GHANAIAN NEWS - JANUARY 2025

Ontario Election to be Held on February 27

By Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto, ON

Ontario (PC)

The 2025 Ontario general election will take place on February 27, 2025, to elect the 44th Parliament of Ontario, On January 28, 2025, Premier Doug Ford confirmed that the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, accepted the premier’s advice to sign a proclamation dissolving the 43rd Parliament of the Province of Ontario, effective as of January 28, 2025..

In according to the provisions of the Election Act, the Lieutenant Governor called for the issuance of writs for

Liberals

the general election to be issued and named February 27, 2025, as the date for the Ontario’s next general election.

The incumbent Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario (PC) government, led by Premier Doug Ford since 2018, will be seeking re-election to a third consecutive term. The PC’s primary opponents are the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) led by Marit Stiles, the Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) led by Bonnie Crombie, and the Green Party of Ontario (GRN) led by Mike Schreiner

The Leaders mandate

Eliminate interest on Ontario Student Assistance Program loans, create 40,000 co-op positions, paid internships and apprenticeships through tax credits to companies that hire young people and make student residences more affordable. Raise income threshold for repayment on OSAP loans to $50,000 and to fund universities and colleges fairly. Cap international student enrolment at 10 per cent for each postsecondary institution and keep tuition frozen for domestic students.

Keep post-secondary tuition rates frozen for domestic students, eliminate interest from existing student loans and turn student loans into grants.

Appoint a special investigator to look into various plans and deals under Doug Ford, including the $612 million cost of speeding up the availability of alcohol in corner stores by one year, the sudden closure of the Ontario Science Centre and the now-reversed Greenbelt land swap, also under RCMP criminal investigation. Accountability

YEAR 2024 IN REVIEW

January 2024

• Apostle Daniel Nii Lomotey Engmann visited Church of Pentecost Red Deer, Alberta

• Justice Michael H Tulloch, Chief Justice of Ontario stated that “Build trust between black communities & Police” at the York Regional Police Black History Month celebration

• TTC users will soon be able transfer to and from GO transit for free

• Online harms: Liberals seek to create safety commission, new ombuds person

• Ontario adds $1.3B in post-secondary funding, freezes tuition for three more years

• The number of inmates awaiting trial in Canada’s provincial jails has quadrupled in the last 10 years: CCLA

• MPs to use local languages for parliamentary debates in Ghana

• US provides $2M to construct a new national vaccine cold room

cont’d on pg. 38 cont’d on pgs. 26-27

Premier Doug Ford Progressive Conservative Party of

Marit Stiles Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP)

Mike Schreiner. Green Party of Ontario (GRN)

Bonnie Crombie Ontario Liberal Party (OLP)

Compiled by Jonathan Baah Annobil, LJI Reporter,Toronto, ON

RAMESH SANGHA LAW FIRM

*

Ramesh Sangha BSN, MP

Rats! Why Toronto’s rat population is growing,

and will likely continue to do so

Toronto may need to change how it plays its game of cat and mouse with its growing rat problem.

A new peer-reviewed study, published in Science Advances, took a closer look at public rat sighting and inspection data from more than a dozen cities across the globe over the last 12 years. Of the 16 cities researchers investigated, 11 saw significant increases to their “rat numbers” with Toronto ranked third, behind only Washington and San Francisco.

Toronto even squeaked past New York

City – whose rat problem became so severe that it now employs a “rat czar” – for third.

“I’m not really surprised. There have been rats since, I think the earliest reports were back in the early to mid1800s,” Burton Lim, assistant curator of mammals at the Royal Ontario Museum, told CTV News Toronto.

“As the population has gotten bigger, there’s more food available. This is a particular species of rat (Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) that just does well wherever people are, so feeding primarily off the garbage but

also taking advantage of nice, warm homes that they can also live in.”

The prevalence of rats in Toronto has been on the rise for years and the research suggests that the city will likely see more of these rodents in its streets due to warming temperatures and its densely-populated urban centre.

Alice Sinia is an entomologist and pest specialist at Orkin Canada. She says the data underscores what the pest control company has already been seeing.

Orkin Canada had already crowned Toronto as the “rattiest” in Canada for

the last few years.

“Over the years we’ve seen a steady increase in, I would say, unscientific population among rodents in Toronto,” Sinia told CTV News Toronto. “The reason I’m saying its unscientific is because it’s within our industry, the structural pest control industry. We’ve been getting more calls and services for rodent control.”

The study notes a major contributor for the rise of rats is largely linked to the weather, as cities with a “greater rise

cont’d on pg. 22

EDITORIAL

Publisher / Editor

Emmanuel Ayiku

Contributing Editor

Joe Kingsley Eyiah

Director of Operations

Comfort Ayiku

LJI Reporter

Jonathan Annobil

Online Editor

Ebenezer Amankwah

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EDITORIAL

Ontario Votes February 27, 2025

With the formal dissolution of the provincial legislature on January 28, 2025 by Lieutenant Governor of Ontario,Honorable Edith Dumont .at the request of Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario Leader Doug Ford, the 2025election campaign is officially underway.

The general election in Ontario is on Thursday February 27, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and candidates in 124 ridings across the province have begun their formal campaigns.

Up until the night of February 27, thousands of Elections Ontario workers will be helping eligible residents cast their ballots.

Ghanaian News is here to advice all eligible members of our community to go out in their numbers and cast their vote, especially if you have a voter information card, as quickly, and as easily as possible.

“Voters need to bring one piece of ID with their name and their address, and if they do receive a voter information card they can bring that as well and that just makes the process really simple when they get to the voting location,.

While the official election date isn’t until February 27, there are a number of ways for voters to cast their ballots early.

Some voting areas will allow for special ballots to be cast which is already open, however advanced voting will be open between February 20 and February 22, those looking to vote by mail will need to apply to do so, or voters can head to the polls on election day.

This year, Elections Ontario staff has moved some processes onto digital platforms.

For instance, they launched an Elections Ontario app (on Apple Store or Google Play) that allows voters to find out where they can vote, download their information card to use in conjunction with ID in order to vote, check to see if they’re on the voters list along with the ability to make changes, and access the application to vote by mail.

For someone who doesn’t want to download the app, many of its functions are on the Elections Ontario website.

This year’s provincial election campaign will shape the direction Ontario takes in the years ahead from economic recovery to public health and from the high cost of living, housing and groceries.

Ghanaian News appeals to all community members to go out in their numbers to vote. Your vote is your power. Remember that a single vote makes a huge difference and as the saying goes, those that refuse to take part in government are bound to live under an incompetent government. Examine those various candidate platforms and decide which of them satisfies your family as well as community interests. Let us rise up to the occasion and make our Community stand up on this election.

The History of Valentine’s Day, and Why We Celebrate

By Lisa Milbrand, Real Simple

Valentine’s Day may be associated with romance, but the history of the holiday isn’t exactly lovey-dovey. Here are the facts you may not know—plus, fun ideas for Valentine’s Day 2025.

By Lisa Milbrand

Whether you love Valentine’s Day or hate it, one thing is clear: The holiday goes way back. And while it’s now known for kissing, Valentine’s Day gifts, and hard-to-get dinner reservations, the origins of the holiday are far less romantic. Here, the Valentine’s Day history that wouldn’t make it into a rom-com, including a martyred saint and a massacre.

When Is Valentine’s Day?

First, a quick refresher: Valentine’s Day always falls on February 14, but the day of the week varies by year. In 2025, Valentine’s Day will be on a Friday for the first time since 2020.

How Did Valentine’s Day Start?

Some historians believe it has roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. Held yearly on February 15, Lupercalia celebrated the coming of spring and fertility. It involved animal sacrifice, lots of drunken revelry, and possibly a ritual in which men and women were paired off by choosing names from a jar.

As Christianity spread, pagan rituals fell out of favor. At the end of the 5th century AD, Pope Gelasius I outlawed the celebration. He’s sometimes credited with implementing St. Valentine’s Day, a holy feast day, to replace it, but we don’t have definitive proof of that. Regardless, the Christian holiday eventually overtook the riotous Lupercalia.

Who Was St. Valentine?

St. Valentine is the patron saint of lovers, people with epilepsy, and beekeepers, among other things, but the real-life history of the man is unknown. There are various legends about a Christian figure named Valentine or Valentinus who was martyred on February 14 in the 3rd century AD. In one story, St. Valentine was a Roman priest and physician who refused to convert to paganism and was executed by Emperor Claudius II in about 270 AD. Prior to his execution, he miraculously healed the daughter of his jailer. As the legend goes, he then fell in love with the daughter and, on the day of his execution, wrote her a letter signed “from your Valentine.”

In another story, St. Valentine was executed because he secretly performed weddings for soldiers, who were forbidden to marry according to an edict from Claudius II.

The facts are so murky that the Catholic Church removed him from the General Liturgical Calendar in 1969, though it still recognizes him as a saint. Whoever the man was, the feast day in his name replaced the pagan Roman festival of Lupercalia.

How Did a Christian Holiday Become a Modern-Day Celebration of

Romance?

Before the 14th century, St. Valentine’s Day was primarily about honoring a Christian martyr. The English poet Geoffrey Chaucer is credited with connecting St. Valentine’s Day to the idea of romance. Chaucer lived in the Middle Ages, the era of courtly love, when broad, romantic statements of devotion—poems, songs, paintings— celebrated partnership. In his circa 1382 poem “The Parliament of Fowls,” possibly written to commemorate the engagement of King Richard II, he envisions birds gathering on St. Valentine’s Day to choose their mates. The goddess Nature declares: “You know that on Saint Valentine’s Day / By my statute and through my governance / You come to choose — and then fly your way — / Your mates, as I your desires enhance.” From then on, Valentine’s Day was seen as a day of romantic love. So we can thank poetry—the ultimate romantic art form—for our modern-day idea of the holiday.

Yet the romantic holiday isn’t immune to tragedy. During Prohibition in Chicago, seven men were killed by a gang organized by Al Capone on February 14, 1929. The Valentine’s Day Massacre became a flashpoint in Prohibition history, with police and lawmakers going after the gangs and mobs that had formed in cities to control then-illegal substances like alcohol.

Why Do We Send Valentines?

Love letters, of course, go way back; if the legend of St. Valentine is true, his missive to the jailer’s daughter probably counts as the first valentine. But historians say that the earliest valentines as we think of them today came about in Europe and the United States in the 17th century. They were possibly inspired by the German tradition of exchanging Freundschaftskarten, or friendship cards. These early valentines were handmade—sometimes very elaborately with lace and ribbons— and inscribed with sentimental messages. Over time, as printing and postal services advanced, valentines became a big commercial business. Today, according to Hallmark, about 145 million valentines are sold every year, not counting the boxed sets often used for classroom exchanges. We think DIY Valentine’s card ideas are still worth trying, though!

Confronting the Open Hostility to Race and Equity Work

By: Professor George J. Sefa Dei, Toronto, ON

This month marks African History Month and we must celebrate our continued existence as a community. We owe our existence to our Ancestral resistance. Although there are diverging opinions about ‘African History Month’, it is important that we pause and recognize all the hard work and sacrifices of our forebearers to create a better society for everyone. During African History Month, we also acknowledge African History as a time to reclaim the past, reflect on the present, and project onto the future. So, in this vein I want us to have a good and critical reckoning to current developments on our geo-landscapes. Many in our communities are speaking and writing about the growing hostility to social justice work these days. But social justice work is about our liberation and existence.

Difference is about Us. It is the source of our collective strength in contrast to those who see difference as a problem. We must be vocal againstand resist all attempts to ban difference as the ‘Other’, as this is rooted in dehumanization. We can do this by affirming our identities. For, if we cannot engage our ‘identities’,then who exactly are we? In other words, who are we, without our identities?The on-going assault on our identities in the face of hostility and denial of the legitimacy of race, antiracistandequity work (e.g., ‘Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’ [DEI] or what is known widely in Canadian contexts as ‘Equity, Diversity and Inclusion’ [EDI]), is extremely disheartening. We must understand the ‘why’, ‘how’,and ‘what’ of these developments.What should be the nature of our collective resistances moving forward?

It is also important for us to understand and distinguish betweenthe principles and philosophy behind ‘EDI’/‘DEI’, as opposed to how ‘DEI’ ispracticed or pursued. The latter has been a sore point of contention from community activists and radical educators. It is crucial that as we critique ‘DEI’, we also don’t engage in the proverbial act – ‘throwing the baby away with the bathwater’.‘DEI’ is not perfect not the solution to all problems. We have serious concerns about ‘DEI’/’EDI’. There are limits, as well as possibilities, to ‘DEI’ work. We have seen corporate interests in ‘DEI’as primarily a ‘business strategy’. We have not always brought a firm commitment to ‘DEI’ causes, nor have we boldly named the issues anti-Black and antiIndigenous, anti-Muslim, anti-Asian racisms, Antisemitism and White supremacy. But the principles ‘DEI’ espouses is something we canlive with. These principlesare for a common good even if not perfect. The truth is, these principles are not intended to create divisiveness, but to bring everyone to table, where power is collectively shared and we acknowledge each other dignity and humanity by responding to exclusion and injustice.

There is a long history of community voices and political advocacy against different forms of oppressions.Black, Indigenous, and Racialized anti-racist & anti-colonial scholars, along with community workers, have always highlighted the ‘saliency’ of skin color racism and the specificities of antiBlackness, anti-Indigenous, anti-Asian

: Professor George J. Sefa Dei,

and anti-Muslim racisms, as well as Antisemitism in our communities.We have been joined in this struggle by ‘critical friends’ who are White.It is a fact.

Unfortunately, today we are increasingly,witnessing how ‘culture’ has become a code word for hate.There is the hypocrisy of crying ‘cancel culture’ from those who get to speak the loudest and have their voices heard [e.g., those who claim to be for freedom and liberty while banning books and working hard to erase Black history].Additionally, there are those who insist on rights and dignity and yet, diss Critical Race Theory, Black History, African Studies, Gender and Women Studies, Disability Studies, 2SLGBTQI+ rights, etc.‘The antiwoke’ machine gleefully covers up theirtroubling language in lies and misinformation. They will say they are for upholding ‘family values’, but are not insistent about the ‘right to learn truths’, the ‘right to feel safe from harassment’, or that ‘the diversity of our communities demand we teach and learn complexities and our different histories’. Let us be honest here. As a media personality recently observed, ‘DEI’ is now used as a ‘racial slur’ to castigate Black/African peoples in particular. [Remember, ‘Kamala Harris as a ‘DEI’ hire!’]. It is ‘woke’ to insist on transgender rights. But it is NOT ‘woke-ism’ to rename the ‘Gulf of Mexico’ as the ‘Gulf of America’!

There is a larger interest at stake in this fight and misinformation about ‘DEI’. We must understand why and how ‘DEI’ has become a ‘bogeyman’ and a smokescreen [ e.g., blaming ‘DEI’ for everything wrong in society!]?The unserious rhetoric of ‘DEI’, its exaggerated accomplishments for Black and Racialized peoples, and the false notion that ‘DEI’ discriminates against Whites must be called out. Where is the evidence that ‘DEI’ hinders the pursuit of ‘merit’ or ‘lowers standards’? In fact, many have rightly noted that the current ‘take down’ of ‘DEI’, is a roll back of gains of the Civil Rights Movement.This moment reflects an emerging fear and policing of anti-racist and de/anti-colonial work that only exacerbates our collective vulnerabilities.It is true that Black and Racialized peopleare ‘on the edge’. We are facing backlash and recriminations. All of this has sent shockwaves with powerful reverberations locally, nationally, and globally.

