GHANAIAN NEWS - MARCH 2022

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Vol. 26 No. 3 March 2022

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Government of Canada releases Budget 2022 “A Plan to Grow the Economy and Make Life More Affordable”.

By: Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto, ON

HOME-BUYING HELP

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled her second federal budget on Thursday April 7, 2022 — a multi-billion dollar plan meant to help the country come safely through uncertain times through major investments to cool Canada’s red-hot housing market and supercharge the transition to a cleaner, greener economy.

Freeland signalled the days of eye-popping 12-digit budget deficits are coming to an end and promised a return to greater fiscal prudence now that the immediate threat of COVID-19 has abated.

With corporate Canada jittery about Ottawa’s skyhigh deficit spending in recent years, Freeland acknowledged the country’s ability to spend is “not infinite” and — with interest rates now rising to tame inflation — it’s time for the government to “review and reduce” spending.

To that end, Freeland tabled a relatively thin Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland 280-page budget — 500 fewer pages than last year’s document — that is much more focused on a few key responsibility. It is my duty to maintain it — and I areas than Liberal budgets of the recent past. will,” Freeland said.

The budget allocates only $31.2 billion in net new spending over the next five years — a fraction of Here are the highlights of the Budget the sums in recent budgets.

The budget focuses on housing, greening the “Canada has a proud tradition of fiscal

The budget promises to introduce tax-free savings accounts that would give first-time home buyers the chance to save up to $40,000. Contributions would be tax-deductible and withdrawals to buy a first home would not be taxed. The program is expected to provide $725 million in support over five years.

economy

AFFORDABLE HOUSING The government is launching a new housing accelerator fund — worth $4 billion over five years — to help municipalities speed up housing development.

The goal is to create 100,000 new housing units in the next five years. The budget also extends the rapid housing initiative, pledging $1.5 billion over two years to create at least 6,000 new housing units to help tackle homelessness.

DENTAL CARE Moving on a commitment in its confidence and supply agreement with the NDP, the government is promising $5.3 billion over five years and $1.7 billion each year thereafter for a national dental care cont’d on pg. 12

Ghana’s 65th Independence celebrated with Flag Raising at Mississauga Civic Centre

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Mississauga, ON

Ghana’s 65th Independence celebrated with flag raising at Mississauga Civic Centre Ghana celebrated its 65th independence from Great Britain on Sunday 6th March 2022. The Ghanaian community living in Ontario , Canada raised Ghana’s flag at the Mississauga Civic Centre, Square One to mark the occasion. It was a very short but impressive ceremony under the theme:“Working Together, Bouncing Back Better”.

Mrs. Felicia Botchway, head of the Seniors Wing of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) decked in her regalia as a queen mother was given the opportunity to give the opening remarks.

It was immediately followed by a prayer from Elder Eugene Kotey after which Ms Grace Dampson rendered the national anthems of both Ghana and Canada.

Honorable Hakeem Balogun, the Consul-General of Ghana in Toronto then gave his speech for the

Hon. Hakeem Balogun cutting birthday cake flanked by some community members occasion. After observing protocol, he gave a short history of how our great nation observed the 1st Independence Day at the Old Polo grounds in Accra where the First President of Ghana, Dr.

Kwame Nkrumah of blessed memory declared Ghana free from the shackles of colonialism and expressed hope of attaining prosperity in freedom, amidst drumming, singing and dancing. cont’d on pg. 31

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

EDITORIAL Publisher / Editor Emmanuel Ayiku Contributing Editor Joe Kingsley Eyiah Director of Operations Comfort Ayiku Community Reporter Jonathan Annobil Local Community Reporter Mickson Addo The Ghanaian News Publishes news and comments from the Community, serves Ghanaians across Canada with good source of information is committed to give good community Journalism The Ghanaian News is published in Canada by The Ghanaian News Corporation Editorial Office 1111 Albion Road, Suite 103 Etobicoke, Ont. M9V 1A9 Tel:(416) 916-3700 Advertising Fax (416) 916-6701 Website: www.ghanaiannews.ca E-mail: cayiku@gmail.com info@ghanaiannews.ca $1:00 per copy Subscription costs $66.00 for one year. including postage U.S. and foreign subscriptions costs US$120 per year.

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

Address your letters to the Editor The Ghanaian News 1111Albion Rd., Suite 103 Etobicoke, Ont., M9V 1A9 Tel: 416-916-3700 or Fax: 416-916-6701 or e-mail us at info@ghanaiannews.ca Articles appearing in various columns of the Ghanaian News are intended to generate civil and informed public discussions.

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

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

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

Need to combat growing youth problem in our community Children and youth are the assets of every society. They need to be nurtured, taught, guided and encouraged to grow into productive adults. For, these will be the leaders of tomorrow after the present generation of leaders have passed on. It therefore becomes the responsibility of every adult in society to participate in activities aimed at grooming the leaders of tomorrow. African societies treasure children and place the responsibility for raising them in the hands of, not only their parents but, the whole community. That is the basis for the proverbial African dictum of “it takes a whole village to raise a child”.

As a result of continuous migration, Afiican communities in many Western countries are growing larger and larger. One of such growing African communities in Canada is our own.

Like many other communities of immigrants in Canada, we have had and continue to grapple with a host of problems associated· with integration into our new society. Some of these have been around finding jobs and keeping them., housing, access to education, information on resources, discrimination and racial harassment from law enforcement officers. Most importantly over the past few years, the greatest challenge the community has faced has been around the youth. And we have two categories of our youth. Those who were born and raised in Canada included in which are those who migrated to Canada at very tender ages. The other category is those who were sponsored from Ghana under the Immigration Department’s Family Re-Unification Program. A large percentage of the youth in this category arrive in Canada in their early or mid-teenage years.

It is with this second category of our youth that we seem to have a lot of problems. The problems come in-different shapes and forms.

The earlier problems with the youth centered around difficulties associated with integration into the school system. However the problem has now become multi-faceted encompassing educational difficulties, problems with parents around issues of authority and disrespect for parental rights and controls socializing into the wrong company and in some cases problems associated with delinquent behaviors.

A rather disturbing recent phenomenon has been the socialization of some of the youth with negative group activity referred to as “gangs”. From Vancouver through Calgary, Toronto to Montreal our community seems to be struggling with how to prevent our youth from falling prey to these negative group behavior and activity.

These negative activities have led to very tragic results for some of our youth over the past few years. Some have died in very tragic but avoidable circumstances. Others are also incarcerated due to drugs and other delinquent behaviors.

It must be borne in mind that a very respectable proportion of our youth are also doing very well: achieving honors in educational, sports and other endeavors. Yet there is also a significant proportion who are attracting negative publicity due to their delinquent behaviors.

And the community has paid a heavy price, critical injuries and deaths in some situations. Some of these could have been avoided if we, as a community, and especially as adults have been a little bit more diligent.

Some of our youth seem to have given up very early on the positive things in life. They believe in the fast lane of negative, easy­going, getrich attitude to life. And as adults we should bear the blame and the responsibility for standing by to let this go on. We have not been doing enough as a community to provide good leadership and proper direction to the youth. We seem to have given them the unfettered freedom to do whatever they want either out of despair or simple negation of responsibilities. We know that many in our community are aware of the tragic events that have been-happening to some of the young people in our community of late. These are danger signals.

They are wake-up calIs. They are yellow lights. And we need to pay attention to them and take collective action before more tragic events happen.

We are therefore appealing to everyone in our community to wake up. The numerous churches need to step up their efforts to rally their congregations to positive action to help stem the tide of youth violence and the drift into negative behaviors. The Churches need to take the leadership roles in reaching out into the community to team up with other groups and associations to map out strategies and programs to assist the youth. The various community umbrella organizations across country should wake up from their slumber and take firm leadership roles in this struggle.

We need to remember that it takes the whole village to raise the children. There is therefore the urgent need for the numerous churches and the countless community associations to combine their efforts to find solutions to the problems that are wrecking the present and future lives of our youth. For when the Iives of our youth are destroyed, the community as a whole will have no foundation and no future!!

Putin’s War puts global food security in jeopardy The pandemic was just a dress rehearsal for what’s about to happen

By Sylvain Charlebois United States President Joe Biden was the first G7 leader to admit publicly that many parts of the world will soon experience food shortages and even famine.

The world will be short of many commodities.

Regions like the Middle East and northeastern Africa already have dangerously low food inventories. The world will soon discover that the pandemic was just a dress rehearsal for what’s about to happen.

The circumstances are the result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine together export over a quarter of the global supply of wheat and one-fifth of the world’s corn supply.

Saying that Ukraine is Europe’s breadbasket is an understatement. Half of Africa’s wheat imports come from Ukraine and Russia, which is also a major fertilizer exporter.

Because of sanctions, Russia can’t sell to anyone except perhaps China. And with limited or no access to fuel, farmers in the region can’t even think about putting seeds in the ground.

To make matters worse, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the largest such operation in the world and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, has lost one of its most significant contributors.

Last year, Ukraine was the largest single source of food for the program, providing nine per cent of the total food provisions managed by the WFP, which was already carrying a deficit due to pandemic-related complications.

Countries in need may not be able to rely on the WFP this year. So the almost eight billion people in the world face unprecedented food shortages.

All eyes are on North America to make up for the losses generated by the conflict and subsequent sanctions.

Many observers expect, or at least hope, that farmers will plant more this year. But relying on specific quantities planted by farmers can be problematic. Input costs like fertilizers and fuel are going up even more than the price of grains like wheat.

If the Ukraine conflict ends in the next month, it would be good news for the world. But farmers may end up losing with prices plummeting. They’re keenly aware of this agonizing possibility.

Mostly unknown in Canada is the fact that Canpotex, a Saskatchewan-based company, is mandated to sell fertilizers to the rest of the world for export markets.

It’s owned by Nutrien and Mosaic, two industry powerhouses.

Canpotex helps both companies collude and inflate fertilizer prices on world markets. This archaic model is perilous to global food security and this year’s predicament makes this painfully obvious.

For decades, Canada and Saskatchewan have supported a supply-side economics scheme that drives fertilizer prices higher. Production has been adjusted based on market prices, which is why Nutrien opted to increase cont’d on pg. 7

The Ghanaian News March 2022 7

Ghana approves tax on Ghana grows the ‘best’ weed; electronic payments despite Why are we not capitalizing on it?

John Dumelo opposition protest Ghana’s parliament approved a new 1.5% tax on electronic payments, known as the “e-levy,” on Tuesday after the opposition walked out in protest.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta proposed the e-levy in November to widen the tax net and has presented it as a panacea for Ghana’s raft of financial woes. Opposition was so fierce that it caused a brawl in parliament a month later.

Critics believe the e-levy will price lower-income people and small business owners out of the digital economy, while Ofori-Atta said it was a way to ensure Ghanaians “contribute their fair share” toward development.

Ruling members of parliament reintroduced the bill on Tuesday, when many opposition MPs were not present, a surprise move analysts had previously said would be one of the only ways for the tax to pass.

It was expected to be re-submitted next week, but parliament speaker Alban Bagbin said it should be treated as urgent business and fasttracked it.

“The financial institutions of this country should not be subject to this punitive, insensitive tax. It would be a disincentive to the private sector of Ghana,” minority leader Haruna Iddrisu said in a statement in parliament.

Analysts have said that the passage of the e-levy could reassure investors and lenders of Ghana’s ability to make tough choices to generate revenue, helping to narrow government bond spreads.

Actor and politician, John Dumelo, has asked whether Ghana’s decision to not commercially legalize marijuana is “smart” enough considering the “billions” Germany is about to reap from the plant.

considered carefully.

Dumelo, who is also a farmer, posted on Twitter that the impending benefits Germany is about to gain from legalizing the plant should make Ghanaian authorities rethink.

At the time when the legalization of the drug generated enormous public attention and the Bill had not yet been passed by Parliament, the Professor said,

Markets reacted immediately after the tax passed. Prices on Ghanaian Eurobonds rose by as much as 2.77 cents on the dollar, reaching their highest value since the day before This is because, in his view, Ghana Russia invaded Ukraine. should not be borrowing from western But analysts say additional fiscal measures may prove necessary for Ghana to reverse its recent economic misfortunes.

Ghana, one of West Africa’s largest economies, is facing rampant inflation, a depreciating currency and a heavy debt burden. Its credit ratings have been downgraded over concerns about the government’s ability to pass legislation to raise revenues.

“Regaining market access will probably require a series of strong fiscal data over the course of the next several months,” said Amaka Anku, consultancy Eurasia Group’s Africa practice head. “The e-levy will help but is not dispositive.”

countries that act swiftly to gain from their resources when the country has more of such resources.

“Germany is set to make billions of Euros from taxes by legalizing marijuana. Then we will turn around and go and borrow that same money with interest for our development, forgetting that we (Ghana) grow the best marijuana in the world. Ain’t we smart?”

He has therefore urged Ghana’s government to consider legalizing the planting and commercial use of marijuana in the country.

To him, when this is done, the country can reap a lot of revenue from it.

He believes marijuana can create the most viable source of revenue for the country than any other crop if it is

Consumer inflation reached 15.7% year on year in February, the highest since 2016. The cedi depreciated some 20% against the dollar this year, second only to the Russian rouble, and public debt hovers cont’d from pg. 6 around 80% of gross domestic its production by 20 per cent After he spoke, opposition parties product. recently. But if prices drop, potash walked out, refusing to take part in the vote.

The government announced mines would close. That’s simple sweeping spending cuts last week but incredibly irresponsible.

The tax, which would cover mobile to tackle the deficit, blaming money payments, bank transfers, its economic hardships on the Canpotex was set up to counter merchant payments, and inward COVID-19 pandemic and the war another cartel in Belarus that no longer exists. The issue will remittances, could raise up to 6.9 in Ukraine. Reuters eventually need to be addressed. billion Ghanaian cedi ($926 million) in 2022, according to government But some things can be done now. To estimates. give Canadian farmers immediate help, the industry needs a complete rollback of taxes and adjustments to emission reduction targets. Both federal and provincial governments can do something about this.

416-916-3700

“People are making money out of this and we have to implement it and improve on its education.”

Other advocates did not hide their desire to see the decriminalization of the drug.

