GHANAIAN NEWS - DECEMBER 2024

African Canadian Business Expo

John Mahama sworn in as Ghana’s president, promises to ‘reset’ the country

From Accra, Francis Kokoroko/Reuters

With around 20 African leaders in attendance, the 66-year-old is sworn in as Ghana’s president for second time

John Mahama gestures during the swearing-in ceremony for his second term, led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo at the Black Star Square in Accra on 7th January 2025,

John Mahama has been sworn in for a second term as Ghana’s president at a ceremony in the capital Accra, with around 20 African leaders in attendance.

Mahama won 56 percent of the vote in the nation’s presidential election on December 9, defeating ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41 percent.

Mahama takes over from outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who served two terms in power.

“Today should mark the opportunity to reset our country,” the 66-year-old new president, wearing the West African country’s national dress, told a jubilant crowd decked in the green, red, black and

white hues of his National Democratic Congress (NDC) party on Tuesday.

Energy radiated from Accra’s Black Star Square, as a sea of elate faces waved Ghanaian and NDC flags, chanted and broke into spontaneous dance to the beat of drums and the blaring honk of vuvuzelas.

Among those present were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore, Kenyan President William Ruto, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema.

Mahama, 66, was sworn in alongside Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the first woman to become vice president in Ghana.

People gather ahead of John Mahama’s swearing-in ceremony for his second term as Ghana’s president, in Accra, Ghana [Francis Kokoroko/Reuters]

Mahama’s return to the presidency ends eight years in power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana AkufoAddo, whose last term was marked by

cont’d on pg. 7

President John Mahama

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RAMESH SANGHA LAW FIRM

Ramesh Sangha BSN, MP

New Ontario laws and regulations coming into effect in 2025

Several laws and regulation changes in Ontario are taking effect this new year, from child-care fees to minimum wage for gig workers.

Here’s a look at some of the notable new rules in force in 2025:

CHILD CARE

Starting in the new year, the Ontario government is capping child-care fees at $22 per day for families enrolled in Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care programs.

The province is also switching from a revenue replacement model to a cost-based model for the national $10-a-day program. The government says it will offer benchmark funding based on the average cost in each region and legacy top-ups if daycares have higher costs. In lieu of profit or surplus, the province will also offer additional funding.

Non-profit centres welcomed the change when it was announced in August, while for-profit operators decried the new model, saying it would not give them sufficient autonomy to run their centres how they see fit.

Also, the maximum temperature of hot water supplied to any sink, bathtub or shower in child-care facilities and provincial demonstration schools is going to be lowered from 49 C to 43 C.

HIGHWAY TRAFFIC ACT CHANGES

The total threshold to report a collision involving property damage to police is increasing from $2,000 to $5,000. The province says the change aims to reduce the administrative burden on drivers, commercial vehicle operators, and police services.

Owners of motor vehicle inspection stations have until Mar. 31, 2025, to switch

EDITORIAL

Publisher / Editor

Emmanuel Ayiku

Contributing Editor

Joe Kingsley Eyiah

Director of Operations

Comfort Ayiku

Community Reporter

Jonathan Annobil

Online Editor

Ebenezer Amankwah

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EDITORIAL

Looking Back to 2024 and beyond-

The year 2024 just came to an end, and we have embraced the year 2025. As we look back at the just ended year 2024, we Ghanaians in the Diaspora our minds are filled with many deaths that happened in our community last year. Compared to the previous year the numbers are a bit lower. But unfortunately we are all saddened by the loss of our friends and loved ones in the community. May their souls rest in perfect peace.

As we all know death is a natural Phenomenon and as our adult population in our community is growing there is the need for all especially our seniors to take good care of their health as individuals.

In fact the previous year was a difficult and challenging year in terms of business growth and community activities. Some of these problems attribute to high rise of interest rate, high cost of groceries, lack of affordable housing and many more other issues. All these in effect, affected our community business growth last year 2024.

Also this year saw Visitors and international Students coming from our motherland Ghana to Canada in their numbers, most of them landed in Ontario and ended up in our community here in GTA. In view of that, many of these students face problems such as accommodation, jobs, integration and other basic needs. It is our hope that our community members especially the Churches, Organizations, Associations and some individual members will understand their problems and support them wholeheartedly.

Back home in Ghana the year saw growing number of Economic problems with a very gloomy situation, But we thank God there was an election last year wilth a new Government of John Mahama as the new President. We hope to count on the new government to manage the Economy as he promised during his inauguration on 7th of January 2025. We therefore urge the Government to take priority over the problem in the coming year.

At the Ghanaian News, we are counting the blessings God has poured on our community during the year in spite of the hardships we have had to go through. We are therefore grateful to God for His provisions throughout the year and also, wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all our community members who have continued to support The Ghanaian News in various undertakings to bring improvement to our community here in Canada. We applaud the GhanaianCanadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) and other Associations across Canada in the launching of Programs that has sustained most of our community members. We thank all our community members, our well wishers and supporters in mainstream Canadian society for supporting our efforts throughout the year. We are also proud of the 31 award recipients honored at our 21st Annual Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards previous year, As we say goodbye to the year 2024 and welcome a new one, 2025, we encourage all our community members to unite their efforts and actively participate in every event in our community that are aimed at making us a better community. Let us shun apathy and embrace engagement to move our community forward.

We are grateful to God, our customers, sponsors and well wishers.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

Supreme Court rejects Trump’s bid to delay sentencing in his New York hush money case

WASHINGTON (AP) — A sharply divided Supreme Court on Thursday rejected President-elect Donald Trump’s final bid to put his New York hush-money case on hold, clearing the way for him to be sentenced for felony crimes days before he returns to the presidency.

The court’s 5-4 order clears the way for Judge Juan M. Merchan to impose a sentence Friday on Trump, who was convicted in what prosecutors called an attempt to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels. Trump has denied any liaison with Daniels or any wrongdoing.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined with the court’s three liberals in rejecting his emergency motion.

The majority found his sentencing wouldn’t be an insurmountable burden during the presidential transition since Merchan has indicated he won’t give Trump jail time, fines or probation.

Trump’s attorneys had asked the sentencing be delayed as he appeals the verdict, but the majority of justices found his arguments can be handled as part of the regular appeals process.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh would have delayed the sentencing, the order states.

Trump said he respects the high court’s order, and will pursue an appeal that could end up before the high court again. “I respect the court’s opinion — I think it was actually a very good opinion for us because you saw what they said, but they invited the appeal and the appeal is on the bigger issue. So, we’ll see how it works out,” he said at a dinner with Republican governors at his private club in Florida.

The defeat comes after the conservativemajority court has handed Trump major victories over the past year, ensuring that states could not kick him off the ballot because of the 2021 attack on the Capitol and giving him immunity from prosecution over some acts he took as president in a ruling that delayed an election-interference case against him.

The justices could also be faced with weighing other parts of the sweeping conservative changes he’s promised after he takes office.

In the push to delay the New York sentencing, Trump’s attorneys argued he is immune from criminal proceedings as president-elect and said some evidence used in the Manhattan trial violated last summer’s immunity decision.

At the least, they have said, the sentencing should be delayed while their appeals play out to avoid distracting Trump during the White House transition.

Prosecutors pushed back, saying there’s no reason for the court to take the “extraordinary step” of intervening in a state case now. Trump’s attorneys didn’t show that an hourlong virtual hearing would be a serious disruption, and a pause would likely mean pushing the case past the Jan. 20 inauguration, creating a delay that could last at least through his presidency.

“We brought a case. A jury of ordinary New Yorkers returned 34 guilty verdicts,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said at an unrelated news conference Thursday afternoon. “Our function right now primarily is to continue to give voice to that verdict and respect, as a principle -- bedrock principle of the administration of justice -- that the jury’s voice must not be rubbed out.”

Trump’s attorneys went to the justices after New York courts refused to postpone sentencing, including the state’s highest court on Thursday.

Judges in New York have found that the convictions on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to personal matters rather than Trump’s official acts as president. Daniels says she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006. He denies it.

Trump’s attorneys called the case politically motivated, and they said sentencing him now would be a “grave injustice” that threatens to disrupt the presidential transition as the Republican prepares to return to the White House.

Trump is represented by D. John Sauer, his pick to be the solicitor general, who represents the government before the high court.

Sauer also argued for Trump in the separate criminal case charging him with trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which resulted in the Supreme Court’s immunity opinion.

Defense attorneys cited that opinion in arguing some of the evidence used against him in the hush money trial should have been shielded by presidential immunity. That includes testimony from some White House aides and social media posts made while he was in office.

The decision comes a day after Justice Alito confirmed that he took a phone call from Trump the day before the president-elect’s lawyers filed their emergency motion before the high court.

The justice said the call was about a clerk, not any upcoming or current cases, but the unusual communication prompted calls for Alito to recuse himself, including from the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee. Justices make their own decisions about whether to recuse and Alito still weighed in on the case. Cp24

Trudeau to resign as Liberal leader, prime minister

It didn’t take long for 2025 to bring massive political news. We’ve got a special edition of Minority Report to break down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing he’ll step down from his post once the Liberals find his successor in a leadership race. The announcement comes with a lot of questions about the future, so let’s get started.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his plan to resign as Liberal leader and prime minister outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Monday.

(Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

The prime minister says he plans to step down once the Liberal Party has chosen a successor, bringing his time leading the country to a tumultuous end.

Trudeau, who became Liberal leader in 2013 and prime minister in the fall of 2015, announced his long-awaited decision outside his official residence, Rideau Cottage, on Monday morning.

Trudeau also said he asked Gov.-Gen. Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24, and she granted the request.

The father of three said he told his children that he intended to leave the country’s top job over dinner Sunday night.

“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it’s become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” he told reporters.

Trudeau’s decision will set off a competitive leadership race to replace him and find a contender to take on the Liberals’ key rival, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, in the next federal election.

Trudeau said he’s already asked the Liberal Party president to begin a “robust” and “nationwide” process to find the next leader.

What is prorogation?

Prorogation effectively allows the prime minister to hit pause on Parliament. The government remains in power, but all parliamentary activity — from existing bills and committee work to studies and investigations — comes to a halt.

Trudeau asked Simon to prorogue Parliament on Monday morning, and she agreed. He defended his decision by saying the House of Commons is “entirely seized by obstruction, by filibustering and a total lack of productivity.”

He’s referencing how parliamentarians have been stuck for months debating over whether the government should hand over documents related to a nowdefunct green technology fund.

“It’s time for a reset. It’s time for the temperature to come down,” Trudeau said on Monday morning.

How will replacing Trudeau work?

Proroguing Parliament buys the Liberals much-needed time to find a new leader, but it’s still a tight window — the party has 11 weeks before prorogation ends and MPs return to the House of Commons. Opposition parties will likely be clamoring to bring the government down with a vote of non-confidence.

Some MPs, like Quebec Liberal Sophie Chatel, believe the party can wrap up a leadership race in about 90 days. She’s proposing electronic voting and having candidates declare their nominations in days rather than weeks, according to an email she wrote to her colleagues that was obtained by CBC News.

The Liberal Party’s constitution doesn’t specify how long a leadership contest should be. But the national board has flexibility depending on “political circumstances” and can “review and alter any arrangements alread made for the leadership vote.”

Who might run for Trudeau’s job?

Several names in the Liberal caucus and beyond have been circulating for months. Some people who’ve gotten the most attention are former finance minister Chrystia Freeland — who resigned from Trudeau’s cabinet in mid-December — and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.

But others are rumoured to be considering a run at Liberal leadership, including current Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly and former B.C. premier Christy Clark.

No matter the leader, the Liberals face an uphill climb. CBC’s Poll Tracker has them down 24-points against the Conservatives, although those polls were taken before Trudeau announced he would step down.

President Mahama revokes appointments of MMDCEs

President John Dramani Mahama has revoked the appointment of all Municipal, Metropolitan and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

The revocation was contained in a letter addressed to the chief director of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.

In addition, the appointments of all assembly members to politically held positions in the various districts have been revoked.

In the meantime, district coordinating directors have been asked to act at the various assemblies across the country.

“In accordance with the powers vested in H.E. John Mahama under the provisions of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) as amended by the Local Governance (Amendment) Act, 2017, (Act 940), the following appointments have been revoked effective today: 1. Chief Executives of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies. 2. Assembly Members appointed pursuant to the relevant sections of the Act.

“In the interim, the respective

Coordinating Directors of the various MMDAs are directed to assume responsibility as acting Chief Executives until substantive appointments are duly made. Kindly take note and act accordingly,” the letter which was issued by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, on January 8, 2025 read.

The revocation is one of Mahama’s first actions on his first day in office.

It would affect about 261 MMDCEs appointed by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

The president also met policymakers in the energy sector to address the looming crisis in the sector. ghanaweb

Liberal backbencher vows to dump the monarchy if elected leader

Chandra Arya is first sitting MP to launch a leadership campaign

A Liberal backbencher is promising to make Canada “a sovereign republic” if elected by his party to replace Prime Minster Justin Trudeau.

On Thursday, Ottawa MP Chandra Arya announced he’ll be seeking the top job — making him the first caucus member to declare their intentions.

In a statement, Arya said he wants to make “Canada a sovereign republic,” which would require replacing the monarchy as the head of state.

“It’s time for Canada to take full control of its destiny,” he wrote in a statement.

Arya said he also wants to “a lead a small, more efficient government with a cabinet selected on merit and not on [diversity, equity and inclusion] quotas.”

“We are facing significant structural problems that haven’t been seen for generations and solving them will require tough choices,” he said.

His multi-page announcement includes a list of policy proposals, including increasing the retirement age by

two years in 2040, introducing a citizenship-based tax system and recognizing Palestine as a state.

Arya was first elected by Nepean voters in 2015 and has been a backbench MP ever since.

He hasn’t always been in line with the government’s policies. In 2023, he sponsored a petition calling on the Liberals to reconsider plans to introduce a foreign agent registry in response to serious allegations of foreign interference in Canadian politics. The registry legislation has since passed, but it’s not yet up and running.

His ties to India have raised eyebrows amid worsening diplomatic relations.

Last summer, Arya travelled to India and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A statement from Global Affairs Canada at the time said Arya “travelled to India on his own initiative and was not representing the Government of Canada.”

Liberal MP Chandra Arya posted this

President John Dramani Mahama

Prime Minister Justin Strudeau

Canada could see a wave of mortgage renewals in 2025

Here is how some homeowners plan to navigate the payment shock.

“We have no idea how we will afford an increase.”

That’s what Alecia, a Horseshoe Valley, Ont. resident, said when asked about renegotiating her mortgage in 2025 and the expected rise in costs.

“It’s not just the mortgage, it’s the property tax and all other expenses that are of concern,” she told CTV News Toronto.

The 63-year-old property owner is one of 1.2 million Canadians facing a mortgage renewal in 2025, according to a report released by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

At least 85 per cent of those existing home loans were contracted when the Bank of Canada’s interest rate was at or below one per cent, the report notes, which means more than one million homeowners will face “significantly higher interest rates” when they renew.

The payment shock for many Canadians will come even after the Bank of Canada cut interest rates by a total of 175 basis points since last spring. Interest rates had previously reached a 22-year high in an effort to curb inflation.

Alecia has a $1 million mortgage left on her primary residence and she admits that she’s unsure what type of rate she’s up against when she renews. She said she and her husband previously listed their property amid the rising costs of living in Canada and said they plan to move to Mexico.

“How do you survive? It’s not feasible. Food’s too expensive. Insurance is too expensive. They’re

bleeding us dry. Like, what do you get, 40 per cent out of your pocket now?”