The moment can also be described as an exacerbation of Black and

Racialized ‘necropolitics’ (see Achille Mbembe). What is the true impact of ‘executive orders’ with respect to laying-off federal ‘DEI’ employees; removing ‘DEI’ official websites; banning the video of Tuskegee airmen from air force curriculum training manuals, or even expressing misgivings aboutMartin Luther King holiday, etc.? We do not learn about our true connected histories and each other’s worth in society. A growing weaponization and misinformation has culminatedin stripping‘DEI’ of its true intent. We can fight for‘meritbase’and ‘excellence’, and also, ask that our definitions be examined for their breadth and depth. When we fail to do that, we are not acknowledging the different excellences that exist within our diverse communities.If the goal is to ‘thin out’ the workforce over ‘DEI’, then let us also admit it will end up disproportionately affecting Black and Racialized bodies. This is because these bodies are likely to have entered that work force late given an appreciation of the merits of diversity and inclusion have grudgingly come late into our discussions.

But while some of us may see the ‘culture wars’, anti-wokeness and ‘Project 2025’ as attemptsto roll back the advances of the liberal democratic state, as many have also pointed out, this issomething more fundamental and substantial at play. It isa hidden truth. What we are dealing with is the nation state captured by the billionaire class, an oligarchy – thus, our analysis

must extend beyond the poetics of ‘petty White nationalist interests’ [see Asante, 2025].There is a structural and systematic takeover of the institutions of all levels of government to primarily serve the financial interests of the wealthy and powerful.If we do not speak pout we are also re-affirmingand ensuring W.E. B. Du Bois’ prophecythe 20th century will continue having the problem of the ‘colour line’!

Events unfolding elsewhereinevitably make their way to Canada – therefore, we cannot be complacent. In fact, these events are already here. We see the attacks on Canadian public education using ‘EDI/DEI’ as an entry point. School boards are being questioned on their sometimeshalf-hearted approach to anti-racist and anti-Black racism, as well as ‘DEI/EDI’ initiatives. White corporatesare now easilyscaling back on diversity, hiring and race equity, and ‘DEI’ initiatives. Some have already felt the chilly academic and work place cultures with serious implications for anti-colonial and anti-racist scholarship and political protests.However, remaining silent is making us complicit. Any general public apathy, particularly, among progressives is a deafening silence. We must collectively consider unique ways of Canadian response with honouring the future of anti-racism, anti-Black, anti-Indigenous, anti-Asian, antiMuslim racisms, 2SLGBTQI+ rights, as well as Antisemitism, while learning from other contexts.

Three American goods that could rise in price due to metal tariffs

A 25% tax is set to be imposed on all imports of steel and aluminium into the US , ending exemptions from the rules for goods from major trade partners including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, as well as the European Union.

The expanded tariff measures announced by President Donald Trump, expected to go into effect next month, will mean many US businesses wanting to bring the metals into the country will have to pay more.

But there is a risk that the companies will pass on the added costs, or some portion of it, to consumers.

Since steel and aluminium are key components in many goods, what items could get more expensive?

1. Canned food, beer and fizzy drinks

About 70% of the steel used in the US to make cans for food is imported today, coming in from countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Canada, according to the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), a business group representing can-makers.

After Trump ordered tariffs on steel in 2018, many can-makers won “exclusions” from those import taxes, over the objections of steelmakers, given the limited production of the type of steel used to make cans in the US.

Since then, steel manufacturers have cut production further, pushing up prices, warned the CMI, which sent a letter to the Trump administration earlier this month signed by big food companies including General Mills, Del Monte and Goya.

Robert Budway, president of the CMI, said without exemptions for can manufacturers to import steel tariff free, grocery prices for canned foods made in the US are likely to rise.

“While the president may believe that these tariffs are protecting the steel industry, they certainly are undermining our food security and our supply resiliency for American canned food, which Americans rely on every day,” Mr Budway said.

When it comes to aluminium, brewers and makers of fizzy drinks, such as CocaCola, have also warned the move will add costs and could lead to higher prices for customers.

“We control enough variables that we can adapt and mitigate our way through what is happening,” Coca-Cola chief executive James Quincey told investors this week.

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Trump has said there will be no exemptions from the rules this time, either for individual products or for particular countries, however some sectors are hoping he will row back from that position.

2.

Cars

After Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium during his first term, carmakers including Ford and General Motors warned the measures would add about $1bn to each of their costs.

For customers, Morningstar estimated the tariff costs back then would result in a roughly 1%, or a $300 price rise for customers.

Toronto council approves Mayor Chow’s 2025 budget that includes

6.9 per cent tax hike, votes to

Toronto City Council has voted to approve Mayor Olivia Chow’s 2025 city budget, which includes a 6.9 per cent tax hike to support the $18.8 billion operating budget and the $59.6 billion capital plan.

The budget includes a 5.4 per cent property tax increase, along with a 1.5 per cent increase to the city-building fund, for a total of 6.9 per cent.

The latest increase comes on the heels of a 9.5 per cent tax hike last year, the largest since amalgamation.

Chow tabled her second budget as mayor, cautioning that “the stakes are high for all of us,” citing what she described as decades of underinvestment and neglect.

“For too long, living in Toronto has become really difficult. Rent is too expensive. Subways break down too often, too many kids are hungry and police and paramedics are taking too long to arrive when Torontonians need them most,” Chow told reporters ahead of the meeting.

The budget includes money for expanded food programs, longer public pool and library hours, more parks staff, a freeze on TTC fares, more traffic

eliminate Tesla subsidy

wardens and union-negotiated wage increases for city staff.

During deliberations, some councillors bristled at the suggestion that tax increases above the rate of inflation are needed in order to continue building the city. Councillor James Pasternak pointed to a number of projects in his ward that were completed at a time when property tax increases were held to the rate of inflation.

However, Chow pointed out that during that time, the city was still able to negotiate Section 37 deals with developers in order to obtain funding for community infrastructure projects. The province ended that tool in 2023.

A number of other councillors questioned whether a property tax increase this high is necessary.

They suggested that the city could perhaps get more aggressive when it comes to fare evasion on the TTC.

Coun. Vincent Crisanti said some of his constituents are having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to tax increases.

“They feel the tunnel is getting longer, the light is getting a little dimmer,” he told Chow in the council chamber.

He moved a motion to reduce the property tax hike by two points by taking money from the reserve funds and implementing a 1.3% reduction in expenditures across all city departments. The motion drew some heated debate on the council floor, but was ultimately ruled out of order by speaker Francis Nunziata.

“I’ve never seen a perfect budget, but in this particular respect, with this budget, it is the budget for our time to respond to the needs that exist in our city,” Coun. Michael Thompson said.

Coun. Shelley Carroll, who serves as budget chief, pointed out that millions of dollars in efficiencies were already found through the budget process.

“It’s pretty clear what people are telling us. They want us to fix what is broken. They want us to deliver on whatever is in the budget. We don’t need to dream up new ideas. What we need to do is repair the city, reduce traffic, make it a safer place, work on that affordability,” Carroll said after the budget passed.

“They don’t need a brand new pony. They just need a city that works for them and keeps their kids safe and keeps their grandchildren able to call Toronto a place they’ll build their careers.”

Carroll added she plans to help inform residents on where their taxes are spent.

“I’m going to make it my business as budget chair for the rest of this year to walk people through how to find that information and share it with the community, so that as they make the investments that we’re asking of them right now, because we must, they can actually point to what will happen with those investments, and we can all together track whether or not we deliver on those,” she said.

Chow motion to exclude Tesla from grant program approved

Coun. Brad Bradford moved a motion calling on council to dig into reserves in order to cut industrial taxes by 25 per cent. It was defeated by a vote of 3 to 222.

That motion drew heated debate, with Coun. Paula Fletcher warning that such a cut could benefit U.S. warehouse retailers like Amazon.

Chow said she wouldn’t support Bradford’s motion, but she indicated that she was moving a motion to ban Tesla from the list of vehicles which

FOCUS

Clarion Call for National Policy on Education in Ghana; the way forward for National Development.

From Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Educator/Social Commentator

Unarguably, education is described as ‘key to development’ throughout the world. Irrelevant education (curriculum) tailored to a country’s intellectual, social, cultural and economic development is always therefore necessary for any nation that wants to make the education (both formal and informal/nonformal) of its people the bedrock of national development imperative. There should not be playing of party politics or individual interests when it comes to education in any serious country which seeks national development. This calls for a national policy on education in Ghana for national development. As a seasoned educationist I have often through my publications here and elsewhere drawn the attention of successive governments in Ghana to the need of national policy on education to guide all governments which come rule our beloved homeland Ghana.

HEEDING THE CLARION CALL:

It is therefore in the interest of Ghana that the new government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) under the leadership of H. E. President John Dramani Mahama has within few days of being in power has tasked an eight member committee, chaired by Prof. K. T. Oduro to plan and organize a National Forum on Education. Among other objectives, the committee is to; -identify key stakeholders within the education community -draft a national policy framework, along

with an action plan for implementation and recommendations to be submitted within three weeks following the Forum. Such committee is highly welcome and important first step towards building a National Policy on Education for Ghana. It is however recommended that the committee should not only listen to and gather opinions on this important matter from only ‘members of the ruling party’. It should rather involve and incorporate rich and sustainable ideas/suggestions from ALL STAKEHOLDERS ON EDUCATION IN THE COUNTRY DESPITE THEIR POLITICAL BACKGROUNDS. Thus, though it is an NDC government in power which is initiated this important step to ensure an acceptable national policy to guide governments on the education and development of dear nation, the public process MUST NOT BE POLITICIZED OR SUBJECTED TO ONLY ONE POLITICAL PARTY’S IDEOLOGY ON EDUCATION FOR THE COUNTRY.

The final recommendations after the nationwide Forum on Education ought to include the most acceptable as well as sustainable solutions to the run of schools and institutions associated with education that make

education in the country relevant and effective towards the overall national development of Ghana. What a good start for education in the country on through nationalistic approach. Let’s make it successful!

Toronto council approves Mayor Chow’s

2025 budget that includes 6.9 per cent tax hike, votes to eliminate Tesla subsidy

cont’d from pg. 9

qualify for a $4.85 million licensing fee grant program aimed at encouraging vehicle-for-hire drivers to buy electric vehicles.

Chow initially did not answer directly when asked if she was taking the move because the company is headed by Elon Musk, who is a close associate of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump has been threatening Canada with tariffs since taking office and signed an executive order Monday imposing steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada.

She said she is taking the move, which would come into effect on March 1, because Tesla is a “very popular brand” and said that there is “no reason” the city should be providing subsidies for it.

“People can still continue to buy electric vehicles, just not Tesla. I see no reason why the city should subsidize the purchase of Tesla,” Chow said.

However, the mayor later told council when she introduced the motion: “One of the best ways that we have is to send a message to the president’s right-hand person, (Tesla CEO) Elon Musk.”

Chow said the move will not affect taxi drivers who already own Teslas and operate them under the program.

She said the city has other ideas for how it might respond to U.S. tariffs that it could unveil down the road as part of its Toronto Action Plan.

The motion passed with a vote of 20 to 4. Cp24.com

Three American goods that could rise in price due to metal tariffs

cont’d from pg. 8

David Whiston, an analyst at Morningstar, warned Ford could be facing a similar cost increase this time, but said it was unclear how consumers will be affected. Affordability pressures in a market where sales have yet to return to 2019 levels could limit how much of the costs companies choose to pass on, according to Michael Wall, an auto analyst at S&P Global Mobility.

But he said it was still “realistic” to expect some of the costs from the metals tariffs to trickle down to buyers.

However he noted that Trump’s announcement of tariffs on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico, currently on hold until March, would have a much bigger impact for buyers.

At a business conference, Ford chief executive Jim Farley warned Trump’s recent moves were causing “a lot of cost and a lot of chaos” for his industry.

TD Economics has estimated cars could go up in price by about $3,000 if blanket tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada came into force.

3. Construction, housing and appliances

The construction industry as a sector is one of the single biggest users of steel, which developers and homebuilders need for everything from building frames to appliances.

Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, said the decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium ran “totally counter” to Trump’s stated goal of making housing more affordable, warning it would raise costs and deter development and rebuilding.

“Ultimately, consumers will pay for these tariffs in the form of higher home prices,” he warned.

The National Association of Home Builders has urged the president to exempt building materials from the proposed tariffs.

After Trump imposed steel tariffs in 2018, appliance maker Whirlpool faced an unexpected $350m jump in costs it said was driven by the increase in steel prices. Companies unable to absorb such costs would likely pass them on through higher prices in the shops. BBC News

The Elephant (NPP) Doesn’t Belong In Society

By Edmund Agbeko, Toronto, ON

TWriter Samuel Kyei-Boateng says that, The New Patriotic Party (NPP) ‘s determination to achieve the historic eight-year electoral jinx after chalking decisive electoral victories in the 2016 and 2020 general elections hit the rocks on December 7, 2024, as the party suffered a devastating defeat to its political opponent, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In 2016, the NPP beat the NDC by about one million votes and secured 169 parliamentarians compared to the NDC’s 106. Although the NPP won the 2020 presidential election by beating the NDC by 500,000 votes, the parliamentary polls were quite different. Both parties secured 137 legislators apiece, making Parliament a hung one. The NPP, however, was lucky to get the majority in Parliament, thanks to an independent parliamentarian, Amoako Asiamah, who decided to join the NPP caucus.

In the December 7, 2024 general election, the NPP’s 6.7 million presidential votes reduced to 4,877,611, while the NDC’s votes appreciated from 6.2 million to 6,591,790. While the NDC’s votes appreciated by nearly 400,000, the NPP’s votes decreased by over 1.8 million. Several factors accounted for the NPP’s dismal performance in the 2024 general election. Prominent among the factors leading to the NPP’s humiliating defeat, which was unheard of in the party’s electoral history, was the delegates’ system of electing parliamentary candidates for the 2024 general election, which resulted in apathy by most of the party’s registered voters.

The majority of the voters, numbering between 40,000 and 180,000 depending on the sizes of the constituencies who did not support an elected parliamentary candidate, did not complain openly, but waited for the general election to demonstrate their disapproval of the candidates by either voting against them or refusing to turn up for the election.

Many NPP supporters’ aloof behaviour on voting day negatively affected the party’s chances of winning the polls. The NPP supporters’ lukewarm attitude on December 7, 2024, caused the party’s electoral defeat. In the 2024 general election, the NPP secured 6.7 million presidential votes as against the NDC’s 6.2 million, showing a difference of 500,000 votes. However, in the 2024 general election, the NPP’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, garnered 4,876,611 which showed a deficit of 1,822,389, while the votes of NDC’s John Mahama appreciated from 6.2 million votes to 6,591,790, showing an increase of 391,790.

Many leading members of the NPP have condemned the delegate’s system of electing parliamentary candidates since that was the major cause that affected the party’s electoral fortunes in the 2024 general election. Among them is the former Majority Leader and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, who had been for many years an advocate against the delegates’ system for electing parliamentary candidates. Mr KyeiMensah-Bonsu reiterated his stance for the abolition of the delegates’ system on Womtumi television on January 13, 2025, as, according to him, “it hurt the NPP in last year’s general election.”

A former Director of NADMO, Mr George Ayisi, at a panel discussion on Joy News, recently also condemned the delegate’s system of electing parliamentary candidates for the NPP as it caused havoc for the party in the December 2024 general election.

Other leading members of the NPP, who have spoken against the abolition of the delegates system of electing NPP parliamentary candidates include Dr Ishak Kyei Brobbey, Dr Solomon Kwarteng Fokuo and Dr Afriyie, all senior lecturers at the Kumasi Technical University, who made their disapproval known in panel discussions on Womtumi television. Contributing to a panel discussion on Asempa FM recently, Kennedy Osei Nyarko, the MP for Akyem Swedru, also attributed the NPP’s humiliating electoral defeat to the delegates’ system. He said to his dismay, some NPP registered voters in his constituency approached him on the voting day for money before casting their votes with the explanation that as they were not delegates, they did not benefit from the money and other juicy inducements.

Apart from the delegates’ system, the other factors that contributed to the NPP’s devastating electoral defeat included the imposition of parliamentary candidates by the national, regional and constituency executives and disunity in the party. The rest were corruption and arrogance on the part of some NPP officials, unresolved internal party conflicts, undue delay in reshuffling ministers, the construction of the national cathedral which did not receive the support of many Ghanaians, economic challenges, especially depreciation of the cedi against the major international currencies such as the dollar, which caused losses for traders including importers.

