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Ghana Government Launches Major Youth Employment Program: Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo) From: Dr. Michael Baffoe, Kumasi, Ghana The Government of Ghana, led by President Nana Addo DankwaAkufoAddo, on Tuesday, 1st May, 2018, launched a major employment youth program targeting specifically at unemployed University and Polytechnic Graduates. Dubbed the Nation Builders Corps (NABCO),the program is aimed at employing 100,000 young men and women in 2018 alone to assist in the public sector service delivery needs of Ghana.According to President AkufoAddo, “NABCO will be the vehicle to deliver one hundred thousand (100,000) jobs in seven (7) prioritised areas, defined as the following modules: Educate Ghana; Heal Ghana; Feed Ghana;

Revenue Ghana; Digitise Ghana; Enterprise Ghana; and Civic Ghana.”

President Akufo-Addo in launching the program, the first of its kind in the country, explained that the rationale for the establishment of the Corps, was to attack the grim story of youth unemployment which has been a tragic part of the lives of Ghanaian youth graduating from universities for far too long in Ghana.

He further said that the situation had worsened, in recent times, by the ban placed on public sector employment by the International Monetary Fund when it entered into an economic cont’d on pg. 66

President Nana Akufo Addo speaking at the launching of Nation Builders Corps )NaBCo)

‘Tonight we stand together’: #TorontoStrong vigil honours victims of van attack ‘Standing together united in grief is a defiant act of hope,’ said one reverend The candles, each representing a life extinguished in the violence, were lit as a reminder of the pain felt by the victims’ families and all those in Toronto who were affected by the attack.

“We gather this evening to discover that our sorrow is reflected in the eyes of the strangers standing next to us. And so too is our hope,” said Rev. Alexa Gilmour in an address to the crowd.

Ghana’s Consul Gen. Thomas Seshie laying flowers/wreath in honour of the victims in Toronto

“For we have come believing that standing together united in grief is a defiant act of hope and healing in the face of evil. Tonight we

stand together,” she said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Gov. Gen. Julie Payette and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne were among the high-profile dignitaries who joined the sprawling crowd of mourners in Mel Lastman Square, just steps away from the stretch of Yonge Street where a driver plowed into pedestrians on Monday afternoon.

Rabbis, Christian clergy, an imam and a Buddhist monk are among those who spoke at the event.

“Words cannot sufficiently express what we have seen and felt over cont’d on pg. 31

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

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.ca E-mail: cayiku@gmail.com info@ghanaiannews.ca $1:00 per copy Subscription costs $66.00 for one year. including postage U.S. and foreign subscriptions costs US$120 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 Sheppard Ave. Suite 202 Toronto, Ont. M9M 1L7 Tel: 416-916-3700 or Fax: 416-916-6701 or e-mail us at info@ghanaiannews.ca 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.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage

Tackling the Youth Unemployment Menace in Ghana Unemployment among Ghana’s youth has been the single most pervasive problem in the country since independence, and especially since the 1970s when the population started booming through the fifteen million, through the twenty million and currently hovering around thirty million people, more than half of whom are under thirty years.

The dangerous and frightening aspect of this canker is the fact that successive governments from the 1970s till date have not paid any serious attention to the issue of job creation, and most importantly, targeting the youth: those between 15 and thirty years. This is the group, the core of the nation’s population, its strength and life-line who keep graduating from elementary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary institutions every year with hopes of finding jobs to live independently and to contribute their quota to the national life and national economy.

This has not happened and year after year, thousands from this population group leave our educational institutions with no jobs to go to. The younger ones fill the streets of the nation’s urban centers selling anything they can lay hands on to attempt make ends meet, if ever. Some of them turn to socially unacceptable behavior and lifestyles. We can even stretch it further to say that some even turn to crime when all hopes are dashed. You can see these from the numbers and ages of the youth that are arrested for involvement in crime.

Many security experts have been warning for years that the youth unemployment situation in the country poses very serious national security risks.

However successive governments and politicians have been taking this serious issue for granted.

They prefer going to the youth and throwing a few freebies to them when it comes to elections time. This is the most dangerous and unintelligent way to approach an issue as serious as youth unemployment.

In the light of the above, we are delighted at the news coming out of Ghana and from the current government on its announcement of a major, and if we may add, radical program, aimed at beginning to find some solution to the canker of youth unemployment, starting with the graduates from our middle-level institutions and universities. The launching of this new government initiative known as the Nation Builders Corps is aimed at offering on-the-job training for our young graduates to transition them eventually into meaningful employment, to as President Akufo Addo stated at the launching of the program, to “restore their dignity”.

Nothing lowers the dignity, self-worth and selfesteem of any person as unemployment. An army of unemployed youth threatens the nation’s security. They threaten the social cohesion, peace and stability of every nation. And they retard progress and development. We are therefore hopeful that this new initiative will be properly executed to achieve its intended purpose. Ghana’s history abounds with records of the creation of various programs whose objectives were wellintentioned. However, their implementations have rather benefitted those that are put in charge of solving the problem for which the programs were created in the first place. Evidence abound on the route that programs like SAADA, GYEEDA, YEA, Presidential Special Initiatives, Workers Brigade etc have taken over the years. The nation has little or nothing to show for all the investments pumped into these programs apart from enriching those that were put in charge. This Nation Builders Corp should not be allowed to go the same routes.

We congratulate the Akufo Addo government for this initiative and hope it works differently to at least make a positive difference in the lives of the youth of the country. We promise to be watching and commenting on its progress or otherwise.

At least 10 dead, multiple people injured in ‘horrific’ Toronto van attack TORONTO -- The death toll rose to at least 10 late Monday following a “horrific attack” in which a young man drove a van into a crowd of pedestrians along a stretch of one of Toronto’s busiest streets, authorities said.

The federal public safety minister said the incident, which also left 15 people injured, did not appear to be connected in any way to national security. However, the city’s police Chief Mark Sanders said investigators would be exploring all avenues and asked for any witnesses to contact the force with information.

Saunders identified the suspect as Alek Minassian, 25, of Richmond Hill, Ont., but said it was too soon to speak of a motive.

“We are looking very strongly to what the exact motivation was for this particular incident to take place,” Saunders said. “We need every single piece of this puzzle so we can have a fulsome picture and account as to exactly what took place here.”

The incident occurred at 1:30 p.m. when police said they started receiving calls about a white van careening down a stretch of Yonge Street -between Finch Avenue and Sheppard Avenue -- in the city’s north end, which is home to many businesses.

Phil Zullo said he was driving north on Yonge Street when he saw police chasing a vehicle. Moments later he said he realized why.

“I must have seen about five, six people being resuscitated by bystanders and by ambulance drivers,” Zullo said. “It was awful. Brutal.

Just people everywhere. People -shoes and shirts and ball caps on the floor, and some of the bodies were completely covered by blankets.”

Kasra Ibrahimi said he saw the van on the sidewalk and heard people yelling and screaming as it plowed ahead.

“It was like a movie scene. It hit people, and they were like flying in the air,” he said. “After like two minutes, five minutes, the ambulance and police came, and they started emergency procedures ... I saw they were dead.”

Police did not provide details of the suspect’s arrest but videos posted on social media showed a young man standing by the open door of a white Ryder rental van holding a dark object in his hand and pointing it at an armed

police officer just metres away.

“Shoot me,” the man is heard saying on the video, as the officer repeatedly asks him to get down. “I have a gun in my pocket,” the man says.

Other videos show the man on the ground, being handcuffed. The unidentified police officer was praised online for the way he handled the situation.

“A complete display of experience, composure, and professionalism; a true Canadian hero,” read one Tweet about the officer.

Saunders also praised the officer, saying he “did a fantastic job,” and noted that there was nothing to indicate the suspect had a gun at the time.

He said the man had not yet been charged and police were working to determine if he had acted alone.

“The actions definitely look deliberate,” Saunders said, adding that the suspect was not known to police.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, who was in Toronto on Monday attending a meeting of the G7 foreign ministers and security officials when the incident happened, noted that the incident did not appear to present a national threat.

“The events that happened on the street behind us are horrendous but they do not appear to be connected in any way to national security, based on the information available at this time,” he told an evening news conference near the site of the incident.

“Grateful for the brave and professional response of @ TorontoPolice and other first responders to the horrific attack at Yonge and Finch,” he tweeted earlier in the day. “Canadians are appalled at what happened. The victims and their families have our deepest condolences.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory said the city was setting up a hotline to offer support to those affected and another one for witnesses who could help with the police investigation.

“This is a time when this community should come together,” he said.

“These are not the kinds of things that we expect to happen in this city. We hope they don’t happen anywhere in

The 10 victims who died

cont’d on pg. 57

The Ghanaian News April 2018

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Better Protections for Renters Ontario’s Standard Lease a n d a v o i d d i s p u t e s . in Effect as of April 30 For new leases signed on Ontario is increasing or after April 30, most protections for renters landlords are required w i t h a n e a s y - t o - to use the standard understand standard lease, which provides lease for new private a template to gather residential leases, now in basic information such effect across the province. as names and addresses, P r e m i e r K a t h l e e n the total rent and when it Wynne was at Charles is due, and any rules or Hastings Co-Op Housing terms about the rental unit Inc. today with Peter or building. This includes M i l c z y n , M i n i s t e r tenancies in single and of Housing and Han semi-detached houses, Dong, MPP for Trinity- apartment buildings, S p a d i n a , t o e x p l a i n rented condominiums how the government’s and secondary units, such new standard lease will as basement apartments. help both tenants and landlords understand their T h e s t a n d a r d l e a s e rights and responsibilities reduces the use of illegal terms and potential

misunderstandings caused by verbal tenancy agreements, which will make it easier for landlords to conduct their business and for tenants to understand their rights and responsibilities.

It also has simple-tounderstand general information on the rights and responsibilities of renting in Ontario.

A guide to the standard lease is available in 23 languages including English and French. This will help ensure that more people understand their rights and what they are agreeing to when they sign a new lease.

Expanded rent control means that as of April 20, 2017, approximately 1.3 million residential rental households are now protected from sudden, unexpected rent increases — including all private market rental units whether they are in apartment buildings, rented condominiums or homes. In 2018, those increases are capped at 1.8 per cent and future increases cannot exceed 2.5 per cent unless the landlord has approval from the Landlord a n d Te n a n t B o a r d .

The standard lease is part of Ontario’s Fair Housing Plan, which includes 16 comprehensive measures If a landlord does not t o m a k e h o u s i n g use the standard lease for more affordable for tenancies that are entered homebuyers and renters, into on or after April 30, while bringing stability to 2018, renters can ask the real estate market and for one. If the landlord protecting the investment doesn’t provide it within of homeowners. The Plan 21 days, the tenant can also includes an expansion Strengthening tenant withhold one month’s rent. of rent control protections p for tenants in Ontario. r o t e c t i o n s w h i l e ensuring predictability

for landlords is part of the government’s plan to support care, create opportunity and make life more affordable during this period of rapid economic change.

The plan includes free prescription drugs for everyone under 25, and 65 or over, through the biggest expansion of medicare in a generation, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, a higher minimum wage and better working conditions, and free preschool child care from ages 2.5 to kindergarten.

Premier’s Office

Gov’t to review Single Spine Pay Policy The President Nana Akufo-Addo has stated that as his administration seeks to establish a world-class labour force comparable to any in the world.

He said to achieve this, the concerns of workers in the public sector regarding their remuneration must be addressed.

According to him, an Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established by the Ministries of Employment and Labour Relations and Finance to undertake the review of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP), and to make recommendations for implementation.

“The team is expected to do a thorough review of both public and private sector pay policies, not only in Ghana but also across the globe, to make informed recommendations for implementation,” he said.

He added that “productivity should be taken into consideration in the determination of remuneration for work done by employees in both the public and the private sectors. Whilst we seek to review the remuneration, I continue to count on you, Secretary General, to lead the campaign for a change in attitude to work and increase productivity.”

The President said this when he delivered a speech Tuesday, on the occasion of May Day, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, in Kumasi. cont’d on pg. 47

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Commonwealth meeting: Queen hopes Prince Charles will succeed her Commonwealth meeting: Queen hopes Prince Charles will succeed her The Queen has appealed to Commonwealth leaders to appoint her son, Prince Charles, to succeed her as their head.

She said it was her “sincere wish” that Prince Charles takes over “one day”, as she opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London.

The role is not hereditary and will not pass automatically to the Prince of Wales on the Queen’s death.

The 53 leaders, gathered at Buckingham Palace, are expected to sign off the deal when they meet on Friday.

There had been some suggestions that the position should be rotated around member states, the BBC’s James Landale says.

Addressing the gathering of dignitaries, royals and the prime minister, the Queen said it was a “pleasure, this time, to welcome you to my home” for the biennial meeting.

She said it remained a “great pleasure and honour to serve you” and to observe “with pride and satisfaction that this is a flourishing network”.

She added: “It is my sincere wish that the Co m monw ealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949.”

Other issues under discussion at the two-

d ay s u m m i t i n c l u d e ocean conservation, cyber security, and trade between the countries.

campaigner Peter Tatchell, who attended a small protest outside the summit, said it was not Britain’s place to “adopt a neo-colonial role to dictate” on LGBT rights.

In theory, the decision that the Prince of Wales should succeed the Queen as head of the Commonwealth is entirely up to the Commonwealth heads of government. It is not an hereditary role.

Ye t t o d a y w e s a w the culmination of a concerted operation by the British government and royal establishment to present this decision as a fait accompli against which it would be almost impossible to argue.

So, barring unforeseen objections, the Prince of Wales looks likely to succeed the Queen as head of the Commonwealth.

But note this: the government leaders could have decided that the organisation should always be led by the British head of state, whoever he or she may be.

That, however, I am told, is not going to happen.

They will back Prince Charles for now but they will not write a blank cheque to the British royal family in perpetuity. In other words, if the Duke of Cambridge wants the job one day, he is going to have to work for it like his father.

Prime Minister Theresa May told the leaders the summit would “take on some of the 21st Century’s biggest questions”.

Speaking in the ballroom, which was decorated with flags of the 53 nations, Mrs May said: “There have been difficulties, successes, controve rsie s, but I believe wholeheartedly in the good that the

Call Us First The Ghanaian

He said: “Commonwealth leaders need to realise that we are not asking them to accept or approve of homosexuality, we’re simply asking them to stop the persecution.”

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles Commonwealth can do.”

The prime minister also thanked the Queen for hosting the event, calling the monarch a “steadfast and fervent champion” of the Commonwealth.

Outside, more than 100 officers and soldiers from the Coldstream Guards were in honour guard, wearing scarlet tunics and bearskins, as a 53 gun salute marked the formal opening.

The ceremony is being attended by 46 Commonwealth heads of government, out of the 53 member states, with the remaining attendees being foreign ministers.

Earlier, Prince Charles told attendees the modern Commonwealth had a “vital role to play”, adding: “I pray that this [meeting] will not only revitalise the bonds between our countries, but will also give the Commonwealth a renewed relevance to all its citizens.”

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Prince William were among the other royals in attendance.

The Commonwealth represents about 2.4bn people, but critics say the organisation is so disparate that it struggles to know what it is for, says BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond.

News

Some Commonwealth members were never part of the British Empire

41 6 9 1 6 - 37 0 0

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said he will raise LGBT rights with

leaders of Commonwealth nations on the fringes of the meeting.

But human rights

Mrs May said she would be “rallying” Commonwealth countries to follow the UK’s fight against marine plastics - which has included a ban on microbeads and proposals to introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers in England.

“The Commonwealth is a unique organisation, with a huge diversity of wildlife, environments and coastlines,” she said.

The UK is due to consult on proposals to ban plastic straws and cotton buds - 8.5bn of which are thrown away in the UK every year - as part of plans to tackle the issue.

It comes as 60 UK music festivals, including Bestival in Dorset and Boomtown in Hampshire, also pledged to ban plastic straws at their events this summer.

As head of the Commonwealth, the Queen presides over the meeting but does not take part in the leaders’ discussions. BBC

Ghana must prioritise social protection to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, says United Nations poverty expert The most recent official data from the Ghana Statistical Service for 20122013 revealed that almost one-quarter of the population were living in poverty and one person in every 12 in extreme poverty A UN human rights expert has commended Ghana as a champion of African democracy and a country which has achieved some important development milestones. But says unless growing inequality and continuing high poverty rates are addressed the country will fall far short of meeting the key UN Sustainable Development Goals, including the eradication of extreme poverty by 2030.

“Ghana is at a crossroads and must now decide whether to continue existing policies that will further enrich the wealthy and do little for the poor, or to make fiscal adjustments that would lift millions out of poverty and bring them into the agricultural economy in ways that would contribute significantly to economic growth,” said the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty, Philip Alston, at the end of a 10-day factfinding mission to the Greater Accra, Northern, and Upper East regions.

“The benefits of record levels of economic growth experienced over the past decade have gone overwhelmingly to the wealthy, and inequality is higher than it has ever been in Ghana,” said Mr. Alston, who examines the human rights implications of poverty in countries around the world.

The most recent official data from the Ghana Statistical Service for 2012-2013 revealed that almost one-quarter of the population were living in poverty and one person in every 12 in extreme poverty. Three-and-a-half million of

those in poverty are children, with more than a third of them in extreme poverty.

“Spending on social protection is surprisingly low by the standards of most comparable African countries, and very little is spent on social assistance,” explained Mr. Alston.

“With a thriving economy and the option to start collecting some of the existing but unpaid taxes that currently exist, choosing to eliminate, or not to eliminate, extreme poverty is a political choice for Ghana,” the UN expert said.

The Special Rapporteur continued: “Ghanaian politicians are immensely fond of, and very good at, creating slogans to describe complex but appealing programmes. But there is little doubt that the appetite for such slogans has already far outrun the capacity for realistic implementation.”

“The challenge going forward is for the Government to choose its real priorities, make sure that social protection is among them, and to be more transparent about potential costs and possible funding sources,” Mr. Alston stressed.

The Special Rapporteur’s final report on his visit to Ghana will be presented to the upcoming session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in June 2018.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

The Ghanaian News April 2018

Swaziland king renames country ‘the Kingdom of eSwatini’

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King Mswati III of the Kingdom of eSwatini (center) and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (3rd left)

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means “land of the Swazis”. The change was unexpected, but King Mswati has been referring to Swaziland for years as eSwatini.

King Mswati III of Swaziland announced on Wednesday that he was renaming the country “the Kingdom of eSwatini”.

It was the name the king used when he addressed the UN general assembly in 2017 and at the state opening of the country’s parliament in 2014.

The monarch announced the official change in a stadium during celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Swazi independence.

He explained that the name had caused some confusion, saying: “Whenever we go abroad, people refer to us as Switzerland.”

The celebrations also T h e B B C ’s N o m s a marked the king’s 50th Maseko in Swaziland birthday. says the announcement of the name change has The new name, eSwatini, angered some in the

country, who believe the king should focus more on the nation’s sluggish economy.

Swaziland’s leadership has been criticised by human rights activists for banning political parties and discriminating against women.

The son of Sobhuza II, who reigned for 82 years, King Mswati currently has 15 wives. According to official biographers, his father took 125 wives during his reign.

The king, known as Ngwenyama or “the lion”, is known for his many wives and for his adherence to traditional dress. BBC

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

FOCUS Managing Our Environment: A Reminder from Earth Day Celebration

By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview MS, Toronto, Canada “As our population and settlements get larger, we have a greater responsibility to live sustainably. Living sustainably means making choices that do not damage or use up resources for the future”-Nelson Education Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide during which various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It was first celebrated in 1970.

As my school, led by its Eco-Schools Team, joined the ‘Clean Toronto Together’ campaign to clean our neighborhood in the Driftwood area of Jane/Finch to celebrate this year’s Earth Day my thoughts quickly took a flight to my beloved country, Ghana where our cities are engulfed by filth and our forests and rivers are degraded/polluted by the illegal activities of some selfish mining companies led by some Chinese immigrants to Ghana.

I also remembered my Wildlife Club days in Ghana during which I spent time educating people on the need to preserve our environment. In my early years as a teacher in Canada my students and I had the opportunity to spend a day at the Forest Valley Outdoor Education Centre in Toronto.

We engaged in activities like maple syrup tapping and, prey and predators. In the forest we had enjoyed nature so much. We came far in understanding what our environment means to us. Destroy the environment and we destroy our lives!

Preserve the environment and we enjoy our lives to the full!

Unfortunately, to many people the preservation of the environment means stifling of physical development in the area. What a sad misconception! Today, the challenge of creating and maintaining a sustainable environment is probably the single most pressing issue that confronts our planetearth. From North America

to Africa, our changing environment has resulted in numerous environmental problems on our hands.

What are some of the causes of these environmental problems? And how do we solve these problems to save our environment?

The Danger: Over the years, physical development and human activities have posed a great danger to our environment.

Industrial pollution, deforestation, over population, unauthorized construction and dumping of waste in surface waters, to mention a few, have brought degradation to the environment threatening our very existence on the planet earth.

Reports have it that at least 170 facilities that handle chemicals, including substances that are toxic or flammable, are scattered across Toronto. And that many of these facilities are close to schools, play grounds and some of the most heavily populated areas of the metropolitan.

Sadly, most residents have no idea what chemicals are being used in their neighborhoods or whether adequate precautions are being taken in case of emergency.

In Accra-Ghana, some developers have constructed unauthorized buildings in and across the drainage of the city. The result is loss of property and lives during heavy rainfall as the Accra becomes flooded.

