form new government.

Kwame Nkrumah again won the 1956 elections leading to independence and subsequently declared Ghana’s Independence on March 6th 1957.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah then turned his efforts toward the unification of African States. He therefore held an AllAfrican Peoples Conference in Accra in December 1958.

In 1960 Dr. Nkrumah declared Ghana as Republic. Unfortunately, he became the target of assassination attempts by his ‘political enemies’ as was seen in the Kulungugu bombing in August, 1962. Dr. Nkrumah narrowly escaped death in that attempt on his life.

He turned Ghana into One Party-State with himself as Life President in 1964.

Political tension gripped Ghana and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was deposed in a military coup d’etat while he was on a peace mission to Hanoi, North Vietnam. He went to live in Conakry, Guinea after his overthrow in 1966 until he died naturally in a Romania hospital on April 27th, 1972. His body was brought to Ghana for a fitting burial on July 7th, 1972.

Lt. General Joseph A.Ankrah (18th Aug., 1915 – 25th Nov., 1992) The next head of government after Dr. Nkrumah was a soldier by profession. He was Lt. General Joseph A. Ankrah, a native of Accra.

Gen. Ankrah was recalled from enforced retirement following the February 1966 coup staged by Gen. Kotoka and Gen. Afrifa to be the chairman of the National Liberation Council (NLC) and head of state.

From a very humble beginning, Ankrah had worked hard to obtain his Cambridge School Certificate in 1937. Two years later, he was mobilized into West Africa Frontier Force on the outbreak of the Second World War. In 1946, he trained as Officer Cadet in U.K. and was commissioned as Lieutenant in 1947. By the dint of hardwork he rose through the ranks over the years to become Lieutenant Colonel. In August 1960 he was appointed Colonel, a position that few Ghanaians could occupy at that time.

He was made a Brigade Commander of the UN Peace Keeping Force in Congo from 1960 to 1961. Ankrah exhibited excellent soldiering qualities that won him a promotion to Brigadier in 1961.

Unfortunately, 3 years after being the head of government has was forced to resign as the Chairman of NLC and head over a bribery scandal.

He died on 25th November 1992 leaving behind several wives and 18 children.

Lt. GeneralAkwasiAmankwaAfrifa (24 April, 1936 – 16 June, 1979) Upon the resignation of Gen. Ankrah in 1969, Lt. General Akwasi Amankwa Afrifa became the chairman of NLC and the head of government.

Afrifa was born at Mampong, Ashanti where he attended the Presbyterian Boys Boarding School. He had his Secondary education at Adisadel College, Cape Coast from 1952 to 1956.

He had his military training, first at the Regular Officer’s Special Training School from 1957 to 1958; and at the Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England in 1958, From 1958 to 1960 he continued with his training at the Military Academy in Sandhurst, England; and in 1961 at the School of Infantry, Hythe in England. He returned to Ghana and became the Commander of the Rifle Company and, as a General Staff Officer from 1962 to 1964.

Afrifa was made the Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion of Infantry in 1966. It was during the same year in Kumasi where he was the Commander of First Infantary Brigade under Kotoka that the two planned and carried out the coup that toppled Nkrumah. He became a member of the eight-man ruling NLC, and a Commissioner of Finance, Trade and Economic Affairs. However, he took over as the Chairman of NLC and head of government in 1969 when Gen. Ankrah was forced to resign that position.

In 1972, Gen. Afrifa was arrested and detained for almost the whole year by the National Redemption Council regime under Gen. Acheampong.

He led the Popular Movement for Freedom and Justice to protest against UNIGOV and demanding the return of the nation to constitutional rule.

On 16th June, 1979 he was taken from his farm at Mampong and executed by firing squad after the June 4th, 1979 upspring.

at the Wesley College in Kumasi.

From 1936 to 1939 he taught at the Achimota College in Accra during which period he did a correspondence course to gain a first degree with honors in History from the University of London. He went to the Oxford University in England and by 1941 earned his BA degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics as well as MA and Ph.D. degrees in SocialAnthropology.

Dr. Busia returned to Ghana and worked as a District Commissioner from 1942 to 1949. He was appointed the first lecturer in African Studies at the University of Gold Coast in 1949.

Eventually, Dr. Busia became the first African to occupy a Chair in that University.

In 1951 the Ashanti Confederacy elected Dr. Busia to the Legislative Council. He became the leader of the Ghana Congress Party, which joined with the other opposition parties to form the United Party (UP).

As a leader of the opposition against Nkrumah, Busia felt his life was not safe and therefore fled the country in 1959 to Netherlands where he worked as Professor of Sociology and Culture at the University of Leiden in The Hague. He later moved to the University of Oxford in England as Senior Member of St. Anthony’s College.

Dr. Busia returned from exile in 1966 after Dr. Nkrumah’s overthrow and got appointed as the chairman of the National Advisory Committee of the NLC. From 1967 to 1968 he served as the chairman of the Center for Civic Education selling himself as the next leader through his countrywide assignments.

In 1968 he formed the Progress Party when the ban on politics was lifted and won elections in 1969 to become head of government (as a Prime Minister following the British type of government). He adopted a liberalized economic system and devalued the cedis by 44% in 1971. This attracted a lot of resistance from the public and while he was away in London his government was ousted in a coup led by Colonel I.K. Acheampong on January 13th, 1972.

General Ignatius KutuAcheampong (23rd Sept., 1931 – 16th June, 1979)

Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia (11th July, 1913 – 28th August, 1974) Gen. Afrifa in October, 1969 handed over the governing of Ghana to Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia and his Progress Party (PP) after the parliamentary elections of that year which the PP won 104 of the 105 seats contested.

Thus, Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, a native of Wenchi in the Brong Ahafo Region became the second civilian head of government in Ghana after Dr. Nkrumah. He was anti – Nkrumaist stance.

The education and career life of Busia could be described as very academic.

He entered Mfantsipim College at Cape Coast after completing his elementary education at the Wenchi Methodist School. Busia trained as a professional teacher in 1931 and 1932

General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong used the general discontent against Busia’s government to stage a coup in 1972 to become the 3rd military head of government in Ghana.

Acheampong schooled at Trabuom elementary school near Kumasi where he was born. He furthered his education at St. Peter’s Catholic School in Kumasi and Central College of Commerce at Agona Swedru in the Central Region.

From 1945 to 1957 he worked at Timber Sawmill in Kumasi as Stenographer Secretary; at Kumasi Commercial College as a Tutor; and at Agona Swedru College of Commerce as Vice Principal.

He got enlisted as a Private in the Ghana Army in 1951 and later went to Cadet training at Mons, Aldershot.

Upon his return to Ghana in 1959 he was commissioned Second Lieutenant. Determined to climb the ladder in the Army, Acheampong between 1959 and 1966 attended various courses including one in Personnel Administration at the Staff College.

He also trained at Leavenworth, Kansas in USA and later became the Commanding Officer of the 5th and 6th Battalion.

Gen. Acheampong served as the chairman of Western Regional Committee of Administration from 1966 to 1971; and as the Commander of the First Infantary Brigade from 1971 to 1972.

When he assumed the head of government of Ghana in 1972, Gen. Acheampong reversed the devaluation of the cedis and refused to pay the debts Ghana owed the outside world. He also embarked on the “Operation Feed Yourself”. However, by 1976 Acheampong’s regime has become unpopular as a result of mismanagement and economics hardships.

His UNIGOV idea which was to do away with partisan government was vehemently opposed with massive protests. There were clashes with his opponents and some protestors were killed in Kumasi. On July 5th, 1978 Gen. Acheampong’s second-in-command, General Fred Akuffo and other members of the ruling supreme Military Council (SMC) staged a palace coup and removed Acheampong as the head of government.

Acheampong was confined to his hometown, Trabuom in Ashanti Region until he was picked up and executed alongside other top military officer on 16th June, during the 1979 uprising.

General Fredrick William Kwasi Akuffo (21st March, 1937 – 16th June 1979) When Gen. Acheampong was removed in a palace coup on 5th July, 1978 General Fredrick Akuffo became chairman of SMC II and the head of government.

Akuffo who hailed from AkropongAkwapim in the Eastern Region was educated at the Presbyterian Secondary School at Odumasi-Krobo from 1952 to 1955.

He got enlisted as an Officer-Cadet in the Ghana Army in 1957. He then studied at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, UK from 1958 to 1960; and at the Staff College in 1967; and also at the National Defense College, India in 1973. Posts he held included: Commanding Officer, Airborne Training School in Tamale from 1965 to 1966; commanding Officer, 6th Battalion from 1969 to 1970; Director General of Operations and Planning, Ministry of Defense in 1970.

Gen. Akuffo was appointed Army Commander in 1974 and Chief of Defense Staff in 1976.

When he took over from Acheampong, he initiated the return of the country to civilian rule by instituting a new Constitution Drafting Committee. He lifted the ban on politics though some prominent politicians were still banned.

Unfortunately, his efforts could not solve the country’s economic problems, which sent workers demonstrating in the streets. Flt. Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings and his men took advantage of the situation in the country and staged a coup d'etat on the 4th of June 1979 to overthrow the SMCII. Rawlings became the chairman of ruling Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) and the fifth military head of government in Ghana. However, the AFRC handed over power to democratically elected head in September, the same yar. Gen. Akuffo was shot by firing squad at the Teshie Military range with Gen. Acheampong and other on June 16th 1979. cont'd on pg. 39

The Ghanaian News

cont'd from pg. 38

February 2012

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Profile of Heads of Government con't.

Prof. John Atta Mills was born on 21 July 1944 at Tarkwa in western Ghana. He graduated in law at the University of Ghana in 1967 before pursuing his legal studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London.

John Atta Mills then won a Fulbright scholarship at Stanford Law School in the US. He came back to his alma mater the University of Ghana as a lecturer for nearly 25 years.

Dr. Hilla Limann (12th Dec; 1934 – 23rd Jan; 1998) Flt. Lt. Rawlings and the AFRC organized elections in 1979 to return the country to civilian rule 3 months after the June 4th uprising. Dr. Hilla Limann who was the presidential candidate for the Peoples National Party (PNP) won the elections to become the third civilian head of government in Ghana. He was sworn in on 24th September, 1979 as the President of the Third Republic of Ghana.

Limann was born on 12th December, 1934 at Gwolu in the Upper West Region. He was named Babini but he was brought up by his uncle, Heli Limann whose name he (Dr. Limann) assumed on entering primary school.

Limann attended Tamale Government Middle School from 1946 to 1949. He became a District Councilor at Tumu in the Upper West Region between 1952 and 1955.

In 1954, he lost parliamentary elections as an Independent Candidate.

Limann left Ghana for London in 1957 and later to France where he obtained his Ph.D. in Political Science and Constitutional Law in 1965 from the University of Paris. He was made Head, Europe Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs form 195 to 1968. In 1967 he served as a member of the Constitutional Commission.

After working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Head of Ghana’s Mission in Togo and Counselor of Ghana’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, Dr. Limann returned to Ghana in 1975 and when the ban on politics was lifted Alhaji Imoro Egala, a ‘giant’ in the PNP – a group of Nkrumahists-elected him to lead the party. Thus, Dr. Limann became the head of government when PNP won the elections in 1979.

He immediately replenished the depleted food stock in the country and launched the Gold Endowment Fund to attract investors to Ghana. Unfortunately, on 31st December 1981 Flt. Lt. Rawlings took power back from Dr. Limann in a military coup called “a revolution”. Dr. Limann lived a private life till he died of natural causes on 23rd January, 1998 in Ghana.

Flight – Lieutenant Jerry John Kwasi Rawlings (22nd June, 1947-) Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings came back to Ghana politics as the sixth military head of government in 1981 and ‘metamorphosized’ himself in 1992 to become the fourth civilian head of government and the President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. His second and final term of office (by the constitution) expires at the end of this year, 2000.

The only head of government who is still alive is Rawlings.

Though a native of Dzelokope in the Volta Region, Rawlings was born in Accra on June 22, 1947 and has since lived almost his whole life in Accra.

He schooled at St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School at Adabraka in Accra and furthered his studies at Achimota School also in Accra in 1966.

In August 1967 he got enlisted as a Flight Cadet at the Ghana Air Force Station in Takoradi, Western Region. He was selected for Officer-Cadet Training at the Military Academic, Teshie in Accra. Rawlings went for Military Training Course in Takoradi after which he was commissioned as Pilot Officer in January 1969 (won the coveted Speed Bird Trophy as the Best Cadet in flying and airmanship). In April, 1969 he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant.

On May 28, 1979 Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings was arrested for muting of the junior officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces. Before he could be sentenced on June 4, 1979 he was sprung from jail by Major Boakye-Djan and some junior officers. The coup makers formed the Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) with Flt. Lt. Rawlings as the head. The AFRC did some ‘house cleaning’ by executing 3 former military heads of state and other military officers by firing squad. They handed over power to Dr. Limann and his PNP government in September, 1979. But Rawlings came back and ousted the Limann government in 1981. He formed the Provincial National Defense Council (PNDC) to carry out a “revolution”.

In 1992, Rawlings resigned from the Army and contested elections on the ticket of National Democratic Convention (NDC) and won. He won again in the 1996 elections.

Mr. John Kofi Agyekum Kufour Ghana’s 4th Republic saw a smooth changeover from the NDC government to a new government of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) under the leadership of Mr. John Kofi Agyekum Kufour on January 7, 2001.

Thus, Mr. Kufour became the fifth civilian head of government after Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings.

At the age of 62 years, Kufour who hails from the Ashanti Region of Ghana is the first opposition leader in Ghana to have beaten the incumbent government’s presidential candidate to become the President of Ghana.

Like the first, second and third civilian heads of government, Kufour is well educated. He went to Oxford University in Britain and earned a Masters degree in philosophy, political science and economics. He was called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn in London in 1961 but he soon returned to Ghana and took to politics.

He became a member of the Constitutuent Assemblies, which drafted Ghana’s republican constitution in 1969 and 1979.

Mr. Kufour won a parliamentary seat and was appointed Deputy Foreign Minister in 1969 when Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia and his Progress Party (PP) came to power.