The rest were the failure to release resources to NPP communicators at the regional and constituency levels to educate the masses on the need to vote for the NPP presidential and parliamentary candidates. The response given by former President Akufo-Addo that he did not hold anybody’s thumb to vote on the ballot paper, when the chief of Mamponteng complained about the poor roads in his traditional area was also a contributory factor to the NPP’s defeat. My advice to the NPP’s top hierarchy is to amend their ways to make a positive impact in the next general election. The ruling NDC should also learn a lesson from the factors that sent the NPP into opposition to reign for a long time.

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL ISSUES

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

Changes toOpen Work PermitEligibility for Family Members of Temporary Residents

The Government of Canada continues to strengthen the integrity and quality of temporary resident programs taking into consideration the country’s economic goals and labour needs. As part of the broader measures announced in September 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) decided to change open work permit (OWP) eligibility for family membersof international students and foreign workers.

Until recently, Canada has had a spousal open work permit program (SOWP) that allows spouses or commonlaw partners of eligible international students or foreign workers in Canada to work for any employer without restrictions. The program has been helping families to gain financial stability while their partner studies or works in Canada.

The former rules have been updated and the updated rules significantly limit eligibility of spouses of international students and foreign workerswho want to obtain work permits.Effective January 21, 2025, new eligibility criteria for Canada’s spousal open work permit for foreign students and foreign workers have been introduced and that

will impact many families planning to live and work in Canada.

Under the new rules, not all spouses of international students enrolled in programs of studies can qualify to apply for open work permits. The new rules stipulate that only spouses of students enrolled in specific graduate and professional programs will qualify for the open work permit. Theprograms that qualify include:Master’s degree of a minimum of 16 months duration;PhD programs andsome selected professional degree programs.

The selected professional degrees include Doctor of Medicine (MD); Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS,

DMD); Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL); Doctor of Optometry (OD); Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSC, BPharm); Bachelor of Engineering (BEng, BE, BASc); Bachelor of Education (BEd); Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine(DVM).

It is quite disappointing thatspouses of international students enrolled in undergraduate programs or nonqualifying courses will no longer be eligible for an open work permit. That puts financial strains on such students.

The new rules also redefine eligibility for spouses of foreign workers who wish to apply for open work permits. Prior to introduction of these new rules, spouses of all foreign workers could apply for open work permits. This has changed. Eligibility now depends on occupation type and job duration.

Under the new rules, only spouses of workers in TEER 0 and 1 occupations will be eligible to apply for open work permits automatically. These job categories includeexecutives, managers, and highly specialized technical professionals

Spouses of workers in TEER 2 and 3 occupations, such as construction, healthcare, education and natural resources will be conditionally eligible

depending on whether their partner’s job is considered critical to labour shortages.

Also, under the new rules, the principal foreign worker must have at least 16 months remaining on their work permitat the time the spouse applies for the open work permit. And, most significantly, dependent children of foreign workers will no longer be eligible for open work permits.

It should however be noted that open work permits that were approved under the previous measures and have not expired will remain valid. Workers covered by free-trade agreements and those transitioning to permanent residence will also not be impacted by these changes.

Theforegoing is not legal advice. Immigration laws and rules are changing at a fast rate. It is therefore advisable to seek professional advice when filing any application if you are in doubt of anything.

James A. Kwaateng is an Immigration Law practitioner with offices located at 168A Oakdale Road, Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario. For thorough discussion of your immigration and related social and legal issues, contact him at telephone number (416) 7432758 for an appointment.

Are things really falling apart with Mr. Trump in power?

By: Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi, Vancouver, BC

Indeed, the reincarnation of Mr TRUMP and his latest moves are blessings in disguise for those of us on this side of the Atlantic ocean, when we look at things critically. I’ll tell you why in a minute.

For one thing, I personally do not subscribe to a wholesale deportation exercise being carried out by the American government---it is indeed a blow below the belt. So do not put me in any political strait jacket here. My job is to X-Ray societal ills.

However, his other initiatives; like freezing aid to foreign countries and putting a stop to the importation of weird lifestyle to Ghana, need to be examined closely and objectively.

I have a gift of figuring out the good in any adversity. In other words, while others may focus exclusively on negative side of issues, I tend to look for the sliver lining.

Now, let’s look at his major two moves (initiatives): He has frozen any financial aid to foreign countries.. including Ghana.

It is long over due to stop the free bies that we always use to balance the national budget. How long would our leaders learn to live within their shortsighted means, so as not to depend religiously on the”handouts “ from the western world?

Upon all the zillion tons of natural resources at our disposal we still can not manage them effectively? I won’t be surprised to see us importing drinking water from outside sooner than later, given the way we have managed our water bodies. The Volta lake can single-handedly generate enough employment for our unemployed college graduates and make the nation laugh all the way to the bank,but we can not see it because we’re too dependent on the handouts from the western world. We rather be globe trotters to pan handle for a handout to balance our leaking

financial faucet at home than finding permanent solutions to our emerging problems.

I ain’t a member of his fan club, however, with him in power at least, he has also put a break on the wholesale exportation of LGBTQ mumbo-jumbo, which was gradually and seriously gaining traction in Ghanaian political and socio-economic discourse. Ironically, people who could hardly feed themselves are consuming every foreign culture and lifestyle want only.

Undoubtedly, his moves can definitely hold other diseases and unexpected or unnecessary medical bills for the nation at bay—which is a step in the right direction--- helliejuah!!

All the unfolding development in USA is a teachable moment for us to get our house in order because there is always a bliss after a storm. We surely should take a lesson from it by putting our nation on a good footing so as to put a stop to the brain drain and minimise the number of Ghanaians dying constantly and needlessly in the middle of the Mediterranean sea.

I hope this is not too much to ask from our leaders.

Stay Tuned. Be blessed, educated and informed.

From Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi (Voice of Reason)

*The author is a social commentator and a diehard citizen ( not a spectator) of this great land of ours.

These Ontario cities will be hit hardest by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Here’s why

U.S. President Donald Trump’s impending tariffs will severely impact several cities across southwestern Ontario, according to recent data from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The business association recently crunched the numbers to see what cities across the country are the most vulnerable to Trump’s tariffs, while also noting the extent of which municipalities depend on U.S. exports.

Saint John, New Brunswick (first) and Calgary, Alberta (second) topped the list but Ontario cities accounted for five of the top 10 and six of the top 15 most impacted locations.

“Our modelling estimates that automotive and parts manufacturing would be the second-most negatively impacted sector by U.S. tariffs,” the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says, noting energy exports will be the hardest hit by levies.

Windsor ranked third across Canada and is the most vulnerable city to Trump’s tariffs in Ontario, according to the findings. It has a tariff exposure index of 61.7 per cent, which is based on a location’s excess trade intensity and export dependence on the U.S.

The city is home to major automotive assembly plants for Ford and Stellantis

with consistent two-way trade with Michigan, which is right across the Ambassador Bridge border crossing.

The region from Kitchener to Waterloo, Brantford and Guelph, Ontario placed fourth through sixth due to the agricultural exports, auto parts production and other advanced manufacturing in those cities, according to the study.

Hamilton came in eighth as a “tariff hot spot” in Canada due to its steel production facilities, ArcelorMittal Dofasco and Stelco, which exports both as a raw input and used in construction, automotive production and other manufacturing.

Trump has long threatened 25 per cent across-the-board tariffs on Canadian imports, with a 10 per cent levy on Canadian energy. The date for when these tariffs will go into effect has been pushed back until at least March, 4. Despite putting these sweeping tariffs on pause, Trump signed executive orders Monday to impose 25 per cent tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports into the U.S., including Canadian products, starting March 12. This will drastically impact Canada–especially if the additional planned

cont’d on pg. 22

Every Dollar Counts!

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

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

Last month’s topic was on triggers of CRA tax audits and this month, the focus will be on how to deal and manage the process of CRA tax audit.

Dealing with the CRA Audit Process:

A CRA audit, or a tax audit as it is commonly known, is a review of an individual tax return. The purpose is to ensure all of the information provided is accurate and in compliance with current tax laws. This process involves reviewing all of the documents submitted with the tax return. As well as supplementary information such as bank statements and receipts.

Depending on the size and complexity of the tax return being audited, this can be a highly involved and timeconsuming process. Ultimately, an audit serves to ensure that individuals are paying their fair share of taxes. While doing everything they can to follow government regulations.

If you have been selected for a CRA audit, it is important to cooperate fully with your tax agent. This will ensure the smoothest possible process for everyone involved. Generally speaking, communication is key when it comes to CRA audits. A big no-no is dodging calls and letters, this will only make matters worse for you!

The Income Tax Act grants to CRA a number of arbitrary powers. The Minister does not have to accept your return as filed. In fact, under Section 152(7) of the income tax act, CRA has the right to change your tax return if they don’t agree with the way you’ve filed it.

They can change your income figures, your deductions or your credits prior to the expirations of a normal reassessment period, which is three years.

Your tax-filing fate, therefore can rest with an auditor who perceives your tax and personal affairs quite differently than you do.

1. Do respond promptly to CRA phone calls and/or correspondence. Ignoring them will not make them go away. It will only make them more intolerant later when you try to negotiate with them.

2. Do cooperate by providing them with the information they request. Ask them why they are requesting the information?. The tax department does have the right to review your records on your tax return. However, they do not have the right to engage in a “fishing expedition”.

3. Do offer to have the tax auditor review your records at your accountant’s office. This will reduce your disruption and may make the audit go smoother.

4. Do attempt to negotiate on grey or interpretative matters. Where the rules are not “black” or “white”, the auditor may be willing to give a little, depending on the circumstances.

5. Do seek professional tax help. Not all audits go smoothly and mistakes can be made. Misinterpretation of the facts is quite common. A tax professional can help you make sure the auditor understands your business and your transactions in the best possible light.

6. Don’t provide more information than requested unless it helps your case.

As mentioned earlier, ask what the auditor needs and cooperate. There is no sense in making a career out of the audit of your business.

7. Don’t accept the word of the auditor as gospel. The auditor’s interpretation of certain legislation may be right, but then again, it may be wrong. Check with your tax accountant or ask to speak with the auditor’s supervisor if you feel that there may be an error.

8. Don’t delay in filing a notice of objection. You don’t necessarily want to file a notice of objection if you have an open dialogue with the tax auditor on some contentious points. However, keep in mind your deadlines and make sure you file your objection before you run out of time.

Audit experience is rarely a pleasant one. However, it doesn’t have to be painful. If you follow the rules and are not too aggressive, you can win this round with a little bit of luck.

Your Tax Audit Strategy:

Have a winning strategy and not a fighting strategy:

Section 152(8) of the income tax act makes the assumptions that CRA is correct in its assessments unless those assessments are challenged by the taxpayer.

Whiles the burden of proof is on you to disprove CRA’s assessment or reassessment of your tax return, it is also your duty to defend your right to pay only the correct amount of tax and no more.

It is important you know this and also that it is your right to arrange your affairs within the framework of the law so as to pay the least taxes allowed by the law.

• A winning strategy will be to provide or produce all tax documentation required in the audit letter, on time and in

meticulous order or if it is impossible to complete within the timeline, a request for an extension.

• A review of precedents set in tax law regarding similar issues required in the audit letter.

• A review of your rights to appeal processes: Use the Form RC199 Voluntary Disclosures Program. CRA allows one time opportunity to make a full and complete voluntary disclosure and may grant interest and penalty relief.

• Right to Adjust prior filed returns. File Form T1-ADJ.

• Right to Taxpayer Relief Provisionsany unusual hardships, & beyond control, illness natural disaster etc.

• Right to object to the assessment or reassessment, adjust returns for errors or omissions, use the tax relief provisions or in cases where information was previously not disclosed, incomplete and inaccurate or use the voluntary disclosure program etc.

• Notice of Objection: This is a formal objection to the chief of appeals at the local tax services office. It must be filed within 1 year after the taxpayer filing due date or 90 days after the day of the mailing of the notice of assessment or reassessment. You may also appeal directly to the Tax Court of Canada if CRA has not responded to the Notice of Objection within 90 days.

I hope you don’t have to go through this, but if and when it “rains”, just make sure you have the coverage and understanding of your rights and responsibilities. All the best!

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

The Youth Adult Fellowship Group of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church of Toronto

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, LJI Reporter, Toronto, ON

The Ghanaian Presbyterian Church Toronto;The Young Adults Fellowship (YAF) is the dynamic generational group within the church for individuals between the ages of 30 and 45. One of our main focuses is to help individuals navigate through the many milestones and obstacles that come with being a young adult such as marriage, parenthood, career, etc. and most importantly navigating through these as a Christian. We also work together to recognize talents and cultivate active members within the church who serve in other ministries such as church band, ushers, Sunday service teachers, etc. Meeting in person and virtually, YAF is a reminder that you don’t have to go through life alone, you have a group of like-minded Christians to be there with you. Contact the Young Adults Fellowship via email (to.presbyyaf@gmail.com) and follow us on Instagram (@yaf. toronto). YAF… Fellowship in Christ

• Review your investments ( RRSP, RESP, Mortgage, Insurance) regularly with your advisor

• Learn how to come up with a simple household budget

• Manage your debts before they take over your life

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Group picture of Youth Adult Fellowship

Patricia Obiri Yeboah - 67

Linda Oppong Boateng - 43

Adwoa Nyantakyiwaa Boahen - 47

Akwasi Sefah Frimpong - 68 yrs

Anthony Kwasi Donkor - 85

Bernard Osei Kwabena (Asotia)

Charles Kojo Arthur - 67

Charlotte Kwofie - 70

Elizabeth Lona Nimo

Carl Ricky Telfer - 78

Daniel Addai Wiafe-Akenten - 43

Ebenezer OwusuAnsah - 64

Ken Kwaku Tweneboa Ntiamoa - 75

Kenneth Brobbey - 34

Michael Asante (Asanco) 69

Marvin Baah Boadu

Lynette Mends Ewuraesi French

Marian Barnes - 38

Ishmael Yankson - 67

Marvis Okyere Addison - 63

Ernestina Konadu Danquah - 53

Monica Frimpon Gyapoma Appiah - 66

Mabel Baaba Okine - 33

Nana Kwabena Aning Gyau

Nana Kofi Poku - 60

rev. Emmanuel Oko Mills - 63

Richard Nkrumah - 71

Vida Akuffo Bonsu - 64

Fonwaa Kessie - 27

Enoch Nee Ogbarmey Oblitey - 87

Gifty Coffie - 61

Joana Baidoo Boateng - 70

Eric Gyamera Ampofo - 70

Frederick OforiAddo - 70

Joseph Debrah Kwabena Tawiah - 90

Kwasi Adu Boakyi - 40

Mariam Owusu Mensah - 78

Mary Ansah (Abena Broni) - 64

Keshia Owusu Barimayena - 31

Rose Kyeiwaa Otchere - 58

Samuel Bosnu Yeboah 67

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Beginnings of Roman London discovered in office basement

A discovery underneath the basement of an office block has been described as one of the most important pieces of Roman history unearthed in the city of London. Archaeologists have found a substantial piece of the ancient city’s first basilica - a 2,000 year old public building where major political, economic and administrative decisions were made. The excavation has so far revealed sections of stone wall that formed the base of the basilica, which would have been two-and-a-half storeys high. The site, which will eventually be opened to the public, sheds light on the city’s beginnings.

“This is so significant - this is the heart of Roman London,” said Sophie Jackson, from the Museum of London Archaeology (Mola), who revealed the new find exclusively to BBC News.

“This building will tell us so much about the origins of London, why London grew and why it was chosen as the capital of Britain. It’s just amazing.”

The site was discovered at 85 Gracechurch Street, an office building that’s about to be demolished and redeveloped.

Earlier archaeological investigations revealed the ancient basilica’s

Rats! Why Toronto’s rat population is growing, and will likely continue to do so

cont’d from pg. 5

in temperature over time had larger increases in rat sightings.”

