Ghanaian News December 2016

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Ontario’s harmony is fragile, can be broken, Premier Warns

By William Doyle-Marshall, Toronto

See details on

Pg. 3

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo Elected President of Ghana As NPP Sweeps to Dramatic Victory in 2016 Elections From: Dr. Michael Baffoe, Winnipeg, MB

Premier Wynne (3rd from left), Thomas Saras (2nd from left) President & CEO Ethnic Press Canada, some MPPs, some Ethnic Press members and the caterer

As members of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada headed by Thomas S. Saras hosted their year-end get together, last Friday night, politicians used the occasion to emphasize the importance or necessity to keep diversity uppermost in the minds of Ontarions.

Premier Kathleen Wynn at the outset reminded the gathering they were assembled

on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit. It was important to note,the Premier said apart from the Indigenous peoples who still live on this land, everybody came from somewhere else.

She called on Canadians to stand very, very tall and very strong and tell their story of harmonious multiculturalism, of pluralism that respect and doesn’t just tolerate but

embraces the differences between people. “It’s only in doing that that we are going to be able to take our rightful place in the world,” Premier Wynn stressed. She cautioned against taking for granted the harmony that Ontarions have been experiencing because it is fragile and can be broken.

Wynn pointed to what has happened to our neighbours to cont’d on pg. 61

Merry Christmas & A HAPPY NEW YEAR As the year 2016 draws to a close, the management and publication team of your versatile community newspaper The Ghanaian News take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to all and sundry who have steadfastedly supported the growth of the paper.

To our advertisers whose contributions support the paper’s production, to our numerous reader in Canada, the United States and Europe whose continued interests, suggestions and advice have contributed to the papers quality and to our friends and supporters in the larger Canadian community, we say a big THANK YOU for your support. We also thank our writers contributors for their imput.

We hope we can count on the continuous support and encouragement from all of you. On this festive holiday season, we wish you all Merry Christmas, enjoyable holiday celebrations, Peace and Prosperity in the coming New Year.

The Ghanaian News salutes YOU All

The three-time Flagbearer and Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana AddoDankwaAkufo swept to a dramatic victory as the next President of Ghana in the 2016 Ghana Presidential Elections held on December 7, when he won 5, 716,026 votes of the projected 15 million voters representing 53.85%. He beat the incumbent President, John DramaniMahama who was

seeking re-election to second place, with Mahama securing 4,713,277 votes representing 44.4% of the total votes cast.

The results of the Presidential elections, in the bitterly fought contest, represent two dramatic outcomes for both candidates: For Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC), it was an unbelievable shock!

They went into the elections with great confidence

cont’d on pg. 7

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

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

ENDING THE YEAR 2016 ON A HIGH

EDITORIAL Publisher / Editor Emmanuel Ayiku Contributing Editors Dr. Michael Baffoe Joe Kingsley Eyiah Director of Operations Comfort Ayiku Community Reporter Jonathan Annobil Winnipeg Bureau Dr. Michael Baffoe The Ghanaian News Publishes news and comments from the Community, serves Ghanaians across Canada with good source of information is committed to give good community Journalism The Ghanaian News is published in Canada by The Ghanaian News Corporation Editorial Office 2256 Sheppard Ave. Suite 202 Toronto, Ont. M9M 1L7 Tel:(416) 916-3700 Advertising Fax (416) 916-6701 Internet: www.ghanaiannews.ca E-mail: cayiku@gmail.com info@ghanaiannews.ca $1:00 per copy Subscription costs $66.00 for one year. including postage U.S. and foreign subscriptions costs US$120 per year.

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

Address your letters to the Editor The Ghanaian News 2256 Sheppard Ave. Suite 202 Toronto, Ont. M9M 1L7 Tel: 416-916-3700 or Fax: 416-916-6701 or e-mail us at info@ghanaiannews.ca Articles appearing in various columns of the Ghanaian News are intended to generate civil and informed public discussions.

You do not have to agree with opinions expressed by the writers.

That should encourage you to write to express your own views.

This is the way we generate lively and civil discussions in the community. Rejoinders are not forums for personal insults and we want readers to adhere to these principles.

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

The year 2016 is gradually coming to an end, giving way to the year 2017 in a few days’ time.

As we take stock of events that have unfolded over the past year, we are delighted to state that the year 2016 has been better than the previous one in terms of our community’s fortunes as well as the fortunes of the Land of our Birth, Ghana.

In our communities here in Canada, the year 2016 witnessed and recorded less misfortunes than the previous year and for that we are grateful and can heave a sigh of relief.

At The Ghanaian News, we wish to extend our sincere gratitude to all our community members who have continued to support us in various undertakings to bring improvement to our community here in Canada. We thank all our community members, our well wishers and supporters in mainstream Canadian society for supporting our efforts throughout the year. We are proud of the 27 award recipients honored at our 16th Annual Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Awards in November this year.

On a more positive note, we are delighted to note that our compatriots back home in Ghana exercised their franchise by organizing and participating in a free and fair general elections to choose a President and members of the nation’s Parliament. The results of these elections have changed the political landscape of Ghana for some time to come. We wish to congratulate the President-Elect Nana Akufo Addo and his Party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for winning the Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

We look forward to their assumption of office in January 2017. It is our fervent hope that they will live and perform to the expectation of Ghanaians that voted to repose their destiny and confidence in them.

We wish to note with pride that the conduct of the recent elections and their results have established the positive democratic credentials of Ghana among the proud community of democratic nations. Very few pockets or incidents of violence were reported during the elections and that attest to the political maturity of Ghanaians and their nation. We also commend out-going President John Dramani Mahama for gracefully conceding his defeat to his political opponent.

Against the backdrop of all the political rascals in Africa who are clinging on to power even when their mandates have expired, this gesture of the President is commendable.

The task ahead of the nation in the Land of Our Birth is enormous but we have reasons to hope that the incoming government team is up to the task. We wish them God-speed and good luck and admonish them to be mindful and uphold the interest and fortunes of Ghanaians as their number one priority. We shall be watching and waiting and promise to hold them to their promises and behaviors in office.

As we say goodbye to the year 2016 and welcome a new one, 2017, we encourage all our community members to unite their efforts and actively participate in events in our community that are aimed at making us a better community. Let us shun apathy and embrace engagement to move our community forward. Let us also continue to pray for the land of Our Birth, for there is more work to be done to help our compatriots and to uplift the fortunes of that country We are grateful to God, our customers, sponsors and well wishers. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Lieutenant Governor’s 2016 holiday message As we reflect on the past year, we think of what we have achieved and the challenges we have faced. We come together joyously, generously sharing with those in need.We optimistically explore what the future will bring.

As your Lieutenant Governor, I too have been thinking about past and future.

It has been such a privilege to be welcomed into your homes, places of work and worship, and communities. We have shared anniversaries, commemorations, performances, and special events.I have always been treatedwith kindness and generosity.

It has been an honour to recognize those many Ontarians who bring credit to our province: volunteers, who have given so much back to their own communities without any expectation of recognition or reward; scientists and innovators, who demonstrate excellence in solving some of our most intractable problems; those in arts and culture, who creatively remind us of what makes a civilized society; public servants, who quietly and daily provide the services we take for granted; first responders, who keep us safe; members of the Canadian Armed Forces, whose devotion to duty gives evidence of Canada’s commitment to justice and caring around the world; and those who

Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lt. Governor of Ontario

welcomed immigrants with open minds and open arms.

All of you remind me daily of who we are as Ontarians, and you fill me with pride about the cohesive society we continue to build.

It is then with good reason that I am eager to embrace 2017: 150 years of Confederation, 150 years of stability yet evolution as a country, and 150 years of progress and an appetite for becoming even better.

Yes, it is a time to celebrate, but also a year for thoughtful consideration and genuine dialogue about what we want for the future.

This is a year when we can continue to make strides in achieving reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, who have long been stewards of this land. It is a year when we can learn together and heal with respect.

This is a year when we can probe the nature of who we are as Ontarians.

What makes Ontario

Ontario? Who feels a true sense of belonging and who does not? Why?Are some of us being left behind?Will we create opportunities to listen to each other’s stories?

Will we improve our understanding, empathy, and acceptance of the Other?Will we see our diversity as an asset to be nurtured?

Surely this will be a year when we can be visionary, contributing innovative ideas in science and technology, social cohesion, governance, inclusive economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship.

Can we tap into the energies and imaginations of a new generation of young people?Can we at the same time benefit from the insights and wisdom of our elders?

As has been said, “the future is open to those with curious minds and open hearts.”

Perhaps we can start the discussion at my annual New Year’s Levee, to be held at Queen’s Park in Toronto on Sunday, January 1, 2017, from noon to two o’clock.

Please join me and some of your fellow Ontarians.

In the name of Her Majesty The Queen, I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

May we cherish human dignity, generosity, and peace in this world of uncertainty.

Joint statement by ministers Dion and Bibeau regarding Ghana’s presidential election The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today issued the following statement regarding the presidential election in Ghana:

commitment to democracy, prosperity and development in Ghana and in the Economic Community of West African States and for fostering Ghana’s close partnership with Canada.”

“Canada congratulates Nana AkufoAddo on his election to the presidency of Ghana and congratulates all Ghanaians for holding transparent and democratic elections in a calm and respectful manner on December 7.”

“We look forward to working with the newly elected president of Ghana to continue to advance our shared democratic values and commitment to multilateralism and inclusion, as well as to create opportunities for, and partnerships between, Ghanaians and Canadians.”

“Canada also thanks President John Dramani Mahama for his

Distributed by APO on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs Canada.

The Ghanaian News December 2016

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo Elected President of Ghana cont’d from pg. 1 of victory in the Parliamentary elections where they already had a majority in Parliament and high hopes for a second term for the incumbent President Mahama. None of these two hopes materialized.

The Opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) not only won the Presidency by nearly ten percentage points margin, but they also virtually swapped the Parliamentary seats table by winning a comfortable majority of 171 seats to the NDC’s 104 in the 275 seat Parliament.

The expected outcome of the elections threw the country into a state of anxiety as the Electoral Commission kept the nation in suspense for over forty-eight hours after the close of the polls. In the interim, the NPP declared victory for itself on Thursday night December 8, while the NDC also declared that they were “cruising to victory” early on Friday morning December 9.

Sometime in the early evening of Friday December 9, the incumbent President JohnDramaniMahama called Nana AkufoAddo

to concede defeat and offer his congratulations to the new PresidentElect. This was hours after the remaining five Presidential candidates, D r. P a a k w e s i N d u o m , Ivor Greenstreet, Nana KonaduAgyeman Rawlings, Dr. Edward NasigriMahama and Independent Candidate Joseph OseiYeboah had all called Nana AkufoAddo to concede defeat and offer their congratulations.

After the Electoral Commissioner, Charlotte Osei finally made her expected official announcement, “It is

my duty and privilege to declare Nana AkufoAddo as the president-Elect of Ghana”, the NPP supporters were already in the streets celebrating.

In his victory speech to his supporters and the nation outside his residence in Nima, a suburb of Accra, Nana AddoAkufoAddo made the following statement: “I make this solemn pledge to you tonight: I will not let you down. I will do all in my power to live up to your hopes and expectations”.

A new era in Ghana’s democratic history has begun!!

7

Longtime Gambian President Yahya Jammeh Loses Vote Concession to Adama Barrow offers possibility of peaceful power transfer He once said he would rule for “a billion years,” but on Friday the man who has harshly governed Gambia since 1994 was upset in a shocking election loss to a property developer.

Hours after Gambia’s electoral commission announced that Yahya Jammeh had lost the popular vote, the president appeared on state television to

President-elect Adama Barrow

officially concede. He made a statement and then telephoned his opponent, Adama Barrow, while the cameras were still rolling, to offer his congratulations and guidance.

“I wanted to wish you all cont’d on pg. 46

NDI Ghana Observer Delegation Issues Post-Election Preliminary Statement, Applauds The People of Ghana The National Democratic Institute (NDI) released its preliminary statement of findings and recommendations from its international election observation mission to Ghana’s presidential and parliamentary elections of December 7, 2016.

“The NDI delegation applauds the people of Ghana for the largely peaceful conduct of these

elections, despite earlier apprehensions of political tensions and violence,” said Ambassador Johnnie Carson, co-leader of N D I ’s o b s e r v a t i o n mission. “Ghana has underscored its status as a beacon for democracy in the region and, though not without challenges, remains a laudable example for the entire continent.”

The delegation stresses that official election results are not yet complete, and its statement therefore is preliminary in nature.

The delegation calls on Ghanaian political parties and candidates to cooperate in good faith with the Electoral Commission and for the results to be expeditiously released. Ultimately it is the people of Ghana

who will determine the credibility of the elections, and political leaders should respect the people’s will expressed in the December 7 polls.

election stakeholders, exemplified by the Accra Declaration for peaceful polls, signed on December 1 by all presidential candidates.

The preliminary statement commends the Electoral Commission for its notable improvements since the 2012 polls, and it expresses appreciation for the efforts of other

The preliminary statement highlights aspects of voter participation, election administration, and security. NDI’s delegation notes that, overall, voting was peaceful, orderly

and well-organized as executed by trained polling officials. Most voters were wellinformed about the process and turned out in large numbers.

T h e d e l e g a t i o n ’s p r e l i m i n a r y statement provides recommendations to the government of Ghana, the Electoral Commission, cont’d on pg. 16

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Wynne open to having global adjustment charge as line item on hydro bills TORONTO -- Premier Kathleen Wynne says she’s open to adding a line on hydro bills so Ontario consumers see a breakdown of the socalled global adjustment charge, which accounts for up to 70 per cent of electricity rates.

The Ontario Energy Board rejected a request from the auditor general to have a separate line item on bills for the global adjustment, a charge levied to cover the gap between the guaranteed prices the Liberal government promised electricity generators in

long-term contracts and actual market rates.

Auditor general Bonnie Lysyk estimated the global adjustment cost $50 billion between 2006 and 2015, and recommended bills be changed to separately disclose both the electricity market price and the global adjustment.

Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault had said the Liberals would not o v e r r u l e t h e a r m ’s length Energy Board, but Wynne said Monday that the government should reconsider its position.

“I think being as transparent on bills as possible is a really good objective, but my challenge is greater than that,” she said in a yearend interview with The Canadian Press. “It’s not just about breaking out the number on the bill, it’s actually figuring out how to reduce that number.”

by putting it on the front of their hydro bill,” said Vanthof. “A lot of people are unable to pay their bills, and they want to know why.”

It’s a pretty straight forward issue for New Democrat critic John Vanthof.

The OEB also decided that consumers should not see a line item showing the cost of the Liberals’ cap-and-trade plan to fight climate change, which kicks in Jan. 1 and is expected to add about $5 a month to natural gas bills.

“Consumers are paying the global adjustment fee and should understand how much they’re paying

The government said it does not have the power to order the OEB to change natural gas bills,

but it does have the power to tell the board to change electricity bills to break out the global adjustment charge.

“That’s why this one’s an important one to ask the question on, is there a way to make it more transparent,” Wynne said. “I agree that if we can be more transparent about where the costs are coming from, and if we can do that then maybe we can get a handle on how we get some of those costs down.”

Progressive Conservative energy critic John

Yakabuski said Wynne can tell the OEB to show the global adjustment charge on hydro bills and the cap-and-trade costs on natural gas bills.

“It is our position she always had the power to do both,” he said. “I’ll believe it when I see it, but it’s something we’ve been calling on her to do for some time.”

Wynne said the Liberals spent billions of dollars upgrading and rebuilding Ontario’s electricity system, but admitted she made a “mistake” in not considering how hard soaring hydro rates were hitting consumers.

“There’s a cost associated with having clean air and not generating electricity with dirty coal and with jump-starting a renewables industry...but I didn’t pay close enough attention to the impact of that on people in their lives.”

The eight per cent provincial portion of the HST comes off hydro bills Jan. 1, but that’s less than the 10-per-cent discount provided by the clean energy benefit that the Liberals killed last January.

“There’s more we need to do,” Wynne said. “We’re looking around every corner and trying to find every opportunity to take costs off of people’s bills.”

With polls showing her personal popularity rating in the low teens, Wynne rejected suggestions she will resign to let someone else lead the Liberals in the 2018 election. The Liberals are delivering on their 2014 campaign promises to invest in public transit and infrastructure and grow the economy, she said.

“I’m not stepping aside,” Wynne said. “If we didn’t see job growth, if we didn’t see investment in the province, then that would give me pause, that would be a different thing, but what we’re doing is working.” Cp24

10

The Ghanaian News December 2016

TTC board approves rate increases at 14 commuter lots The cost of parking at many of the TTC’s commuter lots will go up by a dollar or two as of the new year.

T h e T TC b o a r d h a s approved rate increases at 14 of its 24 commuter lots that will take effect on New Year’s Day. The rate increases will generate an estimated $1.5 million in additional revenue and will go towards covering an ongoing operating deficit in the TTC’s budget.

“There is a possibility that a few people may be discouraged from using the TTC but we have done the elasticities and looked at the cost of other places to park and we think the economics of this can be justified and that actually most people will continue to use the TTC,” CEO Andy Byford told CP24 on Tuesday. “We get that it won’t be popular but we are kind of between a rock and a hard place with our budget right now.”

Byford told CP24 that the TTC did not take the decision of hiking commuter lot prices lightly but in the end he said that he felt that there was “no choice.”

Byford also noted that prices at commuter lots have not risen in recent years.

In fact, a staff report said that many lots have not seen increases since 2001.

“If we were to charge market rates for those lots they would be much, much higher. If you compare them to rates around the city they would be some of the most affordable day parking rates in Toronto and really the GTA,” TTC Chair Josh Colle told CP24 on Tuesday.

Here is a full list of the price increases that will take effect on Jan. 1.

CP24

Toronto police take part in pilot project to test drivers for drug impairment Toronto police will begin testing roadside screening devices for drug-impaired drivers as part of a pilot project that begins Monday.

The pilot project, which runs until the spring of 2017, will be carried out by members of the Toronto Police Service’s traffic unit, Ontario Provincial Police and the RCMP. The purpose of the project is to test how well officers are able to use the devices in inclement weather conditions, such as rain and snow, and how the devices operate at night.

Police say the devices are not being used for

enforcement but officer feedback will help in the development of legislation and procedures related to drug-impaired screening devices.

“None of these devices has been approved for use in the field to aid in the formation of grounds to lay any type of charges,” a news release issued by Toronto police reads.

“If a driver shows no sign of impairment, they are eligible to volunteer. If they do volunteer, and they test positive for the presence of drugs, no further criminal or administrative procedures would be pursued… Any samples gathered during

pilot testing will never be used as evidence for the prosecution of either a criminal or administrative offence.”

Toronto police added that participation in the project is “anonymous and voluntary.”

Speaking to CP24 Monday morning, Const.

Clint Stibbe said officers have to rule out all types of impairment during a roadside stop before the device can be tested.

He added that five officers with the Toronto Police Service have been assigned to test the devices over the next eight to 10 weeks. Cp24

Bank of Canada keeps key rate at 0.5 per cent OTTAWA - The Bank of Canada is holding its benchmark interest rate at 0.5 per cent as economic conditions move along largely in line with its expectations.

strengthened, persistent international uncertainty has continued to have a negative effect on business confidence and investment among Canada’s trading partners.

a strong rebound in the third quarter. It repeated its prediction that Canada would see “moremoderate growth” over the final three months of 2016.

In making the scheduled announcement Wednesday, the central bank said while the global economy has

The bank said in a statement that Canada’s growth performance had also been close to its expectations, including

However, it said Canadian inflation, which the bank carefully analyzes when making rate decisions, cont’d on pg. 41

The Ghanaian News December 2016

11

DKM customers receive second round of payments

While the first batch of customers received a maximum of GHC3,500 in October this year, the second batch is receiving a maximum of GHC10,000, even if the amount deposited is more than GHC10,000.

Beneficiaries of the second round of payment include those whose names were not captured for payment during the first round of payment and those who received part payment of their investment during the first exercise.

According to the official liquidator, about 41,000 customers are earmarked to benefit from the second round of payment nationwide.

Anxious customers of the company started converging on both the main and the market branches of GCB Bank in Sunyani to receive their payments.

A s s u r a n c e A spokesperson for the liquidator, who pleaded anonymity in an in-

0% Interest

“The liquidator will, however, give those whose names are not captured, after the third batch of lists had been released, another chance to present their documents to enable them to receive their locked up investments,” he said.

Payment procedure The list of those who have been earmarked for payment has been posted on a notice board at the two branches of the GCB Bank in Sunyani where they are to receive their money.

The exercise is being done amid tight security, with beneficiaries being processed outside before entering the banking hall to collect their money after presenting their identity cards and receipts.

At the Sunyani main branch of the GCB Bank, two cashiers were designated to serve customers of DKM to ensure that customers were not unduly delayed.

It is expected that 300 customers would be served each day till the end of the exercise in January next year.

C u s t o m e r s Some affected customers who spoke to Daily Graphic yesterday shared their frustration that some of them bore similar names and called on the liquidator to provide their mobile numbers against their names, as well as their bank account numbers, for easy identification.