Maria, of Tottenham, Ont. is in a similar situation. The 61-year-old homeowner said she was paying off her $585,000 mortgage at a rate of 1.9 per cent. Now, she said she’s looking at rates of 3.99 per cent or higher and an increase of at least $700 per month to her payments.

“Well, it’s going to be readjusting some things, of course, right?” She explained to CTV News. “We’re looking at extending the amortization and going to monthly payments rather than the bi-weekly that we were making, which, of course, is going to extend our mortgage even longer, because we can’t pay down what we were paying down.”

Mortgage arrears expected to increase: CMHC

Amid the increased payments for some Canadian homeowners, the CMHC says mortgage delinquencies are already ticking upwards and are expected to rise further in 2025.

“There’s clear signs and for the last couple of years, but I would say increasingly so in the last year. And so we expect mortgage arrears to increase in the next year or so,” Tania Bourassa-Ochoa, CMHC Deputy Chief Economist, said in a interview with CTV News Toronto.

The mortgage delinquency rate across the country grew to 0.192 per cent in the second quarter of 2024 (representing roughly 13,000 households who are

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late on their payments by 90 days or more), up from 0.188 per cent in the first quarter. In 2022, the rate reached a record low of 0.14 per cent.

Looking specifically at Toronto, a supplementary analysis of the Canadian mortgage market found that the rate of mortgage arrears could reach levels unseen since 2012, according to the CMHC.

Other types of credit products are also seeing an increase in delinquency rates, Bourassa-Ochoa noted. Auto loans, which recorded a “significant” increase in arrears in Q2 of 2024, rose to 2.42 per cent, up from the range of 2.02 per cent and 2.11 per cent seen in the past two years. Meanwhile, the rates of credit card and line of credit arrears rose from 1.56 per cent to 1.70 per cent and from 0.72 per cent to 0.84 per cent, respectively.

On average, Bourassa-Ochoa says a Canadian homeowner renewing their mortgage this year can expect to see a roughly 30 per cent increase. And because Canadians generally prioritize mortgage payments above all other bills, those could be the last link in the chain to break when household spending becomes more constrained.

However, a tidal wave of mortgage defaults and home foreclosures is unlikely, Bourassa-Ochoa underscored.

“We anticipate that this pressure will be felt for sure, however, we’re not anticipating that all of these borrowers will be going delinquent. On the contrary,

cont’d on pg. 23

By: Erastus Asare Donkor, Accra, Ghana

Mr. Outgoing President

Your assertion that you lost this election because you were fighting Galamsey cannot be true. Infact your party made a similar assertion, attributing some depreciation of votes to your fight against Galamsey. You started well and for a moment some of us thought we were winning the fight against Galamsey.

Then you slacked!! Many of your appointees took advantage of the power you willed them to engage deeply in illegal mining activities. Infact one of your close relatives was a lawyer to, and defended a company linked to the destruction of some major forests in Ghana, including the Apamprama forest reserve. This company metamorphosed from another entity which decimated the Upper Wassa forest reserve. Perhaps the power he drew from you as your relative aided this company to draw a large military force from the Ghana Armed Forces which protected it while it illegally destroyed Ghana’s forests.

Some known executives from your party took advantage

of your laxity to pitch camp in forests like, Ankwaso, Saryiano, Amansie, Tano Anwia, and Tano Nimri and others and did permanent damage to these ecosystems.

Your close buddy, the Ashanti Regional Chairman, illegally entered the Tano Nimri Forest reserve and destroyed portions of it. Even after I exposed him and gave evidence of his constant pollution of the Tano River, you were heard in one of your speeches defending him.

Infact, despite these infractions, your party still won many seats and even the presidential race in many Galamsey constituencies. It’s not true many voted against you because you were fighting Galamsey. But I’ve heard some say they were angry because when you said you were fighting Galamsey, you only fought the little fishes and allowed “your” favorites to rule the field.

I’ve gotten the flack for receiving a state award delivered by you. While’s I understand the anger of the masses, I think their anger stems from your

inability to call out your own in this fight. They are upset because they expected you to stand your ground and fight those who pollute our rivers and your people who pillage our forests. But sadly you didn’t. In the days leading to the 2024 elections, your government chose the people’s votes ahead of their lives which hinged directly on the pollution of rivers which has largely affected their health and agriculture, the main stay of the people.

Today as you step down from the clutches of power I’m sure you will see clearly now from your Kyebi residence, the color of the Birim, the Ankobra, the Pra, the Tano which your friend Chairman Wontumi helped pollute and is still polluting. You could have said SORRY but to continue the self denial and the skewing of facts in your state of the nation address in the Galamsey fight is unfortunate. I’m glad that finally you endorsed my work with an admission that my videos were not fake and my work was not substandard as some of your appointees and party people sought to proclaim.

I remember what you told me whilst decorating me with the honors; an admission that I have served my nation well. You added a statement you did not complete but I know deep down you know that Ghanaians did not vote your party out because you were fighting Galamsey but the lack of it. Please tell, the aide to the second …. Whose boys seized my items to return them. I wish you well.

FOCUS

From Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Educator/Social Commentator

“A curriculum is considered the ‘heart’ of any learning institution which means that schools or universities cannot exist without a curriculum. With its importance in formal education, curriculum has become a dynamic process due to the changes that occur in our society.”

Curriculum could be described as lists of subjects, learning areas and courses of study. The syllabus outlines everything that the teacher needs to teach to his/her class. It must be argued here that this content-prescriptive approach limits the scope of teachers to really personalize the learning.

Although, there is no single definition that can be used to holistically explain this complex phenomenon known as curriculum, it can be simply referred to as a course of study or plan for what is to be taught in an educational institution (Wiles, “Bondi in Curriculum Development: A Guide to Practice”, 1998).According to Gatawa in the book “The Politics of the School Curriculum: An Introduction” (1990), the curriculum is general in nature, for it encompasses all societal speculations about knowledge and what constitutes it. Knowledge should have a basis as determined by society.

However, because knowledge is dynamic as it constantly changes with the coming on board of new truths in the ever changing universe, policymakers should always be privy to any shift in expectation, so that what is considered as knowledge remains relevant to societal needs

Relevance and Inclusivity:

The greatest challenge we face today is relevance. Our students require a curriculum that provides them with meaningful experiences, that engenders

deep and significant learning. It has to be relevant and responsive to the age in which we live. In other words, it must educate for life.

Technology keeps on changing how we live. And that, the only possession we have that keeps us going is our potentials. Students therefore have to take opportunities of new learning initiatives and improve upon what they have already. The job market keeps on changing. What students learn at school should therefore be geared towards preparing them for needs of the community. This calls for dynamic and relevant curriculum.

As a retired educator, I am happy to hear of changes being promised by the governments/political parties fighting to votes from the electorate in both Ghana and Ontario in the school curriculum to meet the needs of our students to prepare them adequately for national development. Those changes in their school curriculum could be described as humble beginnings of making the school curriculum more relevant to the needs of the changing world.

Ghana has already embarked upon a

new standards-based curriculum for kindergarten to Class 6 in primary schools for the past four years or so. This curriculum embodied the best practices from all over the world, and focuses on making Ghanaian children confident, innovative, creative-thinking, digitally-literate, well-rounded, patriotic citizens. Mathematics, Science, Reading, Writing and Creativity are, therefore, at the heart of this new curriculum. We need to see quality delivery of such programs at our schools and not just remain on paper

We pray that now that the elections in Ghana are over with NDC winning massively the votes of Ghanaians they will stay faithful to their promises in education during December 7 elections campaign.

In Ontario, it is reported that for the past six years college graduates have overtaken university graduates in securing better employment. This is partly due to the nature of courses offered at the college which are more hands-on and meets the present needs of the community.

Rising Graduate Unemployment in Ghana:

The youth in Ghana are restless and frustrated due to promises of the outgoing NPP government to create employment for them which have seen the day, and also partly due the ‘getrich-quickly’ attitude of some youth attracting them to the fields of illegal mining in the country.

It is recommended that “government must work towards equipping the youth with relevant skills through the educational system.” This from the World Bank to the government must be taken seriously by the incoming NDC administration as it takes the reins of

governing Ghana come January, 2025

Obviously, policymakers are confused about what the real issues are and what, possibly could be done about them. It must be noted here that Ghana is not the only country battling with the rise in graduate unemployment.

Ghana now has free Senior High School education to help all her citizens of school-going age to access secondary education. This means there are more High School graduates for our Universities and Colleges than before the free secondary education was introduced in the country. To curb the growing graduate unemployment in the country, the school curriculum ought to be reshaped to cater for the needs of the Ghanaian community. Numeracy and literacy, science and technology, visual arts and performing arts, social studies and vocational studies must all be given respectable emphasis in the development of the school curriculum.

The other big factor that influences quality education is well trained and adequately motivated teacher. It is obvious that, well-motivated and remunerated teacher is at the centre of our quality education and comprehensive teacher policy in any country that seeks development and advancement in technology.

The fact is that, there is always the need to maintain the professionalism of teachers through adequate incentives and continuous professional development.

Our communities are undergoing radical changes as technology advances. Schools, colleges and universities ought to acknowledge such changes and make what students are taught in these formal institutions of learning more relevant to the needs of the community

Resetting Together The Ghana Agenda

By Edmund Agbeko, Toronto, ON

On December 7, 2024, Ghanaians went to the polls to elect a president and their Members of Parliament. Touted as a high-stakes election, the occasion was preceded by numerous calls for a peaceful, fair and transparent process to solidify Ghana’s position as a beacon of democracy. Despite a few skirmishes and isolated acts of lawlessness that must be addressed with the full force of the law, the process unfolded largely as the world and all Ghanaians had hoped: a testament to Ghana’s stability and democratic maturity; writes Alhaji Seidu Agongo.

With the elections over, we must now face reality. Undoubtedly, the challenges facing Ghana are monumental, requiring an unprecedented collective effort to overcome. They require us to rally around the new leader and his vision of resetting Ghana to initiate and implement bold solutions that will lift our citizens out of poverty, address the yawning gaps in education and give many people access to quality and affordable health care. These and the general task ahead demand not just action but unity, clarity of purpose and an unwavering commitment to the national interest.

It is heartwarming that Ghanaians, recognising the scale of the moment, delivered a clear mandate to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Dramani Mahama (JM). This electoral verdict, characterised by a comfortable majority in Parliament and an unprecedented presidential lead, signals a call for bold, productive decisions that transcend partisanship and pave the way for a better future.

With Ghanaians having known JM for this long, I am convinced he is aware that this mandate is not a licence for complacency or selfserving governance. The evidence and consequences of that attitude are glaring. Instead, the landslide victory for the NDC is a call to action—a solemn trust to make choices that advance the common good. It is imperative that the NDC government steers clear of the pitfalls of overbloated administrations, clandestine suppression of businesses and stifling of dissent, especially in the press.

Instead, this moment must be seized to lay down the building blocks for a collaborative and inclusive national agenda, fostering dialogue and deepening democracy in ways that will stand the test of time and reestablish JM and the NDC as the party that lays the critical foundations for Ghana’s prosperity and growth. The electorate’s overwhelming endorsement of the NDC and John Mahama was rooted in clear promises of transformation.

Central to these promises was a commitment to improve lives, particularly for the most vulnerable in society. Social democracy, the ideological cornerstone of the NDC, places people at the heart of development. It prioritises equity, inclusiveness and the eradication of poverty. This philosophy must now guide every policy, decision and initiative undertaken by the government.

It is instructive to note that poverty levels rose significantly over the past eight years, according to World Bank data. The bank said 6.9 million Ghanaians were living under extreme poverty in 2024, up from 2.99 million people in 2023. The World Bank predicted that poverty levels will deteriorate to 31.5 per cent next year, the highest since 2000. These are the consequences of lopsided policies that hurt the economy and the citizens over the period and now require deliberate efforts to stop the trend and make lives better for all, not just a few.

A government that prioritises the poor is not only morally sound but also economically astute. Addressing issues such as access to education, water, health care and sustainable livelihoods for the marginalised will not only reduce inequalities but also unleash the full potential of millions, driving economic growth up and fostering national cohesion. As Ghana stands at a crossroads, the path forward must reflect these values, ensuring that power is decentralised and resources are equitably distributed.

With the mandate also comes accountability, a cornerstone of effective governance. The people of Ghana have placed their faith in the NDC to deliver on its promises. To engender and sustain this trust, the government must establish a culture of transparency and responsibility. Accountability is not just a tool for good governance; it is a means of empowering the electorate, restoring confidence in public institutions and fostering a sense of collective ownership of national progress.

Every Ghanaian deserves to know how public resources are being

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL ISSUES

By: James A. Kwaateng, B.A. (Hons), LLB (Hons)

Principal differences Between Applications for Super Visaand Sponsorship of Parents and Grandparents

The super visa is a fast way of uniting with relatives in Canada and living with them over a considerably long period of time instead of waiting for years to get sponsorship applications processed. Under the current super visa application system, a parent or grandparent may apply for a singleentry super visa to Canada that will allow him or her to stay continuously with the child or grandchild for up to 5 years or apply for multiple entries for a period of up to ten years.

A super visa applicant is required to be the parent or grandparent of a citizen or a permanent resident of Canada and, and like sponsorship applications, must proof his or her relationship to the person in Canada. Similar topersons being sponsored as permanent residents, super visa applicantsmust undergo medical examinations and be medically admissible to Canada.

Also, similar to sponsorship applications, thechild or grandchild of the super visa applicant who is in Canada is required to meet the minimum income threshold based on one’s family size determined from time to time by the Immigration. However, if you are sponsoring a parent or grandparent,

you must meet the minimum necessary income requirement for each of the three taxation years immediately preceding the date of your application and, unlike super visa applications, the minimum necessary income requirement forsponsoring parents and grandparents is equal to the LowIncome Cut-offs (LICOs) plus 30 percent.

The two applications are dissimilar procedurally and in several other respects. The super visa applicant, unlike persons being sponsored, must have a letter of invitation from his or her child or grandchild in Canada. Additionally, under the current system, sponsors for parents and grandparents have to fill out an interest to sponsor

form, obtain a confirmation number and wait for an invitation from Immigration before a complete application can be submitted. This takes a long time and generates uncertainties. A super visa applicant does not pass through any cumbersome procedure.

Discouragingly, a cap is currently placed on the number of parents and grandparents who can be sponsored at a particular time but no such cap is placed on super visa applications. On the advantage side, parents and grandparents who come to Canada through sponsorship are given permanent residentstatus whereassuper visa applicants are viewed as visitors, and are therefore required to demonstrate in the course of applying that they will leave Canada by choice at the end of the visa. And whereas parents and grandparents who are sponsored to Canada as permanent residents are permitted to engage in employment freely, super visa holders, being summarily viewed as visitors, are denied that automatic right.

Parents and grandparents being sponsored as permanent residents can avail themselves of free Government medical services. This is however not the case with parents and grandparents who come with super visas. The super visa applicant must provide a proof that he or she has a private medical insurance with a Canadian insurance company.The insurance should be valid for each entry to Canada and available for review by a port of entry officer.

It should also be noted that only the super visa applicant’s spouse or common-law partner can accompany the applicant to Canada. The other dependants of super visa applicants are not eligible to accompany the applicants. If the

other dependants want to accompany parents or grandparents who hold super visas to Canada, the dependants will have to apply for regular visitor visas. This is not the case with parents and grandparents who are sponsored to Canada as permanent residents. The applicants can have their spouses and dependent children accompany them to Canada as permanent residents if they satisfy the conditions of dependency and the minimum income requirements are met.

When sponsored parents and grandparents enter Canada as permanent residents and live in the country as permanent residents over a long period of time, they could be entitled to old age security and other benefits. That is however not likely to be the case with super visa holders who are simplyconsidered as visitors throughout the entire duration of their stay in Canada.