A Former Executive Secretary of Ghana’s Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), Akrasi Sarpong, spoke to the BBC when he was the head of the Board and said that the “war” being waged on marijuana is destined to fail because a lot of people believe “what you are fighting is not a crime.”

Although the Mental Health Authority and some health experts warned against the legalization of marijuana, the Rastafarian Council of Ghana demanded the decriminalization of the drug in 2019 and threatened to hold a march to that effect.

KOFI BOATENG/PULSE

Putin’s War puts global food security in jeopardy

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The Ghanaian News

A Neuroscientist Drug Researcher at the University of Columbia, Professor Carl Hart, urged Ghana to reevaluate its position on the plant in 2019.

It’s unreasonable and irresponsible to continue honouring our environmental objectives when many could die from hunger in months. Farmers need all the help they can get.

The food-to-fuel issue is another lingering challenge. About 65 per cent of corn grown in North America is used for biofuel production. This year, food should be considered

a priority for businesses and governments involved.

It’s highly unlikely Canada will experience severe food shortages.

Nonetheless, many countries – including Canada – will face a real and harsh dilemma in the coming months. We must try to balance our nation’s food security needs while helping other regions.

The WFP and other organizations will come to Canada asking for more help.

Food affordability will continue to be a growing issue. Many families are falling behind as wages can’t keep pace with rising food prices.

But ultimately, we should just feel lucky we have food on grocery shelves. This is how bad it will get.

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

8 The Ghanaian News March 2022

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Why you need to read over your employment contract While the jury is still out on whether or not the COVID-19 crisis is over, one thing is certain – people are working again. Unemployment is finally dipping below pre-pandemic levels, and with new jobs come new contracts.

A lot of people’s eyes gloss over when it comes to contracts, but they’re the most important part of the hiring process

as they represent your relationship with your employer. They can also be confusing, so be sure to read them as carefully as you can.

“A lot of people have questions about written employment agreements when there are terms and legalese that they don’t understand,” notes Matthew A. Fisher, a partner and employment

lawyer at Toronto-based law firm Lecker & Associates, adding that most employee rights can be found in these contracts. That’s why it’s so important to understand them.

BEWARE NEW CONTRACTS If you’re about to start a new job, be sure to pay attention to the words used in the contract, especially around bonuses. While it may be exciting to see that you’re eligible for a large bonus, there are often loopholes in the language that could prevent you from earning it.

“I’m eligible to be the Prime Minister of Canada, but I’m not necessarily going to hold that job,” Fisher explains.

“What you really need to examine is how achievable that bonus is.”

Some things to look for in an employment agreement: is the bonus discretionary? Is it based on your performance, or on the company’s performance? Can the company decide they don’t want to give it one year versus being based on a certain formula?

“Do your due diligence, ask the right questions, you know your industry well,” he adds, “but understand and ask those questions so you know what you’re getting into and you can make an informed decision.”

CONSIDER CONTRACT CHANGES Due diligence extends to your current job, as well. Sometimes, a company will rework an existing employment contract and ask their employees to sign the new version, even offering a signing bonus. If this happens, it’s crucial that you read the new contract thoroughly or consult an employment lawyer to understand what has changed.

“Not every gift is what it appears,” Fisher notes. “Employers will sometimes realize over the years that they have employees who have been with the company for a long time and either just started with a handshake or they have an old employment contract.

If they let that employee go, it can be very expensive, because that employee can be eligible to a large severance package.”

So a new contract could be a bait and switch, where the employer offers an extra week of vacation or $1,000, but it results in the employee losing far more money than the bonus.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE When an employee leaves the company, whether it’s on their own terms, because of a dismissal or due to downsizing, they may be confused as to what they are owed. In addition, some clauses in a contract may not be enforceable.

In highly driven sectors like sales, a contract may include a non-competition clause, however the scope of that clause should be reasonable.

“It’s important when someone is terminated that they’re able to go out and find another job,” explains Kimberley Sebag, an employment advocacy lawyer at Lecker & Associates.

“Courts typically look for a non-competition clause that’s very narrow, with regard to time frame and distance, so the employee doesn’t feel that they’re out of options when they’re looking for a new job.”

Pose your questions at askalawyer@CP24.com to get more legal insight on matters that impact Canadians or catch Ask A Lawyer every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. on CP24. Cp24.com

10 The Ghanaian News March 2022

FOCUS Earth Month: A clarion call for Sustainable Environment

By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview Middle School, Toronto-Canada April is Earth Month and there is an urgent call to action on the part of ALL for sustainable change to save our environment. Today, the challenge of creating and maintaining a sustainable environment is probably the most pressing issue that confronts our planetearth. With two years of devastating Covid-19 pandemic and the insane tribal conflicts around the world as well as the Ukraine-Russia ravaging war couple with the unprecedented climate change we need a sustainable change to save our world of today.

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

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

In Ghana, the Appeatu chemical explosion that destroyed a whole town and lives are recent environmental hazards created by human activities.

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

As human settlements expand in cities

harm humans or other organisms.

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

Unfortunately, there are no rules requiring Canadian companies to disclose all the chemicals they use in the manufacture of products ranging from cleaning solvents to shingles and

like Accra in Ghana and Toronto in Canada, garbage disposal management becomes crucial. Such management if neglected or poorly handled leads to environmental hazards. This is where recycling becomes important and responsibility of all residents. In my school, we have the Toronto District School Board EcoSchools Club which is leading in the promotion of recycling and proper disposal of garbage among students and staff of the school.

Another area is managing our air and water. We have to prevent or minimize air and water pollution.

Pollution is an unwanted change in the atmosphere, water or soil that can

plastics. Many workers at such factories and residents close to the factories may be at risk. I therefore call on the Canadian government to set aside the self-regulation of Canada’s chemical industry and put in place rules that will require all Canadian companies to make public all the chemicals they use in manufacturing their products.

I employ governments around the world to take bold steps to be part of the ecological transition for their citizens.

Ghana: Report warns that climate risks could cost Ghana’s transport sector $3.9 billion, but roadmap offers hope The potential damage of $3.9 billion is thrice the investment of $1.3 billion made in the sector in 2019, according to the study A new report (https://bit.ly/3IGhhrt) estimates that by 2050 climate risks could cause damage worth $3.9 billion in Ghana’s transport sector. But the report also offers a roadmap that could prevent the worst from happening. It also highlights extensive efforts by the government to counter climate risks.

The potential damage of $3.9 billion is thrice the investment of $1.3 billion made in the sector in 2019, according to the study. The research was led by the national Ministry of Science, Environment, Technology and Innovation, in partnership with the Global Center on Adaptation. It reflects efforts by the government of Ghana to assess the threat that climate change poses to infrastructure assets. It also mentions government efforts to prioritize adaptation investments to mitigate the climate risks facing Ghana’s infrastructure in the energy, transport, and water sectors.

“Extreme weather and rapid changes to Ghana’s climate present a profound risk to key sectors of Ghana’s socio-economic development. Infrastructure in these sectors are the bedrock of the country’s economic growth and development,” said Dr. Kwaku Afriyie, Ghanaian Minister of Science, Environment, Technology and Innovation, at the launch of the report.

“Ghana: Roadmap for Resilient Infrastructure in a Changing Climate” (https://bit. ly/3DpvhoB) was carried out under the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (https:// bit.ly/3tFhdEb), a partnership of the African Development Bank Group and the Global Center on Adaptation, with support from the United Nations Office for Project Services, the United Nations Environment Program, and the University of Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute.

The report estimates that increased drought threatens the future energy availability of about a quarter of a million people in rural Ghana, owing to a reliance on wood fuel for household use. Equally, climate risks threaten major components of electricity generation and transmission due to droughts and flooding.

To avert a climate crisis, the national assessment proposes 35 adaptation options for funders and investors to invest in Ghana’s future, offering impactful, evidence-based adaptation projects and enabling environment interventions.

“Given how we know the climate crisis is evolving, these are very alarming statistics.

But this is not the full story. For us, at the Global Center on Adaptation, the real story on climate adaptation in Africa is a story of resilience, of responsibility, of solidarity, of opportunities for a safer, greener, more prosperous continent. It is this story that is captured in the roadmap we are launching today,” said Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation.

The assessment provides a roadmap for addressing risks through targeted adaptation options in the built and natural environments, including nature-based solutions. It also defines institutional interventions required to ensure the optimum effectiveness of adaptation measures in the country.

“This report will further enrich our dialogue and enhance the overall impact of investments in resilient, green infrastructure that are central to tackling the damaging effects of climate change,” said Eyerusalem Fasika, the African Development Bank’s Country Manager in Ghana. She said the report would inform the Bank’s next country strategy for Ghana.

Ghana has experienced severe droughts and flooding in the last two decades, some of which have had severe economic and social impacts. The projected impacts of climate change are likely to intensify pressure on the country’s existing dam infrastructure, yielding severe consequences for river runoff, which could affect over 1.3 million people, mostly women and children, the report indicates.

“Climate impacts are projected to lead to increased investment for infrastructure, particularly water storage, flood defenses, and water supply and sanitation, but, in the long run, investment in adaptation will reduce the need for costly retrofitting while reducing upfront costs,” said Anthony Nyong, Senior Regional Director for Africa at the Global Center on Adaptation. APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

The Ghanaian News March 2022 11

Otto Addo Pilots Black Stars To Qatar

By Edmund Agbeko, Toronto, ON For colleague Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah, following Black Stars’ abysmal and shambolic performance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] in Cameroon, it was obvious that the team needed a new direction and new blood but the constant question was, will the impact be felt by the World Cup playoff games around the corner? When Kurt Okraku, who is the Ghana Football Association [GFA] president travelled to Germany to meet Otto Addo over the Black Stars’ vacant coaching job, I had my own doubts over the decision to engage the former Ghana international. Despite cooking up the tactics that held eventual winners, Germany to a 2-2 draw game, a game that was voted as the best game of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, it still maintained that Addo needs more time on the job and he is not riped for the Black Stars job. Especially after missing out on the last edition of the global showpiece in Russia in 2018, the argument was that the Black Stars need a coach who is a top-notch with a proven track record and with the requisite qualities to turn these current players around to be instant winners.

Playing old enemy Nigeria in the playoffs, government decision was to appoint someone who is capable to steer the team to secure qualification for the Mundial which will be hosted in the Arab country, Qatar. After Black Stars’ disappointing performance in Yaoundé, government who are the paymasters communicated their decision and they were precise.

Milovan Rajevac must be sacked and they were not ready to negotiate with the hierarchy of the Ghana Football Association despite the Executive Council’s decision to stick with the 67-year-old trainer. This decision was massively backed by Members of Parliament. Hon. KT Hammond, who is a senior member of the New Patriotic Party [NPP] threatened the Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif, to sack the Serbian gaffer or he will lose his job as the sector minister.

Whiles the GFA were engaging Otto Addo for the job, Chris Hughton’s name astonishingly emerged as the man who is favourite to take up the job. The former Newcastle United boss was massively backed by top and powerful government officials due to his experience in the game of football.

Having been invited to the Jubilee House for a four hours meeting, it was obvious that the former Bright & Hove Albion manager will be named as the new Black Stars boss for the playoffs.

Government had a huge interest as to who becomes the next Black Stars coach because $25 million has been solicited by President Akufo Addo from corporate bodies to ensure the Black Stars play in the World Cup after failing to play in the last edition.

Despite government engagement with Hughton, the hierarchy of the FA made it clear that they are not interested in the services of Mr Hughton but after weeks of disagreement, it was finally confirmed that Otto Addo has been appointed interim boss of the Black Stars with support from George Boateng

and Didi Dramani as first and secondteam assistant coaches with Chris Hughton in the mix as technical advisor with Richard Kingson maintaining his role as the goalkeeper’s trainer.

Following Addo’s appointment, it was reported that the FA were prepared to bear the consequences should Ghana fail to return to the Mundial. Otto Addo’s coaching prowess was critically scrutinised by football writers and broadcasters since he is just in charge as talent and scouting coach for

German Bundesliga giants, Borussia Dortmund. Many were left with no option but to conclude that Ghana will not be at the World Cup for the second time since the best of brains have not been assembled for the playoff games.

With the new technical team in place, what the entire country was eager to know was the squad that will be paraded for the crucial playoff games. Nigeria, having released their squad two weeks before the game, Ghanaian football fans agitated about why the Black Stars squad has been withheld by the technical team. However, an Executive Council member confirmed that it was the decision of the technical team not to release the squad for various reasons.

This decision by the technical team is not synonymous with Ghanaians. This left many football fans frustrated but the decision was backed by the Ghana Football Association. Finally, the squad was released by the Communications Department of the FA. Ghanaian football fans for the first time in many years surprisingly were impressed with the players invited for the game and did not agitate against the call-up but it was obvious that perhaps the best players

have been assembled for the game.

Nigeria to find spaces to operate.

A day before the game at the Baba Yara Stadium, as the rules of CAF and FIFA demand, Otto Addo faced the media and to the surprise of many, Addo spoke kindly and eloquently. Addo’s posture and composure meant a lot and his choice of words were simply amazing. On the matchday against the Super Eagles, without Andre Ayew due to suspension, Thomas Partey led the team as captain. Despite assembling a young starting XI, the team started impressively against the starred Nigerian side who have been tipped by many to cruise over Ghana. Surprisingly, the Black Stars dominated both halves of the game and despite not finding the back of the net, the Ghanaian populace for the first time in many years were impressed with the performance of the team. The pattern of play, the understanding and the fighting spirit among the players was magical and envious. This is a Black Stars team that failed to live up

After 90 minutes of action in Abuja, Otto Addo, whose coaching prowess was questioned and criticized by many has led the Black Stars to secure a fourth World Cup appearance. Was it shocking? Yes! He was disregarded, disrespected and despised but he has been able to achieve what every Ghanaian has been dreaming about.

to expectations in Cameroon and could not win even a game.

Following the stalemate at the Baba Yara Stadium, Otto Addo assured that there was a plan to hurt Nigeria in their own backyard to secure qualification for the World Cup. Ahead of the game much-anticipated game at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, indeed, the plan worked perfectly as promised

by Otto Addo. With the away goal playing a crucial role in the game, the Black Stars needed a 1-1 draw to secure a qualification or any form of a draw apart from 0-0 which would have resulted in a penalty shootout.