Meanwhile, most of them were happy with the payment process, saying it was hassle-free and fast.

Many who received part payment of their money during the first round but could not locate their particulars on the second list expressed worry about the situation.

Some of them claimed to have sums of money ranging from GH¢600,000 to over a million Ghana cedis with the company and could not understand why they were given only GH¢3,500 during the first round of payment B

o

l

g

cont’d on pg. 15

NS TIO LU SO

MONEY PROBLEMS?

terview with the Daily Graphic, said he was convinced that all customers of DKM who presented their documents to the official liquidator would be captured after the third batch of lists had been released next year.

AL LD EB T

Customers of DKM Microfinance Company have started receiving the second round of payment of the money they lodged with the now liquidated company.

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12

The Ghanaian News December 2016

FOCUS Ghana Needs a National Policy on Education Now!

By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview MS, Toronto

“Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”-John F. Kennedy May I use this opportunity to thank God as well as to congratulate Ghanaians for the peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections this December. I will also say kudos to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for successfully wrestling power from the National Democratic Party (NDC). The NPP and NDC are the two political parties which have been governing Ghana one after the other for the past twenty-four years.

However their different political ideologies to education in particular have denied Ghana a stable national policy in that sector of our national development. Therefore as an educationist, I

raise the following questions:What is really happening to the education system in our beloved land-Ghana? Are there no professionals in that sector who can call the system to order?

Can’t the top educational professionals put aside their political party biasness and for once develop a national policy on education in the supreme interest of the country? Or are they being ‘hijacked’ by the politicians in power?

I have been prompted to ask the above questions by a recent assertion by Kofi Annan (former SecretaryGeneral of the United

Nations) that Africans could not compete with their counterparts in the world if they continued to teach with old- fashioned tools and materials while their counterparts used modern and sophisticated tools. I couldn’t but agree with him the more!

I would also add that our educational system has become the toast of different political ideologies from time to time with the two main political parties (NDC and NPP) in the country using school children as guinea pigs!

If we want our country to develop we MUST develop a national policy on education devoid of political parties’ selfish interest and manipulation.

Obviously, education is the biggest enterprise in any civilized society.

Granted the fact that education is one of the most important tool for national development it becomes the responsibility of any

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began in 1987 as well as Kufour’s 2007 reform (the latest major changes in education) which sought to expose children to literacy and numeracy, from the kindergarten level. The country has had to struggle with the duration of senior high school (SHS) education from 3 years (NDC) to 4 years (NPP) and back to 3 years (NDC).

It would not be farfetched to surmise that education in Ghana today is apparently in crisis - from the JSS through the SHS to the tertiary institutions. There is so much uncertainty about and mismanagement of the educational policies put in place by the government. Ghanaians are now lured into voting for either President John Mahama or the NPP Presidential candidate, Nana AkuffoAddo with the bait of free secondary education during the forthcoming presidential elections in 2016.

I would like to stress here that we need to build a solid foundation for students in Ghana by investing in pre-school education and teacher education for effective pedagogy. Though things are not as expected, all

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is not lost yet. Precisely, it is in the light of this crisis that we must do something about and with our education. We have to put our heads and hands together to revamp education in Ghana as we are trying to do now for our electoral system.

Let all the stake-holders in education in Ghana and the technocrats in the field of education come together to develop viable and acceptable guidelines (blue prints) that should govern any educational reform in Ghana and save our educational system from the ‘political b u t c h e r ’s k n i f e ’ .

If the government of Ghana follows a national policy (not party policy) on education developed by a cross-section of our experts in education we would be doing our nation a great service.

I believe Nana AkuffoAddo’s administration would rise above political ideology and do the education sector a big ‘favor’ by developing a national education policy using the expertise of professionals on both sides of the political divide in Ghana.

God bless our homelandGhana!

Next EQAO literacy test will be on paper after cyberattack TORONTO -- The next province-wide literacy test for Ontario high school students will be administered on paper, after an online trial last time was hit with a cyberattack.

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progressive government anywhere to provide and promote sound educational policies as well as infrastructure that will help its people to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to develop their potentials. The founding President of Ghana, Dr. Nkrumah understood this very well.

He therefore expanded the opportunities for all Ghanaians to have some education. There was the mass education for adult Ghanaians who were above school-going age.

More importantly, the formal sector of education in Ghana then saw rapid development under President Nkrumah.

Since independence, we have had Dr Kwame Nkrumah’s Accelerated Development Plan of Education, which sought to expand rapidly recruitment into basic and secondary schools; the Prof. Alex K w ap o n g E d u cat i o n Review Committee, which brought about continuation schools in 1966, the Professor Dzobo Review Committee of 1974, which introduced the comprehensive junior secondary school (JSS) concept, and reform which

Most of the province’s 900 secondary schools -- representing a maximum of 147,000 students -- had signed up to participate in the online test, and only about 15,000 students managed to complete it.

1114

The Education Quality and

Accountability Office had wanted to move the next test, set for March, online, but it has now decided “it would be irresponsible to put students at risk of any further issues without having completed a successful large-scale online trial.”

Education Minister Mitzie Hunter says this is the best solution, and she will need to be assured by EQAO that necessary technical and security issues have been addressed before the test moves back online.

Investigations into the cyberattack are ongoing and will lead to recommendations with respect to additional system security measures.

CP24

The Ghanaian News December 2016

13

GHANA ELECTIONS: Change Came, “Onaapo” Left!

By Edmund Agbeko, Toronto

The just ended presidential and parliamentary elections have indicated that vigilance on the part of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has paid off and has disadvantaged the fortunes of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) who relied on incumbency advantage and other factors to win the 2016 g e n e r al election. In the run-up to the 2016 election, everything seemed to favour the ruling NDC except the many scientific and prophetic predictions favouring the NPP. From the huge financial resources of the NDC, many endorsements from entertainment personalities and traditional leaders to the good number of infrastructural projects executed and commissioned, especially in the last hours of the Mahama administration, anyone would have expected that the ruling party would be retained in government. The “losing party” in government have had major unpleasant issues since 2009 to deal with but failed to address them in eight years.

But in the end, the streets were well occupied by folks who clad themselves in red, blue and white colours. They chanted victory songs in order to get the message through: “Change is here!” It was like Charlotte Osei, the EC Boss, had given the permission to these guys to throw the city into p a n d e m o n i u m . Wi t h loud horns here and there, chanting of victory songs, and the bitter tone in which the sitting President delivered (what is, to me) the best speech he has ever made, one thing was for certain: change has arrived!

The calls for change started right after President John Mahama ascended the Presidential throne to continue the NDC’s second term in office. From a perceived victory in the polls through rigging to the inability to remain transparent in the tackling of the power crises in 2013/2014, from the “importation” of old-timer terrorists to wild allegations of mismanagement of resource, bribery and corruption, from Woyome to bus branding and Ameri, the Mahama government couldn’t run away from the fact that the call for change grew

Prez John Maha and Nana Akufo Addo louder and louder as the days went by.

Some few weeks to the elections, however, the NDC took advantage of their “numerous” projects to flood the media with documentaries and ads.

Also, they were able to go on a mass commissioning spree which saw them gain some grounds they had lost. With all these projects and the “Onaapo” song, they were confident that the Ghanaian voter was still myopic and would forget about all the corruption sagas, the Guanatanamo Bay “burgers”, the bribery saga with the Burkinabe contractor, the freeing of the Montie three et al.

They made the mistake of thinking 8 years for Mahama was a right and that they were entitled to it no matter what. But their past mistakes came back hunting them like a curse from an Ewe man.

There was no escape.

On the other hand, the calls for change dimmed a few weeks to the elections. These voices were suppressed by the supposed massive projects by the NDC government. Mouths were shut when the “Commissioner General” himself commissioned the Kwame Nkrumah interchange. More mouths were shut when he again, commissioned the new boxing Arena.

More mouths were shut when he commissioned the Western Railway Lines and more mouths were shut when the beautiful “onaapo” song became more popular than the vice president, Ammisah Arthur.

These voices got very silent until the NDC were sure of victory this year.

It was a feeling of being on top of your game. An ecstatic feeling that even smoking weed cannot give you. Even though the opposition had gathered some inspiration from Trump and the loss of Yaya Jameh, the NDC had managed to use propaganda to their advantage.

When the figures started trooping in, it was understandable (though

unjustifiable) that the NPP had declared that they had won the elections in the early hours of 8th December.

This was as a result of the perception that the Electoral Commission was in bed with the incumbent government.

A perception that was born out of the fact that the EC’s posturing and inability to be sufficiently transparent suggested same.

However, I was very happy with the response from the EC later on in the day. They made Ghanaians understand the situation on the grounds by telling us the challenges they faced— a posture I expected them to take from the beginning.

But hey, better late than never… The NDC kept “smoking weed” and putting themselves in a position of ridicule from independent observers (like me) by stating that the President had a chance.

The smaller parties— as expected— had already thrown in the towel. They all congratulated Nana Addo. This was a level of maturity!

Later, President Mahama, in his solemnest mood after Mills’ death, conceded defeat. Again, better late… I respected him for the words he used. The least mistake he made in communicating his feelings could have delivered this nation the hands of Mayhem. This reminds me of the speech made by Nana Addo in 2013 after the election petition. Mahama showed true leadership and patriotism. The security agencies did well and the media was phenomenal.

I monitored the elections and I must say, it wasn’t an easy job.

The victory was well deserved and I wish Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo well and I promise to do the little I can to make Ghana a better place. He has sacrificed a lot for the cause of history, a cause that he did selflessly, without any motive to engage himself in a corrupt act -or be seen with the desire to acquire material wealth for himself!

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Afoko, Agyepong, Crabbe to be reinstated in NPP Three embattled suspended executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) would have their status revoked in the coming months, Joy News has gathered.

Former NPP General Secretary, Ohene Ntow told Joy News President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has served a notice to the party’s National Council to have the three reinstated.

“We have had our very first joint National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Council meeting and he [Akufo-Addo] emphasized that that matter is presently being going to be handled,” he said.

Suspended NPP Chairman, Paul Afoko; General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong, and First Vice Chairman, Sammy Crabbe were not part of the party’s victory in last two weeks Wednesday’s polls.

Paul Afoko; General Secretary, Kwabena Agyepong, and First Vice Chairman, Sammy Crabbe

a mandate for a party that is not united would be fatal for the future of the country.

He unleashed attacks on the NPP leader as someone who was not peaceful, not a uniter and not people-loving.

G h a n a n e e d s a u n i f i e r, n o t a divisive Akufo-Addo, Mr Mahama said of the NPP leader who swept the December 7, election.

But after the Presidential election, The three have been on suspension Nana Akufo-Addo polled 53.86 for close to a year after the party’s percent of the valid vote cast against NEC found them culpable of actions 44.40 recorded by President Mahama. it considered as a misdemeanor.

Mr Ntow who had spoken against the The governing National Democratic suspension of the three said he was C o n g r e s s ( N D C ) h a d b a s e d happy the President-elect has shown part of its campaign messages the preparedness to end the infighting. o n t h e d i s u n i t y i n t h e N P P. “He has given an indication that NEC President John Mahama had told and National Council has taken a cue Ghanaians on his campaign trails that and will deal with the matter sooner or later,” he said. Myjoyonline.com

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Transition team agrees on ‘last minute contracts’ Both sides of the transition team have reached a compromise regarding the signing of new contracts and other decisions with major financial implications by the President John Mahamaled administration in its last days.

According to Presidentelect Nana AkufoA d d o ’s t r a n s i t i o n team, the outgoing administration will hence take all such decisions in consultation with the incoming administration.

The new Spokesperson of the President-elect’s transition team, incoming Ofoase Oyirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah confirmed this during the transition team’s second meeting on Monday.

The representative of President-elect Nana Akufo-Addo, on the Transition team, Yaw Osafo Marfo, had asked for clarity on alleged fresh recruitments into the public sector, and

the awarding of fresh contracts days after the National Democratic Congress government lost the elections.

On these concerns, government reminded that it remained the lawfully elected government of the Republic of Ghana and had the authority to exercise all the functions of government until the hand-over on January 7, 2017.

Presidential Transition Act, the transition team is to make comprehensive arrangements to regulate the transfer of political power following a Presidential election.

The law provides for the establishment of three specific committees; the inauguration sub-committee, the government machinery sub-committee and the presidency subcommittee and any other M o r e h a n d o v e r committees the transition n o t e s p r e s e n t e d team considers relevant for the performance Government’s side of the o f i t s f u n c t i o n s . transition team has also presented all but one of The last meeting of the hand over notes to the the transition team on incoming administration Wednesday, December a s r e q u i r e d b y t h e 14 was to settle on the Presidential Transition sub-committees to be Act 2012 (Act 845). e s t a b l i s h e d a n d t h e composition of each Ya w O s a f o M a r f o , committee so that the acknowledged receipt of various committees could the notes at a press briefing, begin the process of w i t h t h e e x c e p t i o n s planning the inauguration notes on the office of ceremony, handing over government machinery. the machinery of the Civil Service among other By the provisions of the mandates. citifmonline.com

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

15

Canada to buy 16 new search and Liberals to ban Asbestos by 2018, rescue planes from Airbus Kirsty Duncan Says for $2.3 billion O T TAWA — A f t e r y e a r s i n which thousands of Canadians were diagnosed annually with deadly, asbestos-related cancers, the federal government is finally moving to ban all products containing asbestos by 2018.

The announcement Thursday by four Liberal cabinet ministers includes the manufacture, use, import and export of asbestos in common items such as building materials and brake pads.

Delegates pass a model of the Airbus C295 fixed wing search and rescue aircraft at the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries’ CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA -- The federal government says Canada will spend $2.3 billion to replace the military’s ancient search-and-rescue planes with 16 new aircraft from European aerospace giant Airbus.

The Airbus C-295 will replace the air force’s existing planes, Public Procurement Minister Judy Foote announced today at Canadian Forces Base Trenton, one of the four bases where the new aircraft will be located.

“This is a significant investment to replace our fleets of Buffalo and Hercules aircraft, strengthen Canada’s capability to conduct search-and-rescue operations and keep Canadians safe,” she said as Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan and Royal Canadian Air Force commander Lt.-Gen. Mike Hood stood nearby.

The announcement, which includes an option for a 20-year maintenance contract that would increase the price-tag to $4.7 billion, has been a long time coming.

The effort to replace the Buffalo and older-model Hercules planes, some of which have been flying since the 1960s, was mired in controversy and delays for more than a decade.

The project was first launched in 2002, but was quickly derailed after the military was accused of rigging its requirements for a new search-andrescue plane to favour one design.

The military denied the charges, but the government nonetheless took the project out of the hands of National Defence and set up numerous checks and balances that only now have produced a winner.

changer” when it comes to helping the military respond to emergencies around the country. “ To d a y w e r e a ff i r m our commitment to our women and men in uniform,” he said. “Our dedicated SAR team embodies our military’s commitment to protecting Canadians here, at home, no matter where they are.”

Foote also touted the contract as a big boost to the Canadian economy, as Airbus has paired with a number of local companies to provide the planes’ engines as well as simulators and maintenance. “ C a n a d a ’s l e a d i n g commercial and defence aerospace companies will be able to leverage new opportunities with Airbus,” she said.

There will also be new workplace health and safety rules, changes to the building code and an expanded inventory of public buildings that contain asbestos.

Canada has also been one of the last international holdouts in agreeing to list asbestos as a hazardous material under the Rotterdam Convention, a highly controversial position that federal Science Minister Kirsty Duncan says the government is now reconsidering.

The last Canadian asbestos mines in Quebec closed in late 2011. The Canadian Press

Even minute amounts of asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer or deadly

Government of Canada takes early action to improve the Temporary Foreign Worker Program The Honourable John McCallum, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a number of changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.

Effective immediately, the four-year cumulative duration rule will no longer apply to TFWs in Canada.

He said the customers could not comprehend why some were paid GH¢10 during the first repayment exercise when they had investments in excess of GH¢100,000.

He said the process was going on smoothly, with

A student of the University of Cape Coast who wanted to remain anonymous said she was happy to receive GH¢10,000 out of her deposit of GH¢12,000.

She said she was going to use the money to settle her indebtedness to other people, as she had borrowed money to pay her school fees.

She commended the official liquidator for living up to her promise of settling their investments and pleaded with her to ensure that all customers received their investments, since a lot of people had been rendered jobless because of the problem. Graphic online

“We were hoping to see it starting to decline this year,” Gabriel Miller of the cancer society said in an interview.

Fibres can cause cancer

Abdul-Hamid Alhandu reports from Bolgatanga that a customer of DKM, Mr Abagna Richard Anamzime, expressed satisfaction with the second tranche of repayment.

some customers who were paid GH¢10 during the first repayment receiving top up, while those whose investment exceeded GH¢10,000 were made to fill forms to be paid the rest of their investments later.

This year, about 3,200 new cases were diagnosed across the country, continuing a trend that the Canadian Cancer Society says it hopes has peaked following decades of heavy asbestos use.

“It hasn’t happened yet, so hopefully we have peaked but that still means, for years to come, at or about the level we’re at now.”

DKM customers receive second round cont’d from pg. 11 of payments

Sajjan said the new C-295 planes will be a “game-

The first C-295 are to be delivered in 2019, with the last due to arrive in 2022. The Canadian Press

mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer.

“Today is the first step to ban asbestos — its manufacture, its export, its import — and we hope to do this, we will do this, by 2018,” Duncan said.

By improving access to job opportunities for Canadians and creating the conditions for growth that will help families in the middle class our government is reiterating the commitment to bringing forward a suite of meaningful changes to make the TFW Program work for Canadian businesses, for workers, and for the Canadian economy.

Airbus beat out Italian firm Leonardo and Brazil’s Embraer to win the contract.

Science Minister Kirsty Duncan speaks at a press conference in Ottawa on Dec 15, 2016. (Photo: Sean Kilpatrick/CP)

Peter Fonseca, Member of Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville has been a strong advocate for the temporary foreign workers that had been deeply affected by this cumulative duration rule, known as the “four-

in, four-out” rule, that was put in place in April 2011, limiting work for some temporary foreign workers in Canada to four years who then became ineligible to work in Canada for the next four years.

In appreciation of this welcoming change, MP Peter Fonseca says, “I applaud this major change that will provide fair and equitable pathways to permanent residency for these temporary foreign workers. They had the courage to come to Canada, and they worked hard, followed the rules and contributed to our economy. This major change would also allow employers and Labour groups who have invested time and money to train these workers, to keep their experienced employees.”

Jack Oliveira, Business Manager - LiUNA Local

183, says “The removal of the 4 year rule is a positive and transformational change from the way the previous Federal Government viewed immigration and the use of temporary foreign workers. We support this vision where immigration is viewed as an economic necessity, vital to the needs of a growing Canadian economy. By providing a pathway to those workers who are already contributing to our economy, the Federal Government will ensure that we can continue to meet the labour market needs of today and into the future. “ To learn more about this, please refer to the news release from the Government of Canada at: http://news.gc.ca/ web/article-en. do?mthd=index&crtr. page=1&nid=1168949

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16

The Ghanaian News December 2016

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

Non-possession of Permanent Resident Card is not necessarily loss of Permanent Resident Status The permanent resident card (PRC) is a document that proves someone is a permanent resident and it establishes one’s right to enter Canada at a Canadian port-ofentry. Pursuant to section 27 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act of Canada (IRPA), a permanent resident has the right to enter and remain in Canada, subject to the provisions of the Act. The permanent resident card is usually issued for a period of 5 years. It is renewed every five years.

It should be noted that the five-year renewal period of the permanent resident card does not necessarily determine the validity o f o n e ’s p e r m a n e n t residence. However, at any given point in time, a permanent resident is supposed to demonstrate that he or she has met the 730-day requirement in the past five years.

of a child, their parent, there could be some flexibility regarding compliance with the residency requirement.

This however does not apply to a parent residing outside Canada with his or her child who is a Canadian citizen. Also, if a Canadian permanent resident is outside Canada employed full-time by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province, the regulations regarding residency requirements could be relaxed.

Canada as a permanent resident. Section 70(1) (b) of the Immigration Regulations requires that a prospective permanent resident satisfy the officer that he or she is coming to Canada to establish permanent residence.

Section 28 of IRPA requires a permanent resident to comply with the residency obligation by demonstrating that for a total of at least 730 days in the preceding five-year period, they were physically present in Canada.

A permanent resident who is outside Canada accompanying a permanent resident who is their spouse or commonlaw partner or, in the case of a child, their parent and who is employed on a fulltime basis by a Canadian business or in the federal public administration or the public service of a province could also fall within the exception. But, again, this does not cover a parent living outside

The same section 28 of IRPA offers exceptions.

If the permanent resident is outside Canada accompanying a A residency determination Canadian citizen who is can be triggered any time their spouse or commonsomeone seeks to re-renter law partner or, in the case

The credit reporting agency found that average debt increased by 3.6 per cent to $22,081 in the quarter ended Sept. 30 compared to the same period last year.

As of the third quarter, Canadian consumers owed $1.702 trillion compared to $1.587 trillion a year earlier.

Equifax says the percentage of people who are 90 days or more behind paying their debt grew to 1.14 per cent from 1.05 per cent during the same yearover-year period.