It is necessary one weighs the benefits and disadvantages of super visa against those of the regular single visitor and regular multiple-entry visas and also against actual permanent resident status acquired through sponsorship applications in the choice-making process. Seek the assistance of a specialist in Immigration Law if and when necessary.

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) 7432758 for an appointment

*Accra: A Tale of Empty Mansions and ‘Homeless’ People*

By Kwadwo Agyapong Antwi

A couple of nights ago, I drove through East Legon - arguably one of the nicest and most preferred suburbs of Accra. One would naturally expect such a neighborhood to be ‘teeming’ with people and activity, with the houses fully occupied by privileged families, right?

Well, what I saw was far from that expectation: so many ‘posh” but empty houses just sitting there, staring, beckoning; like demigods which have lost all their relevance.

The East Legon I experienced is largely a community of extremely bored security men/women, standing in front of these empty houses, staring. Houses owned by people who don’t need them and needed by people who can’t afford them.

This situation in East Legon, is far from unique. Many of the other prime neighborhoods in Accra are largely empty - an interesting kind of gentrification where the wealthy drive out the middle and lower economic class to put up houses and apartments that won’t be occupied.

And so, whereas the country suffers a massive housing deficit, there seem to be a massive ‘luxury’ housing surplus which serves little to no purpose.

What makes this situation even more frustrating lies in the fact that these houses tend to occupy the best parts of the city; parts which are closer to the business centres. So, whilst the working class spend productive hours in the torturous Accra traffic to and from their abodes in the ‘hinterlands’, these ‘prime houses’ just lie idle.

For what shall it profit a nation when nice apartments cannot be rented by some of her most senior working-class people due to ‘outrageous’ prices, which are usually in dollars? Apartments, which, traditionally, are supposed to be the preserve of the working class?

If there’s any lesson to learn from this obvious ‘market failure’, it is the fact that whereas some level of inequality is important to sustain capitalism, at a certain point, inequality becomes capitalism’s own nemesis and doesn’t benefit society.

Resetting Together

The Ghana Agenda

cont’d from pg. 10

utilised, how decisions are made and how those in authority are held to account. Mechanisms for open governance, including regular briefings, independent audits and robust parliamentary oversight, must be prioritised. This will not only reinforce public trust but also inspire a new standard of leadership across all levels of governance. The challenges facing Ghana cannot be solved by the government alone. They require the collective effort of all stakeholders, including civil society, private enterprises, traditional authorities and ordinary citizens. This is a time for bridging divides, be it political, ethnic or ideological, to build consensus on national priorities.

Mahama and the NDC must lead this charge, fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration that transcends partisan interests. Clamping down on dissent or sidelining opposing voices would only deepen divisions and stifle progress as we have witnessed in recent times, partly contributing to the electoral revolt delivered on December 7. Instead, the government must embrace criticism and alternative perspectives as opportunities for growth and refinement. Constructive engagement with all segments of society is the hallmark of a mature democracy, and Ghana’s democracy must be deepened, not diminished.

The people of Ghana are looking to the NDC government to deliver a better life. This expectation is not abstract—it is a yearning for tangible improvements in daily living. Affordable housing, reliable energy, accessible health care, quality education and decent

In Ghana, a key component of our model for wealth acquisition is putting up of buildings - especially, ‘opulent’ buildings when the wealth is acquired illegitimately; buildings that wouldn’t be occupied by their owners in their lifetime and or third parties who cannot afford the rent. But that, nonetheless, create a feeling of pride and accomplishment for those who put up these idle structures.

This, I believe, partly stems from our inability to assimilate our mortality in our decision making - we plan

for eternity on Earth and around 70 years we’re already checking out. It is also partly orchestrated by a lopsided economy which delivers wealth to a few people. And a political class who themselves are often key architects and beneficiaries of this rather unfortunate economic system we’ve invented for ourselves.

Kwadwo Agyapong Antwi

The writer blogs on social, political and economic issues at www. thinkingwityou.wordpress.com

jobs are not just campaign promises but fundamental rights that every Ghanaian aspires to enjoy. Meeting these expectations will require bold, innovative and often tough decisions.

Tackling corruption, enhancing revenue generation, improving public sector efficiency and ensuring value for money in government projects are critical areas that demand urgent attention. The electorate has given the government the political capital to make these tough choices. That capital must be used wisely, with a focus on long-term benefits rather than shortterm gains.

As the NDC and JM embark on this journey, they have a unique opportunity to leave a legacy of hope and progress. This is a defining moment not only for the party but for the nation. The decisions made today will shape Ghana’s trajectory for generations to come and I am confident that Mahama will deliver. By staying true to the principles of social democracy, prioritising the needs of the poor, fostering collaboration and upholding accountability, the government can build a Ghana that works for everyone.

While at it, John Mahama, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and the entire NDC will require the unalloyed support of all Ghanaians. Now is the time to drop partisanship and rally behind the red, gold and green flag to brighten the Black Star of Africa and bring enduring prosperity to all. Let us join hands to reset Ghana into a nation that delivers for all of us, not a few.

Every Dollar Counts!

Filing Your Taxes and CRA Audit- Why and How? Part I

By: Eddie Twumasi-Smith, (P.Eng, PMP, CPA, MBA )

The Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) Mission is to “Administer tax, benefits, and related programs, and ensure compliance on behalf of governments across Canada, thereby contributing to the ongoing economic and social wellbeing of Canadians”. (https://www. canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html)

After filing our annual taxes, year after year, once in a while we are called upon or receive letters of inquiries from the CRA, requesting proof or evidence to validate the details or documents we made during our annual tax filing. This process is a control mechanism put in place by the CRA to check for deviations and errors and implement corrections. As the Canadian income tax system is a self-assessment regime, taxpayers assess their tax liability by filing a return with the CRA by filing deadline. CRA’s assessment of the returns are based on the return filed and information obtained from employers and other sources of income and investments of the individual’s filings.

The self assessment tax filing process is prone to miscreant tendencies, abuse, misuse, misstatement, misappropriation and mismanagement. So, with these risks, the CRA has implemented controls and checks to ensure, some of these risks and potential frauds are minimized, correct these errors or totally eliminated.

So, the question is, what are some of the key triggers that alert the CRA to investigate and audit taxpayers and reassess their annual tax filings?

Listed here are some of the triggers or alerts that prompts the CRA to pick on individuals for re-assessments or tax audits. Once an individual is selected for a tax audit, it is not a fun task and many times may lead to further liabilities and in some cases thousands of dollars in payments back to the government. It is therefore advisable that we follow standard tax filing methods and avoid quick fixes, fast moves to cheat orwork arounds that may end up being audited.

It is key to support our claims with legitimate documentations to prevent any further actions that may end up at a cost to an individual in the end.

Triggers for CRA Tax Audits

1. In some cases, a taxpayer is randomly selected for an audit. It’s like winning the worst lottery in the world, and there’s nothing you can do to change that. The odds of being targeted for a random audit are dependent on a variety of risk factors,such as income source type (i.e., self employed), where you are located, types of expenses youcarry and so on. Inconsistent pieces of a taxpayer’s profile may trigger a review of these risk factors. The more risk factors a taxpayer has, the greater the odds of being audited.

2. Another possible trigger that may lead to a CRA audit can be due to large charitable donations.

If charitable contributions are suspiciously large and do not seem to be possible or likely within the confines of a taxpayer’s income, such donations or contributions are very likely to be examined. Further, if charitable contributions are made to organizations suspected of being involved in a tax scheme, there is a very high chance that a taxpayer will

be audited.Taxpayers that get audited for charitable contributions, must be able to present the official charitable receipt. This is one of the very few circumstances according to law where a taxpayer has to present an actual receipt upon request.

3. Vehicle Expenses- Are often arbitrarily determined. When preparing tax returns, often times taxpayers and their accountants pick a reasonable number for vehicle expenses based on an estimate of the percentage of the vehicle usage used for business purposes. Few taxpayers actually keep a log of every trip. This means that few taxpayers can prove to the CRA auditor with absolute certainty, the relative use of the vehicle between personal and business purposes. This makes tax auditors happy. It makes it easy for them to deny vehicle expenses, and this increases the size of their reassessments.

4. Employees Expenses- Issued on a T2200, declaration of conditions of employment, a formsigned by employer for employees, for which expenses employees are entitled to deduct certain employment expenses from their income. Perhaps the employee has to pay for their own vehicle to travel to sales calls, or perhaps they have to maintain a home office. As long as the employer requires that the employee pays these expenses in respect of their job, they likely can be deducted from income. Therefore, when some employment expenses are claimed whiles employer does not provide supporting document to attach to these claims, it raises the red flag for CRA audits to dig deeper into expenses. Further review of CRA Guide T4044, Employment Expenses, or the following archived interpretation bulletins: IT352R2 – Employee’s Expenses, Including Work Space in Home Expenses, and IT522R –Vehicle, Travel and Sales Expenses of Employees may help provide insights to what is permissible or not.

5. Child-Care Costs - The CRA regularly conducts mini-audits to ensure that parents who claim childcare expenses maintain proper documentation. Since many parents claim childcare expenses which would otherwise be ineligible, this area is under careful scrutiny by the CRA.

6. Real Estate Transaction & Rental Income - There is so much opportunity to earn money in real estate, so the CRA pays careful attention to real estate transactions. The CRA frequently audits HST rebates, pre-sale condo flips, new home construction, principal residence exemptions, and many other real estate transactions. If a taxpayer is involved in many purchase and sale transactions, they can expect to eventually encounter a tax audit. Rental income and related expenses for rental properties are prone to deep dive audits, because there are lots of subjective assumptions and expenses that relatively may not be supported with valid documents.

7. Finally, InformantTips

Many taxpayers are audited because of informant tips. if the tip relates to offshore tax evasion, the informant may earn a reward. Moral of the story; taxpayers who are cheating the system should not count on staying away forever from CRA’s radar, “one day for the thief and another day for the master” and they should similarly be careful about who has incriminating evidence which could be reported to the CRA.

In my next edition on CRA Audit, Why and How? Part II, I shall list some of the steps and approach to adopt when an individual is selected for CRA reassessment or audit. Let try to avoid these and save every dollar we can, for every dollar counts!

A Word To The Wise is Right Here!

For any views or comments, I can be reached via email: eddiesmith77@ gmail.com

Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman Sworn in as Ghana’s First Female Vice President in a Historic Moment

By Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto, ON

On January 7th 2025, at the Black Star Square in a historic ceremony, Ghanaians observed the swearing in of Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman by the Chief Justice as the first female Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.

Jane Naana OpokuAgyemang born 22 November 1951 is an academician and politician who is now serving as the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana when she was sworn in on 7 January 2025. She previously served as Minister for Education from February 2013 to January 2017. She is a professor of literature, and served as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the university Cape Coast,

Ghana. She served as the Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa in Zimbabwe until her resignation in August 2024.[5] [6]

In the December 2020 Ghanaian presidential election, she was selected by John Mahama now President of Ghana as his running mate on the NDC party ticket. They lost that Election. She was selected again as running mate to Mahama in just ended 2024 Election and won, becoming the first female Vice President of Ghana. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has been celebrated for breaking barriers and achieving historic milestones in Ghanaian academia and politics.

Prof. Naana Jane swearing-in

President John Mahama, (5th Left), VP Prof Naana Jane, (2nd right), Speaker Bagbin (4th right) and other VIPs

John Mahama sworn in as Ghana’s president, promises to ‘reset’ the country

cont’d from pg. 1

Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in years, a bailout by the International Monetary Fund, and a debt default.

Mahama, who led Ghana from 2012 to early 2017, had previously failed twice to win back the presidency. But in December’s election, he managed to tap into expectations of change among Ghanaians.

On Black Star Square, supporters of the elected leader exuded joy, hope and optimism.

“I’ve never been so proud to be

Ghanaian,” Akosua Nyarko, 28, a teacher from the southern city of Cape Coast, told the AFP news agency. “The energy here is amazing … This is the dawn of a new era!”

Mohammed Abubakar, a 50-yearold farmer from Tamale in northern Ghana, said he was confident Mahama would prioritise rural development.

“Coming here to Accra for this historic event is a dream come true,” the farmer said, adding that Mahama’s “leadership gives me hope that my children will have a better future”.

A writer and devotee of Afrobeat music, Mahama wrote in his memoir – My First Coup d’Etat, And Other True Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa – that he was changed by his boyhood experiences during a 1966 military coup.

He was born in northern Ghana as a child of privilege, his house being the only one in the village with a diesel generator.

His father, who served as a junior government minister, was briefly detained and interrogated by the 1966 coup leaders but later released

unharmed.

Mahama was also a member of parliament and chairman of the West Africa Caucus at the PanAfrican Parliament in Pretoria.

With a history of political stability, Ghana’s two main parties, the ruling NPP and the NDC, have alternated in power equally since the return to multi-party democracy in 1992.

The country of 33 million people is Africa’s top gold exporter and the world’s second-largest cocoa producer

Afro Caribbean Foods (Formerly

Ontario launching rebates for energy efficient home renovations and upgrades

TORONTO — Ontario is introducing two new energy efficiency programs, including one offering rebates for certain home improvements.

Energy Minister Stephen Lecce says the Home Renovation Savings Program will rebate homeowners up to 30 per cent of the cost of energy efficiency renovations and improvements, such as new windows, doors, insulation, air sealing, smart thermostats, heat pumps, and rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems.

The province is also expanding the residential Peak Perks program to small businesses, giving them a $75 virtual prepaid credit card for each eligible smart thermostat connected to a central air conditioning system or heat pump unit, and another $20 for each additional year in the program.

The home renovation program is similar to one the Progressive Conservative government cancelled in 2018, though Lecce says it is different because

more homeowners will qualify and the new program has a longer commitment.

The government says that under the new energy efficiency plan involving the two new and 12 continuing programs, spending will be about $900 million per year, compared to an annual budget of $342 million on average over the past 13 years.

In response to projections from the Independent Electricity System Operator showing electricity demand sharply rising over the next few decades, the province is looking to build new power generation, but Lecce also says investing $10.9 billion in conservation over the next 12 years will help avoid $23 billion in costs to the electricity system.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2025.

Allison Jones, The Canadian Press

New Ontario laws and regulations coming into effect in 2025

cont’d from pg. 5

to the new DriveON program, a digital platform for the province’s vehicle safety and emissions inspections. It replaces the paper-based program. The deadline was initially set for Dec. 31, 2024.

LONG-TERM CARE HOMES

All long-term care (LTC) homes in the province must have sprinklers installed in the new year. However, the Ontario government is extending the compliance deadline to Jul. 1, 2026, for designated LTC homes “to account for additional infrastructure work.” The province says those homes must implement additional fire safety measures in the interim.

Also, LTC homes can also arrange hybrid or virtual consultations with registered dietetics when a dietitian cannot be found.

PAYDAY LOANS

The maximum limit on the cost of borrowing under a payday loan agreement is $14 for every $100 advance. The maximum fee that payday lenders can charge for dishonoured payments is now $20. The government says the amendments were made to be consistent with the federal changes to the Criminal Code.

SOME ONTARIO HEALTH UNITS MERGE

Regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion Act have been amended to establish four new local public health agencies from the voluntary integration of nine health units. They are:

• Brant County Health Unit and Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit

• Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and Peterborough County-City Health Unit

• Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Health Unit and Leeds; Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

• Porcupine Health Unit and Timiskaming Health Unit

Here’s what you need to know

NEW CANNABIS RULES

It is prohibited to cultivate, propagate, and harvest cannabis in places where child-care services are provided. Those caught in violation will be fined up to $1,000 for a first conviction and up to $5,000 for subsequent convictions.