Busia government was overthrown in 1972 and Kufour went into business running a brick and tile factory.

However, he returned to politics in 1979 and became the Deputy Minority parliamentary Leader when Ghana returned to democratic rule.

That was to be for short time since Flt. J.J. Rawlings overthrew the government of Ghana in 1981.

Kufour was then appointed

by Rawlings as Minister for Local Government but after nine months in office Kufour resigned from Rawling’s PNDC government due to political incompatability. He then returned to entrepreneurship until 1992 when he came back to politics Kufour lost the presidential elections to Rawlings in 1996 but stood again for presidency and won in 2000 to become the 5th civilian head of government of Ghana. He won the presidency for the 2nd time in 2004.

It is interesting to note that Ghana’s new democracy since 1992 has seen stability and grown over the years. This is evidenced by the fact that the last two presidents of the country, in the persons of Rawlings and Kufour have both successfully served as heads of state for two consecutive terms of 8 years a term each.

Kufour will hand over his presidency to a newly elected president in January, 2009, thus, ending successfully his second term in office as the Head of State of Ghana.

Kufour is married to Theresa, a nurse with whom he has five grownup children.

We congratulate Kufour and Rawlings (the only heads of states of our country still alive) as Ghana celebrates its 51st independence anniversary.

Professor John Evans Atta Mills John Atta Mills became President of Ghana after two failed attempts. He lost twice - against former President John Kufuor in 2000 and 2004.

However, in 2008 he won the country’s presidential election on the ticket of the then opposition National Democratic Party (NDC). He was sworn in by the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Justice Georgina Theodora Wood on January 7, 2009 as the Third President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. (the 3rd John consecutively to rule Ghana!)

From 1986 to 1993, Prof Atta Mills was the Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service and the substantive Commissioner during 1993-1996. He was then selected as the running mate to former President Jerry Rawlings for the 1996 elections, and served as vice president from 1997 to 2001. .He is a keen hockey player, at one time a member of the national team, and also enjoys swimming.

President Mills has more than one dozen publications in the taxation and law fields to his credit.

The 64-year old new President of Ghana is married to Ernestina Naadu Mills, a director of education and trained marriage counsellor.

GHANA: 55th Milestone of Nationhood cont'd from pg. 7

does nothing and says nothing NPP won re-election in De- about this dangerous culture of cember 2004 for another four- political insults and intolerance year term. which is fast engulfing and enveloping the nation.

Perhaps the greatest test of stability of the nation came in the Naked robbery and pillaging of run-up the 2008 elections which the nation’s resources that has ended the term of office of been occurring since the country President Kufuor. The NDC attained nationhood fifty-five party won the Parliamentary years ago has reached alarming elections on December 8, 2008 proportions. Just before the close but the hotly-contested Presi- of the year 2011, a whooping dential elections again run into forty million dollars of the nation’s a second round. In the end, John money was paid out to a known Attah Mills beat the NPP can- financier and member of the ruldidate Nana Akufo Addo in the ing party in some very questionsecond round run-off by less able circumstances. The than 20,000 votes to win the government’s own Attorney GenPresidency. Tension in the eral and Minister of Justice quescountry over this elections tioned the legality of that payreached fever pitch threatening ment, describing the process as to plunge the country into may- a “gargantuan” rape of the hem. Political giants like former nation’s finances. His patriotic U.N Secretary General, Kofi and honest stand incurred the Annan had to be flown into the wrath of the ruling party and the country to persuade the warring President fired him early this electoral opponents to let cool year. heads prevail to salvage Ghana’s image as a peace-lov- The nation called Ghana has over ing nation and the beacon of the past fifty-five years fulfilled political maturity and stability the declaration and prophesy of for Africa. In the end, the NPP its first leader, Kwame Nkrumah and Akufo Addo had to concede who declared the right of the defeat. John Evans Attah Mills country to “manage or mismanwas sworn in as President on age” its own affairs. Overall January 7, 2009 as the third Ghana has succeeded in “misPresident of the Fourth Repub- managing” its affairs much betlic of Ghana. ter than “managing” its affairs.

The past three years of the Attah Mills-led NDC government has also tested the stability of the nation. A culture of political intolerance, insults and naked robbery of the nation’s resources and finances have engulfed the country. Political opponents publicly haul insults at each other, in the media especially on radio and television.

The most guilty of these behavior of political insults and intolerance have been government and NDC party officials. They attack their political opponents, real or imagined, at will. The President and Father of the nation, John Evans Attah Mills

These are the background events within which Ghana is celebrating 55 years as a nation. The nation heads into another round of Parliamentary and Presidential elections towards the end of the year 2012. As we celebrate fiftyfive years of nationhood, we all need to hold our breadth and pray for the nation to come out of this political process peacefully. The portends are not really good. And as the words of our national anthem say, God should help our homeland, Ghana and make our nation great and strong”. Yes, the nation Ghana needs real divine intervention.

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

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The Ghanaian News

February 2012

41

Frankly Speaking Looting and Chopping Ghana in “Gargantuan” Ways

By Dr. Michael Baffoe We all know that most politicians are crooks and thieves. They do all kinds of stealing, looting, “chopping small” and “chopping big”. The size and levels of political stealing and “chopping” depend on the calibre of politicians in power. Some are brave enough to loot and “chop” with no remorse and no shame. Others feel it is their “right” to loot and “chop” the nation’s money once they get into political office.

I love African politicians.

I love their stealing and “chopping” tactics. But I love the Ghanaian politicians the most. There are two kinds of Ghanaian politicians. There is one breed who “chop” with one eye open. They think they are very smart. They “chop” well-well, but they cover their tracks. Occasionally they get caught, but because they “chopped” with one eye open, they sometimes wiggle their way out of trouble. When they are

caught they sometimes feel a little, just a little, guilty and “sorry”.

There is the second breed of politicians who steal and “chop” well-well.

They actually “chop” big and they steal and “chop” with both eyes closed.

Why? Because they simply don’t care. To this breed of crook politicians, they see no difference between public money, public property and their personal money or property. This breed has no shame. Even when they are caught, they feel no remorse. They rather lash out at the public for daring to complain about their stealing. The situation gets even worse

when this breed of politicians have a leader who sees nothing, knows nothing and does nothing about stealing and looting of public money and public property. This is the breed of politicians who now roams the corridors of power in Mother Ghana, the country that turns fifty-five years on March 6th, Two Thousand and Twelve in the Year of Our Lord.

At fifty-five years old, we expected this Lady called Ghana to have grown wiser and smarter. And that the people that call themselves politicians who claim to have earned the “right” to represent the people of that country in parliament and in government might have also grown “older” and wise enough to know the difference between public money and their own private money. Sadly, this has not been the case in Mother Ghana. The more she grows closer to being a ”senior citizen” the more crooked her elected and appointed public officials

become in their ways.

Hmmmmmnmm!!!

Let us look at the record of Mother Ghana. Born on March 6, 2012, she has had eight elections: 1956, 1969, 1979, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. She had been “married” to eleven Heads of State: Kwame Nkrumah (19571966), Lt. General Joseph A. Ankrah (Feb. 1966April 1969), Col. Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa (April 1969– August 1969), Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia (August 1969-January 1972), Col. Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (January 1972-July 1978), General F.W.K. Akuffo (July 1978-June 1979), Flt. Lt. Jeremiah John Rawlings (No.1) (June 1979-September 1979),. Dr. Hilla Limann (September 1979-December 1981), Flt. Lt. Jeremiah John Rawlings (No. 2) (December 1981-December 1992), Jeremiah John Rawlings (No. 3) (January 1993-December 2000), John Agyekum Kufuor (January 2000-

December 2008), Prof.

John Evans Attah Mills (January 2009-date).

Apart from being “married” to all these people, some of whom were selfappointed as Heads of State, Ghana has also been subjected to four Constitutions (a “Holy Book” of good political behaviour). This “Holy Book” of good political behaviour contains a lot of dos and don’ts which all citizens are expected to comply with. However the group of human beings known as politicians openly declare that the tenets and verses in the “Holy Book” of good political behaviour do not apply to them. They expect the rest of the citizens to obey the “instructions” from that Book but they (politicians) care less or not at all about the verses in that Book.

This is the reason why some of this group of people known as politicians, especially the second breed, has been looting and “chopping” the

nation’s money and property with no shame and no remorse. I have been told that Mother Ghana will have no “birthday” party for herself and her children when she turns fiftyfive this year. Oh, why??

Because all the money belonging to Mother Ghana has been looted by the politicians in very “gargantuan” proportions.

How did this happen?

When did it happen? Who looted the money? And what was the latest “husband” of the nation who calls himself “President” doing when the politicians were looting Mother Ghana’s money in “gargantuan” proportions?

Hmmmmmmnnn!! He said he didn’t know oooo!!!

Well the person that the President himself appointed as his Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Martin A. B. K. Amidu came out publicly to say that he knows all those people around the President and his government and party who have looted the nation’s money in “gargantuan” proportions. His reward? He got booted out of office by the President for being honest. Of course his booting out of office is understandable. Martin Amidu does not belong to and believe in the looting tactics of this second breed of politicians so he got a very good “beating” by the President of the Republic of Ghana who is now presiding over the looting and chopping of the money and property of Mother Ghana in gargantuan proportions.

Asem ato yen paa. Ghana at 55 years old is in serious trouble.

Mother Ghana, Damirifa, Damirifa, Damirifa Due

Check Us online @ www.ghanaiannews.ca

416 916-3700

42

PARENTAL FAVOURITISM; DOES IT EXIST?

The Ghanaian News February 2012

View Point

Community Concerns

Offering Support for Grieving Families

By Golda Abena Quayson

The death of a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences to encounter. We all know that death is an inevitable journey and phase of life that we cannot ignore, yet the experience hit us like a thunderbolt and we still do not understand why it should happen. This devastating experience send most people into a state of shock, the bereaved feels and struggle with many intense and frightening emotions, including depression, anger, and guilt. In most cases, they feel isolated and alone in their grief, even though, they are still within the family unit and well- wishers. The experience is even more devastating with teenagers. Most teens express their feelings in so many negative ways which and at times is more frightening.

Teenagers in mourning and grief thus need more attention and help. Having someone to lean on can help them through the grieving process.

Here are few pointers that we can use or bear in mind when family members, loved ones or friends find themselves in this situation or crisis.

Sometime we get confused and do not know how to reach out to friends and loved ones who are grieving. Do not let discomfort prevent you from reaching out to someone who is grieving.

During such times, more than ever, your support is greatly needed. You might not know exactly what to say or what to do, but that is okay. You do not need to have answers or give advice. The most important thing you can do for a grieving person is to simply be there or give that person a phone call as a form of support.

Your support and caring presence will help them cope with the pain and begin to heal.

Grieving continues long after the funeral is over and the cards and flowers have stopped coming.

Most of the time, the length of the grieving process varies from

person to person. But in general, grief lasts much longer than most people expect. Your bereaved friend or family member may need your support for months or even years.

Continue your support over the long haul. Stay in touch with the grieving person, periodically checking in, dropping by, or sending letters or cards. Your support is more valuable than ever once the initial shock of the loss has worn off, the funeral is over and the other mourners are gone.

That is when the isolation and real grieving process begins and this is when support is vital to the bereaved person.

Do not make assumptions based on outward appearances.

The bereaved person may look fine on the outside, while inside he or she is suffering. Avoid saying things like “You are so strong” or “You look so well.” This puts pressure on the person to keep up appearances and to hide his or her true feelings.

The pain of bereavement may never fully heal. Be sensitive to the fact that life may never feel the same. You do not “get over” the death of a loved one. The bereaved person may learn to accept the loss. The pain may lessen in intensity over time. But the sadness may never completely go away.

Offer extra support on special days. Certain times and days of the year will be particularly hard for your grieving friend or family member.

Holidays, family milestones, birthdays, mother ’s day, father’s day, Christmas, Easter, and anniversaries often re-awaken grief. Be sensitive on these occasions. Let the bereaved person know that you are there for whatever he or she needs.

It is also important to watch for warning signs, especially the teenagers.

It is common for a grieving person to feel depressed, confused, disconnected from others, or expressions of behaviours that borders on craziness. But if the bereaved person’s symptoms do not gradually start to fade, and rather get worse with time, this may be a sign that normal grief has evolved into a more serious problem, such as clinical depression.

Encourage the grieving person to seek professional help if you observe any of the following warning signs

after the initial grieving period.

For example: Difficulty functioning in daily life, Extreme focus on the death, Excessive bitterness, anger, or guilt, neglecting personal hygiene, Alcohol or drug abuse, hallucinations, withdrawing from others, constant feelings of hopelessness, and talking about dying or suicide and inability to enjoy life in general.

In aspects of grieve, emotional health is the most important one that can break someone who is grieving. You may find that such a person is more likely to snap at you or others. Minor issues may spark major arguments.

Be understanding and patient; remember that she probably isn’t really angry with you, she is just angry that her loved one has died. If she is receptive, you might look for a support group for people who have lost a loved one too. If she belongs to a religious or community organization, encourage her to attend services or meetings as much as she is able to and to stay in contact with her fellow members.

You can support or encourage a grieving person by saying comforting words like; “I am so sorry for your loss”; “we all knows that a golden heart stopped beating”; “If there comes a moment that you cannot come out of your house of darkness or situation, I hope I can be the person you will depend on to come pull the shades up and let the light in”. “I am here for you”. “Do keep the good memories of your loved one”, “think of the many accomplishments, hopes and dreams fulfilled and days and days well-lived which are now a legacy to celebrate”. Remember the many sweet memories of the gem that was your mother/father/ friend/loved one and let that encourage you at this time to move on in your personal life”. In other words find sweet and encouraging words to comfort your grieving friend or loved one.

It is hard to accept the fact that your loved one is gone. Our hearts may have been broken, but God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. But God being the great comforter, the healing continues for all of us to tap into his might resources.