A person applying for citizenship does not necessarily have to possess a valid permanent resident card. The person should simply meet the requirements of section 28 of IRPA. There is a general mistaken assumption that the validity of Permanent Resident Card determines the validity of Permanent Resident status itself.

The fact of the matter is one can be a permanent resident of Canada without a permanent resident card. Permanent resident status in Canada is not dependent on possession of a valid permanent resident card.

A permanent resident card, however, cannot be issued to someone who has lost his permanent

resident status in one of the ways set out in s.46 (1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

Permanent resident status in Canada does not expire but can be lost in one of the following ways as set out in section 46(1) of IRPA. This section of the Act, states, among other things, that one loses his permanent resident status the moment he becomes a Canadian citizen. It also states that the status is lost on a final determination of a decision made outside of Canada that they have failed to comply with the residency obligation under section 28 of the Act. The section indicates further that permanent resident status is lost when a removal order made against the permanent resident comes into force and is also lost on

approval by an officer of one’s application to renounce their permanent resident status.

The expiry of one’s permanent resident card or non-possession of one does not necessarily impact one’s permanent resident status just as nonpossession of a national passport does not affect one’s citizenship. Losing your permanent resident status does not happen as automatically as many people think.

James A. Kwaateng is an Immigration Law Practitioner who has his offices located at 168A Oakdale Road, Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario. For a thorough discussion of your immigration and associated legal issues, you may contact him at telephone number (416) 743-2758

NDI Ghana Observer Delegation Issues Post-Election Preliminary Statement, Applauds The People of Ghana cont’d from pg. 7

Consumer debt, delinquency rates climb in third quarter: Equifax TORONTO - A new Equifax Canada report says low interest rates and falling oil prices drove up consumer debt and delinquency rates in the third quarter.

with his or her child who is a permanent resident.

It says the increase in delinquency was largely driven by oilproducing provinces in Western Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, where default rates tend to be higher.

Total consumer debt, excluding mortgages, remains on the rise fuelled in part by low interest rates, it said.

The Canadian Press

SUPPORT BLACK OWN BUSINESS Message from The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

and calling on youth to engage peacefully in political political parties and candidates, civil processes. society and the media, and security forces. The recommendations focus on promoting peace, expanding The NDI Ghana observer delegation communications, and increasing comprised 30 political and civic leaders, elections experts, and regional women’s participation. These include: specialists from 14 countries. Delegation • p o l i t i c a l l e a d e r s c a l l i n g leadership was as follows: Amb. Johnnie publicly on their supporters to Carson, former assistant secretary for respond peacefully to the EC’s African Affairs, U.S. State Department, announcement of election results and member of the board of directors of and to seek redress through NDI; Hon. J. Yvonne Mokgoro, former legal avenues should there be justice, South African Constitutional reason for electoral complaints Court; Dr. Christopher Fomunyoh, senior associate and regional director for or disputes; Africa, NDI; and Dr. Pat Merloe, senior • mitigating political polarization associate and director of elections, NDI. and rancorous conflict between parties by creating mechanisms NDI’s election observation for the for ongoing dialogue across December 7 elections included two preparty lines both in and outside election assessment missions in August of the normal legislative context; and October 2016, the statements of which can be found at www.ndi.org/ • organizing a thorough post- ghana . The delegation conducted its election review of the conduct of activities in accordance with Ghanaian the 2016 elections and adopting law and the Declaration of Principles appropriate recommendations for International Election Observation, to attain and consolidate best and collaborated with other international practices; observer missions that endorse the Declaration.

• initiating electoral reform early in the next legislature; NDI’s international election observation mission in Ghana is funded by a • actively facilitating women’s grant from the Bureau of Democracy, participation by creating an Human Rights, and Labor of the U.S. enabling environment for Department of State. The Institute’s meaningful political leadership pre-election missions were funded by opportunities for women; and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

• disbanding vigilante groups Modernghana.com

The Ghanaian News December 2016

INTERPOL border operation targets organized crime networks across West Africa An INTERPOL-led border security operation across West Africa has resulted in the arrest of human traffickers, migrant smugglers and the seizure of drugs, stolen vehicles, cash and counterfeit goods.

During the eight-day (14 - 21 November) Operation Adwenpa II, more than 100 frontline officers used INTERPOL global policing capabilities to identify criminals, victims and illicit goods at 28 key border control points across 14 countries.

With several of the involved countries part of key people smuggling routes to Europe, at the Kourémalé checkpoint on the Mali/Guinea border, seven Guinean nationals were arrested on suspicion of facilitating the illegal immigration of seven men and women aged between 16 and 22, heading towards Italy.

At the same checkpoint, 10 men being trafficked to Europe via Libya and to gold mines in Guinea were rescued and two men arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

At Dakola on the Burkina Faso/Ghana border, seven children from Cote d’Ivoire aged between 11 and 16 were taken into protective custody and two men from Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

Other key results include: • The seizure of more than 20 vehicles – including luxury cars from Belgium, France and Italy – recorded as stolen via INTERPOL databases; • Multiple seizures of drugs including cocaine, cannabis, heroine and 90 kg of methamphetamine; • The identification, arrest and extradition from Dakar’s Léopold-Sédar-Senghor airport of a Central African Republic national wanted by France for armed robbery; • The recovery of USD 332,000 in cash concealed in luggage and vehicles; • The seizure of counterfeit goods including cigarettes, pharmaceuticals and food products. Fake military badges and uniforms were also seized.

West Africa’s border management capacity has been boosted in a sustainable manner, demonstrating the importance of INTERPOL’s global capabilities “INTERPOL clearly recognizes the severity of the transnational organized

crime problem in this region, and has made it a priority to provide a wide range of tools and services to help member countries reinforce their border security procedures and coordinate police action with their neighbours,” said Commissaire Divisionnaire Kambile Pale Elie of the Cote d’Ivoire National Police.

INTERPOL National Central Bureaus coordinated activities on the ground, exchanging real-time data via INTERPOL’s global policing network supported by specialized officers from the General Secretariat and the Regional Bureau in Cote d’Ivoire.

Checks of airline passengers and crew were also made against INTERPOL’s databases to determine if any individuals were attempting to illegally enter countries using a passport reported lost or stolen to INTERPOL, or were wanted internationally.

“Operation Adwenpa II demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement officers on the ground are given the INTERPOL training and tools needed to detect crime and criminals effectively,” said Tim Morris, INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services.

“West Africa’s border management capacity has been boosted in a sustainable manner, demonstrating the importance of INTERPOL’s global capabilities and support services in strengthening national and regional security,” added Mr Morris.

Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, Adwenpa II builds on the success of the first operation conducted in February as part of a two-year Capacity Building Programme to Strengthen Border Management in West Africa.

With sustainability an integral part of the programme, a series of capacity building training sessions including a train-thetrainer session were held throughout West Africa prior to the operation.

Operation Adwenpa II partners include WCO, UNODC, and INTERPOL’s FormaTrain network which deployed vehicle identification experts to key land borders.

Countries which participated in Operation Adwenpa II: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo. APO on behalf of INTERPOL.

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416916-3700

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

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MASSIVE CHRISTMAS SALE CORD LACE $20.00 per yard Is now $15.00 per yard Cord Lace

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Oil to boost economy by 7.5% in 2017 - IMF projects

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that Ghana’s economy will grow 7.5 percent in 2017 as the Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntomme (TEN) oil field begins full production.

To date, the Tweneboa, Enyenra and Ntomme (TEN) field has produced about 800,000 barrels of oil, and the gas export to the Gas Processing Plant (GPP) is expected to begin in the 1st quarter, 2017, the Minister of Petroleum, Emmanuel Kofi-Armah Buah has said.

According to the IMF,

Ghana is projected to enjoy a growth fillip as the new field coming on line is expected to boost oil production by some 50 per cent, increasing overall growth to 7½ percent.

“However, the rest of the economy will continue to expand at a much slower pace,” the Fund said.

per cent currently on tight monetary policy, and in Zambia from 19 percent to 9 percent owing to base effects.

By contrast, inflation would remain stuck at high levels in 2017 in Angola (38 percent) and Nigeria (above 15 per cent), as depreciation pass-through and foreign exchange shortages feed into prices in a context of an overly accommodative monetary stance, the IMF pointed out.

On the overall economy of countries in the sub-Saharan region, the IMF said among those countries in which inflation has been high recently, it is expected to moderate to It further indicated that about 10 percent in 2017 growth in sub-Saharan in Ghana from about 17 Africa looks set to slow

to its lowest level in more than 20 years. With lower commodity prices and a generally less supportive global economic environment, average growth in the region is foreseen to decelerate sharply to 1½ percent this year—well below population growth, and in sharp contrast to the high growth rates of the past 15 years.

“While the projection is for a modest recovery for next year (to nearly 3 per cent), this is predicated on prompt action to address the large macroeconomic imbalances and policy uncertainty in some of

the region’s largest economies.

This aggregate picture, however, belies considerable heterogeneity in economic paths across the region,” it said.

The Fund also noted that most of the non–resource-intensive countries—half of the countries in the region—continue to perform well, as they benefit from lower oil import prices, an improved business environment, and continuous strong infrastructure investment. Countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ethio-

pia, Kenya, and Senegal are foreseen to continue to grow at more than 6 percent.

In contrast, commodity exporters are under severe economic strains, including the region’s three largest countries, Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa.

The near-term prospects of oil exporters, in particular, have worsened, notwithstanding the modest uptick in oil prices, as the slowdown is becoming entrenched—activity among these countries is expected to contract by 1¼ per cent this year. cont’d on pg. 30

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

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the online application system would reduce the involvement of middlemen in the passport acquisition process.

The online passport application service which is expected to ensure delivery of passports within 15 working days for standard applications and 5 working days for express applications.

Also, the new system will address the issue of typographical errors which slowed the process in the past, she added.

Speaking at the event Foreign Affairs Minister, Hannah Tetteh, said

She observed middlemen still play a role as there are some people who are not comfortable to fill the forms by themselves “maybe because they

have challenges with understanding what is required of them or their literacy levels are low.”

“Whatever, it is there has been a demand for the services of middlemen and that is why they have been present as part of the process,” adding the Ministries aims to put in place a system which would reduce to the barest minimum the intervention of third parties. myjoyonline.com

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Ghana’s Mahama gives honest speech as he concedes defeat RECENTLY defeated Ghanaian President Mahama has given a very honest speech of concession to defeat.

Mahama looked a deep introspection into his party and personal leadership while conceding defeat to president-elect, N ana Addo D ankwa Akufo-Addo, a development, many African leaders, particularly in Zimbabwe are failing to learn and appreciate CAJ News Africa’s Accra Bureau Chief, Russell Adadevoh, provides outgoing Ghanaian president Mahama’s frank speech that many African leaders would not dare try, yet it’s honesty.

B e l o w i s M a h a m a ’s speech to the nation: “Good evening, my fellow countrymen and women.

A few minutes ago, I made the most difficult phone call I have made, and may ever make, in my life: I called President-elect Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party to congratulate him on his well-fought and well-deserved victory in Wednesday’s election.

The win has been emphatic. If anybody has reason to doubt the presidential results, the sheer magnitude of the defeat, which our parliamentary candidates have suffered, is the clearest indication that we have outlived our welcome.

Telling the world that I would graciously accept the outcome of the election was one thing, but confronting the stark reality of an electoral defeat is another harrowing experience altogether.

But I had no option. The people of Ghana have said emphatically that they are taking away the power they gave to me four years ago, and I have no power to say no. Besides, I love the country that has given me the opportunity to serve in various capacities for nearly two decades and I will not do anything to undermine our democracy or threaten the peace we enjoy.

Before I continue, permit me to congratulate the NDC family, especially my campaign team, for putting up such a spirited fight. When I was growing up in northern Ghana, I used to hear stories of very spiritually powerful and dreadful cattle rustlers who informed cattle rearers before they actually moved

Prez John Mahama

in to steal the animals.

“They would tell the owner that “tonight, we will come and steal your cattle.” They were so powerful that they cast spells on those policing the cattle and drive away the animals away before the men who gathered to stop them could wake up from their deep sleep to gnash their teeth and endure the scornful gossips of their women in the morning.

When the time was up for these cattle rustlers, however, they were overpowered and captured by women. I think we lost because our time was simply up, and no amount of deceptive campaign promises could keep us in power.

No amount of monopolization of the media space could save us.

No amount of money could stop our defeat.

No amount of local and international celebrity endorsements could help us. And no amount of vote buying could stand the irresistible hurricane of change that shook our nation on Wednesday.

I will urge my party members to stop the “blamestorming” that has started so that we brainstorm on how to get ourselves out of the mess we have put ourselves in.

The future of our great party looks gloomy and we have to start work on how to get ourselves out of what appears like an eternal stay in opposition. In life, when you are hit by the subduing blow of misfortune, you have two options. You can allow that blow to crush you. You can also move on with the enormous lessons such misfortunes often present.

I cannot immediately tell my next move in life, politics and my role in our great party. But if I should ever make a comeback to politics, the lessons I have learnt from our defeat should serve as the moral code which will guide how I guide myself.

I have learnt that the Ghanaian voter, though mainly uneducated and simple, is more sophisticated than we thought.

I have learnt that it is unacceptable for the peo-

ple to loot, hoard and splash during elections.

I have learnt that the calls of the noisy minority cannot be ignored because they largely shape the opinions of the silent majority, who we politicians exploit for our selfish gain.

I have learnt that not all those who criticised us hated us. Sometimes the best way to express your love for someone is to be critical of their actions. If I should ever return, I will not display a “dead-goat syndrome” towards disaffection of the masses.

When those who opposed us cried foul, we retorted, “Hate can’t win.” Tonight, however, I am the first to admit that some hate can win. This election has taught me that the hate of corruption can win. It has taught me that hate of incompetence can win. Our defeat has taught me that hate of impunity can win.

I have learnt that the hate of the obscene display of ill-gotten opulence wins. I have learnt that hate of mediocrity and deception definitely wins.

And I have learnt that hating evil will forever triumph over the love of evil. That was what happened on Wednesday.

Another important lesson I have learnt from this defeat is that the success or failure of a leader depends on the kind of people he or she surrounds themselves with.

While Rawlings appointed the likes of Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas as deputy ministers, I made the mistake of giving that respectable position to the likes of John Oti Bless.

I have now realised, rather too late, that if I had kept the likes of Ben Dotsei Malor and Dr. Raymond Atuguba around me, they would have injected some semblance of sanity into the Presidency and given that high office an aura of respectability and decency.

The praise-singing sycophants who act on the dictates of their stomachs are only specialized at telling you what you want to hear. Unfortunately, I did not listen to voices of reason.

Our elders say a disease that will kill a man first breaks sticks into his ears.

A lot of the people who have called me to comfort me have maintained that I have been let down by my ministers and the people I trusted so much. I wish to take the blame for everything that happened to me.

It is said that a man may fail many times but he is not a failure until he blames others for his

failures. Nobody forced my appointees on me.

Our elders say God gives us our friends but we choose our friends.

And it is us, and not God, who will bear the consequences of any choice we make. Like the wood insect that gathers sticks on its head, I have brought this upon myself, and I will carry it alone.

Fellow Ghanaians, before I end, I will like to wish our President-elect, Nana Akufo Addo, the best of luck in his administration.

I will, however, like to caution him to be very careful in order not to repeat the mistakes I made in my administration.

His success or failure depends on the kinds of people he appoints.

He should focus on the people and not the party.

He should remember that after four years, Ghanaians will be demanding accountability from him.

He and the NPP should remember that the shea butter that is gloating over the ill-fated salt because of a heavy downpour should fortify itself with ice before the sun rises.

What has befallen us can befall you if you allow the intoxicating effect of power to blind you.

In 2008, the NDC won mainly because the NPP’s stronghold in Ashanti Region did not vote massively. In 2016, the NDC lost partly because our stronghold in the Volta Region taught us a lesson that we will never forget.

We should begin to see them as human beings, and not votes, when we ever occupy any political office. In the NDC, Volta Region sounded like Voter Region. We referred to the Volta Region as our World Bank, but they turned out to be a DKM Microfinance when it mattered most.

Finally, I will urge civil society and the media to keep a critical eye on the new administration if our country can ever develop.

I have realised that the corrupt journalists and members of the civil society who connived with officials of my administration to defraud the state or cover up rot did not only hurt the country but they are part of the reason I have to forever live with the humiliation of the first one-term president in the Fourth Republic.

This is our country.

And its fortunes lie solely on us. Let’s all stand up and be counted.

God bless our Homeland Ghana. CAJ News

Parliament considers ex-gratia for Mahama, others

Speaker, Edward Doe Adjaho Parliament has resumed sitting Tuesday to consider salaries and emoluments for Article 71 office holders.

The consideration of the ex-gratia payment will be one of the final activities of the sixth Parliament of the fourth Republic before its tenure elapses on January 6.

Addressing the Members, the Speaker, Edward Doe Adjaho, said the House was reconvened in consonance with Standing Order 42 (3).

The House shall within the period left to elapse consider not only the ex-gratia payment but also prepare for the president’s last state of the nation address on Thursday.

The Speaker also hinted that efforts will be made to pass the Right to Information Bill before the House rises.

Ex-Gratia Article 71 (1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution stipulates that the determination of the salaries and allowances of the the Legislature and the Judiciary paid from the Consolidated Fund would be determined by the President, on the recommendations of a committee of not more than five persons appointed by him and acting upon the advice of the Council of State.

In determining the salaries of the President, his Ministers and political appointees, as well as the members of the Council of State, the Constitution states that Parliament will determine that based on the advice of the same committee.

According to Joy FM’s Parliamentary correspondent, Elton John Brobbey the committee appointed by President John Mahama finished its work in August 2016 and submitted same to the president and the Parliament in September.

The two arms have within the next few days to consider and approve the recommendations made by the committee.

Brobbey reports that some members of the Article 71 office holders are pushing for an upward review of salaries and emoluments but nothing has been made public yet.

The constitution demands that the details of the report must be made public and not held in secret but the publication of the reports has always triggered a barrage of criticisms against the Article 71 office holders.

Many have criticised the office holders for taking home unreasonable amounts of money from the public purse at a time when the country’s economy is not in good health.

In 2009, When the Mills administration took over from the Kufuor government, the late President John Evans Atta Mills ordered a freeze on the payment of the benefit, following public outcry over the quantum of ex gratia.

The action followed arguments over whether the document based on which the ex gratia was to be paid, received proper parliamentary and Executive approval.

The MPs were, however, paid what was due them, with each of them receiving an average of GH¢80,000.

In 2012, a total of GH¢47 million was paid by the government as ex gratia to the 230 Members of Parliament (MPs) who served in the Fifth Parliament of cont’d on pg. 31

The Ghanaian News December 2016

29

Speech delivered by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President-Elect of the Republic of Ghana, on Friday, December 9, 2016, after the declaration of the results of the 2016 presidential election. guide the younger generation.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, fellow Ghanaians, A few minutes ago, at 7:51pm precisely, the President of the Republic and the NDC presidential candidate, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, called me on the phone to congratulate me on my victory in the presidential election of 7th December 2016. He wished me the best of luck and God’s blessings, and assured me of his full co-operation in organizing the transition from his administration to mine.

I thanked him for this graceful gesture, which is in the finest traditions of Ghanaian statesmanship and, on my part, assured him of my cooperation for a successful transition. I also thanked him for his service to our nation and said that I felt sure that his contribution to the welfare of our Republic was by no means over. I have also received words of congratulation from my other competitors, Mr. Ivor Greenstreet, our former 1st Lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, Dr. Edward Mahama, and Mr. Jacob Osei Yeboah. I am grateful to them.

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, who is the returning officer for presidential elections, in fulfilment of her constitutional obligations, has tonight, at 8:54pm, declared me the winner of the 2016 presidential election, with 5,716,026 votes, representing 53.85% of the valid votes cast. I am grateful to her for the announcement and her words of congratulation.

I thank Almighty God for His grace and favour in granting victory to the NPP and myself in this election. As His Word says in the Book of Holy Scripture in Ecclesiastes chapter 3 verse 11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

There has never been a more humbling moment in my life, and I thank you, the good people of Ghana, for this massive show of support and the confidence you have reposed in me and my party. I make this solemn pledge to you today – I will not let you down and will do all in my power to live up to your hopes and expectations. You are to be commended for the mature, peaceful and orderly manner in which you, once again, exercised your democratic franchise. The democratic credentials of our nation have been further enhanced by your conduct.

The Electoral Commission, under its new leadership, with Charlotte Osei in the Chair, is to be congratulated for organising this credible election.

She and the Commission have allayed the fears of many about their capacity to conduct a good election. This election has contributed to strengthening the principles of democratic accountability in our body politic and the Commission will take a considerable part of the credit for that welcome outcome.

Our security services are to be commended for ensuring a generally peaceful conduct of the poll, and doing so in a professional manner. That is what the nation expects of them.

