Ghanaian News - May 2017

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Ghanaian Community in Toronto Launches Homecoming Outreach By: Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

See details on

Pg. 3

North America Mission Diocese of Ghana Methodist Church inaugurated

By Very Rev. Dr. Casely B. Essamuah, Synod Secretary

Group picture of participants and organizers The Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario(GCAO) aka Ghana Union launchedits outreach for the Home

ComingSummitbeing organized

by Diaspora Relations, Office of the President of Ghana on a sunny and beautiful

June 3rd Saturday in Toronto.

Mrs. Nadia AdongoMusah Deputy Director – Diaspora cont’d on pg. 12

Ghanaian Women’s Fasting and Prayer Conference 15th anniversary celebration

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

Group picture the women in their anniversary cloth

Historical group picture of Mission Clergy with Presiding Bishop The Most Rev. Titus K. Awotwi Pratt During the last weekend of April 2017, more than 200 delegates from the United States and Canada converged on the two largest Methodist Church Ghana branches in Toronto, Ghana Methodist Church of Toronto, 19 Penn Dr. and Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, 65 Mayall, for the colorful ceremonies inaugurating the North America Mission Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana.

The theme: “Making DisciplesRekindling the Methodist Evangelical Heritage for Church Growth” remained the focus of the various addresses, devotions, and activities held during the Synod.

With fervent singing of hymns,

choruses, ebibindwom and heartfelt prayers, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, the Most Reverend Titus K. Awotwi Pratt, presiding over the Synod, and celebrations. He was ably assisted by Brother Kwame Boafo, the Lay President, and the Rt. Reverend Dr. Paul Boafo, the Administrative Bishop. Also present was the Bishop deputy, former General Director for Ministries, the Very Reverend William Agyei Mpere-Gyeke, and the Very Reverend Professor Joseph M. Y. Edusa-Eyison, the VicePrincipal of the Methodist University College Ghana.

At the formal opening of the cont’d on pg. 34

Story on pg. 39

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diasporan Homecoming Summit in Ghana: Time to move from Mere Talk to real Commitment and Action As carried in the front page and elsewhere in this edition, a “Home Coming Summit” of Ghanaians in the Diaspora is expected to take place in Ghana in July this year. This is the second in the series of such engagements of the government of Ghana with its compatriots abroad in the past sixteen years. Significantly, the first of such Summits was organized by the former government of the now ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2001 when it took the reign of power. The current President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo was then a senior member of that government, as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice. He later on became the Foreign Minister during which time and tenure, he had a lot of interactions with Ghanaian compatriots in the Diaspora.

It should be noted and remembered that during the eight-year rule of the NPP government under former President John Agyekum Kufour, the government kept repeating the mantra at every given public opportunity that Ghanaians living outside the shores of Ghana are the “third important development partners” and contribute most significantly, in terms of resources after cocoa and gold to the country’s development. In this vein, the government sought to constantly assure Ghanaians living abroad that the government (and may be the rest of the Ghanaian population living in Ghana) valued the contributions of Ghanaians in the Diaspora to the country’s development.

It was in this spirit that a number of Ghanaians abroad contributed significantly to assist the then Ghanaian government led by John Agyekum Kufour to pass a piece of Legislation, The Representation of the Peoples Amendment Law (ROPAL) in February 2006. This legislation was designed to provide the legal backing for Ghanaians living abroad (GLAs) to vote in the country’s Parliamentary and Presidential Elections. After the law was passed, Ghanaians Living Abroad had high hopes that finally, they will be recognized, not in mere rhetoric as development partners in the Land of their Birth, but as practical recognized players.

These hopes were sadly dashed as the then NPP government of which the current President was the third highest ranking officer, as the Foreign Minister, failed to give practical meaning to the Act. They failed to provide the necessary resources to the Electoral Commission and the National Identification Authority to enable them register Ghanaians Living Abroad to enable them vote in subsequent elections in Ghana. The spirit and intent of ROPAL therefore died, as the NDC Party, which was strongly opposed to the passage of ROPAL, had absolutely no intention of seeing to its implementation. Ironically the NPP was defeated in the elections of 2008 and has been in opposition since then till 2016. ROPAL thus became a dead piece of legislation for eleven good years.

It is significant, and almost ironic at the same time, to note that the NPP has resurrected the concept of the HomeComing Summits to be held around the same time as it did when it took power in the year 2001. And they have, led forcefully by the current President, Nana Akufo Addo to again make highsounding “promises”of implementing the ROPAL. The President has emphasized this point many times over the past two months. He has even set up a Diasporan Relations Office in the Office of the President to coordinate the government’s relations with Ghanaians Living Abroad.

The Ghanaian News welcomes these moves from the government and wish to demand that this time around, the government should translate its rhetoric and intentions into real concrete actions.

Implementing the ROPAL should not take any magic. It only needs real commitment and honest actions. We will be monitoring the moves and actions of the government on these fronts. The time that Ghanaians living Abroad were treated with hostility and sometimes suspicion by their compatriots at home should be over. We should all work together towards the development of the Land of our Birth.

Ghana to Host Home-Coming Summit for Ghanaians in the Diaspora By: Dr. Michael Baffoe, Winnipeg, MB

Thousands of Ghanaians in the Diaspora are expected to converge at the International Conference Centre in Accra from July 5th to July 8, 2017 for a Diaspora HomeComing Summit. This is the second in a series, the first one in July, 2001.

Speaking at the launch of the event in Accra, the Minister for Information, Mustapha Hamid, said the summit which forms part of government’s policy to reach out to the Diaspora community, will afford Ghanaians the opportunity to tap into the expertise of their compatriots in the Diaspora. According to the government of Ghana, the time is opportune for Ghanaians who have succeeded outside the country to be seen as icons and given the opportunity to give back to their Homeland.

“Often times, there is a tendency for government to think of Ghanaians as only those who live within the geographical

area. But those who live outside our borders can, and do contribute a lot to our development agenda. For any government to make its political, developmental or economic calculation without the Diaspora automatically gives up 40% to 50% of its economic strength. We are therefore determining that, there will be Diaspora inclusion in our development agenda, and it will be at the heart of our projects and programmes”, the Minister emphasized.

On his part, the Director of the Diaspora Relations Office at the Presidency, AkwasiAwuaAbabio, said the Diaspora community was not in competition with Ghanaians residing in Ghana, as they only seek to combine their strengths to make the country better.According to him, although effort was made by the previous government to harness the resources and skills of the community, the measures put in place were not

structured in a systematic manner. He also lamented the exclusion of the Diaspora community in the country’s political system.

“Our office has been tasked with the responsibility of doing things that will enable us realize the goals and opportunities the country can derive from the Diaspora community.”

Speaking on behalf of the committee set up to supervise the summit, Chairman of the Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit, said all was set to receive the Ghanaians coming back home.

He also thanked the private sector and some corporate organizations who had partnered with government to host the summit.The summit is also partnered by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, and Business Development and Diaspora Relations Office at the Presidency.

Soldier ‘mistakenly’ lynched and burnt A military personnel deployed to serve at Diaso in the Central Region has been lynched and burnt by the youth of the town after they mistook him for an armed robber.

The deceased, Captain Maxwell Mahama is said to have been on his daily jogging routine on Monday when the unfortunate incident occurred.

Reports say he had his gun on him while jogging and some residents who saw him with the gun raised alarm, attracting some of the youth in the community who attacked and killed him.

Citi News gathered the armed robbers had attacked some residents the day before and the angry youth were on the look out for the criminals hence took Captain Maxwell Mahama, who was dressed in civilian clothes as one of the perpetrators having spotted a gun on him.

There is heightened anxiety in the area after the residents learnt that the deceased was a military personnel on duty in the community and not a robber.

Late Major Maxwell Mahama Many of the youth in the area as a result of their action over the fear of retaliatory military attack.

Captain Maxwell Mahama is a member of the 5th Infantry Battalion Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Force has confirmed the death of the officer and says it is investigating the matter to get the full facts.

It has urged its personnel to remain calm as the due procedure is taken to bring the perpetrators to book. citifmonline.com

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

The Ghanaian News May 2017

‘We can’t leave her body’: Manitoba Ghanaians want to help after border crosser found dead ‘We’ve been praying that it doesn’t happen,’ Ghanaian association president says

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Manitoba’s Ghanaian community is looking for a way to help after a U.S. border guard found a woman’s body less than a kilometre south of the Canadian border in Minnesota last week.

Mavis Otuteye, 57, who police believe is a citizen of Ghana, died while attempting to cross the border, police said.

They believe she died of hypothermia.