T h e w o r l d ’s h u m a n population was expected to have surpassed 6 billion

in 1999. This will double by 2020 should the trend of population explosion continue. “The increasing population is placing a nonsustainable stress on the environment, as humans consume ever-increasing quantities of food and water, use more and more energy and raw materials, and produce enormous amounts of waste and pollution,” says the 1997 World Population Report published by Saunders College.

The Amazon in South America and the equatorial forests of Africa are losing most of their flora and fauna species to deforestation.

Managing Our Environment: Cleanliness is next to godliness. I personally believe in axiom. How clean we keep our environment shows how responsible we are to the Creator-God! The Creator put man in the first environment on earth-the Garden of Eden and instructed man to keep it. How are we keeping our environment?

As human settlements develop into cities like Accra in Ghana and Toronto in Canada, garbage disposal management becomes crucial. Such management if neglected or poorly handled leads to environmental hazard. This is where recycling becomes important and the responsibility of all residents. I’m heartened to learn that as part of a plan to improve recycling rates at apartment building in Toronto, the City is making sure that all buildings receiving city garbage collection also receive recycling collection. The goal is to have all buildings on the program by the end of this year. Good for Toronto!

I hope Accra learns from Toronto’s experience.

Another area is managing our air and water. We have to prevent or minimize air and water pollution. Pollution is an unwanted change in the atmosphere, water or soil that can harm humans or

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 41 6 9 1 6 - 37 0 0

other organisms.

Though many governments have made legislation/ regulations controlling pollution in their countries, we have an obligation as concerned citizens of the planet-earth wherever we are to be the watchdogs of the environment.

Unfortunately, there are no rules requiring Canadian companies to disclose all the chemicals they use in the manufacture of products ranging from cleaning solvents to shingles and plastics. Many workers at such factories and residents close to the factories may be at risk. I therefore call on the Canadian government to set aside the self-regulation of Canada’s chemical industry and put in place rules that will require all Canadian companies to make public all the chemicals they use in manufacturing their products.

Wildlife and Tourism: Africa is fast losing its wildlife to poaching. Illegal hunting of game in most

reserves in Africa is making the continent’s wildlife vanish! It is very important for African governments to use education and enforcement of laws to protect our wildlife. I visited Banff in the province of Albert, Canada in 1998 and I was thrilled with the reserves and conservation of wildlife by the Canadian government. Such protection of the environment at Banff and other parks in Canada brings in millions of dollars to the Canadian economy through tourism each year.

Many tourists enjoy the opportunities for camping and viewing wildlife found in Canada. For example, in 1999 Americans made over 15 million trips to Canada.

They accounted for 66% of the tourist spending in Canada.

African governments should take the protection of our vast wildlife seriously to attract millions of tourists to the continent every year.

That’s money!

I appreciate the efforts by the Toronto District School Board in establishing Eco-Schools Teams in its elementary and secondary schools to promote environmental education among students at very early age. Its mission is to nurture environmental leaders, reduce the ecological impact of schools, and build environmentally responsible school communities. The Ghana Education Service and other School Boards elsewhere can involve their schools in environmental protection on such lines.

We should also make people who exploit our forest for timber plant and nurture 3 trees for every tree they fell. We must save our environment from further pollution and degradation at the hands of selfish industrialists, developers, poachers and the illegal miners. The EARTH needs our HELP!

The Ghanaian News April 2018

13

Moesha’s ‘Vaginal Tightening Creams’ & ‘Sex-for-rent’ Claims Sparks Debate In Ghana

By Edmund Agbeko, Toronto An actress who said women needed men to take care of them has sparked fierce debate in Ghana and widened the focus about sexual harassment in the country.

Moesha Boduong said the economy was so bad in Ghana that she was forced to have a relationship with a married man in order to pay her bills. “You just need someone to take care of you. You can’t make enough money as a woman here,” Boduong told CNN in an interview aired recently.

Amanpour asks Moesha if Ghanaian women are as obsessed about beauty as their western sisters.

“Yes, they are, they care for their skin, their body. Anything that has to do with the skin...”, she responds. “And you work in beauty products, I mean, you’re an actress”, Amanpour continues, inquiring about her work with beauty brands. “I’ve been signed for a stretch mark cream. Then there’s the vagina tightening gel...”, she says of her beauty endorsements.

“Vagina tightening gel”, M o e sha r epeats , “It tightens the vagina, and people get it a lot, so many girls use i. You need to be a freak in the sheets to keep your man”, she adds.

only in that way that the ills in society could be fought or addressed.” Eve Akagbo, a 27-year-old copywriter living in Accra, said she was aware of the “sex-for-marks” issue in Ghana. She said she believes that hard work is enough but is sympathetic to others who feel the need to look to a man for support. In her eyes, it’s a “personal choice.”

passion not minding the mental and emotional trauma their victims s u ff e r a r e c o m m o n .

These unscrupulous men sometimes refer to the girls as ‘bush meat’.”

Boduong has since been pilloried by highprofile Ghanaians for her comment and quickly apologised, saying her experience was “not a reflection of what happens in most homes”. But the interview struck a nerve in the conservative West African nation, where sexual harassment is an issue but is rarely talked about. “Sex-for-marks” scandals regularly make the news in Ghana and in nearby Nigeria.

Nigerians are currently following the case of a female student who recorded a conversation with a university lecturer, who demanded sex in exchange for good marks. The student says he failed her because she refused. “The angst that has greeted this scandal is not misplaced,” columnist Monday Philips Ekpe wrote in the ThisDay newspaper o n F r i d a y. “ S t o r i e s about lecturers who seek to satisfy their sexual

In Ghana, an investigation has been launched into allegations that high school girls in the central Ashanti region were sexually harassed by their school staff. Maame Akua Awereba, a representative of activist group Pepper Dem Ministries, told AFP there was a pervasive gender power imbalance in Ghana that needed to be addressed. “Look at the system, that is what gives men the power and gives girls the need to do these things for money for things as basic as rent.” Awereba said sexual harassment was widespread across Ghana. “Their lecturers are harassing them to sleep with them to get the marks,” she said.

In a 2011 study published in the Cambridge Journal of Education, researchers found the most common form of sexual harassment at two Ghanaian universities was sex-for-grades. Dilys Sillah, the founder of a sexual abuse awareness non-profit operating in London and Accra, said

Moesha Boduong Boduong’s comment r e f l e c t e d G h a n a ’s hierarchal society. Those with status and power are protected, said Sillah, explaining that often victims do not see the point in speaking out.

“There are people when they commit certain crimes no-one will come out and say anything. You may even find situations when other victims may

be involved but they will not speak out.”

George Ossom-Batsa, a professor of religion at the University of Ghana, said Boduong should be praised for her honesty.

“Instead of condemning her she needs to be given credit for making society aware of what is actually happening on the ground,” he said. “It’s

According to Moesha Boduong, it was not her intention to offend anyone with her generalisation of Ghanaian women in her interview with the international news outfit.

In a post on Instagram, the actress said, “Dear gh this is Moesha. I have been humbled by all that is going on and I have also learnt a lot in the last few days since the CNN video came out. I have had a lot of time to think and reflect and I APOLOGIZE TO ALL, ESPECIALLY MY AFRICAN SISTERS. I pray u all find it in your hearts to forgive me. It was definitely not my intention to offend any of you.”

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Africa: Open for Business! Canada to host The Commonwealth Africa Forum in July 2018 Convening over 250 delegates and a number of high profile speakers, the Canada Forum will offer unrivalled insight into business on the continent from the boldest innovators and decision makers in Africa LONDON, United Kingdom, April 26, 2018/ -- Senior Government and Business Leaders from Africa and North America will gather in Toronto from the 5th – 8th July 2018 for The Commonwealth Africa Forum Toronto 2018 with the theme: Africa – Open for Business. www.

CASevents.org/tafcanada2018 Past Speakers at CAFI EVENTS have included: HRH Prince Andrew The Duke of York, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Former Nigerian Head of State); Rt Hon Baleka Mbete (Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (Former President of Nigeria), H.E John Dramani Mahama (Former President of Ghana), Amina J Mohammed (UN Deputy Secretary General) represented by H.E Bience Gawanas (UN Under Secretary for Africa), H.E Mrs Toyin Saraki (Wife of the Senate President of Nigeria), Dr. Hassan Ahmed Hilal (Minister of Environment Sudan), Chief Mrs Folorunso Alakija (Vice Chair – Famfa Oil and Richest Black Woman), and more.

The Commonwealth Africa Forum is a premier event for those curious and excited about Africa. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities on the continent.

The Canadian edition of The Africa Forum is conceived as a high level thematic businessrelated event with the vision that Canada and Africa must move beyond donor/recipient relationship towards longterm cooperation based on principles of ownership, partnership and solidarity.

“Africa is a continent of paradox. It has buckets of possibility and investment opportunity, and it is well on the path to achieving that full potential however if still faces a multitude of challenges”, says Adonis Abboud, Member of the Board of Governors of the Commonwealth Africa Initiative (http:// CommonwealthAfrica.com) .

Convening over 250 delegates and a number of high profile speakers, the Canada Forum will offer unrivalled insight into business on the continent from the boldest innovators and decision makers in Africa. A gala dinner will close the Forum which will focus on Doing Business in Africa, with the theme: Africa, Open for Business.

Three of the five fastest growing economies in the world are in Africa. Africa has 300+ tech hubs in 93 cities across 42 countries. Increased internet penetration, mass urbanization and growth in smartphone adoption, combined with rapid population growth, and has made Africa extremely attractive to investors.

Africa is the continent of the

African migrants to United States ‘more educated’ than those in UK Sub-Saharan African immigrants in the US are often more educated than those in the UK, the respected USbased Pew Research Center has found.

A total of 69% of immigrants in the US, aged 25 or older, have some college education, compared with 49% in the UK. The percentage is lower in France (30), Portugal (27) and Italy (10), the other three top Western destinations for subSaharan African immigrants.

Many sub-Saharan African immigrants entered the US through its diversity visa programme, which requires applicants to have at least a

high school education.

Its other findings include: •

63% of US-born nationals in the US had some college education, lower than the 69% among sub-Saharan African immigrants

•

30% of UK-born nationals had some college education, again lower than the 49% among immigrants in the UK

•

Sub-Saharan African immigrants in the US were younger, with a median age of 38 years versus 42 in the UK. bbc

future: Africa is home to the world’s youngest population.

In 20 years, the number of sub-Saharan Africans reaching working age (15-64) will exceed that of the rest of the world combined. By 2040, less than 25 years from now, half of the world’s youth will be African or of African descent.

“It is in light of this that the Forum will feature a High Level Youth Dialogue with participation from Young leaders from across Africa and North America. Conversations at the Youth Forum will consider how Diaspora and African Youths can collaborate to help Africa fulfil the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 and the SDGs” says Napoleon Jay, Co-Chair of the Local Organising Committee.

The Forum will bring together African and North American business leaders representing multi-nationals, large corporations, small and medium-scale enterprises and confederations, civil society representatives and multilateral and regional institutions to discuss how to improve the business and investment climate between Africa, Canada and North America at large.

TAF Canada will also be an opportunity to showcase that Canada is also open for business and investment and the forum will showcase Canadian opportunities to African investors. In the words of Prime Minister Trudeau at the World Economic Forum “We have a diverse and creative population, outstanding education and

health care systems, and advanced infrastructure, we have social stability, financial stability and a government willing to invest in the future”.

Come listen to distinguished speakers who are helping to shape the future and trajectory of the abundant continent called AFRICA. The event is organised by the Commonwealth Africa Initiative (CAFI) in association with Common Cause Africa Canada, YTI Canada, APO Group, Piety Inc, Pan African Diplomacy Center and other organisations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Commonwealth Africa Initiative.

Marriott Hotels Debut in West Africa with the opening of Accra Marriott Hotel, Ghana 208 Room Hotel Brings Modern, Elegant Design, And an Elevated Guest Experience to The Progressive Capital City M a r r i o t t H o t e l s ( w w w.

MarriottHotels.com), part of Marriott International, today announced its debut in West Africa, with the highly anticipated opening of Accra Marriott Hotel (www.

AccraMarriott.com). Owned

by African Hospitality Limited, the hotel is strategically located opposite the Kotoka International Airport, making it the perfect “Gateway to West Africa”. Set in the heart of Airport City, a burgeoning urban development, the Accra Marriott Hotel is just a few kilometers outside of the central business district providing easy access to major corporate businesses, government entities and well known city landmarks.

“We are thrilled to open the Accra Marriott Hotel, a highly anticipated addition to our Africa portfolio and a significant milestone in our journey” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and

Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Accra is the heartbeat of Ghana, a dynamic city bustling with energy. A commercial, manufacturing, and communications center with great shopping and excellent nightlife, it makes an interesting travel destination both for business and for leisure. The Accra Marriott Hotel will add to the city’s maturing hospitality scene, inspiring guests with more forward-thinking experiences and aesthetically inspiring spaces that speak to their inventive nature.”

With 208 well-appointed rooms, 3 enticing dining venues, 800 square meters of meeting space, a pool and a fully equipped fitness center, Accra Marriott Hotel offers stateof-the-art business facilities.

Contemporary design and local touches blend to create a distinct and vibrant aesthetic.

Amenity-filled guest rooms, progressive dining, cutting edge technology, flexible and exemplary meeting facilities

and a brand new social event experience make every guest stay special, while innovative spaces, such as The Greatroom, allow guests to seamlessly blend work and play. Modern and sophisticated in its approach, providing experiences that keep the mind balanced, sharp and inspired, the hotel is the ideal starting point for travelers to do their business or discover the bustling city of Accra.

Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers, Marriott Hotels inspires brilliance leading the industry with innovations. At Marriott Accra Hotel, guests can experience the ease of mobile check in and enjoy an elevated guest experience through Mobile Guest Services, seamlessly delivered with the globally renowned Marriott Hotels service.

To find out more about the hotel visit www.AccraMarriott.com and stay connected on Facebook.

APO Group on behalf of Marriott International, Inc..

The Ghanaian News April 2018

15

Two Koreas dismantle propaganda loudspeakers at tense border The rival Koreas dismantled huge loudspeakers used to blare Cold Warstyle propaganda across their tense border on Tuesday, as South Korea’s president asked the United Nations to observe the North’s planned closing of its nuclear test site.

border with large balloons, prompting South Korea to return fire. There were no reports of casualties.

The dismantling of dozens of loudspeakers was in line with an agreement on reconciliation by the leaders of the Koreas at their historic summit last Friday. It is still unclear if such measures can bring permanent peace because no major breakthrough in the North Korean nuclear standoff was produced at the summit.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has suspended nuclear and missile tests and placed his nuclear program up for negotiation, but skepticism lingers about how serious his offer is and what disarmament steps he would eventually take. Some experts say Kim’s sincerity will be tested during his planned meeting in several weeks with U.S. President Donald Trump, in what would be the first North KoreaU.S. summit talks since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

South Korean soldiers disassembled loudspeakers in multiple front-line areas in the presence of journalists before pulling them away from the border, the Defence Ministry said.

Trump said Monday he likes the idea of going to the southern side of Panmunjom, the location of the Korean summit, to meet Kim, though he said Singapore was also under consideration.

A South Korea military officer said later Tuesday that North Korea had also begun taking down its propaganda loudspeakers earlier in the day. He requested anonymity, citing department rules.

Ahead of that meeting, the leaders of South Korea, Japan and China are to meet next Wednesday in Tokyo for a regular trilateral summit that is expected to focus on North Korea’s nuclear program and other regional issues.

Both Koreas had turned off the propaganda broadcasts along the 248-kilometre (154-mile) -long border last week before the summit.

During their meeting last Friday, Kim told South Korean President Moon Jaein that he would shut down his country’s only known nuclear test site and allow outside experts and journalists to watch the process. He also said he would be willing to give up his nuclear programs if the United States commits to a formal end to the Korean War and pledges not to attack the North, according to South Korea’s presidential office.

They had restarted their propaganda warfare in early 2016 when tensions rose sharply after North Korea’s fourth nuclear test. South Korea broadcast K-pop songs as well as criticism of the North’s abysmal human rights conditions, world news and weather forecasts. The North broadcast antiSouth messages and praises of its own political system.

North Korea is extremely sensitive to any outside criticism of its system, and most of its 24 million people are not allowed access to foreign TV and radio programs. In 2014, North Korean soldiers opened fire after South Korean activists sent anti-North leaflets over the

During a telephone call with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday, Moon said he wants the U.N. to observe the closure of the Punggyri test site. Moon also asked the U.N. to formally declare its support for his summit declaration with Kim. Guterres responded that he will try to contribute to the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula, according to Moon’s office.

GE supports Ghana’s digitization drive; hosts Vice President in Silicon Valley The VP’s focus with this project is to accelerate the digitization of the Ghanaian economy and move Ghana beyond aid dependence GE (NYSE: GE) (www.GE.com), the world’s premier Digital Industrial Company, recently joined a delegation to Silicon Valley led by Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is currently spearheading the country’s digital transformation project. The VP’s focus with this project is to accelerate the digitization of the Ghanaian economy and move Ghana beyond aid dependence.

The delegation aimed to explore the possibilities of developing strategic insight and partnerships with leading technology companies in the Silicon Valley area such as GE and others like Google and IBM, both of whom were also represented on the trip.

The VP and his team took a tour of GE Digital’s San Ramon Facility where the delegation spent over four hours. They received an overview of GE’s products

in power, oil & gas and Predix (GE’s cloud based platform that aids data management and predictive analysis of industrial assets and processes).

The visitors also experienced an augmented / virtual reality Predix pilot app that was demonstrated by recent graduates of GE’s Digital Technology Leadership Program.

Speaking on the event, Sulemana Abubakar, Chief Information Officer of GE Africa, who was amongst the visiting delegation said: “We are proud to have been amongst the technology giants who hosted the Vice President of Ghana and his team in Silicon Valley.”

“GE is committed to the sustainable development of Africa and our Digital business provides solutions that optimize operations to improve asset performance while keeping costs down. This is what Africa needs and Ghana is in the right direction with the government’s digital transformation program” he added.

Ghana is currently reviewing several regulations governing the information cont’d on pg. 16

Some experts downplayed the closure of the Punggy-ri site, saying the six underground nuclear explosions that have been conducted there may have made it too unstable for more testing.

Kim denied such views, saying the site has two additional underground tunnels that could be used for new tests.

A major source of outside suspicion about Kim’s sincerity is his use of the term, “the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” instead of “the denuclearization of North Korea.”

North Korea has long used the first term, and has argued it can disarm only when the United States withdraws its 28,500 troops from South Korea and removes its so-called “nuclear umbrella” security commitment to South Korea and Japan.

A joint summit statement issued by Kim and Moon said they will work together to achieve “a

nuclear-free Korean Peninsula through complete denuclearization.”

It was the first time that Kim has proposed negotiating away his nuclear weapons, and some analysts say he could reveal more substantial disarmament measures in his meeting with Trump, including the possible scrapping of his long-range missile program that has posed a direct threat to the United States.

Prospects for the Kim-Trump talks remain unclear because Kim prefers a gradual, step-by-step disarmament process in return for corresponding rewards, while the United States wants complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.

On Monday, Moon shook off a suggestion that he receive the Nobel Peace Prize for reducing tensions with North Korea, saying Trump “can take the Nobel prize” as long as the Koreas receive peace in return.

Hyung-Jin Kim, The Associated Press

Ghana: On 20 April the United Kingdom concluded delivery of the Managing Defence in the Wider Security Context Course at Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) On 20 Apr the United Kingdom concluded delivery of the Managing Defence in the Wider Security Context Course at KAIPTC. The MDWSC course had commenced on 9 Apr with participants from Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo and of course Ghana.

This multinational array of participants were brought together for a programme that aims to enable representatives from across the defence and security sector to contribute to the development, implementation and review of national security and defence policies.

Covering many areas of policy, strategy, management and leadership, the participants enjoyed a varied programme that sought to aid them in managing defence and security matters in their relevant countries.

The course was opened by the Deputy Defence Minister, the Hon Major Derek Oduro MP (Retired), along with the British High Commissioner to Ghana, HE Mr Iain Walker, with participants honoured to be joined at an evening reception by the Hon Minister for Defence, the Hon Deputy Minister for Defence, the Hon Adam Afriyie MP (the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Ghana), both the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Defence and Interior Committee, the Inspector General of Police, and a wide range of other senior officers and officials.

A flagship programme amongst UK

defence courses, this was the 7th consecutive year that the UK and Ghana have collaborated to deliver this regional programme. In his opening address, HE Mr Iain Walker called on participants to ‘use this opportunity for serious strategic thinking about how Defence and the Security sectors function and how they can function better’, noting that ‘it is through collective dialogue and the collaborative management of issues that we are strengthened.’

L t C o l S i m o n We s t l a k e , t h e UK’s Defence Adviser to Ghana for the last 2 years, stated: “I am very pleased this programme has returned to Ghana and to once again see the combined strengths of the UK Defence Academy, Cranfield University and KAIPTC brought together to the benefit of a wide range of countries and participants.”

He noted how impressed he had been by the expertise and experience that existed amongst the participants and the manner in which they all engaged to share that experience to the benefit of all. He closed by saying ‘the combination of UK expertise and experience with that which exists in West Africa, within the excellent facilities of KAIPTC, makes this MDWSC Course a world-class, and highly sought-after, programme’.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of British High Commission Accra.