Doris Osei Bonsu, Crisis Counselor, Toronto

Teens and Marijuana: Parents should not underestimate the Risks

Drug use among the youth, especially teenagers is a serious issue with very dire consequences in Canada. Most start with marijuana and gradually “graduate” into other hard drugs like cocaine, heroine, crack and other substances. This problem has crept into our own community here and is increasing. Recently I have received several calls from parents who are either suspicious of their teenage children smoking marijuana or “pot” or actually know they are smoking it. Some teachers and counsellors have also expressed concern on their suspicions of drug use by teenage students. It has therefore become necessary to educate community members about the risk involved in drug use by teenagers. If left unchecked, this early use of marijuana can lead to serious drug and addiction problems a few years along the line. The consequences are not very good news.

Research has also indicated that more and more teens smoke marijuana than any time in the past. As a matter of fact no one is immune to the disease of addiction including teens. I have extreme empathy for any parents dealing with this in their family, because I understand the difficulties families go through when dealing with drug addiction. Many parents suspect drug use by their teenage children, but they are sometimes handicapped because they have no hard proof. Others know it but pretend that it is not an issue either out of fear of confronting their teenage children or the same of the stigma attached to their child involved in drug use.

I have heard some parents state emphatically that they cannot imagine their children doing drugs when the signs are there. If you suspect your child of smoking marijuana because he/ she is exhibiting some unusual behaviours, chances are he/she is probably doing it.

A lot of us underestimate the dangers of marijuana. Some responsible parents may have used marijuana as teens, and although we don’t wish to see our kids using any form of drug, we do feel some relief when it is “only” marijuana.

Marijuana today is different though. The last twenty years have brought an incredible explosion in the potency of marijuana, and what was a relatively benign herb has become very intoxicating drug; potent enough to cause some significant health concerns, and potent enough to alter the way we function and finally lead to addiction for a lot of teens.

Other research holds that of the adolescents who enter treatment these days, the majority list marijuana as their drug of choice. Marijuana which is a much more subtle drug than alcohol, cocaine etc gets them into the culture of the drug world, which is a significant step because it can lead down to the path of drug addiction.

The age that kids first start smoking drugs is going down. In the past first time smokers were between the ages thirteen and fourteen, now I will say it is between eleven and twelve, and I have even come across kids who are ten years trying drugs. The perception that it is not dangerous is widespread. Even most children will agree that marijuana is called “gate-way drug” because their tolerance increases leading them to do other drugs. Because marijuana is an illicit drug, they are often exposed to harder drugs and to drug dealers.

and other areas such as athletics etc. Kids today experience enormous stress, and they crave as we all do, peace and serenity. Drugs may promise that, at least the few times a person uses, but in the long run destroys any hope of peace and serenity. This is because all drugs, including alcohol, are addictive and once you get hooked on them, it is difficult to break free.

What are some of the signs that might help you identify whether your child is smoking marijuana?

There are always big signs that a teen is smoking marijuana: Their grades slip, they change their whole group of friends, they stop playing sports or going to youth groups, their personalities change and they become more negative and less approachable. Do not ignore these changes, because they are like signs on a very dangerous path. If you are a parent and see these signs in your child be pro-active and talk to your child, express your concerns. Children do not respect their parents when they ignore signs staring right at them. Even as they seek independence, they need and want you to act as their guardian and guide them.

Teens who smoke marijuana also lack motivation. Children who smoke marijuana that I have been in contact with tell me it makes them very lazy and difficult to get up in the morning to go to school. There are emotional changes like anger and irritability increases and are often paranoid. Depression and suicidal thoughts can also be a bi-product of smoking marijuana. The more a teen uses marijuana the more you will see negative emotions and moods. You may see a gentle and smart child turn into an angry person. Teens that use marijuana do not have an effective relationship with their parents, siblings, friends and even their teachers.

As parents we should ask ourselves if the above is a normal adolescent behaviour or whether the child’s personality has totally changed as a result of using marijuana.

What should a Parent’s Role be When They Suspect Their Child Smoking Marijuana?

When you suspect your child smoking marijuana, the faster you intervene, the better. Children who use marijuana can be manipulative and lie in your face. The fact of the matter is they have to lie if they are going to protect their ability to continue to use the drug.

I would advise parents to approach the problem with love. I know it is really difficult, but tell your child you love them so much and cannot watch them destroy themselves. Emphasize the fact that you will be a part in their recovery but not part of their addiction. Tell them you will do anything in your power to help them get better.

How Should You Go About Treatment for Your child?

Why is marijuana so popular with teens?

One of the heartbreaking things for parents is that they often do not know where to go when their child is using marijuana. I encourage parents to speak with their family doctors who can find and refer them to the best treatment centres. If it is decided that your child should undergo treatment, there are both in-patient or outpatient programs they can attend. You can also check with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health of Toronto.

Marijuana is easily available, relatively cheap and kids say that it relaxes them. They also believe it helps them to be stress-free and reduces anxiety in them. We can’t also discount the pressure we are putting on our children to succeed in the form of academic performance

Marijuana is an illegal substance that affect teens in many harmful ways and it is important to begin talking with kids about it by at least ten years of age. Schools, churches, magazines and newspaper articles are often good places to start discussion about drugs.

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

43

Lifestyle Ask The Doctor By: David Yaw Twum-Barima, MD, MSc, FRCPC

This column is devoted to answering your questions on health and discusions of diseases which are common among the African Canadians.

10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication Most people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure will eventually require medication to control it in order to avoid complications such as heart attack or stroke.

However not everybody needs a drug prescription right away and many people can lower their blood pressure by making some lifestyle changes. In this article we will discuss 10 lifestyle changes, that can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

Here are 10 lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Losing just 10 pounds can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, the more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure. Losing weight also makes any blood pressure medications you’re taking more effective. You and your doctor can determine your target weight and the best way to achieve it.

Besides shedding pounds, you should also keep an eye on your waistline.

Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure. In general: * Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters, or cm). * Women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (88 cm). * Asian men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 36 inches (90 cm). * Asian women are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 32 inches (80 cm).

2. Exercise regularly Regular physical activity — at least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure by 4 to 9 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). And it doesn’t take long to see a difference. If you haven’t been active, increasing your exercise level can lower

your blood pressure within just a few weeks.

If you have prehypertension (systolic pressure between 120 and 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89), exercise can help you avoid developing full-blown hypertension. If you already have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring your blood pressure down to safer levels.

Talk to your doctor about developing an exercise program. Your doctor can help determine whether you need any exercise restrictions. Even moderate activity for 10 minutes at a time, such as walking and light strength training, can help.

But avoid being a “weekend warrior.” Trying to squeeze all your exercise in on the weekends to make up for weekday inactivity isn’t a good strategy. Those sudden bursts of activity could actually be risky.

3. Eat a healthy diet Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mm Hg. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

It isn’t easy to change your eating habits, but with these tips, you can adopt a healthy diet: Be a smart shopper. Make a shopping list before heading to the supermarket to avoid picking up junk food.

Read food labels when you shop, and stick to your healthy-eating plan when you’re dining out, too. * Cut yourself some slack. Although the DASH diet is a lifelong eating guide, it doesn’t mean you have to cut out all of the foods you love.

It’s OK to treat yourself occasionally to foods you wouldn’t find on a DASH diet menu, like a candy bar or mashed potatoes with gravy.

4. Reduce sodium in your diet Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can reduce blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg. Most healthy adults need only between 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day. But if you have high blood pressure, aim for less than 1,500 mg of sodium a day.

To decrease sodium in your diet, consider these tips: * Track how much salt is in your diet. Keep a food diary to estimate how much sodium is in what you eat and drink each day. * Read food labels. If possible, choose low-sodium alternatives of the foods and beverages you normally buy. * Eat fewer processed foods. Potato chips, frozen dinners, bacon and processed lunch meats are high in sodium. * Don’t add salt. Just 1 level teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use herbs or spices, rather than salt, to add more flavor to your foods. * Ease into it. If you don’t feel like you can drastically reduce the sodium in your diet suddenly, cut back gradually. Your palate will adjust over time.

5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health.

In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure by 2 to 4 mm Hg. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol — generally more than one drink a day for women and more than two a day for men. Also, if you don’t normally drink alcohol, you shouldn’t start drinking as a way to lower your blood pressure. There’s more potential harm than benefit to drinking alcohol.

If you drink more than moderate amounts of it, alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications. Consider tapering off. If you’re a heavy drinker, suddenly eliminating all alcohol can actually trigger severe high blood pressure for several days.

So when you stop drinking, do it with the supervision of your doctor or taper off slowly, over one to two weeks. * Don’t binge. Binge drinking — having four or

more drinks in a row — can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure, in addition to other health problems.

6. Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke On top of all the other dangers of smoking, the nicotine in tobacco products can raise your blood pressure by 10 mm Hg or more for up to an hour after you smoke. Smoking throughout the day means your blood pressure may remain constantly high.

You should also avoid secondhand smoke. Inhaling smoke from others also puts you at risk of health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease.

7. Cut back on caffeine The role caffeine plays in blood pressure is still debatable.

Drinking caffeinated beverages can temporarily cause a spike in your blood pressure, but it’s unclear whether the effect is temporary or long lasting.

To see if caffeine raises your blood pressure, check your pressure

within 30 minutes of drinking a cup of coffee or another caffeinated beverage you regularly drink. If your blood pressure increases by five to 10 points, you may be sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of caffeine.

Regardless of your sensitivity to caffeine’s effects, doctors recommend you drink no more than 200 milligrams a day — about the amount in two cups of coffee.

8. Reduce your stress Stress or anxiety can temporarily increase blood pressure. Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed, such as work, family, finances or illness.

Once you know what’s causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or reduce stress.

If you can’t eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way. Take breaks for deep-breathing exercises. Get a massage or take up yoga or meditation. If self-help doesn’t work, seek out a professional for counseling.

9. Monitor your blood

pressure at home and make regular doctor’s appointments If you have high blood pressure, you may need to monitor your blood pressure at home. Learning to self-monitor your blood pressure with an upper arm monitor can help motivate you. . 10. Get support from family and friends Supportive family and friends can help improve your health. They may encourage you to take care of yourself, drive you to the doctor’s office or embark on an exercise program with you to keep your blood pressure low.

Talk to your family and friends about the dangers of high blood pressure.

If you find you need support beyond your family and friends, consider joining a support group. This may put you in touch with people who can give you an emotional or morale boost and who can offer practical tips to cope with your condition. * * Reference: Mayo Clinic House call, May 2010

44

The Ghanaian News February 2012

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Celebrating the Presence of Africans in Canada fabric Story from pg. 1

During the month of February Canadians of African heritage proudly celebrate their contributions to the country in a variety of fields. Teachers of African heritage and others encourage children to learn and perform a variety of African songs and poems for audiences.

Even members of police services in Toronto and York Region praised Africans’ input to the Canadian fabric.

Of course Toronto Public Library branches were a very important stage this year for many artists of African descent – writers like Adwoa Badoe, film makers such as Charles Officer, scholars like Dr. Althea Prince, storytellers Dr. Rita Cox and Michael St. George and many others showcase their creations.

Since Dr. Jean Augustine, retired federal politician introduced a bill in the House of Commons declaring February as Black History Month, the celebration has become a national phenomenon.

Children from the Greater Toronto Area who are members of to the Breakfast Clubs go on an annual tour of the House of Commons by Rick Gosling, president of the Community Unity Alliance based in the City of Toronto and other volunteers.

Dr. Prince, professor at Ryerson University believes the celebration is getting better as the providers of services like herself and others are pushing for positive change. They insist on doing bona fide interaction and representation of their people as opposed to the ‘iconic’ types of presentation. Black History Month is becoming more reflective of real African cultural expressions, the scholar noted.

According to Premier Dalton McGuinty, the month is all about taking the time to reflect on people who helped build this country and this great province.He made the observation while addressing a special celebration hosted by the two African Canadian MPPs of Ontario – Margarett Best MPP and Michael Coteau. Premier McGuinty said Ontario Trail Blazers like Alvin Curling, Len Brathwaite and many others raised families, shared their skills, built communities and made the province what it is today.

“They used their freedom wisely and because they did every Ontarian’s freedom is richer for it. Today all our children have the opportunities they have because of those who came before them,” McGuinty continued. He called on Ontarians to study their history in order to better understand the present and build a stronger future.

“Although the history that we recall today is full of stories of hardship, tragedy and sometimes terrible loss, it’s also filled with stories of resistance, resilience, survival, innovation, creativity, leadership and triumph, Black History inspires all of us,” the Premier acknowledged.

Dr. Alvin Curling, retired Ontario politician was the keynote speaker at the York Regional Police Black History Month celebration. He focused his talk on the 1985 decision to contest elections, knowing almost nothing about the Canadian political process. Despite his success thus far, the politician contends the story is not about himself, but about Canada and those individuals (the new immigrants) who are finding themselves in Canada. “The story is about the old immigrants who saw Canada as a

place that is different; embracing everyone else,” Dr. Curling stressed.

He still holds the record as the only politician to capture the highest number of votes in an election. He faced the electors in 414 polls, highly unusual as typically a Riding had between 210 and 220. Prior to the 1985 election, the Progressive Conservatives won 413 and the Liberals — one.

But Curling changed that.

Scarborough Boys and Girls Club “Running through that large Riding from Victoria Park to the opportunities before us in greatest province and the celebration as they see it Pickering line and from our free and democratic best country in the as a good step in the Lawrence to Steeles, province. Let’s do use our world,” the Premier direction to true inclusion.

However, many contend there was not one person freedom well to build up McGuinty concluded. that history is an ongoing Advocates from the Ontario, to give our who said to me anything affair that must be African Canadian families hope, to build a about discrimination. It was all Anglo Saxon bright future together right community praise the recognized throughout the year.

Protestant at that and the here in Ontario. It’s the Blacks and the Indians and the Chinese who came out did not see all of that. They gave their support. They identified with that and here I am in pected to attend, according to panies were displayed at the 1985 being lifted up, so cont'd from pg. 26 provincial officials. As people centre of the pitch, including tired and exhausted Mugabe turned 88 on Tuesday trickled into the stadium, a mili- one with a crocodile, another couldn’t even know my declaring himself “fit as a tary band played music prais- with the design of the mounname. I heard something fiddle”. He has already been ing Mugabe, while drum ma- tains surrounding Mutare, and on the radio about some endorsed as his party’s candi- jorettes went through their a third was shaped like the Victoria Falls. guy by the name of Alvin date in the next elections, drills.