A recent analysis by non-profit research group, Climate Central, suggested Toronto lost nearly two weeks’ worth of freezing winter days due to climate change over the past decade from 2014 to 2023. To determine this, they counted the number of above-freezing days over the last decade compared to a world without fossil fuel emissions.

Globally, the peer-reviewed rat study noted the average rate of warming has been 0.2 C per decade since 1975 and while it is accelerating, that same rate is not felt universally.

Sinia explains cold winter weather is like a “natural pest control” especially as rats aren’t able to regulate their own body temperature, and are forced to take cover in freezing conditions.

Since the winters are milder, Sinia says rats don’t have to hide and can stay above ground for longer to scavenge for food.

“That means they’re able to expand in other areas, and they’re able to forage longer, they’re able to reproduce longer and able to produce more litters, and that drives up the population,” Sinia said.

Outside of climate warming, the study found population density and urbanization as other major contributors to how rats thrive in a city.

Toronto and the surrounding region’s population cracked more than 7.1 million as of July 2024, according to a Statistics Canada, up nearly four per cent from 2023.

“We know that population growth goes hand-in-hand with resources, so when there’s food, the rats are able to reproduce faster because that means the resources are able to sustain that population,” Sinia said.

Sinia also pointed to the increased construction in Toronto as a breeding ground for rats.

“When they build, they have to break up the soil, the ground, they have to disturb the natural ecosystem,” Sinia said.

“Now they are being displaced from their natural, outdoor system. So, where

do they go? They are pushed indoors, they are pushed into commercial structures, so that displacement actually brings the rats more in contact with humans so that means we end up seeing more rats.”

What is Toronto’s rat action plan?

The new study comes as Toronto City Council continues to look at ways to reduce the growth in the city’s rat population.

Last July, Coun. Alejandra Bravo and Deputy Mayor put forward a motion to craft an “action plan” to reduce the rat population in the city.

“As climate change, construction site management, infrastructure state-ofgood-repair, solid waste management practices, property maintenance and many other factors accelerate the presence of rats in our neighbourhoods, we believe it’s time for Toronto to take this step,” the councillors wrote in a letter to the Infrastructure and Environment Committee, imploring them to consult with other North American jurisdictions on how to develop a rat reduction strategy. Alberta, for example, has been a designated rat-free province for more than seven decades through its Rat Control Program, and Ottawa has recently put forward a motion to explore a form of rat birth control –ContraPest – which is not yet legal in Canada.

A City of Toronto spokesperson said it currently uses various methods to mitigate rodent-related issues in the city, including addressing complaints about garbage attracting rodents to private homes, investigating rat infestations, using pest control services to monitor and fill bait stations at city facilities, and having Toronto Public Health crack down on rodents in restaurants and other establishments carrying food.

“Like most major cities, rodents are common in Toronto. While the City of Toronto is unable to track the total rodent population in Toronto, the municipality is always open to looking at new ways to improve services it provides to residents and will continue to refine and improve its rodent control operations,” the statement reads. With files from The Canadian Press

approximate location, so the team created several small test pits to see what was hidden beneath the concrete floor.

On the third attempt, digging between the filing cabinets, they struck lucky.

“You can see a huge chunk of Roman masonry, and it’s incredible that it survives this well. We’re absolutely thrilled that there’s so much of it here,” said Sophie Jackson.

The wall is made from a type of limestone from Kent, and formed an imposing building - the basilica would have been about 40m long, 20m wide and 12m high.

Other artefacts have been found too, including a roof tile imprinted with the stamp of an official from the ancient city.

The basilica was part of London’s forum, a social and commercial hub with a courtyard that was about the size of a football pitch.

“The basilica is the town hall, and then in front of it was a big open market square with a range of shops and offices around the outside,” explained Ms Jackson.

“It’s the place you came to do business, to get your court case sorted out, it’s where laws were made, and it’s where decisions were made about London, but also about the rest of the country.”

It was built around 80 AD, just a few decades after the Romans invaded Britain and founded Londinium - the Roman name for the city.

But the first basilica and forum were only in use for about 20 years. They were replaced by a much larger second forum, perhaps reflecting how quickly the city was growing in size and importance.

The discovery has meant a change of plans for the building’s owners, Hertshten Properties.

The Roman remains, which will now be fully excavated, are to be incorporated into the new offices - pending planning approval - and opened up to the public.

For the architects, redesigning a building around an archaeological site has had some technical challenges.

“The scheme has been comprehensively adjusted,” explained James Taylor from architecture firm Woods Bagot.

cont’d on pg. 24

These Ontario cities will be hit hardest by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Here’s why

cont’d from 13

tariffs stack on top of this levy—as the Canadian Steel Producers Association says there’s $20 billion in steel trade between the two countries with 40 per cent of Canada’s steel imports coming from the U.S.

Ontario is the second-largest primary metal manufacturer in the country, with nearly half of the province’s industry employees working in iron and steel manufacturing.

Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals an estimated 68.3 per cent of jobs in automotive manufacturing industries depend on U.S. demand with the highest concentration of jobs located in southern Ontario, particularly in Toronto (27.7 per cent of all auto workers), Kitchener-Waterloo-Barrie (19.8 per cent) and Windsor-Sarnia (14.8 per cent) in January. On top of that, Windsor-Sarnia accounts for 38.3 per cent of employment within the industry.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce ranked Toronto 27th among 41 Canadian cities, with a tariff exposure index of negative 8.4 per cent. That said, the city heavily depends on U.S. exports. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce notes there are 9,934 exporters from Toronto to the U.S., based on data from 2023, raking in just shy of $82 million in exports to its southern neighbour.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford appealed to American business leaders in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, imploring them to contact the commander-in-chief and Republican lawmakers on Canada’s behalf.

“Let’s stick together and please get the message to President Trump – this is not a good idea for both countries,” Ford said in front of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Here are the 15 most vulnerable Canadian cities to Trump’s tariffs:

1. Saint John, N.B., 131.1 per cent

2. Calgary, Alta., 81.6 per cent

3. Windsor, Ont., 61.7 per cent

4. Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ont., 43 per cent

5. Brantford, Ont., 27.8 per cent

6. Guelph, Ont., 24 per cent

7. Saguenay, Que., 23.5 per cent

8. Hamilton, Ont., 19.8 per cent

9. Trois-Rivieres, Que., 18.9 per cent

10. Lethbridge, Alta., 15.7per cent

11. Belleville-Quinte West, Nt., 14.4 per cent

12. Drummondville, Que., 12.1 per cent

13. Thunder Bay, Ont., 11.2 per cent

14. Oshawa, Ont., 11 per cent

15. Abbotsford-Mission, B.C., 7.6 per cent

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Austin Lee and The Canadian Press

Ghana’s Draconian Tax Regime Should be Revised

By Kwaku Obosu-Mensah

When it comes to taxes, especially taxes on imported vehicles, Ghana could be labelled as the headquarters of high taxes/duties. You may feel dizzy just by looking at the list of duties imposed on imported vehicles. With animported car to Ghana, one would have to pay at least twenty-one (21) different types of taxes.

In February 2024, a friend imported a 2017 Toyota RAV4 Station Wagon, with an engine capacity of 2.5 liters (cubic capacity 2500), into Ghana. We will use this to illustrate how much taxes/duties were levied by the Ghanaian authorities.

Ghana government valued the 2017 Toyota RAV4 at US$13,450.00. According to Kelly’s Blue Book of the US, considering the condition of the car, that car is worth US$9,000. At the exchange rate of US$1 to GHC12.1239, the cedi value of the vehicle per the Government of Ghana was GHc163,066.46. Based on the vehicle value of GHc163,066.46, the total duty paid on the 2017 Toyota RAV4was GHc92,945.22. At the February 2024 exchange rate, the duties paid, calculated in dollars, amount toUS$7,666.30. That is a duty of about 57% on the value of the car, as determined by the Government of Ghana.

Now, let’s look at the types of duties paid:

According to the government of Ghana, it is fair to pay US$7,666.30 as duty on a car valued at US$13,450.00. By the time the Ghanaian importer has cleared their car, it has cost them at least US21,116 ($13,450 + duty of $7,666.30), not counting the shipping costs and clearing agent fees. Thus, a car that a Canadian or an American will presumably own for US$13,450, assuming the Ghana government’s valuation is right, will cost a Ghanaian at least US$21,116 to own. And if this vehicle had been imported by a car dealer, instead of the consumer directly, the dealer would add their other operating expenses like shipping cost, clearing agent fees and profit, raising the cost of the vehicle even higher for the consumer.

Let’s consider a few of the taxes. VAT (value added tax) is levied three times. One of them is ‘Upfront payment by VAT unregistered’ which for the 2017

cont’d on pg. 24

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Danger of Assumption

A few months ago, I was invited to a programme at a school as the Guest Speaker. When I entered the auditorium, I saw some guests I knew sitting at one corner. I went up to them and started to greet them one after the other. I shook their hands, even with the ones I didn’t know, until I got to one guest. I didn’t know him, and when I extended my hand, he ignored it. After a few seconds, I withdrew my hand. All my thoughts were, “What arrant nonsense?” I kept asking myself that question. I felt very embarrassed and angry— embarrassed for myself and angry at the man. What was he feeling like? I thought. All those other guests accepted my greeting, and to my knowledge, I hadn’t done anything wrong. I gave him a very scornful look, greeted the remaining guests, and

went to take a seat.

Even after I sat down, I was still upset. I kept stealing glances at the guest to see how he would react to other people.

And then I saw it… He was blind! His eyes were open, but he couldn’t see at all. The other guests who came to greet him had to touch him first and then take his hand if they wanted to shake hands with him.

To my great surprise, he turned out to be my hidden protégé who deeply appreciated my lectures. I never knew he had come purposely because his wife informed him I would be the guest speaker for that year’s programme. In fact, he was waiting to hear someone mention my name so he could stand and hug me.

Ghana’s Draconian Tax Regime Should be Revised

cont’d from pg. 23

Toyota RAV4 was GHc22,029.26. It is stated at the website of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) that, “Some importers, though required to register for VAT purposes, are currently not in the VAT net. Such importers, apart from paying import VAT at importation, do not charge the tax when they supply goods on the domestic front.” GRA went on to note that, “To ensure compliance, the VAT (Amendment) Act, 2022 (Act 1082) was enacted to impose an upfront payment of 12.5% on the customs value of taxable goods at all ports of entry, imported by persons who are required by law to register for VAT, in addition to import duties and taxes.”

From the above, my understanding is that when one sells an imported vehicle, they are supposed to impose VAT on the buyer. The government does not trust that those not registered for VAT purposes will charge VAT on behalf of the government when the imported vehicle is sold. Consequently, importers not registered for VAT purposes are charged the potential sales VAT when they clear their vehicles at the port. If this interpretation is true, then anyone who imports vehicle into Ghana for their personal use should not be subjected to the tax labelled ‘Upfront payment by VAT unregistered.’

On the website of GRA, it is stated that there are exclusions to the ‘Upfront payment by VAT unregistered.’ Exclusion number 3 is “Imported taxable goods valued below the threshold of GHS200,000.00.” Thus, imported goods valued below GHc200,000.00are not affected by the‘Upfront payment by VAT unregistered.’ As you can see above, the GRA determined the value of the 2017 Toyota RAV4 to be GHc163,066.46which is below the threshold of GHC200,000.00 yet it imposed

an‘Upfront payment by VAT unregistered’ tax of GHc22,029.26.

Importers arelevied‘Network Charge NHIL’and‘Import NHIL.’ NHIL stands for National Health Insurance Levy which goes towards financing public health insurance for Ghanaians who sign on. We are sure every importer is willing to contribute toward the success of the healthcare scheme so there is nothing wrong with imposing that tax on importers. However, there are some taxes that are questionable. For example, four years after Covid 19, Ghanaian importers are still levied Covid tax two times –‘COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy,’ and ‘Network Charge COVID-19 Health’ – on imported goods. In addition, importers are also levied ‘Network Charge,’ and ‘Network Charge VAT.’ There is a questionable tax known as ‘1% Withholding Tax on Import.’ Withholding tax for who and what?I have been at the Tema Port several times and seen containers cleared straight out of the port without disinfecting them however, the government charges a ‘Disinfection Fee.’Well, maybe the containers are disinfected before they are offloaded. Another questionable tax charged by Ghana is the “Special Import Levy (2%).”What is special about an import levy? Or is it the vehicle that is labelled special? For the 2017 Toyota RAV4, the importer paid GHc3,524.68 as a specialimport levy.

Obviously, the duties paid on imported vehicles are too many and high. No country has ever taxed her citizens to prosperity. It is hoped that the new Mahama government will revisit and rationalize the tax system to make it economically viableand reasonable to Ghanaians.

When I heard this, my embarrassment tripled. I felt stupid—very stupid. I was still angry, but this time, angry at myself. I couldn’t even say a word to him until I got to the podium. My speech for that programme changed from “Recovery” to “The Danger of Assumption.”

Assumption Kills Like Poison

1. We Assume Instead of Validating

• Someone doesn’t pick our calls, we assume they’re avoiding us.

• Someone doesn’t give us money, we assume they’re stingy and wicked.

• Someone doesn’t call, hang out, or visit us as they usually do, we assume they no longer care. We never pause to consider that they might be going through challenges.

2. Life is Diverse

The issues of life are different for everyone. The person who promised you money might have encountered a financial crisis. The person who didn’t pick your call might have been in a meeting or too busy to respond.

*Key Lessons*

• Benefit of the Doubt: Make excuses for others.

• Verification Over Assumption: Always validate your thoughts before reacting.

• Immaturity Shows in Offence: Picking offence at every perceived wrong is childish and counterproductive.

*Examples:*

• Someone didn’t invite you to their wedding—you pick offence.

• They didn’t wish you a happy birthday—you pick offence.

• They didn’t like your Facebook post—you pick offence.

*Remember*

• Everyone has battles you’re unaware of.

• The people you need help from also need help themselves.

• Not everything is personal or intentional.

• Sometimes, people are just busy with their lives and struggles.

*Grow Above Offences*

• Manage disappointment and maintain relationships.

• Save yourself unnecessary grudges and preserve friendships you may need in the future.

• Learn to grow above, with, and despise offences.

Beginnings of Roman London discovered in office basement

cont’d from pg. 22

“Simple things like the columns have had to literally move position, so you’re not destroying all these special stones that we found in the ground.”

And so as not to disturb what’s there, fewer lifts can now be installed - and this has meant that the team has had to reduce the height of the building.

But Mr Taylor said the effort will be worth it.

“To actually see people using and enjoying the space, moving through the public hall and down to see the remains, will be absolutely incredible.”

This is the latest piece of Roman history to be discovered lying beneath the streets of London’s Square Mile. And there’s a growing effort to find innovative ways to show these sites to the public.

Parts of an amphitheatre are on display under a glass floor at the Guildhall Art Gallery, and at Bloomberg’s offices, people can visit the Temple of Mithras, which has been brought to life with an immersive sound and light installation.

Chris Hayward from the City of London Corporation says he wants more people to experience the link between the past and the present.

“The fact that Roman London is beneath your feet is, frankly, quite a remarkable emotion to experience,” he said.

“You can actually see and visualise how Roman London would have been in those times. And then you can walk outside and you can say, ‘now look at the skyscrapers, now look at the office blocks’, this is progress, but at the same time, progress combined with preservation.”