16

The Ghanaian News April 2018

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

Criminality as a Determinant of Immigration Sponsorship Eligibility Criminality has been a great concern for Immigration authorities.

Not only are the officers concerned with the likelihood of permanent resident applicants having negative criminal records, they are also concerned with the criminal backgrounds of sponsors.

Immigration Regulation 133 outlines eligibility requirements of a sponsor.

Among other things, this section states that the sponsor must have the intention to fulfil the sponsorship undertaking; should not be subject to a removal order and should not be detained in any penitentiary, jail, reformatory or prison.

In a bid to prevent family violence from occurring against sponsored relatives, section 133(1) (e) specifically indicates that a sponsorship application shall only be approved by an officer if, on the day on which the application was filed and from that day until the day a decision is made with respect to the application, there is evidence that the sponsor has not been convicted under the criminal code of ; an offence of a sexual nature, or an attempt or a threat to commit such an offence, against any person or has not been convicted of an indictable offence involving the use of violence and punishable

by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years, or has been convicted of an offence that results in bodily harm as defined in section 2 of the Criminal Code or has made an attempt or threatened to commit such an offence against any family member.

The term “family member” used in this context includes, but not limited to, a dependent child or other family member of the sponsor; a relative of the sponsor’s spouse or of the sponsor’s common law partner, including a dependent child or other family member of the sponsor’s spouse or of the sponsor’s common law partner; or the conjugal partner of the sponsor or a relative of that conjugal partner, including a dependent child or other family member of that conjugal partner and even someone the sponsor is dating.

Section 36(1) and (2) of Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), cover several

criminal offences which, if committed in or outside Canada, could have removal consequences for Non-Canadians.

Generally, people who are not Canadian citizens may be subject to removal from Canada if they are convicted of a serious offence in Canada. A permanent resident of Canada may become the subject of a deportation order if convicted of an offence in Canada that is punishable under an act of Parliament by a potential penalty of at least 10 years of imprisonment regardless of the actual sentence, or if sentenced to more than six months of imprisonment for any federal offence.

Also, pursuant to section 10 of the Citizenship Act, for reasons such as misrepresentation or fraud at the time of applying for permanent residence, removal orders could be issued against naturalized Canadian citizens.

or been revoked under the Criminal Records Act, or in respect of which there has been a final determination of an acquittal; or if a period of five years or more has elapsed since the completion of the sentence imposed on the sponsor in or outside Canada and the sponsor has demonstrated that they

have been rehabilitated,

an issue.

Criminality in Immigration context is a complex area. Sponsors and sponsored relatives are therefore advised to obtain professional advice in the course of filing applications for sponsorship and permanent residence if they see criminality as

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.

Mozambique To Circumcise 100,000 Men

By Kobina Welsing More than 100,000 men in Mozambique are to be circumcised in a bid to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/Aids.

The health authorities in the central province of Zambezia say their campaign will focus on districts of Ato-Molocue, Ile and Gurue, where circumcision is not a common practice.

This is the second phase of a project that kicked off last year with the circumcision of 84,000 men in the

province.

Abdul Razak, a medical doctor by profession and governor of Zambezia – one of Mozambique’s most populated provinces – is backing the campaign: What I want to underline is that male circumcision and other measures are used to prevent diseases, such as HIV/Aids. They don’t cure the patient.”

It is voluntary, but men are being encouraged to undergo the surgery because of the difference it makes in preventing HIV infection.

The cost of the two rounds of circumcisions in Zambezia province will come to more than $1m (£728,000), funds provided by the US initiative President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar).

Male circumcision is common in many other places in Mozambique, including the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Tete and Inhambane.

According to the World Health Organization, male circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexual men getting HIV by approximately 60%.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Act and Regulations give offenders some break regarding criminality.

Immigration Regulation 133(2) indicates that a sponsorship application may not be refused on the basis of a conviction in Canada in respect of which a pardon has been granted and has not ceased to have effect

GE supports Ghana’s digitization drive; hosts Vice President in Silicon Valley cont’d from pg. 15 communication technology sector to free up the innovative talent and capabilities of already existing and start-up companies. This aims to make it easier to enter and invest in the sector and encourage ICT uptake.

“We are trying to build a new, efficient Ghana.

The world is continually evolving, and this evolution is led by cutting edge technology. We know there are many tal en te d y o u n g me n and women in the ICT

space, and government is looking at ways to make innovating and actualizing promising ideas easier,” s a i d D r. B a w u m i a .

GE has been working in Ghana for several years to support economic growth through infrastructure development especially in the power, healthcare and transport sectors.

One of the company’s innovative power projects is the Atuabo Waste Gas to Power; a flagship project in Sub-Saharan Africa using waste flare gas as a

fuel source. The company is currently in discussions with the government of Ghana on opportunities for collaboration to drive the country’s digital transformation initiative.

Powered by Predix, GE Digital creates software to design, build, operate, and manage the entire asset lifecycle—enabling industrial businesses globally, Ghana inclusive, to operate faster, smarter and more efficiently.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.

Canada Cell: 416-825-5885 USA Cell 1-917-306-0073Tel: 1-914-652-7191 Ghana Cell: +233244-672052 Tel: +233332195630 Web: www.saharaherbals.com Email: atosahara@yahoo.com

The Ghanaian News April 2018

Send money to your loved ones

across the country or around the globe.

877-716-6940 moneygram.ca MoneyGram, the Globe and Bringing You Closer are TM/MD of MoneyGram. The Available at Canada Post design is a trademark of Canada Post Corporation. Š2018 MoneyGram.

MG0318-04153E

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

CEEKTEX INT'L LTD

AFRICAN By Nature

Importers and distributors of all kinds of African textiles and prints from factories to your door steps

African Design for Fashion and more

• Vlisco Julius • President • Ghana kente

• Meba wo abrokyire And many more!

Prices from $10/6yds

*African Fabric * Lace * Clothing * Accessories * Shoes * Children Clothing * Bags * And more

Two Locations: 242 Eddystone Ave. Toronto, 2544 Weston Rd, Toronto opp. Eddystone meat (HWY 401 & Weston rd S) next to car dealership, Opp. Tel: 647 349 1629 Super store.

647 835 1627(cell) Tel: 647 350 1629

ARE YOU BUILDING IN GHANA

?

We produce, supply and install Precast Concrete Floors for storey buildings in Ghana.

URBAN KWIK FLOOR SYSTEM Quick, Neat and Saves Cost by up to 30%

Contact us also for your Building

Plans in Ghana.

C O N TA C T U S

028 822 7031 020 404 4501 905 781 8434 urbcrete@yahoo.com www.urbanconcreteltd.com Head Office: No. 8 Isaac Street, Kwabenya, Accra, Ghana.

Lace $35 each 3 for $100, 5 yards French lace and Void Lace 5 yards $100 Wax Print 6 yards from $10 and Up Cord Lace 5 yards for $50

Tel: 416-399-3601

Email: africanbynature@hotmail.com

7215 Goreway Dr, 2nd Floor, Unit 2B01, Mississauga, ON

The Ghanaian News April 2018

19

Afro Caribbean Foods Now Opens in Hamilton Caribbean Tropical Grocers Inc.

(Formerly India Africa) Specials for This Month

Anchor Mackerel - $1.00 special

Indome - $15.99 per box

Also in store specials: Fresh Yams, Smoke Fish, Exeter Corned Beef and Beauty Supply

For All Your Grocery Needs Contact 905-526-4877 193 Upper Ottawa St., Unit 16-18 Hamilton, Ontario

Phoenicia Sardine - 4 for $6.00

2 Locations To Serve You 70 Devon Road (Airport Rd./Clark) Brampton 905-458-5004

2121 Jane St. Toronto, Ontario Tel: 416-241-5435

MOVING TO ADDRESS BELOW ON FRIDAY JUNE 1ST 2018

20

The Ghanaian News April 2018

KFS Kidoo Financial Services Contact us for your

TAXES Individuals Business

Charity/Non Profit INSURANCE Life Disability/Self-employed

Critical Illness INVESTMENTS RRSP

Guaranteed Investment Funds

RESP (Educational savings) DEBT MANAGEMENT

Credit cards

Line of Credits, etc.

MORTGAGES Consultations Loan

Kwabena Ntim Andoh, BSc MBA

1684 Weston Road, Toronto, ON, M9N 1E3 Tel/Fax: 416-551-1902 Cell: 647-405-8852 Email: Kidoo@rogers.com

Financial Tips

• Review your investments ( RRSP, RESP, Mortgage, Insurance) regularly with your advisor • Learn how to come up with a simple household budget • Manage your debts before they take over your life • Contact me to help you achieve your financial goals

The Ghanaian News celebrates 20 years of service to the community 1997 - 2017

The Ghanaian News April 2018

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

The Ghanaian News April 2018

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

The Ghanaian News April 2018

ROYAL DENTAL CARE

Chiropractic & Rehabilitation

Dr. George Boahene Ansong General Dentistry For the Entire Family

NS UL TA TI

ON

We also offer these services: 1. Motor Vehicle Accident

2. Extended health care

3. Soft tissue massage

4. Custom made orthotics

EE

CO

Tel: 905-264-8010

All Dental Insurance Plans accepted

Al

bio

nR

d.

Reg. $299.00 Limited time Offer

Save $150.00

Royal Dental Care

Martin Grove Rd.

Evening and Saturday Appointments Always Available

Teeth Whitening $69.00 per arch

Fax: 905-264-9010

CLINIC HOURS:

FR

Various Languages Spoken

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY 1. Protruding and Herniating Discs 2. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) 3. Spinal Root Impingment 4. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) 5. Compression Fractures

Cosmetic Dentistry Gum treatment Surgery Dentures White Fillings

1625 Albion Road, Suite 107

NOW INTRODUCES: STATE OF THE ART TREATMENT FOR:

Emergency & New Patients Welcome

Call Us At: 416-748-8866

ISLINGTON NORTH CHIROPRACTIC Dr. M. Agyemang, B.Sc. (Hons.), D.C.

Your Personal Invitation Come and enjoy your Dental experience with

Family Dentistry Crowns & Bridges Teeth Whitening Root Canal Treatment Cleaning

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Mondays 9:30am - 6:00pm Tuesdays 9:30am - 8:00pm Wednesdays: 9:30am - 6:00pm Thursdays 9:30am - 6:00pm Fridays 9:30 am -1:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 1:00pm

7007 ISLINGTON AVE., UNIT 14, Woodbridge, Ont, L4L 4T5

(North-East corner of Islington/Steeles)

Jane @ Wilson Medical Centre

P & C Rehabilitation Services Dr. Paul Agyemang, BHK (Hons) CSCS.DC. Chiropractor

Dr. George W. Otto, M.D.

416 652-6223

Kwame Sarpong, BSc, PA-C, CAPA

• Family Practice & Walk-in Clinic • Specialists • Travel Clinic • Driver Medical Examinations • Car Accident & Work Injuries • Disability Applications HOURS Monday - Friday: 9 am - 7 pm Saturday: 12 noon - 5 pm

Tel: 416-241-0515 2111 Jane St., Unit 3

Toronto, Ontario, M3M 1A2

Offering Excellent Services In: Dr. Paul Agyemang, Chiropractic Treatment BHK (Hons) CSCS.DC. Physiotherapy Treatment MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Bureau) Massage Therapy Custom made orthotics Work Conditioning Program Extended Health Care Acupuncture

Clinic Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday

10 am - 7 pm 10 am - 7 pm 10 am - 1 pm

Tel: 416-652-6223

Thursday 10 am - 7 pm Friday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday

CLOSED

Fax: 416-661-4970

2100 Finch Avenue, W., Suite 310 Located Inside Norfinch Medical Building.

Directly opposite Humber River Hospital-Finch site

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

African Caribbean Groceries Inc 63 Dundas West, Mississauga, Ont

Tel: 905-281-9515 Business Hours

Monday - Wednesday - 10:00am - 8:00pm Thursday - Friday - 10:00am - 9:00pm Saturday - 9:30am - 6:30pm Sunday - 12:30pm - 5:30pm

63 Dundas West of Hurontario

Kaf African Caribbean Market

SUPPORT

Tel: 905-855-3595

BLACK OWN

We specialize in African, Caribbean Groceries: *Gari Pounded *Yam *Vegetable Salad *Fufu *Potato Starch *Stock Fish *Salted Fish *Smoked Fish *Cerelac *Rice *Bournvita *Milo *Corned Beef *Phone Cards *Cosmetics *Goat meat and many more We are wholesalers and distributors of smoke fish

MONEY TRANSFER THROUGH MONEYGRAM

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mon-Sat. 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sun.

LOCATION:

Mississauga, Ontario

2642 Liruma Rd, #2A, Mississauga, Ont.,

BUSINESS Message from The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

401 or 403 to South on Erin Mills Pkwy, Exit West on Dundas, 2nd light left Liruma Road, Behind Mr. Lube

New Kantamanto Market

Central Market We Carry All Your Tropical Grocery Items

Under New Management

For All Your Family Grocery Needs

Specializing In African and Caribbean Food & Hair Products

Open 7 Days A Week

* Fresh Ghana Yam (Pona) * Palm Oil * Titus Sardine * Exeter Corned Beef * Accra Kenkey * Akwaabi * Fresh Garden Eggs * Red Snapper And much more at discount prices

* Amane * Palm Oil * Atadwe * Adwene * Zomi Oil *Werewere * Fufu * Fish * Momone * Alata Samina * Rice * Fresh Yam * Nkuto * Garden Eggs * Goat Meat * Apem * Koobi * Shito * Kenkey * Geisha * Kpako * Gari * Kokonte * Asanka

We are open 7 Days a week.

Sundays from 12 noon to 6:00 pm

Food Containers On Sale

Tel: 416-745-5928

1288 Wilson Avenue, Unit #D, Toronto, Ontario

5010 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 2B, Etobicoke (Steeles/Kipling)

Xpress Tropical Foods & Meat

UNCLE SETH TROPICAL FOODS Specializing in African, Caribbean, Asian & Canadian Foods

African and Caribbean Grocery Store

*WHITE RICE

*ACCRA KENKEY WHITE CORN MEAL

* POTATO FLAKES

* OX HEAD SCENTED RICE

*GRACE KENNEDY SCENTED RICE

*GARI

*ALREADY MIXED FUFU

*ADWENE

*KONKONTE

* FRESH PONA YAMS *ASANKA

*QUALITY ZOMI

* WHITE CORN FLOUR

*BODIE FUFU

Twins Sister Tel: 416-235-1470 Cell: 416-948-2531

*POTATO STARCH *PALM SOUP

*KOOBI

*GHANA BREAD

* Fresh Ghana Yams (Pona) The * Palm Oil * Titus Sardine Lowest * Exeter Corned Beef Prices * Accra Kenkey in * Akwaabi * Fresh Garden Eggs Town * Red Snapper * And much more at discount prices

*SHITO Denton * Red Snapper * Tilapia * King Fish Steak * Mackerell

VISIT OUR FISH

MARKET AND BUTCHER SHOP We open 7 days a week. We also deliver

OUR BEAUTY AND HAIR PRODUCTS One of the Largest Selection

Tel:

416-288-9330

2069 Lawrence Ave. E. Scarborough, Ont.

We are open Monday - Friday: 9 am to 8 pm Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Tel: 416-249-7007 1712 Jane Street, Toronto (Jane/Lawrence)

The Ghanaian News April 2018

African Supermarket & Beauty Supply African Crops * Smoked Fish & Meat * Yam * Plantain * Gari * Fufu etc.

Call Rosina Boakye Tel: 905-913-0033 Cell: 647-588-5755 8887 The Gore Rd., #56 Brampton, Ont. (Jaipur Gore Plaza)

Mercies African Supermarket We Specialize in African Caribbean Groceries & much more...

* Red Snapper * Mackerel * Palm Oil * Egusi * Fresh Ghana Yams * King Fish Steak

* Adwene * Goat Meat * Creams & Lotions * Braids Open * Gels

7 Days

A Week Business Hours Monday - Saturday - 9:30 am - 8:00 pm Sunday - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Tel: 905-846-2897 15 Brisdale Drive (Bovaird Dr. W. & Brisdale Drive)

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NEW ERA MART LTD. AFRICAN & WEST INDIAN GROCERIES

Quality Zome * Yams (Pona) * Gari * Konkonte * Goat Meat * Adwene * Maggi Cubes * Prekese Tel:

416-740-7955

Fax: 416-749-8536

Email: ben@the-wire.com

1148 Albion Road. Etobicoke, Ont. (at Islington)

Asafo Market R & G African and Caribbean Grocery Inc. * Yam * Gari * Rice * Accra Kenkey * Can Food * Dry Fish * Koobi * Akwaabi Fish * And many more

Call Rita or George

Tel: 416-650-5368 391 Driftwood Court (Jane/Driftwood)

Atwima Marfo Enterprise (Formerly East-End Tropical Market)

287 Morningside Avenue (Behind old store)

ADABRAKA SUPERMARKET African, Caribbean Grocery & Beauty Supplies

We are here to serve you.

We have all your African & Caribbean Grocery & Beauty Supplies YOUR LAST STOP TO SHOP

Call Ama Attaa @ Shop 416-264-4004 Cell: 647-782-3337 3242 Eglinton Avenue East, Scarborough, Ont. M1J 2H6

* African Yam * Chicken * Box of Mackerel * Burnt Goat * Red Mullet * Ram Goat Meat * Carnation Milk * Black Soap

* Obaatan Pa Mackerel * Goat Head * Clean Tilapia * Box of Red Snapper * Ackees * Chicken Legs * Grace Soup Mix

* Roasted Hard * African Snapper * Shea Butter * King Fish Steak * Goudas White Rice * Pig Tail * Yellow Yam

WAAKYE - WEEK-END SPECIAL - $5.99 (TAKE-OUT)

Guranteed Lowest Prices on All African Foods Videos and CDs

Cosmetics Tel: 416-286-0516

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

New Kaneshi Market Under New Management Open 7 Days A Week Monday to Friday 8:00 to 9:00 pm Saturdays 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Sundays 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm * Fresh Ghana Yams (Pona) * Palm Oil * Titus Sardine * Exeter Corned Beef

* Akwaabi * Fresh Garden Eggs * Red Snapper * Accra Kenkey

1190 Weston Road 416-614-1664 or 416-317-6327

New African King Meat Shop Under New Management

Lowest Price Guaranteed Specializing in African, Caribbean and Asian Wholesale deal on Yam, Gari, Kokonte and more • • • • •

Burnt Goat Fresh Goat Ox Tail Cow Tripe Smoke Fish

• • • • • •

Ghana Yam Maggi Seasoning cubes Trofai Palm Cream, Palmnut Cream, Ghana Fresh Palm Oil and Coconut Oil Veggies

Business Hours Monday to Friday 10 am - 8:30 pm Saturdays 9 am to 8 pm Sundays 2 pm - 6 pm

Consumer Hotline: 647-344-0988 2223 Jane Street (opposite Chalkfarm) Toronto

BANTAMA Supermarket African Yams * Fresh Meat * Fish Produce * Hair Products * Wholesale & Retail

1050 Albion Road, Etobicoke Ont. (Albion / Islington)

Tel: 416-578-6123 or 647-707-1140

Quality Products from Africa & Caribbean Our Products: * White Yams * Smoked Cat Fish (Pitre) *Smoked Herrings (Amane) * Smoked Herrings (Nsisaawa) * African Ocean Mackerel in chilli sauce or in tomates * And much more....

Tel: 647-764-0159 647-764-2335

2300 Finch Ave. W., Unit #48, Toronto, Ont.

AFRICAN CARRIBEAN Grocery & Meat Shop * Fresh Yam * Gari * Okro * Adwene * Agushie * Vegetable * Goat Meat * Bread etc

* Plantain * Cocoyam * Zomi * Koobi * Herrings * Chicken * Fresh Fish

Best Price In Town

Tel: 647-405-9516 / 647-389-1727 233 Queen St.(Queen & Kennedy) Brampton

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

The Ghanaian News April 2018

29

Downtown restaurant ordered to pay $10K after black man was asked to ‘pre-pay’ for food A Chinese restaurant in downtown Toronto has been ordered to pay a black man $10,000 by Ontario’s human rights tribunal after he and his friends were asked to “pre-pay” for their meals.

Back on May 3, 2014, Emile Wickham and his three friends attended Hong Shing Chinese Restaurant, located in the area of Dundas Street West and University Avenue, to celebrate his birthday.

Wickham said he is from Trinidad and Tobago and the friends he was with at the time are also black.

After the four men ordered their food, Wickham told the tribunal, they were asked to pay for their meals prior to receiving them -- which they did.

Wickham said he felt uneasy about the request and asked other customers inside the restaurant if they were asked to do the same. However, Wickham told the tribunal that none of the customers he spoke to said they were asked to pay in advance.

In an interview with CP24 on Monday, Wickham said he knew after leaving the restaurant that day, that somebody had to be held accountable.

“I would give all of this back to just spend two hours with my friends just bonding for my birthday,” he said. “I think that was the real cost for me that the experience was taken away from me and I can’t put into words – I can’t describe the walk back to the car – to walk away from that restaurant essentially being denied our dignity.”

After leaving the restaurant, Wickham contacted the tribunal and was setup with lawyer Roger Love.

Speaking with CP24 on Monday alongside Wickham, Love said communities need to take an “intersectional approach” while recognizing the importance of race.

“We need to engage.

Communities do need to engage,” he said. “ We n e e d t o h a v e

frank discussions about racism, whether that’s over Facebook, Twitter or more importantly in person.”