Mugabe’s supporters wore Some supporters hoisted banCurling who won in whenever they are held.

Scarborough North with Tsvangirai vowed Friday to party shirts with his portrait ners with messages like “Long the highest vote total in resist Mugabe’s push for new emblazoned on the front and Live the President” or hailing Canadian history,” he elections this year, saying he back while had T-shirts with Mugabe as “The Lion of Africa”. (AFP) recounted.. would not contest polls that Mugabe’s signature.

Cakes donated by local comDr. Curling, the veteran come before reforms includpolitician, has since ing a new constitution and a served as Speaker of the raft of changes to electoral and Ontario Legislature, media laws.

Canada’s Ambassador to Mugabe’s party in Mutare bethe Dominican Republic gan with a beauty pageant, and and in other government was to include a football cup and opposition positions final dubbed the “Bob at 88 All kinds of hair products before stepping out of the Cup”, with a concert by the country’s top musicians set for political contest.

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46

The Ghanaian News February 2012

Mubarak: ''The Last Pharoah that fell from the Pyramids'' On 11 Febraury 2011, the former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak stepped down from the Political Pyramids after a protracted period of 30 years in power as both the last dictator and pharaoh that did not know his people. His resignation which was unquestionably precipitated by the forceful power and will of the Egyptian people, who have long been repressed and abused in every conceivable manner, was met with a ruptous burst of jubilation that is comparable to the fall of the Berlin wall at the close of the 20th Century.

World leaders poured remarks about this development and pledged to help Egypt build on this historic moment and bring the nation to the doorstep of full democracy.

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves Abraham Lincoln With a history as old as 7,000 years, Egypt is better known for its ancient episodes than its present contributions to world history. This is the nation that raised Moses (1391-1271 BC), the nation of the Sinai Peninsula where Moses received the Ten Commandments, the nation of the Pharaohs whose rulerships fell to the Romans in 31 BC and a refuge for Christ when King Herod sought his life. To many Scholars, Egypt is also a nation of Ancient civilization with its Hieroglyphics as one of the earliest forms of writing. Unfortunately, the same history that defined its past and made it one of the tourist attractions in the world was distorted by the insensitive act of protracted dictatorship championed by one of its most mendacious prevaricators known as Hosni Mubarak.

Mubarak was extremely egotistical and opinionated but a much lesser figure compared to Abdul Nasser (1918-1970) and Anwar Sadat (1918-1981).

They both provided the shoulder upon which Mubarak climbed to rise to military prominence. However, the political calculations in Egypt and the entire Middle East cannot be replete without the State of Israel. A day before the end of the British Mandate in 1948, the Jews declared the state of Israel which precipitated a full scale war with the Palestinians. In 1967, Arab forces under the leadership of

Ex-President Hosni Mubarak

Abdul Nasser led an offensive against Israel but were defeated in what is known as the ‘’Six Day War’’. In this War, Israel seized The Sinai Peninsula from Egypt and also acquired Golan Heights from Syria. In 1973, A coalition of Arab States led by Egypt and Syria attacked Israel during the Yumkipur festival and this also came to be known as a proxy war between The United States and the defunct Soviet Union.

By failing to regain the Sinai Peninsula from Israel, Anwar Sadat realised the need for peace and sought the help of the United States under President Jimmy Carter to broker a peace deal between these two belligerent nations. This eventually led to ‘’Camp David Accord of 1978'’ through which Egypt recognized Israel as a sovereign nation, whilst Israel returned Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. With this peace treaty, Egypt became the second largest recipient of US largesse after Israel. From 1978 till date, Egypt has continued to receive about $1.3 billion annually from the United States as military aid and assurance for both political and economic stability with Israel. This Peace Treaty at Camp David would further make Anwar Sadat to become the first Arab President to address the Israeli Knesset , a development that further exacerbated tentions between Egypt and its Arab Neighbours and culminated into his assassination by radical Islamic fundamentalists.

With the assassination of Anwar Sadat in 1981, Mubarak became the president and immediately re-introduced ‘’Emergency Laws’’ that have been continuously

extended every three years.

This law gave the Egyptian police a carte blanche to arrest and detain Egyptians without granting them constitutional rights, whilst freedom of expression, street demonstrations and in fact, all political activities that are contrary to the dictates of the government were outrightly banned. It is absolutely deplorable to observe that many of the 20,000 Egyptians in detention were eventually tortured and killed.This Law is nothing short of Apartheid in Egypt, headed by Mubarak and carried out by the police, whilst the Military provided the protection or fulcrum that supported his regime.

I was just beginning to learn to spell my names correctly in 1981 when Mubarak took over as the Egyptian President and 30 years after, the same man was still in power and relating with the 5th US president. Beginning with Reagan, Mubarak met all US presidents including President Obama. His Emergency laws, general political repressions and torture of innocent citizens grew to meet a presumptuous ‘’Internet Generation’’ that used both twitter, facebook, youtube and Skype to organize what grew from ordinary online revolt to street revolution. The success of this revolution and the general fear of its domino effects sent shock waves to other nefarious dictators in Algeria, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran, Libya and Yemen.

Mubarak took every conceivable step to suppress political freedoms in Egypt. Moved by the success of the 2005 election which he rigged and won, he detained the leader of the opposition party and prepared

himself for the next election in September 2011. Even when it was generally expected that he would step down one day, it was widely speculated that he will hand over power to his son Gamal who was expected to head the family Dynasty. His time in office was a period defined by two conflicting challenges. For instance, whilst he was perceived as the symbol of stability between Egypt and Israel, he was widely seen as the dictator and oppressor that suppressed every attempt to ensure freedom for the Egyptian people.

By bringing the question of Freedom to the fore on the 25th of January 2011, Mubarak’s political life and career suffered a myocardial infarction and was immediately put on life support. Egyptians recognized the need to question the rationale behind Emergency laws and suppression of human rights and freedom in an era when people are fully exposed to sustainable changes and developments in the global society. The United States government was fully aware of the cracks in Egypt but unaware that Tunisia was going to pull the trigger. The Bush Administration was quite vocal in condemning political repressions in Egypt and suggested the need for reform. Shortly after President Obama’s Inauguration, he delivered a powerful address to the Arab world in Egypt and strongly re-iterated the need for reform but Mubarak ignored these calls for change and political transformation. He anchored his

stance on the fact that any political reform will usher members of the Muslim Brotherhood into Egyptian political space. Being the only most organized opposition party, Mubarak felt his government was under the threat of the members of the Muslim Brotherhood and labeled them ‘’Islamic terrorists’’ with clandestine links to Hamas and AlQaida.

As explained ab-initio, The United States was fully aware of these cracks in relations between the previous regime and Egyptian people. Intelligence strongly suggests that US was not caught unawares but what appeared to have made the US government play a ‘’catch – up’’ game was a miscalculation that was deliberately misconstrued as Intelligence failure by critics of the Obama Administration. The only miscalculation here is that Mubarak was completely out of touch with Egypt. He was in fact, living in a different planet and was quite senile to understand the language of the new generation. He saw himself as Egypt and was completely insouciant in his approach to the power of this revolution against his regime. With Egypt economy growing at 7% per anum and which is largely due to some economic reforms introduced lately, many Egyptian graduates are still unemployed whilst an overwhelming majority live on less than $2.00 a day. Most parents can hardly afford to send their children to schools whilst his cronies owned the biggest hotels

and estates in all nooks and crannies of the country. Corruption crescendoed and thus brought untold hardship that made Tahir Square erupt with a catastrophic volcanic fury.

I’m greatly surprised that after 30 years on top of Egyptian political pyramid, an obstreperous Mubarak was finally beaten in his own game.

Throughout the period of this revolution, he disgracefully exhibited every conceivable characteristics of a dictator and felt he could manipulate Egypt to fall to cheap and deceptive concessions. In all his speeches, one could easily see a plethora of meaningless platitudes. The Egyptian population imprecated him with their hands and shoes raised to the skies when making fruitless concessions in speeches that were as insipid as the song of a toad with sore throat. In it belied his hidden intention to cling to power until September and finalize his money laundering activities. The Revolutionaries were treated like gobs of phlegm and made to look like little kids that should be whipped back home by their parents. Rather than address them as fellow Egyptians, he called them ‘’my sons and daughters’’thus signifying the gap between his Presidential Palace and the people’s Tahir Square.

This is a pivotal moment in Egyptian history, a new era of freedom from one of the world’s greatest dictators. A cont'd on pg. 54

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NEW ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH IS BORN

48

The Ghanaian News February 2012

New Assemblies of God Church is born On Sunday February 5, 2012, a new Assemblies of God Church was born in Mississauga. The maiden service was officiated by Rev. Isaac Takyi De-Graft, Senior Pastor of Lighthouse Assembly of God in Toronto.

In his sermon which was based on John 15:1-15, he urged the new congregation never to forget God who is their source, because it is God who will supply the church’s needs.

He again reminded the new Church that they must always remember that they are the branch and not the vine. The vine is Jesus and the members, being the branch, should always be connected to him.

He asked God’s blessings upon them and said with the birth of the Church, there is a lot of work to be done. He however, assured the new members that they can count on God who will certainly give them victory.

Pastor De-Graft, on behalf of Lighthouse Assembly of God, presented a communion set to the new Church after which Pastor Bonful thanked him and Lighthouse A/G for their gesture of love.

In his welcome address, the Pastor in charge of the new Church, Pastor Isaac K. Bonful, expressed his gratitude to all friends and well-wishers for coming in their numbers to support them at the maiden service.

Pastor Isaac Bonful welcoming the guests to the service

Mrs.

Pastor Takyi De-Graft preaching the maiden sermon

Pastors Isaac Bonful and Isaac Takyi De-Graft

Tina Bonful ministering in song

Pastor Takyi De-Graft praying for members of the new Assembly

A section of the guests from Lighthouse Assembly of God praising God

Pastors wives, Mrs. Tina Bonful (l) and Mrs. Olivia Takyi De-Graft

Some of the pastors who were at the service. From left: Pastor Isaac Takyi De-Graft, Pastor Isaac Osei-Akoto, Pastor Keto and Pastor Douglas Owusu Ansah

Praise team leading praise and worship

A section of the invited guests

Section of guests who were at the service

Group picture of members and invited guests

Some of the pastors who attended the service

Section of the members of the new Assembly

Section of the guests

The Ghanaian News

A tribute to Nana Wiafe Akenteng

By Nana Opoku Boahen, the immediate past Deputy High Commissioner of Ghana to South Africa Nana Wiafe-Akenten, also known as Prince Kofi Wiafe was born on February 8th, 1947 to the late Akwasi Asamoah and Madam Amma Amponsah.

Nana arrived in Canada in 1972 after a year stay in Hamburg, Germany. His entrepreneurship spirit impacted by his late father, Opanin Asamoah, inspired him to open up his first glass replacement shop in Downsview in the late 70’s.

This family business was established when most Ghanaians either did not have the courage or the vision to have their own business. Nana did not believe in the “time clock” and for that matter employment by anybody but by himself. His unselfishness and belief led him to train a few friends in successful acquired trade. Some of them went to open their own successful shops.

He was a trail blazer among the handful Ghanaian community at that time.

His tenacity, visionary spirit, creative genius and exemplary leadership qualities emerged after a few visionary Asantefuo in Toronto (Nana included) met at former Abusuapayin Kofi Owusu’s residence and formed the nucleus of Asanteman Association of Toronto in 1982.

After the term of office of the first Asantefuohene, Nana Owusu Baah, Nana Wiafe-Akenteng was duely elected, sworn and installed Asantefuohene in 1986. He swore the Oath of Allegiance to Oheneba Adusei-Poku, the Akyempemhene, who represented the late Otumfuo Opoku-Ware the 11, the Asantehene and the Occupant of the Golden Stool.

His swearing-in-ceremony was performed at the St. Lawrence Market Hall, Downtown, Toronto.

The basic reason for the formation of the Association was the promotion of our rich cultural heritage and to assist ourselves when the need arises.

His colourful and able leadership opened doors for him and the Association at large. He was invited to Queen’s Park and met with the representative of the Governor General of Canada, The Rt. Hon. Lincoln Alexander. Nana and his entourage were fully clad in their Kente-cloth with all the necessary regalia.

The entire house was thrilled to see something different and so colourful from Ghana.

Ministers and Members of Parliament were eager to meet and take pictures with Nana. The highlight of the day was the meeting with the then Governor-General in his Chambers.

He drew a lot of accolades from the house.

Nana Wiafe was particularly eager to showcase our cultural activities outdoor. He therefore sought for funding to participate in annual Caribana festival. He succeeded and had two big floats in the parade. Kete drumming and dancing with P.A. system blasting the good sound could be heard and seen at the same time on the streets of Downtown, Toronto. Nana, drew a lot of cheers and enthusiasm from the crowd.

This indeed made all Ghanaians and Africans very proud.

He did indeed put the Association and for that matter Ghana on the map. The Caribana Commitee adjudged our cultural group led by Pat Thomas as the best drumming section to which a trophy was awarded.

The CBC interviewed Nana extensively on the costumes and drums that were used in the parade. This was shown and broadcasted nationwide.

Under his leadership, the multicultural mosaic in Ontario was enhanced through the activites of the Asanteman Association. Nana was not a snob when it comes to the exhibition of our culture. He was not a theorist. He believed in action. He was one of the pioneers in the Ghanaian costume. The Scotish wear their Kilt in public without any inhibition, so says Nana. He therefore encouraged and participated in the wearing of our cloth instead of wearing the tuxedo or suit. He promoted the Ghanaian person-

ality with pride and confidence.

He was well versed in the Asante Vernacular with its idiomatic expressions.

Nana Wiafe was a real cultural ambassador and advocate indeed.