Year 2024 in review

in Ghana

• President Akufo-Addo commission Borteyman Sports Facilities: Ghana ready to host historical 13th African Games

• McGill and Concordia sue the Quebec Province over 33% tuition hike

• Michigan Aerospace Manufacturing Association (MAMA) aims to support Ghana Aerospace Industry

• Afua Asantewaa of Ghana’s sing-a-thon attempt unsuccessful Guinness World Records announces

• GCAO Women Wing celebrates Black History Month in Toronto with emphasis on Ghana culture

• Alarming number of youth reporting to facilities with strokeGhana Society of Cardiology

February 2024

- Ghana chalks 67th milestone of nationhood with historic events

- Ghanaian-Canadians celebrate Ghana’s 67th Independence with flag raising at Queen’s Parks

- Bank of Canada held key rate steady at 5%

- Households owed $1.79 for every dollar of disposable income in Q4 - statistic Canada

- Biden and Trump set for election re match after clinging nominations

- Toronto Pearson reclaims prestigious ranking as “Best Airport over 40 million passengers in North America

- Teacher shortage has staff across Canada working in survival mode

- Ghanaians unite in Calgary to celebrate 67th Independence Day with sensational cultural display - 2024 Canadian International Auto show

- Kotoka International Airport passengers to pay $20 on round-trip tickets from May 1

March 2024

• Racism affects the Health of Black Women according to Dr. Priscilla Boakye. Assistant Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University

• The Methodist Church Ghana (Canada) welcomes new Superintendent Minister Very Rev Emmanuel Evans Essien

• Ontario to ban use of cell phones in school classrooms starting in September

• NPPs Kwabena Boateng declared winner of Ejisu by-election with 55.8%

• Goldstar Air to use innovative ways to give Kumasi International Airport global recognition

• International students will be allowed to work 24 hours starting in September

• MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario Legislature for wearing Kaffiyeh

• Azuma Nelson returns to the ring to face EU Ambassador in a match to empower youth

• AG advises EOCO against money laundering probe into Cecilia Dapaah’s affairs

• Scientists invent new way to detect skin cancer

• Asante Gold artifacts: Ghana rejoices as ‘crown jewels’ looted by British put on display

• Legendary sports commentator Joe Lartey dead

April 2024

- Ghana’s Vice President Dr. Bawumia celebrates NPP Canada’s 32 anniversary

- African Embassies in Canada called to champion African Culture

- Ghana Women’s Fasting and Prayer Conference prays on Victoria Day

- Stadium in Etobicoke officially renamed in honor of former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

- GCAO launched community market place at GCAO hub

- 10% of Canadians only making minimum monthly payment on their credit card – Trans Union

May 2024

- Canada celebrates 157 years

- Men’s Day at Apostles Continuation church, Toronto

- Association of GhanaianCanadian Law Enforcement Officers interactive session with Youth at Living Word Assembly of God

- CBC interviews Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

- Canada identifies international students as “ideal immigrants” but supports are lacking

- Toronto moves forward on renovations bylaw as Chow marks one year in office

- Automatic Ontario license plate renewals starts on Canada Day

- Westjet now charges $25 to book a flight by phone

- Cultural Day at Church of Pentecost Scarborough Assembly

- Raptors and Scottie Barnes agree on $225m extension, which could grow to $270m, AP sources say

- Ghana to host 2026 African Athletic Championship

June 2024

- Toronto City marks Emancipation Day with Flag raising at City Hall

- Toronto’s Daily Food bank receives $2 million donation from U.S. based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

- Ghana House Montreal celebrates Canada Day

- Ghanafest Alberta 2024

- Thanksgiving service in Montreal for Late Nana Kwaku Kwateng Amanin, Montreal Omanhene

- Kairos Dev. Mission (KADEM) hosts fundraising dinner for Medical outreach

- Thousands gathered in Bradford for Canada’s largest 3-day Muslim convention

- Joe Kingsley Eyiah’s appreciation event

- Send-off service and dinner for Rev. Goerge Agyei-Kwabi and family

- African-Canadian Social Dev. Council (ACSDC) organized a workshop to celebrate cultural diversity through food in promoting health and wellness among AfricanCanadian seniors

July 2024

• Ethnic Press and Media Council at the Canadian National Exhibition

Year 2024 in review

• Bank of Canada cuts key interest rate again, signals more cuts ahead

• Canada sets new limits on work permits for international students and spouses

October 2024

- Ontario Tech University and Aseity Group bringing Canadian Education to Ghana

• Dr. Setorme Tsikata is called “the compassionate doctor” in Edmonton

• Health Canada orders provinces to destroy old Covid-19 vaccines and wait for new batch

• Edmonton Heritage Festival celebrated

• Multicultural Seniors Day at Port Dover

• Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of supply and confidence deal with Trudeau Liberals

August 2024

- 28 Ghanaian-Canadians to be honored in Toronto by Ghanaian News

- Calls for a 50 basis point cut will only grow louder: Canada-s inflation rate hits 2%

- It’s a great deal, Premier Ford defends sped-up alcohol sales as fiscal watchdog launches review of $220m deal with beer store

- Ghana becomes the 2nd country in Africa to get a Knowledge and Skill portal

- Trudeau loses another Liberal stronghold in Bloc Quebecois by-election victory

- Toronto Police launch pilot to speed up transfer of care for individuals apprehended under Mental Health Act

- Ottawa announces it’s further reducing the number of international student permits

- Rogers Communications to buy out Bells share of MLSE for $4.7 billion

- Canada relaxes some mortgage rules to tackle housing crisis

- 1-in 3 Canadians don’t know the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest, poll finds

September 2024

- Ghanaian-Canadian community celebrates excellence at 21st Achievement Awards nite

- Toronto’s 10 year economic plan calls for city to tackle congestion, inequality, housing

- Annual inflation falls to 1.6% in September, smallest yearly increase since 2021

- Chine likely to seize Ghana’s mineral and electricity revenue over default of loans –IMF

- Ghanaian Women celebrates 22 years of Prayer Conference with Thanksgiving event

- Toronto to get new area code in 2025

- Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) organized its annual Heritage Centre fundraising gala

- National Identification Authority start pilot registration in Canada

- Royal Air Maroc celebrates upcoming Toronto-Casablanca route

- Retirement service in honour of Aps Dr. Alex Agyei Gyamena and family

- Gateway newcomers for success “event in Alberta”

- New International Student Program regulation take effect

- Trudeau announces massive drop in immigration targets as Liberals make major pivot

- Ontario: 35 out of every 100 new nurses are leaving the profession before turning 35, finds new MEI report

- Mercy Asiedu appeals to Ghana Government to enforce the Film Act Bill

- Toronto moving to install side guards on its heavy trucks to reduce pedestrian and cyclist deaths

- Child poverty in Toronto up by record numbers, new poll finds

- Canada-US border hours to change at 35 ports of entry in new year

November 2024

• Gordon J Cudjoe a Ghanaian-Canadian appointed a judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario

• Toronto homeowners could face increase in water rates, garbage fees in 2025

• Ontario Tech Progamming in Ghana opens new door for students and professionals

• Ford government bill would allow municipal councilors to be fired for misconduct

• Recall issued for pistachio chocolate bar sold across Canada due to possible salmonella

• U of Saskatchewan study to give people weed gummies and a driver’s test to measure impairment

• Senior’s shine at 3rd Annual Elders Fun and Awards Night in Toronto

• FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as 2034 World Cup hosts

• The relationship between Ghana and the US will remain the same no matter the outcome of the elections- US Ambassador

December 2024

- Trudeau to resign as Liberal leader, Prime Minister

- Ontario launching rebates for energy efficient home renovations and upgrades

- TTC special constables to wear bodycams

- Canada could see a wave of mortgage renewals in 2025

- Ghanaian Presbyterian church 31st night celebration

- Canada could see a wave of mortgage renewals in 2025

- The Apostles’ Continuation 31st night celebration

- CBC investigation uncovers grocers overcharging customers by selling under weighed meat

- Christ Redeemer church 2024 end of year service

- Evangel Assembly of God Church end of year service

- Ghana’s ex-leader Mahama is declared presidential election winner and pledges to ‘reset’ in a bad economy. His party NDC also won the parliamentary election

- We won’t misuse the parliamentary majority, we will build consensus President-elect John Mahama

- President Akufo-Addo commits to smooth transfer of power after Mahama victory

- Jubilee House, Accra announces deadline for return of government vehicles by appointees

- President-elect Mahama inaugurates transition team, calls for cooperation

- President-elect Mahama assures Assemblies of God Church of honest leadership

- John Mahama of NDC had 58.17% as against Dr. Bawumia of NPP 40.90% in the 2024 presidential elections

IN PICTURES

SCAN ME

GADAT Next-Generation Spreads Holiday cheer through Charity Work

By; Nii Ako Boi-Doku, Toronto, ON

This holiday season, the newly formed Ga Dangme Association of Toronto’s Next-Generation branch (GADAT Next-Gen) took a remarkable step toward helping those less fortunate. Led by Executive Event Coordinator Felicia Agadzi, community members gathered at Mecairo’s Cake Co. to collect donations for the city’s homeless and for newly arrived Ghanaians who are in need. The event showed the strength of the Ga Dangme community and how united they are when it comes to giving back.

GADAT Next-Gen was created by elder members of the Ga Dangme Association of Toronto (GADAT). Their main goal was to expand and strengthen community ties while preparing younger people to become future leaders in the parent organization. By hosting charity drives and community events, GADAT Next-Gen hopes to nurture a sense of service and teach the value of giving to the next generation.

The charity drive centred around

collecting nonperishable food items, monetary donations, slightly used winter clothing, and other helpful items. Many people from the community came out to show their support. Together, they packed care packages filled with sandwiches, boiled eggs, bottled water, snacks, socks, mittens, sanitary wipes, and Tim Hortons gift cards. These care packages were then distributed to homeless individuals throughout

Toronto, bringing them some relief during the cold winter months. In addition to helping the homeless, GADAT Next-Gen also donated winter coats, scarves, sweaters and other clothing to the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO). These items will be given to newly arrived Ghanaians who may not be prepared for Canada’s cold weather. This donation not only helps newcomers adjust to their new home but also

shows them the warmth and generosity of the Ga Dangme community.

Felicia Agadzi, who coordinated the event, shared that it was inspiring to see people of all ages come together for a common cause. She believes that helping others, especially during the holiday season, is an important way to unite the community. She also anticipates this effort will spark more events that promote giving, sharing, and caring for one another.

GADAT Next-Gen’s holiday charity drive is just one example of how the Ga Dangme community is making a difference in Toronto. By working together and focusing on the needs of others, they are living out their shared vision of a strong, supportive, and caring community. As they continue these efforts, GADAT Next-Gen looks forward to bringing hope and positive change to many more people. Their hard work and dedication are sure to inspire others to join in and keep this spirit of giving alive.

Confronting the Open Hostility to Race and Equity Work

cont’d from pg. 7

We need to sharpen both our discursive interrogations as well as our political work for change.In our rhetorical postures, we must be steadfast. ‘Social justice work’ is more than about race and racism. It is about economic inequality, health disparities, disability, gender, 2SLGBTQI+ rights, Land and Environment issues, as well as dealing with crime and youth incarceration. Such work is more a preventive measure. It is also an added tool to ensure that as a society we live up to the ideals of civil andhuman rights compliance. Similarly, ‘DEI’ is not just a racial initiative; it focuses on education and training and hiring to ensure diversity and inclusion in social, economic and educational spaces.It is about creating a safe environment of inclusiveness, respectful and mutually beneficial co-existence by according equal protectionsto all while fighting against any form of harassment pursued under race/racial, class, gender, sexuality and disability intent or force. Such diversity and inclusion actually benefit the workforce and all other social educational spaces.‘DEI’ and all fights for social justice are inextricably linked with questions of identity and representation, which themselves are lodged in colonialisms and Indigeneity. In effect, ‘Diversity’ is acknowledging difference [race, age, ethnicity,gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, culture, religion, language, or other aspects of social identity].Equity isfairness, equal opportunity and ‘social justice for all’!Inclusion is the validation of our diverse knowledges, histories, experiences, voices and perspectives (see also CNN, 2025).

There are long-term consequences of mis-informed critiques of ‘DEI’ and

the ‘DEI-phobia’from lawmakers, corporate leaders and Conservative activists. DEI does not teachabout victimhood. It does teach learners to hate people. It does not insist Black and Racialized peoples are so oppressed, and we have been disadvantaged by the colour of our skin to the extent that there is no way ‘out’!In fact ‘DEI’, and other discourses like Critical Race Theory and the teaching of Black History affirm intellectual, social and political agencies of peoples. While bringing attention to past and continuing injustices, these discourses also insist that as a community we have within ourselves the power and will to fight for justice, humanity and to bring change to ensure that our communities work for everyone. Education should be about bringing critical consciousness to the continuing profound impacts and legacies of all oppressionsand colonialisms.As anti-colonial theorist, Franz Fanon asserted while the past is not our future, we cannot be imprisoned by it; - nonetheless, the past still has lessons for the future, and we cannot forget the past or simply ‘wish it away’!The past is part of the present and the future and vice versa. There is a spiral movement of past, present and future. We can only fight for better communities when we accept and validate this spiral movement of the past, present and future. There are implications as to how we read history – shifting from a linear to a spiral gaze. This spiral gaze of history also requires we acknowledge the power of Black, Indigenous, Racialized and White peoples’ agencies and resistances in the search for new collective futures.

As we move forward to contend and contest the current reckoning on ‘DEI’,

I suggest a ‘strategic re-positioning’. Sure, a lot has happened but not a lot has changed!But, we cannot give up fighting for CHANGE.Change does not happen by itself; we fight for it! We cannot settle for an absence of a ‘counter-visioning’ of community. This is why we must re-envisionour communities as they should or we want them to be. And, then,we use our school, community,work, and home knowledges to critique the now, and do the work required to bring new communitiesinto fruition. It is time for us to ‘bootstrap ourselves’, deploy our cultural and ancestral knowledges to strengthen and sustain us as we work for change.We must connect with our ancestral wisdom traditions [e.g., teachings of our Elders], reclaim, and work withour myriad identities and differences. Identities are about who and what we are as a people. This is crucial to understanding our resistances. We must build resisting communities with structures, support systems,and networks that can sustain our de/anti-colonial ‘EDI/DEI’ work. We must re-engage with ‘DEI’, antiracist and de/anti-colonial work as a means to ‘re-humanize ourselves’ – i.e., ensuring a spiritual awakening and strengthening of collectives, self and group care, as well as a coming to critical consciousness of selves and

identities. We need affirmations, anticolonial resurgences and celebrations of our continued existence! Our critical dialogues and interventions, political advocacyand militancy must continue. As we continue to do this work, we must also protect each other.We must have ‘LEARNING CIRCLES’ as spiritual centres of healing, rebirth and growth, given thatour educational and work spaces are increasingly becoming carceral places. Let us heal, rejoice and re-engage for the better world that yearns to come into fruition.

References Cited:

Asante, M. 2025. Advancing Agency: A Personal History of the Black Studies Movement Cambridge: Polity Press. [forthcoming]

CNN, 2025. ‘What is Dei and Why is it Dividing America?’ https://www. cnn.com/2025/01/22/us/dei-diversityequity-inclusion-explained. [CNN’s Michelle Krupa, Donald Judd, Katelyn Polantz, Dakin Andone and Nathaniel Meyersohn contributed to report].

Mbembe, A. 2019. Necropolitics Durham, NC.: Duke University Press. Professor George J. Sefa Dei [Nana Adusei Sefa Tweneboah] Professor of Social Justice Education Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) University of Toronto

george.dei@utoronto.ca

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Poilievre vows 200K-250K immigration cap, deportations for wrongdoers

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has confirmed his plans to reduce immigration levels to Stephen Harperera levels and deport those who break Canada’s laws while on temporary visas, in an exclusive interview with Juno News co-founder Candice Malcolm.

On the broader issue of immigration levels, Poilievre stated that the current annual intake of permanent residents — set to reach 500,000 in 2025 — is unsustainable and has contributed to Canada’s housing crisis.

He proposed a return to the levels of previous Conservative governments, around 200,000 to 250,000 per year, aligning population growth with the number of new homes being built.

“It would be a lot more like the Harper numbers that were basically the same for 40 years before Trudeau took office — we were bringing in about 200,000 to 250,000 a year,” said Poilievre.

“We were building about the same number of homes as we were adding people, so we had a housing surplus. I would bring in a simple mathematical formula: we cannot bring in people faster than we add houses.”

According to Poilievre, the formula would be based on the homebuilding numbers from the prior year as well as population growth targets.

“I would actually make sure that we’re building housing surpluses over the next four years because that’s how we close the gap that has built up,” said Poilievre.