In a statement posted to Instagram, Hong Shing Chinese Restaurant said the establishment w a s u n d e r d i ff e r e n t management at the “When something does time of the incident. happen, reach out and The restaurant said the find out what your options tribunal decision is under are.” appeal.

The restaurant in question was ordered to pay Wickham $10,000 as compensation for infringing on his human rights and for injury to his feelings, self-respect and dignity. The tribunal said the restaurant did not offer a credible nondiscriminatory reason for what occurred, and found that Wickham was racially profiled by employees.

The tribunal added that evidence from Wickham proved that the incident had a lasting and profound impact on him.

“It has fundamentally changed the way he perceives Toronto, and the level of the city’s inclusiveness,” the ruling said. “The incident was a rude awakening.”

“We are deeply concerned about the situation and the people affected,” owner and manager Colin Li said in the statement. “There are a number of sensitivities and considerations about

this situation, and for that reason, the tribunal outcome is under appeal by legal representatives.”

“At this time we cannot comment further, beyond emphasizing that the current owner and staff are dedicated to be a committed, inclusive and responsible member of the community.”

Wickham said “really listening” can address this kind of problem going forward.

“I think it starts with listening and I think the non-black and nonindigenous communities in Canada need to really take a step back and listen to stories,” he said. “I know it can be really hard to be like ‘what you did really hurt me and I think you did it because of the colour of my skin.’ Understand that the courage it took for us to call you out on something and probably the next time this happens take a step back and really listen.” Cp24.com

GOLDEN GATES RESTAURANT Best African Cuisine * Dine in - Take out Catering

10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. - Monday to Sunday

Tel: 416-745-1394 2428 Islington Ave., Unit 104 Toronto Ontario, M9W 3X8

Afro Continental Bar & Grill We Serve All Kinds Of African Continental Dishes * Fried Yam with Tilapia or Red Snapper * Fried Plantain with Beans * Waakye (Rice & Beans) with Assorted meat * Banku with Okro or Peanut Soup * Dieho (TZ) * Konkonte * Jollof Rice * Fufu with Peanut Soup or Light Soup

BUSINESS HOURS MONDAY TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

- - - - - - -

12 NOON TO 7:00 PM 11:00 AM TO 10:00 PM 11:00 AM TO 10:00 PM 11:00 AM TO 10:00 PM 11:00 PM TO 11:00 PM 11:00 AM TO 11:00 PM 11:00 AM TO 11:00 PM

Call Kwame or Adwoa @ 416-519-6740 849 Albion Road (Albion/Islington)

30

The Ghanaian News April 2018

Former US First Lady Barbara Bush dies at 92 Barbara Bush, former US first lady and literacy campaigner, has died aged 92.

She said she wanted to spend her last days in “comfort care” w i t h h e r f a m i l y.

Her husband, at 93, is the longestlived US president.

Their son, George

Musician and supporter of the National Democratic Congress, Jewel Ackah has passed away.

The highlife legend who had been battling stroke and other sicknesses for over 10 years now is said to have passed away at his home in the late hours of Friday April 27.

A statement from the office of her husband, former president George HW Bush, described her as a “relentless proponent of family literacy”.

Mrs. Bush, the only woman to have seen her husband and son sworn in as US president, had been unwell for some time and had declined further medical treatment.

Jewel Ackah dead

Jewel, until his demise was on medication and gradually fighting the various ailments.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush W Bush, was elected president in 2000 and served two terms as the nation’s 43rd president.

He said in a statement: “My dear mother has passed on at age 92.

Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was.

Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and

a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions.”

Mr Bush said his mother had “kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end”, adding: “I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother.

Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes.” BBC.com

Five bodies found in vehicle in Cancun, Mexico Police were investigating after five bodies were found Wednesday morning stuffed into an abandoned automobile in the Mexican resort town of Cancun.

The fresh violence comes amid growing debate over whether the popular tourism site might be becoming too dangerous for travelers.

Some of the bodies were in the truck of the vehicle, while others were inside.

The vehicle was parked outside a gym near government offices. An anonymous witness alerted authorities to the bodies by making a call to an emergency phone line. The vehicle was taken to the local coroner’s office with the bodies.

Cancun, once heralded as a safe destination for Europeans, Mexicans and Americans alike, has increasingly faced security threats and drug-related killings in recent months. Earlier this week, three local police officers were arrested in the disappearance of four Colombians from the region. The week before, gunmen on water scooters shot at a vendor on a beach near touristfilled hotels. Nobody was injured, the Associated Press reported.

The local attorney general’s office said this week it would increase security at its offices. Visitors to the office will now be searched and must pass through a metal detector, the Latin American Herald Tribune in Venezuela reported.

Questions about whether Cancun remains a viable destination first made international headlines earlier this month after 14 people were killed in the area within 36 hours.

The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning in March advising travelers that it many areas of Mexico face high crime threats, including kidnapping and robbery. “The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico as U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to these areas,” the warning states.

In Quintana Roo state, which includes Cancun, the State Department warns visitors to exercise caution because of an increase in homicides in 2017 compared to 2016 as a result of turf battles between organized crime groups. “Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred,” the warning states.

Roughly 5.8 million international visitors traveled to Cancun in 2016.

About half of them arrived from the U.S. The consul general of Mexico in Austin, Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez, has said American travelers should be alert while in Cancun. In all, there were about 133 murders in Quintana Roo during the first half of 2017, more than double the recorded killings from 2016.

“Tourism is an extremely important industry for us. It has increased at approximately 10 percent per year for the last four to five years and that means that for Mexico and for the Mexican government it’s extremely important to exercise all cautionary measures,” Gonzalez Gutierrez told Dallas News earlier this month.

Known for the popular party anthem for the National Democratic Congress, Jewel is said to have made comments to the effect that he didn’t want to be celebrated when he died when monies could be as well donated during his trying times to cater for his health.

“I want to remind them that they shouldn’t let me die before they come and make Jewel Ackah….Jewel Ackah”, he said while Addressing an NDC group who donated a sum of GHC2,000 towards his medication in August 2017.

He was 73.

About Jewel Ackah Jewel Ackah was born in 1945 at Axim in the Western Region of Ghana to Emmanuel Ackah and Cecilia Dye. He started his education at the Axim Roman Catholic primary and completed in Takoradi in 1963. Jewel had a career as a footballer and later joined a shipping company called Palm Line.

He realised shipping was not his field so he was introduced to a traditional drumming group and within a short time he became the best in the group. Jewel was picked up by a renowned musician named Ebo Tailor.

Jewel Ackah

He is one of the few musicians who made popularised the gospel music genre in Ghana after he had drifted from secular music.

He started playing live dance band and played with guys like Elgrand Kwofie, C.K. Mann and Jos Akins as the master of the band. In 1974 Jewel recorded his first album ‘Gyaki Mea’ in the Nzema dialect which was a hit and won him several awards. He also teamed up with Pat Thomas to record the song ‘˜False Lover’ the same year.

Still as a drummer, he joined the famous Sweet Beans Band and through hard work was called to lead the Sweet Talks in Tema. From there he made his trip to the US with C.K. Mann. After his trip he also made some single trips to Canada, back to the US and then to Europe.

Jewel Ackah has over 27 albums to his credit. Some of his songs are ‘Asomdowoe Hene,’ ‘Abena,’ ‘I’m in the Mood,’ ‘Joyce Sane Bra,’ and ‘Me Wo Bi. ghanaweb.com

Investigation over Ghana baby for sale Tw o s o c i a l w o r k e r s a r e u n d e r investigation in Ghana for allegedly faking the death of a day-old baby and then selling her for $3,600 (£2,600).

The suspects - a probation officer and justice administration officer - were helping the baby’s mother after she sought assistance from the social welfare department in the Ashanti region after her boyfriend abandoned her during her pregnancy.

Ashanti police spokeswoman Juliana Obeng said that after the woman gave birth in hospital, the suspects allegedly took the new-born to another hospital under the guise of treating rashes on her body but they returned with news of the baby’s death.

Meanwhile, they are alleged to have sent the baby to a children’s home in Kumasi, from where she was later put up for sale.

The two provided no evidence of the dead baby, but allegedly succeeded in manipulating the mother to stay with the probation officer for two months.

They allegedly sold the baby on 3 February and shared the money, police said.

The suspects are currently out on bail, while being investigated on charges of stealing a child and conspiracy to steal a child.

The baby was found this week and is in “proper care”, police said. bbc

The Ghanaian News April 2018

QES Scholar Application and Proposal Guidelines for Canadian Applicants 2018 – 2020 Application requirements for The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) Coming Together – Strengthening Partnerships between Ghana and Canada to address Maternal Newborn and Child Health.

Background The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship – Advanced Scholars (QES-AS) is focused on supporting doctoral researchers, post-doctoral fellows and early career researchers from Canada and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) to develop solutions to complex national and global challenges. The QES-AS Program aims to identify scholars showing leadership potential, and support them in acquiring world-ready research experience through a university, in collaboration with either a non-profit organization or industry. QES-AS aims to strengthen university linkages with industry, community and international partners to explore new opportunities and to better position Canadian universities in the competitive international higher education market. In November 2016, the University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing successfully received funding to fund the ‘Coming Together – Strengthening Partnerships between Ghana and Canada to Address Maternal, Child and Newborn Health.’

Scholar Eligibility Selected scholars must fall into one of the two categories: 1. Doctoral Scholars 2. Post-Doctoral Scholars Please review requirements for each category 1. Doctoral Scholar a. Must be enrolled in a full-time PhD program at the University of Alberta; b. Must be undertaking full-time research and cannot be completing course work; c. A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident; d. Participate in community engagement activities in Ghana; e. Commitment to spend a minimum of 90 consecutive days (excluding travel days) in the LMIC partner institution; f. Conduct research on a full-time basis at the LMICpartner institution (University of Ghana) of which no less than 30% of award time must involve research at the research placement partner (off campus).

Applications must include: A one-page Letter of Intent outlining your MNHC research focus, justification for the QES funding, and motivation for sustained engagement with University of Ghana and University of Alberta QES alumni.

Available Funding: Travel expenses: $2500 (airfare, visa, medical insurance, immunization, ground transportation) Living allowance: $2500 per month for up to 6 months (accommodation, food, communications, local transport).

‘Tonight we stand together’: #TorontoStrong vigil honours victims of van attack cont’d from pg. 1 the past week,” said Imam Refaat Mohamed, vice-president of the Canadian Council of Imams.

This is my town and my heart is just rocked by this, and I just want to be strong for my friends and my family and everybody in this city.- Monica Gibbs, vigil participant “Lord, please help the great responders, the doctors and everyone who has given so much to help manage the impact of what happened here last Monday,” he continued.

Many speakers commended emergency service personnel on their work the day of the incident, including the officer who was able to arrest the suspect without firing his gun.

“In Toronto, in Ontario, in Canada, we don’t run away — we run to help others,” said Rabbi Baruch Frydman-Kohl of the Beth Tzedec Congregation, the largest synagogue community in Canada.

Frydman-Kohl also referenced other van attacks in cities such as Paris, Beirut and Charlottesville, Virginia.

“Toronto has felt the pain of other places, and those cities now share our horror and hurt,” he said.

Sunday’s vigil was preceded by a public march down Yonge Street. Trudeau, as well as Wynne and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard, sang hymns with marchers as they made their way to the square.

2. Post-Doctoral Scholar a. An individual who is conducting research after the completion of their doctoral studies; b. Must be undertaking full-time research and cannot be completing course work; c. A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident; d. Participate in community engagement activities in Ghana; e. Commitment to spend a minimum of 90 consecutive days (excluding travel days) in the LMIC partner institution. f. Conduct research on a full-time basis at the LMIC partner institution (University of Ghana) of which no less than 30% of award time must involve research at the research placement partner (off campus).

Available Funding: Travel expenses: $2500 (airfare, visa, medical insurance, immunization, ground transportation) Living allowance: $3000 per month for up to 6 months (Accommodation, food, communications, local transport) Applications must include: A one-page Letter of Intent outlining your research focus, justification for the QES funding, and motivation for sustained engagement with University of Ghana and University of Alberta QES alumni.

Inquiries Please feel free to contact Dr. Solina Richter (solina.richter@ualberta.ca) or Ms. Ginger Sullivan (ginger.sullivan@ualberta.ca) Application is due: June 1, 2018.

Submit the application document to solina.richter@ualberta.ca

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Jennifer Ludlow, who attended the march along with her church, had many friends who witnessed the attack and tried to help in the aftermath.

“It’s amazing how on this one stretch of street, so many people are connected and affected by it,” said Ludlow.

“To come together as a large group really does bring us all together, and shows us there is hope on the other side.”

The vigil also featured choirs from around the city. The event was co-organized by the City of Toronto and community groups Faith in the City and the Toronto Area Interfaith Council.

Rabbi Eva Goldfinger is among those who addressed the crowd. She specializes in supporting inter-cultural communities and relations, and said it’s important for people to feel like they have the support of those around them after a tragedy.

“Each of those who died are remembered as wonderful human beings who brought light into our world through a combined 539 years of their own acts of loving kindness,” she said.

“To make up for the loss of their continuing light and love, it behooves us to keep their light burning by continuing and multiplying their acts of openness, generosity and compassion. This will be their immortality. This will be the hope of a better future for us, for Toronto and for our world.”

Amir Modaressi said he participated in the vigil to help deal with the memories of Monday›s violence.

“I come because this is, I guess, a part of the healing process. I was here on the day of the accident, and now to get rid of those images, and to overcome those images, I believe this is the best way,” he told CBC Toronto.

“To come here and unite with the people and share acts of kindness.”

Monica Gibbs said she wanted to show her support for her “community and the people that are all a part of it.

“This is my town and my heart is just rocked by this, and I just want to be strong for my friends and my family and everybody in this city. Everybody needs love,” she told CBC Toronto.

People also gathered at Mel Lastman Square earlier in the day to pay tribute, leaving bouquets of flowers, hand-written posters and votive candles in a makeshift memorial.

On Friday, officials released the names of all eight women and two men who were killed in the incident. They ranged in age from 22 to 94, and included a student from South Korea and a man from Jordan.

Twitter Ads info and privacy T h e a c c u s e d d r i v e r, 2 5 - y e a r old Alek Minassian, has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder. He will be charged with three more counts of attempted murder at his next court appearance.

By Sunday morning, a city-organized fundraiser for the families of those affected had raised more than $1.7 million.

CBC News

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Poor -Parenting Should Be Blamed For Our Messed-Up Society WE’RE IN THE MIDST of crisis with our children because Ghanaian parents are either not paying attention to what is going on or not doing their work. If they are, they would realize that most children today barely read, write (except with their thumbs on their cell phones), and are not wellbehaved or respectful. They have selective memories and not generous with their time, energies or courtesy.

Yes, being a parent is the toughest job in the world, especially with increasing number of negative influences, pitfalls and out-of-control, time- zapping choices facing our kids today. However, we can’t throw in the towel because the nation is counting on us to deliver it from the doldrums.

How did we get into this mess?

The Ghanaian children are confused as hell because what we do as adults (parents) are different from what we tell them. Parents are not taking responsibility for teaching their kids the principles of successful, productive and responsible life.

There is a school in my area with an inscription,”the end depends on the beginning”.

Yes, if we want a better country we have to pay attention to how our kids are raised and ‘pampered’—and what we say and do around them.

Why am I saying that?

Too many parents are ‘lazy’ or otherwise not involved with matters of import that properly raising their offspring. They often don’t want to get up off their butts to show as well as tell, and some of them don’t want to interrupt the viewing of their favorite television shows, long enough to enforce the ‘rules’. Unfortunately, this bad parenting is socio-economic blind—it affects every member of the society---rich or poor!

And, I’m not talking about people who should never

have had kids to begin with.

We all know those folks are everywhere. I’m talking about those parents who take no interest in their kids and have zero ‘values’, worthy of passing on.

For the most part, the problems (politically, socially and economically) we have in this nation exist because of lousy training from mama and daddy.”Not my kids!” “This is a blanket statement”. Oh ..Really? I recognize that there are always exceptions to every point so don’t bother pointing that out to me. However, my statements apply to most parents in most situations. Just look around your neighborhood.

What do you see during funeral celebrations and Easter at Kwahu?

You don’t agree? Then you’re not paying attention. These days, well-behaved, respectful and level headed kids are exception, not the rule, and for the most part their parents are to be blamed.

Just look around. Our kids are a mess. They are overintoxicated, overindulged in instant gratification, overweighed, over-entertained, over-doped, undereducated, underachieving, underdisciplined, disrespectful, illiterate brats with sense of entitlement syndrome and hooked on synthetic drugs to numb their frustrations.

How do I know that our young people are such a mess and

the country is going down the tube because of lousy parental duties?

Take a quick trip to our SHS campuses, you will definitely throw up. And come down to our Malls. You will see rude teens with their pants sagging on their butts and advertising their body parts, and smoking outside the front door. You will also see young, professional “sakawa millionaires” with their “gold diggers” in tow, buying craps they don’t need but just to satisfy and massage their deflated egos and impress people who don’t give a crap about them.

While you’re there I want you to buy something from one of the fast food joints.You will be lucky to get a young person working in the shop to look you in the eye and say “thank you!”,or much more than grunt at you. Yet they wonder why customers don’t give them tip.

After that walk into a retail store .You will be lucky if you can get the employees to stop talking to one another long enough to notice you’re in the store or put down their cell phones long enough to speak to you— they’re chatting with their virtual friends so you don’t count!

When you leave the mall, go home and turn on your television and watch the news for a while. You will see that it’s full of stories of people who either want to over throw the government—because things don’t go their way-- or want to cheat the system to acquire more worldly toys. And, armed robbery or homicide news is just the norm.

Don’t stop there. Flip the channel to any one of the evangelical- charismatic stations, which have turned Christianity outside down, all in the name of making tons of money on the backs of the wounded souls. Oh Lordy!

Flip the channel again and

watch the entertainment shows and videos. Look at how the young celebrities are cursing, drunk, without underwear, filming and showing off their cars, women, body parts and million dollar mansions. Yes, these are the role models for your kids. Kids model the behaviors that are perceived to be “acceptable” by parents or society.

It still goes back to the fact that children learn or don’t learn their values and what is and isn’t acceptable behavior from their parents. Those teens will grow into adults and practice that behavior in their personal and professional lives, creating a society that reflects the cumulative result of parental training. Look at the behaviors of our politicians and community leaderships--do you need more proof than that?

Do you think some of our politicians and community leaderships just woke up one day and their supposedly ,superb integrity and empathy impulses got robbed by a creature from outer space?

They picked everything up from their parents. Blame their parents!

Our children are not learning anymore because most parents don’t want to be bothered with schools that enforce strict academic discipline .They rather prefer taking their children to where examination malpractices are rampant with ‘great BECE’ result, regardless of how the child obtains the desirable grade. Why should they learn when their parents always pay their way out? The end justifies the means—you got it? By the way, who said the three -year system for JHS and SHS is yielding any positive dividend for the nation?

Watch how they speak and write.

How come our school system has become a manufacturing assembly line?

Now, before anyone gets the opinion I ‘m hard as a parent, they can disabuse themselves from that notion. Yes, I’m a fairly disciplinarian—not abusive— especially during the early formative years of the child, when it really matters. I always took time out that required and necessary to do my job of parenting. I also want to go the by book and don’t want easy-way- out of everything.

I believe lines should be drawn in the sand in terms of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. When those lines are crossed by the kids , some acceptable consequences must be carried out, whether you’re busy or preoccupied with other things—whether it’s not convenient or your heart isn’t in it.

Now let’s look at the dangerous effects of bad -parenting in Ghana: 1. Lousy customer service.

2. Illiteracy.

3. Lousy education system.

4. Crime.

5. Teenage pregnancy.

6. Teen alcoholism/juvenile delinquency .

7. Bad driving.

8. Sense of entitlement syndrome.

9. Corruption.

10. Laziness.

11. Apathy 12. Childhood obesity 13. Sexisim.

14. Wacky materialistic impulses and excessive addiction to electronic gadgets.

15. Addiction to India hemp and hard drugs.

16. Deadly and lousy medical delivery system with its hostile nurses.

17. Lack of money management and investment skills, etc Have I been clear or should I keep adding more to the list?

The bottom line is societal problems could pretty much be prevented or solved through better parenting—not any other way.

Got it?

Stay Tuned for more!

Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi (voice of reason) *The author is a social commentator.