The province is also reducing the time it takes for authorized cannabis retailers to purchase another authorized store.

CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETIES

The Ontario government is mandating that children’s aid societies provide information about child protection investigations to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

They will also be required to visit children in out-of-home care placements every 30 days, conduct safety assessments, and develop plans of care for children in adoption placements.

MINIMUM WAGE FOR GIG WORKERS

Starting Jul. 1, app-based gig workers will be entitled to a regular minimum wage. These workers will also be able to receive information from their employer about their pay and tips under the Digital Platform Workers’ Rights Act.

The law will make it mandatory for workers to receive a recurring pay period and payday. It also includes the right to resolve work-related disputes in Ontario.

NEW ONTARIO BUILDING CODE

Ontario’s new Building Code comes into effect in the new year, and the government says it will increase harmonization with the National Construction Codes by removing at least 1,730 technical variations.

The province adds that the new building code aims to reduce regulatory burdens, increase the safety and quality of buildings, and make it easier to construct housing.

Ontario has amended a regulation

under the Housing Services Act to promote the use of more wood, such as mass timber, in construction “to help address affordability and support goodpaying construction jobs.”

With the changes under the Planning Act, municipalities in Durham and Waterloo regions will have the primary land use planning responsibility, which was previously handled by regional governments.

MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES

The construction sites will be required to provide menstrual products for onsite crews of 20 or more workers at projects that are expected to last three or more months.

Employers at construction sites and other workplaces will also be required to keep washrooms clean and sanitary, and maintain records of cleaning.

NEW ARCHITECT LICENCE CATEGORY

The Ontario Association of Architects will be allowed to create a new limited licence category called “Licensed Technologist.” The province has amended regulations under the Architects Act to establish the requirements needed to obtain the licences and the specific scope of the practice.

RENEWING LICENCE FOR MASTER ELECTRICIANS

The Ontario government will no longer require a recent photograph of a master electrician during the licence renewal process.

OTHER CHANGES:

• The province says it amended regulations under several laws to establish consistent police record check requirements to improve the safety of children and youth in care. These include when and for whom the checks are required, the practices that must be followed and what information is disclosed in the process.

• Ontario colleges and universities are required to establish clear policies to support student mental health and address and prevent racism and hate on campus.

• Gravel pits and quarries are getting their own property tax class.

• To match the federal government, the province is extending the eligibility of the Ontario Child Benefit for six months for families who have lost a child.

• Public Health reporting requirements are being streamlined to make reporting and addressing emerging issues, including communicable diseases, easier.

• Accredited community pharmacies and integrated community health services centres are mandated to submit additional data to Ontario’s Electric Health Record.

• The province is giving respiratory therapists greater flexibility in the registration process to align with other Canadian jurisdictions.

CTV Toronto and CP24

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This is where Toronto is planning major construction work in 2025

It feels like Torontonians are spending more time than ever stuck in traffic and with a series of major construction projects planned for 2025, there may not be much relief on the horizon.

Judy Tse, who is the director of the City of Toronto’s recently formed Strategic Capital Coordination Office, told CP24.com, during a recent interview that “we’re at the height of construction in terms of the city.”

In 2024, Toronto’s Engineering & Construction Services Division completed more than 100 capital projects, spending more than $1 billion building and renewing essential infrastructure, according to the city. That work included roadways and water infrastructure.

“Looking ahead, 2025 will be another significant year of progress, with several major projects set to be completed,” the city said.

Flipping through her notes, Tse rattled off a shortlist of more than a dozen major road and infrastructure projects that will be keeping her busy in 2025 as well.

They include obvious ones, like the ongoing Gardiner Expressway work and major transit expansion projects like the Ontario Line and the Scarborough subway extension.

But there other projects which aren’t as well-known will nevertheless still have a major impact as well.

For example bridge reconstruction work is also planned around the Richmond Exit from the DVP; a complete street project for Gerrard Street East will see bike lanes installed, 100-year-old watermains replaced, greening and road repaving; Scarborough Golf Club Road will see road improvements and watermain replacement between Lawrence Avenue and Ellesmere Road; and the intersection of King Street East and Church Street will see watermain and track replacement work.

Painful, but necessary

It’s a staggering amount of work, which will also likely result in a slew of road closures, lane reductions and diversions for drivers and commuters, and it comes on top of construction on the Ontario Line subway that has already resulted in the long-term closure of a portion of Queen Street West.

The work might cause some pain for those getting around town, but it’s still much better than the alternative, Tse said.

“This work is very necessary in order to for us to ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to support our existing growth that’s being developed, as well as our state of good repair,” she said.

Many people might recall major flooding which shut down the intersection of University Avenue and King Street for nearly two weeks in 2023 after an aging watermain failed. Not only did that break flood the roadway, it opened up a void underneath the streetcar tracks which had to be filled in and repaired.

The unexpected episode snarled traffic and highlighted the perils of failing to keep up with major repair work in a large city.

One of the major goals of Tse’s office is to ensure that major roadwork is coordinated so that crews don’t have to tear up roads multiple times.

“We go through an exercise to take a look at what we can do to minimize impact,” she said.

That also means making sure that different projects are not being done close together at the same time so that alternate routes are available for those moving through the area.

Still, there’s no getting around the need to keep fixing the aging and ever-growing city.

“We want to make sure that there’s enough capacity in the system so that we can support growth, and we want to make sure that the infrastructure is not going to fail,” Tse said.

‘Huge infrastructure backlog’

It’s a problem the city has grappled with for years. Caught between chronic underfunding and a desire to provide more services, Toronto has wracked up a major infrastructure backlog.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow acknowledged as much at a recent news conference.

“The City of Toronto has a huge infrastructure backlog,” Chow said. “You can see it on our subway stations. You can see it with the track works, the signals, the roads. We need to keep everything in a state of good repair, that’s our top priority.”

Chow made the comments when asked why the city is shrinking the SmartTrack transit project from five stations to three (while asking the province to pay for the other two). She added that costs for the project had ballooned and that “it’s not my style to spend money we don’t have.”

TTC

The TTC’s special constables will be wearing bodyworn cameras starting on Monday, followed by the fare inspectors by the end of February, the service told CP24.

This move comes after a successful, nine-month pilot project, which began last May and saw 20 special constables and 20 fare inspectors wear the devices.

Fourteen special constable vehicles were also outfitted with in-car cameras during that time.

Last month, the TTC announced that its officers would be patrolling the system in plain clothes, while carrying identification and wearing body cameras to record customer interactions and issue tickets to illegal riders. The TTC previously reported an estimated loss of close to $140 million, annually to fare evasion.

Earlier in December, interim TTC CEO Greg Percy said in a news release, “While the TTC receives considerable operating funds from the City, we rely heavily on the fare box to support our operations. When people don’t pay, that impacts our ability to increase service and keep fare prices low.”

However, the cameras are “not intended” for 24-hour use, the TTC said.

The purpose of the TTC’s new permanent bodycams program is also to “ensure the accountability of the TTC and Officers through internal and public oversight systems, provide improved evidence for investigations, oversight, and other legal purposes” and “strengthen the TTC’s commitment to anti-racist

A roof vs. kitchen problem

Professor Matti Siemiatycki, who serves as director of the Infrastructure Institute at the University of Toronto, told CP24.com that part of the problem has been that there are not typically “ribbon cuttings” for repaired watermains.

Infrastructure projects which are critical for upkeep are sometimes put off as the city works on projects that are more tangible to residents.

“When you think of doing renovations in your home, most people think about the glamor spots, the spots that really get attention -- the kitchen, the bathrooms, new floors or whatever,” Siemiatycki said. “And sometimes it’s just the real nuts and bolts of making sure your heater and furnace and your water tank work.”

He said that if it seems like more work is being done now, it’s because the city is “sprinting to stand still” as it works to catch up on “decades” of underinvestment in some of its more overlooked infrastructure.

“We are at peak construction in Toronto. We were in the midst of a major expansion of our transit system in particular, and so people are experiencing that construction,” he said.

While some of that work is very good news for the city, Siemiatycki acknowledged it also means that residents are seeing construction “every time you turn a corner, whether you’re walking, biking, driving or on transit.”

Here are some of the major projects that you can expect to see around the city in 2025:

Continuing work on Gardiner Expressway Section 2 (Dufferin to Strachan)

24/7 work is expected to continue through the year to rehabilitate this crumbling stretch of the Gardiner. The work is expected to be complete in spring 2026. Gerrard Street East Complete Street project (Sherbourne Street to Parliament Street)

cont’d on pg. 24

and bias-free service delivery,” the policy says. The agency’s board approved the new policies after multiple recommendations were made by the city’s ombudsman, related to an incident where a Black teenager was tackled and pinned by TTC fare inspectors in February of 2018.

Stuart Green, senior communications specialist for the TTC, told CP24 in December that they “revamped the whole system to make sure that it is fair and equitable to everybody.”

In September of last year, TTC implemented another fare evasion initiative -- the elimination of “no-tap” fare gates at entrances typically next to collector booths at subway stations. CP24

Canada could see a wave of mortgage renewals in 2025

cont’d from pg. 8

you know, Canadians have shown a lot of resiliency, historically speaking, and so we expect to see that kind of resiliency,” she said.

Canada’s bank regulator previously said that homeowners in this country had managed the current credit cycle – which saw the Bank of Canada’s interest climb to five per cent and stay there for nearly a year – “quite well.”

“There is no evidence to suggest credit’s going to really deteriorate in a material way that might affect the broader economy or might affect the housing market,” Superintendent of Financial Institutions Peter Routledge said in October.

Moreover, in their own report, CIBC predicted that overall, mortgage payment “shock” will be felt at a micro level, instead of macro.

Renewing your mortgage and how to get the best deal

For the more than a million homeowners renewing their mortgage this year, getting the lowest rate on offer will be top of mind.

But how to you go about finding the best deal? CTV News Toronto spoke with Penelope Graham, head of content at Ratehub.ca, who said while banks will be “very competitive” in the New Year, it’s up to mortgage holders, or their brokers, to lock in the best rate.

“There’s a lot of potential business that the banks want to grab, and they are planning to be quite aggressive with their pricing. We’re going to start seeing them undercutting each other, trying to come up with the best possible mortgage rates,” Graham said.

According to Graham, banks generally reserve the most competitive rates for new clients, which means the onus will be on the person paying off the loan to do their research. She said the “biggest mistake” homeowners make when renewing their mortgages is signing whatever they get from their existing lender.

“And you can’t blame them because lenders really do try to make this a painless and seamless experience. They send you that letter saying, ‘Hey, your mortgage is coming up for renewal. You just have to sign on the dotted line and you can set it and forget it,’” she said.

Doing your own market research, or working with a mortgage broker, is a good first step and will help homeowners understand if they really are getting the best deal with their current lender, or if lower rates are available elsewhere.

As for whether mortgage holders should opt for a fixed versus variable-rate home loan, Graham said it depends on how much you can stomach, as the former reacts heavily to the bond market and the latter is more reflexive to Bank of Canada interest rate announcements.

“That really comes down to risk tolerance. Yes, it seems quite likely that variable mortgage rates are going to trend lower over the course of 2025. Of course, we’re fresh off of that most recent interest rate cut [on December 11]. The overnight lending rate is now down, it’s a cumulative 175 basis points from June and we’re now sitting at 3.25 per cent,” she said.

She noted that fixed-rate mortgage rates are “a lot harder” to forecast, and their rise and fall depends on many factors, including the potential of tariffs threatened by incoming president Donald Trump and rate cuts or increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve. CTV News

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Chow says Toronto budget will include money for more traffic agents

Mayor Olivia Chow is vowing to bolster the compliment of traffic agents in the city to 100 this year in order to help ease gridlock at some of the city’s busiest intersections.

“These traffic agents will be moving traffic, getting Toronto moving, giving us time back with our families and loved ones,” Chow said at a downtown press conference. “They even keep us safe as they clear the roads for emergency crews.”

The city deployed 14 traffic agents back in 2023, adding more later that year to help ease major congestion that was occurring along King Street. Back in February the city said there were 27 traffic agents on the job and that they planned to bring that number up to 40 by March. However there are around 25 in service at the moment.

The city also released data showing that the agents had helped slash streetcar travel times along King Street by quickly dealing with situations where

vehicles blocked intersections and other problems.

Director of Transportation Services Barabara Gray said Thursday that there are 48 agents in training now who will hopefully be deployed to city streets in the spring. She said there is also a “constant hiring process” to add additional traffic agents.

Adding the extra agents will costs about $3 million, Chow said, with the figure expected to be reflected in the proposed city budget which will be unveiled Monday.

However speaking with CTV News Toronto, Coun. Brad Bradford called the move a “Band-Aid solution.”

He said there’s still a lack of coordination for construction projects in Toronto and road occupancy permits are issued for far too long.

“Until the mayor wraps her arms around those major

issues this is just a Band-Aid for a much bigger issue,” Bradford said.

However Gray said the city has found that having physical agents is key part of easing congestion.

“The automation is important, but boots on the ground is critical for dealing with the complex dynamic at an intersection where you’ve got lots of people trying to get through on cars, lots of people crossing, you’ve got transit that we really need to get through because it moves so many people, as well as cyclists,” she said. “So I think the boots on the ground is a great investment.”

She said Toronto police also provide additional resources at key points like the entrance to the Gardiner Expressway.

The traffic agent program was first piloted back in 2016 as a way to keep traffic moving while freeing up fully trained police officers to focus on other duties instead of directing traffic. Cp24

This is where Toronto is planning major construction work in 2025

cont’d from pg. 22

Pedestrian safety improvements, road reconstruction, streetscape enhancements and watermain replacements are all part of a plan to give Gerrard a major facelift.

Scarborough Golf Club Road (Lawrence to Ellesmere)

An aging watermain will be replaced and there will be road safety improvements.

Rehabilitation of Eastern/Adelaide Bridges around Richmond Street

The city is continuing to rehabilitate four bridges in the area around the Richmond Street Exit from the DVP. Until Spring 2025, the area of Underpass Park between St. Lawrence Street and Lower River Street will be closed because of the work.

Bathurst Street/Lake Shore Boulevard West/Fleet Street intersection

A 105-year-old watermain will be replaced and streetcar tracks will be replaced at the intersection as well. Streetscape improvements will also be carried out on Fleet Street, including sidewalk widening and more public seating.

Harbord/Hoskins Street (Wellesley – Ossington) Watermain replacement work will continue and major road resurfacing will be carried out.

Wellesley Street (Jarvis to Sherbourne) Work will include watermain replacement, major road construction and safety improvements.

King Street W & Dufferin Street Intersection

The city started work in February to replace a 146-year-old watermain and that work was completed in September. Streetcar tracks at the busy intersection were supposed to be replaced at the same time. But due to supply chain shortages, the TTC said, the track work was deferred to 2025.

Oriole Parkway (Eglinton to Chaplin)

The city is planning to resurface Oriole Parkway from Chaplin Crescent to Eglinton Avenue West in 2025. The work will include safety improvements and the greening of the Oriole Parkway centre median.

Sheppard Avenue East (Victoria Park to Kennedy)

The city will be carrying out major road resurfacing, adding safety improvements, and replacing a watermain

Port Union Road (Lawrence to Hwy 401)

Initial work began on a major road project for the area back in 2023, with full road reconstruction starting in spring 2024.

The work includes ongoing road widening for a new northbound lane and centre-turn lanes, roadway resurfacing, pedestrian safety improvements, updated street lighting, hydro poles, and stormwater drainage and replacement of watermain and service connections to homes.

While a winter break is planned for the work, it is set to resume on Jan. 5, with the installation of catch basins, street-lighting poles and retaining walls.