Addo kept faith in the same lineup in the first leg. However, Thomas Partey breaking the deadlock was a massive chance for the Black Stars but despite the Super Eagles equalizing through a spot-kick through their skipper, the Black Stars players only had one job and that was to hold their nerves and contain the pressure from Nigeria in their backyard. The likes of Andy Yiadom, Kofi Kyereh and Elisha Owusu who came on as substitutes made the game more difficult for

Otto Addo’s reading of the game is just something envious. Having watched the replay of the game, the Black Stars switched tactics from 3-5-1-1 to 3-6-1 in the second half of the game.

At 1-1, all Nigeria needed was a goal to knock Ghana out of the run-in for the World Cup, and 45 minutes plus extra time seemed more than enough time for Nigeria, who had created all the goal-scoring chances in the first half to score. The Black Stars in a 4-23-1 formation were very much being overrun by their neighbouring rivals and many Ghanaian fans wondered if the team could be hanged on in Abuja.

In the dressing room after the first half, however, there was a consensus, led by head coach, Otto Addo that the team direly needed to change their structure and that change in structure and tactics has propelled Black Stars to Qatar.

The football populace and Ghana as a whole have been energised by the Black Stars’ qualification to the FIFA World Cup. Having been to three World Cups since 2006, I expect us to be meticulous and diligent while learning from the various experiences especially the ignoble one, Brazil 2014.

How riveting it would be if we bring back South Africa 2010 glory if not at best, surpassing the quarterfinal berth in that historic tournament. President Akufo Addo, much to expectation, is urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to retain coach Otto Addo and the technical team for the World Cup. These are decisions right on the lap of the GFA, tough decisions that could make or unmake us at the World Cup and other competitions. There’s no guarantee but the country’s interest must be paramount at every step of decision-making in our plans if we’re to make a meaningful impact. Even if we don’t excel but the good effort is seen, that may be appreciated as we have presently done for Otto Addo ensemble.

Otto Addo, his support staff, the players and all who worked for our qualification deserve praise. They have made us proud by putting up tactics together in less than two weeks to end Nigeria’s hopes of playing in the World Cup. We have to take pride in the fact that, despite our football’s fundamental problems with pitches, refereeing, hooliganism, financing, etc., we have been able to grab World Cup spots – displacing some of the best teams on the continent since 2006.

With Ghana now set to contest with Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H, it will be imperative for Otto Addo and his technical team to be maintained for the Mundial in Qatar. He is one of our own.

He has proven he is competent for the job. Otto Addo, thank you for turning water into wine in our time.

Let the applause begin for this miracle!

12 The Ghanaian News March 2022

Government of Canada releases Budget 2022 cont’d from pg. 1 program. It will begin this year with children under 12 years old and expand to cover Canadians under 18 years old, seniors and people with disabilities in 2023. The program, which is to be fully implemented by 2025, is limited to families with incomes of less than $90,000 a year. For those with an income of less than $70,000, no copayments will be required.

DEFENCE AND SECURITY The budget boosts defence spending by $8 billion over five years, bringing Canada’s defence budget to a projected 1.5 per cent of GDP. That falls short of the two per cent of GDP NATO has called on member nations to spend — especially since Russia’s war on Ukraine began — but the $8 billion includes $500 million in military aid to Ukraine. The budget also earmarks $875 million over five years to combat rising threats to cybersecurity, and $100 million over six years to strengthen leadership in the Canadian Armed Forces, modernize the military justice system and implement culture change in the CAF. ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE To help meet Canada’s climate change targets, the budget offers $2.6 billion over five years to finance a new investment tax credit for businesses that spend money on carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS). The government also plans to extend incentives and expand eligibility for a program to entice more Canadians to buy electric cars, vans, trucks and SUVs, which will cost $1.7 billion over five years. The government also plans to impose a sales mandate to ensure that at least 20 per cent of new light-duty vehicle sales will be zeroemission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2026; that market share is supposed to rise

to at least 60 per cent by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2035. The budget also commits $3.8B to launch Canada’s first strategy to develop exploitation of critical minerals used in everything from phones to airplanes.

INDIGENOUS RECONCILIATION The budget promises to spend an additional $11 billion over six years to support Indigenous children, families and communities, including $4 billion for housing and another $4 billion over seven years to help ensure access for First Nations children to health, social and educational services. Almost $400 million over two years will go to improve infrastructure on reserves, including $247 million for water and wastewater infrastructure. To address a key commitment on reconciliation, the budget sets aside $210 million to help communities document, locate and memorialize burial sites at former residential schools. The money also will help the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation pay for a new building and assist with the “complete disclosure” of federal documents related to residential schools. The budget sets aside just over $5 million over five years to allow the RCMP to assist in community-led investigations into burial sites at former residential schools.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION In line with the government’s diversity and inclusion agenda, the budget promises $100 million over five years for a federal LGBTQ2 action plan, $85 million more to support ongoing work on the anti-racism strategy and $50 million to support Black-led and Blackserving community organizations. It also commits $15 million to support local journalism in underserved communities and to help racialized and religious minority journalists present their experience and perspectives.

A statement by NWAC CEO Lynne Groulx

The $11 billion over six years that has been promised to Indigenous people is targeted at some of the most urgent issues, including housing, health, social services, and education. We are also pleased to see that more money has been set aside for infrastructure on reserves, and to help First Nations locate burial sites at former residential schools.

Injection of funds toward nature-based solutions comes at critical time Canada’s 2022 federal budget arrives amid deafening calls for urgent and ambitious action to deal with the worsening biodiversity and climate crises. New funding for the protection and restoration of nature sends a clear message that these crises are inextricably linked, and require coordinated actions to avoid the worst outcomes of climate change.

WWF-Canada celebrates the injection of $780-million into the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund for nature-based solutions. Alongside ambitious decarbonization efforts, they are critical to meeting Canada’s climate and biodiversity targets, and protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030.

We also applaud the creation of the British Columbia Old Growth Nature Fund ($55.1-million over three years) and the dedication of $77.1-million over five years toward community-level wildfire management. These forests provide critical habitat to at-risk species, absorb and store high amounts of carbon and are of deep cultural significance to B.C. First Nations. Proper stewardship of these lands is critical, and we call for much of this funding to be directed to Indigenous communities.

“It’s quite simple: more nature provides more habitat for wildlife, including species at risk, and stores more carbon. With one-third of the planet’s remaining intact wilderness nestled between our three oceans — and within Indigenous traditional territories — how we conserve and restore this nature will impact biodiversity loss, climate change and reconciliation,” says Megan Leslie, WWF-Canada’s president and CEO. “So, we could not be more pleased to see nature-based solutions, which form the foundation of our 10-year strategic plan, playing a role in the 2022 budget. But execution is as important as funding — these efforts will require the right actions in the right places, and with the right attention to Indigenous rights, to ensure the outcomes we need to stay below 1.5C while advancing reconciliation.”

WWF-Canada’s recommendations for areas of focus include: • Efforts to restore and protect key areas of high-carbon storage with co-

benefits for wildlife (such as the Hudson and James Bay Lowlands) that are designed to advance Indigenous rights and governance. This includes creating the opportunity for more Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and Guardians programs that can monitor wildlife and climate impacts.

• B.C.’s central interior, where the Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration &

Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) says budget delivers funding at levels that could make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous women but falls short on MMIWG This budget provides much-needed supports to Indigenous women, their families, and their communities, and builds on financial commitments of previous years in ways that could make a real difference in their lives, but falls short on stopping the tragedy of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG.)

2022 budget shows commitment to nature in fight against climate change: WWF-Canada

We would have liked to have seen additional funds to stop the violence and genocide addressed in the National Inquiry’s Final Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. That said, it is clear that the federal government is making sincere efforts to help the people we represent, and is directing resources to areas of significant concern – areas that NWAC has said needed to be addressed.

We will take a few days to go over the numbers to determine how much will actually flow to Indigenous women’s groups to deal with these matters and we will be happy to share our full analysis. (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)

Stewardship Society is measuring stored carbon while working to restore their traditional territory to precolonial conditions, beginning with 192,000 hectares badly damaged by climate-fueled wildfires.

The budget’s commitment to advance fire management, including practices that support Indigenous knowledge and practices, can support important efforts to manage forests for future resilience to a changing climate.

“The key to delivering globally-leading nature-based solutions in Canada will be to implement policies and programs that provide measurable reductions in carbon emissions while simultaneously benefiting biodiversity and building resilience to future climate change.” said James Snider, WWF-Canada’s VP of Science, Knowledge and Innovation.

“Data like the kind provided by our national carbon map, which found 327 billion tonnes of carbon currently stored within Canada’s terrestrial ecosystems, can help determine priority areas. For instance, it showed that certain measures to protect at-risk species in the Wolastoq/Saint John River watershed would also prevent the release of 6.1 million tonnes of stored carbon.”

WWF-Canada is also pleased to see continued funding dedicated to the Oceans Protection Plan, and will be watching for more detail on how this funding will advance marine protection, safeguard at-risk whales and other species and support marine conservation efforts of Indigenous communities.

We look forward to working with the federal government and facilitating initiatives on the ground that reduce emissions and build resilience to climate impacts while advancing reconciliation and benefiting wildlife and communities. WWF-Canada

The Ghanaian News March 2022 13

5th 3 Music Awards: KiDi wins Artiste of the Year, Black Sherif wins Breakthrough Act

SIKAMAN-JOHNSON ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICE

By Joyceline Natally Cudjoe

Lynx Entertainment Records signee, Dennis Nana Dwamena known in showbiz circles as KiDi has been crowned the “Artiste of the year” for the second time at the just ended 3Music awards which was held in Accra on Saturday, March, 26.

Last year, KiDi won from the same category and has kept his mantra in this year’s edition by battling some top notch artistes for the coveted award.

KiDi wrested the ultimate from other contenders like Black Sherif, Celestine Donkor, D Black, Kuami Eugene, Mr Drew, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy and Gyakie.

On the night, the “Mon Bebe” hitmaker picked up six awards. Aside the Artiste of the Year, he won Afrobeat\Afropop Artiste of the Year, Digital Act of the Year, Best Male Vocal Performance, Album of the year with “Golden Boy” while his “Touch It”, won Raggae\ Dancehall song of the Year.

Black Sherif who also won big at the event picked up four awards on the night. He won the Breakthrough Act of the Year, Hip Life/Hip Hop Act of The Year, Hip Hop Song of the year with his viral track “Second Sermon” and Song Of The Year with the same track.

Other winners were, Best Alternative Act of the Year – Amaarae, Best DJ of the Year – DJ Faculty, Best

Collaboration of the Year – Kofi Jamar – Ekorso Feat. Yaw TOG & Ypee, Group of the Year – R2Bees, EP of the Year – Amerado – Patience.

Viral Song of the Year – Okesse 1 – Na Today, African Song of the Year – Wizkid – Essence Rmx (feat. Tems x Justin Bieber), Hiplife Song of the Year – Sarkodie Feat. Kuami Eugene – Happy Day, Performer of the Year – Epixode – VGMA Experience.

Gospel Song of the Year – Ohemaa Mercy – He Lives In Me ft. MOG Music (Ote Me Mu), and Highlife Song of the Year – Kofi Kinaata – Thy Grace among others.

The award which was in its fifth edition was held under the theme: “More Than Music,” to recognise musicians and key industrial players for their efforts in promoting the creative art industry.

5th 3Music Awards: Organisers ‘wow’ audience with multiple stages

By Joyceline Natally Cudjoe

Organisers of 3Music Awards thrilled patrons and viewers to a first-of-a-kind event with one auditorium which has multiple stages to mark the fifth 3Music Awards held at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), Grand Arena on Saturday, March 26, 2022.

The auditorium which had more than five stages positioned at different areas with about 13 cameras beaming the event live for public consumption saw various artistes putting up sterling performances.

Black Sherif, opened up the show with an epic “rain fall” act while treating patrons to his new track, “Kwaku the Traveler.”

This led to endless praise and appreciation for the organisers, especially after the main show was

unduly delayed when the pre-show, which hosts engaged attendees at the event was switched to the main event.

However, they were able to avert the technical hitches and bounced back with a bang on the night making a statement with an opening act from the “second sermon” crooner whose act left many mesmerised.

The show was further spiced with well coordinated performances from Mona 4Reall, Kelvin boy, Camidoh, Kuami Eugene, KiDi and Cina Soul among others who moved from one stage to the other incredibly to wow patrons and viewers.

Another innovation which brought laughter to patrons and viewers was the Flavour Room with comedian, OB Amponsah and Lekzy Decomic who put up a spectacular comic performance.

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14 The Ghanaian News March 2022

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

Basic things a Potential Refugee Protection Claimant in Canada should know A claim for refugee protection in Canada may be made in or outside Canada. Claims made inside Canada are made to an immigration officer, who, pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), shall, upon receipt of a claim, promptly determine whether or not the claim is eligible to be referred to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) for further action on the claim.

A refugee claim may not meet the eligibility criteria to be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) if the claimant has been recognized as a Convention refugee by another country he can return to; if the claimant has already been granted protected person status in Canada; if the claimant arrived via the Canada-United States border; if the claimant is inadmissible to Canada on security grounds; if the claimant made a previous refugee claim that was not found eligible; if the claimant made a previous refugee claim that was rejected by the IRB or if the claimant abandoned or withdrew a previous refugee claim.

Under the Act, refugee protection is conferred on a person when the person has been determined by IRB to be a Convention refugee or a person in need of protection or when the Minister

in need of protection” as a person whose removal to their country or countries of nationality or, if they do not have a country of nationality, their country of former habitual residence, would subject them personally to a danger of torture or to a risk to their life or to a risk of cruel and unusual treatment or punishment.

allows an application for protection.

Section 96 of the Act defines a “Convention Refugee” as a person who, by reason of a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion, is outside each of their countries of nationality and is unable or, by reason of that fear, unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of each of those countries; or not having a country of nationality, is outside the country of their former habitual residence and is unable or, by reason of that fear, unwilling to return to that country.

Section 97 of the Act defines a “person

Government to pilot electric buses in selected cities The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to use electric buses in Ghana on a pilot basis as part of measures to decarbonize and contribute toward net-zero emissions.

The Ministry is therefore importing 10 electric buses to pilot in selected cities.

This was announced by Deputy Minister of Transport, Alhassan Tampuli at the national energy transition forum at Mole on Tuesday.