Ghanaian Women’s Fasting and Prayer Conference May 21st 2018 (Monday, Victoria’s Day Holiday) VENUE: Ghanaian Presbyterian Church 51 High Meadow Place (Finch/Signet) 9 a.m. - 12 noon Contact: 416-877-3077, 146-916-3700, 416-904-0148, 647-768-8579, 416-558,8593, 647-878-0905, 416-882-5186, 416-820-9522, 647-654-5570, 647-300-6469, 647-892-9212, 905-488-9763, 647-718-4819

The Ghanaian News April 2018

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Community

y in pictures

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

PEOPLE AND PLACES

His Lordship Kweku T. Ackah Boafo (2nd right) visits Living Word Assembly of God Toronto

From left: Rev. Isaac Takyi DeGraft, Snr Pastor Living A/G, Mrs. Comfort Ayiku, His Lordship Kweku Ackah Boafo, Mr. Emmanuel Ayiku

Angelina Gorman a.k.a. Auntie Afua clocks 70 years

Kelisha Ekua Botwe dedicated in Montreal

Mr. Kevin Botwe and Mrs. Rebecca Appiah dedicated their baby girl Kelisha Edua Botwe on Sunday 15 April, 2018 at the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, St. Laurent Quebec. Rev. Stephen Asundem officiated the dedication

5th Annual Women 40 over Forty Absolutely Fabulous Women Awards & Gala

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

Auntie Afua (3rd right) celebrated her 70th birthday at the Hope of Believers Church, 276 Eddystone, Toronto officiating Pastor Peter Awuah

Thanksgiving Service at St. Andrew’s Catholic Ghanaian Congregation Mr. Samuel Appiah and Mrs. Theresa Appiah at the St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church Sunday April 29, 2018 to give thanks to the Lord for his recovery after short illness

From left: Theresa Awuni, Janet Brakohiapa, Sylvia Morrison and Rita Duah Recipients The plush Grand Victorian Convention initiatives and improving the social C e n t r e , 1 7 5 D e r r y R o a d E a s t , and economic lives of community Mississauga was the venue for the 5th members across the GTA. Next was annual Women 40 over Forty Absolutely Janet Brakohiapa who was also honored Fabulous Women Awards and Gala. The for community leadership, as the gala was held on Saturday, March 3, Founder and Director of Safe Haven 2018. Forty fabulous women of various Cancer Support Society. She is also part disciplines and ethnic backgrounds were of the legal clinic community which honored at the event. Three deserving provides services for people who would women from our community as well as otherwise have no access to justice. a very good friend of our community were among the recipients. Rita Duah, Sylvia Morrison was given an award President of the Ghanaian-Canadian for advocacy for her support for various Association of Ontario (GCAO) women grassroots community initiatives in wing was honored for her advocacy of Cuba, Togo, Benin, Uganda, Kenya and passion for seeking the development Ghana. She has impacted many lives in of young girls, women and youth of the Volta Region of Ghana and in the the community. Also, Theresa Lariba past five years through Links Across Awuni of GCAO was recognized as Borders which she a founder. It has a community leader for volunteering completed five libraries in Ghana and and contributing assisting in unifying has been enstooled a as a queen mother in Ghana.

The Ghanaian News April 2018

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3 Day Canada Gospel Campaign- Churches of Christ

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

The Churches of Christ, Takoradi and Toronto Congregations organized a 3-day Canada Gospel Campaign from Friday April 27 and climaxed on Sunday April 29, 2018. The venue was the Forum Banquet Hall, Toronto.

The theme was “And you shall know the truth; and the truth shall make you free,” taken from John 8:32. The guest speaker was Bro. Dr. Dan Owusu Asiamah of Takoradi Central Church of Christ.

Each congregation of the Church of Christ is autonomous and is independent of every other congregation. The first congregation in Ghana was established at Agona Nkum in the Central Region and has spread all over Ghana. Each congregation is governed locally by plurality of elders. Singing in the church is without instrumental accompaniment.

The church does not subscribe to man-made creeds; only to the New Testament pattern, according to them.

Bro. Dr. Dan Owusu Asiamah Guest speaker Bro. Dan Owusu Asiamah (right) with some adherents

The adherents donot consider themselves a denomination but simply members of the church Jesus established, buying it with His blood.

Bro. Dr. Owusu Asiamah in his preaching stated that the most important reason why we should evangelize with the gospel of Christ because people are going round deceiving people. If a person is denied a particular truth, he himself becomes a slave. He added that Solomon after leading a good life came to the conclusion that everything was vanity, and that life without God is vanity. He continued that the whole duty of man is to obey God’s commandments. Religion simply means man going to His creator, and God knows that we are not perfect as such he made the Holy Spirit available to us.

Brother Dr. Dan Owusu spoke also on the menace of false prophets in this world and that Christians, in the view of the Church of Christ, are not under any obligations to pay tithes. It is in the Bible that many false prophets are in this world. Also we have to be very careful in following someone because he says he is a pastor. We have to test the Spirit to see if it is from God. He added that the Church of Christ is here in Toronto to allow Ghanaians to be saved.

Ghana delegation

The interpreter for the events was Charles NiiOdoi.

Brother Dr. Dan Owusu Asiamah (right) and Charles Nii Odoi, interpreter Tony Bonsu

Wiredu Aikins

Nana Kwame Gyamfi Bro. Dr. Dan Owusu Asiamh (2nd left), Nii Odoi and some memberrs

Sam (Ghana House) organiser with some invited guests Church of Christ Toronto

At the crusade

Some invited guests

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

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Frankly Speaking The Dishonourable “Honourables” in Ghana’s Parliament By: Dr. Michael Baffoe, Winnipeg, MB

The members of Ghana’s Parliament are in the news again…big time…and as usual, and as expected, for all the wrong reasons. The little nation called Ghana with nearly thirty million people has as many as two hundred and seventy-five Members of Parliament.

At independence in 1957, the first Parliament had 104 Members. The number was increased to 140 under the second Republic under Prime Minister Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia from September 1969 to January 1972 when the government was violently overthrown through a military coup d’état. The same number was retained for the Third Republic Parliament under the government of Dr. Hilla Liman when the nation first experimented with the current Presidential system of

government. This system, an attempt to marry the B r i t i s h We s t m i n s t e r Parliamentary system and the American Executive Presidential system with a supposed independent Legislative arm, is what is being practiced today under the Fourth Republic which has endured 25 years of political stability.

The number of Members of Parliament was increased to 200 when the Fourth Republic

began under Jerry John Rawlings in 1993. The Parliamentary Elections of 1992 was boycotted by the New Patriotic Party then led by the late Prof.

Albert AduBoahen who felt that that his party had been cheated out of victory in the Presidential elections held earlier.

That first Parliament under the Fourth Republic which began in 1993 had 199 Members from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and one independent MP, Madam Hawa Yakubu.

The number of constituencies, and MPs were increased to 230 in 2008, when new constituencies were created. In another controversial move which received widespread criticism and condemnation, the then Electoral Commissioner,

Police arrest two Social Welfare staff for stealing, selling baby Two senior officials of the Social Welfare Department in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region, have been picked up for stealing and selling a day-old baby.

Probation Officer, Evelyn Jemima Alangeah, and her colleague, Justice Administration Officer, 5 8 - y e a r- o l d S a m u e l Obeng Afriyie, admit to selling the baby to a couple for over GHS16,500.

They are said to have stolen the child from a maternity home where the mother had been sent to give birth.

The baby’s mother who hails from Lawra in the Upper West Region ,sought support from t h e S o c i a l We l f a r e Department’s Regional Office last year after her boyfriend abandoned her with a pregnancy.

She was said to have met Evelyn who asked her to call when she was due for delivery.

The social worker took her to a private maternity home in Kumasi and stole the baby the day it was born.

She reportedly told the woman her sick baby had been referred to a nearby hospital for further observation after it was born with ra s h es on the neck.

Investigations by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, however, revealed Evelyn had then sent the baby to the Kumasi Children’s Home, and later sold her to a couple who had applied to adopt a baby at the department for GHS 16,500.

Evelyn after selling the day-old baby, told the woman her baby did not survive and later took her to Tewobabi in Kenyasi near Kumasi, where she lived with her for two months.

The mother, not too convinced with the story of her dead baby, confided in a friend who advised that the issue should be reported to police.

Evelyn Alangeah was arrested on April 6, 2018, by the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the Ghana Police Service following investigations.

DSP Juliana Obeng who speaks for the Ashanti Regional Police Command told Nhyira FM the action of Evelyn was to cover up.

“Evelyn took the complainant to Tewobabi in Kenyasi in the Ashanti Region to stay with her in order to cover up her diabolical deeds,” she revealed.

According to her, the two officials shared the money from the sale of the baby.

“Suspect Evelyn charged the couple an amount of GHS 16,500 for the adoption process.

Unknown to the couple, the baby was a stolen one.

The amount, being proceeds from the sale of the baby was shared between Evelyn and Mr. Samuel Obeng Afriyie, all officers of the Social Welfare Department here in Kumasi.”

Police have so far questioned managers of the private maternity home as they process the suspects for court.

DSP Juliana Obeng said the police have taken custody of the baby after admitting the two suspects to bail.

“As we speak, the baby is in good condition; the baby has been taken to a home so that she could be taken care of whilst the investigation and then court proceedings also go on,” she explained.

Nhyira FM checks at the Regional Office of the Social Welfare Department reveal, the two suspects who face conspiracy to wit child stealing and child stealing charges, are still at post.

Officials of the Regional Office have declined comment after sending reports with recommendations to the headquarters in Accra.

Myjoyonline.com

Dr. KwadwoAfariDjan, increased the number of constituencies, and therefore the number of Members of Parliament to 275, the current number that was used for the 2016 elections.In the 2016 elections, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leaped from opposition to win 169 seats to the NDC’s 106. None of the other political parties won any seats in that election leaving the Parliament as a two-party Parliament.

So much for the historical background of Ghana’s parliament and its numerical strength. My issue this month is about the integrity of members of this “honourable” institution whose members prefer, and demand, to be addressed as “honourables”. Infact the “honourable” title has became so much coveted in Ghana’s politics that all elected officials, from the local unit Committee member from Betom or Nsukwao in Koforidua, to the local “Assembly Man” elected from my Holy Village of AssinWurakese to the local Municipal A s s e m b l y, t h r o u g h t h e m em b ers o f t h e Metropolitan Assemblies to the Members of the National Parliament all demand, as a right, to be addressed as honourables” And please do not play with this title for these “honourables”.

They do get pretty upset if one does not address them as “honourable” so so and so.

So what does this “honourable” title and status entail…and require of our elected officials?

The “Right Honourable” is an honorific style traditionally applied to certain persons and to certain collective bodies in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, India, some other Commonwealthrealms, the Anglophone Caribbean, Mauritius, and occasionally elsewhere.

So who is an “Honourable”? An honorable person is someone who believes in truth and doing the right thing — and tries to live up to those high principles. When you lose a game, it’s honorable to shake hands. If you smash into someone’s parked car, it’s honorable to leave a note so they can contact

you. Telling the truth is honorable.

Are MPs “honourables”?

Most MPs are referred to as “the Honourable Member for...” followed by the name of their constituency or as either “the Honourable gentleman” or “the Honourable lady”. ...

“Right Honourable” indicates a member of the Privy Council - normally a past or present minister.

So, as you can see from the brief description and explanation above, those that aspire to the position of an elected representative of the P e o p l e ’s A s s e m b l y (national or local) are expected to behave and act “honourably” according to the dictates, expectations and status attached to this position. So, have our elected officials in Ghana, especially those that occupy very comfortable Made-InChina red-coloured seats in Parliament, behaved and continue to behave and act “honourably”?

Before we answer that question, let us take a look at the salaries and other benefits of our politicians in Ghana, including the “honourables”. As at November 2012, the p r e s i d e n t ’s m o n t h l y salary went up from about $4,240 (£2,640) to $6,357, which is tax free.

The salary for ministers, who also have benefits such as the use of two cars, a house with staff and an entertainment allowance, was$4,770.

MPs’ salaries were also increased by $2,225 to $3,800 a month, tax free.

By current exchange rates, Ghana’s MPs taxfree monthly take-home pay is 17,100 Ghana Cedis. They also enjoy free accommodation and other pecks: sitting allowances on Committees, taking huge bribes from Agencies and other organizations whose issues come before Parliament for Legislation, and/or budgetary considerations.

They sometimes take some “allowances” to

travel and stay in top hotels in the country to “retreat” to discuss certain Bills, Budgets or issues. The 2012 figures referred to above have been adjusted upwards since then.

With all these hefty salaries in a country where most workers earn less than one thousand Ghana Cedis a month, these “honourables” are totally overpaid!! So we, the people, are right to expect that the MPs behave and act “honourably” devoid of any crooked stuff, manipulations and in some cases outright stealing from the public purse. But hell no! The “honourables” in Ghana’s Parliament continue to be immersed in financial scandal upon financial scandal every day, every month, every year and in the life-span (four years) of every Parliament of the Republic that they have been part of.

The latest to explode is a revelation that some of the “honourables” under the last Parliament from 2012 to 2016 were knowingly taking double salaries from Parliament and from the Controller and Accountant General’s Department that pays the salaries of Ministers and Deputy Ministers. The scandal is huge and involve some of the top MPs in the current Parliament.

They are currently undergoing criminal investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service.

A n d G h a n a ’s t o p investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyew Anas is threatening to release a major bombshell from his investigations on our political elites in Ghana, many of whom are among our “respected” “honourables”. My question today is: when can we expect just a little bit of “honourable” behaviour and actions from our current dishounorable “Honourables”?

Keep your fingers crossed!

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Safe Haven For Money Laundering Laundering dirty money from the drug trade and other international illegal activities is now here.

Although it has been here for sometime, today it has now gathered momentum with the players visiting most of the tricks of the industry in their operations locally.

lay to contain and in our part of the world, calls for external assistance in both resources and capacity-building.

The crime, because of its sophisticated nature, is hardly mentioned let alone subjected to scrutiny for effective tackling and the reason is simple: it is beyond many of our cops and involves very rich persons who made and continue to make their money through the illegality.

It is a modern trend in a sophisticated world fueled by social media and beyond the imagination of the uninitiated. It requires a large capital out-

Olivia Akpari

Amenable bank officials, law enforcement officers, in some instances, and owners of microfinance companies, are involved in the complex network with foreign bases. The facades of some businesses with seemingly little activities going on in them and others the contrary, are conduits of the dirty monies. By the time they pass through these companies, they are sufficiently laundered to elude capture – unleashed unto

the mainstream economy we should not expect with its attendant chal- a solution to the crime anytime soon especially lenges. as we are more concerned Even in advanced sys- with simple infractions. tems such as the US and European countries, those We are aware though involved in the illegal- about how occasionally ity are quick to unleash the subject comes up for fresh ploys to outwit discussion in some secueagle-eyed detectives rity circles but these are trained in the art of iden- not pursued for reasons tifying the movement of as mentioned in earlier paragraphs. dirty monies.

In a system such as ours We can state that monwhere there is dearth of ey laundering is taking knowledge of the crime, place in the country today and unless our law

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

43

3 Ghanaian teenage girls get into Harvard, Yale and MIT With highly competitive admit rates of 4.59% for Harvard, 6.3% for Yale and 6.9% for MIT, young Katia Maame Dufie Osei and Afia Sarpong Frimpong (both of Wesley Girls’ High School) and Isabelle Quaye (Ghana International School) managed to find their way through thousands of applicants worldwide.

percent of all test takers on the SAT in the world.

H a r v a r d U n i v e r s i t y, since its inception in 1636 recorded the lowest admit rate this year. 17year old Katia Osei has been admitted together with 1,961 students out of 42,749 applicants.

Her outstanding performance in her SAT, What all these girls have WASSCE and numerous in common is that they excellence awards in high scored higher than 99 school placed her as one of

the few Ghanaian female students to be admitted to Harvard University over the past decade on full scholarship. Additionally, she was admitted to two other Ivy League schools - Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania.

Wi t h o v e r 3 5 , 3 0 6 applicants, AfiaSarpong has been counted among the 2,229 students who were admitted into Yale University also with cont’d on pg. 44

Katia MaameDufieOsei, AfiaSarpongFrimpong and Isabelle Quaye [L-R]

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44

The Ghanaian News April 2018

Shippers Advise Against Demurrage

Alberta woman 1st adult in Canada to be ‘cured’ of sickle cell anemia through stem cell transplant Revée Agyepong of Edmonton underwent the procedure at Calgary cancer centre with donor cells from sister An Alberta woman is the first adult in Canada to be cured of sickle cell anemia with the help of a sister’s love — and a stem cell transplant.

Revée Agyepong, 26, of Edmonton was diagnosed with the disease as a toddler and has never known life without it.

Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu (far left), executives of shippers associations and Dr Jospeh Obeng, president of GUTA (2nd right) . Regulators in the country’s shipping industry have called on importers and exporters to clear their goods at the ports within the first seven days to avoid the payment of demurrage.

Sylvia Asana Dauda Owu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) made the call at a day’s seminar on ‘how to avoid demurrage’ for members of the Ghana Union Traders Association (GUTA) yesterday in Accra.

According to her, container demurrage is a major cost item which has become a significant drain on import and export businesses.

“In fact, research has shown that in 2017 alone, over $75 million was paid as demurrage at Ghana’s ports with an estimated GH¢48 million paid over the same period as port rent.

“Unfortunately, a number of shippers enter into demurrage and rent periods due to several reasons.

“Despite the introduction of bold interventions at the ports recently by government, including the paperless ports project, withdrawal of the 1 percent special import levy, duty on importation of spare parts and 17.5 percent VAT/NHIL on selected imported medicines, the expected positive effects in recent times have been crowded out by demurrage.”

She, therefore, tasked discussants at the workshop to clearly define how to deal with containers that return on weekends or holidays.

“We look forward to the next big thing, a repertoire of maritime trade and transport information made available and accessible on the mobile phone.

Christened the ShippersApp, the product makes available maritime trade statistics, information on vessel movement, port charges, contacts of key stakeholders within the maritime industry, step-by-step cargo clearance process guidelines, as well as industry news on a mobile phone.

There is absolutely no doubt that the ShippersApp would transform Ghana’s trade, transport and logistics industry.”

Dr Joseph Obeng, President of GUTA, in a remark, advised all stakeholders to come together and champion the cause of shippers. Daily Guide Africa

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700 www.ghanaiannews.ca

“I remember as far back as elementary feeling sickle cell complications and not knowing what it was,” she said.

“I thought that everyone would go out for recess and play, then come back with a terrible headache and body pain, couldn’t breathe … eventually I realized it was just me.”

But Stephanie Amoah, Agyepong’s older sister, said she could no longer watch her sister struggle in constant pain and started to research which other centres were testing the treatment on adult patients.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease in which red blood cells change into a semi- “My sister has always been my circular shape and block blood vessels. protector, my guardian, she found a Symptoms vary from patient to patient way,” Agyepong said. but it puts every organ in the body at risk.

Sister was a 100% match Agyepong’s disease manifested as chronic The sisters approached Agyepong’s doctors bone and joint pain, irregular heartbeat, and told them of the treatment going on in kidney stones and shortness of breath. the east coast of the United States. Dr. Andrew Daly, who leads Alberta’s bone marrow transplant program and oversaw Successfully treated in kids Agyepong’s stem cell transplant, said they Tw o y e a r s a g o , t h e A l b e r t a had coincidentally been thinking about Children’s Hospital announced it conducting adult stem cell transplants for was successfully treating sickle cell sickle cell disease. disease in pediatric patients using stem cell transplants.

“My persistence, my sister’s persistence, and they said my dedication to wanting a Agyepong said when she found out about cure, was enough for them to just say, you the success of the treatment in pediatric know what, she’s going to be the person, patients, she was at a point where her let’s do this,” Agyepong said. health was declining and she was running out of treatment options, but doctors told her she was too old to undergo the Amoah was tested and was found to be a procedure.

100 per cent match for her sister. Daly said the odds of siblings being a perfect match is one in four.

She was devastated.

According to Alberta Health Services, the older the patient and donor in bone marrow transplants, the greater the risk of graft versus host disease, which is a type of immune rejection that can have serious health repercussions and can even result in death.

The transplant, which took place at Calgary’s Tom Baker Cancer Centre, involved Agyepong taking drugs to suppress her immune system and doing a course of low-dose radiation. Amoah underwent a process called apheresis that collected her

sickle-cell-free stem cells, which were then given to Agyepong.

‘Do the things she’s always wanted’ “Over the past few months, what we’ve seen is that Revée’s sister’s bone marrow has taken over the production of Revée’s red blood cells,” Daly said. “The amount of sickle cell hemoglobin in her bloodstream has decreased almost to zero.”

Today, Agyepong’s blood tests don’t show any signs of the disease, which makes her essentially cured. Amoah said the change she sees in her sister is amazing.

“It’s phenomenal. I’m just so happy to have been part of a process that will give her a new life, a new hope and be able to do the things she’s always wanted to do,” Amoah said.

Agyepong said she is still recovering from the transplant but when she is one year out, she plans to dedicate her time to advocating for the disease, and just live her life like a normal person.

“I want to travel somewhere exotic and somewhere warm and feel dehydration like anyone else would, because I couldn’t with sickle cell, I would be dehydrated and end up in the hospital,” she said.

“It sounds so insignificant but it’s really exciting just to be able to be more spontaneous.” CBC News

3 Ghanaian teenage girls get into cont’d from pg. 43 Harvard, Yale and MIT full scholarship this year.

Afia also made a tremendous achievement in both her SAT, WASSCE and other high school academic records to be admitted into Amherst College as well.

Wesley Girls’ High School, Cape Coast can boast of a place in the Harvard and Yale Class entering in August 2018.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is well known for its unrivalled engineering and technology training in the US. Isabelle Quaye, having a compelling record of accomplishment in her high school, national and international platforms,

pulled it off among the few to secure her position in the most competitive US engineering colleges: MIT and California Institute of Technology. She also made it to Princeton University, which is among the eight Ivy-league schools.

Some 34 other Ghanaian students also received full scholarships to prestigious USA universities through the assistance of AFEX Test Prep. The estimated scholarship amount is about $16.2 million over four years.

Wi t h t h e h e l p o f A F E X Test Prep an educational enrichment agency located at East Legon, Accra, with branches in Takoradi and Kumasi these young girls were adequately prepared to excel in their college preparations and they indefatigably made Ghana proud.