Poilievre also made it clear that his government would swiftly deport non-citizens who commit crimes while in Canada on temporary status. He emphasized that those engaging in violent acts, such as firebombing businesses or places of worship, should be immediately arrested and deported.

“I don’t know how anybody can disagree with that. If someone shows up in our country claiming to be a student or a temporary worker and they start firebombing coffee shops, bakeries, synagogues, or any other place, then they need to be immediately arrested and deported,” said Poilievre in reference to recent pro-Hamas protests rocking Canada.

“If someone is obviously a citizen, they should be prosecuted through our legal system and put in prison here in Canada for those sorts of crimes.” Poilievre added the federal government also has to take the issue of illegal immigration seriously and expedite deportations for those found to be in

Canada under false pretences.

“If someone comes in, makes a false asylum claim, and it gets rejected, they’re supposed to leave today,” said Poilievre.

“The challenge we’re going to face is that under nine years of the CarneyTrudeau Liberals’ open border policies, we now have millions of people whose permits are going to expire over the next two years. If they don’t leave, we have a very hard time even knowing they’re still here, finding them, and then carrying out a deportation.”

The Conservative leader, however, did indicate that among illegal immigrants there were “some among them that we do want to keep.”

“They could be a master’s graduate in computer engineering with a six-figure job in Kitchener-Waterloo, someone who has started a family, integrated, speaks the language. This is someone we want to keep,” said Poilievre.

“But we need to be able to make that decision ourselves through selection based on these criteria — not just by accident because people who are not eligible to stay decide they’re not going to leave.”

According to Poilievre, the Canadian government should implement further refugee reviews for claims, including what he calls a “last in, first out” approach.

“This is how it works: if you’re the last person to enter the country, your claim is immediately heard. Within a couple of weeks, if your claim is false, you’re sent back. What that does is send the signal to everyone who might come in the future that they’re going to be sent home automatically,” said Poilievre.

“The problem right now is that if someone gets in illegally — even if they’re not a real refugee, they’re not fleeing danger — they have seven or eight years of appeals, during which we’re paying for their hotels, lawyers, food, and healthcare, above and beyond what Canadians get.” Juno News

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre

Regina or B'B Manu

Ontario election: The Leaders mandate

Offer a $150,000 bonus to Canadian doctors and nurses working in the U.S. if they come back here to work, establish a “fight tariff fund” giving Ontario businesses lower interest rates, and eliminate interprovincial trade barriers. Also pledged to phase in rent control. No costing for the plan was included.

Boost transit safety by hiring 300 special constables, doubling investment in mobile crisis intervention teams, giving transit services an unspecified amount of money for safety equipment such as cameras, and installing platform doors in all Toronto subway stations.

Cut middle income tax bracket by 22 per cent and take HST off home heating and hydro bills. Bring back consumer rebates for electric-vehicle purchases in an effort to help slumping sales.

Health care- Give all Ontarians access to a family doctor within four years by significantly expanding the health team network and recruiting thousands of new domestically and internationally trained family doctors

NDP

Legislate safe nurse-to-patient ratios. End reliance on private nursing agencies. Hire at least 15,000 nurses over three years at a cost of about $1.5 billion. Open a full-service hospital in Welland with a 24-7 emergency department and restore full services to the urgent care centres in Port Colborne and Fort Erie. Health care

Create a monthly grocery rebate for lower- and middle-income Ontarians, linked to inflation, with a family of four able to get up to $122 per month. Create a provincial consumer watchdog office. Establish a Corporate Crime and Competition Bureau. Force large retailers to publicly post when they raise prices more than two per cent in a week.

Ensure every Ontarian has access to a family doctor by recruiting and supporting 3,500 new doctors, reduce administrative burden on doctors, introduce more family health teams and shorter specialist wait times, and increase the number of internationally trained doctors, at a total cost of $4 billion.

End a loophole that exempts rental units built after 2018 from rent control. Crack down on renovations and demolitions. Allow four lexes as of right in all neighborhoods and allow midrise apartments along transit corridors as of right. Limit short-term rentals like AirBnB’s to primary residences. Build or acquire at least 300,000 affordable rental homes.

End encampments and tackle chronic homelessness by creating 60,000 supportive housing units, having the province pay for shelter costs instead of municipalities and doubling social assistance rates. Spend an additional $830 million to repair schools. Hire more school staff. Create a universal school food program. Support students with disabilities. Invest in French education.

Implement a federal-provincial income support program, direct agencies to procure locally and create new supply chains for trade-exposed industries. The NDP did not say how much this would cost. However, Stiles’ plan to protect Ontario from the effects of U.S. tariffs did not come with any dollar figures attached. When asked about costing, she said an NDP government would work in lockstep with the federal government to deliver the stimulus.

Get rid of tolls for all drivers on Highway 407, on both the government-owned portion and the privately owned part, named the 407 ETR. The party also pledged to buy that part back.

Greens

Expand business risk management programs by $150 million annually. Develop local procurement guidelines for public sector food purchases. Create an AgTech Innovation Fund for the food and farming sector. Mandate permanent protection of farmland.

Agriculture

Cut income taxes for people making under $65,000 a year and raise taxes on people in the top tax bracket.

Immediately double Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works rates and tie future increases to inflation. Build 310,000 affordable nonprofit and co-op homes, including 60,000 supportive homes.

Allow fourplexes across the province and homes with six units in large cities, and mid-rise buildings of six to 11 storeys on transit corridors and main streets. The Greens also pledged to remove development charges on homes under 2,000 square feet and remove the land transfer tax for first-time homebuyers.

Create a tariff task force, create an investment tax credit, develop a Buy Ontario strategy, create a Protect Ontario Fund for businesses disproportionately impacted, and diversify trade partners and work to remove interprovincial trade barriers.

Advocate for new hospitals in Huntsville and Brace bridge. Safeguard the watershed and work with Indigenous communities to conserve 30 per cent of natural areas by 2030.

Progressive Conservatives

Spend $50 million to expand the Ontario Provincial Police’s Joint-Air Support Unit with two new H-135 helicopters to support the Niagara Regional Police and the Windsor Police Service with increased border patrols, security and enforcement.

Seek to build a freight rail bypass along the Highway 407 corridor in Peel Region.

Take tolls off Highway 407 East, the provincially owned portion of the highway. Permanently cut the provincial gas tax by 5.7 cents a litre, which the PC

government has already done on a temporary basis since July 2022

Ban Chinese equity from Ontario government-funded energy, critical mineral and infrastructure assets.

Transportation-Build a tunnel under Highway 401 from Mississauga in the west to the Markham area in the east, at an unknown cost.

Seek to build a freight rail bypass along the Highway 407 corridor in Peel Region.

Take tolls off Highway 407 East, the provincially owned portion of the highway. Permanently cut the provincial gas tax by 5.7 cents a litre, which the PC government has already done on a temporary basis since July 2022

Transit-Upload the Ottawa LRT and integrate its operations under provincial transit agency Metrolinx.

Spend $10 billion toward support for employers through a six-month deferral of provincially administered taxes on Ontario businesses and $3 billion toward payroll tax and premium relief, $600 million in a fund aimed at attracting investments, and $300 million to expand an Ontario manufacturing tax credit.

costs off the city’s books to the tune of about $4 billion over a few decades.

Spend $15 billion over three years to speed up capital projects including widening the Queen Elizabeth Way between Burlington and St. Catharines. Add $5 billion to the Building Ontario Fund. Add $2 billion to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program and Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund. Add $300 million to the Community Sport and Recreation Fund.

Invest $1 billion in a skills development fund for autoworkers to transition to a different trade and another $100 million for an employment fund to help workers who are vulnerable to trade disputes transition to “in-demand” jobs.

The History of Valentine’s Day, and Why We Celebrate

cont’d from pg. 6

What Is Galentine’s Day, and How Is It Related to Valentine’s Day?

A modern and fun take on the holiday, Galentine’s Day (or Palentine’s Day) is a recent addition to Valentine’s Day history. It seems to have been popularized by Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope on Parks and Recreation. Celebrated on February 13, it’s a day to honor the friends you love. Galentine’s Day gifts have become a nice way to celebrate the people who mean so much to you.

Is Valentine’s Day an Official Holiday?

While Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world—in the U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia, South Korea, France, Argentina, and Mexico, among other countries—it’s no longer an official Catholic holiday. And unfortunately for all the romantics out there, it’s not a bank holiday or day off.

What’s the Meaning of Valentine’s Day?

Over the centuries, Valentine’s Day has been a religious feast day and a secular day of romance. In its earliest incarnation, it was even a ritual celebrating fertility and springtime. Given how much it’s changed over time, we say the meaning of Valentine’s Day can be whatever you want. You can skip the celebrations completely, buy yourself some chocolate or flowers, or express your love and appreciation for the people in your life, whether they’re coworkers, romantic

partners, friends, or family members. Valentine’s Day Fun Facts

Want to impress your friends and family with your Valentine’s Day knowledge (or just win your Valentine’s Day trivia contest at the local pub)? Check out these Valentine’s Day fun facts:

• According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent an average of about $186 on Valentine’s Day gifts in 2024, totaling about $26 billion nationwide.

• While most people send out nice messages for the holiday, Victorian-era folks sometimes used valentines to turn down a suitor, called a vinegar valentine.

• More than 250 million roses are produced for Valentine’s Day, according to the Society of American Florists—with red roses making up nearly two-thirds of that number.

• The heart shape as a symbol of love first started showing up in art of the Middle Ages.

• If you don’t make a big deal about Valentine’s Day, you’re not alone. A YouGov survey found that only 30% of Americans thought it was a real special occasion—with most people preferring holidays like New Year’s Eve, Halloween, Labor Day, and Memorial Day to the day of love.

Premiers press case against tariffs in talks with White House officials

Canada’s premiers met at the White House with two senior officials in U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration in a discussion described as frank and constructive, but with no guarantees that punishing tariffs could be avoided.

The last-minute meeting with Mr. Trump’s Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair and Sergio Gor, director of the Presidential Personnel Office, capped off a two-day visit to the capital. Premiers said they pressed the case that Canada is a willing economic partner as well as a sovereign nation that will never join the United States as the 51st state, as Mr. Trump has repeatedly suggested.

It was the latest push by provincial and federal officials in a months-long campaign to head off damaging tariffs, which began in November when Mr. Trump said he would he add a 25-percent tariff on all Canadian and Mexican goods. Mr. Trump put those levies on pause earlier this month until at least March 4, but this week announced 25-per-cent tariffs on all steel and aluminum, including from Canada, beginning March 12.

The premiers’ Washington trip happened as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made similar arguments in Europe, where he warned that tariffs would cost jobs in the U.S. and repeated

his own threats to retaliate.

All 13 premiers, along with federal Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, travelled to Washington this week to meet with U.S. lawmakers and businesspeople in a bid to push back against American tariffs on Canadian goods. In the end, 11 of the Premiers sat in on the meeting with Mr. Blair and Mr. Gor at the White House, with Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston departing early.

Mr. LeBlanc, along with Canada’s

Ambassador to the United States, Kirsten Hillman, also met Wednesday with Mr. Trump’s commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick as well as top economic adviser Kevin Hassett.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting at the White House, B.C. Premier David Eby said there were some “very frank moments across the table” and that the officials urged the Premiers “to take the President at his word, and so we will certainly do that,” he said, referencing Mr. Trump’s concerns about border security and fentanyl.

He said he also asked the Americans to share their concerns about fentanyl and the border with premiers.

“If these are the key points of frustration for the president, we want to take action on those things,” he said. Canada, Mexico and the European Union condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports next month, a move that has fanned fears of a trade war.

The Globe and Mail

Liberal Caucus Celebrates Black History Month on the Hill

On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, members of the federal Liberal Caucus celebrated Black History Month in the National Capital Region by hosting and participating in various events

highlighting the Government of Canada’s theme for Black History Month 2025: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”

Roundtables

In the morning, the Liberal Black Caucus led by Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West and Chair of the Liberal Black Caucus, hosted roundtable discussions attended by the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable

Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development, and the Honourable

Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business.

Networking Reception

Later in the afternoon, the Black Liberal Caucus hosted a networking reception on Parliament Hill. The event brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, community members, and Liberal Members of Parliament to celebrate

Black excellence and create opportunities for collaboration.

Celebration

Members ended the day’s festivities by attending the Government of Canada’s Black History

Month Celebration, hosted by the Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Minister of Diversity,

Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities. The event featured keynote speeches from Prime

Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister Marci Ien, Minister Kamal Khera and MP Arielle Kayabaga,

cultural performances, and tributes to historical figures who have made significant contributions

to Black communities.

Black History Month is a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the critical role that countless

Black trailblazers, past and present, continuously play in shaping Canada into the country it is today. Our Liberal government is proud of the progress we have made, including the over one billion dollars committed to Blackfocused initiatives, and we will always reflect on the work we must continue to do.

Members of the Liberal Caucus and Hill staffers take a photo at the Liberal Black Caucus’ Black History Month Networking Reception. Photo: Lindsay Chamaillard.

Minister Rechie Valdez and MP Arielle Kayabaga with roundtable participants. Photo: Office of Arielle Kaybaga.

Group picture of Canadian Premiers

PLACES OF WORSHIP DIRECTORY

Ghana Methodist Churches in Canada

( SOCIETIES UNDER THE GHANA METHODIST CONFERENCE)

The Superintendents Minister-In-Charge invites you to worship with us

Toronto Society

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

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

Day and Time of Worship:

Sunday: Bible Class Meeting: 10:00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.

Church Service: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Jericho Hour Prayer Meeting - 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday Mid-day Prayer - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday: Bible Teaching/Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

Saturday Organizational Meeting: 6.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

Sunday Brampton Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m.

Edmonton Methodist 778-237-7339

Ottawa Methodist 613-315-3443

BETHANY METHODIST CHURCH-BRAMPTON

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

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

Code # 9632581

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

Redemption Methodist Church

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

Weekly Service Schedule: Monday 7 pm - 8 pm

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

Holy Trinity Methodist Church, Montreal

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

Day and Time of Worship

Sunday Divine Service: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Friday Prayer Meetings: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Contact: Bro. Joselin Twumasi 438-881-6640

Ebenezer Methodist Church

Stoney Creek United Church (Chapel)

1 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Hamilton

Contact: Bro. Kofi Bonsu 289-684-6074

Worship Time: 11 am to 1 pm

Peniel Methodist

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

Worship Time: 9 am to 10:30

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

FOOD FOR LIFE

Bringing the Gospel to our Community By Rev.

Isaac De-Graft Takyi

THE CHRISTIAN IN 2025:LIVE LIKE CHRIST IN HIS PRAYER LIFE: JESUS’ LIFE OF UNCEASING PRAYER AS AN EXAMPLE FOR BELIEVERS.: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:17

QUOTES ON PRAYER BY JESUS

1. The Lord’s Prayer (Model for Prayer)

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.”— Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)

2. On Private Prayer

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”— Matthew 6:6 (NIV)

3. On Persistent Prayer

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”— Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)

4. On Praying in Faith

“Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

— Mark 11:24 (NIV)

5. On Forgiveness in Prayer

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against

anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”— Mark 11:25 (NIV)

6. On Watching and Praying “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”— Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

7. On Praying for Others “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”— Luke 22:32 (NIV)

8. On Jesus’ Intercessory Prayer “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father,

just as you are in me and I am in you.”— John 17:20-21 (NIV)

INTRODUCTION

Prayer is the lifeline of every believer. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to “pray without ceasing,” not as a burden but as a lifestyle of continual communion with God. The best example of this is found in Jesus Christ. While on earth, He demonstrated a life of persistent, passionate, and purposeful prayer. To live like Christ means to pray like Christ!

I. JESUS PRAYED AT ALL TIMES (A LIFESTYLE OF PRAYER)

• Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

• Jesus did not pray only when He needed something; it was His way of life.

• His prayer life was not an emergency response but a constant connection with the Father.

• Believers must cultivate an unceasing prayer life—not just during crises but as a daily habit.