Among his achievements was the introduction of the Heritage Language School within the community. This afforded some of our kids who were born here the opportunity to learn how to do the Adowa and Kete dance; to read, write and speak the Asante Twi. That, he was fond of Asante culture and its history cannot be overemphasised. He read a lot about his ancestors’ customs. It was therefore not surprising when he was given an award by the late Otumfuo Opoku Ware the 11 during one of his Adeekesee celebration in Kumasi.

Nana used to say “Asante ye de” which literally means “it is great to be an Asante.

Marriage counselling and disputes settlements were some of his strengths. He was so good that certain disputes which were customary and complex for the court to decide were sometimes referred to him for opinion or settlement by him. He was a very good mediator.

Nana was God fearing and believed in his Saviour, Jesus Christ. He was brought up and trained as an Adventist. He joined the Bethal Ministry as a Lay- Preacher (Elder). He later became a Methodist before his untimely demise. His deep knowledge of the Holy Bible with its verses and quotations amazes people who then engage him in Bible studies or discussions. The combination of culture and bible knowledge made him very witty and interesting. He knew his stuff.

Nana Wiafe (Kotoko) was an avid soccer fan.

In the 1980’s, there used to be two rival Ghanaian Soccer Teams in Toronto - The Morning Soccer Club and the Pioneer Soccer Club. Eventually, the two were merged to form the Black Stars Soccer Club. Nana was the first partron/ chairman of this Club.

Under his chairmanship, the team won many championship trophies. Most of the then youthful members are in their late fifties or early sixties now.

One of Nana’s goals was one day to become the Chairman of The Fabulous Asante Kotoko Football Club. He donated jersies and equipments to the team occassionally.

He was such a die-hard supporter that he was nick-named “Kotoko”. This name became his license plate both in Canada and Ghana.

Nana came in personal contact with many people of prominence both in Ghana and in Canada. He met with former Prime Minister of Canada The Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, Provincial Governor General Hon. Lincoln Alexander, Hon. Alvin Carling (MP), Former President J.A. Kufuor, Dr. K.A. Busia of Progress Party and former Prime Minister of Ghana (U.P.) to name a few.

Incidentally Nana was a member of the Progress Party Youth Organisation before he left for Germany in 1971.

His ever-presence at various community events and gatherings be it funeral, outdooring, wedding or any public function made him a big asset to the community he served so well. His presence always conjured an aire of importance.

He had a good sense of humor and treated all people he came in contact with respect.

The memory of his exemplary devotion to the promotion and maintenance of the Asante Culture and history would be long remembered.

He has left his mark with us. How can we forget about his persona, particularly when it comes to culture and tradition.

Nana is survived by 5 grand children, his children-Prince Junior, Sylvia, Curtis and their mother, Afia Nimo.

Fare thee well my dear friend.

Asanteman ma wo Damirifa Due! Ghanaman ma wo Damirifia Due! Due, Due, Due ne Amanehunu!!!

February 2012

49

Former Toronto Asantefuohene Nana Wiafe Akenten Passes Away The sadden death of the late Nana Wiafe-Akenten was announced in Toronto, Canada, on Friday, 17th February 2012 after a protracted sickness. He passed away at the Humber River Regional Hospital, Church Street in Toronto. He was 65 years old. He is survived by his mother, wife, 3 children (2 boys and a girl and 5 grandchildren, 2 boys and 3 girls).

Since his arrival in Canada in 1971, Nana has been an ardent exponent of the Ghanaian culture, especially chieftancy among Asantes in Toronto.

He was the 2nd Asantefuohene of Toronto from 1986 to 1988.

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

Black History Month Celebration Kicks Off at Parliament Hill in Ottawa

By Joseph Abankwah, Ottawa

The Black History Month kicked off at the Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, on January 31, 2012.

About 90 children of all nationalities and 20 adults attended the kick off celebration. The Via-Rail donated the train to and from Ottawa.

In Ottawa, the group was met at the railway station by the RCMP personnel, who escorted the group to the Parliament Hill. The group was given a guided tour of the House of Commons including the Red Chamber. The group was greeted at Hon. Bob Rae, Leader of the Liberal Party of the House of Commons and was later Canada and Mr. Joseph Abankwah, Black History Month organizer unveiling the plaque permitted to sit in the House at question period. During recess, most of the parliamentarians including Bob Rae, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Elizabeth May, John McCallum, and Eve Adams, and John McKay, Joe Daniel, Lise St. Denis joined the group at a reception hosted Kristy Duncan, MP for Etobicoke North.

Those from Toronto also included Richard Gosling, Jean Augustine, Joseph Abankwah, Alex Barning, Chris Cambell, Zubeda Nanji, Gordon Cudjoe, and Abiola Akinsiku.

In a speech, Bob Rae was full of praise for blacks contribution to the national development of Canada and one month set aside for the celebration of black history was worthy of it.

Hon. Kirsty Duncan, MP Etobicoke North, Host with her fellow Parliamentarians speaking about the importance of Black History Month

Group picture of the Children Breakfast Club, organizers and Parliamentaries

Black History Month Awards Celebration at Presby Church

Consul General Kwadjo Mawutor and Richard Gosling

Chris Campbell and Joseph Abankwah

Nutifafa Afrikan Performance Emsemble Dr. Martin La-Kumi Keynote Speaker

Vanessa and Priscilla Achempong Cultural Dancers

As part of events marking February as Black History Month, JosephAbankwahincollaborationwiththeTorontoChildrenBreakfast Club organized a Black History MonthAward celebration at the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, 51 High Meadow Place/Signet,TorontoonSaturdayFebruary11,2012withAnnaAidooand JenniferAgyeiastheMCs. TheopeningprayerwasofferedbyRev.FrankAduofPresbyterian Church with Mr. Richard Gosling giving the opening remarks.

TherewereculturalperformancesbyNutifafaAfrikanPerformance Ensemble,and a display byVenassa and PriscillaAcheampong.

TheLevites,andtheBobbieAnsahsistersalsoentertainedthecrowd to soothing gospel music.

Mr.JosephAbankwahandRichardGoslingintroducedtheCommunityActivistsona2012Poster.TheKeynotespeechwasdeliveredbyDr.MartinLaKumiwhohighlightedtheimportanceofthe Black History month celebrations.

10peopleweregivenawardstocommemoratetheBlackHistory Month. JosephAbankwahgavetheclosingremarksandtheclosingprayerwasdeliveredbyVeryRev.Dr.EmmanuelAsareKusiof GhanaMethodist.

Anna Aidoo and Jennifer Agyei-MCs

Consul General Kwadjo Mawutor and Nananom

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

51

Celebrating the Presence of Africans in Canada fabric Story from pg. 1

Premier McGuinty with the Scarborough Boys and Girls Club

Premier Dalton McGuinty flanked by his Ministers at Queen's Park

Indira Naidoo Harris and Doyle Marshall

From left: Jojo Chintoh, Maame Esi, Mr. Kwadjo Mawutor Consul General of Ghana

Celebrating Black History Month at Vaughan City Hall

Pictutre right: From left, Insp. Ricky Verappan, Vernon Hendrickson, Peter Kent, MP Thornhill, Senator Don Meredith, Councilor Marilyn Iafrate, Sheila Buckmire, Mayor Maurizo Bevilacque, Deb Schulte-Reg. Councilor, Mayor Harry Hughes (Oro-Medonte), Gino Rosati, Reg. Councilor Mayor Maurizo Bevilacqua with Black History Month Poster

From left: Joyce Prempeh, Vernon Hendrickson, Fredua Prempeh, Mayor Maurizo Bevilacqua, Emmanuel Ayiku

A section of Invited Guests

Black History Month Awards celebration at British Methodist Episcopal Church, 1828 Eglinton Ave. W.

By Jonathan Annobil, Toronto

The 13 Division of Toronto Police Services joined “Christ Church� British Methodist Episcopal Church to honour those who serve Canada and the community during Black History Month.

The event was on Sunday February 26, 2012. Recog-

nition was given to individuals across board from servicemen and women to civilians. In attendance were diplomats as well as politicians. Keynote speaker was Dr. Rosemary Sadlier. The MCs were Police Con- Staff Sergeant Michael Matic, Community Response Unit Manager 13 Division presenting an award to Const. Ojo (center) stable Ojo Tewogbade and Ms. Gail Strachan

Cross section of Snr. Police Officers and Dignitaries

Mrs. Janice Searles and Mrs. Idera Temitayo Alliu Mr. Kwadjo Mawutor Consul General of Ghana with Const. Ojo and family

52

The Ghanaian News February 2012

President Mills Set To Visit United States At the invitation of President Barrack Obama, His Excellency President John Evans Atta Mills leaves Accra after the Independence Day Parade on March 06, 2012, for an official visit to the United States of America.

His Excellency President Atta Mills will also interact with, Senators, Congressmen/women, Captains of Industry, as well as members of the Ghanaian community in the Washington catchment area.

As part of the itinerary, President Atta Mills will be the guest of President Obama at the White House on March 08, 2012, where inter alia, both Presidents will hold bilateral talks on Ghana/USA relations.

President Obama and President Atta-Mills

His Excellency President Atta Mills will be accompanied by, First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills, some Ministers of State, and a high powered business delegation.

His Excellency President Atta Mills is scheduled to return to Accra on March 13, 2012.

New Buses For Metro Mass Transit Fifty new TATA buses for the Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMT) were commissioned at the State House on Wednesday, 29 February.

The fleet forms part of 150 buses being secured by the company to enhance its operations.

According to the Managing Director of MMT, Maxwell Awuku, the board and management of MMT were currently undertaking massive infrastructural development unprecedented in the history of the company which includes the construction of new depots and terminals in Tamale, Bolgatanga, Ho, Cape Coast, Wa, Tarkwa, Takoradi and Kumasi depots.

The Minister for Transport, cont'd on pg. 59

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES APRAKU (Jimmy) JULY 08, 1959 – MARCH 03, 2011 In treasure loving memory of a dear husband and father who passed away a year ago, March 03, 2011 at Toronto Western Hospital.

No space of time. No lapse of years can dim the treasured past.

A loving memory keeps it dear, Affection holds it fast.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by your wife Augustina Amankwaah, Evert Apraku, Arnold and Kevin

53

54

The Ghanaian News February 2012

Mubarak: ''The Last Pharoah that fell from the Pyramids'' cont'd from pg. 46

democratic Egypt will be a model to other Arab nations by ensuring proper political participation by people of different political parties and religious affiliations and that’s why the Military should: Expedite the political process, Remove all traces of emergency laws, Ensure the drafting of a proper constitution Conduct free and fair elections Hand over to a democratically elected government.

It is therefore expected that a stable Egypt with a functioning Democracy that is accountable to its citizens will create economic prosperity and improve the quality of life of its people. Only a government with proper checks and balances will guarantee accountability and judicious use of state resources. What the Swiss government did by freezing all accounts and Assets belonging to Mubarak serves as a lesson to other dictators in the region that the Day of Judgment is near. Arab nations need to: End all dictatorial regimes Reform and embrace changes that are evident in a new world Grant their citizens opportunities to chose the way they want to live.

Improve their human right records Bridge the gap between the rich and poor Open its government for full participation Create conditions for economic progress Be accountable to their citizens.

There is always a limit to which people can endure a hostile government and history continues to show that the spirit of revolution always haunts repressive governments. The American Revolution reminds us of their freedom from the British Monarchy under the leadership of George Washington. This period is certainly not unconnected with the formation of the ‘’Tea Party’’ that attacked the British forces in what later became a war of freedom that was fought between 1776-1783. Today, the United States is the bastion of freedom and contributes immensely in spreading and promoting democracy all over the world. I therefore see these young Revolutionaries as members of ‘Tahir Tea Party’’ that pushed Mubarak headlong from the Pyramid. They simply need to be organized into a youth party and brought into the mainstream of Egyptian politics.

What happened in Egypt has shown the efficacious power of Internet missiles. It shows a world that lives online, a global country without boundary but under one democratic government where people speak their minds and conduct themselves with freedom. It clearly closes every interstice and escape routes to any leader that has a case to answer. There is a general apprehension in the Arab world that the world has changed from what is used to be and development has brought new awareness where people impugn the shortcomings of their various governments. We have seen immediate reactions in Algeria, Yemen, Libya and Jordan.

Apart from these Arab nations, other repressive governments in Zimbabwe, North Korea, China, Myanmar, Cameroon, Cuba etc should learn their lessons and manumit their people from the bondage of modern slavery and suppression.

There is a shift in the world system with the youth playing major roles in the online community. The Egyptian revolution was a case of an irresistible force that was initially assumed to have a diaphanous hope of success but the Revolution gained enormous momemtum in such a spectacular way that clearly makes every reader of this piece of work to strongly believe that the present generation of Egyptians truly have a rendezvous with destiny.

Blessing Maduagwu holds degrees in History and International Relations from Hult International Business School London. (Formerly Huron University, USAin London). He writes from New York.

Modern Ghana

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

55

CLASSIFIED ClassicVideos/Photos * Weddings *Birthdays *Christenings *Portraits Albert Aikins

Tel: 416-244-3465 Cell: 416-278-9674 15 LexingtonAve, Unit 4, Etobicoke, Ont. M9V 2G4

Master Jay Soundz (The Computer Man) We Do Best, But Charge Low "Wompe oyi na wope den" Call for all Your D.J. Services

Tel: 905-497-7418 Cell: 416-939-1515

Nana Ebrey Video Production & Barber Shop Super Quality Videos Specializing in: video coverage: Weddings, Outdooring, General Events, Birthday parties, Broadcasting Videos,

Nana's Barber Shop

Nyarkoh Plumbing For All Your Plumbing Needs Call Robert Nyarkoh

416-731-1679

New Home & Renovation All Repairs * Plugged Toilet * Plugged Drains

Comfort Transport Inc. AZ Truck Driver Wanted

Pardon * Waiver Divorce Name Change Start with

Learn & Earn Get Diploma In

PSW / MOA Accounting & Payroll

$1500

$300 + Court Fees

Lawyer Assisted

416-973-7433

+ Tax

ABM College (415)913-4700 705 Lawrence Ave. W.