“Congratulations! I am delighted to inform you that you have been admitted intowere words that flooded decision letters of these high school graduates who are ready to fly to the US for higher education.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

The Ghanaian News April 2018

Lifestyle

45

AHA: Blood Pressure Readings Often Higher Outside Doctor’s Office Blood pressure readings taken outside of the doctor’s office often read higher than those in the office, a new study says.

Spanish researchers found that 39 percent of people who had normal blood pressure readings at the doctor registered high blood pressure readings out of the office over a 24-hour period when using American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology treatment guidelines.

The researchers found that 20 percent had high blood pressure when doing outof-office readings under European blood pressure criteria.

The phenomena of people registering normal at the doc but higher at home or the office is called

“masked hypertension.”

The AHA/ACC and European guidelines both warn of the dangers of the condition and the need for improved treatment.

Masked hypertension comes with stark implications because it isn’t diagnosed by a routine medical examination and brings an adverse prognosis of organ damage or heart disease, stroke or other cardiovascular diseases if it continues to go unrecognized.

Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for more than half a century. From 2005 to 2015, the death rate attributable to high blood pressure increased by about 10 percent.

Males, younger people who are active or those with additional cardiovascular risk factors are most at risk for high blood pressure that isn’t apparent at the doctor’s office, according to the study published April 30 in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.

“is often seen in those who seem apparently controlled, but signs of silent organ damage are still present,” said study author Dr. Alejandro de la Sierra. He heads the Internal Medicine Department at Hospital Mutua Terrassa at the University of Barcelona in Spain.

High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure of 130 or above, or a diastolic pressure of 80 or above, according to AHA/ACC treatment guidelines. The target guideline from the European Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Cardiology is generally 140/90.

The high prevalence of masked hypertension was observed in the study of 115,708 people who were monitored for 24 hours using devices.

Their blood pressure was measured every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. Those in the study are part of the Spanish Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurements registry.

Among people treated for high blood pressure, masked hypertension

The study supports a wider use of blood

pressure monitoring at regular intervals in routine clinical practice. Both guidelines recommend such screening for masked hypertension for people who are at risk.

valuable in select clinical situations. It allows us to better understand how to use more basic tools to detect and treat large populations under various circumstances,” he said.

The possible barriers to doing that include outof-pocket costs, test accuracy and instruction time.

Dr. Robert Eckel, an endocrinologist and physician-scientist at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, agreed that more measurements provide more insight.

But the payoff is there, said Dr. Willie Lawrence, an interventional cardiologist for Midwest H e a r t a n d Va s c u l a r Specialists at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo. Lawrence recommends 24-hour monitoring, which is more widely applicable than other types of blood pressure monitoring. “ Tw e n t y - f o u r - h o u r monitoring is a great research tool and it’s very

“ A m b u l a t o r y measurements are valuable but should be performed carefully using the right equipment and if possible under optimal conditions,” he said. “Moreover, 24hour assessments are always better than one to three measurements per day.” American Heart Association

‘Don’t push so hard:’ Doctors say fainting on toilet can be avoided in some cases for No. 2. In Canada, syncope accounts for approximately one per cent of all emergency room visits, but it is not well established how many of these episodes can be attributed to defecation. Some patients Sanchez, a physically will not admit to it, and a c t i v e a n d h e a l t h y some doctors do not ask. professional in her mid30s, had woken that night Dr. Robert Sheldon, just over a year ago with a cardiologist at the terrible stomach pain University of Calgary and an urgent need to and syncope researcher, poop. But nothing was says 2 to 3 per cent of the produced - she just felt syncope cases he sees in faint. Thankfully, before his practice are related to she had time to collapse defecation. on the hard bathroom floor, the paramedics Fainting on the toilet may arrived. happen for a number of reasons. If a person is By the time Sanchez got constipated, they may to the emergency room, have the urge to take a she was surprised to find deep breath, then push that she felt perfectly fine. and strain. But straining In the hospital, doctors lowers the volume of performed a physical blood returning to the exam, a blood test and an heart, which decreases the electrocardiogram, all of amount of blood leaving it. which were normal.

Sitting on the toilet in her Washington, D.C., apartment dripping with sweat and feeling like she was about to pass out, Ami Sanchez thought, “No! I can’t die on the can!” as she dialled 911.

Special pressure receptors in the blood vessels in the neck register the increased pressure from straining and trigger a slowing of the heart rate to decrease in blood pressure, leading people to faint. This vasovagal reflex can cause people who are dehydrated or “Defecation syncope” have low blood pressure is the official term for to pass out in many fainting while trying different circumstances, not just on the toilet.

Doctors told Sanchez pain had triggered her “vasovagal response” and mentioned they often see people who faint after they had been constipated and straining. They left her with the following words of wisdom: “Don’t push so hard next time.”

Though it may be scary to pass out while on the toilet, overstraining and pain, rather than underlying heart disease, are by far the most common reasons for fainting on the toilet according to Dr. Chris Simpson, a syncope expert and acting dean of health sciences at Queen’s University.

Simpson says that he has never uncovered a potentially lifethreatening, hidden condition in someone who complained of defecation syncope.

A 2017 study in the Journal of Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology followed almost 300 people who passed out after a vasovagal episode or a situational stress.

After two years, no deaths were reported among subjects, although approximately 40 per cent of the participants did faint again.

Those who require particular attention when they faint, however, are those who pass out during exercise, extreme emotion, after being startled, or have a “family history of sudden death at a young age for no apparent cause,” says Simpson. That may be a sign of underlying heart issues such as aortic stenosis, a narrowing

of the aortic valve, and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease where the heart becomes abnormally thickened and has difficulty pumping properly.

While defecation syncope may not be lethal, the bathroom is not the safest place to pass out. Fainting on the toilet can lead to

injury. Sanchez says she is speaking up because she wants others to learn from her experience.

“We can prevent people from getting hurt unnecessarily,” she says.

he suggests “getting yourself flat quickly” to avoid injury and fullblown fainting. He also advises drinking plenty of water and, for people with low or normal blood pressure, adding a little S i m p s o n h a s more salt to the diet. recommendations for avoiding fainting in Dr. Sarah Giles is a fellow the john: If people feel in global journalism at the sweaty, cold, or clammy, University of Toronto.

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46

The Ghanaian News April 2018

Nigeria and Switzerland sign looted funds deal The Nigerian and Swiss governments have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see looted funds from Nigeria returned to that country.

For decades, Switzerland was the destination of choice for Nigerian military and civilian officials who wanted to hide their ill-gotten gains.

But the growing global clamour for more transparency has forced the Swiss government to become more stringent in the way its banks open accounts

for foreign clients.

Nigeria has been seeking the return of billions of dollars stolen mainly under the administration of military dictator General Sani Abacha since the country returned to civilian rule in 1999.

Last December, after years of labour, the Swiss government agreed to return $320 million looted from Nigerian state coffers by Gen Abacha, who died in 1998.

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Akufo-Addo sets up committee to work out charter for ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ President Akufo-Addo has announced the creation of a 10-member committee to work out a charter in the next six months for ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ agenda.

The committee, according to the President would be chaired by Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo and would comprise of three members each from ministries of finance and employment and labour relations, Organized Labour and the Private Enterprise Federation.

President Akufo-Addo said, “The charter would then be subject to scrutiny and debate by parliament and adopted as a follow up to the coordinated programme of economic and social development policy.

The nation will then know in detail how we intend to move Ghana to a situation beyond aid,” he added.

Speaking at this year’s May Day celebration in Kumasi, President Akufo-Addo welcomed the partnership of Organized Labour with gov-

cont’d from pg. 9

Nana Akufo-Addo ernment and the private sector so “that we can work together to develop homegrown solutions to our problems.

This will present us with the most effective path to realizing the vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid,” he said.

Campaign to promote ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ starts soon Earlier, Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, revealed that a strategy to stimulate support for the President’s vision of a ‘Ghana beyond aid’ is in the offing.

“In the next couple weeks, we are going to roll out a programme that basically galvanises sections of the population and get them to understand this vision of ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ and how every section of

our population can plug into it,” he said.

Head of Finance Department at the University of Ghana Prof. Godfred Bokpin has backed the commitee observing it’s about time the vision is documented.

He however warned, a document is “not the solution in itself if we don’t have the political will”.

The lecturer also said Ghana’s dependence on multilateral organisations like the IMF has not been always negative.

He recalled an IMF program under the Kufuor administration which ended in 2006 helped reduce the country’s debt to GDP ratio significantly.

Nonetheless, Ghana has been under too many IMF and World Bank programs which undermines Ghanaian ability to manage its own affairs.

He observed Ghana has had to go to the IMF at least 15 times since independence in 1957 which he said is more than an average couple go to the labour ward. JoyBusiness

Gov’t to review Single Spine Pay Policy

E C G C o n c e s s i o n Whilst applauding Organised Labour heartily for the calm industrial climate the country has enjoyed over the last 16 months, President Akufo-Addo also recounted one of the issues that took centre stage last year, i.e. the ECG Concession, and the fear of layoffs of Ghanaian workers.

“You will recall that, in my address, I pledged that the terms of the agreement would be in Ghana’s interest. I am happy to report today the existence of an MOU between organized labour, Energy Ministry and the Employment Ministry, which will ensure that no worker of ECG would be negatively affected or laid off as a result of the coming into effect of the ECG concession,’ he said.

Again, the President stressed that “the majority of shares of the ECG concessionaire, i.e. 51%, after the signing of this agreement, are in the hands of

Ghanaians.”

P e n s i o n s President Akufo-Addo said government through the Finance and Employment Ministries has with the co-operation of the TUC, ensured the smooth transfer of ¢3.1 billion of Tier 2 pension funds into the custodial accounts of the pension schemes of labour unions.

“Our concern has been to ensure that the Pension Funds are secured ahead of their retirement. Persons who have also been nominated to chair these Schemes are well equipped and possess the necessary experience in the management of the affairs of the Schemes,” he said.

Workers, the President indicated, can be assured that their contributions, and accompanying investment returns, are safe, and would be promptly disbursed as and when they retire from active service. Myjoyonline.com

47

Education Minister rejects claim about collapsing private schools

Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh The Education Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has dismissed claims that the fee-free senior high school (SHS) policy has become a threat to private schools, saying, that is not supported by the facts on the ground.

The reality was that some of these schools had been turning away prospective students due to over-subscription.

“We have met managers and proprietors of private schools and explained issues to them and a lot of people go there because they offer value for money”, the Minister added.

He was speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of Eighth Ghana Entrepreneur and Corporate Execu-

tive Awards in Accra, where he received the “Best Minister of the Year Award”.

This was in recognition of his vital role in the implementation of the free SHS policy.

The event was organized by the Entrepreneurs Foundation of Ghana to acknowledge the contribution of entrepreneurs, business executives and public office holders to the nation’s development.

Dr Opoku Prempeh said the policy had brought a lot of competition in the education sector and said it was difficult to rationalize why anybody would want to shy away from competition.

Although the private schools had been charging much higher

tuition fees compared with the public schools, parents and guardians had continued to patronize their services.

He underlined the government determination to ensure judicious and prudent application of the nation’s financial resources to sustain the policy.

Ghana, he noted, was not so broken that it could not fund the free-SHS education.

He gave the assurance that additional infrastructure would be constructed so that there would be space for the second batch of free SHS students.

Commenting on the award, Dr Opoku Prempeh said, he felt humbled and that it would only inspire him to work even harder. GNA

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Nigeria and Switzerland sign looted funds deal

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Celebration of Life of Augustine Kwame Karikari

By Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto

Abusuapanin Kofi Agyei and the entire family of Mr. Augustine Kwame Karikari wis to thank the Ghanaian community and other well wishers who attended the celebration of life of the late Mr. Augustine Kwame Karikari. It was held on Saturday April 7, 2018 at the Estate Banquet and Event Centre, Scarborough.

His death occured in Ghana afet a short illness. He has since been burried here in Canada

Paulina Karikari, widow in mourning mood

Chief mourners Nana Fredua Agyemang and queenmother

Mourners

Well wishers

Traditional presentation

Nana Asiamah, Abusuapanin of Okuapemman Association of Toronto

Well wishers

Sympathizers

Elder Eric Boateng praying for the family Chief mourners welcoming well wishers

The Ghanaian News April 2018

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

GCAO Strategize towards the Acquisition of Ghana House in Toronto soon From Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Toronto

GCAO Executive and Board members in a crucial meeting at Continuation to discuss the way forward.

In its April ending council meeting the Executive and Board members of the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) advanced among others an action plan to acquire a community centre aka Ghana House for Ghanaians living within the Greater Toronto Area by next year. The crucial meeting which took place at the premises of the Apostles Continuation Church International at 10 Belfield Road in Etobicoke-Toronto on April 29, 2018 was chaired by the President of GCAO, Mr. Emmanuel Duodu.

When the chair called for reports from the various committees to be discussed, it was the Community Center Project committee which stole the moment with its report. The committee outlined the physical, legal and social efforts it has progressively made with the City of Toronto recently in concrete terms to obtain an abandoned property at 160 Rivera in Etobicoke for renovation to house the proposal Ghana community/cultural centre. It was reported that facility is still in good condition and, that it is spacious enough to be used for all the needed services including library, youth & sports centre, newcomers and seniors offices, homework & mentoring workspace that the Community Center is supposed to offer the public.

During discussions on the project report it was suggested that another suitable property in the

At the GCAO Executive and Board meeting

the Apostles Continuation Church for students in the community is growing from strength to strength with new dimensions added.

The program now has an average weekly participation of 15 students and 4 volunteers every Sunday from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Its curriculum has been expanded to include the teaching of the Twi (one of the Ghanaian languages) and recently an accommodation for autistic and at-risk students with a specialist in charge.

In another development, it was reported at More students and volunteers are needed for the the meeting that the GCAO Homework and program.

Mentoring Program being run at the premises of Jane & Wilson area which could be used for the same purpose be considered by the committee and compared to the 160 Rivera facility for a better option.

Meanwhile, the leadership of GCAO in collaboration with the Ghanaian Ministerial Council of Toronto is planning a community event to fundraise for the project. The intended target for the fundraiser is one million dollars!

Celebration of Life of Mrs. Victoria Essien Mrs. Victoria Essien, mother of Felicia Mensah’s life was celebrated at the Apostles’ Continuation Church Hall 10 Belfield Toronto on Saturday April 8, 2018

Chief mourners mourning Mrs. Victoria Essien

St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Kroye Kuo

The Ghanaian News April 2018

Celebration of Life

Mercy OBAAPANIN

AMMA NYAME

Aged:

81

Who died at the Okomfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi

CHIEF MOURNERS: Abusuapanin Benjamin Owusu Ansah, Mrs. Elizabeth Konadu Sarkodie (Holland), Mr. & Mrs. Boakye (GIGA), Ohene Nana Twumasi Prempeh, Mr. & Mrs. Aboagye Danso, Mr. & Mrs. Josep Dumfie, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Duah Kessi, Mr. & Mrs. George Adu Gyamfi, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Danso, Mr. & Mrs. Clement Aboagye Mensah, Mr.&Mrs. Nyamekye (Scarbourough), Mrs. Tina Amankwah, Mr. &Mrs. George Yaw Frimpong (Chalkfarmhene), Mr. & Mrs Alex Gyansa, Mr. & Mrs. Owuraku, Mrs. Gifty Amponsah, Mr. & Mrs. Fordjour Acheampong, Mr. Philip Mensah, Mr. & Mrs. Nana Acheampong, Mr. Tony Oduro, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Darkwah, Mr. & Mrs. Kakari Mensah, Mr. & Mrs. Alex Oppong, Mr. Kofi Siriboe, Mrs. Voilet Anaarfi, Mr. & Mrs. Kwabena Owusu (TK), Mr. & Mrs. Osei Kwame, Mrs. Cecilia Badu, Mr. & Mrs. Alex Twerebour, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Oppong, Mrs Lucy Koko, Mr. & Mrs. Kwame Opoku, Mr. & Mrs. Asamoah Bonsu, Mr. Agyarku, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Aboagye Mensah, Mr. & Mrs. Kwasi Afriyie, Mr. & Mrs. Enoch Arhinful, Mrs. Christiana Antwi, Mr. & Mrs Teddy Asamoah, Mr. & Mrs. Daasebre Boateng, Mrs. Adwoa Achiaa (Mama Aggie), Mr. Steve Badu, Mr. & Mrs Baffour Ababaio, Mr. & Mrs. Kwaku Kwakye, Mrs Lady Jay, Mr. & Mrs. Kwaku Darko, Mr. & Mrs. Baffour Awauh, Mr. Augustine Oteng, Mr. Alabi Akwasi Asamoah, Ghanaian Toronto Taxi Drivers.

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Beni Boo Styles WELL MADE - WELL PRICED

The world is our runway It’s time to get ahead and jump on board the trend train - fashion lovers and thats about everybody because we all get up and get dress in the morning and show up to face the day and grab the paper bag . Here’s our ultimate guide to the SS18 trends from the catwalk The Fashion Month dust has settled, we’ve finally filled up our screen shots and memories . And this reflects on our street style ootds . We’ve done our Spring Summer 2018 fashion trends research, and have given you all that you need to look fabulous . Just look around you every store and find something unique and affordable and chic to add to your collection.

We the trendsetters and designers now we’d say it’s high time for some next-season wardrobe plotting. Let’s face it, it’s never too early to start that wish-list – especially if you want more than a hope in heaven of getting your hands on that Beni Boo or Sacks and fifth avenue style .

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

FOOD AND RECIPES Compiled by Nana Ama

How to prepare beans stew and kelewele GROUNDNUT SOUP Ingredients: 1/2 kilo Chicken or beef 50g Tomato puree 4 Pieces Yellow pepper 2 Stock cubes 2 tsp Mill ginger & garlic 70 g Okro 250g Groundnut paste (peanut better) 50g Onions 10g Kpakpo shito 1/2 ltr Water 1 spring local mint

Method: 1. Clean and cut chicken 2. Season and steam for 20 minutes 3. Add all ingredients except groundnut paste 4. Mix groundnut paste with 1/2 liter water.

5. Cook paste in clean saucepan, until oil comes on top and leaves the side of the pan 6. Add the remaining water to the cook pasted 7. Add the mixture to the steamed chicken 8. Correct the seasoning, reduce heat and allow to simmer for 15 minutes 9. Add okro and other vegetables Accompaniment: Fufu, Banku, Kokonte or Kelewele Note: Beef, Fish and Crobs could be used.

MASHED RIPE PLANTAIN (Otor) Ingredients 4 fingers half ripe plantain 5g groundnut paste 1/4 teaspoonful ground pepper 1 large onion 2 tablespoonful palm oil Salt to taste

Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Peel the plantain into a saucepan Add water and salt to it and boil After 20 minutes, remove it from the fire and drain the water Grind pepper, onion and salt Add boiled ripe plantain and mix together Add groundnut paste and mix Put palm oil on fire, add chopped onions When the oil with the onion is well cooked, pur it onto the mashed plantain and mix altogether using a wooden spoon.

Serve with eggs or avocado

KAKLO Ingredients

400g - Riped Plantain (soft) 100g - Onion 50gm - Wheat Flour 1/2 tbsp - Salt 1 tbsp - Cayenne Pepper 1/2 tbsp - Mill Ginger 2 tbsp - Sugar

Method 1. Wash and peel plantain 2. Blend into a pulp 3. Add mixed spice and mill ginger and gradually incorporate in flour.

4. Add sugar and salt 5. Scoop and fry in moderately hot oil until golden brown in color 6. Drain and place on a kitchen paper.

ACCOMPANIMENT: Bambara Beans, Red Red or Bean Stew

Ingredients Tomatoes Medium sized salmon Onions Scotch bonnets Cloves of garlic Palm oil Vegetable oil Salt to taste Ginger Red beans 4-6 plantains, ripe but not past ripe, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes ½ teaspoon of red-pepper ½ teaspoon peeled grated fresh ginger All purpose spices 1 teaspoon salt

Method 1. Wash all vegetables.

2. Soak beans in water for one hour. Then boil until the beans are soft. Add more water when necessary until the beans are cooked and drain them in colander.

3. In another saucepan,heat the oil and add the onions, garlic, ginger and pepper until all the liquid evaporates.

3. Add the blended tomatoes. Remove all the bones from the salmon and add while stirring intermittently for 15 minutes.

4. Add salt and the cooked beans to the stew and stir. Lower the heat and cover saucepan.

5. Wash pepper, grated ginger and onion.

6. Grind all vegetables, add salt, spices and mix in a bowl.

7.Peel the plantain and slice in cubes form, wash and add to the mixture.

8. Pour oil in deep skillet, heat oil. Fry plantains until golden brown on both sides.

9. Drain on absorbent paper, keep in warmed oven until all the plantains are fried.

10. Serve beans and kelewele.

How to prepare 'kontomire stew' and boiled plantain Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • •

Kontomire (Spinach) Salted tilapia Grilled Salmon Pepper Tomatoes Onions Palm oil Eggs Avocado Plantain Salt

Method 1. Wash kontomire and pepper. Boil afterwards 2. Soak Salted tilapia in water to reduce the salt content 3. Wash all vegetables 4. Peel plantain and boil with enough water.

5. Add the eggs to the boiling plantain 6. Chop onion and tomatoes 7. When the kontomire and pepper are soft, drain the water and grind in asanka 8. Add half onion to the kontomire and grind 9. Heat palm oil in a saucepan, add onion and allow to simmer.