“We have a number of electric vehicles running in Accra.

What we don’t have are the charging points, so it is difficult for us to roll out soon enough,” he explained.

He thus said the government is importing the buses “for us to pilot and see how we can transition when the time comes.”

Energy transition refers to the global shift from carbon-based systems of energy production and consumption such as oil and gas to fuel woods to clean sources of

energy such as wind, solar, and nuclear energy to reduce emissions.

Though it has been established that Ghana emits just about 0.12% of the world’s emissions, there is the need to control the growth of her greenhouse emissions and work towards a netzero future.

Ghana is therefore in the process of developing an energy transition plan to work towards this target.

A Deputy Minister for Energy, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, also noted that Africa and developing countries, in general, are expecting the west to reduce their emissions more and faster and also fund developing countries in their quest to reduce emissions.

Achieving net-zero emissions means that some greenhouse gases are still released, but these are offset by removing an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and storing it permanently in soil, plants, or materials. CITI News

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There is a general presumption that persons in need of protection and those who claim protection as conventional refugees cannot live safely in any other part of their countries of nationality.

The risk they face should not be related to inadequate medical care in the country and should be specific to the claimant and not generalized risk.

The risk should also not be inherent or incidental to lawful sanctions, unless such sanctions are imposed in disregard of accepted international standards. In refugee protection claims, a distinction is made between persecution and prosecution.

At the hearing of refugee protection cases, the applicant needs identity documents to prove that he is who claims to be. This could be documents to show his nationality, affiliation with a particular religion or ethnicity or profession or membership in a social group or sexual orientation. Such documents could be national identity card, evidence of military service, marriage certificate, school transcripts, baptismal certificate, a letter from your religious leader or community group or family member, professional

membership card, transcripts proving professional training, and diplomas.

Supporting documents such as photographs, letters, videos to show the problems one has passed through, police and medical reports to substantiate the claims, if applicable, news articles about people connected to one’s case, if applicable, sworn statements of people who have witnessed what happened to you or who have experienced problems that are similar to yours in writing, if necessary; and probable impact of your ordeal on your mental health presented by a doctor or a psychologist. Also important is evidence of human rights conditions in your country even though the risk you face should be personal and not the same general risk that everyone else in your country faces.

Thus, at a refugee hearing, greater focus would likely be on identity, credibility, subjective fear, generalized risk, particularized risk, state protection, internal flight alternative and legal residence in another country. It is necessary to contact a professional for advice and guidance if one contemplates seeking refuge in Canada.

James A. Kwaateng is an Immigration Law practitioner. He has his 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.

The Ghanaian News March 2022 15

ECOWAS Commission and USAID Review ECOWAS’ Interventions in Elections and Mediation Processes in the Region The two-day hybrid Workshop governance challenges in West Africa and their implication on human security The Department of Political Affairs (DPA) of the ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development’ Reacting to Early Warning and Response Data (USAID-REWARD ii) in West Africa, began a two-day AfterAction-Review (AAR) of ECOWAS preventive diplomacy and assistance towards having an inclusive electoral processes in the region, on the 5th of

April, 2022, in Abuja, Nigeria. The review centered on some Member States (Cabo-Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger and The Gambia) whose recent elections were supported by the ECOWAS Commission through its electoral assistance .

Welcoming participants to the two-day Workshop, the ECOWAS Commission’s Director, Political Dr. Aderemi

Ajibewa restated the importance of the review, as a critical process asseement tool and urged participants to equally assess governance trends and the current socio-political dynamics in the region, especially the resurgence of coups d’état, including strategies for preventing their recurrence as they have wide-ranging implications on peace and security.

In his remark, the Chief of Party, USAID-REWARD 11 programme, Mr. Alimou Diallo noted that through the review, an opportunity is being created to reflect and learn about the role ECOWAS played in carrying out its electoral assistance mandate, mediation, and preventive diplomacy in the region to promote democracy, peace, and security.

Harping on the need to improve transparency of the decisions making process, he also called on the ECOWAS Centers of excellence to work more with the ECOWAS Commission in attaining a more stable and peaceful West Africa.

He disclosed further that as an extension of the 5-year USAID REWARD program, REWARD II began on September 20, 2020, as part of USAID/West Africa’s development objective to support ECOWAS and its member states to strengthen early warning and response systems and promote democracy and peaceful elections across West Africa.

The two-day hybrid Workshop examined among others, governance challenges in West Africa and their implication on human security, ECOWAS’ engagement with Member cont’d on pg. 19

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Jackson confirmed as first Black female Supreme Court justice galleries were almost full for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic two years ago.

The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court on Thursday, shattering a historic barrier by securing her place as the first Black female justice and giving President Joe Biden a bipartisan endorsement for his effort to diversify the court.

Jackson, a 51 year-old appeals court judge with nine years experience on the federal bench, was confirmed 5347, mostly along party lines but with three Republican votes. Presiding was Vice President Kamala Harris, also the first Black woman to reach that high office.

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Jackson will take her seat when Justice Stephen Breyer retires this summer, solidifying the liberal wing of the 6-3 conservative-dominated court. She joined Biden at the White House to watch the vote, embracing as it came in.

Ketanji Brown Jackson the Supreme Court and for the United States of America,” exulted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

When Harris called the final tally, the chamber erupted in cheers that echoed beyond its doors. The Senate’s upper

During the four days of Senate hearings last month, Jackson spoke of her parents’ struggles through racial segregation and said her “path was clearer” than theirs as a Black American after the enactment of civil rights laws. She attended Harvard

University, served as a public defender, worked at a private law firm and was appointed as a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

She told senators she would apply the law “without fear or favor,” and pushed back on Republican attempts to portray her as too lenient on criminals she had sentenced.

Jackson will be just the third Black justice, after Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas, and the sixth woman.

She will join three other women, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan Amy Coney Barrett - meaning that four of the nine justices will be women for the first time in history. cont’d on pg. 19

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The Ghanaian News March 2022 17

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18 The Ghanaian News March 2022

The Ghanaian News March 2022 19

Toronto home sale price fell slightly in March 2022: TRREB The average selling price of a Toronto home decreased slightly in March, bucking a trend which usually sees the market heat up as spring approaches.

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board says that the average selling price across all property types last month was $1.299 million.

That marks a slight decline from February when the average property changed hands for a record $1.334 million.

Prices, however, were still up a staggering 18.5 per cent from March, 2021 when the average selling price was under $1.1 million.

The latest data, released by the board this morning, comes on the heels of the Bank of Canada hiking interest rates by 25 basis points last month.

The central bank has also warned that additional rate hikes are likely as it seeks to bring inflation down from a 30-year high of 5.7 per cent.

That, in turn, will push the cost of borrowing up and could eventually impact the broader real estate market.

“Competition between home buyers in the GTA remains very strong in most neighbourhoods and market segments.

However, we did experience more balance in the first quarter of 2022 compared to last year. If this trend continues, it is possible that the pace of price growth could moderate as we move through the year,” TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer said in a news release accompanying the figures.

Home prices across the GTA have been rising steeply throughout the pandemic,

due in part to near-zero interest rates and a desire among many for more space during the work-from-home era.

But the latest data would seem to suggest that a shift could be underway.

The approximately 11,000 sales that took place in the month still represents the third busiest March ever but it is a 30 per cent decline when compared to March, 2021.

Listings were also down but only by approximately 12 per cent, which could point to a more balanced market.

That said for now affordability continues to deteriorate despite the pullback in demand.

This was particularly true when it came to some of the more affordable dwelling types, including semi-detached homes (prices up 26 per cent year-over-year) and townhouses (25 per cent).

Price acceleration was also particularly pronounced in the 905 region around Toronto where the average selling price across all dwelling types was up nearly 27 per cent year-over-year to $1.346 million.

In the release, TREBB CEO John DiMichele said that the latest numbers should be a reminder of the importance of policies aimed at boosting housing supply, rather than “trying to suppress demand.”

His comments come in the wake of the Ford government hiking the tax on non-resident buyers as part of a wider plan to address the housing crisis.

“Population growth is expected to be at or near record levels in the coming years. Demand for ownership and rental housing is not going away,” DiMichele warned. Cp24

ECOWAS Commission and USAID Review ECOWAS’ Interventions in Elections and Mediation Processes in the Region cont’d from pg. 15 States in the pre-electoral, the management of electoral outcomes as well as the ECOWAS’ internal coordination mechanisms.

The Workshop had in attendance, participants from ECOWAS, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), key regional peace and security actors – the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), CSOs such as the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), the West Africa Civil Society Forum (WACSOF), the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD West Africa), the West Africa

Civil Society Institute (WACSI), the ECOWAS Centers of Excellence; the National Defense College in Abuja as well as the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana.

In the end, participants are expected to come up with actionable recommendations from lessons learnt, that can improve ECOWAS’ mediation and election assistance to the member states, going forward.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Jackson confirmed as first Black female Supreme Court justice cont’d from pg. 16 Her eventual elevation to the court will be a respite for Democrats who fought three bruising battles over former President Donald Trump’s nominees and watched Republicans cement a conservative majority in the final days of Trump’s term with the confirmation of Coney Barrett. While Jackson won’t change the balance, she will secure a legacy on the court for Biden and fulfill his 2020 campaign pledge to nominate the first Black female justice.

Despite the efforts to tarnish her record, Jackson eventually won three GOP votes. The final tally was far from the overwhelming bipartisan confirmations for Breyer and other justices in decades past, but it was still a significant bipartisan accomplishment for Biden in the 50-50 split Senate after GOP senators aggressively worked to paint Jackson as too liberal and soft on crime.

Statements from Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Mitt Romney of Utah all said the same thing - they might not always agree with Jackson, but they found her to be enormously well qualified for the job.

Collins and Murkowski both decried increasingly partisan confirmation fights, which only worsened during the battles over Trump’s three picks.

Collins said the process was “broken” and Murkowski called it “corrosive” and “more detached from reality by the year.”

Biden, a veteran of a more bipartisan Senate, said from the day of Breyer’s retirement announcement in January that he wanted support from both parties for his history-making nominee, and he invited Republicans to the White House as he made his decision. It was an attempted reset from Trump’s presidency, when Democrats vociferously opposed the three nominees, and from the end of President Barack Obama’s, when Republicans blocked nominee Merrick Garland from getting a vote.

on which no one is yet 75, the first time that has happened in nearly 30 years.

Jackson’s first term will be marked by cases involving race, both in college admissions and voting rights.

She has pledged to sit out the court’s consideration of Harvard’s admissions program since she is a member of its board of overseers. But the court could split off a second case involving a challenge to the University of North Carolina’s admissions process, which might allow her to weigh in on the issue.

Republicans spent the confirmation hearings strongly questioning her sentencing record, including the sentences she handed down in child pornography cases, which they argued were too light. Jackson declared that “nothing could be further from the truth” and explained her reasoning in detail. Democrats said she was in line with other judges in her decisions.

The GOP questioning in the Judiciary Committee showed the views of many Republicans, though, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who said in a floor speech Wednesday that Jackson “never got tough once in this area.”

Democrats criticized the Republicans’ questioning.

“You could try and create a straw man here, but it does not hold,” said New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker at the committee’s vote earlier this week. The panel deadlocked on the nomination 1111, but the Senate voted to discharge it from committee and moved ahead with her confirmation.

In an impassioned moment during the hearings last month, Booker, who is Black, told Jackson that he felt emotional watching her testify. He said he saw “my ancestors and yours” in her image.

“But don’t worry, my sister,” Booker said. “Don’t worry. God has got you.

And how do I know that? Because Once sworn in, Jackson will be the you’re here, and I know what it’s taken second youngest member of the court for you to sit in that seat.” after Barrett, 50. She will join a court Associated Press

20 The Ghanaian News March 2022

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B of Ghana warns public to desist from pricing goods and services in foreign currencies The Bank of Ghana has warned that it will crack the whip on individuals or companies who transact business, price goods and services and advertise in foreign currencies illegally.

The central bank further reiterated in the statement signed by its Secretary, Sandra Thompson, that the only legal tender for transactions in the country is the Ghana Cedi.

The BoG in a statement issued on Thursday, April 7, said such practices and activities breach the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723) which “prohibits companies and institutions from pricing, advertising, receipting, or making payments in foreign currencies in Ghana”.

“The Public is hereby notified that the sole legal tender in Ghana is the Ghana Cedi. The Bank of Ghana, in collaboration with the National Security and Law Enforcement Agencies, will clamp down on illegal foreign exchange operations.

All offenders shall be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

“Such violations are punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to seven hundred (700) penalty units or a term of imprisonment of not more than eighteen months(18) or both,” the Bank of Ghana cautioned.

The Bank of Ghana further said in collaboration with the National Security and law enforcement agencies, it will continue to clamp down on illegal foreign exchange operations.

The bank also warned the public to stop transacting business from the “black market”.

Ghana’s local currency, the cedi, in recent times has depreciated against major trading currencies, while the country’s inflation also keeps rising. EVANS EFFAH/PULSE

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African Caribbean Groceries Inc 63 Dundas West, Mississauga, Ont

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The Ghanaian News March 2022 23

M A K O L A Tropical Foods THE SUPERMARKET IN THE HEART OF ACCRA-GHANA IS NOW HERE IN THE HEART OF TORONTO QUALITY FOODS

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24 The Ghanaian News March 2022

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The Ghanaian News March 2022 25

C

N

D

26 The Ghanaian News March 2022

Many Ghanaian lecturers are pupil teachers — Retired Appeals Court judge A retired judge of the Appeals Court, Justice Isaac Duose, has called for university lecturers to acquire teaching qualifications to ensure that students paying tuition fees are getting the most out of their degrees.

He said universities should recognise that they need to improve the standards of teaching.

He stated that having a mastery of specialist knowledge does not mean the individual has the techniques and competence to effectively teach at the tertiary level.

“What qualification do they have to teach, they don’t have any qualification. They are pupil teachers,” he said.