“This is very disturbing. I don’t know; I wish there was something more that we could do,” said Maggie Yeboah, president The Late Mavis Otuteye of the Ghanaian Union of Manitoba.

The fields around the going through the official border town of Emerson, “Possibly if we can M a n . , j u s t n o r t h o f port of entry because g o t h e r e a n d s e e i f Minnesota, have become under the Safe Third we can help with any a pathway for hundreds of C o u n t r y A g r e e m e n t arrangements that need to asylum seekers hoping to between the U.S. and be made,” she said. “We make a refugee claim in Canada, asylum seekers must make refugee claims can’t leave her body … Canada. in the first country they without doing anything.”

In the first four months reach. That means those Last week, Kittson County of this year, the RCMP coming from the U.S. sheriff ’s department intercepted 477 asylum would be turned back at in Minnesota received seekers in Manitoba, the border. a call about a missing f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t However, if they cross woman. Otuteye’s body figures state. somewhere other than was found two days later in a ditch not far from the They make the perilous an official port of entry Canadian border, west of trek overland rather than and are able to get into U.S. Highway 75. cont’d on pg. 17

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$4m create, loot & share: NCA boss returns $40,000 Former Board Chairman A u t h o r i t y ( N C A ) , of the National Eugene BaffoeC o m m u n i c a t i o n s Bonnie, has reportedly

started returning his share of the money he and his colleagues

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unlawfully pocketed in that state agency.

Investigations (BNI), which is probing the graft.

According to Mustapha Hamid, Information Minister, Mr BaffoeBonnie, former Board Chairman appointed under the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, had paid $40,000 out of his share of $200,000 from a total amount of $4 million meant for buying phone tapping gadgets.

The $4 million was meant to pay an Israeli company which had a contract with the government.

After reportedly admitting that they took $4 million unlawfully from the state kitty, some former members of the board of the NCA said they were prepared to refund the cash when they appeared before the Bureau of National

The contract, worth $8 million, was meant to buy ‘spying and phone tapping’ equipment for the National Security Secretariat, but $4 million out of the total amount ended up in private accounts, with $1.5 million of the money going to the NCA board of directors.

According to the Information Minister, M r. J o h n M a h a m a ’s NDC government had contracted NSO Group Technology Limited

of Israel to supply eavesdropping gadgets worth $6 million and the equipment were meant to help the government monitor the calls of suspected terrorists.

In the course of the transaction, Mustapha Hamid said a local agent – Infraloks Development Limited – headed by one George Oppong, charged $2 million as facilitation fee, bringing the total amount to $8 million.

He said investigations indicated that Alhaji Salifu Osman, a Deputy National Security Coordinator, who represented the NSS on the NCA board, was the main architect of the whole deal.

The chairman of the NCA Board, who is a younger brother of Seinti BaffoeBonnie – then senior staffer to former President John Mahama – allegedly took $1.5 million and shared it among members , po cketing $200,000 himself.

The NCA, with instruction from the National Security, made $4 million part-payment into the private account of the local agent of the Israeli company at Ecobank and subsequently transferred $1 million to the company in Israel.

The $3 million left in the account was then split into two, with less than half going into the pockets of board members and the chairman allegedly taking the lion’s share of $200,000.

Records are showing th at ap ar t f r o m M r.

Baffoe-Bonnie, the NCA Director-General, William Mathew Tevie, allegedly pocketed $150,000; the local agent, George Oppong, reportedly had $100,000; Alhaji Salifu Osman, the Deputy National Security Coordinator was allegedly given $70,000 and Dr. Nana Owusu– Ensaw, another board member, purportedly took home $500,000 to be shared with other unnamed persons. cont’d on pg. 14

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Refugee who lost fingers to frostbite while crossing into Manitoba granted asylum

He gets to stay in Canada.

The Immigration and Refugee Board has granted Mohammed refugee status on the basis that the 24-year-old bisexual professional soccer player from Ghana would face persecution if returned to his home country.

several months in a detention centre.

physically -- to adapt to life without his fingers and thumbs.

His sought asylum on the basis that as a bisexual man, he would face serious physical harm if he had to return to Ghana. The United Nations office of the high commissioner on human rights, among other groups, has criticized Ghana’s government for criminalizing homosexuality and allowing ga ys and lesb i an s t o b e subject to discrimination and harassment.

“Mentally, he’s very strong,” Khan said.

Mohammed said his asylum claim in the U.S. was rejected because he was unable to gather supporting evidence from his home country while locked up in the detention centre.

Phone calls overseas from the detention centre are expensive and applicants can burn through the money they have in a short call, he said.

“I feel so happy. I feel now that this country is my home now,” he said Thursday, sitting at the kitchen table in his home.

With a bit of effort, he opened a binder and produced the written decision from the Immigration and Refugee Board.

“I want to do anything possible to contribute to this country because this country has done a lot to me that I didn’t expect.

Ever since I came here, I’ve seen a lot of good people who give me courage and also support me.”

“They didn’t give you a chance to let them know that you are in a difficult position,” he said.

“You can’t get enough evidence to show them ... what you are facing.”

Mohammed fled Ghana to the United States in 2015. Like many asylum seekers from Africa, he first flew to Ecuador -- where no visas are required -- then made his way by bus through Central America and then to the U.S., where he spent

Released from custody pending deportation, Mohammed made it to North Dakota, took a cab to an area near the border at Emerson, Man. and, along with a fellow asylum seeker he met, walked seven hours in the dark as wind chill dipped to -30 C.

“Physically, it’s of course very difficult to readjust and cope ... so I think he has a lot of rehabilitation (ahead).”

Seidu Mohammed smiles as he shows off his refugee claim acceptance letter in Winnipeg, Thursday, May 18, 2017. A man who walked across the United States border into Manitoba and lost all his fingers to frostbite has won the right to stay in Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

It was Dec. 24. The two men passed Emerson without realizing it and were eventually found by a trucker near Letellier, Man. -- 14 kilometres to the north -- nearly frozen and disoriented.

The men spent weeks in hospital. Mohammed’s fingers and thumbs were removed and his hands now resemble stumps. The man he crossed the border with is still waiting to learn his fate, he said.

that sexual minorities face discrimination, hostility, violence, stigmatization, prosecution and imprisonment,” it says.

His lawyer, Bashir Khan, said Mohammed has shown a lot of determination -- mentally and

Mohammed said he’s adjusting to every day life -- he likes buttoned shirts, for example, but has to wear T-shirts and sweaters that don’t have buttons. The doors in the home where he is staying have adapters on them so they can be opened easily.

He has a goal in mind as his recovery continues -- a return to soccer.

“My dream is to start coaching, or to start playing. That’s my dream now.”

Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press

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The Immigration and Refugee Board ruling said Mohammed would face a “serious possibility of persecution” if he was returned to Ghana.

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

FOCUS Let’s Move Forward With a United Voice Towards Progress and Development

By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview MS, Toronto “ U n i t e d We S t a n d , Divided We Fall” The enthusiasm is great.

The expectations are higher than ever before.

Yes! The voices in the “Diasporan wilderness” are been heard loud and clear across the length and breadth of our motherland-Ghana. But are the voices not too many and discordant?

Selfishness is the bane of progress. Don’t we as Ghanaians in Diaspora need a UNITED VOICE to bring home our message of progress and development to our various communities around the world in general, and to the government and people of our motherland in particular? Sure! We do!!It is said, “If you want to go fast, go alone.

If you want to go far, go together.” A word to the wise is enough.

I am prompted here to cite the good example of the new Executives of Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) based in Toronto in their efforts to co-ordinate all the voices of Ghanaians in

Ontario to send a strong message to the Ghanaian Community and to the new government in Ghana.

First, On Sunday, March 19th 2017 GCAO held a Town Hall meeting dubbed Ghana@60 Toronto Declaration at the Apostles Continuation C h u r c h i n To r o n t o .

The Town Hall which was well attended by a cross of Ghanaians living in Ontario gave opportunity to individuals to share their views on how we could move our motherland-Ghana forward in progress and development.

I recap here some of the recommendations from the Town Hall forAttention in Ghana among others.That, Ghanaians in Toronto would like Ghanaians in

abroad to have the right to vote.Essentially we would like the ROPAL bill to be passed and implemented before the nextelections in Ghana.

That,the new government streamlines processes and policies for businessfriendly Ghana.

Thus, encouraging Ghanaians in Diaspora to bring businesses to ourmotherland.

That, members of the community would recommend measures instituted to fight corruptionby ensuring that state funds embezzled are refunded rather than just sending peopleto jail. Refund and pay appropriate penalty as deterrent to people who have access topublic funds. Thus, the penalty for embezzling state funds should be unpleasant foranyone to attempt to embezzle public funds.