The overall project is expected to be complete by late 2025.

Transit expansion projects in 2025:

The city says tunneling and station construction for the Ontario Line, Scarborough Subway Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension are progressing steadily, with design reviews “ongoing.”

Residents can expect to see active construction at various sites in 2025, including at Exhibition Station and the East Harbour Transit Hub.

Ontario Line:

Construction is active along the south and north segments, including station excavations, bridge upgrades, and preparatory work for elevated guideways. Active construction will take place at at various sites in 2025, including for the following planned stations: King-Bathurst, Queen-Spadina, Moss Park, and Pape Station.

GO Expansion:

Active construction will take place at “various sites” in 2025, including at Davenport Diamond.

SmartTrack Stations:

Early works, including utility relocations, are continuing and construction on Bloor Lansdowne is expected to begin in 2025. Active construction will take place at various sites in 2025, including the East Harbour Transit Hub and St. Clair-Old Weston GO Station.

Scarborough busway

According to the TTC, “significant steps” have been taken to advance the busway project, which will see a dedicated busway built in the path of the decommissioned Scarborough RT.

“The final design for the busway has been completed, incorporating feedback from extensive community and stakeholder consultations,” the TTC said.

The TTC has also completed a key assessment for the Minustry of the Environment.

“The TTC remains on schedule to remove former Line 3 rail and wayside infrastructure from the corridor in early 2025, a critical step toward initiating conversion work,” the TTC said.

Based on the 60 per cent design stage, project construction is now estimated at $67.9 million.

Construction will begin in 2025 and is expected to take two years. Cp24

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow speaks ahead of a city council meeting Tuesday December 17, 2024.

Ghanaian Presbyterian Church 31st December 2024 celebration

Church choir

Cross section of congragation

Cross section of congragation

Cross section of congragation

Cross section of congragation

Praise and worship team

Praise and worship team

The Speaker giving his sermon

IN PICTURES

NDC Victory party in Toronto

January 1st, 2025 at Delta Hotel, Airport Rd.

NDC Victory party in Toronto

January 1st, 2025 at Delta Hotel, Airport Rd.

The Apostles’ Continuation 31st Night celebration

Theme: Be in the boat where Christ is found so that in times of trouble He will rescue you. Mark 4:35-41

Apostle Charles Anokye Manu

Women in celebration mode

Chairman Brakatu with church member

Some of the Church Leaders

Chairman Brakatu with some church members

Church Elders

Women in celebration mode

Rev. Boateng and Apostle Anokye Manu

Some Women leaders

Some of the members in celebration

Alban Bagbin unanimously elected as Speaker of 9th Parliament

Alban Sumana Bagbin has been unanimously elected by Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) as Speaker of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana.

The Speaker was nominated by the Majority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, following the dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight on 7th January. This paved the way for the 9th Parliament, chaired by Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, to conduct a roll call for MPs. Addressing the House, Dr Forson highlighted Bagbin’s extensive experience in Parliament and governance in general.

The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Alexander AfenyoMarkin, but not without some drama.

Before seconding the motion, AfenyoMarkin attempted to make comments, but this was vehemently opposed by the MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Ablakwa’s objection was swiftly rebutted by the MP for Damango, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, sparking loud cheers in the House.

In his remarks, Afenyo-Markin questioned a letter from the Presidentelect, John Dramani Mahama, directing the NDC’s parliamentary leadership to nominate Alban Bagbin as Speaker, accusing the party of “bad faith.”

Following the heated exchanges and strong warnings from the Clerk of Parliament against further objections, the Minority Leader proceeded to

Alban Sumana Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament

second the motion.

Subsequently, a written consent from the Speaker was read to the House and with no other nominations, Alban Bagbin was duly declared Speakerelect of the 9th Parliament.

Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkonoo was then invited to the floor of the house to swear in Alban Bagbin as Speaker amid cheers from the MPs.

Alban Sumana Bagbin assumes the Speaker’s role with vast experience, having served as the Member of Parliament for Nadowli, Minority Leader, Majority Leader, and Speaker of the 8th Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Speaker has already expressed his commitment to the principles of “justice, fairness, and respect for the rule of law” to ensure that the 9th Parliament operates with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

Bagbin pledges to use his experience to uphold high standards in 9th Parliament

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has pledged to utilise his experience from presiding over the ‘difficult’ hung 8th Parliament to maintain high standards in the 9th Parliament.

The Speaker was nominated by the Majority Leader, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, following the dissolution of the 8th Parliament at midnight on 7th January. This paved the way for the 9th Parliament, chaired by Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, to conduct a roll call for MPs. Addressing the House, Dr Forson highlighted Bagbin’s extensive experience in Parliament and governance. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.

Delivering his acceptance speech after a unanimous endorsement as Speaker of the new session on 7th January 2025, Bagbin expressed profound gratitude to the MPs for their confidence in his leadership. He also extended gratitude to President-elect John Dramani Mahama and the leader of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for endorsing his candidature.

Speaker Bagbin pledged to guide members of the House to diligently deliver on their mandate:

I came to the Speakership of the 8th Parliament with my experience as the longest-serving legislator of the House. I now come to the 9th Parliament not only with that background but also with the experience of four years of Speakership of a very difficult hung Parliament.

I promise to bring all these experiences to bear in guiding this House to perform its mandate with efficiency, diligence and, above all, with a sense of being the bulwark of democracy in Ghana. To the good people of Ghana who continue to hope for a better Ghana.

I urge you to support your Parliament and be interested and engaged with the work of Parliament as the Standing Orders of Parliament direct.

Speaker Bagbin proceeded to swear in members of the 9th Parliament, after which he emphasised the need to drive societal development through political leadership. He called for national cohesion to advance development goals.

What parents need to know about the PowerSchool data breach

The attacker behind the data breach impacting several school boards across the Greater Toronto Area and abroad may have gotten access to staff and students’ personal and sensitive information, PowerSchool says.

In a letter to parents on Wednesday, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) notified families of a “cyber incident” after an application they use called PowerSchool was breached over the holiday break.

Here is what you need about the breach: Which boards were impacted Various school boards across the province use this application to store student information and some school-based staff information. The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario says the Toronto, Peel, York, Thunder Bay, Lakehead, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic, Near North, Northwest Catholic, Northeastern Catholic and Rainy River district school boards have notified them of the cybersecurity incident.

Durham District School Board also notified families they have been impacted by the data breach, but the commissioner’s office says they have not been notified by that board at this time.

“The possibility that the sensitive

personal information of students and staff has been exposed is very troubling.

While public institutions like schools and school boards can outsource services to third-party vendors, they cannot outsource accountability for protecting personal information,” the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner wrote in an emailed statement.

Given that they are still investigating the cybersecurity incident, the commissioner’s office could not share additional details at this time.

How did the hackers access the information

In a technical briefing on Thursday, Mishka McCowan, PowerSource’s Chief Information Security Officer, said the unauthorized actor was able to hack into PowerSchool through compromised credentials on PowerSource.

“It is very clear that there were two actions taken by the attacker,” McCowan said. “First, was to simply log in from PowerSource into the individual (Student Information System). Second, was to download the content of the student and teacher tables.”

What information might have been compromised

A PowerSchool spokesperson says via email that the tables that were the subject of the breach primarily include

contact information, like names and addresses for families and educators.

“For a certain subset of customers, these tables may also include Social Security Number (SSN), other Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and limited medical and grade information,” the statement reads. McCowan says not all school boards log sensitive information like Social Insurance Numbers, with that kind of data logged varying school board-byschool board.

The impacted school boards said Wednesday that they have received confirmation that whatever data the unauthorized user accessed has been deleted and that no copies of that information were disseminated online.

“PowerSchool has taken all appropriate steps to prevent the data involved from further unauthorized misuse and does not anticipate the data being shared or made public,” PowerSchool’s spokesperson says.

PowerSchool says it engaged its cybersecurity response protocols and mobilized a cross-functional response team, including thirdparty cybersecurity experts from CrowdStrike and senior leadership members. The TDSB, DDSB and PDSB say they have contacted the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

“Once we identified what account was being used, and there’ll be more on that later, be patient on that, we identified and moved access, we shut down that account,” McCowan said during Thursday’s technical briefing. “Out of an abundance of caution, we reset the passwords for all PowerSchool employees in that PowerSource system.”

They also restricted the compromised account’s access to the affected portal.

“We are still working through our detailed data review for each of the impacted customers,” PowerSchool’s spokesperson says.

How many families were impacted It is unclear at this time just how many school boards have been impacted by this data breach, however other school boards across Canada were also hit by PowerSchool’s cybersecurity incident.

Mark Racine, a security consultant for school boards and co-founder of RootED solutions, told CP24 in an interview that it is reasonable to say millions of students were impacted.

“PowerSchool we do know that they serve 60 million students worldwide. But we know that this attack didn’t impact all of their products and it certainly didn’t impact all of their customers,” Racine said.Cp24

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CBC investigation uncovers grocers overcharging customers by selling underweighted meat

Problem of grocers misweighing meat going on for years, says former food inspector

The Loblaw grocery chain overcharged customers by selling underweighted meat across 80 stores for an undisclosed period that ended in December 2023, a CBC News investigation has found.

On top of that, over the past few months, CBC News visited seven major grocery stores in three different provinces and discovered packages of underweighted meat in four of them: two Loblaw stores and one Sobeys-owned location, plus a Walmart. Calculated overcharges per item ranged from four to 11 per cent.

The findings suggest grocers selling underweighted meat is a prevalent and ongoing problem, at a time when shoppers are struggling with high food prices that began rising during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A CBC News investigation discovered some Canadian grocers were found to be overcharging customers, potentially by including the weight of the packaging in the cost of meat, which over time could add up to millions in profit. One of the grocers has apologized and all have pledged to address the issue.

“When you’re seeing that they’re not weighing meat product properly ... there’s an extra hit there that the consumer is taking,” said Iris Griffin, a shopper who blew the whistle on the 80-store Loblaw case.

In late November 2023, Griffin, who lives on Hecla Island in Manitoba’s Lake Winnipeg, bought a package of ground beef at a Loblaw-owned Superstore in Winnipeg.

The beef’s label stated that its net weight was 1.834 kilograms. But when Griffin weighed the meat in order to freeze equal portions, she said it turned out to be 1.7 kg — 134 grams short.

She said the weight of the beef’s hard plastic tray made up for the missing weight, so she figures the meat had been incorrectly weighed with the packaging.

“I was angry,” said Griffin, who calculated she’d been overcharged $1.27 (7.9 per cent) on the $17.35 price tag. “I’m being charged

for this piece of plastic at the price of the ground beef.”

Under federal regulations, posted net weights for packaged food — and prices based on that weight — can’t include the packaging.

Worried the problem could be widespread, Griffin complained to the federal food regulator, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which alerted Loblaw.

Loblaw apologizes

Loblaw Companies Ltd. spokesperson Catherine Thomas said in an email that due to an error involving a change in packaging, the grocer sold “a small number” of underweighted meat products in 80 stores across Western Canada.

She didn’t address questions about when the problem started and how much customers were overcharged.

“We have robust internal processes and controls in place; however, they are subject to the occasional operational error,” Thomas said. “Even though 97 per cent of our [2,400] stores were unaffected, any pricing issue that results in an overcharge is one too many.”

The CFIA said it didn’t visit any Loblaw stores during its investigation into the matter or issue any fines because the grocer reported it had fixed the problem.

In late 2024, almost one year after the CFIA closed the case, CBC News found packages of underweighted chicken at a Loblaws store in Toronto, and underweighted chicken, pork and ground beef at a Loblaw-owned No Frills in Calgary. It appeared the items had been weighed with the packaging.

CBC News purchased six items from the two stores and calculated a total overcharge of $5.14 — five per cent on the $107.43 bill.

Thomas said that Loblaw conducted a review and “identified [weight] inconsistencies similar to those that the CBC found.” She said the problem “did not impact the vast majority” of Loblaw’s stores and has been fixed.

cont’d on pg. 36

“We apologize for these errors,” Thomas said,

CBC investigation uncovers grocers overcharging customers by selling underweighted meat

cont’d from pg. 34

adding that the grocer has “refreshed our in-store training.”

Several packages of underweighted pork, chicken and beef were also found by CBC News at a Sobeys-owned FreshCo in Toronto in late 2024, and at a Walmart in Richmond, B.C. last week. It appeared the products at both stores had been weighed with the packaging.

CBC News bought six items from each store and calculated a total overcharge of $2.62 (seven per cent) on the $38.08 FreshCo bill, and an overcharge of $3.07 (6.9 per cent) on the $47.42 Walmart bill.

CBC News weighed this ground beef bought at a Sobeys-owned FreshCo in Toronto. The weight of the beef and packaging combined was almost equal to the label’s posted net weight for the meat alone, suggesting the plastic tray (50 grams) was incorrectly weighed with the meat at the store. (Illustration: Yousef Rahman, L.J. Cake/CBC, Sophia Harris/CBC) Walmart and Sobeys Inc. each offered few details, stating only that they were addressing the matter with third-party partners who weighed the meat products in the stores.

“We take concerns of this nature very seriously,” Walmart spokesperson Felicia Fefer said in an email.

Sobeys stores adhere to federal weight regulations and “expect the same compliance from our third-party agents,” company Sobeys spokesperson Tshani Jaja said.

CBC News weighed these turkey drumsticks bought at a Walmart in Richmond, B.C. The weight of the turkey and packaging combined was almost equal to the label’s posted net weight for the meat alone, suggesting the plastic tray (35 grams) was incorrectly weighed with the meat at the store. (Illustration: Yousef Rahman, L.J. Cake/CBC, Sophia Harris/CBC) Lawyer and consumer advocate Daniel Tsai said even a small weight discrepancy could amount to big profits for grocers over time.

“That’s going to add up into a very large number, potentially into millions and millions of dollars,” he said. “There’s definitely a need here for some kind of rectification that consumers get compensated.”

When asked, Thomas said Loblaw will compensate impacted customers. Walmart and Sobeys didn’t respond.

How long has this been going on?

CBC’s findings are no surprise to Terri Lee, who worked as a CFIA inspector for 24 years until her retirement in 2021.

She said that when on the job, she consistently found that grocers were selling underweighted meat and seafood, often caused by stores not properly subtracting the packaging weight from the total weight of the product.

“There was a whole myriad of excuses,” Lee said. ‘”The regular person was on holidays, it was the weekend help.’ ... The store would blame the head office and the head office might blame the store.”

She said grocers need to better monitor their weighing systems, and the CFIA needs to do more in-store inspections.

“The cost of food has really increased,” Lee said. “It’s extremely important now to protect the consumer.”

CFIA spokesperson Patrick Girard said in an email that the agency “works every day to protect consumers” from mislabelled food by doing inspections, surveillance, responding to complaints and raising awareness.

In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the CFIA conducted 125 planned inspections for food weight accuracy among Canada’s more than 8,000 grocery stores, according to the agency.

What about fines?

CBC News uncovered documents detailing 11 other CFIA investigations between 2019 and 2023, where individual food stores weren’t properly subtracting the weight of the packaging for one or more meat or seafood products.

The agency said that in each case, the errors had been fixed and no fines issued.

Included in the documents was a Calgary store — name redacted — where a CFIA inspector warned it three times over a 17-day period in 2019 to stop including the packaging when weighing various halal meats. In that case, the business got a violation notice that included a warning.

“There’s no bite to the enforcement,” said Mark Olivier, who worked for more than 20 years in the grocery industry, including 10 in store management.

Olivier complained to the CFIA — once in 2020 about underweighted lamb, and again in 2022 about two different underweighted hams he bought at Food Basics in his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. The chain is owned by grocer Metro Inc.