Speaking as a distinguished chairman at the West Africa Heroes of Distinction conference and Awards held in Accra, he indicated that “You must have training in education before

you become a teacher. What is happening in this country recently, people go to cont’d on pg. 49

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28 The Ghanaian News March 2022

Ghanaian Minister appointed to head multi-cultural church in Montreal By: Gilbert Anim Kwakye, Montreal, Que

The Presbyterian Church of the Town of MountRoyal, in the northwest Downtown of Montreal of the Quebec Province has ushered into office, Rev. Francis Owusu as the minister in charge to fill the vacuum created in the Church. This appointment makes Rev. Owusu, the first Ghanaian reverend Minister to steer the affairs of the multi-cultural church since it was established in the 1945s. This is his first ministerial appointment after receiving training from the University of Toronto as minister of the Gospel. Rev. Owusu has played a number of instrumental roles leading to the development of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church in Toronto and as a result has wealth of experiences under his belt for his current task.

His appointment saves the Presbyterian Church of the Town of Mount-Royal, from its anticipated closure after its long seven- year search for a minister of the gospel by the Presbytery of Montreal to man the affairs of the church.

Rev. Owusu’s who was ordained in November 2021 at the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church in Toronto has been tasked to exercise the rights and privileges of the office of the reverend Minister after intensive and rigorous exercise of interviews and attestation to his qualifications and work by an interview panel and the Church as a whole.

The colorful ceremony which was held at in Church auditorium in Mount Royal, Montreal on Sunday March 20th was attended and graced by Rev. Dr. Moses Biney , Moderator of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Churches in North America, Rev. Sampson Afoakwah, Moderator of the Presbytery of Montreal, who doubles as the Minister , Montreal West Presbyterian Church , Dr. Michael Pettem , Clerk of the Presbytery of Montreal, Rev Enoch Lee , Minister St Edwards Presbyterian Church , Beauharnois and Rev. Richard Bonetto , Interim Moderator, Margaret Roger Memorial Presbyterian Church , Lachute Prison Champlain. Others included the leadership of Christian Council of Ghanaian Churches in Montreal, the Montreal Ghanaian Traditional Council and an appreciable presence of the leadership and members of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church in Toronto.

Laying of hands

cont’d on pg. 43 Rev. Joe Reed and Rev. Dr. Moses Biney

Eld. Martin Bayigwalag (PCTMR) & Eld. Teo Anyam (MWPC)

Rev. Sampson Afoakwah moderator of Montreal Presbytery and Rev. Francis Owusu Minister-incharge (PCTMR)

Rev. Sybil Mosley & Rev. Susan Brasier

Rev. Lara Scholey and Rev. Enoch Lee

Dr. Michael Pettem, Clerk of the Presbytery of Montreal & Rev. Sampson Afoakwah, Presbytery of Montreal

Rev. Richard Bonetto

Wilson Eyong and Rev. Prudence Neba

Nana Kwateng with Montreal Traditional Council

Montreal and Toronto Singing Band

The Ghanaian News March 2022 29

In Canada call: 416-844-9161

30 The Ghanaian News March 2022

PEOPLE AND PLACES Ghana Methodist Church Toronto group picture with Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene, Minister-incharge Hooray! Rhea Donkor celebrates 6th birthday Rhea Donkor celebrated her 6th birthday at her residence in Brampton on Saturday 26th March 2020. Due to the COVID-19 only her very close friends and relatives were invited to the birthday bash to celebrate with her. They helped her also to cut her sumptuous cake.

BG

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Ghana’s 65th Independence celebrated with Flag Raising at Mississauga Civic Centre cont’d from pg 1 Hon. Balogun mentioned in his speech some VIPs who participated in the milestone, namely US Vice President Richard Nixon, Princess Anne of UK, and American Civil Rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther king, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Philip Randolph, Adam Clayton Powell, Ralph Bunche, and Horace Mann. He added that since the assumption of office, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana, has made it a point to decentralize the celebration of the Independence Day to other regions and this year , Cape Coast was the venue.

“Though much has been achieved over the years, there is still room for improvement. As in the theme for this year’s celebration, “Working Together, Bouncing Back Better”, it is my fervent prayer that we, as one people, in Ghana or in the diaspora, remain united and work harder in transforming our country into a first world”, he added. He continued in spite of the global economic challenges induced by COVID-19, the Government remains confident in a robust economy”.

“Ghana continues to lead Africa economic resurgence through the quest for a common market and one single continental currency, especially with

the hosting of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He added that he wish to seize the opportunity to laud our host, Ontario and Canada, for the immense support and warm reception accorded us, as a diplomatic mission on their soil”.

Hon Balogun entreated Ghanaians and Canadians with Ghanaian origin to take advantage of the myriad developmental policies and projects introduced by the Ghana Government like the One District One Factory and also to embrace the digitization policy to make doing businesses and other transaction, cost and time effective”. He ended by expressing his heartfelt appreciation for all gracing the occasion with their presence and support.

Hon Hakeem Balogun then raised the Ghana flag high accompanied by rendition of the Ghanaian national cont’d on pg 35

Group picture after the flag raising

Group picture after the ceremony

Hon Brenda Foreman Honorary Consul Gen St Kitts & Nevis Hon. Balogun hoisting the Ghana flag aided by A Yeboah

Hon Balogun(l) Serbia Consul Gen Vasilije Petkovic

Some community members

Jonathan Annobil Ghanaian News

Some community members

32 The Ghanaian News March 2022

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The Ghanaian News March 2022 33

We focus on Motor Vehicle Accidents, Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) Claims, and Disability Claims.

You don’t pay anything until the case is settled, and you only pay if the case is a success.

29 Bangar Road, North York, ON M2N 2J8 One block west of Yonge, off Sheppard Tel: 647-782-6733 zzwiebel@zwiebelandassociates.ca www.zwiebelandassociates.ca

For Ghanaian interpreter Mr. Yeboah, call 647-764-0474

34 The Ghanaian News March 2022

DIVORCE CUSTODY CAS MATTERS ACCESS CHILD SUPPORT SEPARATION AGREEMENTS DIVISION OF ASSETS

18 Years of Experience in Family Law

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Telephone: 416-385-8104 Fax: 416-385-1047 150 Consumers Rd., Suite 201Toronto, Ontario M2J 1P9

JAK LEGAL CONSULTANCY Professionals specialized in the following areas of practice:

Immigration Law Other Practice Areas * Family Class Sponsorships * Uncontested Divorce * Sponsorship appeals * Small Claims Court Matters * Refugee Claims * Landlord and Tenant Matters * Humanitarian Applications * Power of Attorney * Invitation Letters * Agreements and Wills * Visa extensions * Bankruptcy Consultation * Work and Study Permits James A. Kwaateng, B.A. (Hons); LLB (Hons); CCIC Legal consultant; Commissioner of Oaths

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Buying a home may be the most important investment in your life. We ensure that it is done properly * Buying and selling your home * Transfers of property * Placing Mortgages, Refinancing FAMILY LAW CRIMINAL LAW IMMIGRATION Divorce Custody, Access and Support Separation Children Aid Cases

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Please call us for your legal needs. We will be glad to serve you.

RAMESH SANGHA LAW OFFICE Barristers, Solicitors & Notary Public.

Former Member Parliament & Chairperson (CPP Review Tribunal) CANADA. Office Address;

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Tel: 905-456-9911

Fax: 905-456-9577

Email:Ramesh@SanghaLawyers.com Web: RameshSangha.ca

Call Us First The Ghanaian News

Member: Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants

Tel: 416-785-0522

Fax: 416-782-8563

1111 Albion Road, Unit 207, Toronto, ON, M9V 1A9

416-916-3700

The Ghanaian News March 2022 35

Gold Coast Immigration Services Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant

Nana Adjei-Poku Licensed Paralegal, Notary Public & Commissioner of Oaths GCIS will assist you with the following, but not limited to: IMMIGRATION • Appeals of all matters before the IRB • Refugee Applications • Humanitarian & Compassionate Grounds • Procedural Fairness Letters • Visitors and Student Visas • Business Class • Provincial Nominee Programs • Sponsorships (Family and Spousal) LEGAL • • • •

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Services available all over the GTA and internationally

Tel: 289-298-1086 Fax: 289-284-0163 Email: npoku@goldcoastimmigration.caWeb: www.goldcoastimmigration.ca

Ghana’s 65th Independence celebrated with Flag Raising at Mississauga Civic Centre cont’d from pg 31 anthem. On hand to support the event were Hon. Vasilije Petkovic, Serbia Consul General and Honorary Consul General for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis Brenda Foreman who brought messages of goodwill.

Thereafter, Ghana’s birthday cake was cut by Hon. Hakeem Balogun flanked by community members, diplomatic guests and consulate staff. Mrs. Juliet Opoku 1st Vice President of GCAO in her closing remarks thanked those present to be part of the flag raising ceremony in Mississauga for the first time. She added that GCAO was working to enhance the lives of the Ghanaian-Canadian communities under its jurisdiction. “We are working to connect Ghanaians in the diaspora and in Ghana to work as a team in improving the economy by establishing the connections of businesses for all to thrive”. She ended by saying that “we should continue to assist each other by bringing inclusion in all the work we do to raise positive future Ghanaian-Canadians with the goal of positive influence to impact the lives of our people across the world”.

Vote of thanks was given by Ms Jasmine Kodua-Hamilton, a staff of the Ghana Consulate, followed by a group photograph taken to commemorate the special occasion. The Mc for the event was Emmanuel Quaye. with the theme “Working Together, Bouncing Back Better”.

Mrs. Felicia Botchway, head of the Seniors Wing of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) decked in her regalia as a queen mother was given the opportunity to give the opening remarks. It was immediately followed by a prayer by Elder Eugene Kotey after which Ms Grace Dampsonrendered the national anthems of both Ghana and Canada.

Honorable Hakeem Balogun, the Consul-General of Ghana in Toronto then gave his speech for the occasion. After observing protocol, he gave a short history of how our great nation observed the 1st Independence Day at the Old polo grounds in Accra when the late president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of blessed memory declared Ghana free from the shackles of colonialism and expressed hope of attaining prosperity in freedom, amidst drumming, singing and dancing.

Hon. Balogun, mentioned in his speech some VIPs who participated in the milestone, namely US Vice-President Richard Nixon, Princess Anne of UK, and American Civil Rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther king, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Philip Randolph, Adam Clayton Powell, Ralph Bunche, and Horace Mann.

He added that since the assumption of office, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo, President of the Republic of Ghana, has made it a point to decentralize the celebration of the Independence Day to other regions and this year , Cape Coast was the venue.

“Though much has been achieved over the years, there is still room for improvement. As in the theme for this year’s celebration, “Working Together, Bouncing Back Better”, it is my fervent prayer that we, as one people, in Ghana or in the diaspora, remain united and work harder in transforming our country into a first world”, he added. He continued in spite of the global economic challenges induced by COVID-19, the Government remains confident in a robust economy”.

“Ghana continues to lead Africa economic resurgence through the quest for a common market and one single continental currency, especially with the hosting of the Secretariat of the African Coninental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He added that he wishto seize the opportunity to laud our host, Ontario and Canada, for the immense support and warm reception accorded us, as a diplomatic mission on their soil”.

Hon Balogun entreated Ghanaians and Canadians with Ghanaian origin to take advantage of the myriad developmental policies and projects introduced by the Ghana Government like the One District One Factory and also to embrace the digitization policy to make doing businesses and other transaction, cost and time effective”. He ended by expressing his heartfelt appreciation for all gracing the occasion with their presence and support.

Hon Hakeem Balogun then raised the Ghana flag high accompanied by rendition of the Ghanaian national anthem. On hand to support the event were Hon. Vasilije Petkovic, Serbia Consul General and Honorary Consul General for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis Brenda Foreman who brought messages of goodwill.

Thereafter, Ghana’s birthday cake was cut by Hon. Hakeem Balogun flanked by community members, diplomatic guests and consulate staff. Mrs. Juliet Opoku 1st Vice President of GCAO in her closing remarks thanked those present to be part of the flag raising ceremony in Mississauga for the first time. She added that GCAO was working to enhance the lives of the Ghanaian-Canadian communities under its jurisdiction. “We are working to connect Ghanaians in the diaspora and in Ghana to work as a team in improving the economy by establishing the connections of businesses for all to thrive”. She ended by saying that “we should continue to assist each other by bringing inclusion in all the work we do to raise positive future Ghanaian-Canadians with the goal of positive influence to impact the lives of our people across the world”.

Vote of thanks was given by Ms Jasmine Kodua-Hamilton, a staff of the Ghana Consulate, followed by a group photograph taken to commemorate the special occasion. The Mc for the event was Emmanuel Quaye.

36 The Ghanaian News March 2022

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

For your Reliable Export Services - Shipping Services to Ghana, Nigeria, Clearing & Delivery Services in Ghana * You don't need to go to the Port * You don't need to see any Agent * Just see a CARGO-LINK Representative in Accra & Kumasi for your Safe & Affordable Shipment * We also do door to door in Accra & Kumasi at very low transportation cost (EXTRA) * We give Bill of Lading too to those who want to clear their own goods Contact: Regina or B'B Manu

Tel: 416-736-1905 416-822-9462 Fax: 416-736-9973 1111 Finch Ave. W., Unit 31, North York

Go Seko Shipping Inc. Freight Forwarding Division & Bailing of Used Clothes * Yam * Gari * Rice * Accra Kenkey * Canned Food * Dry Fish * Koobi and Many More We ship Cars, Trucks, Electrical Appliances, Computers, Clothing, Barrels, Personal Effects and many more Call Nana Djan

Tel: 647-895-1315, 416-913-1986, Fax: 416-850-0580 E-mail: sekoshipping@gmail.com

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

The Ghanaian News March 2022 37

BLACK STAR FAST SHIPPING INC. Freight Forwarding

WE BAIL USED CLOTHINGS The Most Reliable Way to Ship Overseas! Fast, Reasonable and VERY Great Competitive Rates!

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

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Tel: 647-231-4504 647-724-2295 647-361-6026 416-246-0101 Fax: 647-557-2428

293 Eddystone Ave., Toronto, ON M3N 1H8 (Jane/Eddystone)

Hi-Tech Shipping Freight Forwarders & Consolidators 230 Milvan Drive, Toronto, Ontario, M9L 2A5 We ship to all African Countries. We are the cheapest, Fastest and most reliable agents in town.

We have been in successful business for twenty years.