To members and sympathisers of the great Elephant family, to our illustrious former President of the Republic, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, to our founding members, leading figures, members of Party organs, parliamentary candidates and Members of Parliament, current and past national officers, regional, constituency, electoral area and polling station executives, thousands and thousands of volunteers, polling station agents, Kufuor-era appointees, campaign officials and staff, so ably led

by Campaign Manager Peter Mac Manu, and to my running mate, the next Vice President of the Republic, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and his dynamic wife, Samira, I say a big thank you to each and every one of you for your hardwork, commitment and encouragement, and for your belief in me and in my leadership of our party over the last 8 years. Whilst this occasion would understandably lead to widespread jubilation amongst party supporters, I entreat them to respect the peace and the property and lives of everybody, especially those of our political opponents. We are the party of the

President-Elect Nana Akufo Addo rule of law, and we should act accordingly with magnanimity in our moment of victory.

To the senior citizens of our country who have given me invaluable advice over the years, amongst them, the former President of the Republic, His Excellency Jerry John Rawlings, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, His Excellency Kofi Annan, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, the former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. J.B. Danquah, the Chairman of the NPP’s National Council of Elders, the veteran statesman, C.K. Tedam, and Captain Kojo Tsikata, erstwhile PNDC member responsible for National Security, I thank you for your counsel and for sharing your wisdom with me, and hope I can continue to count on you during the challenging period ahead of me.

To the numerous priests and imams who have prayed for my soul and who have taken the trouble to intercede with the Almighty on my behalf, amongst them, Cardinal Emeritus Peter Akwasi Sarpong, Rt. Rev. Asante Antwi, Most. Rev. Dr. Justice Akrofi, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Martey, Apostle Opoku Nyinah, Bishop Yinka Sarfo, Pastor Mensa Otabil, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan Williams, Rev. Victor Kusi Boateng, Venerable Hansen Addy, Venerable Joseph Lamptey, Canon Noah Mensah, Canon Antonio Nelson, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ayittey-Mensah, Very Reverend Emmanuel Kwabena Aryee, the Chief Imam, His Eminence Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, the Ashanti Region Chief Imam, Sheikh Abdul Mumin Haroun, Rev. Anthony Kwadwo Boakye, Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah, Rev. Ebenezer Adarkwa Yiadom, Rev. Kofi Amponsah and Prophet Gideon Danso, I am deeply grateful for your spiritual solidarity of which I shall avail myself continuously, now and in the future.

I take this opportunity to thank you, members of the Ghanaian media, for your continuing engagement in the public interest of our country. Your vigilance and activism are now by-words in the consistent efforts our people are making to carve a secure, democratic future for themselves. Senior journalists like Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, Gina Blay, Egbert Faibille, Ebo Quansah, Ken Kuranchi, Kwami Sefa Kayi, Samuel Atta Mensah and Kwabena Kwakye, amongst others, have set admirable standards of professionalism and ethical conduct which should

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I want to thank the various observer missions who have assisted us to ensure a credible process for our election. I thank the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), under the chairmanship of the venerable former Supreme Court judge, Justice V.C.R.A.C Crabbe, for their important work, and that of the observer mission of our regional body, ECOWAS, led by the distinguished Liberian statesman, Dr. Amos Sawyerr, the observer mission of our continental body, the AU, led by the respected former President of the Republic of Namibia, His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, and the observer mission of the Commonwealth led by the eminent African, the former President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, as well as the strong observer mission from our friends of the European Union, and the National Democratic Institute of the United States of America, led by the former U.S Assistant Secretary of State, the well-known diplomat, Ambassador Johnnie Carson. They have assured us of the great importance the international community attaches to the growth of Ghanaian democracy.

And to my beautiful wife, my beloved Rebecca, who waged such a great campaign in her own right, my daughters, Gyankroma, Valerie, Dokua, my sister Marigold, my brother Edward, and my entire family, I, firstly, must apologise for taking you on this rollercoaster ride. I am, however, very grateful for the love and support you have given me, and for standing shoulder to shoulder with me through the years till now. Long may it so continue.

Let me pause to remember colleagues who fell in the course of our campaign – Adams Mahama, Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, J.B Danquah Adu, Peter Wiafe Peprah, Abubakar Saddique, Kwabena Boadu, and others. May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Almighty until the last day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen.

Fellow Ghanaians, you have not elected me to serve one party, but to serve the entire nation. The President of Ghana is President for every single Ghanaian, without discrimination, malice or ill-will to any ethnic group or political or religious affiliation. Whether you supported me or not, whether you campaigned for me or not, whether you voted for me or not, I can promise you one thing. I will do my best to serve your interests, and put our country back on the path of progress and prosperity.

God did not put us on this rich land, a land blessed with an abundance of human and natural resources, to be poor.

I am confident, and I have faith that, with God’s guidance and your active help and hardwork, we will move our country forward. Together, we will change Ghana, and use all the blessings that the

cont’d on pg. 30

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30

The Ghanaian News December 2016

Paramount chief of Denkyira Traditional Area dies at 94 Paramount Chief of Denkyira Traditional Area in the Central Region, Odeefuo Boa-Amponsem III has died.

The news of the death of the world’s second longest serving monarch was announced by the Denkyira Traditional Council, Friday.

Acting President of the Denkyira Traditional Council, Nana Agyei Bluer who confirmed the demise of the chief at a news conference entreated the people of Denkyira to be in a state of mourning.

Per arrangments, the Traditional Council has placed a three-day ban on noise making at social gatherings and political activities as the late monarch is mourned.

Odeefuo Boa-Amponsem III, 94, was the 25th King of the Great State of Denkyira. He was enstooled in 1955 as the Paramount Chief of Denkyira

The Manhyia Palace says the burial and final funeral rites of the late Asante queen mother would take place from January 16 -19.

The Late Odeefuo Boa-Amponsem III and has ruled for 60 years.

He was once the President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs as well as the National House of Chiefs.

The former King was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Constitution of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. joyfmonline.com

Sudden spike in prison violence ‘a problem right across the country’ H A L I FA X - I t ’s 2 6 seconds of brutality - and lays bare the emerging reality of a growing number of beatings in Canada’s jails.

Inmate Dwayne Wright, watching television with his feet up, is suddenly sucker-punched from behind by another inmate.

A video of the attack shows him falling to the floor, his shoes flying off, as he tries to cover his face from a series of head shots.

His attacker, Charles Wallace, finishes with six soccer kicks to the 34-year-old Wright’s head, and calmly resumes pacing and chatting with another inmate.

The video shows the other inmates at Halifax’s Central Nova Scotia Correctional facility take little notice, while guards never enter the room.

Some prison advocates and lawyers say such violence is the new normal: Prisons that installed video technology in hopes it would decrease violence find they now instead often serve to document a disturbing long-term rise in beatings that can cause fatalities, brain injuries and life-long trauma.

The last decade has seen a steady surge in prison beatings, with annual inmate-on-inmate assault in federal prisons growing 93 per cent from 301 a

Late Asantehemaa ‘goes to eternal village’ on January 19

year in 2006-7 to 581 in 2014-15, according to Ivan Zinger, director of the federal Correctional Investigator ’s office, using Correctional Services Canada data.

“An environment where prisoners are at higher risk of being assaulted ...should not be part of the sentence,” he says in an academic article published earlier this year that argues conditions in prisons have worsened over the past decade.

Provinces, who are responsible for prisoners sentenced to less than two years in jail, report similar sudden rises.

In British Columbia, the Solicitor General’s office says assaults and attempted assaults have gone from about 880 in 2011, to about 1,200 last year, up by about a third - with a spike in the first six months of this year.

“It is a reflection of higher inmate counts, the criminal histories of those in custody, and the growing number of inmates with addiction and mental health issues,” writes spokeswoman Kate Trotter in an email.

In Ontario last year there were 2,762 inmate-oninmate assaults, up 13 per cent from the number of assaults a decade earlier - though the figures were even higher between 2011 and 2013.

In Nova Scotia, total inmate-on-inmate assaults were up from 196 two years ago to 287 so far this year, a 46 per cent increase.

In Alberta, the number of annual assaults doubled from 263 in 2007 to current levels of 528.

The assaults range from severe beatings to spitting, with the majority being less severe forms of contact.

“This clearly is a problem right across the country,” said John Peach, executive director of the John Howard Society of Nova Scotia. Prison, he says “was never intended to be an informal network to hand out its own punishment.”

Tonia Grace, a Abbotsford lawyer who frequently represents inmates in British Columbia, says the potential cost to the governments for legal liability across Canada runs into “the millions” of dollars for the most serious cases, as courts have established prisons bear a responsibility for ensuring inmates’ safety.

A statement signed by Kofi Badu, Chief of Staff of Manhyia Palace Tuesday said, the late Asantehemaa will be laid in state at her Palace from midnight on Monday, 16 till the forenoon on Thursday, January 19.”

The late Nana Afia Kobi Serwa Ampem II, mother of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II last month passed last month. She was 111.

She was enstooled in 1977 as the 13th queen mother of the Asante Kingdom since 1695 after the late Nana Ama Serwaa Nyarko II who reigned from 1945 to 1977.

She saw the reign of the late Otumfuo O p o k u Wa r e I I a s Asantehene who reigned from 1970 to 1999.

The late Nana Afia Kobi Serwa Ampem II The late queen mother who passed away in her sleep “the pillar of strength and source of wisdom behind the transformational reign of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,” Manhyia said.

A ban has been placed on all funerals, drumming and noise making throughout the Asanteman kingdom until the funeral of the late queen mother has been performed.

The Asantehene will sit in state from 11 a.m to 5 p.m each day of the burial ceremony to receive homage

She is currently representing Daniel Cunningham - who cont’d on pg. 61

The body would be moved from the Palace at noon on Thursday, January 19, for burial service at the St Cyprian’s Anglican in Kumasi.

“After the service, the body will be conveyed to the Bantama Royal Mausoleum for the final public traditional rites and wreath laying from whence it will be taken to the Bremen Mausoleum for a private final interment,” the statement concluded. Myjoyonline. com

Oil to boost economy by 7.5% in 2017 IMF projects cont’d from pg. 26 It added that, among other resource intensive countries, growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe is decelerating sharply or stuck in low gear.

“Policy adjustment among hard-hit countries needs to be enacted promptly to allow for a rebound in growth. Worryingly, in the face of strong financial and economic pressures, the policy response in many of the hardest-hit countries has been slow and piecemeal, often accompanied by stopgap measures such as central bank financing and the accumulation of arrears, and leading to rapidly rising public debt,” it said.

In oil-exporting countries with flexible regimes, it said, exchange rates have been allowed to adjust only with reluctance, resulting in strong pressures on deposits and foreign exchange reserves. As a result, the delayed adjustment and ensuing policy uncertainty have been deterring investment and stifling new sources of growth—making a return to strong growth rates more difficult.

Instead, it adds, a sustained adjustment effort is needed, based on a comprehensive and internally consistent set of policies.

“This implies fully allowing the exchange rate to absorb external pressures for countries outside

monetary unions, reestablishing macroeconomic stability—including by tightening monetary policy where needed to tackle sharp increases in inflation—and focusing as much as possible on growth-friendly elements of fiscal consolidation.

With limited buffers, the scope to ease the adjustment path will depend critically on the availability of new financing, ideally on concessional terms,” it said.

It noted among others, that countries that are still growing rapidly should rebuild buffers in comparatively favourable times to stem the increase in public debt.

Ghana Business News

Speech delivered by Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President-Elect of the Republic of Ghana, on December 9, 2016

cont’d from pg. 29 Grace currently has “at least 15 open files” of prison beatings where inmates are suing the province.

from sympathisers, the statement said.

Almighty has bestowed on us to bring prosperity to our people and nation in our time. Together, we will fulfil the destiny of Ghana, the destiny of freedom, justice and prosperity that the ancestors and founders

of our nation defined for us.

God bless our homeland Ghana, and make our nation great and strong.

The battle is still the Lord’s.

Onyankopon nhyira mu

nyinaa Ny??m? aj?? ny? f??

Mawu n? yira mi Allah i saa muku Albarka Thank you.

GhanaWeb.com

The Ghanaian News December 2016

31

Community Information Open letter to president-elect Martin Amidu Writes To President-Elect Akufo-Addo Nana Akuffo Addo Nana Akufo-Addo, Can’t still believe you are the president elect to stir the affairs of this country.

I never wish to see you as my president,so l work tireless in my capacity upon many challenges for president Mahama and ndc to continue,but majority of Ghanaians who turn out to vote over warmly voted for you as our country leader.

I am an ideal student of his excellency former Jerry John Rawlings,the proponent of probity,accountability and social justice,who believe in the revolutionary principles he stood for. You and your campaign teams across the country work tirelessly for your victory.

My special thanks goes to Dr. Mahamuru Bawumia,the incoming Vice President for his massive campaign because, in the history of this country no top politician has ever campaign the way he work for your victory. Your campaign teams and yourself promise Ghanaians especially the first time voters the following:

9. Pay all DKM customers 10. Reduce Corporate tax to 20% 11. Create the western north region 12. Provide jobs to all graduates 1 3 .

A b o l i s h some other taxes 14. Charge a flat rate of 3.5 percent from SME instead of 17.5 percent VAT 15. Pay $1m to all 275 constituencies 16. one-extension officer per 500 farmers.

17. Removing import duties on raw materials and machinery for production 18. Abolishing the Special Import Levy 19. Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on imported medicines not produced in the country 20. Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on Financial Services 21. Abolishing the 5% VAT on Real Estate sales

1. Free senior high school across the country

22. Abolishing the 17.5% VAT on domestic

2. One dam for all the villages in the North

23. Provide jobs for all Ghanaians

3. Pay teacher trainee allowance

24. Build 350 new SHS

4. Pay nursing trainee allowance

25 Scrap all forms of f e e s i n c l u d i n g P TA levies in all SHS

5. Free maternal care 6. Reduce light bill

26. Reduce all forms of vehicle insurance.

7. Reduce water bill

27. Provide zero corruptible government

8. One district one factory

28.

Increase

co-

coa production to 1.5 million metric tones 29. Increase enrollment in all our professional training schools with restoration of all allowances.

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO-ADDO FROM MARTIN A. B. K. AMIDU

30. Reduce fuel pric- I convey my warmest congratulations es to very low levels. to the President-elect of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, of the ReYou have pleaded that public of Ghana for his well-deserved Ghanaians should try you and stunning victory over the incumbent and indeed majority of President John Dramani Mahama in the Ghanians who voted that just concluded Presidential elections. day agreed to try you.

As you are preparing to lead us,we will hold on to the promises and if you fail,what majority of Ghanaians did to president Mahama,same would be done to you.

Changing a Government under which the mass of ordinary people were unnecessarily and needlessly burdened over the years under the yoke of massive and pervasive corruption, deliberate oligarchic mismanagement of abundant natural resources, party political and ethnic cronyism and abject ineptitude President Mahama lose peacefully through the ballot box is a the election to you be- feat worthy of emulation by other citicause of voter apathy if zens of the West African subcontinent in you and your team anal- particular and Africa in general. yses the election results very well. Arrogance of I have no doubt that with the wise decisome ndc ministers and sion of the Ghanaian people in electing appointees cause us the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as election. Now that power President of the Republic of Ghana, is no more in our hands,we integrity, incorruptibility, probity and would sit down,reflex and come back strongly.

accountability in the Ghana body polity will soon be restored.

The track record of President-elect Nana Ado Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and his unassailable commitment to democratic processes since Constitutional governance in Ghana in 1993 gives hope that under his leadership Ghana will once more instill the values of good, and accountable governance not only in Ghana but will also be an advocate for those values and norms in the West African sub-region and the continent at large.

I whole heartedly congratulate President-elect, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his patience, consistency to purpose, persistence and this victory that allows him to make a very positive and beneficiary difference in the lives of ordinary Ghanaians as President of the Republic of Ghana.

This is a period of great enthusiasm cont’d on pg. 41

You and your team always describe president Mahama and his team as “incompetent”.

Now that the destiny of this country is coming into your hands,some of us expect nothing from you except for you and your team to prove how competent you are.

Like I said, I never wish to see you as my president but since majority of voters agreed to you,who am l!?. I join hundreds of my comrades to wish you well as our next president in few days time.

I b r a h i m H a rd i , c o n tact;0208235615 email: bigkolaaya@yahoo.com

Parliament considers ex-gratia for Mahama, others cont’d from pg. 28 the Fourth Republic.

Out of the amount, the MPs who retained their membership of the House after the December 7, 2012 elections received GH¢276,000 each, while those who lost their seats

were paid GH¢311,000 each.

It is not clear yet how much the MPs will be entitled to in 2016 but it will be higher than that of 2012.

State of the nation address The president is expected

to address Parliament on Thursday, his last address as president of Ghana.

He would most likely tout his achievements within his four year tenure and offer suggestions as to how he wants the country to run. Myjoyonline. com

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32

The Ghanaian News December 2016

Popular Toronto boutique recalls US-Africa Chamber of Commerce hats carrying labels warning of opens first African office cancer exposure The United States -Africa t o w a r d s p r o m o t i n g A Toronto retailer has recalled a winter hat after at least one customer discovered a label inside warning that it contained chemicals that could cause cancer and birth defects.

One woman who bought the toque discovered the label after purchasing the item at M Boutique’s Vaughan Mills location sometime last week.

After taking the hat home and preparing to prewash it, Tara Lawless discovered a label inside that warned: “This product may contain chemicals considered by the state of California to lead to cancer, birth defects or other harms.”

“Being a mom of two young boys, ages eight and two, I immediately put it back into the bag, tied it and placed it outside of our apartment,” the woman told CP24 in an email.

She said an email exchange then followed with a store spokesperson who explained that labelling guidelines are much stricter in California, the district that the Chinese-made hat was imported from.

The store representative reassured her that they would not sell something that they wouldn’t wear themselves.

Lawless told CP24 that when she returned to the store to exchange the hat for a Canadianmade product, she noticed that the labels had been removed from the remaining inventory.

She said the experience left her feeling angry and violated.

“If you see that tag that is clearly identifiable that warns people about the harm, why are you then still agreeing to purchase it and resell it?” Lawless said.

The boutique told CP24 Tuesday that the hats have now been completely r emo v e d f r o m s to r e shelves.

“M Boutique does not manufacture our own product and would never knowingly purchase or sell a product that would cause harm to our customers,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “As such, M Boutique has recalled all of these hats and is offering a full refund to those customers who have purchased them.”

The store said about 20 of the hats were sold, mainly in the GTA. The company blamed a problem at its warehouse and said if the label had been discovered before it hit store shelves, the hats would have been returned to California.

The hats are apparently made from acrylic with a faux fur trim. The label does not specify which chemical in particular triggered the warning label by authorities in California, where a 1986 law requires items to be labelled if they contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects or other sorts of reproductive harm.

Lawless said it feels wrong that items that are required to carry a health warning in California don’t need one if sold here.

“I was very, very upset t h a t i t ’s o k b y o u r government and by retailers and just by us as a whole,” Lawless said. “It’s so wrong. It’s so wrong to be exposing us and children and elderly people and unborn babies to such toxic, lifechanging things. It’s not right.”

Health Canada told C P 2 4 Tu e s d a y t h a t while removing labels on imported clothes sold in Canada is not illegal, under the general prohibition of the Consumer Product Safety Act, stores are bound to stop selling a product if they have information that it has negative health impacts.

While Health Canada does not actively inspect

all imports, they do follow up with retailers if they receive a complaint about a product, the agency said.

In a further statement, Health Canada said the following: “Consumer products sold in Canada are subject to stringent health and safety requirements. The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act includes a general prohibition on the manufacture, importation, advertisement or sale of any consumer product that poses an unreasonable danger to human health or safety,” the statement read. “This means that industry has an obligation to identify existing or potential hazards in the consumer chemical products they market and properly mitigate them. Hazards that are not covered by specific regulations may be addressed by the general prohibition.”

Health Canada said that California’s Proposition 65 law requires that products sold in the state carry a label, even if the product’s amount of the chemical deemed by the state to cause cancer or reproductive problems is quite low.

“The labels do not provide information on how much of the chemical the product contains, how an individual might be exposed to any of the chemical in the product, and how likely it is that exposure to harmful levels of the chemical could occur,” Health Canada said in its statement.

“Manufacturers and distributors may choose to add the warning label on a precautionary basis to all products that might contain any of the chemical, as the easiest way of ensuring compliance with Proposition 65 requirements.

“This is why some products bought in Canada sometimes carry a warning label only required by the State of California.” CP24.com

Chamber of Commerce (US-ACC) has launched its first office on African soil in Accra, to propagate the use of the Golden Rule of Business in the Ghanaian business community to promote peace and stability.

The office will help to deepen trade relations between small and medium scale business enterprises in Ghana and the United States by empowering them with the resources, connections and exposure needed to form international partnerships within peaceful national environments.

The US-ACC in collaboration with iChange Nations (ICN) launched the office on the theme: “Engendering Growth and Development through Peace and Cooperation”.

The Golden Rule of Business being used by US-ACC says “Treat others the way you want to be treated”.

Mr Martin Ofori, Chairman, US-ACC Ghana, said his office would bring great value, develop and create wealth amongst Ghanaians by leading Ghanaian businesses to showcase business enterprises to the world.