APPLICATION:

• Set aside consistent times of prayer daily.

• Develop a heart that whispers prayers throughout the day, in every situation.

II. JESUS PRAYED IN SOLITUDE AND IN PUBLIC

• Mark 1:35 – “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

• Jesus spent private time with God but also led public prayers (John 11:41-42, Matthew 14:19).

• His secret prayers empowered His public ministry.

• To “pray without ceasing” means personal intimacy with God and leading others in prayer.

APPLICATION:

• Seek both private and corporate prayer moments.

• Balance your quiet time with God and engagement in communal prayer.

III. JESUS PRAYED BEFORE MAJOR DECISIONS

• Luke 6:12-13 – “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them…”

• Before choosing the twelve apostles, Jesus prayed all night.

• He sought divine guidance before major decisions.

cont’d on pg. 49

Church Of Christ Ghanaian Congregation - Toronto

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

Time of Worship: 10am - 12:15pm

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

Bro. Agyenim Boateng: 647-656-9905

Email: churchofchristtwiservice@gmail.com

Bro. Christian Kpodjie: 647-405-2068

Website: churchofchristghtoronto.com

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church

Lead Pastor: Rev. Nana Kwadwo Boateng Addo

SUNDAY SERVICES:

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

WEEKDAY SERVICES:

Rev. Nana Boateng

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

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

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

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

Good Shepherd Prayer Ministry

Invites you all to come worship with us

Venue: 95 Eddystone Ave unit 4 North York, ON

Time of worship: Sunday:10am - 1pm

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

CHRIST REDEEMER CHURCH

Pastor-in-charge: Pastor Eric Amoah

Tel: (416) 748-1242 Cell: (416) 300-9970

Church Services

Sunday Service:

Bible Study: 10 a.m.-11a.m.

Worship Service: 11a.m. - 1p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m.

Friday Night Prayer: 8p.m.-10p.m.

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

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

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

Bethel Prayer Ministry Int'l

Do you desire to experience the power and the presence of God demonstrated in your life?

Do you want to experience the marvelous work of God's grace in your life?

Then, Bethel Prayer Ministry International would like to invite you to visit their church where the word of God is preached powerfully to release the power of God in your life.

COME AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED

Contact: Cell. 416-400-8211 Church 416-642-0390

Worship Hours: Sunday Service: 9am - 1pm Tuesday 9am - 2 pm Consultation

Wednesday: 7pm - 9p.m. Friday: 9pm - 12 pm

Saturday (Prayer Warriors) 6pm - 8pm

Location: 52 Carrier Drive, Unit 12, (Albion/Hwy 27) Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

Pastor Eric Amoah

Transformation

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

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

Email: transformationcentreag@gmail.com

Website: www. transformationcentreag.ca

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

The Apostolic Church Int'l.

MOVED TO NEW LOCATION

31 Airview Road

Ghana’s economy is expected to expand by 4.2% in 2025 and 4.8% in 2026, according to the World Bank’s January 2025 Global Economic Prospects report.

However, these figures remain below the pre-COVID-19 pandemic average of 5%, reflecting persistent economic challenges.

The World Bank has also revised Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for 2024 downward to 4.0% from its initial 4.8% estimate in the October 2024 Africa Pulse Report which aligns with the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) forecast.

The World Bank cautioned that risks to Ghana’s economic outlook remain skewed to the downside. Among key concerns are a sharper-than-expected slowdown in China, escalating geopolitical tensions—particularly in the Middle East—and worsening political instability in East Africa and

the Sahel.

Additionally, prolonged inflationary pressures could keep global interest rates elevated, further straining highly indebted economies.

The increasing frequency of extreme weather events also poses risks, with potential implications for poverty levels across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Meanwhile, economic growth in SSA is estimated to have improved from 2.9% in 2023 to 3.2% in 2024, though this remains 0.3 percentage points below earlier projections due to ongoing conflicts in Sudan and other country-specific challenges that hindered recovery.

With these uncertainties, policymakers face mounting pressure to implement strategies that bolster economic resilience and sustain long-term growth. Ghana News Today

Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu

Apostle Jeremiah Mensah (Resident Apostle)

Live like Christ in his Prayer life

cont’d from pg. 45

• To “pray without ceasing” means involving God in every decision of life.

APPLICATION:

• Pray before making decisions regarding career, family, ministry, and finances.

• Do not rush decisions without seeking God’s direction.

IV. JESUS PRAYED IN MOMENTS OF TRIALS AND SUFFERING

• Luke 22:41-44 – In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed in agony before His crucifixion.

• Luke 23:34 – Even on the cross, He prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them…”

• Jesus’ prayers were not hindered by pain, sorrow, or hardship.

• To “pray without ceasing” means staying in prayer even in difficult times.

APPLICATION:

• Pray in times of trials rather than complain.

• Let prayer be your first response, not the last resort.

V. JESUS PRAYED FOR OTHERS (INTERCESSORY PRAYER)

• John 17:9-21 – Jesus prayed for His disciples and all believers.

• He interceded for Peter (Luke 22:31-32) so that his faith would not fail.

• A life of unceasing prayer includes interceding for others.

APPLICATION:

• Develop a habit of praying for family, church, and nations.

• Stand in the gap for those who cannot pray for themselves.

VI. JESUS PRAYED IN TOTAL SURRENDER TO GOD’S WILL

• Luke 22:42 – “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

• Prayer is not about changing God’s will but aligning ourselves with it.

• Jesus submitted to God even when it was difficult.

APPLICATION:

• Pray with a heart willing to obey God’s answer, whether yes, no, or wait.

• Prayer must lead to surrender, not just requests.

CONCLUSION:

HOW CAN WE LIVE LIKE CHRIST IN HIS PRAYER LIFE?

1. Make prayer a lifestyle, not just an activity.

2. Find solitude for deep communion with God.

3. Seek God’s guidance before decisions.

4. Pray in trials, not just in blessings.

5. Intercede for others continually.

6. Surrender to God’s will through prayer. If Jesus, the Son of God, depended on prayer, how much more should we? May we live like Christ by walking in an unceasing, vibrant, and powerful prayer life.

Why so many people in Canada seem to be sick right now

Influenza widespread in many parts of the country, Public Health Agency of Canada says You may be seeing and hearing a lot of people coughing and sneezing around you right now.

Why? Well, Canada’s winter respiratory virus season got off a late start and now it is in full swing, officials say. That suggests more people are sick with the flu and landing in the hospital compared to years past.

“We haven’t seen this amount of influenza cases as well as severe illness in almost a decade,” said Dr. Karim Ali, medical director for infection prevention and control and head of services for infectious diseases at Niagara Health in Ontario.

In Quebec, Dr. Jesse Papenburg, an infectious disease specialist at Montreal Children’s Hospital and an associate professor of pediatrics at McGill University, says about one out of every three tests sent for influenza in the province currently comes back positive for flu, which reflects the intensity of this flu season.

“I think this is influenza doing what influenza does, striking in the middle of winter with an intense epidemic,” said Papenburg.

For several years up until 2023, he says about 10 to 20 per cent of children admitted to pediatric hospitals for influenza needed intensive care. Back in 2006, Canadian researchers reported about 12 per cent of children hospitalized with influenza were admitted to intensive care. This season’s data isn’t yet broken down.

Papenburg also notes that the flu vaccine helps protect children from being infected. “My recommendations for families is, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.”

On Friday, the Public Health Agency of Canada noted flu activity was “widespread” in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. COVID-19 and

respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were decreasing, PHAC said. In Canada, flu season typically lasts from November to April.

Later peak, more illness?

Dawn Bowdish, a professor of medicine at Hamilton’s McMaster University, pointed to national goals of vaccinating 80 per cent of vulnerable people, such as the youngest and oldest. The influenza vaccine uptake goal is meant to protect those at high risk of infection and complications from the respiratory illness, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Duration3:24

B.C. Children’s Hospital says it is seeing an uptick in visits to the ER this month, and officials are asking parents with sick kids to take preliminary measures before a hospital visit. CBC medical columnist Dr. Melissa Lem joins us to discuss options parents can consider to avoid a visit to the hospital. Bowdish, the executive director of the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, says Canada has never hit that target. “The good news is that in people over 65, we’re starting to creep up over 70 per cent,” she said.

Influenza vaccines are also important during pregnancy, she noted, to prevent bad outcomes for both the pregnancy and the woman’s health, as well as to pass on protection from the mother to baby to keep newborns out of the hospital

cont’d on pg. 50

* Rust *Minor Repairs and Painting Sammy Lartey 416-659-1655

172 Toryork Dr., #9, North York, Ont.

SIX STAR MOTORS

56 Penn Drive, North York (Finch/Milvan)

Air Conditioning Service Tune-ups, Brakes, Mufflers, General Repairs Service to all imports

Specializing In: Paul Nsiah, Manager Tel: 416-746-3275

Overcoming the Challenge of feeling un-loved and rejected in your relationships

Challenges are unavoidable in our daily lives, especially in our relationships. All challenges must have their ultimate purpose and benefit of shaping our character, teaching us new and vital lessons of life, toughening us, drawing us closer to God for godliness, and humbling us to be more repentant, kind, and compassionate. But we must live in such a wise and godly way that we can avoid unnecessary and destructive challenges due to recklessness, pride, laziness, stubbornness, disobedience, foolishness, immature decisions, and unwise choices. Today, many of us face the huge challenge of feeling un-loved and un-accepted, and feeling rejected in our marriages, courtships, homes, and families, which are all transferred to churches, institutions, and the workplace. Women in particular are the chief victims. To deal with the challenges of love and acceptance, and to also avoid rejection, I will offer a few suggestions:

1) Begin Your Relationship In The Right Way

Do not start your relationship with a faulty start of negative factors such as immorality, rebellion against parental authority (or authority of your elders), and lightheartedness, and settle in marriage or the love relationship with that weak or poor foundation. In many of such instances, pregnancy and intense sexual activity results, which is then converted into marriage, without careful consideration of future implications, and in-built conviction and desire to sacrificially love and accept the partner without dependence on mere feelings and emotional decisions.

2) Let Your Relationship Be Based On True Knowledge

Make all the necessary inquiries that will enable you to ensure that you know very well, the person you are going to share your life with. Gather as much information and important knowledge as you can, about his past life, his present lifestyle, his personality, and his character. Be fully aware that you fall in love with a personality, but you finally live with a character Knowledge is what we really use to live with people Therefore, pray to the Lord to show you all that you need to know, and use all the means available to you to gather essential information about the person before you make a commitment. Beware also of false or distorted knowledge about the person, which could cause you to start or continue the relationship with doubts, suspicion, and fear. If you allow yourself to be fed by wrong advice and information from family members and friends, or become rooted in old-fashioned cultural and traditional beliefs that do not promote meaningful relationships, then you can set the pace for behavior and acts that would breed rejection, due to conditions that would not permit genuine love to be

established between the two of you.

3) Check Your Motives; Be Sincere, And Have Insight

Examine yourself critically and find out if a habit, an offence, or fault of yours is not contributing towards the other person’s un-loving attitude towards you. If you discover any negative factor on your part, then make the necessary changes (including real repentance and apologies for offences), and allow your new behavior and lifestyle to build fresh love and acceptance in your mate or friend. It is common to also discover that people marry their partners or pick lovers and other partners for because of business advantages, beauty, fame, financial position, talents and gifts, desire to use the woman to bear children for him (or the woman simply wanting a man who can make her pregnant), and other forms of riches and gains as the overriding motive. Although several men deceive and take advantage of women, there have been cases where a man sincerely loves a woman, but it is rather the woman who camouflages her true motives, and creates a false bond with him merely to use him and gain from his efforts and resources. After a while the man discovers it and begins to pull away until all of his love and acceptance of the woman erodes away completely.

It is important to examine your true motives and deal with any insincerity in your mind and heart. Even when you are wrong in any area or wrong at any time, do the best you can to ensure that you are sincerely wrong and not deceitful or mischievous.

If you realize, that the word “love” is used in the “love affair” as a term more than a definition of things practiced in the relationship, then both of you must thoroughly address the issue. Sometimes the person has not really opened his heart to accept you, but “loves some things of yours” or “some things about you”, but does not genuinely love you as a person. In such cases you should know that you have already set the stage for future rejection and absence of love in the relationship. If you do business, engage in ministry, or run an organization with someone whose motive is to simply use you for his selfish ambitions, then you must be sure that in the end the man will not treat you fairly, and will not exhibit the love and acceptance you deserve or expect from him.

4)

Engage In Open Communication And Dialogue

Communication is the blood of all relationships, and your relationship will therefore be anemic or lifeless if communication does not flow from both sides of the couple or lovers in the love affair, marriage, or relationship. Open and sincere communication is the foundation for true and total knowledge that will be synthesized by the mind

and heart to generate and build true love that is enthusiastic, satisfying, and sustaining. Learn to be a good listener in order to ask intelligent and necessary questions, and offer good answers Every person who is a poor listener is always a very poor communicator as well. If God wanted you to talk more than to listen, He would have given you two mouths and one ear! Please, learn to listen to people, if you are ever going to understand them, agree to work with them in unity, and be of a blessing to them.

By Dr. Samuel Kisseadoo, Professor

of Biology in Virginia. Ordained Licensed Minister, International Evangelist, and Author. Relationships Marriage & Family Counselor. E-mail: kisseadoo@ msn.com. Website for resources: www. fruitfulministriesint.com. Tune in to JOY 99.7 FM in Accra, Ghana to listen to Dr. Kisseadoo’s weekly broadcast “Hope For Your Family” on Sat. 5:30am-6am, Ghana time (1:30am-

2:00am, US Eastern Time in MarchNov.). Access the broadcast on the Internet with MYJOYONLINE.COM.

For free counseling, programs, prayer, messages, books, speaking engagements, call Dr. Kisseadoo in Virginia, USA, on 1-757-7289330 (or call 233-20-8126533 or 233-276322982 in Accra, or 233-275-353802 in Kumasi, Ghana). Ghana Fruitful Ministry E-mail is: fmighana.accra@ gmail.com. Call 233-20-8209567 in Ghana to obtain additional rich information from Dr. Kisseadoos’s books in Ghana. Use his name “Dr. Samuel Kisseadoo” to search: RedLeadBooks.com or Amazon. com for some of his books. He can personally mail some copies to you as well.

In Ghana, call Tigo or Airtel 545 and follow the prompts for daily inspirational messages of Dr. Kisseadoo. Permission granted to freely share but with acknowledgement.

Why so many people in Canada seem to be sick right now

cont’d from pg. 49

Other priority groups for flu shots include those who have asthma, people with heart conditions, people who are immunocompromised and anyone planning to receive chemotherapy for cancer.

Bowdish says that as with COVID-19 vaccinations, waning immunity from fall flu shots could be playing a role now.

“When the peak comes later, like February, most people are past that three months of protection, which could explain why we’re seeing so many admissions this year,” she said.

A new report from three physicians says the persistent post-infectious cough that so many Canadians are experiencing this winter will most often be resolved with time. Nationally, influenza vaccination coverage in 2023-2024 was 42 per cent, about the same as the previous season. The findings were published in December by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Watch for transition season

Dr. Danuta Skowronski heads up epidemiology for influenza at BC Centre for Disease Control and leads an annual study into influenza vaccine effectiveness.

Skowronski says her team has found that the vaccine reduces the risk of flu illnesses that require a medical visit “by about half” through mid-January.

Her team’s findings based on data from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec as well as the National Microbiology Laboratory, were published Jan. 30 in the medical journal Eurosurveillance.

Skowronski says, a mix of two Influenza A subtypes, H1 and H3, are circulating this season.

“Last year, it was predominantly an H1 season for us, so to see a second season in a row of H1 is a little unusual,” she said. “But to have both H1 and H3 suggests to me that this may be a transition season and we should be watching for emergence of a kind of a dominant variant that may take off.”

On top of vaccination, Skowronski suggested people layer various precautions to avoid infection and illness. For instance, if a grandchild has a flu-like illness then it may be best to avoid visiting. Or a person at high-risk of complications may want to consider getting a prescription for an antiviral medication early on in their illness.