10. When the edges of the onion of brown, add the salted tilapia and grilled salmon.

11. After 3-5 minutes, add the tomatoes and stir continuously.

12. Turn off the heat and put the content onto the kontomire.

13. Check if the plantains are soft, remove the eggs. Then add water and allow to boil 14. Remove the eggs shells, wash and add the kontomire.

Drain off all the water from the plantain and serve.

Garnish the kontomire stew with avocado and serve.

The Ghanaian News April 2018

57

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At least 10 dead, multiple people injured in ‘horrific’ Toronto van attack cont’d from pg. 6 the world, but we especially don’t expect them to happen in Toronto.”

Toronto Paramedic Services said the injured were transported to various hospitals in the city, including Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, which reported that two of the 10 patients transported to their emergency rooms were pronounced dead on arrival. The hospital said five patients remained in critical condition and three were in serious condition.

A Sunnybrook official said hospital officials were still identifying the victims and contacting their families.

Near the crash scene, dozens of people stood in silence Monday afternoon as a police helicopter hovered overhead.

A section of Yonge Street will remain closed for several days as officers conduct what they expect to be a long and complex investigation, police said.

Dainis Cevers said he was driving to pick up a relative at a nearby church when the alleged perpetrator cut in front of him, hit a pedestrian and accelerated.

“The guy flew up all the way to the end of that sidewalk... about five or six metres,” Cevers said.

Restaurant manager Noorani Barsat said he raced outside after hearing a commotion to find a badly injured man lying nearby.

“I just ran over there, brought water and a towel to that injured man, but he was unconscious,” Barsat said, adding first responders took about 20 minutes to reach the scene.

The head of the Toronto Police Association said they were

bringing in counsellors to assist officers who responded to the incident.

“Nobody’s seen anything like this. I’ve been in policing for 30 years we’ve never seen this and again, unfortunately, this is the new world order and we’re very concerned about it,” Mike McCormack said.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne said all levels of government and law enforcement were working together to deal with the situation.

“I think we are all unsettled and very disturbed by a situation like this. I think it’s impossible not to be,” she said. “It’s frightening and we have to rely on the people who are trained, who can make sure that information is available as it needs to be and that the precautionary measures are taken here in the city and around the province.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and several provincial politicians also offered sympathies to those affected by the incident and their loved ones.

By evening, people had started placing signs and flowers near the scene of the crash.

The city’s hockey team held a moment of silence Monday night before their playoff game in honour of those affected by the deadly incident.

The starting lineups of the Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins stood on their blue lines while the Air Canada Centre crowd stood in silence as a photo of Toronto’s skyline flashed on the scoreboard. The American and Canadian anthems were then sung, with singer Martina Ortiz-Luis dropping her microphone and letting the crowd take over the lyrics of O Canada during the second verse. The Canadian Press

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Minister Advocates Awards Scheme For Market Women Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Elizabeth Sackey, has urged corporate bodies to consider instituting a special awards scheme aimed at rewarding market women in Ghana.

According to the deputy minister, female traders in the Kaneshie, Makola, Lapaz Markets, among others, equally deserve awards just like their counterparts in the corporate world who are awarded annually for contributing to the growth of Ghana’s economy.

The deputy minister disclosed this while speaking to journalists on Thursday in Accra on the sidelines of the launch of the 2018 edition of Market Women’s Day Celebrations.

This year’s celebration, which is to recognize the contributions of market women in the Greater Accra Region, is under the theme, “Our Market Women: Icons of Indigenous Ghanaian Entrepreneurship.”

She stated that market women have always been the backbone of the economy and as such are very important to the developmental agenda of government.

under scourging sun across markets in Ghana, women entrepreneurs must not be left out in awards at the national and regional levels.

She said awards should be given to outspoken market woman to appreciate women traders.

Earlier, she urged the women to be mindful of their environment and ensure proper sanitation.

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She warned them against selling along pavements across the country, urging them to restrict their trading activities to the designated market squares.

Market Women’s Day Celebration-Ghana (MWDC-GH), the foundation responsible for organising the Market Women’s Day Celebrations on Republic Day of 2017, is in charge of this year’s celebration.

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In a welcome speech at the launch, J. N. Halm, Director of MWDC-GH, stated that the launch of this year’s event was in fulfilment of a commitment the organisation made to the market women of the country to celebrate them every single year.

Deputy Minister Sackey said market women, who appear to be simple, must be appreciated because they make enormous contributions to the wellbeing of Ghanaians.

Mr Halm implored all corporate bodies to take advantage of the sponsorship opportunities available to help make the event a success.

From paying school fees and medical bills of their children to providing for the general welfare of their homes

This year’s Market Women’s Day Celebrations is scheduled for 2nd July 2018 at the Efua Sutherland Park in Accra.

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Nation Builders Corps won’t discriminate - Akufo Addo President Nana Akufo-Addo has assured the newly launched Nation Builders Corps will not discriminate against anyone.

He said the scheme, which is expected to engage 100,000 graduates, is open to all graduate citizens who “have duly discharged their national service obligations.”

Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Kumasi on May Day, he said application will be done strictly online to “optimise efficiency.”

According to him, every constituency will have its fair share in the Nabco scheme when it comes to placements.

Then there’s also the Heal Ghana module where nurses who have been sitting home without jobs after school will be employed.

“Placement will last for 3 years. Our commitment to job creation will not end here but will be accelerated through the 1 district 1 Factory and Planting for Food and Jobs initiatives,” Akufo-Addo stated.

There’ll also be the Enterprise Ghana module where graduates will be assigned to various private sector enterprises for jobs and skills training as well as development.

He charged graduates to “own the Nabco scheme” since it is a well-thoughtout plan to tackle the unemployment situation in Ghana.

Application under the scheme has opened and after training the selected applicants are expected to start work August 1, 2018.

The programme will initially operate seven modules designed to meet the

The Digitise Ghana module will see graduates being sent to the IT sector for the Digital Ghana agenda, the transformation agenda, where they will be attached to the NIA or to the Ghana Post or to the Birth and Death Registry or to the Land Registry.

They will be doing digitisation work for this country. Then the Governance Ghana module where people will be attached to various local authorities.

-Starrfmonline

Safe Haven For Money Laundering Laundering dirty money from the drug trade and other international illegal activities is now here. Although it has been here for sometime, today it has now gathered momentum with the players visiting most of the tricks of the industry in their operations locally.

It is a modern trend in a sophisticated world fueled by social media and beyond the imagination of the uninitiated. It requires a large capital outlay to contain and in our part of the world, calls for external assistance in both resources

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pressing needs of the nation while providing jobs for the teeming youth who have received tertiary education but are struggling to find jobs.

The modules include the Feed Ghana module where people serve as agric extension officers to help our farmers.

There’s also the Educate Ghana module where people will teach science and mathematics in High schools. The Revenue Ghana module will take graduates into the Ghana Revenue Authority to help in the collection of revenue.

and capacity-building.

The crime, because of its sophisticated nature, is hardly mentioned let alone subjected to scrutiny for effective tackling and the reason is simple: it is beyond many of our cops and involves very rich persons who made and continue to make their money through the illegality.

Amenable bank officials, law enforcement officers, in some instances, cont’d on pg. 61

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

57 women killed in Canada this year — experts link misogyny to femicide At least 57 women have been killed in Canada in 2018 so far, according to a recent report, and experts believe misogyny is contributing to a majority of the deaths.

“That is one femicide victim every other day,” said Myrna Dawson, a sociology professor at the University of Guelph and head of the Centre for the Study of Social and Legal Responses to Violence.

“It’s the underlying misogyny in society towards women.”

The report, published Tuesday by the Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, tracks femicides in Canada and monitors the social responses to these killings.

The organization defines femicide as the killing of a woman or a girl, primarily by a man, based on her gender.

The data relies largely on media reports for its data and said the 57 women count is only an estimate, as many of the homicides may have not yet been reported or discovered.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2016, 148 women were victims of homicide. There is no data available for 2017.

“It feels like Canada has a lower incident of femicide, but we do have many and consistent occurrences of it,” Dawson said, who also headed the report.

“Canada has a world-wide perception of being a peaceful country, and we are compared to others, but we do have an issue with femicide; it’s important to talk about it.”

Toronto attack and ‘incel movement’ The report comes a week after 10 people died, including eight women and two men, when a van mounted a Toronto sidewalk,

mowing down pedestrians in its path.

Alek Minassian has been charged with 10 counts of first-degree murder and 13 counts of attempted murder in relation to the attack on April 26.

Just before the rampage, Minassian’s Facebook page had a post praising the socalled “incel” movement and California mass-killer, Elliot Rodger.

Incel, or “involuntarily celibate,” is a misogynist online culture of men who don’t have access to sex and believe it’s a basic human right. Following Monday’s carnage, members of the incel community praised the Toronto truck attack, calling for similar action, saying “it’s now or never.”

Toronto police have not declared a motive for the attack.

Dawson said she believes the action was not random.

“Mysgonoist hate existed here,” she said. “But we call it a mental illness or a random attack instead.

This happens on a regular basis, it’s not just this one case. It happens consistently all year ...

There are women being killed and mowed down for the same types of reasons,” she explained.

Indigenous girls, women most vulnerable Of the 57 women and girls killed, the largest group of women were killed in Ontario (33), followed

by Quebec and Manitoba, each with six women killed (eight of Ontario’s 33 victims were killed in the one incident in Toronto last week), according to the report.

The victims’ ages ranged from two to 94. And out of the 48 cases where the suspect was identified, 18 involved women who were killed by current or former partners who were men.

The report also stated that Indigenous women and girls experienced a disproportionate rate of femicide in Canada.

“There has been a drop in homicides over the past decades for men and women, but it is increasing among Indigienous women. They are most at risk,” Dawson said.

‘Hatred of women is widespread social problem’ Dawson said that to properly combat femicide, people first need to acknowledge the danger of misogyny.

“There is a normalization and tolerance of violence towards women, as many think we can’t do anything about it. But we have to change attitudes,” she said.

After the attack in Toronto, Dawson noticed more people were starting to talk misogyny and violence towards women and girls, but she said more still needs to be done.

“Discussions about this are so important,” she said. “It does not mean you have to believe it or not.

But it’s a step forward.”

Emer O’Toole, an assistant professor of Irish performance studies at Concordia University recently wrote in The Guardian, that if Minassian was motivated by violent misogynists like the incels, it shouldn’t be ignored.

“If involvement in misogynistic online communities is indeed part of the picture here, we need to resist any narrative that would push this into the background.

Hatred of women is not a mental illness; it is a widespread and dangerous social problem. It is a problem we need to address before more people die.”

Global News

Auditor General ‘Shocked’ At Snail-Pace Progress Into CMS Fire Probe

Daniel Yaw Domelevo The Auditor-General is stunned at the slow pace of progress made by his team conducting a forensic audit of the fire outbreak at the Central Medical Stores in 2015.

Daniel Yaw Domelevo says after eight weeks of investigation, the forensic team is getting “closer” to gathering key evidence to hold officers responsible but he is worried at the snail-paced progress.

“We were expecting that the exercise should last about 12 to 14 weeks but we underrated the speed at which it would go. The speed is much, much slower than what we thought it could be, rightly so because the audit has delayed…,” Mr. Domelevo said in an interview aired on “Corruption Watch”, a segment on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, Wednesday, May 2, 2018.

The Auditor General’s Department outsourced the contract to a private firm to conduct a forensic audit into the CMS fire and produce significant findings enough for

the Attorney-General to begin prosecution of the suspects as well as their collaborators in the suspected arson.

However, Mr. Domelevo is shocked at “…the pace at which things have moved.

“I’ve been surprised myself…,” he conceded.

The fire occurred a day before a planned action to bring sanity to the Store’s management systems following revelations of malpractices and irregularities there.

Medical supplies estimated at $80 million at the time, were all destroyed in the fire that took almost three days to bring under control.

The Auditor General had hinted in November 2017 that the task of conducting a forensic audit into the inferno would be daunting because, much of the evidence that would yield the anticipated results, had been cleared from the scene on the orders of the ex-Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia.

The investigators have now resorted to retrieving data from the preceding year, 2014, to guide them estimate the data needed, Mr. Domelevo revealed.

Unlike the situation where there is available documentation to be interrogated in the alleged corruption, in the case of the CMS incident all the documents have been burnt, he said.

“Whenever we are doing a forensic audit, the idea is to hold somebody accountable; forensic audit is not like financial audit where you want to express opinions…but we don’t have all the information we need,” he explained further.

He noted: “This is a case in which we are going to hold people accountable, you go to court and you don’t have all your information right, they [court] will just throw you out… so we are going back to 2014 figures and see what was the stock level according to the records, so we’ll pick that record which they have…”.

He, however, expressed confidence in the progress made so far as he said some officials involved in the alleged inferno, are assisting with information.

“But fortunately we have made progress [because] some of the officers involved when the fire broke out, we are able to identify them and they have helped us to retrieve a lot of documents which the auditors require.” Myjoyonline

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61

IMF To Disburse $191m To Ghana Parliament Ratifies Free Trade Pact The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is to disburse $191 million under its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement with Ghana.

This follows the completion of the fifth and sixth reviews of Ghana’s economic performance under the programme recently, bringing total disbursements to $764.1 million.

Ghana’s three-year arrangement was approved on April 3, 2015 for about $955.2 million or 180 percent of quota at the time of approval of the arrangement.

It is aimed at restoring debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability in the country to foster a return to high growth and job creation while protecting social spending.

Tao Zhang, acting Chair and Deputy Managing Director, said: “Implementation of the ECF-supported programme has significantly improved in 2017. Growth has rebounded, the fiscal deficit has declined, leading to a primary surplus for the first time in fifteen years, the external position has strengthened, generating a build-up of external buffers, and key steps have been taken to address fragilities in the financial sector. Reforms should continue to entrench these hard-won gains.”

He added that government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and the expenditure

restraint shown in 2017 to meet the end-year deficit target were commendable, adding that the government should continue to implement its fiscal consolidation programme, with the adjustment focused mainly on increased domestic revenue mobilization.

The recent announcement to enact revenue measures in the context of the mid-year budget review in July was also welcome.

“Such measures would be critical to ensure that Ghana’s fiscal policies can be sustained over time.

“Gains from fiscal consolidation and macroeconomic stability need to be underpinned by continued efforts to implement wide-ranging and ambitious reforms. The public financial management regulations recently submitted to Parliament should help strengthen budget formulation and execution.

Stronger oversight over the management of public finances should continue to be pursued also in line with recommendations from the audit of unpaid bills.”

Safe Haven For Money Laundering cont’d on pg. 59

tioned in earlier paragraphs.

and owners of microfinance companies, are involved in the complex network with foreign bases. The facades of some businesses with seemingly little activities going on in them and others the contrary, are conduits of the dirty monies.

By the time they pass through these companies, they are sufficiently laundered to elude capture – unleashed unto the mainstream economy with its attendant challenges.

We can state that money laundering is taking place in the country today and unless our law enforcement apparatus is appraised with the necessary knowledge about what it entails through effective capacity building, it would not be long before we start suffering the fallouts from the international crime.

Even in advanced systems such as the US and European countries, those involved in the illegality are quick to unleash fresh ploys to outwit eagle-eyed detectives trained in the art of identifying the movement of dirty monies.

In a system such as ours where there is dearth of knowledge of the crime, we should not expect a solution to the crime anytime soon especially as we are more concerned with simple infractions.

We are aware though about how occasionally the subject comes up for discussion in some security circles but these are not pursued for reasons as men-

There is an unhealthy correlation between drug pushing and money laundering. Those engaged in it would do all that they can to protect their criminal turf. Such players are ready to pay anything for this protection and can count on the vulnerability of bad officials in the banking industry and law enforcement system.

We can count on the support of countries which have made inroads in tracking down the money laundering criminals because such success would be in their own interest. The war against drugs, which is currently on, cannot be won without opening a formidable front against money laundering – the two comparable to a set of Siamese twins. Dailyguide Africa

The IMF revealed that as the debt burden remained elevated, continued prudence in debt management is essential to reduce the risks associated with market-based borrowing.

It recommended liability management operations with part of the proceeds from the planned Eurobond to help mitigate foreign-exchange roll-over risk and smooth the debt maturity profile.

“Monetary policy should continue to be focused on achieving the inflation target. In this context, while the decision to extend and publish the memorandum of understanding on zero financing of the government by the Bank of Ghana is welcome, additional amendments to the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Act would be a more robust way to eliminate the prospect of fiscal dominance.

“The authorities should continue addressing fragilities in the financial sector. Further actions to tackle the overhang in non-performing loans and more progress on regulatory reforms and in strengthening oversight and cleaning up the microfinance sector will help support credit to the private sector. The recent bank intervention should be followed up with decisive action to restore the bank’s solvency and financial viability.” Daily Guide Africa

Parliament has endorsed the new agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Members of Parliament (MPs) were recalled on Thursday to ratify the agreement because Ghana is bidding to host the headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade.

As part of the requirement, countries that wanted to host the headquarters were expected to first ratify the agreement.

The House was supposed to discuss the agreement from Thursday to Friday, but because of the full cooperation of both sides, it was ratified without any hassle.

It took about five hours for the Joint Committee of Trade, Industry and Tourism and Foreign Affairs, as well as the leadership of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, to scrutinize the agreement and prepare a report for the House to debate and subsequently ratify the agreement.

Haruna Iddrisu, Minority leader, Fifi Kwetey, who is the ranking member on the Committee of Trade, Industry and Tourism and NDC MP for Ketu South, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, ranking member on the Committee of Foreign Affairs and NDC MP for North Tongu and Inusah Fuseini, ranking member of the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and NDC MP for Tamale Central, endorsed the agreement.

Mr Iddrisu said that it was important for Ghana to ratify the agreement.

According to him, when the agreement takes off, the continent would rake in a whopping $35 billion from the free trade which would boost the revenue base of all state parties.

He, however, asked the government to ensure that all bottlenecks at

the country’s ports are completely eliminated to ensure that Ghana fully benefits from this agreement.

He said the length of time in clearing goods at the ports and the cost involved in clearing goods are worrisome and called on government to address the problems.

Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa said the Minority would fully support the agreement.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the NPP MP for Nsawam-Adoagyir, Frank AnnohDompreh, said the Minority must be commended for their posture towards the ratification of the agreement, stressing that for the first time, the Minority in parliament showed its patriotic side and overwhelmingly supported the majority in ratifying the agreement.

He said the current intra-African trade stands at 12% but with the coming into effect of the agreement by 2022, intraAfrican trade will significantly grow to 52% to boost revenue generation in African countries.

Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kyerematen, who was present, commended the Minority for its nonpartisan approach in the ratification of the agreement.

According to him, the agreement would help to create a single market for goods and services facilitated by the free movement of persons in order to deepen the economic integration of the African continent.

He further explained that the continental free trade would also enhance the competitiveness of the economies of the state parties within the continent and the global market and also promote industrial development through diversification, regional value chain development, agricultural development and food security. Daily Guide African

Nigeria bans cough syrup with codeine after addiction outcry Nigeria has announced a ban on the production and import of cough syrup containing codeine after a BBC investigation into its role in an addiction epidemic.

A health ministry spokesman told the BBC remaining stocks in shops could be sold with a prescription.

The BBC investigation showed the syrup being sold on the black market to be used by young Nigerians to get high.

It recorded a number of pharmaceutical figures selling the drug illegally.

The joint probe by the BBC’s new investigation unit, Africa Eye, and BBC Pidgin prompted a swift response from people across the country, including Nigeria’s first lady, Aisha Buhari, who said in an Instagram post she was “deeply saddened”by the rise of the problem, especially in the north of Nigeria.

“I call on all security agencies, lawmakers, judiciary, drug manufacturers, civil society, regulators, teachers, parents, neighbours and you to take this as a personal war and halt the menace,” she added.

However, Olajide Oshundun, the Ministry of Health’s assistant director of information, said the ban was a result of months of work by a committee, which submitted a report into the widespread abuse of the medication on Tuesday.

While existing stocks could be sold, manufacturers in Nigeria “have been told by federal government not to use codeine in cough syrup”, Mr Oshundun told the BBC. “Those that want to import the substance, it is been banned now.

It is completely banned,” he added.

Employee fired The cough syrup was legal, but it was against the law to sell it to people without a doctor’s prescription or those who did not have a pharmaceutical licence.

The Nigerian Senate estimates that as many as three million bottles of codeine syrup are drunk every single day in just two states, Kano and Jigawa.

The BBC’s undercover team caught one executive for Emzor Pharmaceuticals boasting he could sell “one million cartons” in a week on the black market.

But Emzor told the BBC its representative only had access to a very limited amount of its brand of syrup, Emzolyn with codeine, and could not sell large quantities illegally.

Emzor released a statement on Facebook emphasising its commitment to the proper “handling, production, storing and distribution of products containing codeine”.

It has suspended all distribution

pending a “full and thorough investigation” and has fired the employee involved.

“We hope the findings of the documentary will shed further light on the extent and impact of the illicit trade and consumption of codeine,” the statement said.

“We hope that full stakeholder engagement will result in impactful action against the abuse, smuggling and faking of drugs on the continent.”

Codeine cough syrup - the scale of the problem * Codeine is a pain killer but also an addictive opioid. Taken in excess, it can cause schizophrenia and organ failure * Codeine syrup is commonly mixed with soft drinks and often consumed by students * The codeine is imported, but the syrup is made in Nigeria by more than 20 pharmaceutical companies * Nigeria’s drug enforcement agency is fighting this epidemic.