He said the US-ACC Ghana would in collaboration with ICN bring honour to statesmen, build and develop individuals, and inculcate the culture of honour in governance and business.

“The US-ACC is geared

values and businesses that would build a bridge between the two continents, and bring value to its members,” he said.

Dr Gladys LogginFolorunsho, the Founder and President of USACC, said that the organisation decided to launch in Ghana first, because of its peaceful and prosperous business environment.

She urged media men to strive hard to build a continent of peace and stability with their reportage.

Dr Loggin said the media plays a critical role in Ghana’s democratic dispensation; she urged the media to help promote the peace agenda and the application of the Golden Rule of Business.

“I appreciate Dr Clyde Rivers and the ICN for joining in the launch and supporting the launch of the USA-ACC (Ghana), she said.

“Let us as Africans build our image by doing things with integrity, love, passion, for posterity sake and enjoy the outcome,” she said.

Dr Clyde Rivers, President, ICN, expressed his optimism that Ghana would have a peaceful election, which would open doors for businesses.

He said Africa had the resources that the world needs, but the world was concerned about peace because where there is no peace, there is no

development.

“If we can teach everyone in the world to treat people the way they want to be treated, we can change the world in one day.

“So we need to have this one principle put into the institutions in Ghana,” he said.

Dr Rivers said, “we are going to bring the golden rule into the system, to teach people how to treat others the way they want to be treated which would bring an environment of peace that would, in turn, promote business, development and empower Ghanaians to thrive and create their own economy”.

The US-ACC is a nonprofit business association which will empower small and medium business enterprises in Ghana and Africa by empowering them with the resources, connections and exposure that they need to form international partnerships for growth and development.

ICN is a professional institution that brings honour and builds statesmen by equipping, mentoring and training highly esteemed individuals who have the desire to change nations throughout the world.

The organisation is seeking to bring global awareness by strategically helping nations to educate, train and support the nation building process designed to improve the dignity and betterment of human life.

Source: GNA

The Ghanaian News December 2016

2016 has been an outstanding year for the real estate market in Ontario. While housing sales have fluctuated throughout the rest of Canada, sales in Ontario have continued to set new records despite an unprecedented supply shortage in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and throughout the surrounding region (Greater Golden Horseshoe).

In its annual market overview, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) outlined that the average price of houses in Ontario in 2016 continued to have larger gains and remain above the national average.

The national average price rose by 10.5% to $489,500, while average prices rose in Ontario by 15.1% to $535,700.

We also saw the Bank of Canada’s introduction to new mortgage regulations in an attempt to slow

down the real estate market by forcing banks to approve buyers on a higher interest rate. These tightened regulations were expected to reduce the risk of a “crash” in the market, but what it actually did was significantly reduce the amount of mortgage financing buyers could qualify for. Particularly in pricier markets where there is a severe shortage of lowerpriced listings, these new rules forced many first time home buyers to become renters.

As well, tightened mortgage regulations and lending guidelines are also expected to increase capital costs for lenders, resulting in modest increases in mortgage interest rates in the New Year.

After noticing the challenges created by the new mortgage regulations and lending guidelines, the Ontario government has initiated a program giving first-time home

buyers a land transfer tax rebate of up to $4,000. This means starting January 1, 2017 first-time buyers who are permanent residents of Ontario, will not pay land transfer tax on the first $368,000 of the cost of their new homes.

Given lower prices in much of the province, especially outside of the GTA, for many this will mean no land transfer tax on the purchase for their first home.

Looking ahead to 2017, Ontario home sale transactions are forecasted to remain strong but fall short of this year’s record levels due to deteriorating affordability, an ongoing shortage of affordably priced listings for single family homes and tightened mortgage regulations. However, home prices are forecast to steadily increase, with modest price gains near or below inflation in

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Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

Canada’s real estate market looks poised to continue to its steady growth in the long term. As Canada’s population grows, the price for housing will continue to increase in the country’s major urban centres. According to the Canadian Ministry of Finance, in Ontario alone the population is projected to grow by 30.1 per cent over the next 26 years with the GTA the fastest growing region in the province.

With more people moving to cities home prices are expected to increase, making home ownership unattainable for many.

Overall, the increasing price for housing has meant property owners and investors have made a killing on property purchased in the last few years.

Many individuals waiting for the

housing market to “crash” to come before entering the market will be disappointed by the forecast for 2017.

As interest rates and inflation are forecast to remain low, this will continue to fuel the strength of the real estate market.

Despite the vast opportunities in the real estate market, buying a property should never be done without proper planning and preparation. All too

often individuals rush to buy real estate simply because their friends and family members are buying; this has resulted being unable to take the appropriate steps when investing or buying a home. As such, it is important for individuals to educate themselves and seek the right guidance from a knowledgeable real estate professional in order to better position themselves to be a home owner.

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Ghanaian Presbyterian Church’s 2nd Food Drive & Cook Out to Evangel Hall

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

Evangel Hall Mission, (EHM) on 552 Adelaide Street West, in downtown Toronto was the venue of the 2nd Food Drive & Cook Out by the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church Toronto. This noble venture at this time of the season of Christmas took place on Sunday December 4, 2016. The first was last year 2015. EHM established by the Presbyterian Church of Canada was borne from a desire to provide spiritual and material care to immigrant families and has continually offered a safe, welcoming refuge from the streets to the poor and forgotten people of our society.

It was in this vein that such a mission was undertaken under the leadership of Elder Nana Adwoa Asare supported by a cross-section of the congregation including the leadership of the church. It was to bring smiles to the faces of the people who uses the Evangel Hall Mission.

As the people were being fed, Christmas carols were also being sung in the background. After the dinner, the church also donated some non-perishable food items to the home which was received by Ms Tracy Plum. She thanked the congregation on behalf of the people of the home who responded with thunderous applause.

Elder Bobbie Ansah presenting a hamper to an Evangel Hall Official

Hospitality team Church Elders with Ghanaian News

Elder Nana Adwoa Asare and Tracy Plum

Tracy Plum with some members of the Presbyterian Church

Elder Bobbie Ansah and Awuku with the youth

Nana Adwoa Asare with the hospitality team at the kitchen

Volunteers

Elder Sarah Quansah offering opening prayer

Singing of Christmas Carols

Elder Bobbie Ansah presenting a hamper to an Evangel Hall Official

Serving of food by the volunteers

The Ghanaian News December 2016

35

Traum Assist International Annual Fundraiser Gala at the Claireport Banquet and Convention Center on Friday Nov. 25, 2016

Sajeeka Jeyakumar, Founder

Guests at the ball

Gary Diggins performing with guests

Cross section of attendees

Dance performance

Group picture of the board of Traum Assist Int’l

Heaven In My Heart Ministries Opened

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

Heaven In My Heart Ministries under the leadership of Rev. Mrs. Eleanor Adu-Anane was opened on Sunday December 11, 2016 at 100 Penn Drive, Unit #3, North

Rev. Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Adu-Anane Cutting Ribbon by the Clergy

York.

Rev. Boniface Keeleson was the guest preacher.

The Ghanaian Ministerial Fellowship of Toronto were at hand to give their support

The Clergy Praying for Rev. Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Adu-Anane

Gye Nyame Band

Some of the invited guests at the service

Chairman and supporters Rev. Dr. & Rev. Mrs Adu-Anane and the pioneers of the church

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Community

y in pictures

The Ghanaian News December 2016

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Doris Oppong cutting her cake to celebrate her birthday with friends at the Church of Pentecost

Gifty Agyemang a.k.a. Mama Gee celebrated her 39th birthday at Manhyia Palace on Dec. 18, 2016

Mrs. Georgina Ofori celebrated her birthday at Ghana Apostolic Church Dec. 18, 2016

Mr. & Mrs. Addai dedicated their baby Linton Kwame Addai at Ghana Apostolic Church Dec. 18, 2016

Doris Osei-Bonsu displaying her reward for being a loyal supporter of Okuapemman Cultural Assoc. on Toronto

Ghana Assinman Association of Toronto End of Year Party at Cocobellas Catering, Mississauga Saturday Dec. 17, 2016

Some of the members

Dinner time

Dinner time

Group picture of members

The Ghanaian News December 2016

39

Lakeside Estate housing exhibition at Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 27, 2016

Salah Kweku Kalmoni and Emmanuel Ayiku Presby Church

Salah Kalmoni and Nii Odoi Yemoh

Visitors at the Exhibition

Salah Kweku Kalmoni in handshake with Fred Apraku and Mr. & Mrs. Ayiku

Salah Kalmoni speaking to congregation with Emmanuel Ayiku (left) and Rev. Raymond Abekah

Salah with some visitors at the exhibition

Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) Toronto visit A delegation of 15 businessmen and women led

by Salah Kweku Kalmoni, President of the CanadaGhana Chamber of Commerce visited Toronto for Construction Canada 2016 Exhibition from November 30 to From leftL Andria Abraham, Abdullah Yakubu, Edward December 2, 2016 Afenya Suganthan Allotey, James Asare-Adjei, Salah

Delegations from Ghana

Kalmoni

Lunch Time At Lunch

The delegation from Ghana with Ghanaian News

‘Jane & Finch’ Movie Premiere at Manhyia Palace 95 Eddystone Ave. on Sunday December 18, 2016

Alex Yeboah (right), director with actors and actresses

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416 916-3700

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Living Word Assembly of God Christmas Party at Forum Banquet Hall Etobicoke Sunday, December 18, 2016

Merry Christmas And A

Rev. Joseph Osei-Amoah with Rev. & Mrs. Takyi DeGraft

Presentation of gift to Rev. & Mrs. Osei-Amoah

Happy New Year To All Hospitality team

Serving church members and guests

Rev. & Mrs. Balland Some members and invited guests

Some members

Some members and guests

Some celebrants

Serving food

Some members Cross section of members

Cross section of members

Living Word Assembly of God Missions Department gives back to the community

By Staff Reporter, Etobicoke

Living Word Assembly of God Missions Department led

by Deacon Felix Oppong Kyekyeku, Missions Director on November 26, 2016 cooked and served some Ghanaian dishes: Jollof rice, chicken, fried plantain and salad as

Ladies ready to serve the food

lunch at the Youth Without Shelter, 6 Warnendale Crescent, Etobicoke, Ontario as part of their service to the community.

The Ghanaian cuisine served was very much appreciated.

About 35 youth and workers were served.

This exercise will be an ongoing service that would be done

from time to time as long as the Lord grants the enablement.

The food items as well as the cooking were donated and prepared by the Women’s Ministry. Our sincere thanks to the Pastor, the Women and the whole congregation for their prayer support.

Women’s Ministry team with Deacon Oppong-Kyekyeku

The Ghanaian News December 2016

41

Frankly Speaking Thank You, Ghana: You have Emancipated Yourselves from Bondage Welcome Nana Addo!! Good Riddance Mahama!!!!!

By: Dr. Michael Baffoe, Winnipeg, MB

In this column last month, I went on my knees and pleaded with Ghanaians to seize the golden opportunity offered them with the General Elections on December 7, 2016 to change the most corrupt and arrogant government ever to rule that country in Ghana’s political history.

I am very delighted to note that Ghanaians overwhelmingly responded to my pleas and did just that: they changed and dumped the John DramaniMahama government and his NDC party in grand style.

As you are all aware by now, the NDC and Mahamawere given a sound beating not ever seen in Ghana’s political h i s t o r y. T h i s w a s a president and political party that had become so arrogant and so much blinded by thievery and corruption that the realities of the untold suffering of Ghanaians was noise in their ears.

Mahama and his NDC went into the 2016 elections bubbling with over-confidence which was only born out of arrogance as a result of their filthy wealth stolen from the nation’s resources.

As at the time of writing

this piece, exactly fourteen days after the elections, Mahama and his delusional NDC hoodlums were still in shock, oblivious to the reality that had dawned on every right-thinking Ghanaian except the NDC folks. On Tuesday, December 20, 2016, their Vice-President Papa KwesiAmissah Arthur offered a very laughable side of their story: that the NDC folks are so much in shock that they cannot come out of their rooms since the elections? And the rest of the NDC dreamers have been fighting among themselves as to who to blame for their inglorious and humiliating defeat.

Since they are still struggling to come to terms with the reality, I will offer them some

guidelines on why the good people of Ghana dumped the MahamaNDC unholy alliance: If they care to know, and I know they don’t, the number one reason why Ghanaians humiliated Mahama and the NDC was the high-profile and open season of naked stealing and corruption they unleashed in Ghana.

The NDC claimed that they were embarking on “infrastructural development”: the construction of roads, highways, hospitals and other useless projects whose benefits were for first, the Mahama family, the top echelon of government and party officials and their cronies.

Senior members of the government and NDC party developed and grew some frightening inflated sense of power, control, and arrogance that made them believe that every resource in the country called Ghana was theirs for the taking.

Their so-called infrastructure projects were grand schemes for stealing on a gargantuan scale, a system known as “create, loot and share”.

They inflated the costs of projects by any rates between 30 and 50% and shared the booty

Bank of Canada keeps key rate at 0.5 per cent cont’d from pg. 10 was slightly below what it had anticipated, in large part because of lower food prices.

In a closer analysis of economic conditions, the bank also made a point of highlighting recent steps taken by the federal government in an effort to help boost growth.

“Consumption growth was robust in the third quarter, supported by the new Canada Child Benefit, while the effects of federal infrastructure spending are not yet evident in the (gross domestic product) data,” the bank said its brief, one-page statement.

“Meanwhile, business investment and nonenergy goods exports continue to disappoint.”

The bank also said Canada saw gains in employment, but that considerable economic slack remained present when compared to the United States. It

also predicted the recent tightening of financing rules for real estate would help slow the continued rise in Canadian household debt.

The decision to maintain the rate was widely anticipated by experts and came ahead of an announcement next week by the U.S. Federal Reserve, which is expected to raise its key interest rate.

Last week, Poloz addressed how the bank views the uncertainty following the U.S. election. He said it was too soon for the central bank to factor presidentelect Donald Trump’s election win into its decision making.

This was the bank’s final rate announcement for 2016. Its next decision, which will be accompanied by fresh economic projections, is scheduled for Jan. 17.

In October, the Bank of Canada downgraded its growth outlook and governor Stephen Poloz said its governing council actively discussed cutting the key rate before deciding to keep it on hold.

Last week, a data release showed the Canadian economy had slightly exceeded expectations in the third quarter to grow at its fastest pace in more than two years.

That increase in real gross domestic product by 3.5 per cent marked a rebound from a secondquarter contraction.

Experts had long predicted the economy to bounce back from the second-quarter slump, which was largely due to oil-production shutdowns linked to May’s Alberta wildfires and scheduled maintenance at oilsands facilities.

The Canadian Press

among themselves.

They designed another infamous system called “Judgement Debt” under which they will get one of their cronies to sue the government for an abrogation of nonexistent contracts. Within two weeks, they will find a corrupt judge to rule in their favour, awarding millions of Cedis or Dollars in their favour and before anyone could say hello, their Attorney General will instruct the Finance Minister to effect the payment and whew!!!

The money goes into the create, loot and share bucket and disappear among the Mahama Group of Company thieves. These thieves had accumulated so much wealth that they thought they could buy their way to election victory by buying an Electoral Commissioner to cook and manipulate election figures, a sycophant Inspector General of Police to intimidate the government’s opponents and allow Togolese and foreigners to come to Ghana to vote, a bunch of delusional Chiefs, some corrupt media practitioners and other key opinion leaders who were too pleased to shamelessly sing the praises of Mahama, his party and his government in return for cars and other freebies.

This delusion of power, blinded by filthy wealth prevented Mahama and his cronies from seeing the realities that the average, quite, noncomplaining Ghanaians were living in. In their delusional state of minds, they underestimated the level of anger, hatred, resentment, and mistrust

that Ghanaians had developed towards them.

Their “I don’t careerism” attitude was frightening and made Ghanaians more angry and, determined to teach them a bitter lesson. And they did so in grand style. In the end, the sitting President was beaten by nearly ten percent by the welleducated, methodological and calculated candidate in the person of Nana AkufoAddo whose 40- year experience in Ghana’s politics was no match for the corrupt Mahama and NDC apparatchikswhose only qualification in politics was the art of stealing and insults on anyone who does not agree with their way of seeing the world.

Even more troubling was the fact that, because Mahama and his government had no sensible message to sell to Ghanaians, they resorted to vilifying the main opposition candidate, Nana AkufoAddo. They unleashed all their attack dogs on radio, television, newspapers and any platform they could find to attack and vilify Nana AkufoAddo, but by more than six months to elections time, Ghanaians had already tuned out to the NDC’s demonic machinery, yet they kept to the same script. How “clever” these people really are!

I will now award Medals of Dishonor to the following top buffoons who greatly assisted President Mahama to achieve the greatest electoral defeat in Ghana’s politics: 1. The NDC Deputy General Secretary, Koku Ayidoho (Chief Buffoon,

First Class) 2. The NDC General Secretary, AsieduNketia, so-called General Mosquito (Chief Buffoon, and “best” dressed public officer) 3.Kofi Adams, NDC national Organizer and National Coordinator of Elections (Director of Insults, Second Class Upper division) 4.Ibrahim Mahama, Brother of President Mahama (Senior Thieving Officer, Second Class Upper Division) 5. The Muntie 3 Trio (First Class Journalistic Buffoonery) 6. Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and GTV (worst performing state broadcaster) 7. The OffinsoHene, Nana WiafeAkenten (most corrupt and sycophant Traditional Ruler for offering his Stooland throne to Mahama in return for an SUV) 8. The GbeseMantse, NiiAyiBonte of Accra (Traditional Buffoonery, First Class division for vowing to abdicate his throne if Mahama and NDC do not win the election and going into hiding after the elections.

More Medals of Dishonor will be awarded in the coming months.

In the meantime, I doff my hat and heart to Ghanaians for rising up to the occasion in the face and midst of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Bravo!!

There are sunny days are ahead!!

Martin Amidu Writes To President-Elect Akufo-Addo cont’d from pg. 31

and hope not only for the people of Ghana but also for those in the sub-region and Africa in general. I have no doubt that the President-elect is aware that the people of Ghana expect that his new Government will take up the urgent responsibility of getting back our over GHC51.2million back with the accruing interest looted by the outgoing Government for its lootee, Alfred Agbesi Woyome, alongside the Waterville Holing (BVI) Ltd loot of over €47million also with all the accruing interest both ordered to be refunded to

the Republic of Ghana by the Supreme Court on 14th June 2013 and 29th July 2014 respectively.

Your victory is partly the result of the mandate and confidence entrusted to you by the people of Ghana to get our monies back to the Republic of Ghana in the shortest possible time. It is my personal prayer that upon your assumption of office on 7th January 2017 you will as the President of Ghana with your Government, and the new Parliament of Ghana reciprocate the trust and confidence reposed in you at these elections by getting our

Woyome and Waterville looted monies back in the shortest possible time.

May you use your wisdom and diligence to carry along all Ghanaians including those who did not vote for you in order to achieve the common purpose of rebuilding a strong, motivated and united Ghana that will demonstrate the expected leadership on the African continent and the world at large. May God guide, guard and bless you now and forever more to always Put Ghana First.

Martin A. B. K. Amidu

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Canada adopts lottery system for reuniting immigrants with parents, grandparents Replacing current 1st-come, 1st-served system to make process more fair for all applicants Canada is adopting a lottery system to replace the current first-come, firstserved immigration process to reunite parents and grandparents.

The change, which will take effect in the new year, is designed to make the system fair for all applicants, according to a release from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

In past, the number of

applications has far exceeded the number of available spots, creating a backlog in applications.

“We’re listening to what past applicants had to say and making the process fairer for people who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents,” Immigration Minister John McCallum said in a statement.

“We’re ensuring everyone can access the application process by

Olivia Akpari

giving them the same chance to have their name chosen.”

Between Jan. 3 and Feb. 2, 2017, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor their parents or grandparents will be required to complete an online form on the IRCC website within 30 days.

Once the information is properly transmitted, the prospective sponsor

will get a confirmation number. The release from IRCC says duplicate entries will be removed. It warns that completing the form does not mean person has applied to sponsor under the program.

Instead, at the end of the 30 days, IRCC will randomly pick 10,000 prospective sponsors and invite them to complete the full application for the Parent and Grandparent

Program. They will have 90 days to submit a full application.

Those not selected can reapply IRCC will let everyone who completed an online form know whether or not they were chosen.

P r o s p e c t i v e sponsors who weren’t selected can go through the same process in 2018.

Last week, McCallum announced the

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government would cut the waiting time for family reunification by half, promising to complete the process in one year from an average of two years.

The government will admit 20,000 parents and grandparents to Canada under the program in 2017, the same number as this year.

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can also apply for a super visa, which allows them to extend a visit for up to two years after the initial entry into Canada.

A 10-year multiple-entry visa allows several visits of up to six months at a time.