She says her team will continue to monitor flu vaccine effectiveness closely over the rest of the season because a small proportion of viruses tested showed variants that may influence deliberations about the composition of influenza vaccines for the Northern Hemisphere at the World Health Organization’s meeting in London later this month. CBC News

Health/Lifestyle

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

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

Over the years people have asked me several health questions and I will like to highlight some of them in this issue of GN.

1.How long can you safely keep leftovers in the refrigerator?

Leftovers can be kept for three to four days in the refrigerator. Be sure to eat them within that time. After that the, the risk of food poisoning increases. If you don’t think you’ll be able to eat leftovers within four days, freeze them immediately.

Food poisoning — also called foodborne illness — is caused by harmful organisms, such as bacteria in contaminated food. Because bacteria typically don’t change the taste, smell or look of food, you can’t tell whether a food is dangerous to eat. So if you’re

in doubt about a food’s safety, it’s best to throw it out.

Fortunately, most cases of food poisoning can be prevented with proper food handling. To practice food safety, quickly refrigerate perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, dairy and eggs — don’t let them sit more than two hours at typical room temperature

or more than one hour at temperatures above 90 F (32 C).

Uncooked foods, such as cold salads or sandwiches, also should be eaten or refrigerated promptly. Your goal is to minimize the time a food is in the “danger zone” — between 40 and 140 F (4 and 60 C) — when bacteria can quickly multiply.

When you’re ready to eat leftovers, reheat them on the stove, in the oven or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C). Because they may not get hot enough, slow cookers and chafing dishes aren’t recommended for reheating leftovers.

2.Is tap water as safe as bottled water?

Tap water and bottled water are generally comparable in terms of safety. So the choice of tap or bottled is

mostly a matter of personal preference.

In Canada, the responsibility for the regulation of bottled water is shared by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Health Canada establishes health and safety standards while the CFIA develops standards related to the packaging, labeling and advertisement of these products and handles all inspection and enforcement duties.

On the other hand, tap water is distributed by the appropriate municipalities and regulated by the appropriate province or territory. Health Canada is involved in the development of Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

Quality standards for both bottled water and tap water are similar. Hence both bottled water and municipally distributed water that meet or exceed their required health and safety standards are considered to be safe.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCUSSING SEX WITH OUR CHILDREN

By Doris Osei Bonsu, Toronto, ON

All children have sexual feelings. These feelings are a normal part of human growth and development. Talking about sexcan be awkward, but the earlier you start the discussion, the better prepared your child will be to make safer decisions about it. And your child may be better able to deal with peer pressureand media influences as he or she gets older.

Study after study haveshown that teenagers want more information about sex than they are getting. When asked how they would choose to learn about sex, nine out of ten say from their parents-yes, their parents-not from their friends or a health class or books. When asked if they actually talk to their parents about sex, however, only about one in ten says yes. The reason, according to most teenagers, is that their parents hold back.

Why are parents reluctant to discuss sex with their teenagers?

• “I don’t want to encourage sex.” Many parents believe that talking to young people about sex will lead to premature sexual activity; that children will interpret their parents’ willingness to talk as permission to become sexually involved. Both beliefs are false. Researchers who have studied this question extensively find no evidence that sex education, from whatever source, increases sexual activity. What they do find is that lack of education increases unsafe sex. The message children get from discussions of sex is the message you communicate. If you say that you do not think teenagers should have sex, your child will hear you. He or she may not agree with you, but if you say nothing, you will never learn what your child thinks, nor will your teen know where you stand.

• “My child knows more than I do.”

Some parents believe that they don’t need to discuss sex because their children already know whatever they need to know, from sex education in school or other sources. And some young adolescents are convinced they “know it all.” They don’t. The sex education provided in a typical junior or senior high school consists of a total of five to ten hours of instruction and/ or discussion. The emphasis is usually on anatomy and physiology.

Sexual feelings and sexual relationships; the issues that concern adolescents’ most, are rarely mentioned. If contraception and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are introduced, it is often in the eleventh and twelfth grades, which may be after the fact. In short, sex education in school tends to be too little, too late, and boring. So young people turn to their friends, older siblings, and whatever books, magazines, and TV shows are available, and they come up with a few facts, a good many halftruths, and almost as many untruths. Your adolescent may have an advanced sexual vocabulary, but this doesn’t mean he knows what he’s talking about.

• “I don’t know how to begin.” Perhaps the main reason parents feel awkward about discussing sex is that they don’t know how. Today’s parents likely came of age after the sexual revolution, but sex may still have been a taboo subject in their homes. When the time comes to talk with their children, they don’t have role models for being parents of sexually open teenagers. In spite of what they think they should do, a part of them feels it is inappropriate to include frank sexual discussions in their child’s upbringing.

How can parents overcome their own hesitations and their young adolescent’s resistance? Here are some suggestions:

• Don’t postpone discussions of

sex until you think the adolescent is involved in a relationship. Ideally, you should start talking to your child before he or she has become sexually active. 10- to 12-year-olds are less likely to take the discussions personally and react defensively and more likely to say what is on their minds. A younger adolescent won’t take your views as a judgment. Having said this, I must add that it is never too late for you and your adolescent to have the conversation (or several of them. If you want your child to consider sex a normal, not scary or compulsive or super-glorious part of life, the most natural approach is to weave discussions of sexual topics into everyday conversation. TV shows (both serious shows and sitcoms), magazine articles, the advice columns in newspapers, and even gossip columns provide ample opportunities to discuss sexual behavior and values. (More than 70 percent of the television shows that are the most popular with teenagers contain sexual content.) A program on teenage pregnancy can set the stage for talking about why (other) teenagers take chances and how much your child knows.

Don’t overwhelm the young adolescent with information. If your son or daughter asks a question, answer it and ask if there is anything else they would like to know. Your goals should be first to find out what your child knows and correct misinformation and second to let the youngster know that it is okay to talk about sex. The best way to break the ice is to show the adolescent you are interested in his or her views on topics like teenage pregnancy and sexual harassment.

• Respect your adolescent’s privacy. As teenagers move into adolescence, their desire for privacy increases. They don’t want you going through their drawers or email while they are in school, and

they don’t want you prying into their private thoughts. The rule that sex is private is not for adults only. If your daughter takes you into her confidence, don’t rush off to tell your husband or your best friend what she said. Let her decide whom she wants or doesn’t want to know about her feelings.At some point, nearly all preteens ask “How old do you have to be to have intercourse?” Don’t assume that your son or daughter is contemplating an affair. Most young teenagers are looking for reasons not to have sex, and welcome their parent’s help in saying no. Even still, it might not be too soon to begin discussing now how to make responsible decisions about sex, and bad reasons for having sex before marriage.

The best approach with preteens is to emphasize the real risk:

• Unprotected sex-at any age, even once, can result in pregnancy. The only way to prevent pregnancy is to abstain from intercourse. No form of contraception is 100 percent effective.

• Pregnancy at an early age is both physically and psychologically risky. Very young mothers are more likely to have complicated pregnancies and deliveries than are women in their twenties; their babies are more likely to be underweight, sickly, and slow to develop. Girls who become mothers in their teens are far less likely than other girls to complete high school or go to college. They are also less likely than other girls to marry the father of their baby or, if they do, to stay married. Abortion also entails greater risk when the girl is very young, it’sonly because young teens are reluctant to face the possibility that they are pregnant and delay seeing a physician. In short, young adolescents should know that saying no until they are older is important to their health and their future.

Around the World Sports Scene

Autistic cyclist Young Phil set for audacious Accra-Tamale awareness ride

Africa’s only autistic cyclist, Young Phil Bertino would take his awareness creation a notch higher with an audacious attempt to ride from Accra to Tamale for his ‘2025 Autism Awareness Creation through the Cycling’ campaign.

The ride from Accra to Tamale is set for Wednesday, April 2 to Friday, April 4.

The campaign which has been running for the past six years would see the 18-year-old, joined by other professional cyclists to take up the over 600km challenge.

Dubbed “Empowering Autism through Action,” the cyclists, would engage residents and commuters with the intention to raise awareness and drum home the need for society to accept and support children living with autism.

Under the auspices of the Liztino Center for Children with Special Needs, the campaign would begin at the Accra Sports Stadium where organisers would engage the public before starting the journey.

The team would on Wednesday, ride from Accra through Nkawkaw to Konongo and make a stop in Kumasi before continuing the campaign from Kumasi to Tamale They are expected to arrive on Friday.

Speaking ahead of the campaign, the Founder of the Liztino Center and mother to Young Phil, Mrs Angel Bertino said, they decided to take up the challenge to engage more people on autism.

She explained that, over the past years, the cyclists succeeded in their campaign from Accra to other regions, including Central, Eastern, Volta and Western regions and determined to reach out to Ashanti and the Northern regions.

She said that the campaign would further drum home the need for society to do better in their support and interaction with autistic people.

“People still think autistic children are a burden to society but when supported, they can live an independent life and can

excel in anything they do,” she stated.

Additionally, she said they have received some positive feedback from the public following previous awareness campaigns with thousands of people accepting their autistic children and supporting them to grow.

“Some have gone back to school with others learning some form of skill to become entrepreneurs as well as other areas,” she stated.

Most importantly, she said, they were relating better in society and had become independent rather than being burdens to their parents.

“This is a huge and longest journey and we need all on board to support and push the cyclist to raise the flag of Ghana,” she said.

She called on corporate entities and individuals to come on board, with special mention of Philanthropist and Businessman Ibrahim Mahama and others to come on board to support the noble course.

She expressed appreciation to past sponsors and the media for their support to the campaign and autism and disability as a whole.

SEED Academy Ghana hosts ‘Sports Leadership Summit’ to transform youth through basketball

SEED Academy Ghana on Saturday December 28,2024, marked a historic milestone with the inaugural SEED Sports Leadership Summit at the University of Ghana Business School.

The event united renowned basketball figures, including Amadou Gallo Fall, President of Basketball Africa League (BAL); former NBA player Pops Mensah-Bonsu, WNBA legend Angel McCoughtry, Star Wright, and BAL Vice President John Manyo-Plane, to discuss advancing basketball and leadership in Ghana.

The summit is part of SEED Academy’s mission to combine sports and education to cultivate future leaders capable of driving social and economic transformation.

Established in 2018 by Mensah-Bonsu, the academy has built its reputation through initiatives like the Elite Camp and the Community Day of Play.

In an interview, Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the summit’s goal of empowering young athletes beyond the basketball court.

“We are committed to a holistic approach, combining basketball development with leadership and character building.

“We want these kids to not only excel as student-athletes but also succeed in life through the skills they develop here,” he said.

“Our kids are learning to lead while inspiring the younger generation, which strengthens the sense of community we are building.”

Angel McCoughtry, WNBA legend, stressed the importance of representation and mentorship for young athletes, particularly women.

“They need to see that WNBA players

and NBA players care about them. Representation is crucial, and events like this show them what’s possible.”

McCoughtry praised Ghana’s talent growth and predicted a bright future for African basketball.

Star Wright, founder of the Star Wright Foundation, highlighted sports’ role in character development, focusing on mentorship and sustainable Programmes for youth aged 8 to 18.

“Sports teach values and build character. Representation matters for everyone, and it’s critical to empower both young boys and girls.”

John Manyo-Plange, BAL Vice President, emphasized grassroots basketball as a foundation for youth engagement.

“Basketball teaches values and provides life lessons while the lifestyle, fashion, and music surrounding the sport keep young people engaged.”

Manyo-Plange applauded Ghana’s international basketball efforts, particularly the Spintex Knights, and expressed optimism about the country’s potential in the BAL.

Looking ahead to 2025, SEED Academy plans to expand its outreach, inviting schools, churches, and organizations to join its mission of empowering Ghanaian youth.

Patrick Agyemang opens up on choosing USA over Black Stars

US-born Ghanaian forward

Patrick Agyemang has revealed why he chose to represent the United States instead of Ghana.

Agyemang made his debut for the United States Men’s National Team, (USMNT) in Janauary 2025, scoring in a 3-1 friendly win against Venezuela.

Despite being eligible to play for Ghana through his parents, Agyemang stated that the Ghana Football Association (GFA) never reached out to him or his representatives, allowing the United States to secure his commitment.

A key player for Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC, Agyemang explained in an interview with Flashscore that

the USMNT’s proactive approach played a crucial role in his decision.

“I grew up in a Ghanaian household and watched Black Stars games all the time. I tried not to think about it too

much, but when the USMNT call came, my family was overjoyed,” he said.

“My family encouraged me to play where I felt most comfortable, and since I was born and raised in the USA, it felt natural. I was never involved with the Ghana national team or in contact with them,” he added.

The 24-year-old forward has enjoyed a strong start to his international

career. Following an impressive MLS season with Charlotte FC, where he scored 10 goals in 34 appearances.

Agyemang earned his first USMNT call-up in January 2025 under former Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino. He marked his debut with a goal against Venezuela and found the net again in his second match against Costa Rica.

Young Phil Bertino

Organisers of the SEED Sports Leadership Summit

Patrick Agyemang is a forward for USA

FOOD AND RECIPES

Compiled by Nana Ama, Toronto, ON

1. Waakye

Waakye is a meal that exhibits Ghanaians’ creative use of rice. The recipe is a merger of beans and rice and originally a Northern dish. However, it can now be found almost everywhere on the streets of Ghana. Eating Waakye will open the door to a range of Ghanaian tastes and flavours as the main dish is served with other sides such boiled eggs, fried plantain, garri (grated cassava), spaghetti and avocado.

This popular Ghanaian dish is a great family meal for festive season. When you see fish being grilled on the streets, it is most likely to be tilapia, a delicacy among Ghanaians, who spice then grill the succulent freshwater fish.

It complements banku, a Southern mix of fermented corn and cassava dough, and very hot pepper, diced tomatoes and onions. Banku is one of the main dishes of the people who live by the Ghanaian coast

Kenkey is another corn-based staple similar to banku, that is made by moulding fermented corn dough into balls and wrapping them around drying corn leaves, which are then boiled. The meal is served with hot pepper sauce, fried crabs, octopus or fish and is a delicacy of the people of Ghana.

Omo Tuo is another traditional Ghanaian food that shows how the population often reinvents the myriad ways of eating rice. It comprises soft boiled grains that are moulded into balls and served with a variety of soups.

Northern Ghanaian food is dominated by the use of grains, herbs and meat as these are the main food products of the area.

Tuo Zaafi is similar to banku, although it is quite soft and less sticky, and is made by cooking corn dough and adding a little cassava. What distinguishes Tuo Zaafi and makes it a popular meal nationwide is the nutritious and rare herbs used in making the accompanying soup, including dawadawa and ayoyo leaves.

Kelewele is an instant favourite among anyone who tries it, even those who aren’t big fans of peppery food. Usually sold as a snack or side dish all over the country, it is made by frying soft plantains that have been soaked in a medley of peppers, ginger and garlic. The aroma is crisp and strong, while the pleasant plantain adds some sweetness to the sour.

7. Fufu and goat light soup

Fufu is a staple food across West Africa but in Ghana, it is made by pounding a mixture of boiled cassava and plantains into a soft sticky paste to go along with aromatic and spicy tomato soup. Fufu can also be found in Northern Ghana, although it is made with yam in this region.

2.Banku and Tilapia

3. Kenkey and fried fish

4. Omo Tuo

5. Tuo Zaafi

6. Kelewele

Kwasi Adu Poku final funeral rites

By Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto, ON

Saturday, 25th January2025 at Evangel Assembly of God, Etobicoke, ON. Family, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the final funeral rites. Kwasi Adu Poku, 74 has since be buried at Glenview Memorial Gardens, Woodbridge, ON

Rv. Milton Ofei

The widow (center) with some family members

Some family members

Rev. Ofei and wife (right) with some family members

Abusuapanin and some family members

The widow (center) with some family members

Abusuapanin and some family members

Asanteman Association of Toronto

Some family members

Some family members

Friends and well-wishers