That, duties on automobile need to be reviewed as age should not be the onlyconsideration. Cars operating in developed countries where emissions test are doneregularly have sound and efficient

old cars Also, that, the country needs to create an environment for volunteerism to allow skilledGhanaian youth in abroad to come in and volunteer their time, talents and skills tohelp in our national development.

Second, recently in To r o n t o , G h a n a i a n Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) aka Ghana Union launched the Home Coming Summit being organized

by Diaspora Relations, Office of the President of Ghana.

M r s .

N a d i a AdongoMusah Deputy Director – Diaspora Relations at the office of the President came from Accra to launch the event assisted by Ms. Bernice Adjei, a member of the Home Coming Summit Committee. Both Mrs. Musa and Ms. Adjei, were until recently residents in Canada.

The Home Coming Summit is slated to take place from July 5th to J u ly 8 th in AC C R A and intended to host Ghanaians in diaspora from all over the world

to create a platform to harness the untapped potential of Ghanaians in Diaspora Considering the short time the GCAO had to launch this event, a good number of Ghanaians in Ontario made it to the event at Apostle Continuation Hall in Toronto.

It would be recalled that before and after the 2016 elections in Ghana, President Nana AkufoAddo reiterated numerous times and on different occasions to engage and involve Ghanaians in diaspora in building our homeland Ghana and providing opportunities for Ghanaians to return home. Consistent with that message the President is inviting Ghanaians to start the process.

It is therefore very unfortunate that some of the members of the President’s own political party, the NPP, resident abroad, especially in Canada, could not burry their difference and rally Ghanaians in the Diaspora with a united voice for the process. In Toronto for instance it was the GCAO aka Ghana Union which

brought the community together for the process to be launched within a very short time. No wonder, Mrs Nadia Musah and Ms Bernice Adjei who came all the way from Ghana because of the launching were full of praises for the Executives of the GCAO. The lesson learned here is that after elections in a country political parties’ voices ought to give way to a united voice of the people if we want to advance in development as a people. The GCAO succeeded where party functionaries found it very difficult to mobilize the people because GCAO is apolitical!

There is the absolute need to unite the many voices among political parties, diverse ethnic associations, professional bodies and Ghanaian churches in the Diaspora to prioritize our community and national concerns to be able to bring the needed progress and development to our communities around the world and, particularly, to motherland-Ghana.

God bless all Ghanaians in Diaspora, God bless Ghana!

Ghanaian Community in Toronto Launches Homecoming Outreach cont’d from pg. 1 Relations at the office of the President came from Accra to launch the event assisted by Ms. Bernice Adjei, a member of the Home Coming Summit Committee.

Dignatories at the function included Mr. Prince OfosuSefah, Deputy Director, NCA, Accra; Consul General Mr. John Bosco; Acting Head, Ghana Mission, OttawMr. Johnson; Dr. Odame – Sick Kids Hospital, Toronto; Dr. Victor Awafo, Chair GCAO Advisers; and leaders of Associations,Zumunta and Churches Reiterating the intentions of the Ghana government, the Toronto organizers announced that The Home Coming Summitis intended to host Ghanaians in diaspora from all over the world to create a platform to harness the untapped potential of Ghanaians in Diaspora Considering the short time

the GCAO had to launch this event, a good number of Ghanaians in Ontario made it to the event at Apostle Continuation Hall. After the launch and short remarks from Nadia and some of the leaders at the high table, the President of GCAO, Mr. Emmanuel C. Duodu, who moderated the event opened it up for questions.

The attendees fielded questions bordering on – ROPAL (Diaspora voting rights); Treasury Bills and Securities; Human Trafficking of Ghanaians to the Middle East; Dual Citizenship processes; Simplifying business processes to garner inflow of business from international community; guaranteeing that the Diaspora Engagement of the government is sustained and preserved for generations. The panel did a great job in responding to the questions and the GCAO leadership promised to

document the input from Ontario for Mrs. Nadia Musah The Toronto community and Ghanaians in Canada are pleased that one of our own, Nadia, is at the Presidency in Ghana and the community will do everything to ensure she is successful in driving positive outcomes The GCAO aka Ghana U n i o n i n To r o n t o announced at the function that Ghanaian Diaspora Think Tank and Ghana Canadian Chamber of Commerce will be launched in Toronto on July 22nd. These two pillars are intended to create a platform for Ghanaians of myriad of professions, businesses, and talents to pool our knowledge and skills to strengthen our communities in Canada and liase between our communities in Canada and Diaspora Unit at the Presidency of Ghana. You can contact them via email about this upcoming event gcaocanada@gmail.com.

The Ghanaian News May 2017

By Edmund Agbeko, Toronto

Curbing a very frustrating illegal mining (Galamsey) battle against Chinese nationals has been inextricably linked to secret recordings by one powerful Chinese woman. She is said to hold video recording of sexual escapades of some politicians with threats of blackmailing.

The editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako made these startling revelations on Joy Newsfile weeks ago.

Kwaku Baako said, “some Chinese ladies secretly recorded their sexual encounters with influential people and in some cases, brought some young Chinese women who slept with the big men and collected evidence which is now being used to blackmail them.” He (Baako) added that, one Chinese lady, Asia Huang, popularly known as Aisha has been notorious for her illegal mining activities at Bepotenten in the Ashanti Region. Despite the ban, some Chinese nationals were recently caught working with impunity for her The whole news is sickening because galamsey is labeled as one of the most destructive factors undermining the protection of our green environment, coupled with the contamination of water bodies through the use of chemicals like Mercury to wash the metal. Over the time period our leaders have been so weak. We have allowed foreigners to exploit our society by assuming positions or power through outright bribery or connections.

The whole sordid has hit Ghanaians all over. We should by now be talking about total eradication of galamsey but sadly Ghanaian watchdogs are caught up in blackmail instead. If the story is true, our leaders have let us down. This is not the first time that the corrupt attitude of our citizenry has hit the headlines.

But the behavior of these alleged ‘big men’ should raise serious concerns over the kind of people we call as authority. It is disgraceful and something has to be done about it.

The news of blackmail is total humiliation.

Kwaku Baako isn’t a fringe lunatic talking

Trading Sex For GALAMSEY!

9 . I n t r o d u c e Wa t e r Resource Police. Get t h e Wa t e r R e s o u r c e Commission Police to team up with the Minerals Commission inspectors above to police the major river bodies.

1. As majority of the miners have stopped, deploy a team of mining inspectors to example the Prestea Huni Valley District. Task them to identify people with funds to genuinely invest in small scale and “medium” scale mining.

sex blackmail but a recognized established media personnel.

Revealing such disgusting sexual escapades and abuse accusations needs much to be desired. We are witnessing a serious progressive decline in leadership. Our leaders have heavily indebted our country but we have little to show for it. The poor are poor, marginalized and humiliated therefore; the Chinese galamsey insurgents are taking hold of it. It is why the Chinese - Aisha, could encroach 35 acres of Volta Resources Limited to extract $1.5 million dollars of gold and it becomes no ones business.

The critical issue brought up by Kwaku Baako and exposure of certain people we find in some privilege positions must be addressed quickly. We need those who can defend the population interest, based on unwavering respect for our state institutions. The last person we entrust to save Ghana from this sham and disastrous menace is President Nana Akufo Addo. He is presently in a position to perform a service to humanity that others failed.

The Chinese women have achieved their strategic objective behind the crime of prostitution to record vulnerable unzipped purposeless leaders who have given away our future ecology for fear of sexual exposure. In short, Nana Addo’s war on galamsey is a necessary measure that must be taken before the country plunges completely into laughable failed state taking over by Chinese illegal miners and blackmailers.

1 0 Wa y s To Wi n ‘Galamsey’ Fight Effectively Government’s Role This ban period, even though not 100 percent complied is a fine opportunity for the government to get it right this time.

Open a register and run a public radio announcement to that effect. Let the inspectors NOT dwell so much on the already compromised Small Scale Mining Association members.

Some of them are compromised. Now, after doing that for a month, you could have about 50 “leaders” wanting to invest in genuine small scale, and 30 willing for “medium” scale.

2. Run another public announcement for members in the district who say their livelihood depend on mining to register with the team of expert you have deployed. This should comprise of excavator operators, women who carry the ore, grinders, washers and those who sell food items. [Tell the team that they will get shocked by the many children below 18 years showing up to register] Take the opportunity to announce for submission of application by persons who will want to join the government’s tree planting team. NB: This whole registration should take up to three months.