Toronto immigration lawyer Sergio Karas said the lottery process represents a slight improvement over the previous system, which led to a “mad rush” every January, with people lining up at the doors of the processing centre overnight or paying place-holders in the queue to deliver applications prepared by

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cont’d on pg 47

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

View Point

Community Concerns

Ways to Relieve Stress Before the Holidays

Attitude of gratitude during Christmas Season

By Golda Abena Quayson Sure, we love love the Christmas season—but just not everything about it! This year, I am sure you are hoping to cut the crazy out of Christmas; to trim the celebration back to one that is sustainable and calm. The question is, just how do you do less—and enjoy it more—during the Christmas holiday season? If you are aiming to simplify Christmas, take time to ponder ways to cut stress, save money and tame over- thetop traditions. Setting simplicity strategies in place early will keep you from being swept up in holiday madness.

Kids fighting over toys, a dad who isn’t there, estranged relatives, a schedule way too full, an unexpected emergency, and the lack of funds are rarely pictured. It is so easy for us to become swept up in what we think it should look like as opposed to the reality.

And we tend to think we are the only ones—surely Just the other day I was no one else’s life is like c h a t t i n g w i t h s o m e mine! clients, primarily mothers of young children. They We n e e d t o d e f i n e already were feeling e x p e c t a t i o n s f o r a n x i o u s a b o u t t h e this coming season. holiday events now being Brainstorm with your scheduled. In addition, h u s b a n d o r c l o s e they were worried about girlfriend. Ask yourself different family members what you can do to obey they should buy presents the great commandments (love God, and love your for.

Finally one commented, neighbor) during this “I just want to get through season. How can you lower your expectations it. I want it to be over!” on relationships and We can all identify with g r a n t g r a c e i n s t e a d this in some way. It is o f s u c c u m b i n g t o indeed a sad commentary disappointment? How on our culture and on can you prepare your our lifestyles. What is children to understand meant to be a season of the real meaning of this celebration has today season? become a season of stress. What can we do 2. Simplyfy your lifestyle. to alleviate some of the I have found that one stress and recapture a of the leading causes of sense of the true spirit stress is that we try to do of Thanksgiving and too much into these days.

Christmas before they We live in a culture that arrive? Ask, “If I don’t do screams, “The more the this, what will happen?” better!” And yet often less is definitely better.

Instead of watching Three things will help: your calendar fill up, go 1.

L o w e r y o u r ahead now and block out expectations. The media personal time, couple often creates a vision times, and family times. of the holidays as a Then when that really time of warm family nice invitation comes relationships, children along, have the courage h a p p i l y g i v i n g a n d to say, “I’m sorry we have receiving, and, of course a conflict, I already have snow falling everywhere. other plans” It is far easier

to set boundaries before the commitments start to pile up.

We can also simply reduce our own traditions. Do you really need to decorate your house because all the other neighbors do?

Do you have to give gifts to every family member?

For example, my husband and I have agreed not to give gifts to every family member; but to give to the few that we believe are in need whether it be family members or friends; we’ve always drawn names. We have also educated our children since they were young the importance of Christmas so they do not expect presents we cannot afford from us.

Again, call, don’t send cards. Reach out and touch someone… the easy way.

Online greeting cards are easy, inexpensive and fun to send. No more lines at the post office! It simplifies gift giving and saves money too.

3. Determine what you can delete or postpone.

You may have a tradition throwing a party on every December 24th night. But do you really need to do it at this time? Why not postpone it until the end of January when life is not so packed? You’ll relieve stress and enjoy it more. Or those friends you do a Christmas event with every year… why not postpone this gathering until a date in the winter? Look at what you have done in the past and determine what to eliminate this year. Be courageous and eliminate one or two things you usually do and instead declare a family night at home alone. It helps to remember that every time you say, “yes” to something, you should say “no” to something as well.

Doris Osei Bonsu, Crisis Counselor, Toronto

Christmas is typically a peak selling season for retailers in many nations around the world. Sales increase dramatically as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies to celebrate.

Lots of people feel stressed out about buying and giving gifts around the holidays. But have the holidays become too materialistic and more about the gifts than the feelings behind them?

Why do people give gifts in the first place? Throughout the world, many cultures mark special holidays with gifts and food. Holiday traditions bring people together and allow us to feel a part of family and community. The gifts and food that we share are all about expressing a sense of gratitude and joy.

The gifts of a few generations ago were probably more humble and homemade. Even the people who could afford extravagant presents probably didn’t do as much buying and spending as we do today. Our culture has grown more commercial, and gift giving has become a booming industry.

Sometimes the original meaning behind the tradition gets lost, and the gift giving takes on a life of its own.

Not only is the pressure on to spend money on the right present, but many people also find that when gifts become the focal point of a holiday, it puts too much emphasis on receiving, too. It’s all too easy to have high expectations of what’s in that beautifully wrapped box — and that can set anyone up for disappointment.

When the materialistic aspects of the holiday overshadow its meaning that can leave people feeling empty and wishing for something more.

It’s no wonder that we often hear about people having the “holiday blues” — feeling sad or empty instead of happy and fulfilled.

The advertisements we see around the holidays also can help foster unrealistic expectations. With all the

pressure to buy the perfect gifts, get the perfect outfit, have the perfect party, and get along perfectly with our perfect families and friends, it’s hard for reality to measure up.

Not all people are affected by this materialistic way of celebrating Christmas, of course. Most appreciate the traditional aspects of the holidays, like getting together and celebrating with friends and family. And some love shopping and are just fine with all the giving and receiving Look at Christmas in a new way this year:I have a suggestion for a gift — a gift that you can receive and give at the same time. It’s called “gratitude.” What you can do is think about the people that you love, the special people, and contemplate why they matter to you. What would life be like without your best friend, your partner, your mother or father, your kids? Imagine that they no longer existed and now you had a chance to get them back — but only if you could prove that you really were grateful. What would you miss about your best friend? Think about the conversations, the memories, the laughter, and the tears — you both shared. Now think about how grateful you are for having him or her in your life.

This year I am proposing that families and friends meet and discuss all the things they are grateful for in the year. Of course at some point in the journey of Christmas there may be difficult times. Does choosing the path of gratitude mean we have to forget all about it and pretend life isn’t hard? A façade of cheerfulness is pure pain underneath.

There is something about giving thanks in all things that is different than simply looking on the bright side. Being grateful to God gives you new memory chains.

No matter what our personal situations may be, each Christmas we are reminded just how deeply and completely God loves us. Let’s show gratitude and gratefulness …just for that!!!

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416916-3700

The Ghanaian News December 2016

Ask The Doctor

Lifestyle

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

45

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

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

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

Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure.

If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

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

1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Losing just 10 pounds can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, the more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure. Losing weight also makes any blood pressure medications you’re

 Asian women are

at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 32 inches (80 cm).

2. Exercise regularly

taking more effective.

You and your doctor can determine your target weight and the best way to achieve it.

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

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

Carrying too much weight around your waist can put you at greater risk of high blood pressure. In general:  Men are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 40 inches (102 centimeters, or cm).

If you have prehypertension (systolic pressure between 120 and 139 or diastolic pressure between 80 and 89), exercise can help you avoid developing full-blown hypertension.

If you already have hypertension, regular physical activity can bring your blood pressure down to safer levels.

 W o m e n

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

are at risk if their waist measurement is greater than 35 inches (88 cm).

 Asian men are at

risk if their waist measurement is greater than 36 inches (90 cm).

But avoid being a

Eating eggs every day is not harmful Prof Akosa According to him, claims that eggs contain bad cholesterol which could be harmful to one’s health are untrue.

concentration levels and also supports the body’s immune system,” Prof.

Akosa added.

Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, a doctor and former Director-General of the Ghana Health Service has urged Ghanaians to eat eggs regularly for healthy living.

Prof Akosa, who is also a campaigner for good nutrition, was speaking at a ceremony to commemorate this year’s World Egg Day in Accra on the theme: “For good health, think egg”.

According to him, claims that eggs contain bad cholesterol which could be harmful to one’s health are untrue.

He expressed worry about the low egg consumption in Ghana, saying “data shows that about 12 to 20 eggs are consumed per person in Ghana per annum, and this is not helping the industry”.

“It has been proven through scientific research that cholesterol from egg does not increase cholesterol levels in humans,” he added.

Prof Akosa said consuming more eggs is very healthy as “eggs are high in protein.

An egg is a whole balanced meal with all the nutrients such as protein, fats, vitamins, and antioxidants”.

“The way we can sort out our malnutrition problems is for all of us to ensure that we eat at least one egg a day. If we did that our children will be smarter, our children will be intelligent than all of us have achieved.

“Eggs are good for foetal development, healthy brain development, improved

He said unlike Ghana, countries like the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK) consumed 300 and 200 eggs respectively at the end of the year.

“That is why their life expectancy is higher. They live long because they eat more eggs unlike us,” Prof. Akosa added.

On the retail pricing of eggs, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa called on poultry farmers to institute a recommended retail price for eggs to make it affordable to consumers. Pulse.com.gh

“ w e e k e n d w a r r i o r. ” Trying to squeeze all your exercise in on the weekends to make up for weekday inactivity isn’t a good strategy. Those sudden bursts of activity could actually be risky.

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

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

Read food labels when you shop, and stick to your healthy-eating plan when you’re dining out, too.  Cut yourself some slack. Although the DASH diet is a lifelong eating guide, it doesn’t mean you have to cut out all of the foods you love. It’s OK to treat yourself occasionally to foods you wouldn’t find on a DASH diet menu, like a candy bar or mashed potatoes with gravy.

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

To decrease sodium in your diet, consider these tips:  Track how much salt is in your diet. Keep a food diary to estimate how much sodium is in what you eat and drink each day.  Read food labels. If

possible, choose lowsodium alternatives of the foods and beverages you normally buy.  Eat fewer processed

foods. Potato chips, frozen dinners, bacon and processed lunch meats are high in sodium.  Don’t add salt. Just

1 level teaspoon of salt has 2,300 mg of sodium. Use herbs or spices, rather than

salt, to add more flavor to your foods.  Ease into it. If you

don’t feel like you can drastically reduce the sodium in your diet suddenly, cut back gradually. Your palate will adjust over time.

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

If you drink more than moderate amounts of it, alcohol can actually raise blood pressure by several points. It can also reduce the effectiveness of high blood pressure medications. Consider tapering off. If you’re a heavy drinker, suddenly eliminating all alcohol can actually trigger severe high blood pressure for several days. So when you stop drinking, do it with the supervision of your doctor or taper off slowly, over one to two weeks.  Don’t binge. Binge drinking — having four or more drinks in a row — can cause large and sudden increases in blood pressure, in addition to other health problems.

6 . Av o i d t o b a c c o products and secondhand smoke On top of all the other dangers of smoking, the nicotine in tobacco products can raise your blood pressure by 10 mm Hg or more for up to an hour after you smoke.

Smoking throughout the day means your blood pressure may remain constantly high.

You should also avoid secondhand smoke.

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

7. Cut back on caffeine The role caffeine plays in blood pressure is still debatable. Drinking caffeinated beverages can

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

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

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

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

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

If you can’t eliminate all of your stressors, you can at least cope with them in a healthier way.

Take breaks for deepbreathing exercises. Get a massage or take up yoga or meditation. If self-help doesn’t work, seek out a professional for counseling.

9. Monitor your blood pressure at home and make regular doctor’s appointments If you have high blood pressure, you may need to monitor your blood pressure at home.

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

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

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

Reference: Mayo Clinic House call, May 2010

46

The Ghanaian News December 2016

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Longtime Gambian President Yahya Jammeh Loses Vote cont’d from pg. 7 the best. The Gambian people have spoken,” Mr. Jammeh said into a cellphone while seated at his office desk. “I will never rule this country without your mandate and I will never cheat,” he added.

The piece of theater fitting the mercurial ruler bookended an extraordinary day in the history of the tiny poverty-stricken West African nation, offering the possibility for the first smooth transfer of power since it declared independence in 1965.

B y t h e t i m e M r.

Jammeh addressed the nation, supporters of Mr. Barrow had been celebrating for hours on the streets in celebration.

Analysts had cautioned against assuming that the president would respect the vote, but welcomed the move as transformative for Gambia and significant for the broader region.

ruled with an iron fist for 22 years.

Rarely seen without sunglasses and a ceremonial scepter, Mr. Jammeh seized power in a military coup and became infamous for his eccentric and ruthless governance: jailing opponents, threatening to decapitate homosexuals and claiming to have found cures for cancer, AIDS and infertility. Last year, he declared that the West African nation of 1.9 million people had become an Islamic Republic, to break with the country’s colonial past.

Shortly after the electoral commission’s statement was released, Gambia’s internet and international telephone lines—cut by the government ahead of Thursday’s poll—were switched back on.

Although the opposition appeared to have momentum, Mr. Jammeh had refused to allow European Union Alex Vines, head of observers to monitor the the Africa program at vote and predicted he London-based think tank would win by a landslide.

Chatham House, said the result was “a major For years the opposition upset and very significant was weak and divided. for West Africa…and a But Mr. Barrow, a former historic demonstration businessman and United of democracy prevailing Democratic Party leader, emerged as a consensus despite many barriers.” candidate for an alliance Rights groups said the o f e i g h t o p p o s i t i o n victory of Mr. Barrow, parties.Ais a political who campaigned to free novice whose lack of political prisoners and baggage has endeared reverse Mr. Jammeh’s him to Gambians. Mr. recent decision to leave Barrow had energized the International Criminal voters with a campaign Court, promised a new promise to “bring Gambia beginning for a country

cont’d on pg. 59

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Antonio Guterres sworn as UN secretary-general Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres was sworn in Monday as Secretary-General of the United Nations, becoming the ninth U.N. chief in the body’s 71-year history.

Council. After the sixth poll, the council nominated him by acclamation and his name was sent to the assembly for final approval.

The former U.N. refugee chief was elected to the top job by acclamation in the General Assembly in October. He takes over from Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1.

After being sworn in by General Assembly President John William Ashe, Guterres addressed the 193 member nations, saying the world body must work to simplify, decentralize and make more flexible its sprawling bureaucracy.

Guterres, 67, performed well in answering questions before assembly members and his executive experience as prime minister and as the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005-2015 propelled him to first place among 13 candidates vying for the job in informal polls in the Security

“It benefits no one if takes nine months to deploy a staff member to the field,” he said. “The United Nations needs to be nimble, efficient and effective. It must focus more on delivery and less on process, more on people and less on bureaucracy.”

Canada adopts lottery system for reuniting immigrants with parents, cont’d from pg. 42 grandparents consultants or lawyers.

“The lottery system created today will at least give the opportunity to everyone who wishes to apply, understanding that their chances of success are probably in the 20 per cent range,” he said.

“However, the larger policy question that should be addressed and that the government desperately wishes to avoid is whether it makes any economic sense for Canada to continue to allow individuals who are elderly or at least of non-working age to receive permanent

residence at a time in which there exists increased pressure on the health-care system and social safety net.”

Transparency needed But Dory Jade, CEO of the Canadian Association of Professional I m m i g r a t i o n Consultants, said Canada has a long tradition of welcoming parents and grandparents as part of the family reunification program. He said they contribute greatly to the social and economic fabric of Canada, often helping to care for children while the

parents go to work.

Jade said the new lottery system will modernize the process, moving it from a paper-based system to an online application. He said there are questions around how the random selection process will unfold, and whether a second round will be held if chosen prospective sponsors either don’t submit applications, or have their applications disqualified.

“It needs to be transparent,” he said.

CBC News

Aung San Suu Kyi. U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power lauded Ban’s accomplishments while in office and said she was confident Guterres is the right person to replace him. “He is the man for the job in such challenging times,” she said.

The United Nations Secretary-General designate Antonio Guterres speaks during his swearing-in ceremony at U.N. headquarters, (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

The swearing-in came after the 193 General Assembly members paid tribute to Ban, ending with a standing ovation for the native South Korean.

The swearing-in ceremony included the U.N.’s top leaders and was attended by dignitaries including Myanmar politician and Nobel peace prize winner

The selection of a new secretary-general had traditionally been decided behind closed doors by a few powerful countries.

But this year, the process involved public discussions with each candidate who was campaigning for the job.

U.N. chiefs are charged with promoting sustainable development, working for peace around the globe, protecting human rights and dealing with humanitarian catastrophes.

Ban served two five-year terms.

The Associated Press

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Welcome Home Evangelistic Ministries Host Community Lunch Home

By Staff Reporter, Branton, ON

We l c o m e Evangelistic Ministries has been operating in the Brampton area for the past five years. This year, the Welcome Homers hosted their first ever community lunch. The purpose of the community lunch was to bless Bramptonians and also to remind everyone present on the reason Christians celebrate Christmas. The gospel message, a message of hope, was shared and people were given the opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. There was food, fellowship, gifts, live entertainment and activities for the children. Among the dignitaries present were the Regional Councilor Michael Palleschi and City Counsellor Doug Whillans.

Pastor Winnie Manu who is the Founder and Overseer o f We l c o m e H o m e Evangelistic Ministries, in an interview with The Ghanaian News said they plan to have this event every year to bless the community and also to let them know that they are here to bring a message of hope to the community.

Pastor Winnie Manu with Regional Councillor Michael Palleschi (right) and City Counsellor Doug Whillans Group picture of members and Pastor Winnie Manu

Some community members

Some children at the party

Some invited guests

Church members serving food

Guests being served at the party

Lighthouse Assembly of God Christmas Party at the church premises on Sunday December 18, 2016

Rev. Boniface Keeleson Some members at the party

Cross section of members and guests

Serving the food

Some members and guests

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50

The Ghanaian News December 2016

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

St Andrews Catholic Ghanaian congregation Christmas Party on December 18, 2016

Nananom and guests at the party Fr. Alex Osei and some members of the Social Committee

Church members

Children at the party

Comfort Amadie’s glamorous birthday bash at the Apostles’ Continuation Church Hall on Saturday November 26, 2016

Comfort Amadie and partner

Amadie receiving flowers from Okyeame Darko

Amadie and partner dancing

Comfort Amadie entering the hall

Amadie and entourage on the dance floor

Comfort Amadie with daugther and friends Some family members of Amadie

The Ghanaian News December 2016

53

The Apostles’ Continuation Church Int’l Christmas Party at 10 Belfield Rd. Etobicoke on Sunday December 18, 2016

Apostle Charles AnokyeManu

Elders and a church member Apostle Anokye-Manu and wife with some members on the dance floor

Fashion winners

Mrs. Sarah Anokye-Manu (m) Mrs. Rosina Agyare Kyeremateng and Mrs. Agnes Afriyie Dancing competition time

Elder Brefo and Pastor Yeboah

Men hospitality team serving food

Collins Dankwa and Stephanie Boakye-Yiadom Sunday School Teacher with awards recipients

Cross section of members at the party

Priscilla Ohenwa and Natasha Boakye Yiadom MCs

Fashion competition winners

Apostle Anokye-Manu and wife with some pastors Cross section of members and guests

Members and their guests

Some church members

54

The Ghanaian News December 2016

All Nations Full Gospel Church 2016 Christmas Banquet

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Woodbridge, ON

Friday December 2nd 2016 at the Fontana Primavera Event Center at 77 Woodstream Blvd, Woodbridge the All Nations Full Gospel Church held its annual Christmas Dinner.

Rev. Samuel Donkor the Senior Pastor of the church gave his annual report and outlined the way forward for the church, the university and ANIDA.

Rev. Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Donkor proposing the toast

After his remarks Rev. Dr. Samuel Donkor then proposed the toast as glasses were raised in response. As part of the celebration, dancing competition was organized which was won by Brother Ben and Florence Quarm.

Rev. Dr. Donkor and first Lady Rev. Mrs. Rose Donkor opened the floor.

Pastors at the high table

Some Elders at the high table

Members at the party Rev. Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Donkor opening the dance floor

Proposing of toast

Donkor family

Members and guests at the party

Church members at the banquet Pastors at the high table Dancing Competition Winners

Celebrants

Celebrants Some members and guests

Some members and guests Children at the party

Some members and guests

Some members and guests

The Ghanaian News December 2016

55

Impact Lives Church 11th Annual Christmas Community Dinner Impact Lives Church under the leadership of Bishop & Lady Tacky held a community dinner on Saturday December 10,

Bishop Tacky presenting gifts to children

Some invited guests at the dinner

2016.

The reason for this community dinner was to give back to the community for their support.

The gospel of peace, hope Bishop Tacky presenting gifts to children

and love was

Bishop and Lady Tacky ready to present gifts to the children

preached.

There were food, and gifts were given to children.

Adults were presented with the new book written

by Bishop Tacky as well.

Lady Tacky presenting gifts to a child Music Ministry

Ga-Dangbe Association Christmas Party at Elite Banquet Hall, Etobicoke on Saturday December 10, 2016

Group picture of guets and members at the party

Okuapemman Association Christmas Awards recipients

From left: Nana Akua Asantewaa (Lydia Okanta), Thomas Yirenkyi and Christiana Tieku

Mfantseman Association Christmas Party at Rose Garden 6628 Finch Avenue W., Toronto on Saturday December 3, 2016

Group picture of celebrants

Executive members

56

The Ghanaian News December 2016

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS RECIPES JOLLOF RICE - 6 servings

KELEWELE - 4 Servings

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS 4-6 medium - Riped Plantain 1 tbsp - Cayenne pepper 1 tbsp ground - Pepper corn, ginger and cloves 1 tbsp - Mix spices, Salt to taste

400g - Rice 200g - Onions 2 tbsp - Powdered Shrimps 400g - Fresh Tomatoes (Blend) 1/4 ltr. - Cooking Oil 1 ltr. - Water 200g - Tomato Puree 2 Stock Cube 1 tbsp Powdered Pepper 1/2 tbsp Mix Spice 1 tbsp Mill Ginger/Garlic Salt to taste

KAKLO - 6 Servings

METHOD:

INGREDIENTS

1. Prepare tomato gravy with cooking oil by adding chopped onions, tomato puree and shrimps powder.

2. Add mill ginger and garlic with all dry ingredients 3. Cover to cook for 5 minutes 4. Add water to the gravy and leave to boil 5. Add rice, stir and correct the seasoning and cover to cook for 15 minutes.