Amos Labouring and Handyman Service

Qualification: - 2 Years experience of Highway Driving - Clean abstract/Cvor - Criminal record check Call Mike - Pay by miles 905 - Direct deposit by weekly 783-0748

Basement, Concret & Bricks Call Oliver @ 905-799-1466

Email: zmwanlan@yahoo.com

Action Navigator Video Productions SPECIAL EVENT VIDEO COVERAGE FOR ALL OCCASIONS QUALITY D.V VIDEO COVERAGE BIRTHDAYS, WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, OUTDOORINGS, ANNIVERSARIES PARTIES ETC.

One Love Entertainment Brings Your The Best Music In the 21st Century

DJ Services At: * Weddings * Engagements * Outdoorings * Funerals * Birthdays .. etc.

Prince Adom 416-665-8772 / 647-261-7813 princadom@yahoo.com

ONE STEP AHEAD IN QUALITY TWO STEPS BEHIND IN PRICE

Super Hair Cuts & Designs Call Nana Ebrey

CALL : ACTION NAVIGATOR

416-244-2838 416-825-3413

(JOE) 416-616-6070

21 Pioneer Ave., North York

Immigration Sponsorship

3 Knightbridge, Brampton, Ont., L6T 3X3

Certified Electrician * Light fixtures * Switches * Plugs * Panel Box * Upgrade * Pot Lights etc.

Call Simon Ahenkora Adarkwa Electrician

647-834-2499

saaa@live.ca

Community-Based Credit Unions offer alternative to "Big Five" cont'd from pg. 32

Credit unions provide the same products and services expected from a financial institution. They differ from banks in that members who have accounts in the credit union are owners of the credit union. Thus every member can have a say in the organization.

For anyone interested in making the leap from a bank to a credit union, the following five steps provide some direction: 1. Set a date: Any big decision requires a bit of planning and getting organized. Setting a date will give you time to plan according to a timeline that works for you.

2. Talk to a friend: As simple as this might

sound, it may surprise you how many people you know have actually switched banks or gone to a community-based credit union. Their experience may prove helpful, and they can point out shortcuts or give you tips that could come in handy.

3. Open your new account: Opening an account is straightforward. Plus, at a credit union you when you become a customer you are now also a member-owner at the same time.

4. Get your new account in order: Staff will help order of new cheques, a new credit card, and

reroute direct debits and direct deposits.

5. Set-up online banking: Online banking has become a standard offering by financial institutions. Check out the web site of your new credit union or other financial institution to help you make the final decision to switch.

Consumers should thoroughly research their options to ensure they are getting the best value and

service before switching.

Remember – you are not just a number. You are an individual with unique financial needs, and deserve to be treated as such.

Dave Schurman is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of FirstOntario Credit Union, which serves 85,000 members in 13 communities across Ontario.

Specializing In Shipping to Africa-Ghana Call Toney (Lingam) 416-833-2245 011-233-244-364954 Email: sanlinkam@yahoo.com 733 Fenmar Drive, Toronto, ON.

56

The Ghanaian News February 2012

Gloryland Shipping Enterprise Inc. Seko Shipping & Freight Forwarding Inc. Commercial & Personal

Express Shipping Service to GHANA * Honest & Dependable * Low Rates * Customes Clearances *Pick-up & Delivery * Clear customs! Guaranteed delivery!

We do all the work for you!

For Easy, Reliable FAST Service Call Atuahene Tel: 416-398-0881 Fax: 416-398-0887 Cell: 416-725-3971

Bailing Of Used Clothes * Wholesale Food Distribution * Yam * Gari * Rice * Accra Kenkey * Canned Food * Dry Fish * Koobi and Many More We ship Cars, Trucks, Electrical Appliances, Computers, Clothing, Barrels, Personal Effects and many more Call Nana Djan

Tel: 647-895-1315, 416-913-1986, E-mail: anacas2008@hotmail.com

52 Carrier Drive, #8 (Hwy 27 & Carrier)

4480 Chesswood Drive, #7, Toronto, Ont., M3J 2B9

Hi-Tech Shipping

BLA CK ST AR F AST BLACK STAR FAST SHIPPING INC INC..

Freight Forwarders & Consolidators

Freight Forwarding

69 Millwick Drive, Unit 2, Toronto, Ont. M9L 1Y5 We ship to all African Countries. We are the cheapest, Fastest and most reliable agents in town.

We have been in successful business for twenty years.

We also have certified containers for sale: 40' H.C. from $2600 * 20' Container from $2000.00

Call Kobby or Nana Ababio

Tel: 416-744-2300 / 416-640-2310

Tawiah

The Most Reliable Way to Ship Overseas!

Fast, Reasonable and VERY Great Competitive Rates!

We Ship Trucks to Cars, Personal Items, Building materials, Used Clothes and Electronics. Also Deep Freezers and other.

Linda

Tel: 647-231-4504 or 416-988-1842

415 Oakdale Road., #385, Toronto, Ontario

Shipping To Ghana Abidjan & Cotonou & West Africa Cars, Furniture, Containers, Commercial Cargo Call Santino

Tel: 905-676-1233

Fax: 905-676-8800

Email: santino@atlanticandpacific.com 1750 Courtneypark Drive Unit #5, Mississauga, Ont, Canada L5T 1W1

Prestige International Import & Export *

GR OCER Y * AIRLINE TICKET GROCER OCERY * SHIPPING AGENCY * * * *

Shipping Overseas: Ghana, Nigeria, U.S.A., Jamaica Shipping Internal: Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton, etc Grocery Money Transfer: Nigeria & Ghana

Tel: 905-459-2828 647-887-5536 (CBA) Located at: 190

Bovaird, Unit 34/35

Main Intersection Hwy 10/Bovaird on West of Bovaird & Gillingham

Tel: 416-213-0660 Fax: 416-213-0385 Cell: 416-831-9478 397 Humberline Dr., Unit 4, Toronto, Ont., M9W 5T5

The Ghanaian News

Ghanaian News online www.ghanaiannews.ca

February 2012

57

CARGO - LINK INTERNATIONAL (Freight Forwarders & Consolidators) Competent Commitment & Excellence

MOVE TO NEW LOCATION

Micangel Global Inc. Shipping and Freight Forwarding SEA * AIR * LAND Fast Easy and Reliable Service To All African Countries and Other Worldwide Ports CUSTOM CLEARANCE, PICK-UP, DELIVERY

For your Reliable Export Services - Shipping Services to Ghana, Nigeria, Clearing & Delivery Services in Ghana * You don't need to go to the Port * You don't need to see any Agent * Just see a CARGO-LINK Representative in Accra & Kumasi for your Safe & Affordable Shipment * We also do door to door in Accra & Kumasi at very low transportation cost (EXTRA) * We give Bill of Lading too to those who want to clear their own goods Contact: Regina or B'B Manu

Tel: 416-736-1905 416-822-9462 Fax: 416-736-9973 1111 Finch Ave. W., Unit 31, North York

Caleb Shipping Inc (CSI) International Freight Forwarders & Consolidators At CSI, we display excellence. We appreciate customers' shipping problems. Our goal is to ensure customers satisfaction Shipment to African ports and other worldwide destinations, CSI is your container experts.

Our rates are very competitive For unique services, call Captain Asare for quotation and any shipping related enquires

Tel: 416-614-1500 / 416-457-1174 4284 Weston Road @ Steeles

www.220v.com We Carry Brand Name 220/50Hz Export Model

USED GENERATOR SALE Household Products Kitchen Appliances Generator

Unlocked GSM Cellphones Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Siemens

Plasma TVs

Used Generator Sale Tel: 416-646-0495

Gas & Electric Stoves

FREEZERS, REFRIGERATORS, WASHERS, DRYERS, AIR CONDITIONERS, VACUUM CLEANERS, TRANSFORMERS Digital tape conversion, fast professional same day service

Freezers

NEW ADDRESS 5707 Steeles Ave. West,Toronto, Ont. M9L 1S7 South East Corner of Steeles and Fenmar / Pine Valley

Tel: 905-461-0083 Fax: 905-461-0084 E-mail: caleb@csi.bidcon.net 2585 Drew Rd, Unit 5, Mississauga, Ont, L4T 1G1

We bale Used Clothing

58

The Ghanaian News February 2012

PLACES OF WORSHIP DIRECTORY The Apostolic Church Int'l.

Ghana Methodist Churches in Canada ( SOCIETIES UNDER THE GHANA METHODIST CONFERENCE)

The Apostolic Church International (Toronto Assembly) is a Branch of The Apostolic Church in Ghana

Meeting Schedule

The Superintendent Minister-In-Charge

invites you to worship with us

Apostle F.Y. Agyemang (Area Supt. Canada-Wide)

Sunday (Worship) 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Wednes: - (Bible Studies) 7:30 p.m.

Fri: (Intercessory/Deliverance Prayers) -7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Fri: (Alt.) All Night 10:30 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

Saturday(Alt.) Women's, Men's,Youth Movement Meetings) 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

1st Saturday of every month Prayer for breakthrough) (Montreal)

9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

TORONTO CENTRAL ASSEMBLY Pastor: 905-791-8190 Cell: 647-218-1052 Church: 416-740-1979 94 Kenhar Drive, Unit 39 & 40, North York, Ont. BRAMPTON ASSEMBLY 270 Rutherford Road, Unit 10 Brampton, Ontario, L6W 3K7 HAMILTON ASSEMBLY 801 King Street East Hamilton, Ontario, L8M 1A8 MONTREAL ASSEMBLY Elder Eric Frimpong - 514-748-1545 Church 514-279-6565

845 Jean Talon West, Montreal, Quebec, H3N 1S5

HOLY ALPHA & OMEGA CHURCH

Very Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare-Kusi

Toronto Society

Place of Worship: 19 Penn Drive, North York, Ont. (off Finch Av./Milvan)

Day and Time of Worship: Sunday: Bible Class Meeting: 9:00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.

Church Service: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Jericho Hour Prayer Meeting - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Friday: Bible Teaching/Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m.

Saturday Organizational Meeting: 6.30p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

Contact: Tel: (416) 743-4555 (Church) In Montreal at: Place of Worship: 6870 Rue de Terreborne, Montreal, Que, H4B 1C5

Day and Time of Worship Sunday Divine Service: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Friday Prayer Meetings: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Contact: Rev. Emmanuel Ohene Gyimah - 514-542-0871 Anna Phillips (Church Secretary) 514-421-4152 SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED FOLLOWING THE TRADITIONAL GHANA METHODIST LITURGY. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU. GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU

Redemption Faith Church Invites you to worship with us at 1485 ALBION ROAD (Albion/Kipling)

We invite you to worship with us Church Service: Sunday Worship: 10.00a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Studies: 6.00p.m. - 7.30 p.m.

Friday Prayer Meeting: 7.00p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

JESUS Loves You

Tel:

Tel: 416-638-5990 / 416-419-6671

EVANGEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 1245 Martin Grove Road, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1L4

Tel: 416-242-7950 Fax: 416-242-8573 Church Activities

Pastor in Charge Rev. Milton Offei

Sunday School: Church Service: Sunday Evening: Wednesday Bible Studies: Friday Prayer Meeting:

10a.m. -11:00a.m.

11a.m. - 1:30p.m.

7p.m. - 8:30p.m.

7p.m. - 8:30p.m.

7p.m. - 9:00p.m.

Fax:

905-495-1937

This is a loving and caring Church that preaches and teaches the whole counsel of God. A place where the word of God is backed by strong anointing to bring Salvation, Healing and Deliverance to all people who believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST

Prophet John Mensah

869 Wilson Avenue, North York, Ont.

905-495-1936

Rev. Dr. Stephen Ofori-Darko

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Sunday Search the Scriptures - 12 noon - 12-45 p.m.

Church Service - 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fridays - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Bible Studies, Intercession & Deliverance

CHRIST REDEEMER CHURCH Pastor-in-charge: Pastor Eric Amoah Tel: (416) 748-1242 Cell: (416) 300-9970 Church Services Sunday Service: Bible Study: 10 a.m.-11a.m.

Worship Service: 11a.m. - 1p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m.

Friday Night Prayer: 8p.m.-10p.m. Pastor Eric Amoah Location: 4 Racine, Unit 9

(Kipling/Rexdale)

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

59

FOOD FOR LIFE Bringing the Gospel to our Community By: Rev. Joseph Osei-Amoah FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well.

Even the demons believe — and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed

God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:14-26 NKJV) It is very easy for one to conclude that the Epistle of James and the writings of the Apostle Paul contradicted each other on the subject of faith as a necessary requirement for salvation. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2: 8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” On the other hand, James begins the above text with these questions, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?

Can faith save him?” (James 2: 14) Both Paul and James

were Jews who knew the importance of the Law of Moses.

Paul, who used to be called by his Hebrew name Saul, actively opposed the followers of Christ who were preaching salvation by faith in the Son of God (John 3:16). He gave his approval to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57-58; Acts 22:20) and was the leader of a group who persecuted the early Christians as recorded in Acts 8 and 9 until the risen Savior confronted him on the road to Damascus when he became one of the greatest followers of the Lord Jesus. Years later, when the jailer at Philippi asked Paul and Silas, “… Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They

Children’s Day celebrated at Calvary Methodist United Church cont'd from pg. 33

the preacher to the ushers.

Call to worship was done

by Liturgist Nana Mensah. Reading of Psalms, prayer, adoration were all done by the children. The Sunday School performed a beautiful song, followed by the Ministry of the Word.

The sermon was preached by De-Graft Obiri Jnr. It was based on the topic: “Jesus our example, yield to Him”.

Later, the choir rendered an anthem.

displayed by the children followed by Bible recitals by a group of children who showed their prowess in the recitals. Vote of thanks was given by Adjoa Hutchful.

The second part was the appeal for funds under the chairmanship of Kwesi Sam of Sam Auto Service.. There was a dance

The children did a yeoman's job of conducting the service in a manner that showed that they are truly our future leaders.

New Buses For Metro Mass Transit cont'd from pg. 53 Alhaji Collins Dauda, told the gathering that government, through various funding sources, has acquired buses for the company’s operations since its establishment.

He commended MMT for purchasing 150 buses worth US$11 million, stressing that the remaining buses would be delivered by the end of March.