3. Hire some of the people who do prospecting for the small scale miners to join a team of Mineral Prospecting Officers from Minerals Commission to identify areas where the minerals are deposited.

[Those prospectors should be part of Minerals Commission’s officers for a good reason]. Now, by the technology this team will use, they should be able to identify areas suitable for small scale investors with traditional tools, and areas good for medium scale miners with excavators.

NB: River bodies are a no go area! The ban could be lifted when this team has finished its work.

4. Let the big mining firms who are ready to release some of their concessions, or who have failed to work on their concessions do so to curtail people secretly going to their concessions to dig.

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5. Now, get the investors in both small and medium scale to employ the people identified and registered in point 2 above. Ban the investors from engaging non registered people in the communities. Then put them in a cooperative of some sort. After they are absorbed, give the areas zoned to the investors according to their interest and strength.

6. At this point, get your field inspectors in place.

You can call them Mining Police, just like the Marine Police. They must have a reclamation plan in place.

They should be enough in number such that, they can do their “policing” work effectively. After

an investor and his group members are done mining on a concession, they team up with the inspectors to reclaim the land and plant trees on the concession.

7. When the inspectors are satisfied with the reclamation work done by one investor and his group members, a new zone will be opened to them.

8. Traditional authorities in these districts are a force to reckon with. Let the Office of Administrator of Stool Lands work on their royalties quicker to discourage chiefs from giving out their lands to nonregistered members.

10. For the Chinese, get a directorate to deal with them. Have a division at the Minerals Commission which will take inventory of foreigners who wish to provide the “technical support” the small scale mining act 1989, Act 218 talked about.

Their restaurants and all manner of things springing up in Wassa Akropong; sorry, Wassa Shanghai needs to be regulated. Their booming retailing business MUST be stopped in compliance with the laws of Ghana.

Government will have to fast track the setting in motion of some of these recommendations to avert a possible come back of the illegal miners, for their accumulated wealth are fast depleting.

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Rejoinder

Obsession with “proper” English in Ghanaian life should stop Dear Editor, I would be grateful if you could publish the following rejoinder to the article with the above title by Dr Michael Baffoe in the Frankly Speaking column of the Ghanaian News issue of March 2017.

I read with a critical eye the article by Dr Michael Baffoe captioned “Obsession with proper English in Ghanaian life should stop” in the March issue of the Ghanaian News and noted some baseless points and arguments.

Firstly, the unfair, arbitrary and biased classification of some local languages especially Twi spoken by some groups as pure, sweet and by others as rural was not only unnecessary but disdainful and insulting. It was not even so much relevant to the thrust of the article.

Why did he not simply say, as for the other languages, that Twi is spoken in different or multiciplicity of ways?

Secondly, to the article itself. It is surprising that an intellectual like Dr. Baffoe is advocating against the use of proper English. I am not against the use of our local languages. Far from that. But something worth doing is worth doing well. English is already

our official language. That is the painful truth. And Ghana operates in an international environment and so like all, our delegates and representatives are obliged to speak well in international arenas and forums such as conferences and sports events. If we don’t learn and practice the English language well at home, how can we speak it well outside?

If Dr Baffoe did not learn his English properly back in Ghana, how could he have pursued his education outside Ghana to such a high level and also could have landed the good job he is holding. Unfortunately, this the person who is advising the contrary.

Thirdly, what the so-called defeated buffoon MP and his acolytes are doing by mocking and calling Mrs Adu Gyamfi names is out of mere bitterness and jealousy and that should not in any way prompt Dr Baffoe to militate against the use of proper English. Dr Baffoe himself says there was nothing wrong with the speech Mrs Adu Gyamfi delivered. Not speaking with a white man’s accent is also beside the point.

After all, how many Ghanaians speak with such an accent?

By Ben Kwame Poku Toronto

Government would construct 1200km of rail in next three years Minister Mr. Joe Ghartey, the Minister of Railways Development, has said Government would in the next three and a half years construct approximately 1200 kilometres of rail to boost Ghana’s economy.

He said: “The building of a modern railway network coupled with our programme of developed associated rail infrastructure under the programme.

“From Stations to Cities,” seeks to take advantage of the rail network to bring accelerated economic development to the rail corridors to transform Ghana’s economy.

“This programme of developing associated infrastructure including new industrial estates, inland rail terminal, new suburban housing and commercial centres all create opportunities for investors,” he said.

Mr. Ghartey said this in an address read on behalf of the Vice President Mahamadu Bawaumia at the AI CEO African Pension And Sovereign Wealth Fund Leaders’ Summit held on May 2 in Durban, South Africa.

The summit on the theme: “Facilitating Pension Fund Investment Partnership with African Asset Owners,” aimed to focus on investment strategies and governance and showcase institutional-grade opportunities and instruments to de-risk and catalyse global and African institutional capital.

Joe Ghartey, Railways Development Minister

H e s a i d i n t h e e n e rg y s e c t o r, government had announced a policy to move to new power projects from terminal to renewable energy with a focus on solar and bio energy to offer opportunities for investors.

He noted that at the last AI Heads of State Investment Working Lunch, mobilising Africa’s sovereign wealth and pensions funds for investment across the continent over the next 10 years was a stated priority outcome, with the clear aim to track and boost intraAfrica investments from its current low level of five per cent of total stock to 60 per cent over the next ten years.

Unfortunately, the pension sector in Africa is not as large as it ought to be.

With the exception of South Africa, the Africa continent is on the fringes of the global pensions industry, Mr. Ghartey said.

According to the Global Pension Assets Study, the 10 biggest African markets comprise a combined asset cont’d on pg. 16

$4m create, loot & share: NCA boss cont’d from pg. 9 returns $40,000 The local representative of the Israeli company, a certain Penny, was also said to have been paid $100,000.

The information minister said that if political power did not shift, he was sure nobody would have known about what he described as a classic case of ‘create, loot and share.’

According to the minister, National Security, which did not have the funds for the equipment, allowed the NCA with supervisory mandate over such gadgets to fund the project.

While the Israeli suppliers were groaning for their money for the equipment supplied from the new NPP government, the former board members were gloating with free state cash.

According to Mustapha Hamid, demands by the Israeli firm to be paid the $5 million balance after the Mahama administration had lost power in the December 2016 elections prompted the Akufo-Addo government to probe the transaction, which unconfirmed reports say was not part of the handing over notes from the NDC government.

The equipment is reportedly languishing in someone’s garage.

He said apart from Alhaji Osman, the others have admitted to the crime and have been given bail after the BNI had interrogated them but said Alhaji Osman remains at large.

The minister said George Oppong had refunded $1 million while others had also promised to refund everything.

“BNI hasn’t even decided at this stage because they believe that the money must be returned. … If they succeed in retrieving the money then they will decide their next action,” Mr. Hamid said.

According to him, the transaction was a clear case of top officials colluding to plunder the state coffers.

“The reason why this is a classic case of ‘create, loot and share’ is that…it was basically Alhaji Osman, acting as Deputy National Security Coordinator, who spearheaded this deal. …People cannot just go and open a state vault and take whatever that is in there,” the minister cautioned. dailyguideafrica. com

The Ghanaian News May 2017

AYEKOO!!!

Dr. Elvin Baffour Frempong-Manso, M.D., D.C, B.S

Dr. Elvin Baffour FrempongManso

Hearty Congratulations!!!

“We are proud of you” for successfully completing your Medical Doctorate Degree as well as your Chiropractic Medicine Degree.

We wish you continued God’s guidance and blessings.

From: Your Dad and Mom: Nana Frempong-Manso I, Kyidomhene of Apedwa and Mrs. Margaret Frempong-Manso; Your Wife, Mrs. Adowa AduGyamfi Frempong-Manso and your twin children, Noah and Chase FrempongManso; Your Sister Naana Claudia and Bernard; your brothers, George FrempongManso and Voceta; Eric Frempong-Manso and Afia Adu-Gyamfi;Your in-laws, Mr. George and Elizabeth Adu-Gyamfi and all their children; And From Ghana: Your Grandpa, Osabarima Asante Frempong-Manso II, Omanhene of Apedwa Traditional Area, and all his grand and great-grand children both at home and abroad.

Ghanaian News celebrates 20 years of Community Service 1997-2017

15

GCAO Homework Club Prepares Some Ghanaian Students in Toronto for EQAO From Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Apostles Continuation, 10 Belfield Road-Toronto

After a radio show on the Provincial Standardized test in Ontario administered yearly by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) on the Ghanaian Radio Station, Sankofa, (CMR FM 101.3) many parents in the Toronto Ghanaian community called in to bring their children for help at the Homework Club run by the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario.