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

ACCOMPANIMENT: a. Grilled Chicken, Meat or Fish gravy b. Boiled vegetable or salad

ROASTED TURKEY

METHOD: 1. Wash plantain, peel and dice 2. Add mill spices and salt 3. Correct the seasoning and deep fry till golden brown 4. Serve hot with roasted groundnut as a snack or as a side dish.

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

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

ACCOMPANIMENT: Bambara Beans, Red Red or Bean Stew

TURKEY STUFFING INGREDIENTS 1/4 cup (60 mL) butter 1 onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1/4 cup (60 mL) fresh sage, finely chopped 1 tsp (5 mL) dried thyme leaves 1/2 tsp (3 mL) salt and freshly ground pepper (each) 12 cup (3 L) cubed day old crusty bread, about 3/4-inch (2 cm) pieces 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh parsley, chopped 2 cups (500 mL) CAMPBELL'S® Ready to Use Chicken Broth 1 (18 pounds) whole turkey 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 1/2 quarts turkey stock 8 cups prepared stuffing 1.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Place rack in the lowest position of the oven.

2.

Remove the turkey neck and giblets, rinse the turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Loosely fill the body cavity with stuffing. Rub the skin with the softened butter, and season with salt and pepper. Position an aluminum foil tent over the turkey.

3.

Place turkey in the oven, and pour 2 cups turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. Baste all over every 30 minutes with the juices on the bottom of the pan. Whenever the drippings evaporate, add stock to moisten them, about 1 to 2 cups at a time. Remove aluminum foil after 2 1/2 hours. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh reads 180 degrees F (80 degrees C), about 4 hours.

4.

Transfer the turkey to a large serving platter, and let it stand for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Melt butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add onion, celery, garlic, sage, thyme, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 7 minutes or until vegetables are softened. Cool slightly.

2. Toss vegetable mixture with bread, eggs and parsley. Stir in broth gradually until well combined. Transfer to a buttered 9x13-inch (3 L) casserole dish.

3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until set in the center and golden on top. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

TURKEY GRAVY - Ingredients 1. Turkey: 2. 1 carton CAMPBELL'S STOCK FIRST™ Chicken Stock OR Campbell's® Ready to Use Chicken Broth 3. 3 tbsp (45 mL) lemon juice 4. 1 tsp (5 mL) each, dried basil leaves and dried thyme leaves, crushed 5. 1/8 tsp (0.5 mL) ground black pepper 6. 1 (12 lb / 5.5 kg) turkey 7. Pan Gravy: 8. 1 carton CAMPBELL'S STOCK FIRST™ Chicken Stock OR Campbell's® Ready to Use Chicken Broth 9. 1/4 cup (60 mL) all-purpose flour Directions 1. Mix stock or broth with lemon juice, basil, thyme and black pepper to create basting mixture.

2. Roast turkey according to package directions (until internal temperature of turkey reaches 180°F / 82°C), basting occasionally with basting mixture.

3. Once cooked, remove turkey from roasting pan and let turkey stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

4.Pour drippings into a saucepan– skim off fat leaving around ½ cup of drippings.

5.Add remaining stock or broth mixture and flour to drippings in saucepan.

6.Heat until mixture boils and thickens, stirring often. Serve with sliced turkey.

The Ghanaian News December 2016

57

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Longtime Gambian President Yahya Jammeh Loses Vote

CARGO - LINK INTERNATIONAL (Freight Forwarders & Consolidators) Competent Commitment & Excellence

cont’d from pg. 46

face a dizzying array of challenges. back from the brink and restore human One of the world’s poorest nations, rights and true democracy.”

Gambia also has one of the world’s highest migration rates relative to its It is unclear how the transition will population., closely trailing another unfold in a country not used to peaceful hermetic African dictatorship, Eritrea. transfers of power. “An attempt to hold Many young Gambians have perished onto power would result in significant trying to cross the Mediterranean. oppression and be very bad for the country,” Mr. Vines said. “Jammeh has Rights groups say Mr. Jammeh’s dismal few international friends and often acts human rights record has left deep on emotion.” scars on those who have remained.

The unseating of an incumbent president Authorities have targeted political at the ballot box was once rare in West opponents, journalists and gay people, Africa, but last year in Nigeria, the among others. region’s largest economy, Muhammadu Buhari defeated Goodluck Jonathan and “A window of opportunity has opened his People’s Democratic Party, which for Gambians to leave fear behind,” said Human Rights Watch, the New Yorkhad run the country for 16 years. based rights group. “That Election Day On Friday, documents from Angola’s took place without violence or apparent ruling party confirmed that President political interference is a victory for a José Eduardo dos Santos would leave country that has so far long been denied office next year after 37 years in power. it.” The Wall Street Journal

59

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

CRA spends millions but fails to stop tax workers from snooping on Canadians, documents show $10.5 million spent to prevent tax-file snooping, but at least nine workers caught breaching privacy in 2016

Canada Revenue Agency workers continue to snoop on the confidential tax files of businesses, acquaintances and others, despite at least $10.5 million spent so far to try to stop them.

But more than three years later, confidential tax files are still susceptible to nosy workers armed with passwords and CRAsupplied computers.

On Feb. 18, for example, the agency reported that CBC News has uncovered a “CRA employee made nine significant cases unauthorized access r e p o r t e d s i n c e J a n . to the accounts of 90 1 in which tax workers acquaintances and family i m p r o p e r l y p o k e d members, 1 business and around the government’s his/her own account.” electronic records to extract sensitive private I n a n o t h e r b r e a c h i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t reported on Feb. 22, an income, deductions, employee improperly benefits, payments and accessed the accounts of 227 businesses and employment. individuals.

It’s a long-term, chronic problem at the agency, CBC News obtained exposed in 2009 and records detailing the latest again in 2013 by Canada’s crop of privacy breaches, privacy commissioner, altogether affecting about who was assured that 500 Canadians, under the managers were taking Access to Information tough action to prevent Act. the breaches.

Deliberate snooping

Federal government departments are responsible for hundreds of significant privacy breaches each year, but most are inadvertent, such as mail sent with the wrong address or misplaced memory sticks.

Most cases at CRA, on the other hand, are the result of deliberate snooping by employees.

The agency has spent $10.5 million since 2013 to make its computers more secure against its own workers, and more money is earmarked for next year to comply with recommendations from the federal privacy office, including enhancing system controls so employees can only access information they need to do their jobs.

‘The agency reports that it has made several

important improvements to its management of personal information.’Privacy Commissioner Daniel Therrien’s 2016 report Privacy Commissioner Daniel Therrien’s latest annual report, delivered in September, said his office was assured that CRA has implemented almost all the safeguards recommended in the 2013 audit.

“The agency reports that it has made several important improvements to its management of personal information including introducing new policies, increasing corporate oversight and ensuring more timely assessment of privacy and security risks,” he wrote.

CRA has been voluntarily reporting breaches since at least 2011.

Since May 2014, federal government policy has required all departments and agencies to report material breaches to both the privacy commissioner and to the Treasury Board Secretariat.

The government defines “material” breaches as “those that involve sensitive personal information and could reasonably be expected to cause injury or harm to the individual.”

The number of breaches rose from seven in 2011 to 30 in 2015, but experts say that’s likely the result of greater vigilance in spotting rogue employees rather than more snooping. The total for 2016 is not yet available, but CRA says it’s down from last year.

CRA manages one of the biggest confidential

databases in Canada, and about two-thirds of some 40,000 workers have electronic access.

The agency is the fourth worst offender for material privacy breaches among some 240 federal institutions that are subject to the Privacy Act, behind only Veterans Affairs Canada, Immigration, and Corrections Canada.

The agency typically notifies taxpayers whenever their information has been compromised, though this year’s victims included several deceased Canadians.

CRA says it has fired eight of the nine workers caught so far this year.

“CRA systems are strong, tight controls are in place, and we continue to assess and improve our controls on an ongoing basis,” spokeswoman Lisa Damien said in an email.

High-profile cases CRA has seen at least three other high-profile privacy controversies in the past three years.

In April 2014, a hacker managed to exploit the so-called Heartbleed computer vulnerability to access about 900 social insurance numbers.

The so-called Heartbleed vulnerability in CRA’s computers allowed a hacker to extract the social insurance numbers of some 900 Canadians in 2014.

A mailroom mix-up at CRA later that year sent a CD full of confidential taxpayer information to CBC News.

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Gas filling station explodes near Trade Fair Centre, many feared injured A gas filling station near the Trade Fair Center in Accra has exploded injuring many with others feared dead.

It is unclear yet what may have caused the explosion but eyewitnesses indicate that a number of people were present at the filling station at the time of the explosion.

It took the timely intervention of the fire service to lessen the effects of the fire.

Reports emerging indicate thick black smoke was seen billowing into the sky after the explosion.

The flames affected the power lines in the area causing an instant power

outage in the area. The blaze caught sections of the Trade Fair building.

Residents living nearby were thrown into a state of confusion; many getting injured in the process.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the explosion.

3news.com

Ontario’s harmony is fragile, can be broken, Premier Warns cont’d from pg. 1 the south as a warning. The Premier thankedmembers of the ethnic media and community for being agents of tolerance and for being agents of acceptance.

To u c h i n g o n h e r government’s work at building an inclusive province, the Premier reminded her listeners that Ontario is one of the leading provinces in

Sudden spike in prison violence ‘a problem right across the country’ cont’d from pg. 31 alleges he was severely beaten for five hours last year by other inmates in the Surrey pre-trial jail in June after being transferred into an area that housed members of the Red Scorpion gang.

The lawsuit says the guards must have known what was going on as Cunningham screamed for help and others on the unit egged on his unidentified attackers.

The province is denying that allegation and says in a statement of defence Cunningham requested the transfer and voluntarily broke rules when he entered the gang members’ cell.

Grace, who represents other clients who have facial fractures, broken bones, and have lost mobility in jail violence, says “the prison authorities have to take incompatibility more seriously.”

In Ontario, former inmate Francis Jesse Deguire launched a lawsuit against the provincial government, after he was beaten severely while serving a brief sentence for drunk driving in Brockville. He says an attack by other inmates last year nearly detached his eyelid and left him with bloody head injuries.

A judge who sentenced one of Deguire’s attackers questioned whether it was time for an inquiry into provincial institutions.

“There have been complaints for years about the state of our

institutions,” said Justice P eter Wright. “Th i s is far worse. It raises serious issues of safety, about the ability of correctional officers to respond, their authority, training, planning and supervision.”

At the Halifax provincial jail where Wright was beaten, there have been 111 assaults in the first nine months of this year.

Wallace, convicted on Nov. 29 of the assault in Dartmouth provincial court, had been transferred into the jail’s West 3 unit hours earlier, even though an online system showed he posed a danger to Wright as an “incompatible,” and shouldn’t have been near him on Nov. 9, 2015.

Wallace, 40, had been serving time for drug possession. Wright had been incarcerated for two months for theft and breaches of release conditions.

After the beating, Wright was eventually treated with eye packs and ibuprofen for the swelling and bruising on his face, and moved off the unit and released weeks after the incident.

The court heard testimony of how a computer system that was supposed to keep the men apart simply didn’t “link,” and made no warning of the danger Wallace posed.

Sean Kelly, the province’s director of corrections, says until late last year

the computer system had problems making two-way links between incompatible prisoners.

He says it has been improved, but is still being worked on.

“We’re looking at making further changes to make sure there’s no problems in that area again,” he said in an interview, adding that it’s not uncommon for an inmate to have anywhere from six to 40 other inmates with whom they’re considered incompatible.

Overall, in the Nova Scotia provincial system alone, there are 13,000 online listings of incompatible situations, said Kelly.

Michael Weinrath, a criminologist and the author of Behind the Walls, read the testimony and viewed the video of Wright’s beating, and said, “that’s an obvious error. They need to correct that,” of the computer glitch.

However, the teacher at the University of Winnipeg says the deeper worry is the frequency and intensity of violence among inmates.

“At the time I wrote my book, the trend to more violence was not evident; it has been in the last few years,” he says.

In Behind the Walls, he suggests multiple causes, including the potency of the drugs being traded, the rise of gangs who target other inmates, and also a decline in a

61

once prevalent code of behaviour that governed relationships between inmates.

In some of his interviews with inmates, Weinrath heard accounts of violations of the “convict code.”

“Inmates stealing from one another, fights being many-on-one, problems on the street being brought into institutions, and no consistent status hierarchy by crime being recognized,” were among the consistent breaches that seemed to have escalated, he wrote, basing his finds on dozens of detailed interviews with guards and inmates.

Grace says many pretrial detention centres don’t have sufficient staffing levels and are overcrowded, adding to the danger to inmates who may not have even appeared in court.

Peach says governments mostly ignore the assault problem, and too many members of the public view it as an acceptable part of prison life - despite the cost to the taxpayers in lawsuits and long term disabilities.

He watched the video of Wright’s beating with horror.

“There’s an obligation on the part of corrections to do everything in their power to try and prevent this kind of assault,” he says.

The Canadian Press

the country in terms of economic growth. “We are outstripping most of the other provinces, we are outstripping the United States and seven of the other OECD countries.

In addition Wynn talked about the province’s role in ensuring no one is left behind. She informed the gathering from this year young people will have access to great education right through post-secondary. From September young people from low and middle low income families are having more help with tuition and for many of those young people, tuition will be free. The Premier called this a game changer for young people across Ontario.

In addition, Wynn disclosed, more childcare spaces are being provided so that women can take part in the economy in greater numbers. 100,000 childcare spaces – 20,000 a year for the next five years. While admitting that her government has not done everything that needs to be done, the Premier noted there is more to be done on issues like electricity prices.

Starting in January eight percent of those bills will be reduced because the provincial portion of the HST is being taken off the electricity bills, she stressed.

Ontario is having a conversation with the federal government at the moment to make sure the health care system is sustainable.

The government is only funding 23% of health care in the country while the original deal was 50% provincial; 50% federal. The conversation centers around home care, mental health services,

Indigenous health which must be addressed at the provincial level. Neverthe-less, the Premier is very optimistic about the province’s future Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration told media practitioners it is important to hear their voices. She observed a lot of time the work of both media and government cross paths. She also assured the celebrants that her government is committed to equality of opportunity and it strives to do that every day. “We also strive to get an Ontario that is free of discrimination and racism. It was that commitment the minister assured members of the National Ethnic Press and Media Council that resulted in establishment of the Anti-Racism Directorate headed by Michael Couteau MPP. She noted despite progress made to ensure Ontario society is inclusive there are still unfortunately discrimination and even systemic racism existing that create barriers for some groups especially Indigenous communities.

Another speaker who emphasized the importance of diversity was the Deputy Leader of the New Democratic Party Jagmeet Singh, MPP for Bramalea-GoreMalton. He also took the opportunity to criticize the Liberal Government for its plan to sell of Ontario Hydro, an agency which was built with taxpayers’ money but taxpayers were not consulted when the government’s decision was taken to sell off the agency.

Also attending the celebration were Ambassador Alvin Curling, Jennifer French of the NDP; John B.D. Kpebesani, Consul General for Ghana to Toronto and members of York Regional Police including Chief Eric Joliffe and Inspector Ricky Veerappan.

SUPPORT BLACK OWN BUSINESS Message from The Ghanaian News 916-3700

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

PLACES OF WORSHIP DIRECTORY Ghana Methodist Churches in Canada

I AM ALPHA & OMEGA MINISTRY INT'L

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We invite you to worship with us

The Superintendent Minister-In-Charge

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Jericho Hour Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

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EVANGEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH NEW ADDRESS 314 Rexdale Blvd. Etobicoke, Ont. M9W 1R6 Tel: 416-242-7950 Fax: 416-242-8573

Calgary Methodist - 403-603-2864 Edmonton Methodist - 587-336-1223 Ottawa Methodist - 613-823-2291

In Montreal at: Place of Worship: 6870 Rue de Terreborne, Montreal, Que, H4B 1C5

Church Activities

Pastor in Charge

Rev. Milton Offei

Sunday School: Church Service: Sunday Evening: Wednesday Bible Studies: Friday Prayer Meeting:

10a.m. -11:00a.m.

11a.m. - 1:30p.m.

7p.m. - 8:30p.m.

7p.m. - 8:30p.m.

7p.m. - 9:00p.m.

Disciples Revival Church Healing & Deliverance Centre Rev. Dr. & Rev (Mrs) Charles Mantey Founders/Senior Pastors

416-614-7771

Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene

Day and Time of Worship Sunday Divine Service: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Friday Prayer Meetings: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Contact: Rev. Joshua C. Doughan - 514-542-0871 SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED FOLLOWING THE TRADITIONAL GHANA METHODIST LITURGY. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU. GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU

CHRIST REDEEMER CHURCH

Pastor-in-charge: Pastor Eric Amoah Tel: (416) 748-1242 Cell: (416) 300-9970 Church Services Sunday Service: Bible Study: 10 a.m.-11a.m.

Worship Service: 11a.m. - 1p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m.

Friday Night Prayer: 8p.m.-10p.m. Pastor Eric Amoah Location: 4 Racine, Unit 9

(Kipling/Rexdale)

Email: info@disciplesrevivalchurch.org www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

Redemption Faith Church

SUNDAY SERVICE - Morning - 10:00 am

Invites you to worship with us at 1485 ALBION ROAD (Albion/Kipling)

Mid-Week Service

Tel: 905-495-1936 Fax: 905-495-1937

Wed: Bible Study & Prayer: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Friday: Youth Service 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Friday: Adult Intercessory Prayer - 7:00 - 9:00 pm

This is a loving and caring Church that preaches and teaches the whole counsel of God. A place where the word of God is backed by strong anointing to bring Salvation, Healing and Deliverance to all people who believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST

For deliverance & healing, come to Disciples, a Church that caters to your needs Do visit our website and sign up for the Pastor's monthly newsletter

www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

30 Gordon Mackay Rd, North York, ON, M9N 2V6

Rev. Dr. Stephen Ofori-Darko

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Sunday Search the Scriptures - 12 noon - 12-45 p.m.

Church Service - 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fridays - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Bible Study, Intercession & Deliverance

FOOD FOR LIFE

The Ghanaian News December 2016

63

Bringing the Gospel to our Community by Rev. Joseph Osei-Amoah THE COMING EVERLASTING KINGDOM “26Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent

by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”

29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.

32 “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.

33 “And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” 34Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36“Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37“For

with God nothing will be impossible.” 38Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!

Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

(Luke 1: 26-38 NKJV) The story of the birth of Christ is told or written each year at Christmas by different people with different emphasis. My emphasis for this piece is on the eternal kingdom of Christ. Every student of history knows that from the dawn of human history there had been the rise and fall of numerous kingdoms. One does not have to be a prophet to predict that even the most powerful kingdom in existence today will cease to exist or fade into insignificance.

Ancient history mentions powerful kingdoms of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Philistines, and the Egyptians. Those nations were followed by more powerful ones such as Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and the Rome. It was and still

is common knowledge that kingdoms come and go, however, the angel who spoke to Mary of her conception and birth of Jesus stated that the baby would be a Mighty King and His kingdom will never end. What makes His kingdom so special and different? The answer to this question is a long story but I shall do my best to prone it down to fit the space available to me.

Psalm 29: 10 reads: “The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood, and the Lord sits as King forever.”

Jeremiah 10:10 also reads: “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth will tremble, and the nations will not be able to endure His indignation.”

These and numerous verses in the word of God describe God as King.

God has always been King of the universe He created Genesis 1:1. He extended His rulership to the earth through man He created in His own image as His representative.

Unfortunately man switched alliance in favor of Satan, making Satan the usurper and ruler of the earth in Genesis 3. At the temptation of Christ, Satan bragged that the rulership of the world have been given to him.

Luke 4:5, 6: “Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment

of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.” Of course God did not give it to him but Adam who obeyed the devil instead of God. Jesus also confirmed that the devil is “the ruler of this world” John 14:30: “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.” This explains the wickedness, confusion, armed conflicts, immorality, death and all the problems that have engulf the world since the history of man.

The birth of Christ in Bethlehem, Judah, some two thousand years ago, marked the beginning of the end of the kingdom of Satan. In Genesis 3:15, God had promised to send the “seed of the woman”; the Son of God (Galatians 4:4), to retake what rightfully belonged to Him. His intense love for humanity led Him to allow His Son, the Christ, who was in the beginning with Him (John 1:1) to be identified with us through his incarnation when He was born by the Virgin Mary. He became human so that he could be crucified as the sacrifice for the sins of humanity; “…for without the shedding of blood, there is no remission.”