He said the company currently operates from the 10 regional capitals to the remote areas in Ghana and added that with the ongoing programme to acquire additional buses all districts will be covered so as to offer affordable transport services to people in the rural and urban areas.

Alhaji Dauda stated that the company, since its establishment, has employed over 4000 people across the country to address corruption and robbery in the nation.

He stressed that the company will expand, create more jobs and pro-

vide safer and more efficient scheduled services to passengers in order to increase productivity level in Ghana.

He added that the delivery of the fifty TATA buses and the soon to be delivered 100 Ashok Leyland buses would encourage the MMT task force to offer reliable intra-city, inter-city and rural-urban services to the general public.

Alhaji Dauda urged the management to strictly adhere the manufacturer’s maintenance programme to sustain the buses.

He advised the drivers of the buses to also drive with care and passion in order to avert careless and preventable accidents on our roads.

“The relatively high road crushes and its fatalities, injuries and damages to properties experienced last year are still fresh in our minds. Road traffic crashes and its resultant casualties are major public health and development

problems that lead to deaths and injuries in the country.

“Statistics available last year showed a very alarming situation. Provisional records showed that over 10,000 crashes were recorded and about 14,400 vehicles resulting in the deaths of over 1,679 persons and about 10,000 injuries.”

He stated that injuries and fatalities threatened to reverse the country’s developmental gains over decades of investment.

The minister noted that injuries placed a heavy burden on the country’s economy through the direct impact on health care and rehabilitation services as well as indirect costs, saying most of these crashes were caused by human errors.

He appealed to suppliers of the buses, Tata Africa to provide the requisite training to mechanics and drivers of MMT and ensure the availability of spare parts to reduce the break down of the buses.

responded, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31) Paul’s letter to the Galatians was to correct an error that was been taught in the church that a sinner could gain salvation and divine approval through good work whereas the Law declares that “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). The Prophet Isaiah said that man’s good deeds were like filthy rags compared to the righteous demands of the Law (Isaiah 64:6), therefore, all are guilty before God. Paul continued in Galatians 2:16, “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”

James in his writings was not opposing what the Apostle Paul was teaching that salvation is only possible through faith in God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In James 2:10-11, he wrote, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Some Jewish Christians were insist-

ing that Gentile men who had accepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior could not be saved without submitting to the Jewish practice of circumcision (Acts 15: 1). After Peter, Paul and Barnabas gave evidence of the grace of God they had observed in the lives of the Gentiles believers, James who presided over the first general council meeting concluded, “Men and brethren, listen to me: ‘Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. And this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: After this I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord who does all these things…Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from things strangled, and from blood.” (Acts 15:13-20) In his epistle, James was correcting the erroneous idea that one could confess faith in Christ without an evidence of a changed life. He was drawing

the attention to the Church that it was possible for one to make a verbal confession in Christ without meaning it. In Acts 8:924, during a revival led by Philip in Samaria, Simon, a popular sorcerer, professed faith in Christ and was even baptized in water, but the true condition of his heart came to the light when he offered money for the ability to lay hand on people for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Good works, James expects to prove the genuineness of one’s faith is basically what the Apostle Paul calls “The fruit of the Spirit”-love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

(Galatians 5:22-23) James was not suggesting instant perfection for anyone who truly expresses faith in Christ. It is a gradual progress which begins immediately one is born again.

It happened to Zacchaeus the chief tax collector. His faith in Christ affected his heart (Romans 10:9-10) and he cared enough for the people he had cheated over the years that he was willing to make amends although it was going to cost him almost everything he had.

(Luke 19:1-10) Professing Christians confuse unbelievers when there is no difference whatsoever in the way both groups behave.

Living Word Assembly of God Church (Affiliated with P.A.O.C.)

139 Millwick Drive Toronto, Ont. (Steeles/Islington) Tel: 416- 741-6285 Fax: 416- 741-0133 Email: livingwordag@bellnet.ca Church Activities

Senior Pastor: Rev. Joseph Osei-Amoah

Sunday Early Morning Prayer: 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Prayer: 10:00 a.m-12 noon Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Friday Prayer 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

(Last Friday of the month “All Night Prayer”): 7:30 p.m.-12 mid-night Youth Service (Fridays): 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Departmental Meeting (Every other Sunday): 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, Toronto 65 Mayall Avenue, Toronto Ontario, M3L 1E7

Tel: 416-614-6110 647-341-7305 Email: gcmethodist@hotmail.com

Invites all Christians to join us to worship and glorify the Living God

Worship Schedule: Sunday Church Service/Class Meetings: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Friday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Bethel Prayer Ministry Int'l Do you desire to experience the power and the presence of God demonstrated in your life? Do you want to experience the marvelous work of God's grace in your life?

Then, Bethel Prayer Ministry International would like to invite you to visit their church where the word of God is preached powerfully to release the power of God in your life.

Pastor Dennis Awuku COME AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED Senior Pastor

Contact:

Res. 416-740-6963 Church 416-642-0390 Worship Hours: Sunday Service: 9am - 1pm Tuesday 9am - 2 pm Consultation Wednesday: 7pm - 9p.m.

Friday: 9pm - 12 pm Saturday (Prayer Warriors) 6pm - 8pm Location: 52 Carrier Drive, Unit 12, (Albion/Hwy 27)

Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

End-Time Harvest Ministry Very Rev. De-Graft Semie Obiri (Calvary Methodist)

Saturday Auxilliary Minister Youth Musical & Computer Rev. Samuel Victor Mpereh Lessons Fellowship Meetings Choir Practice, Singing Band Practice 647-770-8440

Venue of Worship 65 Mayall Avenue, Toronto (Route: Through Jethro Road or Haymarket Road, off Wilson Ave. between Weston Rd. and Jane St., or walk across bridge from Chalkfarm North)

Invites you for a wonderful time with the Lord

Worship Hours Sundays (Mornings) 10 - 12:45pm Wednesday (Bible Study) 7 -8:30 pm Friday (All Night Prayer) 8-10:30pm Rev Moses Sarpong

COME AND EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF THE WORD Join us at 196 Toryork Drive(Corner of Weston/Finch)

Tel: 416-743-2507 Tel: 416-614-6110

Email: gcmethodist@hotmail.com

IT’S HARVEST TIME SO REACH OUT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE

It’s A Great Commission!

The Ghanaian News

February 2012

61

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church Senior Pastor: Isaac Takyi De-Graft Exclusive English Service: 8:00am - 10:00am School of the Light: 10:00am - 10:45am Exclusive Ghanaian Service : 10:45am - 1:00am Tuesday(Time with the Holy Spirit) 10:00 am-12:30 pm Wednesday(School of Ministry) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm -Torontonians Thursday(School of Ministry) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Bramptonians Friday(Time in His Presence) 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Every First Friday is Special Youth Service 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Every Fouth Friday is Half Night Service: 9:00 pm - 12:30 am

NEW LOCATION: 42 Steinway Blvd. Unit 1&2 (Hwy 27/Steeles) Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6Y6

Tel: 416-740-1200 Fax: 416-740-6435 Email:

lighthouse@lighthouseag.caWebsite: http:/www/lighthouseag.ca

RESURRECTION POWER EVANGELISTIC MINISTRIES INT'L Invites all OLD and NEW members to come and fellowship with us and experience GOD'S RESSURECTION POWER through JESUS CHRIST our Lord.

THE APOSTLES' CONTINUATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (CANADA)

We fellowship on: Rev. Akwasi Kyeremateng

Sun. 10:30am - 1pm Wed. 7:00pm - 9pm Fri. 7:00pm - 9pm

North American Headquarters: 10 Belfield Road Toronto, Ont., M9W 1G1 Tel: 416-247-6629 Fax: 416-247-5308

Worship Prayer Meeting House of Prayer

Venue: 445 Eddystone Avenue, 2nd Floor For further information please call Tel: 647-351-8155 Cell: 647-700-5062 Secretary: 647-704-4904 We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. (Col.1:28)

Power of Grace Chapel Int'l Invites all Christians, Non-Christians and members of the Resurrection Power Tradition to join us worship the Great Jehovah

Place of Worship:

350 Deerhide Cres, North York, ON

Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu

Website: www.apostlescontinuation.org

SERVICE TIMES: Worship Service - Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Bible Studies - Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

All Night Service - Friday 9:30 p.m.

Deliverance - Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Worship With Us At These Branches In Canada

Toronto Sunday Wednesday Friday

Rev. Joe Bonnah Days And Time of Worship - Divine Worship - 10a.m. - 1p.m. Pastor-in-charge - Bible Studies - 7p.m. - 9p.m.

- Prayer / Deliverance - 7p.m. - 10p.m.

Contact Lines: Tel: 416-321-2796 (Pastor's Res) 416-745-7065 (Church)

Cell: 647-403-2796

Peace Light Ministries

Scarborough Assembly 1632 Midland Ave., M1P 1C2 Tel: 416-288-1333 Pastor In-Charge: Pastor Patrick Antwi Contact: 647-402-4708

Montreal Assembly 378 Cremazie East Montreal, Quebec, H2P 1E5 Tel: 514-271-9083 Pastor-In-Charge: John Arhin Contact: 514-274-2978

Praise Temple of Christ International

Senior Pastor & Founder: Rev. Augustine Adu-Anane BRE, M.Th. CPC

Snr. Pastor: Apostle Osei-Bonsu

Senior Associate Pastor: Rev. Eleanor Adu-Anane BRE, ECE

336 Gary Ray Drive @ Signet

TIME OF WORSHIP

Rev. Augustine Adu-Anane

10 Belfield Road Tel: 416-247-6629

Wednesday: Bible Study 7:00 - 9:00 pm Friday: Group Prayer Meeting 8:00 - 11:00 pm Sunday: Christian Education 9:30 am - 10:30 am Sunday Service: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Tel: 416-839-1662 / 647-892-9412 LOCATION: 100 Penn Drive, Unit #3, North York, Ont. M9L 2A9 Happy are those who work for PEACE, for God will call them His children Mtt: 5:9

Worship Schdule Sunday Worship - 10 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday - Bible Study - 7 pm - 9 pm Friday - Prayer Meeting - 8 pm - 10 pm Second and last Friday of each month All Night Prayer Meeting 8 pm - 12 midnight

For information call: Apostle - 647-330-3346 (cell) or 905-216-5733 (Res) Emmanuel - 647-701-1912 (cell)

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

Let's Think Family - By Rev. Dr. Samuel Kisseadoo For future success you must deal with your past There are many people who either do not know, tend to ignore, or simply refuse to consider important facts surrounding their past life that need to be properly dealt with, as they seek to make progress into new areas of life. In that case they do not take positive steps to make any necessary changes, re-affirmations, and adjustments in order to move ahead more decisively and progressively for the rest of their lives.

Some people feed so much on their past that they literally live in the past all the time, and make no real progress in life because of lack of proper focus on the productive future ahead of them. Typical in this category are: divorced individuals; single parents who are not married; people who are deeply disappointed by past lovers; disappointed politicians; those who have lost an important opportunity; those who have experienced unexpected death of loved ones; people whose reputation was tarnished by false accusation, a scandal, or some other problem; individuals with tragic occurrences and heavy losses; a mistake that has brought about a disability or incurable illness; serious financial loss; devastation of a business or investment; loss of precious property etc.

If you wish to see success and victory in your life, then it is important and necessary to

deal with your past, because of at least 12 reasons that I have thought about: 1) Past mistakes and deficiencies can blur your clear view of life in general, and especially cloud the future that God intends for you to look forward to. You may see life as haze consisting only of mistakes along the way, without focusing on the good aspects of a meaningful life.

2) Past failures and weaknesses could inject discouragement and regrets so deep into you that you lose every desire to try taking on assignments or taking initiatives anymore.

3) Unbelief and lack of faith will always characterize any life that is constantly looking back instead of looking forward towards the expected goal.

4) Interferences of our past pain and regrets in the plans of our present life, are great contributing factors towards our partial or complete loss of focus and purpose in life, or absence of progress for a particular project.

5) Any demonic spirits behind sins and bad habits of the past would still be operating and might even be given wider doors through discouragement and unbelief, to do more damage to your future plans.

Past problems and mistakes could be wide-opened windows for satanic attacks, and could even open the door for witchcraft activities in your life that could make you an ultimate agent of the devil against the plans of the Lord.

There are many marriages, love relationships, businesses, educational efforts, career planning, and ministries that are not progressing because the leaders and close people involved have open doors for several forms of satanic and human attacks to assail them relentlessly.

6) Not settling in our hearts to give God all the glory for our past successes, can create an air of superiority and arrogance around us, deceive us to become complacent and self-sufficient, cause us to become proud, and set the stage for our own demise.

7) People who do not like you or who do not agree with you could be incited by the flesh and the devil to use your past as a weapon against you if you allow them to recognize that your past bothers you, or is a hindrance to your progress.

8) If we force to push ahead with any good agenda for fu-

ture development and productivity along with a baggage of unresolved past hurts, wounds, disobedience, and other sins or problems, the ultimate harvest could be seriously hindered, and the fruits of our life could be terribly infected and adulterated.

9) It is more difficult to trust and work cooperatively with people when we interact closely with them while we carry a load of unresolved issues of our past, and old diseased or dark components of our past life that need to be dealt with. For example, we might be so hurt by someone in a previous abusive or unsuccessful relationship that it becomes a monumental task to step out in faith to open our minds and hearts to trust anyone.

10) If you do not deal with your past properly, you cannot help others to deal with their damaging past as well, and that would hinder your being a noble vessel in the Hands of God for Him to use to restore the broken or wounded lives of others.

11) Unresolved issues and deep matters of your past will always dampen joy and contentment in your soul, and your bitter spirit will therefore never allow you to live a grateful life that is full of praise and thanksgiving to God, and thankfulness to people who came (or would come) into your life.

12) God expects us to give all of our past problems, failures, and successes to Him, in order for Him to straighten all that is crooked, renew and refresh us, and lead us into His glorious future plans. Allowing the negatives or the prosperity of your past to interfere with your future walk with God or progress in life is therefore an act of disobedience to God. In summary, if you do not fully deal with your past, you can never enter into your future.