The premises of the Apostles Continuation Church where the Homework Club is run every Sunday after church service saw a surge in new students who registered on Sunday, May 21, 2017 for tutoring and mentoring.

Many new Grade 3 and Grade 6 students who would be writing the EQAO test in their various schools the following week came for help! Thank God there were new volunteers in the persons of Sara and Annesta Duodu to assist Mr. Eyiah to cope with the demand on that day. Also present to support the program on that fateful Sunday was Mr. Emmanuel Duodu who is the President of GCAO. The good news this time was that it was the fathers who came in their numbers with the children.

Many other parents regretted transportation difficulties which made it impossible that day for them to bring their

children to the program that day. The Homework Program continues every Sunday from 3:30pm to 5pm except otherwise announced. All grades from JK/SK to even Grade 12/College are catered for. Parents who bring their children during the program are also offered parenting program

by Social Workers in particular and other counselors in general.

By the courtesy of Pastor Bona in Toronto and DJ Adom of Sankofa Radio, children who need transportation to the program could be helped if the proper as well as prior arrangements are made. Contact the GCAO on (416) 357-7237 or (705) 794-8154 or 647283-3865 for more details.

More teachers, university/ college/high school volunteers

Joe Kingsley Eyiah as well as mentors in various disciplines are also needed to move the program forward. This is the humble beginning of the resource centre and eventually the community centre we are seeking to acquire as Ghanaian Community to help our youth/ new arrivals in Canada and our ageing community population in Ontario. Support the GCAO in its efforts and together let us achieve the best for our community and our motherland Ghana.

Emmanuel Duodu GCAO president with some students

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

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

Proxy Marriages Revisited In view of the popularity of proxy marriages in developing countries and the importance of it to spousal sponsorships of persons from developing countries, the topic, which has already been discussed in one of the earlier issues of the Ghanaian News is being revisited.

Recently introduced regulatory amendments in Canada have rendered proxy, telephone, fax, internet or similar forms of marriage where one or both parties are not physically present invalid for immigration purposes. This is apparently based on a general perception and presumption that the nature of proxy, telephone, fax, internet and other similar forms of marriage can help to facilitate early and forced marriages because the absence of one or both parties makes it difficult to determine that they have consented to the marriage.

A proxy marriage is a marriage in which one or both of the participants are not physically present and are represented by another person at the time of solemnization of the marriage.

A telephone, fax or internet marriage is a marriage in which one or both of the parties are not physically present at the same location, but participate at the solemnization of the marriage by telephone, fax, internet or other means.

Prior to the recently introduced

Protection Regulations (IRPR).

regulatory amendments, foreign nationals who were not physically present at their wedding ceremo ny were eligible to immigrate to Canada as spouses so long as their marriage was legally valid in the country in which it took place. Thus, prior to this new introduction, a Canadian citizen who marries a spouse in a country like Ghana customarily and in absentia could sponsor the spouse because that form of marriage is legally valid in those countries. The newly introduced amendments put recognition of such marriages in doubt in Canada. There is therefore a need for both parties to be physically present and participate in the ceremonies if sponsorship to Canada is contemplated The regulatory amendments disallowing proxy, telephone, fax, internet, and other similar forms of marriage for immigration purposes came into force on June 10, 2015.

Amendments have accordingly been made to section 5 and subsections 117(9) and 125(1) of the Immigration and Refugee

Section 5(c) of IRPR states that “both parties are to be physically present at the time of the marriage ceremony” while section 117(9) states that if one of the parties was not present, then the foreign national is not considered a member of the family class and section 125(1) sets out the same requirements for membership in the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class.

An exception however exists for members of the Canadian Armed Forces, who due to restrictions related to their service, might be absent from their marriage ceremony.

Also, before a decision is made to refuse an application due to the foregoing impropriety, the officer is required to consider whether the couple meets the definition of common-law partner and can be processed as such. Humanitarian and compassionate considerations may also be applied to overcome the regulation if the situation warrants that.

It should also be noted that in countries like Ghana, participation of both parties in person in such marriages does not guarantee recognition.

Other statutory regulations in the country of marriage must also be respected. For instance, in Ghana, even if both parties participate in a customary marriage in person, the marriage

Government would construct 1200km of rail in next three years – Minister cont’d from pg. 14 value of $37 billion and half of these assets the study said are held in South Africa.

In Nigeria, the value of pension fund assets under the management as a proportion if GDP is five per cent. This compares rather poorly with some countries where pension fund assets under the management as a proportion of GDP is more than 100 per cent Mr. Ghartey said the bright side of the low pension penetration rate was that there were opportunities for growth.

In Ghana, for example, the assets under management of the pensions fund industry grew five-fold form 2008 to 2014.

“Thus whilst Africa adopts measures to increase pension

penetration it must also take steps to create an enabling environment for other pension funds, including US and Global Pension Funds and Institutional Investors.

“It is clear from the above that private sector investment has been identified as being key to bridge the infrastructure deficit in Africa. It is important therefore that clear strategies are developed to attract African sovereign wealth funds and pension funds for investment across Africa’’, he said.

He expressed Government’s commitment to partner the private sector to accelerate development hence the implementation of programmes that sought to move Ghana’s economy from focusing on taxation

to focusing on development.

“We are ready as a nation for investment and we are confident that our investment and business friendly legal and institutional framework, political stability, improving and expanding economy, availability of investment opportunities in the infrastructure sector provides an interesting cocktail of opportunity for investors in Ghana,” he said.

Also at the summit were Mr Kwaku Agyenim-BoatengDeputy Minister of Railways Development, Mr. Mohammed Habib Tijani- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr. Solomon Asamoah- CEO of Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund and Mr. Yoofi Grant- CEO of GIPC. ghanabusinessnews. com

is supposed to be registered with the Marriage Registry within three months of the ceremony and the application to register shall be accompanied by a statutory declaration, supported by parents of the spouses, if alive, stating the names of the parties, the places of residence of the parties and must indicate that the conditions essential to the validity of the marriage in accordance with the applicable customary law have been complied with. The same thing applies to customary divorces. No legal recognition is accorded such marriages

and divorces if the statutory requirements are not complied with.

Prospective sponsors of spouses should seek professional advice on such issues whenever the situation is not clear-cut.

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

Attorney General drops case against eight Delta Force members The prosecutor told the court that the AG has advised the police to drop the charges against the eight for lack of evidence.

By Emmanuel Tornyi The Attorney General has dropped charges against the eight members of vigilante group Delta Force.

The eight accused persons were suspected to have aided the escape of 13 of their members who were standing trial for hooliganism.

The court took decision after the prosecution told the court the court it had dropped the charges against the eight on Wednesday, May 17, 2017.

Explaining their decision the prosecutor, ACP Okyere Darko, said after investigations, they did not have enough evidence to support the charges leveled against the accused persons.

Background It will be recalled that the eight members of Delta Force, a vigilante group associated with the governing New Patriotic Party, besieged the Kumasi Circuit Court and freed its members who were facing charges for attacking

Gloria-Akuffo Attorney-General and Minister of Justice

the Ashanti Regional Security Coordinator, George Agyei.

They had said that Mr. Agyei did not deserve the position because he played no role in the struggle to bring the NPP into power.

Out of the 21 men arraigned, only 13 turned up. But shortly after the Presiding judge remanded the men in police custody to reappear on April 20, their supporters stormed the court and freed them.

The freed suspects later turned themselves in and eight others who were accused of freeing the suspects were also arrested.

Pulse News

Ghanaian News celebrates 20 years of Community Service 1997-2017

The Ghanaian News May 2017

17

Learn from my mistakes; don’t buy tractors Osafo Marfo, Atta Akyea, for farmers – Mahama to Akufo-Addo Ursula missing in AkufoAddo’s 19-member Cabinet Former President John Dramani Mahama has admonished the current government not to buy tractors for farmers in the country, saying that was a major mistake his administration made.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has submitted to Parliament a list of 19 Ministers who will make up his Cabinet.

The President’s action is in fulfillment of Article 76(1) of the 1992 Constitution which enjoins him to select some Ministers to form his Cabinet.

He explained that as part of efforts to boost agriculture, his administration bought tractors for farmers across the country but realized the equipment became dormant because the farmers couldn’t maintain them.

According to Mahama, most of the farmers that benefited from the tractors had no knowledge on how to keep the equipment running.

S p e a king at the Afric an Development Bank meeting in India, John Mahama said in order to correct such mistakes, his government instead created the Farmer Service Centres to provide tractor services to farmers.