We have moved to 14,000 sq ft. facility to serve you better. We have quality mattress for sale all sizes

Call Kobby or Nana Ababio

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

Micangel Global Inc. Shipping and Freight Forwarding SEA * AIR

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Fast Easy And Reliable Service To All African Countries and Other Worldwide Ports

CUSTOM CLEARANCE, PICK-UP, DELIVERY Call Angelina Tel: 416-457-1174 1889 Albion Road, Unit 7, Etobicoke, Ont.

38 The Ghanaian News March 2022

www.220v.com We Carry Brand Name 220v/50Hz Export Model Restaurant and Household Products Kitchen Appliances

Unlocked

GSM Cellphones DUAL SIM

Generator Heavy Duty Restaurant Range

Freezer Deep Fryer

Commercial Oven

FREEZERS, REFRIGERATORS, WASHERS, DRYERS, AIR CONDITIONERS, VACUUM CLEANERS, TRANSFORMERS Gas & Electric Stoves

BIG Generator Sale

LED TVs

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Paul Nsiah, Manager Tel: 416-746-3275

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

Sam Auto Service GENERAL REPAIR ON ALL MAKE & MODELS

Domestic & Import Contact: Sam

Tel: (416)743-6969

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ERICOS AUTO 647-704-4487 Complete Service for all Foreign and Domestic Cars

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Business Hours

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Sam Auto Body Collusion Repairs * Rust *Minor Repairs and Painting

Sammy Lartey 647-428-6837 172 Toryork Dr., #9, North York, Ont.

Eastern Automotive Repair Inc. Complete Service for all Foreign and Domestic Cars

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B. B.'S AUTO Inc.

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Complete general repairs to all foreign & domestic cars, Body and Custom painting Contact: Bismarck Bright or Nick Bright

16 Taber Rd, Etobicoke, Ont.

The Ghanaian News March 2022 39

40 The Ghanaian News March 2022

Final funeral rites of the Late Lawrence Enoc Kwade Opoku 78 Opoku died on January 29, 2022 at the Brampton Civic Hospital. Funeral Service was held at New Haven Funeral Centre, Mississauga and Burial took place at Meadowvale Cemetery, Brampton.

Final funeral rites was also held at the Apostle’s Continuation Banquet Hall on Saturday March 5th 2022.

Rev. Fr. Kenneth Korsah, officiating Minister Procession of the casket

Some Family members and friends

Friends and well-wishers Some well-wishers Procession of the casket

Some community members

Family members

Family members

Some community members

At the funeral service

Community members

Some community members

Elizabeth Opoku )widow being escort by Abusuapanin Nana Asiamah

Family and friends at the service

The Ghanaian News March 2022 41

Dr. Kwasi Baffoe 79 passed away A renowned Dentist and a lawyer passed away on Thursday March 24th at the Morfort Hospital in Ottawa.

The funeral arrangements are as folows: Saturday, April 9th at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 2500 Baseline Rd. Ottawa Visitation and funeral services will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

For more information contact Dr. Sam Kwofie - 613-521-2470 May his soul rest in perfect peace

The Late Dr. Kwasi Baffoe

42 The Ghanaian News March 2022

The Ghanaian News March 2022 43

The Annual Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards a celebration of Excellence Honoring our Community Achievers Hosted by The Ghanaian News Corporation

Call for 2022 Award Nominations Awards Criteria and Selection Process This year’s (2022) presentation recognizes achievements in the following areas: 1. National honour: A community member whose work/contributions have been recognized nationally in Canada and thus brought recognition and pride to our community.

2. Community Service/Voluntarism: Persons who have consistently volunteered their time for a minimum of two years to a project or cause in our community or the larger Canadian society which has contributed to the quality of life of our community and/or Canadian society.

3. Professional Excellence: A continuous display of professional competence and excellence, devoid of any ethical violations in a person’s professional field or practice which can serve as a model for other professionals in our community.

4. Academic Excellence: Top class performance in academic pursuits at various levels of the educational ladder from High Schools, Colleges (CEGEP in Quebec), University or vocational/Professional training.

Cultural Promotion: An individual, group or organization which has worked consistently to promote Ghanaian culture for visible recognition in Canadian society.

6. Music, Arts and Entertainment/Firm Production: Individual or group artistes living in Canada who have consistently excelled and promoted Ghanaian music, Arts or other entertainment activities to international recognition levels over the past five years.

7. Sports: A consistent performance and achievement in the sports sector which has won nation-wide recognition and thus brought honour to our community.

8. Religion: Church groups or Religious organizations that have promoted religious and moral values in our community over the past five years.

9. Community Business Pioneers: Individuals or groups whose pioneering efforts in the business sector have spurred on and motivated other community members to venture into the business field.

2022 Nomination Form I wish to nominate: Mr./Mrs./Ms/Miss/Dr.............................................................................................

Address.......................................................................................................................................

Category........................................................................

For an award at the above event for the following reason :...................................................................

Name of Sponsor.................................................................................Tel #......................................

Please mail, fax or e-mail this nomination form to: The Awards Selection Committee, c/o The Ghanaian News Corporation, 1111 Albion Rd. #103, Etobicoke, Ont. Fax: 416-916-6701, Email: awards@ghanaiannews.ca Deadline for nominations: July 30, 2022

44 The Ghanaian News March 2022

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:

Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene Minister-in-charge

Edmonton Methodist

Sunday: Bible Class Meeting:

Church Service:

Jericho Hour Prayer Meeting Wednesday Mid-day Prayer Friday: Bible Teaching/Prayer Meeting Saturday Organizational Meeting: Sunday Brampton Prayer Meeting

587-336-1223

Redemption Methodist Church

Ottawa Methodist 613-823-2291

Vancouver Methodist 416-833-1615

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

In Montreal at: Place of Worship: 6870 Rue de Terreborne, Montreal, Que, H4B 1C5

Day and Time of Worship Sunday Divine Service: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.

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

8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

6.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

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

Contact: Rev. Joshua C. Doughan - 514-542-0871

Hamilton Society Stoney Creek United Church (Chapel) 1 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Hamilton Contact: 289-244-5914, 289-700-6815, 289-698-1388

Very Reverend Albert K. Appiah, BETHANY METHODIST CHURCH-BRAMPTON PLACE OF WORSHIP1A 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)

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

The Ghanaian News March 2022 45

Bringing the Gospel to our Community By Rev. Isaac De-Graft Takyi THE POST-COVID CHRISTIAN IN 2022: LIVE REVIVED “Panic not, fear not, worry not, blame not, complain not, condemn not and criticize not, BUT Trust God, Love God and Have Faith in God” — Isaac De-Graft Takyi I love you, Lord; you are my strength.2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.

He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.— Psalm 18:1-2 1

I want us to pick up the topic of revival as we move beyond COVID-19. There is no better time for the church to believe God for revival than today. A world filled with sin, inflation, war in the real estate market, war in Ukraine, and war in many homes, should remind us of our urgent need of God. We need more of God. We need revival!

We shall begin by looking at what revival is not, what revival is and seek understanding from the prophet Samuel and the King Asa. WHAT IS NOT REVIVAL? • •

•

Not Evangelism though many will be saved as a result of it Not Emotionalism although there may be emotional manifestations connected to it.

Not Healing encounters although people might be divinely healed as a result of it

WHAT IS REVIVAL?

the spiritual life of the individual who has grown cold, lukewarm, backslidden or indifferent.

NOTES Revival is certain. God is the source of revival.Our part is to repent, seek Him with all our heart and soul and obey Him always.

REVIVAL UNDER SAMUEL (1ST SAMUEL 7: 1 - 17) The early history of Israel, after the time of Moses and Joshua, saw long periods when the people turned away from God. At times they worshipped other gods. But on many occasions, they mixed idolatrous religion with the worship of Jehovah.

During the times of the Judges there were many political and military crises. The difficulties were used by God to cause the people to seek the Lord for help, to cry unto God for deliverance and call on God for His salvation.In response, He raised up judges to deliver the people. This was more successful on some occasions than on others.

•

“Revival” in the Bible means any remarkable improvement in devotion and dedication to God by God’s people.

•

It is a renewal of the spiritual life in an individual or among a group of people.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE REVIVAL? •

Revival is bringing back to life that which has lost its life. In the spiritual sense it is the renewal of

Return to God with all your heart (3a)

•

Put away the foreign gods (3b)

•

The Scriptures show us Samuel as a man of prayer, like his mother. Psalm 99:6-9 portrays him as one of the Old Testament giants in the life of prayer.

•

Prepare your hearts for the Lord(3c)

HOW TO EXPERIENCE REVIVAL?

•

Serve the Lord only (3d)

•

Pray, fast and confess your sins (6)

1) Do what is Good and Right in the sight of the Lord (14:2)

•

Honour and respect authority (as seen in how the people asked Samuel to pray for them) (8)

•

Offer a Sacrifice to the Lord (5a, 9)—the sacrifice of Christ

WHAT IS THE FORETASTE OF REVIVAL? •

The Lord helps you. (10)

•

The Hand of the Lord will be with you (13) and against the enemy

•

The Lord gives peace to His people (14)

REVIVAL UNDER KING ASA. (2CHRONICLES 14-15) After the time of King Solomon the nation of Israel was split in two. The southern kingdom of Judah, with its capital in Jerusalem, remained loyal to the house of David, and some of the kings tried to follow David’s religious line, as well.

Asa was the third king after Solomon.

2 Chronicles 14 tells us how he destroyed the centres of idolatry, some of which had been set up by Solomon in his later years to please his foreign wives. Asa also made laws to pressure people into obeying God’s laws.

•

Removed the alter of the foreign gods

•

Broke down the sacred pillars

2) Obey the command to seek the Lord (14:5) 3) Obey the command to observe the law and commandment •

Always be with the true God (15: 1-7)

•

Always be with a teaching Priest

•

Always be with the law

4) Covenant to Seek God with all your heart and with all your soul (15:12-13) WHAT IS THE FORETASTE OF REVIVAL? •

The Lord blessed his efforts,

•

The Lord guided him,

•

The Lord gave him security,

•

The Lord blessed him with long periods of rest, peace and prosperity.

•

God also gave him a dramatic victory in the face of overwhelming invasion. (14:6, 7.

11-15)

46 The Ghanaian News March 2022

EVANGEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 314 Rexdale Blvd. Etobicoke, Ont. M9W 1R6 Tel: 416-242-7950 Fax: 416-242-8573 Church Activities Sunday School: 10a.m. -11:00a.m.

Church Service: 11a.m. - 1:30p.m.

Sunday Evening: 7p.m. - 8:30p.m.

Pastor in Charge Wednesday Bible Studies: 7p.m. - 8:30p.m.

Rev. Milton Offei Friday Prayer Meeting: 7p.m. - 9:00p.m.

I AM ALPHA & OMEGA MINISTRY INT'L We invite you to worship with us Church Service:

Sunday Worship: 10.00a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Studies: 6.00p.m. - 7.30 p.m.

Friday Prayer Meeting: 7.00p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

JESUS Loves You

Bishop John Mensah

NEW LOCATION 100 Penn Drive, Unit #6, North York, Ont.

Tel: 416-419-6671

The Ghanaian News March 2022 47

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.

Pastor Eric Amoah Friday Night Prayer: 8p.m.-10p.m.

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.

Pastor Dennis Awuku COME AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED Senior Pastor

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)

Transformation Centre Assembly of God Church, Mississauga 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: transformcentreag@yahoo.ca Website: www. transformationcentreag.ca

Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

Disciples Revival Church Healing & Deliverance Centre Rev. Dr. & Rev (Mrs) Charles Mantey Founders/Senior Pastors

416-614-7771

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

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

info@disciplesrevivalchurch.org www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

SUNDAY SERVICE - Morning - 10:00 am Mid-Week Service

Pastor Joseph Nash Sarfo Founder & Pastor-in-charge

The thief cometh not , but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.11.l am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Amen.

John 10 :10-11

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

Wed: Bible Study & Prayer: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Friday: Youth Service 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Friday: Adult Intercessory Prayer - 7:00 - 9:00 pm For deliverance & healing, come to Disciples, a Church that caters to your needs Do visit our website and sign up for the Pastor's monthly newsletter

www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

30 Gordon Mackay Rd, North York, ON, M9N 2V6

48 The Ghanaian News March 2022

The Apostolic Church Int'l.

Canada

Miracle Assembly MOVED TO NEW LOCATION

THE APOSTLES' CONTINUATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (CANADA) North American Headquarters: 10 Belfield Road Toronto, Ont., M9W 1G1 Tel: 416-247-6629 Fax: 416-247-5308

Apostle Jeremiah Mensah (Resident Apostle)

31 Airview Road

Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu

Website: www.apostlescontinuation.org

Etobicoke, Ontario, M9W 1P6 SERVICE TIMES:

Meeting Schedule Sunday (Worship) - 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday Teaching Service - 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Friday Prayers 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Friday: Monthly All Night Service - 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Saturday : Movements - 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Resident Apostle contact: 437-217-0085 Office Line: 416-740-1979

Worship Service Bible Studies Service All Night Service Deliverance

- Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday 9:00 p.m.

- Friday 9:30 p.m.

- Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Worship With Us At These Branches In Canada

Toronto

10 Belfield Road Tel: 416-247-6629 Scarborough Assembly 63 Howden Rd., Unit 'F' Scarborough, ON, M1R 3C7 Tel 647-850- 0142 Fax 416-945- 9445

Immanuel Assembly of God Church, Scarborough

Rev. Douglas O. Ansah Pastor-in-charge

Sunday School: 9:30am -10:30am Church Service: 10:30am - 12 noon

LOCATION Don Montgomery Community Centre 2467 Eglinton Ave. E. Scarborough, Ont., (Kennedy/Eglinton Subway Station) For more info contact:

647-880-4216

Email: immanuelscarborough@gmail.com Website: immanuelaog.ca.