Our God is a great and loving God of restoration and healing.

God desires primarily to restore you into fellowship with Him, and ultimately build a strong relationship with Him. No matter how sinful and rotten you feel or know that you are, or how foolishly and profoundly you have strayed in the camp of the flesh and Satan, the Lord Jesus Christ has the power, mercy, and willingness to cleanse, mend your broken life, and restore you to the position God originally intended for you to occupy. The Lord is ever ready to fix all of your brokenness, but you must be willing to give Him all of the broken pieces yourself, before He can completely heal and restore you. Nobody can do that for you. This is the only way to enjoy the best education, career, business, leadership, ministry, relationships, marriage, and family life that you have always dreamt

about. No matter your past failures or disappointments, “God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147: 3).

Tune in to JOY 99.7 FM in Accra, Ghana on Saturdays at 5:30 am – 6:00 am (Ghana Time) or US Eastern ST 12:30 am – 1:00 am November to March, and listen to Dr. Kisseadoo’s broadcast “Hope For Your Family”. Access on the Internet using MYJOYONLINE.COM, and click on “Live Radio”. Obtain Dr. Kisseadoo’s books online from: RedLeadBooks.com or Amazon.com using his name.

Contact him in the USA (1-7577289330) for copies of his 14 books, free counseling and prayer. Visit his website: www.fruitfulministriesint.com for essentials that will enrich your life, relationships, and ministry. Use DrSamuel Kisseadoo to access his Wall on Facebook. Copyright March. 2012 Rev. Dr. Samuel A. Kisseadoo (Professor of Biology, USA. International Evangelist. Ordained & Licensed Minister. Teacher, Conference Speaker).

Founder and President, Fruitful Ministries International Inc. (Evangelistic & Teaching Ministry). 6 Red Robin Turn, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA. Tel.1- 757-7289330 E-mail: kisseadoo@msn.com

GHANAIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MONTREAL INVITES YOU TO WORSHIP WITH US REV. SOWAH ABLORH - MINISTER-IN-CHARGE

SUNDAY WORSHIP 10.00AM - 1.00PM WEDNESDAY SERVICE 7.00PM - 9.00PM FRIDAY PRAYER MEETING 7.00PM - 9.00PM

OFFICE: 514-278-8109 RESIDENCE: 514-683-8444 Eugene Kotey, Clerk of Session - 905-502-7875, Jennifer Agbanti, Treasurer - 905-908-2152

1345 LAPOINTE (CORNER OF OBRIEN)

The Ghanaian News

Records Department of Lands Commission in flames A massive fire has ravaged the Lands Commission in Accra destroying several departments in the Commission’s building.

Fire men are battling the fire but the papers used to store records provided fuel for the fire.

Joy News’ Fiifi Coomson, who was at the scene of the fire reported of plumes of thick smoke billowing from the Lands Commission’s

building.

He said apart from the Records Department which was engulfed by the raging fire, he could also see smoldering pieces of furniture in other departments.

A member of the Board of the Lands Commission,

Mr Oko Nii Koi Dzane, who spoke to Joy FM, said the damage caused by the fire was quite extensive.

Check books, records books, “everything to do with accounting,” he said, all went up in flames.

Check Us online @ www.ghanaiannews.ca 416-916-3700

The Christ Healing Church Int'l Invites You All To Come Worship With Us Apostle-in-charge: Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

Tel: 647-344-6726 Cell: 416-200-2453 TIME OF WORSHIP: Sunday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Tuesday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

VENUE:

1177 Finch Dr. #20, North York

"And these signs will follow those who believe, in My Name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick , and they will recover. Amen (Mark 16:17)

"COME AND EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF GOD"

Living Praise Ministries Int'l Church We are a diverse group of individuals who come together to build a church based upon a common foundation in Christ Jesus

Pastor Sam & Helena Addai Pastor Elvis & Sonia Henry Our Services Friday: 7:30 p.m. Healing and Deliverance Service Sunday: 10:30 a.m. - Intercessory Prayer 10:00 a.m. - Worship Team 12:00 noon - Sunday Sch., children 3-13 yrs.

Weekly Spiritual Growth

Pastor Sam Addai

Tuesday: Bible Study, 7:00 p.m. at the church Friday: Youth Ministry, 7:30 p.m. at the church Friday: Prayer and Revival Service, 7:30 p.m. at the church Tuesday: Anointing Today, 7:30 a.m. on Vision TV (61) First Friday of each month: Midnight Prayer Meetings 11p.m.to1 a.m.

Tel: 613-228-2189, 1-800-973-2189 1877 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K2O 1Y8

February 2012

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Ghanaian Congregation

St. John's Anglican Church VENUE:

2125 WESTON RD., WESTON ONT. Priest-in-charge: Rev. Fr. Gabriel Opoku Ware

416-901-3932 Cell: 647-624-4044 Sunday: Bible Study - 2p.m.- 3p.m.

Divine Service: 3p.m. - 5p.m.

Wed.: Prayer Meeting: 7p.m. - 8p.m.

Friday: Encounter with the Lord: 8p.m. - 9:30p.m.

Bro. S.H. Morris (People's Warden) Sis. Monica Akrofi (Priest Warden) Sis. Beatrice Asare (Secretary)

-

905-792-9761 416-748-8246 416-745-8148

POWER OF THE CROSS MINISTRIES Saturday: Sabbath Worship 11:00 am Sunday: Celebration

11:00 am

Wednesday: Ask the Pastor 7:00 pm Friday: Healing and Deliverance 7:00 pm

Apostle Samuel Ansah Servant of God

ALL ARE INVITED 224 Garrison Road, Unit 10, Fort Erie, Ont.

905-994-8500 Email: info@powerofthecrossministries.com www.powerofthecrossministries.com

Welcome Home Evangelistic Ministries Affiliated with the Evangelical Church In Canada

Snr. Pastor & Founder: Evang. & Prophetess Winnie Manu BRE, M. Div.

Worship Celebration Services Sunday Worship Celebration: 10 a.m.

Friday Prayer Meeting / Discipleship Group: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Last Sunday of Every Month: Healing Service

Place of Worship 236 Queen Mary Drive Brampton, ON L7A 3L3

Contact Info: Tel: 647 210 7057

Fax: 905 495 4789

Website: www.whemtoday .org Email: info@whemtoday.org Healing Service: Last Sunday of every month at Cheyne Middle School. 236 Queen Mary Dr. Brampton.

Gospel Action Ministry Location: 135 Oakdale Rd. (Back door) Senior Pastor: Rev. Peter Awuah

Tel: 416-836-9235, 416-667-8637

Service Schedule

Rev. Peter Awuah

Sunday: Church Service 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Tuesday: Prayer Meeting 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday: Bible/Prayer Meeting 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Last Friday of the month: All Night Prayer Meeting 11:00 pm

64

The Ghanaian News February 2012

Around the Ghana Sports Scene

with Jonathan Annobil

Ghana 1-1 Chile Locally-based player Richard Mpong scored on his debut for Ghana in an international friendly against Chile, which ended 1-1 after Matias Fernandez converted from the spot to cancel out Black Stars' lead.

The Medeama winger put the Black Stars in the lead with about four minutes to the interval. It was a goal badly needed to save the four-time Africa champions from further embarrassment after a disappointing fourth place finish at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mpong raced into the box of the Chileans after an impressive coordination between Udinese's Kwadwo Asamoah and in form AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari. An unmarked Mpong was released on the right by the left-footer before beating goalkeeper Claudio Bravo

to earn his first goal for the Black Stars in his maiden appearance.

A depleted Ghana side enjoyed most of the early exchanges with the likes of Asamoah, Muntari and Derek Boateng dictating the pace in the midfield.

A few chances begged at both sides, but for some excellent saves by the two goalkeepers the first-half would have ended with more than a goal.

The 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists made four changes in the secondhalf, but that was not enough to stop the Red One from ending their debut senior clash with the west Africans without a goal.

Coach Claudio Borghi's half-time briefing yielded a positive result as his charges returned a very determined side.

Barcelona star Alexis

Sanchez could have added his name to the score sheet when he intercepted a pass from Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah, but shot-stopper Adam Kwarasey was at his very best to protect his post Chile, however, equalised in the 75th minute courtesy Fernandez. He converted from the spot after referee Elias Bazakos? awarded a penalty against Ghana when defender John Pantsil fouled an opponent in the danger zone.

The west Africans protested some of the decisions of the referee to the extent that Ghana's team manager Opoku Afriyie had to be sent off to save the situation.

It was a satisfactory performance, especially for Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic, who had it tough raising a team for

the game as he also awaits a crucial decision on his fate in the coming days after failing to win the African title in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Ghana, ranked 23rd in the world, started six players who also opened its 1-0 loss to Zambia in the African Cup on Feb. 8.

Chile is ranked 12th in the world and fell to Brazil in the second round of the 2010 World Cup. Ghana (4-2-3-1): Kwarasey; Paintsil, Alhassan(46' D. Opare), Boye(46' L. Addy ), Johanthan Mensah; Annan(46' A. Acquah), Boateng, Kwadwo Asamoah, Muntari; Oduro (18' Mpong, 75' Warris), Baffour Chile (3-5-2): Bravo; O. González, M. González, Rojas; Aránguiz, Medel, Díaz, Toro, Fernández; Sánchez, Suazo

Ghana coach says witchcraft is reason for team split Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic has revealed deep divisions within the squad, saying some players used witchcraft against their own teammates.

The Serbian made his claim in a leaked report on the Black Stars' failure at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were beaten by eventual winners Zambia in the semifinals.

"We all need to help in changing some players' mentality about using 'black power' to destroy themselves, and also make sure we instil discipline and respect for each other," the coach said.

In a report delivered to the Ghana Football Association's (GFA) executive committee,

Stevanovic added: "After losing to Zambia, there arose so many accusations amongst the players.

"Some players played to achieve personal fame, prominence and excellence" Kwesi Nyantakyi GFA President "I have learnt great lessons from African football and also about Ghanaian players' behaviour on and off the field.

The coach did not name any specific players in that part of the report and the GFA is refusing to comment on the matter, saying it does not discuss any issues arising from leaked documents.

"It has always happened, but players have used it to protect themselves and normally in search of

luck," Sarfo Gyami, who was a member of the Ghana side at the 1992 Nations Cup, told BBC Sport.

"I have never heard of a situation when players have used it against their own colleagues. That is a very bad situation."

The image of Ghana's team during the Nations Cup was one of unity, with videos and pictures being beamed from the camp in Franceville of players holding late night prayer and singing sessions as a sign of their strong bond.

But both Stevanovic and GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi say there were deep divisions.

"During the competition we observed that some players played to achieve

personal fame, prominence and excellence to the detriment of the team," Nyantakyi said at a press conference earlier this week.

"We also had complaints from some senior players, accusing some of the junior ones of disrespect."

Stevanovic's position is under serious threat, with the GFA reviewing his contract and due to make a decision on his future in two weeks.

However, he led the squad when they played and drew 1-1 with Chile in the United States on Thursday. As a result of injuries and the need for new players the coach invited 6 players and it paid off.

Chile is 12th in the FIFA rankings and the Black Stars are 23rd

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

Black Princess Chase A Place In 2012 FIFA U- 20 Finals The Black princess who defeated the Namibian, Young Gladiators 7-0 defeat IN Ghana at the Accra Sports Stadium last week Sunday are chasing a place in FIFA U-20 finals to be hosted by Japan The two sides met in the first leg match of their 2012 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and the Black Princess were favorites against a relatively teen Namibian side.

It was 4-0 at halftime as Striker Florence Dadson scored a hat-trick as the Black Princesses won convincingly against their opponents who had 16 year old Emma Naris sent off for a deliberately hand ball in the box in the 12 minute. And strikes from captain Priscilla Saahene, Elizabeth Addo, Faustina Ansah and Deborah Afriyie sealed the day for the Black Princesses. After the match the Namibian national women soccer team coach Jacqueline Shipanga expressed her dissatisfaction with the scarcity of

players of the right age. " we have a lot of under-17 players in this team and that is due to the fact that we don't have any poll of 18 and 19 year old players. The problem is that as soon as the girls get to grade 12 they think they are big women and can't play soccer and they leave. After that some of them do regret their choices it becomes difficult to come back again. " It's a great deal of problem and we have to deal with it holistically for us to compete at these level and it start with the current group of players, hopefully. It is costing the NFA a lot to develop this players and they just don't reach their full potential", Shipanga said.

The Young Gladiators will be hosting the Black Princesses at Windhoek for the reverse game on the weekend on 2-4 March, 2012 as Princess are set to chase a place in the finals to be hosted by Japan Source: Frank Owusu Obimpeh

Ghana Glo Premier League Club

Pts

Kotoko Hearts of Oak

38 31

Berekum Chelsea

30

Wa All Stars

29

Dwarfs Edubiase FC

28 28

Aduana Stars

26

AshGold

26

Liberty Medeama SC

25 24

Heart of Lions

23

Tema Youth

20

Mighty Jets Bechem United

20 14

Arsenals

14

Wassaman United

13

The Ghanaian News

The life of Francis Baffour, husband of Comfort Baffour was celebrated at Apostle's Continuation Church 10 Belfield Rd. on Saturday 18th February 2012

February 2012

10th Anniversary Celebration Ghanaian Women's Fasting & Pra yer Pray Conference And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language: and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do Gen 11:6

Monday Monday,, May 21st 2012 Victoria's Day Holiday The final funeral rites for Mad. Connie Peasah, wife of Mr. Larbi was held at Luna Ballroom,

At or d Assemb ly of God Chur ch Wor ord Assembly Churc Living W 139 Mill wic k Driv e (Steeles/Islington) Drive Millwic wick

9:00 a.m. - 12noon Come and let's celebrate our God! For more info call: 416-916-3700, 905-265-9747, 647-343-3567, 905-791-3720, 416-749-0631, 905-846-6257, 905-792-9516, 416-248-8593

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The Ghanaian News

February 2012

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The Ghanaian News February 2012

Real Estate Corner 2010 Freddy Agyemang, BA Sales Representative

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416-804-5104

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