“In the twilight of my administration in November 2016 I introduced the concept of Farmer Service Centres.

And this was based on the experience I had that farmers do not need the tractors and the planters, what they need is the service of those equipment.

In the past, what we’ve done thinking we were modernizing and mechanizing agriculture and I think that was a shot in the dark, it was a mistake and I hope the new government learns from our mistake.”

He said “we found out that the farmers could not maintain the tractors. They don’t have

The Article states that, “There shall be a cabinet which shall consist of the President, the Vice President and not less than ten and not more than nineteen Ministers of State.”

It did not state which Ministerial portfolio should be included in the Cabinet of any government.

Mahama’s advice comes on the back of the launch of the Planting for Food and Job by Akufo-Addo knowledge on how to keep those tractors running and so in two or three years, brand new tractors we provided were all broken down and standing on stones.”

Mr. Mahama explained that the Farmer Service Centres were equipped with mechanized farm equipment and a farmer in need of such service was only to register with the centre and make a request. “ We n e e d t o i n t r o d u c e specialization and that’s why we came up with the Farmer Service Centres where the agricultural equipment’ –the planters, ploughs, harrows among others were placed and all the farmer needs to do is register and get the service. And the business of maintaining the equipment is completely that of the farmer centre.”

Mr. Mahama further admonished the current government to make use of the centres in order not to repeat some of the mistakes

his administration made.

“And so that was the experience we learnt which we had started to implement. I hope the new government will continue with that project so that farmers will receive service as and when they need it,” he added.

Canada, the United Nations Refugee Convention requires Canada to hear their refugee claim.

Yeboah said she knows of other Ghanaians who have made the journey and has heard about the dangers of the trek.

‘May she rest in peace’ “This is something that we’ve been praying that it doesn’t happen, especially when we found out about Seidu [Mohammed] and Razak [Iyal],” Yeboah said.

heard the news about the death.

“May she rest in peace,” he said. “It was so sad.”

Mohammed said asylum seekers need to plan ahead before making the trek across the border, but he won’t tell people not to cross — he says it may be their only option and could mean life or death if they’re at risk of being deported from the U.S. to their home country.

That’s what he feared after he was outed as a bisexual man, he said.

Mohammed and Iyal lost their fingers after getting severe frostbite when they crossed into Canada seeking asylum on Christmas Eve 2016.

Call for protection for asylum seekers

Mohammed, 24, said he was devastated Tuesday when he

“I’m very very disturbed,” he said adding he wants to see

Iyal, 35, said he was deeply saddened by the news.

Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Aaron Ocquaye announced the list to the Members of Parliament (MPs).

Below is the list of Ministers selected: (1) Alan Kyeremanteng – Trade (2) Ken Ofori Atta – Finance (3) Dominic Nitiwul- Defence

Planting for Food and jobs (4) Ayorkor Botchey- Foreign Affairs John Mahama’s advice comes on the back of the launch of the Planting for Food and Job

by President Akufo-Addo.

According to the government, the Planting for Food and Jobs which is being rolled out in all 216 districts across the country, involves the supply of farm resources such as high yielding and improved seedlings to participating farmers.

(5) Gloria Akufo- AG (6) Ambrose Dery – Interior (7) Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto- Agriculture (8) Boakye Agyarko – Energy (9) Dr. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh – Education (10) Kwaku Agyeman Manu—Health (11) Dr. Anthony Akoto Osei- Monitoring and Evaluation

The New Patriotic Party government also claimed that the Planting for Food and Jobs programme could create over 750,000 jobs. citifmonline.com

‘We can’t leave her body’: Manitoba Ghanaians want to help after border crosser found dead cont’d from pg. 7

Clause (2) of the same Article said the Cabinet shall “assist the President in the determination of general policy of the Government.”

(12) Dan Botwe—Regional Integration (13) Peter Amewu—Lands (14) Kofi Ada—Sanitation and water (15) Joe Ghartey – Railway Development (16) Ignatius Baffuor Awuah— Employment and Labour

protections put in place for (17) Kwaku Ofori Asiamah- Transport asylum seekers who are trying to get into Manitoba at official (18) Catherine Afeku – Tourism border crossings.

Mohammed applied for asylum (19) Mavis Hawa Koomson- Special Development in after arriving in Winnipeg initiatives. Myjoyonline.com and was granted refugee protection this month. Iyal is still waiting to learn his fate at a June hearing.

Yeboah has a lot of questions about Otuteye — who was she?

What led her to risking her life to cross the border? Did she leave children behind?

“It’s just a very sad thing,” she said.

“Death is death everywhere, but this is very serious to us.”

By Kelly Malone, Austin Grabish, CBC News

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 41 6 - 9 1 6 - 3 7 0 0

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

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SUE AND CHARLIE’S MEAT AND SEAFOOD IN MISSISSAUGA SPECIALIZING IN AFRICAN GROCERIES, MEATS & SEAFOODS o YAMS

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Mothers’ Day celebration in our community

St. Andrews Catholic Church St. Theresa Group Lighthouse Assembly of God Women’s Ministry

Christ Redeemer Women’s Fellowship St Andrews Catholic Church Christian Mothers

Church of Pentecost Women Winnipeg Women’s Fellowship

Ghanaian Presbyterian Women’s Fellowship

Africa Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Queen’s Park, Toronto

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto Ontario’s spirit of diversity is a welcoming home for varying ethnicities from across the globe. This year as Ontario celebrates its 150th anniversary cont’d on pg. 30 of

Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine

Group picture of Dignitaries and members

Ghanaian delegates at the event VIPs at the Flag Raising event

Cross section of participants

The Ghanaian News May 2017

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Afro Caribbean Foods (Formerly India Africa) Specials for This Month

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Also in store specials: Fresh Yams, Smoke Fish, Exeter Corned Beef and Beauty Supply Phoenicia Sardine - 4 for $6.00

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

The Ghanaian News May 2017

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

African Caribbean Groceries Inc 63 Dundas West, Mississauga, Ont

Tel: 905-281-9515 Business Hours

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

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Kaf African Caribbean Market

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

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

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Ontario’s minimum wage will rise to $15 as of Jan. 1, 2019 TORONTO -- Ontario is raising its minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2019, ensuring equal pay for part-time workers and increasing the minimum vacation entitlement as part of a major labour overhaul.

Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement Tuesday in response to a governmentcommissioned report released last week that included 173 recommendations

protections are fewer and fewer. In a time of change like this, when the very nature of work is being transformed, we need to make certain that our workers are treated fairly.”

Premiere Kathleen Wynne addressing precarious the horizon, it’s here,” Wynne said. “People are work. working longer, jobs are “ C h a n g e i n t h e less secure, benefits are workplace isn’t just on harder to come by and

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The Changing Wo r k p l a c e s r e v i e w concluded that new technology, a shrinking manufacturing sector and fewer union jobs, among other factors, have left cont’d on pg. 28

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27

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28

The Ghanaian News May 2017

City announces early completion of two more road projects Mayor John Tory says he wants Torontonians to call 311 and help him identify road projects that are causing gridlock and should be sped up.

Tory made the comment to reporters on Tuesday as he announced the early completion of two more road projects.

The closure of all but one lane in each direction on Lake Shore Boulevard from Leslie Street to Woodbine Avenue for paving was scheduled to be in effect until June 30 but reopened this weekend after an accelerated work schedule was put in place.

The intersection of Dundas and Parliament streets has also been closed since May 15 but as of 6 p.m. the city will be reopening one lane in each direction.

The partial reopening of the intersection is about a week ahead of schedule and is also due to an accelerated work schedule.

“I urge people across the city, commuters and others, to phone 311 and help me in the task of identifying places where this kind of disruption should not be happening, especially during busy hours,” Tory said Tuesday. “It is our responsibility to get these projects done as quickly as we can and anything we can do to finish it early will be something we will focus on when we can.”

There are currently about 70 road projects ongoing in the

City of Toronto and 32 of them are being sped up using extended work hours, up to and including 24/7 construction.

Though staff say that speeding up road projects often carries a 5 to 15 per cent premium, Tory said it is something that is becoming increasingly commonplace and reflects a “new attitude” at city hall.

“Every single day on every single project we are reviewing how we get these things done faster and better,” he said.

“Routine utility work can be done in non-routine hours because it is something that is considerate of people and it is just not the big city way to do these things during busy times.”

Tory said that in order for overnight work to be approved, the local councillor must sign off on the extended hours.

He said that some work, such as heavy jackhammering, will also not be done overnight if it is located close to residential areas.

Earlier this month, a number of residents who live near Lower Simcoe Street and the Gardiner Expressway voiced their frustrations after being kept up by noise from the overnight demolition of a ramp.