Rhema Power of Grace Chapel Int'l

Invites all Christians, Non-Christians and members of the community to join us worship the Great Jehovah

378 Cremazie East Montreal, Quebec, H2P 1E5 Tel: 514-271-9083 Pastor-In-Charge: John Arhin

Contact: Res: 450-687-4916 Cell: 514-654-6178

Glory Pentecostal Ministry of Toronto Pastor-in-charge: Rev. Rockson Owusu Atwima - 416-708-7742

Invites all Christians and Non-Christians to join us to worship the Almighty God WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Regular Service 11:00 am to 1:30 pm Tuesday Prayer and Healing Service 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday Prayer Night 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm

PLACE OF WORSHIP 230 Eddystone Ave., #207, North York, Ont. M3N 1H7 We are more tan our conquerors Romans 8:37

"Come and see the manifestation and the power of the Holy Spirit at work"

Praise Temple of Christ International Snr. Pastor: Apostle Osei-Bonsu 336 Gary Ray Drive @ Signet Worship Schedule Sunday Worship - 10 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday - Bible Study - 7 pm - 9 pm Friday - Prayer Meeting - 8 pm - 10 pm Second and last Friday of each month All Night Prayer Meeting 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

NEW Place of Worship:

135 Oakdale Rd, North York, ON Days And Time of Worship Sunday Divine Worship Twi Service - 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Multicultural Service - 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday - Midweek Service Friday - All Night Service

Montreal Assembly

Rev. Bishop Joe Bonnah

Founder &Pastor-in-charge

-

Apostle Osei Bonsu

8p.m. - 10p.m.

10p.m. - 1a.m.

Contact Lines: 416-321-2796 (Pastor's Res) 416-747-9225 (Church) Cell: 647-921-2414

Pastor Appiah Jacob

For information call: 905-840-7387, 647-208-1093 416-209-9136, 647-710-2573

The Ghanaian News March 2022 49

Ghanaian Priest appointed to head multi-cultural church in Montreal cont’d from pg. 28

Many Ghanaian lecturers are pupil teachers — Retired Appeals Court judge cont’d from pg. 26

teacher training colleges they graduate The Singing Band Group of the Delivering the sermon earlier on yet the ministry wants them to go and Ghanaian Presbyterian Church theme “learning from the Chief take license to teach, these are people Toronto thrilled the Congregation Shepherd” , Rev. Enoch Lee of the who went through a syllabus designed with beautiful renditions which St Edwards Presbyterian Church , to make them teachers they were taught got the Congregation to dance for Beauharnois focused his message in the colleges of education so when several minutes thanking God, on Psalm 23 and likened God to they are coming out they are coming out perhaps for giving them a priest the Shepherd and sheep to humans as teachers but we are asking them to go or Christians. He reminded the and take licensing in education to teach after a long search. congregation that, they would trust at the primary schools and other levels Before taking the oath of office and in God if they understood Psalm yet in the Universities where it matters signing the oath book, Rev. Francis 23 and added that they would lack most the teachers are not supposed to nothing if they believed in God Owusu but they call themselves university was charged to accept the subordinate since he is their protector. teachers.” standards of the Church and uphold The Justice who doubles as the Board its doctrine under the continued “There is the need to think and Chairman of the Governing Council illumination and correction of meditate about God’s protection for of Wisconsin International University the Holy Spirit speaking in the mankind. God is the good master College said “If you go to America and scriptures. Another charge was to who gives absolute protection to you want to teach, you have to take a accept government of the Church human. Life is full of hazards and certificate in teaching. My Daughter by sessions, presbyteries, synods that no one knows what tomorrow is a Lecturer at a University, after her will bring but there is need to doctoral degree she has to do nine and general assemblies. believe in God as the chief shepherd months in pedagogy which is a principal Rev. Francis Owusu promised to and draw others to Christ” He said. share in and submit himself to lawful oversight and follow no Rev. stressed that God who is the divisive course but to seek peace Chief Shepherd will make them “lie down in green pastures “ and and unity of Christ. give them freedom from fear, He also pledged to strengthen and by affliction , tension and hunger” the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to He said mankind is vulnerable and conduct himself both in private and needs God’s love, affection and public life as becomes of the gospel protection all the time. and give himself diligently and To the new minister of the Church, cheerfully to the service of Christ’s Rev. Lee reminded him to take a cue from the Chief Shepherd word , sacraments and discipline for the furtherance of reconciling (God) in order to lead the Congregation faithfully and with mission in the world. a high sense of love. He said the greater advancement of the Church The Congregation received Rev. depended on his attention for his Francis Owusu and pledged to people. To the Congregation, he give of their substance as the Lord called for the absolute support and prosper them , for the maintenance love for the new minister of the of the Christian ministry and the church, in order for him function furtherance of the gospel in the effectively. church and throughout the world.

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church THEME FOR YEAR 2020:

“PRAYER AND THE WORD” Acts 6:4 SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 am-1:30 pm Ghanaian Service Pastor-in-charge: Rev. Boniface Keelson

WEEKDAY SERVICES: 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 Fax: 416-740-6435 Email:

lighthouseagtoronto.org

lighthouseag@outlook.com

in education before she took a license to teach in a University is people want to go and teach because that has been thought how to teach. In our country just get a Ph.D. and you are good to go, go and teach.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, having been involved in education at the university level for a while, I realized that a Ph.D. is a research degree, and when you research, you have to go to the industry with the research not to go and teach with the research.”

“But here, our emphasis is to go to do research and after you have done the research you go and teach with the research. Is it the correct thing to do?

At least if you don’t know what to do copy the people who are leading, how much effort do you put into taking a post-graduate diploma in education or certificate in education,” he added.

Pulse

50 The Ghanaian News March 2022

Harvard University asks: “Can Meditation Prevent Diseases”?

In a recent article I discussed the benefits of deep belly breathing and gave you step-by-step instructions to get started. For those who thought it was “too new age”, you’d be surprised to learn that the number one U.S. university – Harvard – is promoting meditation for good health and disease prevention.

As most provinces and territories lift COVID-19 public health measures, Canadians are left to assess their own risk level amid signs of a sixth wave.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, said last month it’s important to look at the amount of COVID-19 in your community and what activity you are undertaking.

Harvard has a new book entitled: “Meditation for Your Health:Connecting traditional practices with modern science.” I’m sharing with you the information I received from Dr. Howard LeWine, the Chief Medical Editor of Harvard Health Publishing.These are his words – not mine!

“New research is finding meditation useful for a variety of health problems - including easing chronic pain, reducing gastrointestinal symptoms,as well as lowering blood pressure and stress to protect the heart!

With regular practice, meditation can also help you gain a deeper awareness of your inner self. There is evidence that meditation changes your brain enlarging areas of brain tissue that help us think and learn, while decreasing areas that cause us stress and anxiety.

When you meditate, you turn down your sympathetic nervous system (responsible forstressed feelings) and you turn up your parasympathetic nervous system (triggering the relaxation response)!

When Harvard Medical School Professor, Dr. Herbert Benson, first discovered that centering the mind induced a unique state of calm, called the “relaxation response”, no one could have predicted just how powerful entering this state of relaxation could be.

In the field of neuroscience, researchers Antoine Lutz and Richard Davidson found that patterns of electrical activityin the brain of long-time, regular meditators differed significantly from those of other study participants (who did not meditate).Thus, meditation can induce real, positive changes in the brain!

New research findings show the benefits of regular meditation include improvements in heart health, blood circulation, anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal conditions and

“Is it outside? Is it inside? Is it crowded?

Who am I going to be with?”

insomnia. Meditation should be at the top of your list alongside exercising, eating well and sleeping - if you want to stay in tip top shape as you age! It is helpful for preventing and managing medical conditions, from cancer to high blood pressure!

Meditation is considered part of complementary and integrative medicine; it is used by top U.S. hospitals to treat patients.Meditation becomes easier with time and practice; even if you’ve struggled to calm your mind during past attempts, don’t give up!

With Harvard Medical School’s new publication, “Meditation For Your Health” - you’ll get all the facts, the latest findings and the science-backed meditation techniques to apply the healing powers of this ancient practice to your life.” End of message from Dr. LeWine!

So, now you see what I’d written previously is backed by the great Harvard University. While there are different ways to meditate, deep belly breathing is a good place to start- it provides a firm foundation. Dear reader: go find February’s newspaper and start practising using the step-by-step guide that I’d explained.(I’d learnt it at the Dorothy Madgett Physiotherapy Clinic in Toronto). You can order the Harvard University book from their website.

Dr. Sandra Anthony.

WhatsApp: 1-416-929-4909. E-mail: dr_sandra_ anthony@yahoo.com

More Ontarians, including those over 60, can book fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose Ontarians aged 60 and older can start booking appointments for a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine today April 7.

First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and above are also eligible to start booking those shots today.

Fourth doses are being offered at a recommended interval of five months after the initial booster shot.

Residents can book appointments through the provincial vaccine portal, public health units with separate booking systems, Indigenousled vaccination clinics and some pharmacies.

Fourth doses are already available to

Five ways to reduce and evaluate risk in a potential sixth wave of COVID-19

long-term care and retirement home residents and immunocompromised people in Ontario.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says a fourth dose provides an extra layer of protection against Omicron and the BA.2 variant.

The rollout comes as hospitalizations are increasing – up 40 per cent week over week – and wastewater surveillance suggests COVID-19 activity is nearly the same as it was at the peak of the fifth wave in January.

It also comes as administration of third doses has slowed. About 96 per cent of people aged 60-69 have received two doses, but only 78 per cent have received a booster dose.

The Canadian Press

Tam said it’s also important to take into account your personal health situation and whether you are around people who are at greater risk, such as elderly parents or unvaccinated children.

Here are five ways to reduce your risk:

Masks Quebec and Prince Edward Island are the only two provinces extending their mask mandates until the end of the month.

“Masks do matter,” P.E.I.’s public health officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, said Tuesday. “Masks will be one of the last measures lifted.”

Sinha said the institute turned it into a three-minute risk calculator in spring 2021.

The tool, he said, can be a valuable resource as people navigate what appears to be a sixth wave with few restrictions.

“We’re not guaranteeing anybody a safe, in-person visit,” said Sinha.

“We’re just giving people an opportunity to understand how they can visit more safely with others.

“It’s about providing people with education and the tools.”

Wastewater data Many cities have been collecting and distributing information about COVID-19 in wastewater.

Kevin Frankowski, executive director of Advancing Canadian Water Assets at the University of Calgary, said it’s one piece of information for people to consider.

Other provinces have resisted calls to reimpose public health restrictions, including mask mandates.

“There are significant advantages to wastewater monitoring,” he said.

“It’s inclusive. Every single person who uses the bathroom contributes to that signal, it doesn’t require the right testing policy or the willingness to go get tested.

Tam noted it’s now a personal choice in most provinces.

“It’s also unbiased. Wastewater doesn’t lie.”

“Think about who you’re with and maybe they’re at higher risk — so, having that consideration for others.”

But he said it’s important to be careful with the data. As an example, he noted wastewater numbers were going up as hospitalizations dropped in Alberta.

Vaccination Vaccination rates vary across the country, but research has shown the shots can help reduce severe outcomes.

Some experts said this week they worry government messaging about the current state of the pandemic could affect uptake of additional doses.

Eligibility for fourth doses is expanding in some provinces after the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended people 70 and older get a second booster.

“It’s hard to motivate people to get boosters when they want to believe this is done,” said Dr. Kelly Grindrod, an associate professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy.

“And the question is, do we have to keep living through disaster levels for people to stay engaged enough that they want to protect themselves?”

Online tools More than a million people have turned to an online calculator that was created to help Canadians manage their COVID-19 risk.

My COVID-19 Visit Risk Decision Aid, which is free online, was first created during the second wave of COVID-19 in fall 2020.

“People were starting to ask these questions,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, director of health policy research at the National Institute on Ageing. “Is it safe to visit with others? Are there safer ways to visit with others?”

“Both of those statements are correct,” he explained. “One possible interpretation is that the severity of the disease continues to decline. Infection is still there, but it’s not resulting in symptoms that make you go to the hospital.”

Frankowski said the data should be used as one source for people to incorporate into their decision making.

“One of our project co-leads, Dr. Casey Hubert … makes the analogy between the COVID (wastewater) tracker and the weather forecast app,” he said, explaining you can check both before you head out.

“Do I need an umbrella? Do I need a mask?”

Stay home when sick Most jurisdictions recommend staying home when sick.

In Alberta, for example, officials note that someone with COVID-19 can spread the virus to others for up to 10 days.

“The risk of spread in fully vaccinated people is lower after five days, but it still exists,” the province’s website says.

The website adds that isolation helps prevent spread by reducing the number of people you could infect by staying home and avoiding others.

The Canadian Press

Lifestyle

The Ghanaian News March 2022 51

An increasing number of women are taking home bigger cheques than their male partners. Yet breadwinning still causes feelings of insecurity and discomfort for both parties When Erin first got together with her boyfriend, they both worked in minimum wage jobs. She was a student working part-time in customer service, while he worked as a chef. In 2020, she got what she refers to as her first “big girl” job in local government, and was catapulted up the career ladder. At 27, Erin now earns significantly more than her partner.

“When I got the phone call to say I had got the job, we immediately spoke about the salary,” says Erin, who lives in Yorkshire, UK. “I asked if the fact that I was earning more was going to make him feel bad.

He said that yes, he likes it when he can do things for me that I can’t afford to do, because it makes him feel like he’s taking care of me. But he doesn’t feel emasculated by my higher pay. He just wants me to be happy.”

Although it’s not unusual for women to out-earn their partners, Erin remains in the minority as a female breadwinner. In the UK, only around 26% of women were making more money than their partner in 2019, and in the US this was around 30% – hardly surprising, as working women still earn 16% less than men on average.

That’s why Erin, and many women in heterosexual relationships like her, feel the need to have conversations about how their partner feels about their higher earningpower, and protect them from any negative emotions or feelings of emasculation – talks they likely wouldn’t feel the need to have if the situation were reversed.

Women’s earning power may have surged in many instances, yet attitudes towards female breadwinners still lag behind.

As well as facing external judgement, women who out-earn their partners still often shoulder the majority of traditionally ‘female’ labour, such as housework and childcare, leaving them chronically overworked, under pressure and fighting to protect their partnership against negative emotions and perceptions.

All this can take its toll – research shows that heterosexual marriages with a female breadwinner are more likely to end in divorce. But experts point out that this doesn’t have to be the case.

The domestic breadwinners

burden

of

women

Historically, men have almost always outearned their female partners. Women, often entirely excluded from the workforce, tended to instead shoulder the majority of domestic labour, including housework and childrearing.

But evidence suggests that since women have entered the workforce en masse, the imbalance in domestic duties hasn’t really been redressed – even when women make more money than their partners.