The CFIA said that in both cases, Food Basics had weighed the meat with its plastic wrapping and immediately corrected the errors, so no fines were issued.1 month ago

A new report released by experts at four Canadian universities is predicting food prices will continue to outpace Canada’s target inflation rate of two per cent in the new year.

But Olivier said unless retailers face repercussions, the problem of misweighing meat is likely to continue. “What’s the motivation for the store to do things properly if they’re more profitable when they err to the detriment of the consumer?”

CFIA spokesperson Girard said the agency issues fines when appropriate.

“Industry does face repercussions, and they are proportionate to the food safety risk and the seriousness of the noncompliance.”

Loblaw customer Griffin said Canadians need to keep an eye out for misweighed meat and to alert the CFIA if they encounter it. Shoppers can also file a complaint with Measurement Canada

“People need to be angry,” said Griffin. “If this has been going on for as long as we think it has been, there’s a whole lot of money that’s come out of the pocket of [shoppers].” CBC

Liberal backbencher vows to dump the monarchy if elected leader

photo with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2024. (Chandra Arya/Facebook) His August 2024 visit came nearly a year after Trudeau accused “agents of the Indian government” of carrying out the fatal shooting of a Canadian Sikh leader.

“I am aware that some (mostly religious) groups have been attacking me because of my religion, and I have nothing more to add,” he said in a statement, in response to those criticisms.

Liberal executives meeting

The list of people lining up to replace Trudeau continues to shift as top Liberal brass meet Thursday to consider their next move. Many potential candidates say they want to know the rules of the campaign before committing.

After a frenzy of formal and informal meetings this week following Trudeau’s decision to step down, the Liberal Party’s national council will gather to try to hammer out how to run a race to find the next party leader — and Canada’s next prime minister — against a ticking clock.

As an executive member, Trudeau will be in attendance, sources told Radio-Canada.

While many MPs got their way by getting Trudeau out the door, his decision to wait until early January gives the party little runway to write the rules for a campaign, hold a leadership contest and then pivot to an increasingly inevitable spring election.

Chandra joins businessman and former MP Frank Baylis on the list of people who have said they publicly plan to run.

A number of cabinet insiders said they are reflecting. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly,

Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and Employment Minister Steven MacKinnon have all said they are considering a run.

Former central banker Mark Carney has also said he’s interested. Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, former B.C. premier Christy Clark and House Leader Karina Gould are said to be gathering supporters, too.

Ontario Liberal MP Judy Sgro tells Power & Politics that Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has leadership support from the Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic caucuses. If LeBlanc decides to run, ‘I think this race would be over quickly,’ she said.

On Wednesday, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said he would not seek the top job, saying he’s better placed to focus on Canada’s relationship with the U.S.

Some MPs are still urging him to run. But in a statement Thursday LeBlanc reiterated that he’s out of the running.

“I have been deeply touched by the colleagues who have asked me to reconsider my decision not to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. But as I have expressed clearly to many of them, I do not intend to reconsider,” he said.

MPs call to change rules around who can vote Liberal MPs who gathered in Ottawa on Wednesday for a national caucus meeting said they were keen to learn what governing rules the executive will set out, including whether cabinet ministers will have to vacate their portfolios if they want to run and what the party will do to confront foreign interference threats.

Currently, non-Canadian residents are allowed to vote

in Liberal Party riding nomination and leadership contests, which have been called a “gateway” for foreign interference.

MP Yasir Naqvi, Employment Minister Steven MacKinnon, MP Kevin Lamoureux, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Jean-Yves Duclos, MP Judy Sgro, MP James Maloney, MP George Chahal and MP Charles Sousa outline strength on the economy, bilingualism, holding Liberal values and being a skilled campaigner as some of the elements they are looking for in the next Liberal leader.

A growing contingent of MPs urged the party executive to heed those warning.

There are other details the party will need to sort out, like the entrance fee amount and when the ballots will be counted

Toronto-area MP Rob Oliphant said he’d like to see a leader in place by the first weekend in March.

“I think we can do it and it be fast,” he said on his way into Wednesday’s hours-long caucus meeting.

Ottawa-area MP Yasir Naqvi stressed while the planning is hastened, integrity needs to be upheld.

“We need to make sure that the process is credible, that the process is fair and transparent,” he said. “We need to ensure that Canadians have confidence in the process.”

Whoever wins the Liberal race will become Canada’s next prime minister, although based on the party’s polling it could be a short-lived time in office.

According to the CBC’s Poll Tracker, the Conservatives have opened a 24-point lead over the Liberals. CBC

Top 5 Ghanaian Cinematic releases in 2024

Ghanaian Cinema on the Rise! From laughout-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas, discover the top 5 films redefining storytelling in Ghana. With powerhouse casts, visionary directors, and captivating narratives, these movies are putting Ghanaian cinema on the global map.Top 5 Ghanaian Cinematic releases in 2024

Ghanaian cinema is thriving, captivating audiences with its unique blend of compelling stories, cultural richness, and extraordinary performances. From heartwarming dramas to rib-cracking comedies, the country’s film industry continues to push boundaries and gain global recognition. Here, we explore five standout movies shaping the future of Ghanaian cinema, along with their stellar casts and the visionaries behind them.

One Night Guests

The comedy One Night Guests stands out as a perfect example of Ghana’s creative brilliance. Directed by Peter Sedufia, this film is a hilarious tale of mistaken identities and unexpected encounters, brought to life by a remarkable cast. Annabel Apara, Ini Edo, Anita Asuoha (Real Warri Pikin), James Gardiner, Majid Michel, Chidi Mokeme, Roselyn Ngissah, Akah Nnani, and Yvonne Okoro deliver side-splitting performances that promise a memorable cinematic experience. A collaboration between Nexthought Production, OldFilm Productions, and Sozo Films, One Night Guests is set to premiere on 25 December 2024, with showings in both Ghana and Nigeria.

In Forever in a Night

In Forever in a Night, Nadia Buari makes her highly anticipated return to the big screen, sharing it with the multi-talented Stonebwoy. Directed by Pascal Amanfo, this romantic drama takes viewers on an emotional journey as two strangers find their lives changed forever after a single night of adventure. The film premiered in November 2024 at the Accra Mall

and West Hills Mall, earning praise for its heartfelt narrative and exceptional performances.

I Was Here

Another movie that has captivated audiences is I Was Here, a deeply moving drama that sheds light on the struggles of a young woman battling breast cancer.

cont’d on pg. 50

Top 5 Ghanaian Cinematic releases in 2024

Ghanaian Cinema on the Rise! From laughout-loud comedies to heartfelt dramas, discover the top 5 films redefining storytelling in Ghana. With powerhouse casts, visionary directors, and captivating narratives, these movies are putting Ghanaian cinema on the global map.Top 5 Ghanaian Cinematic releases in 2024 Ghanaian cinema is thriving, captivating audiences with its unique blend of compelling stories, cultural richness, and extraordinary performances. From heartwarming dramas to rib-cracking comedies, the country’s film industry continues to push boundaries and gain global recognition. Here, we explore five standout movies shaping the future of Ghanaian cinema, along with their stellar casts and the visionaries behind them.

One Night Guests

The comedy One Night Guests stands out as a perfect example of Ghana’s creative brilliance. Directed by Peter Sedufia, this film is a hilarious tale of mistaken identities and unexpected encounters, brought to life by a remarkable cast. Annabel Apara, Ini Edo, Anita Asuoha (Real Warri Pikin), James Gardiner, Majid Michel, Chidi Mokeme, Roselyn Ngissah, Akah Nnani, and Yvonne Okoro deliver side-splitting performances that promise a memorable cinematic experience. A collaboration between Nexthought Production, OldFilm Productions, and Sozo Films, One Night Guests is set to premiere on 25 December 2024, with showings in both Ghana and Nigeria.

In Forever in a Night

In Forever in a Night, Nadia Buari makes her highly anticipated return to the big screen, sharing it with the multi-talented Stonebwoy. Directed by Pascal Amanfo, this romantic drama takes viewers on an emotional journey as two strangers find their lives changed forever after a single night of adventure. The film premiered in November 2024 at the Accra Mall and West Hills Mall, earning praise for its heartfelt narrative and exceptional performances.

I Was Here

Another movie that has captivated audiences is I Was Here, a deeply moving drama that sheds light on the

struggles of a young woman battling breast cancer. Nadia Buari delivers an unforgettable performance in the lead role, supported by the ever-charismatic Majid Michel. Produced by Visionary Pictures, I Was Here premiered on 18 October 2024 at Silverbird Cinemas in Accra, and its message of resilience has left a profound impact on viewers.

Pawn

For fans of intense dramas, Pawn’s Cast offers a gripping tale of societal expectations and the complexities of relationships. Directed by Kwabena Gyansah, the film boasts an incredible ensemble cast, including Adjetey Anang, Sika Osei, Lydia Forson, Gloria Sarfo, Kweku Elliott, Nikki Samonas, Kojo Boakye, Ntimination, Sylvia Davis, and veteran actor Fred Amugi. The movie’s bold storytelling and emotionally charged scenes have made it a standout in Ghanaian cinema.

Two of a Kind

Finally, Two of a Kind brings a perfect mix of romance and comedy, exploring themes of love and

destiny. Featuring a powerhouse cast led by Rita Dominic and Akrobeto, the film also stars Gloria Sarfo, Ariona Monet, Kojo Boakye, Adomaa Music, Jessica Larny, Kosi Araba, Deana Megashie, Sena Fafali, Chiderah David, Michael Katahena, and Mzz Abla Sena. Produced by Sozo Films, this GhanaNigeria collaboration has been celebrated for its engaging storyline and stellar performances.

The Ghanaian film industry has come a long way, evolving into a hub of creativity and innovation. With directors like Peter Sedufia and Pascal Amanfo steering the ship, and producers such as Visionary Pictures and Sozo Films pushing for quality and excellence, Ghanaian cinema is reaching new heights. These top five movies showcase the diversity of storytelling in the industry, blending traditional narratives with contemporary themes that resonate globally.

From comedies to deeply emotional dramas, Ghanaian filmmakers are creating movies that entertain, inspire, and spark important conversations. As these films continue to gain traction both locally and internationally, they solidify Ghana’s reputation as a powerhouse in African cinema.

Christ Redeemer Church 31st December 2024 celebration

Bishop Eric Amoah and wife

Evangel Assembly of God Church 31st December 2024 celebration

Rev. Milton Ofei

Mrs. Priscilla Ofei

Top 5 Ghanaian podcasts to listen to

Ghana’s podcasting revolution: From relatable banter to empowering conversations, these creators are redefining storytelling and connecting a nationTop 5 Ghanaian podcasts to listen to Ghana’s podcasting scene is experiencing a dynamic evolution, with a vibrant new wave of creators reshaping how culture, relationships, and social issues are discussed. From the relatable humour of Stay by Plan to the empowering dialogue on Girls Aloud Podcast, these shows are leading the charge in defining a fresh era of storytelling and conversation in Ghana.

Podcasts have emerged as a powerful medium for Ghanaians to share their experiences, humour, and perspectives with the world. Among the most popular shows capturing the nation’s imagination are Stay by Plan, Sincerely Ghana, If More, Let’s Divide, Rants, Bants, and Confessions, and Girls Aloud Podcast. Each podcast brings something unique, catering to a broad spectrum of listeners and creating a thriving podcast ecosystem.

Stay by Plan

Stay by Plan, hosted by Afi and Zuu, delivers an engaging mix of entertaining banter and practical advice. The duo’s discussions range from personal growth to navigating societal pressures, all with a relatable and light-hearted tone. Their chemistry is infectious, bringing refreshing energy to every episode and making it a go-to listen for young Ghanaians balancing ambition and daily realities.

Sincerely Ghana

Sincerely Ghana, hosted by Joseph Nti and Kwame Ofori, offers a profound exploration of Ghanaian culture and society. The hosts engage in open

and insightful conversations about topics such as personal development, politics, and social challenges. With their thought-provoking commentary, the show creates a reflective space for Ghanaians to examine the nation’s progress while celebrating its triumphs.

If More, Let’s Divide

If More, Let’s Divide, hosted by Frederick Eliz and produced by Fotombo, is a thought-provoking podcast that encourages listeners to think deeply about Ghana’s most pressing challenges. Its unapologetic stance on difficult topics has made it a favourite for those seeking depth and meaningful conversations.

Rants, Bants, and Confessions

Rants, Bants, and Confessions, hosted by Gisela Amaponsah, Efia Odo, and Princess Burland, is a lively podcast filled with unfiltered conversations. The hosts discuss dating, social media drama, relationships, and personal confessions, bringing bold personalities and open-hearted exchanges to every episode. This show offers listeners an authentic escape with humour and vulnerability.

Girls Aloud Podcast

Girls Aloud Podcast, hosted by Cassie Kyei, Serwaa Osei, Afia Boatemaa, and Kalby Dickson, takes a holistic approach to discussions, covering topics like pop culture, social trends, and personal experiences. Focused on empowering women, the hosts deliver lively conversations and candid reflections, solidifying the podcast as a standout in Ghana’s podcasting scene.

In recent years, Ghana’s podcasting landscape has rapidly evolved, providing a platform for diverse voices to explore pressing societal issues and share personal stories. Shows like Stay by Plan, Sincerely Ghana, and If More, Let’s Divide reflect the country’s growing digital connectivity and the desire for authentic, meaningful content.

This flourishing space highlights the creativity and depth of Ghanaian media, with hosts such as Afi, Zuu, Joseph, Kwame, Frederick, Gisela, Efia, Princess, Cassie, Serwaa, Afia, and Kalby paving the way for a new generation of storytellers. The dedication of producers like Fotombo ensures that platforms like If More, Let’s Divide are shaping critical conversations in Ghana.

As Ghana’s podcasting industry continues to grow, these shows are defining not only the future of media but also the way Ghanaians connect, laugh, and reflect on their shared experiences. With their thought-provoking discussions and unfiltered commentary, these podcasts are transforming how stories are told and celebrated across the country. pulse.gh.com

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

Place of Worship: 69 Milvan Drive, North York, Ont. (Finch Av./Milvan)

416-743-4555 (Office) 905-216-2323 (Residence)

Day and Time of Worship:

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.

Edmonton Methodist 778-237-7339

Ottawa Methodist 613-315-3443

BETHANY METHODIST CHURCH-BRAMPTON

PLACE OF WORSHIP-1A KNIGHTSBRIGE ROAD (Senior’s Lounge)

Sunday Divine Service - 2PM-5PM Online Prayer Meeting Fridays at 8PM -9PM 416-800-4317

Code # 9632581

Contact: Robert Frans (289-541-5579) Felix Gyimah (289-931-8443)

Redemption Methodist Church

Location: 955 Wilson Ave., Unit 12, North York, ON

Weekly Service Schedule: Monday 7 pm - 8 pm

Online Bible Study: Thursday 7 pm - 8:30 pm, Prayer Meeting Friday 7:30 pm - 9 pm Divine Service, Sundays 10 am - 12:30 pm Contacts: Agnes Donkor - 647-881-4808, Felicia Owusu - 647-533-1093, Grace Kubi - 647-608-5373

Holy Trinity Methodist Church, Montreal

Place of Worship: 455 Church Street - Beaconsfield Qc H9W 3S6

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: Bro. Joselin Twumasi 438-881-6640

Ebenezer Methodist Church

Stoney Creek United Church (Chapel)

1 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Hamilton

Contact: Bro. Kofi Bonsu 289-684-6074

Worship Time: 11 am to 1 pm

Peniel Methodist

Church Vancouver #2322 1248 82 Ave. Surrey, BC, V3W 3E9 Sister Comfort T. Owusu 647-895-7131

Worship Time: 9 am to 10:30

SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED FOLLOWING THE TRADITIONAL GHANA METHODIST LITURGY. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU. GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU

FOOD FOR LIFE

Bringing the Gospel to our Community By Rev. Isaac De-Graft Takyi

THE CHRISTIAN IN 2025:SETTING GOALS FOR 2025: A ROADMAP TO A FULFILLING LIFE

7 QUOTES FOR REFLECTION:

“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:42Jesus Christ

“The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you.”Billy Graham

“A goal is a dream with a deadline.”John C. Maxwell

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”Zig Ziglar

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”Martin Luther King Jr. “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”Walt Disney INTRODUCTION

As we step into a new year, many of us carry hopes and dreams for a better life. Goal setting is one way to turn these hopes into reality. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” This year, let us aim to set meaningful goals in every area of our lives, trusting God for wisdom and guidance. Below, I will outline practical steps to help you focus on eight key areas of life: spiritual, physical, mental, emotional, relational, vocational, financial, and gratitude health.