At that time, Tory apologized for the noise but said that it is just the “balance we have to strike between getting work done and making sure it isn’t too noisy.”

Chris Fox, CP24.com

Andrew Scheer elected new Conservative Leader Former House Speaker edges out presumptive front-runner Maxime Bernier on final ballot Saskatchewan MP Andrew Scheer has been elected the new leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, picking up enough down-ballot support to overcome strong early numbers by rival Maxime Bernier during a convention in Toronto.

Scheer, the youngest MP to serve as House Speaker, promised to unite the party by bringing together the social and fiscal conservative wings to take on the Liberals in the 2019 election. He’s now 38.

The father of five edged out Bernier by less than one percentage point Saturday. Bernier was considered a strong frontrunner throughout the yearlong race.

In his victory speech, Scheer promised to keep the party true to its roots, working for average Canadian families and not “Ottawa insiders.”

He said Canada can’t afford four more years of Justin Trudeau and that the fight to return to power in 2019 starts now.

“There is renewed hope for Canada, starting today,” he said. “The pain and hardship the Trudeau Liberals are causing Canadians is just temporary.”

Scheer criticizes ‘sunny ways’ Scheer thanked his team of volunteers, his family and interim leader Rona Ambrose, and gave a special shoutout to Bernier, calling for a “big round of applause.” He also thanked former prime minister Stephen Harper, saying Harper will always stand tall in the Conservative movement after becoming the first leader of the “united and dynamic” party.

Ontario’s minimum wage will rise to $15 as of Jan. 1, 2019 cont’d from pg. 27 approximately one-third of Ontario’s 6.6 million workers vulnerable.

wage job,” Wynne said. “But in recent years, it has become almost impossible. And the reality is more and more people are having to do it.”

The report didn’t examine the minimum wage, which is currently indexed to inflation and had been set to rise from $11.40 to $11.60 in October, but Wynne said raising it will make a difference in millions of people’s lives.

Lower minimum wages for students under 18 and liquor servers will also rise during the same time frame, but those exemptions to the minimum wage will not be eliminated, as the report had recommended.

The minimum wage will rise to $14 an hour on Jan. 1, 2018 and is set to increase to $15 the following year. About 10 per cent of Ontario workers are currently making minimum wage, but about 30 per cent are making less than $15 an hour -- the majority of them women.

Wynne also announced that part-time workers will get equal pay for doing work equal to full-time staff, and that the minimum vacation entitlement will be increased. Instead of getting two weeks of vacation, workers will be able to get three weeks of paid vacation a year after five years with a company.

“It has always been a challenge to raise a family on a minimum-

The changes to workplace

laws will also establish fairer rules for scheduling, including making employers pay three hours of wages if they cancel a shift with fewer than 48 hours notice.

Personal emergency leave would also be expanded.

Currently it is only available to employees at companies with more than 50 people, but proposed legislation would ensure all employees in the province get 10 days per year, two of them paid.

Jessica Smith Cross and Allison Jones, The Canadian Press Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne speaks about Ontario’s Fair Housing Plan during a press conference in Toronto on Thursday, April 20, 2017.

THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Christopher Katsarov

Andrew Scheer elected new Conservative leader

He also paid tribute to his mother Mary, whose recent death forced him to temporarily suspend his campaign.

Scheer called the Liberal carbon pricing plan a “cash grab,” and accused the Liberals of being more consumed by photo-ops and selfies than creating prosperity for struggling Canadians.

“Sunny ways won’t pay the bills,” he said.

Staggered round-by-round results were announced at the Toronto Congress Centre, site of the party’s leadership convention. One of the surprises of the evening was the strong showing of Brad Trost, a self-described “proud social conservative” who brought an anti-abortion, anti-same sex marriage message to the campaign.

Scheer, who voted against a bill to protect rights for transgender Canadians and M-103, a motion to condemn Islamophobia, was asked during a news conference later Saturday if he would allow caucus members to bring forward bills related to abortion.

He would say only that he won’t be put in a “binary box” and would focus on issues Conservatives feel passionate about, like free speech. All Conservatives will be welcomed, including libertarian conservatives, social conservatives, democratic reform conservatives and fiscal conservatives, he said.

“Each and every kind of conservative plays an important role,” he said.

“The leader’s role is to find common ground among all those types of conservatives.”

Liberal MP Adam Vaughan criticized Scheer’s pledge to withdraw funding to universities that restrict free speech on campuses, calling it an attack on academic freedom.

“That is the antithesis of this country,” he said in remarks following Scheer’s news conference.

Trudeau, who was in Italy for the G7 summit, called Scheer to congratulate him on his victory.

The two discussed making Parliament work for Canadians and the importance of Canada’s relationship with the United States. They agreed to meet in person in the coming weeks.

Speaking earlier from Amatrice, a tiny town devastated by an earthquake last August, Trudeau said “I

want to congratulate Andrew for his success, congratulate everyone who was part of what was a strong, democratic process.”

Before the results for the leadership convention began, there was a short tribute to outgoing interim leader Rona Ambrose.

Leading up to the weekend convention, about 132,000 party members mailed in ballots. Thousands more voted in person onsite or at a few polling stations across the country for a total of 141,000 voting members.

16 candidates overall There were 16 candidates in the race, but three dropped out, including television reality show celebrity Kevin O’Leary, whose name was left on the ballot due to a late withdrawal.

The 13 candidates who remained after O’Leary’s withdrawal delivered final speeches Friday night, laying out their vision for the party and the country.

Many of them urged unity after a long and at times rancorous campaign.

Saturday’s program included the farewell tribute to Ambrose, who served as interim leader after Stephen Harper stepped down following the last election.

In a video tribute, former fellow cabinet minister Jason Kenney called Ambrose the “first lady of Canadian conservatism.”

Ambrose bids goodbye Ambrose thanked the crowd and caucus for their support, and said the new leader will inherit a proud legacy and an energized party.

Instead of wallowing after the last electoral defeat, she said, Conservatives picked up, recharged and prepared to fight.

“We hit the ground running and we became the best opposition to Liberal arrogance this country has ever seen,” she said.

She said no matter what differences of view are expressed during the heat of the campaign, the party is ready to fight in 2019.

“We are strong, focused and united, and we know Justin Trudeau can be beaten.”

Michelle Warkentin and Mike Vecchio, both spouses of MPs, also praised Ambrose’s partner, J.P. Veitch, for his support during the last 569 days, calling him one of the party’s “unsung heroes.”

Vecchio joked that Veitch may have had a better attendance record in the House of Commons than Trudeau, and they presented him with a cardboard cut-out, a reference to the much-mocked cut-outs of Trudeau that were installed in Canadian embassies abroad.

Veitch called it an “honour and an amazing privilege” to have been by Ambrose’s side.

“I can’t wait for our next chapter.”

By Kathleen Harris, CBC News

The Ghanaian News May 2017

The amendments to the Regulations will result in increasing the age for dependent children Ottawa (Ontario) - The Government of Canada has issued regulatory changes that increase the maximum age for a dependent child to allow more families to meet. These changes reflect the government’s commitment towards family reunification.

The new maximum age of “under 22” will come into effect this fall, 24 October 2017, thus raising the maximum age, which is “under 19” under the current definition. The new age limit will apply to new applications for all programs Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, including requests concerning refugees. Children aged 22 or over who rely on their parents because of a physical or mental illness will always be considered dependent children.

The increase in the maximum age will lead to more positive impact on the social and cultural, as it helps keep families together. In addition, this change will better meet humanitarian concerns and security, because it allows a greater number of refugees’ family members to qualify as dependents. The

increase in the maximum age will also help improve the Canadian economy by making Canada a destination of choice for skilled immigrants who want to keep their family together.

Family reunification is a key commitment of the Government of Canada on immigration. The government has made significant changes to reflect this commitment. A regulatory provision eliminating the measure relating to conditional permanent residence was recently published account of the fact that most marriages are genuine and in order to reduce the vulnerability of spouses in the immigration program. The Program for parents and grandparents have been changes that improve the 2017 application process and make it more transparent and fair. Last year, the number of sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents accepted has doubled from 5 000 to 10 000 and the Government of Canada announced that the deadline for processing applications for most spouses or sponsored partners would be reduced to 12 months.

CIC-Media-Relations@cic.gc.ca

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29

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

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Ask Aunty Doris From this edition, we start a new Question and Answer Column with our Columnist on Relationships titled: ASK AUNTY DORIS. Readers who want to chat with our Counselor/Columnist should send their questions to: editor@ghanaiannews.ca She will publish your Question and her Answers in our subsequent issues. Please keep your questions short... maximum of three lines.