Some researchers have found that in the UK, 45% of female breadwinners still do the majority of household

tasks, compared to just 12.5% of male breadwinners, and that the average female breadwinner spends the equivalent of an entire working day taking care of the house on top of their full-time job.

Additionally, research carried out in Australia and the US showed that although women decreased their housework as their earnings increased, this was only true up to a certain extent. Once women started to out-earn their partners, researchers found that couples often reverted to more traditional gender roles, with women picking up a disproportionate share of housework.

“Feeling like we are violating society’s expectations about what it means to be a woman or man can be very uncomfortable,” says Raina Brands, an associate professor at the UCL School of Management, whose research focuses on gender stereotypes.

“Women may feel compelled to compensate for violating traditional gender roles as a breadwinner by redoubling their contributions at home,” she continues.

“But what couples should keep in mind is that feelings of discomfort can lead to some very irrational household decisions, such as women opting to earn less or leaving paid work entirely (which takes away from the financial security of the household), or taking on more than their fair share of household work (which leads to unhappiness).”

External judgements Even when a couple have the best intentions of splitting labour in an equitable way, external judgements and perceptions can get in the way, argues Siran Cao, the co-founder and CEO of Mirza, a Londonbased fintech company that focuses on the gender pay gap. This can leave female high-earners picking up extra work and responsibilities.

“Schools still tend to call the mum, even if the dad is listed as the primary contact,” says Cao. “It’s crucial for men to disrupt these caregiving gender norms, so that they have the opportunity to parent.”

This isn’t the only situation in which external perceptions of high-earning women have a negative impact. Rowan, 24, works as an accountant, and currently outearns her fiancé. She says she often faces judgement from others about their current set-up. “I’ve had reactions of ‘it must be hard’ or people saying that it’s admirable that I don’t mind supporting him,” says Rowan, who is based in Birmingham, UK. She says she tries to avoid bringing up the topic, and that she’s learned not to let hostility or negativity bring her down.

This kind of judgement is extremely common, particularly for high-earning mothers. One 2013 study showed that 16% of Americans believed that raising a child in a family where the mother is the primary earner would have a negative effect on kids, and 59% of adults still say that children are better off when one of their parents stays at home with them. Forty-five percent of these people said it was better if the stay-at-home parent was the mother, with only 2% favouring the father.

It’s no surprise these deeply ingrained outlooks can affect how couples talk about their own earning power. Some research even supports that couples are so aware of the societal perception of female

breadwinners that mixed-income spouses tend to lie about their respective earning power when a wife out-earns her husband, exaggerating how much the man earns.

Some couples go even further, with women actively choosing not to be the breadwinner; in couples where a woman’s income has a greater potential to exceed her partner’s (for example, if she has qualifications in a higher paying industry), she is still less likely to engage in paid work, and tends to earn below her potential when she does.

Research shows dissatisfaction is high in couples in which the female breadwinner spends more time on chores (Credit: Getty) The divorce factor For most couples, their relationship is truly tested when and if they have children – a milestone Erin and Rowan have yet to reach. Couples already going against the norm in terms of their earnings balance must make important decisions about whether they will also choose a nontraditional balance of childcare, with the lower-earning father taking on more of the caring responsibilities.

The data suggests most don’t – after all, even though around a quarter of women are the primary earners in the UK and US, only about one in 10 men say they are the primary carer of their children – significantly less than one might expect if earning power directly correlated to household labour.

Like many facets of gender inequality, it seems that the most significant gaps and judgements emerge once women become mothers.

And while some couples with a female breadwinner do manage to find an equitable – and happy – balance, data shows that for many couples this isn’t the case.

Despite decades of work to empower women financially, some research shows heterosexual couples are still more likely to divorce if the female spouse out-earns her husband. Judgement and the difficulties of dividing household labour both also play a huge part in the complicated dynamics of these relationships – studies have shown men who earn less than their female partner are more likely to cheat, with researchers positing that this is a way of restoring masculine gender identity. And in couples where the female breadwinner spends more time on household chores, marital dissatisfaction is at its highest.

In a world in which women have worked hard to overcome gender biases, this might make the outlook for female breadwinners seem bleak. But Brands argues it’s important for couples not to get caught up in the overarching statistics, and to focus on how a relationship can be as equitable as possible for them.

“The main takeaway is that gender roles are not destiny,” she says. “Couples that push through the discomfort of non-traditional arrangements and negotiate a fair split of household chores relative to financial contributions are more likely to achieve equity in a broader sense, too, meaning both the woman and the man have financial security and independence from their partner, the ability to pursue meaningful careers and being able to balance both their career and family life.”

Erin and Rowan’s last names are being withheld for privacy reasons

52 The Ghanaian News March 2022

Around the World Sports Scene

with Jonathan Baah Annobil

2022 FIFA World Cup: Eight top African referees selected for this year’s mundial 2022 World Cup: ‘The Hand of God now World football governing belongs to me’ - Luis Suarez infuriates body, FIFA has selected Ghana again eight referees from the African continent to officiate during the 2022 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Qatar.

Among the selected referees is level-headed Gambian referee Bakary Gassama.

The renowned match official was the centre referee when Algeria clashed with Cameroon last month.

Other African referees called on to represent CAF at the 2022 FIFA World Cup are Jean Jacques Ndala (RD Congo), Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria), and Redouane Jiyed (Morocco).

The rest are Balmak Tessema

Bakary Gassama (Ethiopia), Victor Gomez (South Africa), Janny Sikazwe (Zambia), and Maguette N’diaye (Senegal).

This year’s world cup is scheduled to be hosted in Qatar from November 21st to December 18th, 2022.

Africa will be represented by five countries including Tunisia, Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco, and Ghana. footballghana.com

I don’t want to fight in Ghana again - Ayitey Powers Ghanaian boxer, Ayitey Powers has expressed his desire to fight abroad instead of Ghana due to the low financial purse he receives.

According to the cruiser weight boxer, he has a few years ahead of him to retire but wants to fight abroad to earn more money before he hangs his gloves.

Speaking in a recent interview, the boxer disclosed that he squanders the little money he gets on his fans anytime he pens a deal to fight an opponent in Ghana.

“How much will I earn here if I fight? I will fight and when I fight people will rush me, by the time I realize people will think I have money and don’t want to give them,” Ayitey Powers stated.

Adding, “So, unless outside fight. I don’t want to fight in Ghana. If I get a fight outside Ghana I will go but in Ghana here, no.”

Ghana were denied a semifinal berth at the World Cup courtesy of a Luis Suarez handball incident in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

The former Liverpool and Barcelona forward prevent a goal-bound header from Ghana’s Dominic Adiyiah in the final minute of extra time at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.

Suarez essentially produced a save on the line worthy of a goalkeeper and he was shown a straight red card as a result.

Ghana were also awarded a penalty, but Asamoah Gyan’s attempt from 12 yards crashed into the crossbar, which resulted in Suarez going mental on the touchline and sent the game to a shootout.

Uruguay won the penalty shoot-out to progress to the semifinals with Luis Suarez celebrated for his demonic act.

Speaking after the game on that infamous handball incident he said: “The Hand of God now belongs to me,” Suarez was quoted as saying at the time by the Guardian. “Mine is the real Hand Of God. “I made the best save of the tournament. Sometimes in training I play as a goalkeeper so it was worth it. There was no alternative but for me to

do that and when they missed the penalty I thought ‘It is a miracle and we are alive in the tournament’.

“Now we are in the semifinals although I was very sad because no one likes to be sent off. The celebration afterwards was impressive, but very quiet because nobody gave us a chance but, with courage, we move forward.”GHANAsoccernet

Ghana’s Deborah Acquah makes history with world-leading jump of 6.89m Ghanaian boxer, Ayitey Powers Asked if he has retired, the boxer said, “I have not retired, I am still in boxing though next two years I will quit, I’m still in it.”

Ayitey Powers’ last recorded fight was in 2017 when he knocked out Eric Kwardey in round 2 a the Achimota Park.

In his 22-years career as a boxer, the cruiserweight boxer has engaged in 48 fights with 22 wins, 25 defeats and a single draw.

Two of his biggest defeats were against Bukom Banku in 2014 and 2015. www.ghanaweb.com

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

Ghanaian athlete Deborah Acquah won the women’s long jump competition during the Texas A&M vs Texas Dual with a world-leading jump of 6.89m.

Ghana’s Deborah Acquah makes history with worldleading jump of 6.89m The jump also sees her break her own national women’s long jump record, which she set last year with a mark of 6.81m.

In 2021, Acquah broke Ghana’s women’s long jump record set 22 years ago by Rukaya Abdulai after establishing herself as the leading African jumper.

The 25-year-old has, however, now outdone her personal best, and consequently assumes the position of world no.1 in women’s long jump.

She won the women’s long jump with a world-leading mark at 22-7.25/6.89m (w/0.7). Meanwhile, the jump ranks her No. 2 in Texas A&M history and makes her the seventh-best collegian of all time.

Acuquah beat off competition from Tyra Gittens, who used to hold the world-leader record but jumped 6.58m and Ackelia Smith who jumped 6.46m.

She remains one of Ghana’s brightest prospects in track and field, with her career being on an upward curve since her emergence.

Ghanaian athlete Deborah Acquah She won silver in the long jump at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco and has since not looked back.

Meanwhile, last year, Ghanaian sprinter Benjamin Azamati was also honoured by the West Texas A&M University following his encouraging debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The 23-year-old, who is a student of the University, was one of 14 athletes who proudly represented Ghana at last month’s Olympic Games in Japan.

Azamati qualified for the Games after he shattered Ghana’s long-standing record in the 100m after running a time of 9.97 seconds in the

Texas relays in March 2021.

The young sprinter broke Leonard Myles-Mills’ 100m record of 9.98 seconds, which had stood for 22 years.

He went on to impress at the Tokyo Olympic Games, where he placed fourth in Heat 7 of the men’s 100m event with a time of 10.13.

Despite failing to qualify for the semi-final, Azamati’s finish time was better than many of the qualified athletes in the other heats.

He also represented Ghana in the 4x100m relays at the Olympics, alongside compatriots Joseph Amoah, Joseph Manu and Sean SafoAntwi. Pulse Ghana

The Ghanaian News March 2022 53

Beni Boo Styles WELL MADE - WELL PRICED CLOTHES EVERYONE WILL BE WEARING THIS SPRING Another season, another batch of It-clothes by yours truly Beni Boo (and they are budge friendly ) "Life is a fashion show and the world is your runway so always dress your best everyday and walk with confidence and Godfidence " Beni Boo Styles

Manager, Beni Boo Styles 1-416-732-0902 Beniboostyles@yahoo.coo www.Beniboo.com Sewing Studio on St. Clair W.

54 The Ghanaian News March 2022

FOOD AND RECIPES Compiled by Nana Ama, Toronto, ON

GROUNTNUT/PEANUT BUTTER SOUP INGREDIENTS

ABUNUABUNA OR COCOYAM LEAVE SOUP

•

2 medium onions or 1 large one

Abunuabunu is a soup that is very popular in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana, also made from cocoyam leaves, like the Kontomire stew, this can be served with Banku, fufu, or anything according to your preference.

•

3 very ripe large tomatoes

•

A whole chicken, chopped to pieces (we like "boiler" chicken, free range, "koko ya Setswana")

•

Garden eggs (optional)

•

12 okra (with ends trimmed)

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1 scotch bonnet pepper or kpakpo shito

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Ginger

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2 bay leaves

•

1 rosemary sprig

•

1.75l chicken stock

•

4 tbsp peanut butter

•

Water to mix with the peanut butter

INGREDIENTS • Snails or any meat of your choice • Herrings/dry or smoked fish • Onion • Ginger • Garlic • Fresh tomatoes • Kontomire • prekese • salt • peanut butter /groundnut paste (optional) for nkatekonto METHOD • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Wash the kontomire leaves in a clean bowl and put into a saucepan Add a little amount of water and boil under a medium heat Remove after 5 minutes when it softens Wash the meat and put into another saucepan.

Wash and cut onions into pieces.

Add diced onions to meat, add seasoning and salt to taste Place it over medium heat Chop some onions and pour into a blender, add ginger, pepper and garlic and blend into a smooth mixture Pour the blended mixture into the meat on fire.

Add about 4 pieces of fresh tomatoes and fresh onions Add a teaspoon of peanut butter Blend the cocoyam leaves and pour it into the soup Add about 4 cups of water. You can add more depending on how thick you want your soup to be.

Remove the cooked onions and cooked tomatoes and blend together.

Pour the blended mixture back into the soup Add this point, you can add the herrings or smoked fish Allow the soup to boil for about 15 minutes.

Add salt or maggie cube to taste Add the prekese and allow it to difuse in the soup for about 5 minutes.

The soup is ready Serve with fufu

METHOD •

Place the whole onion, pepper, tomatoes and chicken pieces in the pot and top with the stock. Cover, bring to the boil and reduce to simmer for 15 minutes till vegetables are soft and tender. Remove the vegetables.

•

Blend the vegetables and ginger in a food processor and return to the soup. Bring to the boil then reduce to simmer while you make the peanut butter sauce. If you are using boiler chicken, it can be quite tough, so it may need extra time cooking.

•

Meanwhile, make the peanut butter sauce. There are different ways of doing this, I have opted to go for what is easier for me. Scoop the desired amount of peanut butter into a saucepan and put

•

Add water a little at a time. This can be quite tricky as the water instantly changes the runny peanut butter properties.

I would say it is a similar experience to white sauce, when the milk is added to the flour and butter mixture. Once a smooth sauce is achieved, allow to simmer. You will find the peanut oil begins to separate from the peanut butter.

When this happens, you can add the peanut butter sauce to the rest of the soup and simmer for 20 minutes till oil rises to the surface of the soup.

•

Check seasoning to your taste. Serve with your favourite carbs such as boiled sliced yam, potatoes or rice, konkonte.

The Ghanaian News March 2022 55

Ghanaian Women’s Fasting and Prayer Conference

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9 a.m. - 12 noon Contact: 416-877-3077, 416-916-3700, 416-904-0148, 647-768-8579, 416-558,8593, 647-878-0905, 416-882-5186, 416-820-9522, 647-654-5570, 647-300-6469, 647-892-9212, 905-488-9763, 647-718-4819

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56 The Ghanaian News March 2022