1. SPIRITUAL HEALTH: GROWING IN FAITH

Our spiritual life is the foundation of everything else. To grow spiritually in 2025, make a plan to:

• Spend daily time in prayer and Bible reading (Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”).

• Join a Bible study group for accountability and deeper learning.

• Serve in your local church or community to live out your faith.

Remember, spiritual health is not about perfection but progress. As Oswald Chambers said, “Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of years, but by obedience to the will of God.”

2. PHYSICAL HEALTH:

HONORING GOD WITH YOUR BODY

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. To prioritize your physical health:

• Commit to regular exercise, even if it’s just walking 30 minutes a day.

• Eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water.

• Schedule regular medical check-ups.

Small, consistent changes can lead to big improvements over time. As the saying goes, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

3. MENTAL HEALTH: RENEWING YOUR MIND

Romans 12:2 urges us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Protecting your mental health means:

10:00 am -10:45 am

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation.

• Limiting exposure to negative news or social media.

• Engaging in lifelong learning by reading books or taking courses.

Remember, a healthy mind leads to a healthy life.

4. EMOTIONAL HEALTH: FINDING PEACE WITHIN

Emotional health involves understanding and managing your feelings. To grow emotionally in 2025:

• Reflect on your emotions through journaling.

• Seek help when needed—talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor.

• Practice forgiveness, letting go of past hurts (Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”).

5. RELATIONAL HEALTH: BUILDING STRONG CONNECTIONS

Relationships are vital to our wellbeing. To strengthen your relationships:

• Make time for family and friends.

• Communicate openly and resolve conflicts quickly (Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”).

• Extend grace and forgiveness to others.

Strong relationships require effort but bring immense joy and support.

6. VOCATIONAL HEALTH: PURSUING YOUR CALLING

Colossians 3:23 encourages us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” In 2025:

• Set clear career goals and take steps to achieve them.

• Develop new skills or pursue further education.

• Seek God’s guidance in aligning your work with His purpose.

7. FINANCIAL HEALTH: MANAGING RESOURCES WISELY

Church Of Christ Ghanaian Congregation - Toronto

Address: 101 Westmore Drive, Unit 206, Etobicoke (Highway 27/Finch)

Time of Worship: 10am - 12:15pm

Contact: Bro. Fordjour Acheampong: 416-671-4268

Bro. Agyenim Boateng: 647-656-9905

Email: churchofchristtwiservice@gmail.com

Bro. Christian Kpodjie: 647-405-2068

Website: churchofchristghtoronto.com

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church

Lead Pastor: Rev. Nana Kwadwo Boateng Addo

SUNDAY SERVICES:

9:30 am-1:00 pm - Ghanaian Service

WEEKDAY SERVICES:

Rev. Nana Boateng

Wednesday - Bible Studies 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Friday - Holy Ghost Service 7:00 pm -9:00 pm

LOCATION: 42 Steinway Blvd. Unit 1&2 (Hwy 27/Steeles) Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6Y6

Tel: 416-740-1200 Res: 647-763-6681

Fax: 416-740-6435 Email: lighthouseagtoronto.org lighthouseag@outlook.com

Good Shepherd Prayer Ministry

Invites you all to come worship with us

Venue: 95 Eddystone Ave unit 4 North York, ON

Time of worship: Sunday:10am - 1pm

Wednesday bible studies 7pm - 9pm Friday Prayer / Deliverance 7pm - 9pm

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.

Tel: 416 667-9763 cell 647 500-4415 / 647 718-4819 / 416 300-4258 Email:pastorjsarfo@gmail.com

I encourage you to join us in worship regardless of your situation the power of God is available to make you whole

Location: 14 Haas Rd. , #100, Etobicoke, ON, M9W 3A2

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.

COME AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED

Contact: 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) Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

Pastor Eric Amoah

Transformation Centre

Join us on Sundays for Worship at: Venue: 161 Lakeshore Road W, Mississauga, ON Time: 10:30am—1:30pm

Contact: Rev. Isaac K. Bonful Tel: 289-814-5482

Email: transformationcentreag@gmail.com Website: www. transformationcentreag.ca

Be transformed by the renewing of your mind… “Rom.12:2a

The Apostolic Church Int'l.

Canada

MOVED TO NEW LOCATION

31 Airview Road

THE CHRISTIAN IN 2025:SETTING GOALS FOR 2025: A ROADMAP TO A FULFILLING LIFE

cont’d from pg. 45

Proverbs 21:5 teaches, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” To improve your financial health:

• Create and stick to a budget.

• Save and invest wisely for the future.

• Be generous, knowing that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Good stewardship of your finances brings peace and freedom.

8. Gratitude Health: Cultivating a Thankful Heart

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” To cultivate gratitude:

• Keep a daily gratitude journal, listing three things you’re thankful for.

• Express your appreciation to those around you.

• Focus on the positives, even in challenging times.

A grateful heart transforms your perspective and brings joy.

CONCLUSION

As we embark on 2025, let us commit to setting goals that honor God and enrich our lives. Whether in your spiritual walk, physical health, or financial planning, small, intentional steps can lead to lasting change. Remember, Philippians 4:13 assures us, “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” With God’s help and your dedication, 2025 can be your best year yet.

Let us walk into this year with faith, hope,discipline and determination, trusting that He who began a good work in us will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6). Happy New Year!

“The best way to predict your future is to create it.”Abraham Lincoln

Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu

Apostle Jeremiah Mensah (Resident Apostle)

THE LIFE YOU ARE HOLDING IN YOUR HANDS IS YOURS!

By Sarah Obeng, Toronto, ON

What is the next chapter of your life? Pause for a minute and ask yourself this important question. It is your life and it is your answer, your choices, and your decisions. So, again I ask, what is the next chapter of your life? In the next three years, if I happen to meet you, what would you be excited to be sharing with me because you are loving the life you’re living? These questions can be confidently answered if you’re actively designing your life!

No one is doomed to bad luck because of theirskin color, where they were born, who their parents are, circumstances under which they were born, or any such thing. We have to become of aware of this truth to set us free. The people we admire and look up to, or even possibly, envy – some of these people have had worse situations and circumstances than what you have had or what you may be going through right now. However, they overcame and are now living their dream lives!

The breath each one of us is taking is not by ourselves. No one can breathe on their own. However, when the breath Giver gives us the privilege to breathe and live, we have the responsibility to take charge of our lives and co-create an abundant life with Him – a life that makes us live our fullest, truest selves; a life that serves and transforms humanity for the better. I have come to know that this begins with building a dream for one’s life! You must build a dream for your life! That is the beginning of it all. If you can’t dream it then you can’t have it. In other words, if you can dream it then you can have it – if you do the work that comes with it. Build a dream, take steps toward your dream and keep going in the direction of your dream and see your life transform; see yourself in the group at the top where life is abundant and so much better. Many people have used the help of Life Coaches to be able to achieve this, and this is an idea I highly recommend.

So, begin it this way – ask yourself, WHAT WOULD I LOVE? If there were no limitations, what would you love? Who would you like to be or become? What would you love to, create? What would you like to have? What would you like to do? Put in as much detail as you possibly can and believe that this is possible – if you’re not able to believe in yourself that this is possible for you, then believe in the One who gives you breathe that this is possible for Him to make it possible for you.

When I initially heard this, I thought it was impractical, but the key is that there is the spiritual part to life that we don’t see and are not usually aware of. How the dreams will manifest or materialize for our physical experience is not up to us – it’s up to the Force who controls the universe, who knows it all and who orchestrates it all. He is able to bring it all together if we’ll dare to believe and take the action steps.

Once we’re able to dream it – as big as we can make it be, and move on to the next stage of taking the initial step or steps toward the dream we have built for our lives, and never stop but keep going in that direction, He orders our steps and coordinates things to work together to make the dream a reality. All of a sudden, the right people are brought our way, the right doors

start to open, the wrong ones begin to close and the unneeded people begin to fall away. People have said it cannot be explained how it all pulls together and I can say the same thing too. I can say that when you are ready for your next chapter in life, the correct teachers and helpers begin to show up. The paradigm shift that you make for your next chapter in life causes the path to be made clear for you. It is just amazing you need to experience it to truly understand. I am however, not saying it’s going to be easy or thoroughly smooth sailing but the path will not dim when it starts to shine – the path will get brighter and brighter like the noon day so long as you keep your alignment and keep going.

Many, if not most successful people will tell you that they had a vision for their lives – that whatever they are experiencing and enjoying now was once a dream. They will tell you that on the way to where they are, they fell down and almost gave up not just once, but several times. But that is what separates them from the rest of the people living on the same planet as them. That’s what separates them from the rest of the people breathing the same air as they are. That’s what separates them from the rest of the people who are also given the same amount of time in a day – 24 hours. That’s what separates them from the rest of the people who have one night and one day at a time. That’s what separates them from the rest of the people who live one day at a time.

So, think about it;whether you make the best or the worst of it, you will be breathing and living for the next 365 days – so long as the breath Giver gives it to you. What will you do with that life? Will you leave it to chance, or will you write your story with His help and not let anyone else hold the pen. Opinions are cheap and everyone has an opinion or two. Will you let others’ opinions run your life? Or will you start taking charge or your own opinions and truths about your life, shift your mindset and start living the better version of yourself – starting today! Keep in mind, your past, whether good or bad, doesn’t determine your future. Your current choices, decisions, perceptions, and actions, are what will propel you into the next chapters of your life. Get the pen and start writing your story. Dream, or review your dream and start living a more optimal life because you deserve it, because you are worthy of it, and you will fulfill your dreams if you will dare to dream and pursue it.

Do you have a post-holiday cold?

What you need to know about RSV and all the other respiratory viruses circulating Are you feeling a bit under the weather coming out of the holiday season?

You might just be battling the common cold but it could also be one of a myriad of other respiratory infections that are circulating at this time of year, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus.

RSV, as it is more commonly known, is a infection that in most people, typically presents itself like a common cold with most children under the age of two getting it at some point.

Anyone who contracts the virus typically presents symptoms like a fever, coughing, sneezing and a runny nose.

“The issue is that there are some adults who are much more likely to develop severe disease, and those are individuals who are older and individuals who have underlying conditions, and, in particular, older individuals that also have underlying conditions are at an elevated risk of developing severe disease,” Shelly Bolotin, director for the Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases at the University of Toronto, told CTV News Toronto in an interview.

Here’s what you need to know this winter season.

How bad is COVID-19 and RSV this season so far?

“There’s been in Ontario a rise of laboratory confirmed infection in the last month or so,” Bolotin said, adding cases can peak anywhere between November and April.

According to Public Health Ontario’s data for the week of Dec. 8 to 14, there is a roughly 10 per cent positivity rate with 171 people in the hospital due to RSV. Meanwhile, COVID-19 is more prevalent at this time, with a 13 per cent positivity rate throughout the week and 724 hospitalizations. Influenza is far less prevalent in the province currently, representing a 4.3 per cent positivity rate this week and 68 hospitalizations. Locally, Toronto Public Health’s Integrated Respiratory Disease Dashboard (IRDD) reveals the per cent positivity rate for RSV has risen steadily since the summer. That said, the wastewater activity – while increasing since then – remains below the historical average for this time

TPH reports that it has seen a total of 111 influenza cases during the second full week of December, representing a 6.1 per cent positivity rate, with COVID-19 representing a 9.5 per cent positivity rate.

Anna Banerji, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, explained that like the flu, RSV is also cyclical.

“There is an RSV season which occurs in the fall, just like influenza tends to be cyclic. There’s multiple reasons, but also because kids are indoors, people are indoors more, and so these viruses tend to spread more,” Banerji said. What does RSV look like in kids?

“It can be very serious in infants, especially young infants and the younger they are, the more at risk they are for severe respiratory infections,” Banerji told CTV News Toronto in an interview.

When it infects kids under the age of six months old, or even under the age of three months, Banerji said they can develop something called bronchiolitis, which is a lung infection.

“It causes inflammation and mucus plugging,” Banerji said, which can impact how a baby breathes.

Banerji adds babies can have “laboured breathing” – when they are breathing fast and using the neck or abdominal muscles to breathe – when they contract RSV. If it gets worse and the infant struggles to breath, Banerji says it can cause the infant to turn blue as they’re losing oxygen.

“If it gets worse than that, then babies can go into what we call respiratory failure. If there’s no intervention, then an infant can die,” Banerji said.

If an infant is struggling to breathe, looks discoloured or feels cold, or they’re not eating or urinating, Banerji urges parents to bring their child to a healthcare provider.

“The other thing is, any baby less than two months of age with a fever needs to be seen by a healthcare provider,” Banerji adds.

How to protect yourself

“We are very, very fortunate that the RSV landscape has really shifted in the last couple of years because we have a couple of new vaccines that are very, very safe and effective in protecting older individuals from RSV,” Bolotin said, saying Arexvy and Abrysvo are Health Canada approved for older adults.

Several Ontarians are eligible for these particular vaccines including infants and those who are at least 60 years old and a resident at a long-term care home, an individual experiencing homelessness or First Nations, Inuit or Metis individuals. For a full list of who is eligible to receive these vaccines, Ontarians can refer to the province’s online guidance

For those who do not meet the criteria, Bolotin says Ontarians can purchase the vaccine privately.

“If you have health insurance through your employment, for example, often health insurance covers part of the cost of the vaccine,” Bolotin said.

Toronto Public Health said pregnant individuals, who are between 32 and 36 weeks gestation, delivering near the 2024-2025 season can go to their prenatal care provider to receive a vaccine to protect their newborn

Additionally, TPH says infants and high-risk children no older than 24

months old can receive a monoclonal antibody treatment for immediate protection against the virus.

With COVID-19 vaccines, anyone aged six months or older are eligible for immunizations and can head to participating pharmacies to receive their doses. Appointments can also be made through Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine portal, through public health units’ using their own booking system, participating primary care providers or Indigenous-led vaccine clinics.

“Vaccination is an effective way to

protect residents, preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death, especially for high-risk individuals,” the public health unit said in a statement.

On top of staying up to date with immunizations, TPH says Torontonians can reduce the spread of respiratory infections by staying home when they feel sick, washing their hands properly and masking when in a crowded space. CP24

Top 5 Ghanaian Cinematic releases in 2024

cont’d from pg. 39

Nadia Buari delivers an unforgettable performance in the lead role, supported by the ever-charismatic Majid Michel. Produced by Visionary Pictures, I Was Here premiered on 18 October 2024 at Silverbird Cinemas in Accra, and its message of resilience has left a profound impact on viewers.