In a recent raid, it seized 24,000 bottles of codeine syrup from a single lorry in Katsina * Codeine syrup addiction is a problem across Africa, with reports of addiction in Kenya, Ghana, Niger, and Chad * In 2016, India banned multiple brands of codeine cough syrup following reports of addition.

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PLACES OF WORSHIP DIRECTORY

Ghana Methodist Churches in Canada ( SOCIETIES UNDER THE GHANA METHODIST CONFERENCE) The Superintendents Minister-In-Charge invites

you

to worship with us Toronto Society Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene Minister-in-charge

Place of Worship: 19 Penn Drive, North York, Ont. (off Finch Av./Milvan)

Very Reverend Albert K. 416-743-4555 (Office) 905-216-2323 (Residence) Appiah, Minister in-charge Day and Time of Worship: Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, Toronto Sunday: Bible Class Meeting:

10:00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.

Church Service:

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Jericho Hour Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday Mid-day Prayer - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday: Bible Teaching/Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Saturday Organizational Meeting: 6.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

Sunday Brampton Prayer Meeting

8:00 p.m.

Worship Schedule: Sunday Church Service - Akan: English Service

-

- 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 12 noon

Friday - Prayer Meeting: - 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Calgary Methodist - 403-603-2864 Edmonton Methodist - 587-336-1223 Ottawa Methodist - 613-823-2291 Vancouver Methodist - 416-833-1615

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. Joshua C. Doughan - 514-542-0871

SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED FOLLOWING THE TRADITIONAL GHANA METHODIST LITURGY. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU. GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU

Disciples Revival Church Healing & Deliverance Centre Rev. Dr. & Rev (Mrs) Charles Mantey Founders/Senior Pastors

416-614-7771

Saturday

- Organizational Meetings Choir Practice, Singing Band Practice

Venue of Worship 65 Mayall Avenue, Toronto, Ontario Tel: 416-614-6110 / 647-341-7305 Email: gcmuc.org Hamilton Society Stoney Creek United Church (Chapel) 1 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Hamilton Contact: 289-244-5914, 289-700-6815, 289-698-1388

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)

Email: info@disciplesrevivalchurch.org www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

SUNDAY SERVICE - Morning - 10:00 am

Heaven In My Heart Ministries 100 Penn Dr, Unit #3 Rev. Eleanor Adu-Anane, Oversea and Founder MRE, ECE

Mid-Week Service Wed: Bible Study & Prayer: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Friday: Youth Service 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Friday: Adult Intercessory Prayer - 7:00 - 9:00 pm For deliverance & healing, come to Disciples, a Church that caters to your needs Do visit our website and sign up for the Pastor's monthly newsletter

www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

30 Gordon Mackay Rd, North York, ON, M9N 2V6

Tel, 647-892-9412 Fax: 905-846-6257 E-mail eleanoraduanane@yahoo.ca

Time of Worship:

Wednesday: Bible Studies 7:00pm to 8:30pm Friday: Prayer Meeting 8:30pm to 11pm st 1 . Friday of every month: All Night Prayer Meeting & Deliverance 9pm to 2am Rev. Mrs Eleanor AduSaturday: Youth Meeting: 2pm to 4pm Anane MRE, BA, RECE For Counselling & other Choir Practice: 3pm to 5pm matters contact the Pastor Sunday: Christian Education: 9am to 10am 647-892-9412 or Celebration: 10:30am to 12:30pm 905-846-6257 Mailing Address: 2 Berwick Avenue Brampton Ontario, L6Z 2P6,

FOOD FOR LIFE

The Ghanaian News April 2018

63

Bringing the Gospel to our Community by Rev. Isaac DeGraft Takyi Thinking your way into health, wealth and life eternal Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, w h a t e v e r i s l o v e l y, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. — Philippians 4:8 (NIV) In our quest to think right we have looked at the fact that successful people think big picture and are focused. This month we shall look at the fact and joy of being a creative thinker. Successful people are creative thinkers.

When you read about some of the stories in the Bible, do you see a display of some form of creativity on the part of some of the believers?

What about this: 23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night, they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and

lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.—Acts 9:23-25 What is creativity?

What are some of the characteristics of creative thinkers? What benefit does creativity produce in the believer’s life?

How do we improve our creativity? And why do people fail to think creatively?

Creativity, someone has said, is pure gold, no matter what you do for a living. I agree with the statement made by Annette Moser-Wellman, the author of The Five Faces of Genius, that the most valuable resource you bring to your life, church, community, and country is your creativity.

Despite the importance

of cre­ativity, few people seem to possess the skill in abundance. If you are not as creative as you would like to be, you need to change your way of thinking. Creative thinking isn’t necessarily original thinking. It is often a composite of other thoughts you have discovered along life’s journey.

Characteristics That Creative Thinkers Have in Common: The are many of them but John Maxwell gives considerations to the following eight traits: Creative thinkers value ideas, explore options, don’t fear failure, are willing to be different, explore unknown paths, ask questions, spend time with other creative people, and last but not the least, creative thinkers ensure that they avoid negative people in any way they can.

Five Specific Benefits from Creative Thinking: Creative thinking adds value to everything you

Ghanaian Presbyterian Church of Montreal

Minister: Rev. Stephen Azundem

Services: Sunday 10:00AM – 1:00PM Divine Worship Service Wednesday 7:00PM – 9:00PM Teaching Service (Bible Study) Friday 7:00PM – 9:00PM – Prayer Service

Tel (office): 514 278 8109 Tel (Cell): 514 660 2422

1345 rue Lapointe St. Laurent, QC, H4L 1K5 Location: At the Corner of O’Brien and Poirier.

do,compounds over time, draws people to you, is the key to learning, and creative thinking challenges the status quo.

Why do people Fail to Think Creatively if it is that simple?

1. They chose to get involved.

(Courage) 2. They decided on a rescue plan.

(Creativity) 3. They executed the plan.

(Commitment) 4. They launched Saul (Paul) into a worldwide m i n i s t r y.

(Compound results)

I believe there exist varied reasons, but the following can be helpful to any person with the desire to maximise his/ her creativity: 1) An overloaded schedule l e a v e s n o t i m e f o r How do we then Improve thinking, 2) an urgent on our Creativity? agenda makes it difficult 1. Listen to and to slow down and ask O b e y G o d ’s questions, and 3) a “know voice. it all” attitude does not 2. Seek ideas from value the ideas of others. others.

3. Learn from past From the scripture in experiences: Acts of the Apostles cited Both your earlier, we see an escape triumphs and story is told in Acts 9. failures Saul, a new follower of 4. Evaluate all your Christ, was being sought options by the Jewish lead­ers in 5. E x p a n d y o u r Damascus who desired l e a r n i n g to put him to death. The opportunities. disciples moved into 6. Write down and action—a faith filled file your creative creative one, as reflected ideas for future

by John Maxwell: use

7. Take risks Finally give a thought to the creativity exhibited by these four friends: A few days later, Jesus entered Capernaum again. The people heard that he had come home.

So many people gathered that there was no room left. There was not even room outside the door.

And Jesus preached the word to them.Four of those who came were carrying a man who could not walk. But they could not get him close to Jesus because of the crowd. So, they made a hole in the roof above Jesus. Then they lowered the man through it on a mat. – Mark 2:1-4 God expects us to have faith in Him in a profoundly creative way and so arise and be creative in your walk with God. So, let me ask you.

What are the two steps you will take this month to help you become a more creative thinker?

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

I AM ALPHA & OMEGA MINISTRY INT'L 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

Bishop John Mensah

NEW LOCATION

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:

100 Penn Drive, Unit #6, North York, Ont.

Tel: 416-419-6671

Cell. 416-400-8211 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)

EVANGEL

Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

Harvest Christian Church Invites you for a wonderful time with the Lord

ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 314 Rexdale Blvd. Etobicoke, Ont. M9W 1R6 Tel: 416-242-7950 Fax: 416-242-8573

Worship Hours Sundays (Mornings) 10 - 12:45pm Wednesday (Bible Study) 7 -8:30 pm Friday (All Night Prayer) 8-10:30pm

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.

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

It’s Harvest Time So Reach Out And Make A Difference

It’s A Great Commission!

The Ghanaian News April 2018

65

The Apostolic Church Int'l.

The Apostolic Church International (Toronto Assembly) is a Branch of The Apostolic Church in Ghana Apostle Nii Aryee (Area Supt. Canada-Wide)

Meeting Schedule Sunday (Worship) Wednesday Teaching Service Friday Prayers Friday: Monthly All Night Service Saturday : Movements -

- - - -

10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

THE APOSTLES'

Field Superintendent contact: 416-454-6141 (cell) 905-913-2037 (Res)

CONTINUATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (CANADA)

168 Rexdale Blvd.,

North American Headquarters: 10 Belfield Road Toronto, Ont., M9W 1G1 Tel: 416-247-6629 Fax: 416-247-5308

Etobicoke, Ontario, M9W 1P6 Church Office 416-740-1979 Field Secretary: Pastor Cyril Williams - 416-875-9616 Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church

SERVICE TIMES:

2017: LIBERTY IN THE SPIRIT 2 Corinthian 3:17

SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 am-1:30 pm Ghanaian Service WEEKDAY SERVICES: Wednesday - Bible Studies Friday - Prayer Service LOCATION:

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 7:00 pm -9:00 pm

42 Steinway Blvd. Unit 1&2

Tel: 416-740-1200 Fax: 416-740-6435 lighthouseag@outlook.com Website: http:/www/lighthouseag.ca www.lighthouseagtoronto.org

Rhema Power of Grace Chapel Int'l

Worship Service Bible Studies Service All Night Service Deliverance

Toronto

63 Howden Rd., Unit 'F' Scarborough, ON, M1R 3C7 Tel 647-850- 0142 Fax 416-945- 9445

Sunday Divine Worship Twi Service - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Multicultural Service - 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday - Midweek Service Friday - All Night Service

-

8p.m. - 10p.m.

10p.m. - 1a.m.

Contact Lines: 416-321-2796 (Pastor's Res) 416-747-9225 (Church) Cell: 647-921-2414

Tel: 514-271-9083 Pastor-In-Charge: John Arhin

Contact: Res: 450-687-4916 Cell: 514-654-6178

Immanuel Assembly of God Church, Scarborough Sunday School: 9:30am -10:30am Church Service: 10:30am - 12 noon

350 Deerhide Cres, North York, ON Rev. Bishop Joe Bonnah

378 Cremazie East Montreal, Quebec, H2P 1E5

Scarborough Assembly

Place of Worship:

Founder &Pastor-in-charge

Montreal Assembly

10 Belfield Road Tel: 416-247-6629

Invites all Christians, Non-Christians and members of the community to join us worship the Great Jehovah

Days And Time of Worship

- Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday 9:00 p.m.

- Friday 9:30 p.m.

- Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Worship With Us At These Branches In Canada

Pastor-in-charge: Rev. Boniface Keelson

(Hwy 27/Steeles) Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6Y6 Email:

Website: www.apostlescontinuation.org

Rev. Douglas O. Ansah Pastor-in-charge

LOCATION Don Montgomery Community Centre 2467 Eglinton Ave. E. Scarborough, Ont., (Kennedy/Eglinton Subway Station) For more info contact:

647-880-4216

Email: immanuelscarborough@gmail.com Website: immanuelaog.ca.

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Ghana Government Launches Major Youth Employment Program: Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo) cont’d from pg. 1

Welcome Home Evangelistic Ministries Affiliated with the Evangelical Church In Canada

Gen. Overseer & Founder: Evang. & Prophetess Winnie Manu BRE, M. Div.

New address: Heart Lake United Church 85 Sandalwood Pkwy E. Brampton, ON Sunday Morning Worship Celebration start from 1:30 pm Wednesday Discipleship class is 7pm Friday Prayer meeting is 7pm Contact Info: Tel: 647 210 7057 Fax: 905 495 4789 Website: www.wheministries.org

Email: whemtoday@gmail.com

optimise efficiency in the processing restructuring program in 2014 with the of applications, as well as afford the previous Mahama NDC government. opportunity for checking with other available, national databases to prevent The central focus ofNABCO, the fraud,” he added.The first batch of the President said, would be to create NABCO trainees will be deployed to employment avenues and opportunities commence their work by 1stAugust, 2018. for young people who hold diplomas or degrees from accredited tertiary The President further stated that institutions, adding that “NABCO will the program is also aimed at the enhance the dignity and self-esteem attainment of equity and fairness. In of our graduates, and will also present that direction, every constituency has them with the added benefit of efficiency a stated allocation out of the 100,000 and effectiveness in the delivery of some placements, which has been worked essential public services.”President out based on a weighting formula, thus, Akufo-Addo was confident that by ensuring all constituencies, large or the time NABCO trainees exit the small, adequate representation. scheme, which is for a 3-year period, R e m u n e r a t i o n “the requisite work readiness skills and experience, often deemed a With the ultimate aim being to help barrier to their employment as fresh guarantee employability of these graduates, would have been resolved.” graduates, placements would last for a period of three (3) years, earning H o w t o a p p l y NABCO trainees a stipend of 700 Ghana cedis every month.“This is a modest, The module qualification and recruitment but important beginning towards the processes, and all the essential criteria, restoration of their dignity. Beneficiaries along with detailed information, of the will also receive continuous skills program are all available on the website training, and retraining on the job, of NABCO (www.nabco.gov.gh), which both to equip and guide their future the President pointed out, is the only career paths,” the President stated. medium for receiving applications from graduates, as long as they are Ghanaian He noted further that the security offered citizens, and have duly discharged by this graduate employment scheme their national service obligations. implies that graduates have sufficient time to make prudent choices on their “There are no charges or costs, and future entry onto the labour market, on no paper application forms to fill. potential interests of starting businesses Everything is being done online, and and entrepreneurship, or even on on the website of NABCO. This will definitive clarity on further learning cont’d on pg. 67

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Ghana Government Launches Major Youth Employment Program: Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo) cont’d from pg. 66 options, guided by experiences and the benefit of exposure to the world of work.

N o n - g r a d u a t e s With regards to persons who do not have diplomas or degrees, the President indicated that NABCO is freeing up the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) of the burden of dealing with everything to do with employment amongst the youth, especially graduates.

“NABCO is granting YEA extra absorptive capacity to concentrate on non-graduates. YEA will also recruit 80,000 non-graduates this year, whilst NaBCo commences recruitment of 100,000 graduates,” he explained.

President Akufo-Addo assured that Government’s commitment to job creation will not end here, but would be accelerated through the implementation of its flagship programs of “One District One Factory”, “One village One Dam”, and the Program for Planting for Food and Jobs.

“We are also creating an enabling economic environment for the private sector to thrive, which will drive in investment, foreign and domestic, and, thereby, help create jobs,” he added.

Christian Hope Ministry Int'l Invites You All To Come Worship With Us Apostle-in-charge: Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

Tel: 647-916-0780 / 647-703-9717 TIME OF WORSHIP: Sunday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Tuesday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

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"

Transformation Centre Assembly of God Church, Mississauga Join us on Sundays for worship at: Venue: Clarkson Community Centre (Margaret Marland Room) Address: 2475 Truscott Drive, Mississauga, Ont (Southdown Rd/Truscott Dr. on Winston Churchill Blvd/Truscott Dr.

Time: 10.00AM-1.00PM

Glory Pentecostal Ministry of Toronto Pastor-in-charge: Rev. Rockson Owusu Atwima - 416-708-7742

Invites all Christians and Non-Christians to join us to worship the Almighty God WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Regular Service 11:00 am to 1:30 pm Tuesday Prayer and Healing Service 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday Prayer Night 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm

PLACE OF WORSHIP 230 Eddystone Ave., #207, North York, Ont. M3N 1H7 We are more tan our conquerors Romans 8:37 "Come and see the manifestation and the power of the Holy Spirit at work"

Praise Temple of Christ International Snr. Pastor: Apostle Osei-Bonsu 336 Gary Ray Drive @ Signet Worship Schedule 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 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Apostle Osei Bonsu

Contact: Pastor Isaac K. Bonful Tel: 289-814-5482 Email: transformcentreag@yahoo.ca www.transformationcentreag.ca "...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2a

For information call: 905-840-7387, 647-208-1093 416-209-9136, 647-710-2573 Pastor Appiah Jacob

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The Ghanaian News April 2018

Around the Ghana Sports Scene Dogbe receives presidential applause for setting new record N a n a AddoDankwahAkufoAddo, the President of Ghana, has applauded young and talented boxer, Isaac ‘The Royal Storm’ Dogbe following his historic challenge victory over Jesse Magdaleno to pick the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Super Bantamweight belt.

Dogboe, 23, put up a splendid performance on Sunday morning, in Philadelphia, where he knocked down the American title holder, Magdeleno in the 11th round to become Ghana’s youngest ever world title holder.

Dogbe, is now undefeated in his 19 professional fights with 13 KOs.

Isaac Dogboe has been commended by President AkufoAddo for his feat

the country was proud of Dogboe.

“Congratulations to Isaac Dogboe on becoming WBO Junior Featherweight Champion, and in so doing, Ghana’s youngest-ever boxing world champion. We are proud of him and I am confident that he is destined for greatness,” the president tweeted.

In a congratulatory message to the “Royal Storm”, the president tweeted on his official Ike Quartey held the as Ghana’s tweeter account saying record youngest world title

holder at age 25, but has been beaten to it by the reigning WBO Super Bantamweight champion.

Below is the list of Young Ghanaian boxers ever to win a World title and their respective ages; Isaac Dogboe – 23, Ike Quartey – 25, Alfred Kotey – 26, Azumah Nelson – 26, Joseph Agbeko – 27, David Kotey -28 ghananewsagency.org

Former Ghana international Christian Saba has been named coach of Bayern Munich’s U-16 team in the ongoing season. manage to stay with the club, playing for the reserves and being an occasional standby player for the main squad.

The 39-year-old started his coaching career in 2014 and has since been at the developmental stages where he helps groom young talents.

Saba joined FC Bayern compatriot Emmanuel Bentil.

Munich’s youth system in 1995 Neither were able to break into at the age of 16, alongside the first team, but the former did

Christian Saba spent a lot of time in Germany, where he played for Hertha Berlin and ArminiaBielefield. ghanasoccernet.com

Michael Essien Get New Job Ghanaian professional footballer and former Chelsea Football Club midfielder, Michael Essien has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the “Be The Next Champion” campaign.

The main goal for the “Be The Next Champion Campaign” is to discover and train talented footballers to represent Ghana in the African 11 team to play against Chelsea former stars.

They (“Be The Next Champion)

is, however, in partnership with Unilever’s antiseptic brand Rexona and Chelsea Football Club.

Michael Essien speaking during the campaign launch where he was appointed as the brand ambassador expressed happiness saying, “I am happy to be part of this Rexona and Chelsea partnership, I am very happy to be the Ambassador to promote it.”

“Chelsea is the biggest club in Europe at the moment and to be part of it is such an honour, I’m glad to be part of the generation that put Chelsea where it is today so it’s a blessing, “I will try my best to give them the right speeches, the right words of encouragement for them to bring out their best,” he concluded. ghanacelebrities

with Jonathan Baah Annobil

Bayern Munich goal machine Kwasi Okyere Wriedt ready to play for Ghana after Ibrahim Tanko talks Bayern Munich promising talent KwasiOkyereWriedt has announced his readiness to play for the Black Stars after talks with assistant national team coach Ibrahim Tanko.

The Hamburg-born is eligible to play for the West African country.

Wriedt, 23, is a promising prospect who has scored 20 league goals in 27 appearances in the in the Regionalliga Nord.

He made his Bundesliga debut in November last year as a 68th

Ibrahim Tanko and KwasiOkyereWriedt minute substitute for Sebastian Rudy in the 2-1 defeat at Borussia Monchengladbach.

At 1.87m tall, Wriedt is a powerful striker with

pace to boot.

He is naturally twofooted and is not just an out-and-out goal-getter — he is a provider as well.ghanasoccernet.com

Team Ghana Returns From Commonwealth Games With One Medal

The last batch of athletes and officials who represented Ghana in the 21st Commonwealth Games held in Gold Coast Australia have arrived home.

The team that left the shores of Ghana in high confidence, with a target of winning at least 5 medals returned home with a bronze medal which was won by a boxer who was nearly dropped by the management.

On the administrative front, Ghana’s participation was rocked with a visa scandal that has resulted in the suspension of several high profile government appointees including the Director of the National Sports Authority, Robert Sarfo Mensah, the NSA Board Chairperson, KwadwoBaahAgyemang and the Deputy Minister Pius EnamHadzide.

The contingent was led by the Chef de Mission for the games, Sahnoon Mohammed and met on arrival by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Youth

and Sports Elvis Adjei-Baah.

necessary resources available for the various disciplines. I’m personally disappointed with our performances but I believe the athletes did their best. We came home with a medal and certificates”, he remarked.

Mohammed Sahnoon expressed disappointment over the team’s inability to achieve their target but believes the performance will only get better if the athletes get the needed support and funding from the state.

Ghana finished the games 39th with just one medal alongside “The athletes have done their Cook Islands, Norfolk Island, best and this is the result. If Seychelles and the Solomon it falls below the standard Islands. expected by Ghanaians then all I can say is we need to push Boxing gave Team Ghana the hard. We are going to work hard only medal when Jessie Lartey and the next Commonwealth picked bronze in the 64kg light Games we are going to see welterweight division despite his better results. It’s about being controversial defeat to Canada’s focusing on it and making the Thomas Blumenfeld.”

Source: Ghanaweb

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