Hebrews 9: 22. By His

Ghanaian Presbyterian

death and resurrection, the Lord Jesus has reestablished the link between man and God. He said, “I am the way, the truth, The Lord Jesus the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised to return to the earth, this time as the Mighty Ruler who will rule the earth in righteousness. Zechariah the prophet saw him as the King, “And the Lord shall be King over all the earth.

In that day it shall be- the Lord is one and his name is one.” (Zechariah 14: 9) He will rule this earth in perfect righteousness for thousand years (Revelation 20:4); and finally merge it with the kingdom of Heaven which will continue forever as described in Revelation 21 and 22. In the everlasting kingdom of the Lord, sin will be no more because Satan and his fallen angels will be banished from it.

Revelation 20: 10 “The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” Death, pain, sorrow, conflicts of all kind would be unheard of. The kingdom will be populated by the redeemed, both living and those raised from the dead who have trusted in

the risen Savior including the Old Testament saints who looked forward to the redemptive work of Christ.

Those to be banished from God’s everlasting kingdom will be, “… the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

(Revelations 21:8) They will not be condemned because of their sin but for refusing divine pardon through His Son’s death.

(John 3: 16-19). The choice is yours, either to be in the everlasting kingdom of the Christ or refuse to be a part of it. You can change your future now by doing what the apostle Paul says in Romans 10:9, 10: “ That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Read Ephesians 2: 8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Finally read and do what John 1: 12 says: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

Living Word

Church of Montreal

Assembly of God Church (Affiliated with P.A.O.C.)

139 Millwick Drive Toronto, Ont. (Steeles/Islington) Tel: 416- 741-6285 Fax: 416- 741-0133

Minister: Rev. Stephen Azundem

Services: Sunday 10:00AM – 1:00PM Divine Worship Service Wednesday 7:00PM – 9:00PM Teaching Service (Bible Study) Friday 7:00PM – 9:00PM – Prayer Service

Tel (office): 514 278 8109 Tel (Cell): 514 660 2422

1345 rue Lapointe St. Laurent, QC, H4L 1K5

Location: At the Corner of O’Brien and Poirier.

Email: livingwordag@bellnet.ca Senior Pastor Rev. Isaac Takyi DeGraft

Church Activities

Sunday Early Morning Prayer: 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Prayer: 10:00 a.m-12 noon

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Friday Prayer 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Last Friday of the month“All Night Prayer”):

7:30 p.m.-12 mid-night Youth Service (Fridays): 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Departmental Meeting (Every other Sunday): 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, Toronto Tel: 416-614-6110 647-341-7305 Email: gcmuc.org Invites all Christians to join us to worship and glorify the Living God

Worship Schedule: Sunday Church Service - Akan: English Service

- 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

-

10:00 a.m. - 12 noon

Friday

- Prayer Meeting: - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday

- Organizational Meetings Choir Practice, Singing Band Practice

Bethel Prayer Ministry Int'l

Do you desire to experience the power and the presence of God demonstrated in your life?

Do you want to experience the marvelous work of God's grace in your life?

Then, Bethel Prayer Ministry International would like to invite you to visit their church where the word of God is preached powerfully to release the power of God in your life.

Pastor Dennis Awuku COME AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED Senior Pastor

Contact:

Res. 416-740-6963 Church 416-642-0390 Worship Hours: Sunday Service: 9am - 1pm Tuesday 9am - 2 pm Consultation Wednesday: 7pm - 9p.m.

Friday: 9pm - 12 pm Saturday (Prayer Warriors) 6pm - 8pm Location: 52 Carrier Drive, Unit 12, (Albion/Hwy 27)

Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

Harvest Christian Church Invites you for a wonderful time with the Lord

Auxilliary Minister Rev. Samuel Victor Mpereh

-

647-770-8440

Venue of Worship 65 Mayall Avenue, Toronto, ON Tel: 416-614-6110 Email: gcmuc.org Hamilton Society Stoney Creek United Church (Chapel) 1 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Hamilton Contact: 289-244-5914, 289-700-6815, 289-698-1388

Worship Hours Sundays (Mornings) 10 - 12:45pm Wednesday (Bible Study) 7 -8:30 pm Friday (All Night Prayer) 8-10:30pm Rev Moses Sarpong

Come and Experience the power of the Word Join us at 196 Toryork Drive(Corner of Weston/Finch)

Tel: 416-743-2507

It’s Harvest Time So Reach Out And Make A Difference

It’s A Great Commission!

Apos. Dr. Emmanuel Anthony Owusu National Head

The Ghanaian News December 2016

65

The Apostolic Church Int'l.

The Apostolic Church International (Toronto Assembly) is a Branch of The Apostolic Church in Ghana Apostle Nii Aryee (Area Supt. Canada-Wide)

Meeting Schedule Sunday (Worship) Wednesday Teaching Service Friday Prayers Friday: Monthly All Night Service Saturday : Movements -

- - - -

10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

THE APOSTLES'

Field Superintendent contact: 416-454-6141 (cell) 905-913-2037 (Res)

CONTINUATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (CANADA)

168 Rexdale Blvd.,

North American Headquarters: 10 Belfield Road Toronto, Ont., M9W 1G1 Tel: 416-247-6629 Fax: 416-247-5308

Etobicoke, Ontario, M9W 1P6 Church Office 416-740-1979 Field Secretary: Pastor Cyril Williams - 416-875-9616

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church

Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu

SERVICE TIMES:

2016: OUR YEAR OF LOVING OUR COMMUNITY

SUNDAY SERVICES: 9:00 am-10:30 am Multinational Service 11:00 am-1:30 pm Ghanaian Service WEEKDAY SERVICES: Wednesday - Bible Studies Friday - Prayer Service LOCATION:

Pastor-in-charge: Rev. Boniface Keelson

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 7:00 pm -9:00 pm

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

Tel: 416-740-1200 Fax: 416-740-6435 Email:

lighthouseag@outlook.com Website: http:/www/lighthouseag.ca www.lighthouseagtoronto.org

Rhema Power of Grace Chapel Int'l

Worship Service Bible Studies Service All Night Service Deliverance

Toronto

Sunday - Divine Worship - 10a.m. - 1p.m.

Wednesday - Bible Studies 8p.m. - 10p.m.

Friday - Prayer / Deliverance - 7p.m. - 10p.m.

Contact Lines: Tel: 416-321-2796 (Pastor's Res) 416-747-9225 (Church)

Cell: 647-921-2414

378 Cremazie East Montreal, Quebec, H2P 1E5

Scarborough Assembly

63 Howden Rd., Unit 'F' Scarborough, ON, M1R 3C7 Pastor In-Charge: Pastor Ohene Kena Tel 647-850- 0142 Fax 416-945- 9445

Tel: 514-271-9083 Pastor-In-Charge: John Arhin

Contact: Res: 450-687-4916 Cell: 514-654-6178

Immanuel Assembly of God Church, Scarborough Sunday School: 9:30am -10:30am Church Service: 10:30am - 12 noon

350 Deerhide Cres, North York, ON Rev. Bishop Joe Bonnah

Montreal Assembly

10 Belfield Road Tel: 416-247-6629

Place of Worship:

Founder &Pastor-in-charge

- Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday 9:00 p.m.

- Friday 9:30 p.m.

- Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Worship With Us At These Branches In Canada

Invites all Christians, Non-Christians and members of the Resurrection Power Tradition to join us worship the Great Jehovah

Days And Time of Worship

Website: www.apostlescontinuation.org

Rev. Douglas O. Ansah Pastor-in-charge

LOCATION Don Montgomery Community Centre 2467 Eglinton Ave. E. Scarborough, Ont., (Kennedy/Eglinton Subway Station) For more info contact:

647-880-4216

Email: immanuelscarborough@gmail.com Website: immanuelaog.ca.

66

The Ghanaian News December 2016

The Apostolic Church Int’l Canada Inc.

(Currently, the only Ghana affiliated Apostolic Church in Canada)

Heaven In My Heart Ministries 100 Penn Dr, Unit #3 Rev. Eleanor Adu-Anane, Oversea and Founder MRE, ECE

Tel, 647-892-9412 Fax: 905-846-6257 E-mail eleanoraduanane@yahoo.ca

Time of Worship: Apostle Dr. KwabenaAkufo Supervising Apostle

Reverend Festus Ofori Senior Pastor Services

Sunday Worship Service 10am-1:00pm Wednesday Bible Studies 7:30pm-9:30pm Friday Prayer Meetings 7:30pm-9:30pm Contacts Us: 312 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke ON M9R 1R6 Major intersection Martin Grove www.theapostolicchurchcanada.org Email:apostolicchurchcanada@yahoo.com

Wednesday: Bible Studies 7:00pm to 8:30pm Friday: Prayer Meeting 8:30pm to 11pm st 1 . Friday of every month: All Night Prayer Meeting & Deliverance 9pm to 2am Saturday: Youth Meeting: 2pm to 4pm Choir Practice: 3pm to 5pm Sunday: Christian Education: 9am to 10am Celebration: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Rev. Mrs Eleanor Adu-Anane MRE, BA, RECE For Counselling & other matters contact the Pastor

647-892-9412 or 905-846-6257 E-mail: eleanoraduanane@yahoo.ca 100 Penn Drive Unit #3, North York, Ontario Canada. M9L 2A9

Tel: 647-607-5124 / 416-274-3378 416-897-4742

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Mathew 5:6

Come and taste the power of Christ.

Mailing Address: 2 Berwick Avenue Brampton Ontario, L6Z 2P6,

The Ghanaian News December 2016

67

GHANAIAN ANGLICAN CHURCH OF TORONTO 1796 Lawrence Avenue West (Jane & Lawrence) Rev. Fr. Kenneth Korsah

Sunday: Bible Study

- 2pm-3:00pm Sunday Worship - 3pm-5:00pm Tuesday: Teaching/Prayer - 7pm-9:00pm Thursday: Prayer Meeting - 10:30am-12noon Friday: Prayer Meeting - 7pm-9:00pm

Saturday: Group Meetings - 3pm-7:30pm Bro. Sam Hector Morris (People's Warden) 905-792-9761 Bro. Bernard Kufuor (Priest's Warden) 647-928-9370 Sis. Shirley Nartey Tawiah (Secretary)

Welcome Home Evangelistic Ministries Affiliated with the Evangelical Church In Canada

Gen. Overseer & Founder: Evang. & Prophetess Winnie Manu BRE, M. Div.

Worship Celebration Services Sunday Worship Celebration: 10 a.m.

Wednesday: Bible Studies - 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday: Intercessory Prayer Meeting 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Friday: Youth Night - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Healing Service: Last Sunday of every month

Place of Worship Cheyne Middle School

236 Queen Mary Drive Brampton, ON L7A 3L3

Contact Info: Tel: 647 210 7057 Fax: 905 495 4789

Christian Hope Ministry Int'l Invites You All To Come Worship With Us Apostle-in-charge: Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

Tel: 647-344-6726 Cell: 416-200-2453 TIME OF WORSHIP: Sunday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Tuesday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

VENUE: 1177 Finch Dr. #20, North York "And these signs will follow those who believe, in My Name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick , and they will recover. Amen (Mark 16:17)

"COME AND EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF GOD"

Transformation Centre Assembly of God Church, Mississauga Join us on Sundays for worship at: Venue: Clarkson Community Centre (Margaret Marland Room) Address: 2475 Truscott Drive, Mississauga, Ont (Southdown Rd/Truscott Dr. on Winston Churchill Blvd/Truscott Dr.

Time: 10.00AM-1.00PM

Website: www.wheministries.org

Email: whemtoday@gmail.com

Glory Pentecostal Ministry of Toronto Pastor-in-charge: Rev. Rockson Owusu Atwima - 416-708-7742

Invites all Christians and Non-Christians to join us to worship the Almighty God WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Regular Service 11:00 am to 1:30 pm Tuesday Prayer and Healing Service 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday Prayer Night 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm

PLACE OF WORSHIP 230 Eddystone Ave., #207, North York, Ont. M3N 1H7 We are more tan our conquerors Romans 8:37 "Come and see the manifestation and the power of the Holy Spirit at work"

Praise Temple of Christ International Snr. Pastor: Apostle Osei-Bonsu 336 Gary Ray Drive @ Signet Worship Schedule Sunday Worship - 10 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday - Bible Study - 7 pm - 9 pm Friday - Prayer Meeting - 8 pm - 10 pm Second and last Friday of each month All Night Prayer Meeting 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Apostle Osei Bonsu

Contact: Pastor Isaac K. Bonful Tel: 289-814-5482 Email: transformcentreag@yahoo.ca www.transformationcentreag.ca "...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2a

For information call: 905-840-7387, 647-208-1093 416-209-9136, 647-710-2573 Pastor Appiah Jacob

68

The Ghanaian News December 2016

Around the Ghana Sports Scene FIFA Ranking: Ghana is 53rd in the world; 9th in Africa Ghana ended 2016 as the 53rd best national team in the world and ninth in Africa in FIFA’s last ranking for the year.

This was after they lost 2-0 to the Pharaohs at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria i n t h e 2 0 1 8 F I FA World Cup qualifiers.

Argentina take the ‘Team of the Year’ title from Belgium, who they overtook at the summit in April this year, and where they have stayed for the subsequent eight editions of the Ranking.

In all, La Albiceleste won ten of their 15 games in 2016, losing three and drawing twice.

Riyad Mahrez wins BBC African Footballer of the Year 2016 award Fans from across the world voted for the Algeria and Leicester midfielder ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew, Sadio Mane and Yaya Toure.

The Black Stars remained unchanged on the table after only 15 men’s international ‘A’ games played since the release o f t he las t r anking.

Ghana are down eight places in the world ranking to 53rd position and went down four places to ninth in the Africa last month.

with Jonathan Baah Annobil

Winger Mahrez, 25, told BBC Sport: “It means a lot, it’s something big for African players so I am very happy, I am very proud.

Black Star team ( 1 0 ) FIFA world rankings S p a i n (November position i n p a r e n t h e s e s ) : Top 10 African teams: Argentina B r a z i l G e r m a n y C h i l e

“It’s always good to receive awards and for African players it’s a huge honour.

To all the fans, thank you very much.”

(33)

He added: “Also I want to thank the Algeria fans and dedicate this to them as well and for my family.

( 2 ) Ivory Coast (34)

“I just have to carry on and keep going with my football and see what I can do.”

(1) Senegal

( 3 ) Tunisia ( 4 ) E g y p t

B e l g i u m

( 5 ) Algeria

Colombia

( 6 ) DR

(34) ( 3 6 ) (38)

Congo

(48)

F r a n c e

( 7 ) Burkina Faso (50)

Po rtu g al

( 8) Nigeria

U r u g u a y

( 9 ) G h a n a

(50) ( 5 3 )

Morocco (57) GHANAsoccernet.com

Dogboe claims WBO Bantamweight title Ghana’s Isaac Dogboe defeated Julian Evaristo Aristule of Argentina at Vector Arena in New Zealand to become the new WBO International super bantamweight and WBO Latino super bantamweight champion.

The undefeated Ghanaian Boxer (with a career knockdowns compelling record of 16-0, 10 Kos) Aristule’s corner to wave technically knocked the white towel to accept out his opponent in the to the royal prospect seventh round. from Ghana Dogboe came into the fight very heated and After the bout, Paul ready to explode his Dogboe, father, and punches , but Aristule trainer of the boxer gave Dogboe some was delighted with the tough smashes in the victory early rounds.

“We have worked hard However, Dogboe’s and very confident of storm was too heavy for making our country Aristule to withstand Ghana proud, it’s the best in round seven as he gift we can give them succumbed two straight

Message from The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

In May, Mahrez became the first African to be voted the best player in the league by his fellow professionals, only two years after he had joined Leicester from Le Havre for £400,000.

Mahrez has made a remarkable rise from playing street football as a youngster to shining in the company of some of the world’s best footballers.

It is further recognition for his outstanding form as Mahrez, whose family comes from the small town of El Khemis in Algeria, took the Premier League by storm.

In 2016 he proved he can thrive at the highest level, scoring four goals in his first five games in the Champions League.

He was a driving force in Leicester City’s shock title triumph, scoring 17 goals and providing 11 assists as the Foxes pulled off what had been a 5,0001 shot before the season.

Leicester manager Claudio Ranieiri was in attendance as Mahrez received his award and paid tribute to the winger.

Mahrez has added another award to his 2016 collection

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“I don’t speak about his quality. I speak about his sacrifice, he has fought for the team because it’s very important for us to be together.”

The award caps an exceptional year for Mahrez, who had already won the English Premier League title and was voted Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.

“I want to see him continue as a fantastic player,” the Italian told BBC Sport. “ It’s very important for us, for the team. He is improving every day.

after another peaceful election. We assure all Ghanaians of a knockout victory, we are bringing the titles home”.

The 22-year-old Ghanaian is likely to face the WBO world title held by Jesse Magdaleno of the United States after annexing the WBO International super bantamweight title as well as the WBO Latino super bantamweight belt with the win.

Ghana/Joy Sports

Riyad Mahrez

He has also excelled on the international stage. In five matches for Algeria he scored two goals and provided five assists, and helped them qualify for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations.

His achievements have also been recognised by football’s world governing body Fifa, who included him on its shortlist for Player of the Year - the only African among the 23 names.

Mahrez now joins a list of greats, including Abedi Pele, George Weah, Jay-Jay Okocha and Didier Drogba, to have won the BBC African Footballer of the year award. BBC Sports

Black Queens picket over unpaid bonuses Ghana’s female Senior National Team, Black Queens are currently picketing at the Ministry of Youth and Sports over their $25,000 outstanding bonuses per player for participating in various international tournaments.

The girls who were told by the FA secretariat to wait for the Minister Nii Lante Vanderpuye who will be at post around 2:pm have vowed to collect their monies before they will disperse to their various homes.

They have threatened to walk straight to the Flagstaff house to meet the outgoing President John Dramani Mahama if the Minister fails to

The aggrieved girls are picketing over their $25,000 outstanding bonuses per player

show up in his office. The aggrieved girls clad in their red jerseys were Speaking with Ghone Tv’s spotted carrying placards Dennis Murpuri, some of with the inscription ‘ them threatened to stop honour your heroes, stop playing for the nation if discrimination, we need the country continues to our money’ among others. discriminate against them. ultimatefmonline

The Ghanaian News December 2016

69

THE CENTRE FOR INCURABLE DISEASES INC. About Us Our mission statement is in keeping with God’s answer to humans, especially Christians to go back to nature and none shall be sick among you.

The Centre for Incurable diseases Inc., was established to educate and address the importance of healing the body using a three-pronged approach.

This approach using Vital Energy,™ Vital Water™, and Vital Minerals and Multi-Vitamins™ yielded results in the prevention, treatment and curing of all diseases after 21 successful clinical trials.

Dr. Kwasi Donyina

What we do During the Adamic era, humans were disease free as they obeyed God’s laws.The Centre treats people using: i.

Vital Energy™ – wavelength of 5-25 microns, (And God said, Let there be light and there was light Genesis 1:3); ii.

iii.

Vital Water™ – the pH of water has been modified to enhance the pH of the human blood, (And a river went out of Eden.

Genesis 2:10), and Vital Minerals and Multi-Vitamins™ – proper nutrients enhance the healing process and prevent diseases (And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which the fruit of a tree yielding seed, to you it shall be for meat.

(Genesis 1:29)

If good health is a priority in your life book your appointment now: The Centre for Incurable Diseases Inc., 123 Edward Street, Suite 505 Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1E2 Telephone: 416-314-3075 Email:info@incurablediseases.ca Website:www.incurablediseases.ca Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health just as your soul prosper 3 John 2

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The Ghanaian News December 2016

The #I Automobile & Cargo Shipping To WEST AFRICA

CARGO SHIPPING: LAND-SEA-AIR

ship@viamar.ca • www.viamar.ca Your Number 1 connection from Canada to TEMA GHANA and all of AFRICA with over 40 Years Experience

• Weekly /Service - Fast Transit times • Full loading service of Single Car / 2 / 3 and 4 cars in Container • Personal Effects / House Hold Goods - BAGS / BARRELS / USED CLOTHING • Commercial Cargo

For free Quote call

416-747-9774

RORO Service for TRUCKS MACHINERY Special Rates for 20' and 40' Containers

ask for Mr. Joe or Mr. Domenic

HEAD Office for Bookings / Inquiry: 4000 Steeles UNIT 9 Vaughan Ontario L4L 4V9

NEW Warehouse and loading yard Located at: 2844 Slough St, Mississauga, ON L4T 1G3

Dhar Textile

Wholesale of Ladies Garments PRE-CHRISTMAS SALE

Angelina - $25 for 6 yards

1 Lace $30 - 5 for $100.00 each 5 yds.

Heavy designed lace $85 for 5 yards George - $65 each

Super Wax $20 for 6 yards

* Open Fabric * Lace * Blanket * Men’s Wear

Tel: 514-223-4007

99 Chabanel West, Suite 422, Montreal, Quebec

The Ghanaian News December 2016

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