Pawn

For fans of intense dramas, Pawn’s Cast offers a gripping tale of societal expectations and the complexities of relationships. Directed by Kwabena Gyansah, the film boasts an incredible ensemble cast, including Adjetey Anang, Sika Osei, Lydia Forson, Gloria Sarfo, Kweku Elliott, Nikki Samonas, Kojo Boakye, Ntimination, Sylvia Davis, and veteran actor Fred Amugi. The movie’s bold storytelling and emotionally charged scenes have made it a standout in Ghanaian cinema.

Two of a Kind

Finally, Two of a Kind brings a perfect mix of romance and comedy, exploring themes of love and destiny. Featuring a powerhouse cast led by Rita Dominic and Akrobeto, the film also stars Gloria Sarfo, Ariona Monet, Kojo Boakye,

Adomaa Music, Jessica Larny, Kosi Araba, Deana Megashie, Sena Fafali, Chiderah David, Michael Katahena, and Mzz Abla Sena. Produced by Sozo Films, this Ghana-Nigeria collaboration has been celebrated for its engaging storyline and stellar performances.

The Ghanaian film industry has come a long way, evolving into a hub of creativity and innovation. With directors like Peter Sedufia and Pascal Amanfo steering the ship, and producers such as Visionary Pictures and Sozo Films pushing for quality and excellence, Ghanaian cinema is reaching new heights. These top five movies showcase the diversity of storytelling in the industry, blending traditional narratives with contemporary themes that resonate globally.

From comedies to deeply emotional dramas, Ghanaian filmmakers are creating movies that entertain, inspire, and spark important conversations. As these films continue to gain traction both locally and internationally, they solidify Ghana’s reputation as a powerhouse in African cinema.

pulse.gh.com

Health/Lifestyle

Positive thinking: A skill for stress relief

By David Yaw Twum-Barima, MD , MSc, FRCPC

I will like to share with our readers some important tips to improve their quality of life.

Stress is universal. Everybody has stress in their lives but how you handle it can make a big difference. For example is your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer this ageold question may reflect your outlook on life and whether you’re optimistic or pessimistic.

Unfortunately a lot of Ghanaians are for one reason or other pessimists, we tend to worry too much about failures and not celebrate our successes. The best example is our attitudes towards funerals (which we celebrate to the extreme) and new births (which we take for granted and totally ignore).

How many times have you and your friends talked about how well your kids are doing in school either academically or on the athletic field?

If you are like most Ghanaians then the answer is probably never or very rarely. Yet we all spend hours talking about Kwesi or Abena’s bad grades! Stress management requires a positive perspective — knowing how to turn

pessimism into optimism.

In fact, studies show that these personality traits —optimism and pessimism — can affect how well you live and even how long you live.

Need an attitude adjustment? Find out how to reduce your stress by halting negative thoughts and practicing positive self-talk.

Be positive: Live longer, live healthier

Self-talk is the endless stream of thoughts that run through your head every day. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative. If the

thoughts that run through your head are mostly negative, your outlook on life is likely pessimistic. If your thoughts are mostly positive, you’re likely an optimist.

Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Other self-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create because of lack of information.

Researchers continue to explore the effects of optimism on health. The health benefits optimism may provide are:

Decreased stress

Greater resistance to catching the common cold

A sense of well-being and improved health

Reduced risk of coronary artery disease

Breathing easier if you have chronic obstructive lung disease, such as emphysema

Improved coping ability for women with high-risk pregnancies

Living longer

Better coping skills

It’s unclear why optimists experience these health benefits. But one theory is that having a positive outlook enables you to cope better with stressful situations, which reduces the effects of stress on your body.

How to put a positive spin on negative thoughts

Self-talk — the inner monologue sometimes referred to as automatic thinking — can be positive or negative. When the theme of your self-talk is mostly negative, your own misperceptions, lack of information and distorted ideas have overpowered your capacity for logic and reason. But if you weed out misconceptions and irrational thinking and challenge them with rational, positive thoughts, your self-talk will gradually become realistic and self-affirming.

Some common forms of irrational thinking are:

Filtering. You magnify the negative aspects of a situation and filter out all of the positive ones. For example, you had a great day at work. You completed your tasks ahead of time and were complimented for doing a speedy and thorough job. But you forgot one minor step. That evening, you focus only on your oversight and forget about the compliments you received. Personalizing. When something bad occurs, you automatically blame yourself. For example, you hear that an evening out with friends is canceled and you assume that the change in plans is because no one wanted to be around you. It turns out that they were planning a surprise party for your birthday!

Catastrophizing. You automatically

anticipate the worst. You refuse to go out with friends for fear that you’ll make a fool of yourself. Or one change in your daily routine leads you to think the day will be a disaster. Polarizing. You see things only as either good or bad, or black and white. There is no middle ground. You feel that you have to be perfect or you’re a total failure.

Here are few things you can do to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. The process is simple, but it takes time and practice.

Throughout the day, stop and evaluate what you’re thinking. If you find that your thoughts are negative, try to find a way to put a positive spin on them.

Start by following one simple rule: Don’t say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Examples of typical negative self-talk and how you might apply a positive twist include:

Negative self-talk

Positive spin

I’ve never done it before.

It’s an opportunity to learn something new.

It’s too complicated.

Let’s look at it from a different angle. I don’t have the resources. Necessity is the mother of invention. There’s not enough time.

Let’s re-evaluate some priorities.

There’s no way it will work. I can try to make it work.

I don’t have the expertise.

I’ll find people who can help me. It’s good enough.

There’s always room for improvement. It’s too radical a change.

Let’s take a chance.

No one bothers to communicate with me.

I’ll see if I can open the channels of communication.

I’m not going to get any better at this.

I’ll give it one more try.

I’m never going to learn how to manage my stress.

I’m going to try to learn how to manage my stress.

Practice makes perfect

If you tend to have a negative outlook, don’t expect to become an optimist overnight. But eventually your self-talk will automatically contain less self-criticism and more selfacceptance.

Practicing positive self-talk will improve your outlook. When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you’re able to handle everyday stress in a realistic and constructive way. That ability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of being an optimist.

Around the World Sports Scene

The story of how Osei Kofi joined Asante Kotoko for £30 to pay his father’s

divorce settlement

Asante Kotoko legend Rev. Osei Kofi shared an intriguing story about how his father’s divorce case led him to leave Hearts of Oak and join their arch-rivals, Asante Kotoko.

Osei Kofi narrated that his father needed £30 to settle his divorce from a woman who had mistreated him.

He recalled that his father informed him about the divorce while he was in the Hearts of Oak camp, shortly after leading the team to victory in the 1964 league.

“I didn’t like how the woman treated my father. He used to eat leftovers from what she sold in the market. My father had become old and weak, so he stayed home. I was in the Hearts of Oak camp when my dad came and told me he wanted a divorce, and the court demanded £30,” he said during an interview on Channel One TV.

It turned out that his father worked as a driver for a Kotoko patron who offered to pay the divorce fee

if Osei Kofi joined the Porcupines.

“He was a driver for Mr. Adusei, a Kotoko patron. After Hearts won the league, someone told Mr. Adusei, ‘Do you know your driver’s son is Osei Kofi? Why don’t you pay the £30 so Osei can go to Kotoko?’

“So, I was there when my father told me the story, and I decided to go to Kotoko because of the woman. I left Hearts of Oak without informing anyone because it was an amateur league, and we weren’t under contracts or salaries. That night, I went to Kumasi. The £30 was given to my father to finalize the divorce, which saved him,” he recounted.

In his prime, Osei Kofi was known as the “Wizard Dribbler” for his quick feet and ability to bypass defenders.

He spent most of his career at Asante Kotoko, achieving legendary status and helping the club win consecutive league titles in 1965 and 1966. Ghanaweb.com

with Jonathan Baah Annobil

Check out the schedule for Black Stars’ 2026 World Cup qualifiers

The Black Stars are set to embark on a fresh slate of fixtures, packed with thrilling matchups and pivotal showdowns in 2025.

The team experienced their worst performance in AFCON history, exiting the competition at the group stage in the 2023 edition (held in 2024) and failing to qualify for the 2025 edition, without securing a single win.

Nonetheless, 2025 brings a new dawn of hope. With qualification for the 2026 World Cup still within reach, Ghana can focus on rectifying the setbacks of 2024. However, with tough games ahead, they will need to put up a strong fight to ensure a better outcome in 2025.

Here is a breakdown of the Black Stars’ upcoming fixtures:

After consultation with relevant stakeholders, FIFA published the International Match Calendar (IMC) for 2025. There will be five international breaks between March and November 2025. Each window will allow a maximum of two games, and during these breaks, Ghana will play six matches.

Chad and Madagascar (March)

Ghana will continue their quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup with a game against Chad on Monday, March 17, 2025, in Round 5 of the qualifiers. This will be the first official meeting between the two sides, and with Chad sitting on 0 points, Ghana will fancy their chances of securing a win.

A week later, the Black Stars will travel to Antananarivo to face Madagascar.

Ghana claimed their first three points of the qualifiers when the two teams met in the first round of the qualifiers at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. Inaki Williams’ dramatic 96th-minute goal got Ghana off to a strong start.

Chad and Mali (September)

Round 7 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will resume after a fivemonth break, with Ghana travelling to Chad to face Les Sao on September 1, 2025. Eight days later, Ghana will host Mali. The Black Stars earned a vital win against the Eagles in June 2024, and the return leg in Ghana promises to be one of the standout fixtures of Round 8.

Central African Republic and Comoros (October)

The final two rounds of matches will see Ghana travel to the Central African Republic on October 6, 2025, for the return leg of their matchday 4 encounter. The first leg ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory for Ghana.

The final game will be against Comoros, a side that has proven to be a thorn in Ghana’s side in recent years. The match is scheduled for October 14, 2025. If both teams win their preceding games, this could be a winner-takes-all showdown, with the victor securing the automatic qualification spot.

There could be opportunities for friendlies as the 2025 International Match Calendar includes windows for friendlies. With Ghana not having any qualifying games in the June window, the team could use this period to play friendly matches and prepare further for the remaining qualifiers.

ghanaweb.com

It will remain in my heart forever - Andre Ayew after receiving standing ovation from Marseille fans

Black Stars skipper Andre Ayew has penned an emotional message to Olympique Marseille fans after receiving a standing ovation at the Stade Vélodrome on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

He expressed his gratitude to the Marseille fans for the love they showed him upon his return to play against his boyhood club.

In an Instagram post, Ayew noted that he will hold the moment in his heart forever.

“Evening full of emotions and reunions. Thanks to the people of Marseille for the welcome and this moment that will stay in my heart. I will never forget it,” he posted.

While cherishing the ovation, he also acknowledged the Le Havre fans and assured them of the team’s determination to turn their fortunes around.

“Not easy to lose the first game of the year. Thank you to the supporters who were there with us. We’re not going to give up; the marathon continues. Le Havre,” he added.

Ayew scored in Le Havre’s 5-1 defeat to Marseille. The goal was his first of the season.

Ayew spent five seasons at Marseille after joining from Lorient in 2009. During his time at the club, he played over 160 matches in Ligue 1, scored 44 goals, and cemented his legendary status at the club.ghanaweb.com

• Asante Kotoko legend Rev. Osei Kofi

Black Stars skipper Andre Ayew

FOOD AND RECIPES

Compiled by Nana Ama, Toronto, ON

How to prepare wrewre/melon seed soup

INGREDIENTS

1. 3 cups wrewre

2. An assortment of dried and smoked meat

3. 3 large tomatoes

4. 2 large onions

5. 3 tsp hot pepper (grind)

6. 1 tsp ginger

7. 2 tsp garlic

8. 2 maggi cubes

9. 3 tsp of pepper flakes

Method

1. Dry roast your seed on medium heat in a pan for about 6-8 min. It will start to make a popping sound when it is cooked. Or to be sure, you can break one, it should be lightly brown on the inside.

2. Pour into your blender or food processor. Add 1 and 3/4 cups of water and blend into a smooth paste.

3. Pour into a strainer and strain to separate juice from chafe.

4. After add water to the chafe and blend again.

5. Repeat the straining process until no chafe remains in the strainer.

6. Pour the juice into a pot and allow to cook on moderate heat.

7. Allow to boil for 15 min.

8. Wash and put the meat into a saucepan.

9. Add your seasoning cube, ginger, garlic,a little salt and water to the meat and allow cook for about 5 min. Stir intermediately.

10. Pour in the cooked juice.

11. wash and peel your tomatoes and onions. Add to the soup and allow to boil for 10 min.

12. Remove the tomatoes and onions and blend into a smooth paste.

13. Pour it back into the soup.

14. Allow to simmer on moderate heat for about 15 min.

15. Add salt to taste. You can also add more pepper to your preference

16. Cook for another 3 min and turn off heat.

17. Soup is ready to be enjoyed with your rice balls, banku, fufu, kenkey, rice or yam.

EGYPTIAN FETA CHEESE OMELET ROLL

Ingredients

4 eggs beaten

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

1 teaspoon milk

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Add all ingredients to list

Tuo Zaafi with Ayoyo stew

10 qts Ayoyo leaves

2 qts Salt Peter (Potassium nitrate)

1 cup Powdered Fish

1 cup Powdered Okro

2 pinches Dawadawa

2 qts Pepper

2 qts Onions

1 qt Fish seasoning

2 qts All purpose spices

4 qts Meat (Beef)

1 cup Palm oil

3 qts Tomatoes

2 qts Salmon

2 qts Herrings

1 cup Cassava flour

1 cup Corn flour

Method

1 Chop the ayoyo leaves into smaller sizes. Boil water, add chopped onion, powdered fish, powdered okro and dawadawa. After 5 minutes add ayoyo leaves and salt peter

2 Don't cover, stir continuously until ingredients become very soft. Add salt and seasoning. Allow to simmer for 3 minutes and soup is ready. Cut meat into desirable sizes. Wash and put meat in big saucepan over moderate heat.

3 Blend onion, ginger, garlic and add to meat. Add salt and seasoning and cover meat to steam for 5-10 minutes Heat pan over medium high heat until hot and then add the olive oil. then add the chicken

4 Fry on one side until browned and then flip. Brown the second side and then transfer the meat to a bowl. Add chopped onion and garlic and saute until tender and starting to brown.

5 Add grinded pepper, tomato puree and stir intermintently. Wash salmon and herrings. Then add to stew. After 6-10 minutes, add spices and allow to cook.

6 Taste for salt and add some chopped onions. Finally add fried meat and allow to simmer for 3 minutes.Fetch some corn flour and add cold water. Then mix thoroughly to form a solution.

7 Boil enough water and add corn flour to cook for 5-10 minutes. Fetch some of the solution into a separate bowl. Mix dry corn dough and cassava dough and Add mixture bit by bit to the boiling corn dough and stir thoroughly to prevent any lumps.

8 Add the corn dough solution you fetched aside to the Tuo Zaafi to make it soft and stir. After 15-20 minutes of stirring the Tuo Zaafi, you turn of the heat.

Serve Tuo Zaafi with stew and soup.

APPLE PIE

Ingredients

1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

1/1 cup unsalted butter

3 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

8 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and sliced

Add all ingredients to list Method

Method

1. In a small bowl, beat eggs and pepper together. In another small bowl, combine crumbled cheese with milk.

2. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in eggs, and tilt pan until bottom is evenly covered. When edges appear cooked, place feta mixture in a line in the center of eggs. Using a spatula, fold eggs over top and bottom of cheese, then fold sides over.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in flour to form a paste. Add water, white sugar and brown sugar, and bring to a boil. Reduce temperature and let simmer. Place the bottom crust in your pan. Fill with apples, mounded slightly. Cover with a lattice work crust. Gently pour the sugar and butter liquid over the crust. Pour slowly so that it does not run off.

Bake 15 minutes in the preheated oven. Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking for 35 to 45 minutes, until apples are soft.

SCAN ME