Dear Aunty Doris,

I suspect she is dating another man Dear Aunty Doris, Dear Aunty Doris, I am a 49-year-old married man who lives in Toronto with my wife and two children. We have been married for twelve years and for the past three years we have been having marital problems hence not happy in the marriage. We have started talking about divorce I went to Ghana two years ago and met a 33 years woman whom I felt in-love with and have been dating since. About six months ago I went to Ghana I visited her and met a man with her in her room. She introduced him as a childhood friend. She told me he has been evicted from his apartment and was staying with her temporarily until he finds his own place. I did not have any knowledge of this until I went to her house unannounced. I suspect she is having an affair with him but she has denied it.I love this woman dearly and don’t know what to do. I am very worried.

WofaWorried Man Dear WofaWorried Man, Why are you wasting this young lady’s time? Don’t you think you are being unfair to her? You are a married man with a family in Canada. Has it ever crossed your mind that she would also want to get married and have children too. You sound to me like you went for her because you were unhappy with your wife. As a married man, I would advice that you leave this woman to find her own husband. As long as you are still married to your wife, any woman you go in for will also be thinking of settling down and having a family, no matter how much money you may shower on her.

My second advice is to do your best to resolve the problem you have with your wife so your marriage can be a happy one.

I am married to my husband of five years. Prior to marring me he was married with three children. We live with all three children. The problem is my husband’s ex-wife always accepts whatever story the kids feed her without checking with us to see if the information is accurate. How do we keep the peace?

Akos

Dear Akos, It seems to me you’ve got two issues going on here: an angry ex, plus kids playing both sides against the middle. Your husband, not you, should deal directly with the ex over disagreements. In the meantime, here’s how to keep your own sanity: Don’t take the bait. The ex and the kids are looking for a reaction; don’t give it to them, no matter how mean or wrong they are. Remind yourself that children struggle for years with split loyalties. Many would love to drive away the step-parent: making you the Step-Monster is an excellent tactic. If they repeat the put-downs their mother says about you, respond in an unemotional, neutral way. In return, don’t trash-talk their mother, no matter what she pulls. If you still need help, I can assist in referring you to a therapist who specializes in divorce families to give coping strategies. If the ex’s behavior crosses the line from just irritating to disruptive and alienating, look into getting a court mediator to set some ground rules.

Africa Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Queen’s Park, Toronto cont’d from pg. 22 Confederation, the African Union 6th Region commemorates this milestone and also recognizes the contributions of people of African descent living in Ontario with its annual flag raising ceremony.

Nearly 60% of Canada’s population of African origin resides in the Province of Ontario. The African Union 6th Region is committed to highlighting the tenacity and triumphs of people of African Descent locally.

Understanding that young people are vital contributors to the local African community, the theme of this year’s flag raising ceremony is “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in Youth”. The Flag Raising ceremony took place on May 18th, 2017 at 12.00 pm at the Ontario Legislature. Members of the Diplomatic Corp., the Legislative assembly and corporate partners joined together at Queen’s Park to celebrate this significant occasion.

May 25th, 2017 marks the 54th anniversary of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), and the 5th anniversary of the 6th Region Declaration, making all people of African Descent (African Diaspora)

the official 6th Region of the African continent.

In his opening message to the gathering, Macaulay Kalu, Chairman for the AU Canadian Chapter, the African Union Sixth Region Canada proclaimed that: “we are reaping economic rewards of decisions made 150 years ago. Let’s come together to invest in our children to ensure a great legacy for years to come”. He continued that “the month of May reminds us of how far we have come as a global African family. Today May 18th, 2017, we come together to begin the celebratory process leading to May 25th , 2017 the official Africa Day.” After the remarks of chairman Macaulay Kalu, Hon. Dave Levac, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario also gave his welcome remarks to the gathering after which he presented a certificate to the 6th Region. The African Unity flag was raised by Hon. Dave Levac, Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, Mr. Ken Singh and Blessing Kalu accompanied by the rendition of the national anthems of the African Union and Canada by Saidah Bowen.

Congratulatory remarks by MPPs from the various parties in the

Legislature were read and they also presented certificates from their parties to the African Unity 6th Region.

Butterflies of Praise, a dance group did some dance recitals. Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons was on hand to support the event and

also spoke to the crowd. Nikki Clarke, President of Ontario Black History Society also gave short remarks.

Prayers were offered by Bishop Dr. Lascelles Reader for the occasion with Mr. Macauley Obasi Kalu, Chairman of the African Unity 6th Region giving the closing remarks.

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Toronto Islands closed until July 31 due to flooding, high water The closure of flood-ravaged Toronto Islands has been extended until July 31 due to flood conditions and high water levels, affecting hundreds of event permits and summer camp program participants, city officials announced Wednesday.

Toronto Islands have taken a beating with ongoing deluges of rain and higher than normal lake levels since the beginning of April, submerging more than 50 per cent of the parkland under water, the city’s manager of Water Front Parks James Dann told CP24 last week. This includes its three beaches – Hanlan’s Point, Gibraltar Point and Centre Island.

In the last two months, the area has been bombarded by showers – receiving more than 236 millimetres of rain, which is nearly 60 per cent above average, according to CP24’s meteorologist Bill Coulter.

Earlier this month, the city suspended public access to the island (with the exception of its 700 residents), suspending regular ferry service to Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point until June 30.

Toronto District School Board relocated its 240 students from Island Public School and the Natural Science School to the mainland mid-May. For the remainder of the school year, their classes are taking place at Nelson Mandela Park Public School in Trefann Court.

More than 40,000 sandbags City-run recreation program registrants are also scrambling used to mitigate flooding to find other summer activities.

These decisions were made Summer camps on the islands after weeks of relentless rains have been postponed for another causing Lake Ontario to swell month, affecting roughly 350 kids. to dangerous levels.

The combination of the islands’ low elevation, heavy rains and wind-blown waves off Lake Ontario continue to submerge the city park, according to t h e To r o n t o a n d R e g i o n Conservation Authority’s waterfront specialist Nancy Gaffney.

Crews with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority have been working overtime this month to offload 500,000 litres of water from the island each hour, using nine industrial pumps to help levels recede.

More than 40,000 sandbags have been placed along the shorelines to mitigate rising waters. Waterlogged roads across the island are also closed to residents due to their dangerous conditions.

Highest water levels on Lake Ontario in 65 years Water levels on Lake Ontario are expected to keep rising for several weeks, whether or not more rainfall is expected, the city said.

“It will take several weeks or more for water levels to subside,” the city said in a written statement.

City crews are still stationed on the island and are continuing to tackle ongoing flood concerns.

“They’re monitoring the conditions very closely,” city spokesperson Wynna Brown said. “We do know that lake levels are very high this year so we’re keeping a close eye over there.”

300 event permits impacted by L a s t w e e k t h e a g e n c y closure responsible for monitoring water levels, International The closure means Centreville Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence amusement park, celebrating River Board, reported that Lake its 50th anniversary this Ontario was 84 centimetres year, remains closed as well higher than normal. This is the as dozens of other permitted highest it has been since record levels were reported in 1952, events. the agency said.

The city estimates more than 300 event permits, issued to Amara McLaughlin, CP24. over 90 applicants have already com been revoked due to flooding.

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A high-speed rail corridor between Toronto and Windsor, Ont., is in the works -- an idea floated in Ontario for decades, but the premier says this time it’s happening.

A government-commissioned report looking at the feasibility of such a project pegs the cost around $20 billion and suggests looking to the private sector for opportunities to partner on funding.

Preliminary design work and a $15-million environmental assessment are beginning, with an aim of full service in 2031. The government hopes that by 2041 the rail line would see 10 million users annually and take more than five million cars off southwestern Ontario highways. .

Trains on the planned rail link would travel up to 250 kilometres per hour, which is expected to cut travel times between Toronto and Windsor from four hours to two.

The government says Ontario is believed to be the first province to undertake a “rail transformation” on this scale.

Premier Kathleen Wynne said not only will it save people time, but it will serve as an economic driver along a corridor that is home to more than seven million people and over 60 per cent of Ontario’s economic activity.

High-speed rail has been debated since the 1970s, with excuses that the country is too large, the population is too small, and it’s not worth it, but it needs to happen now,

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Ontario planning high-speed rail link from Toronto-Windsor

Wynne said.

“We have lost opportunities as a province because we haven’t had this line in place,” she said Friday in London, Ont., a mid-point for the rail route.

“I get that there’s going to be a robust conversation about how much it will cost -- how much the project will cost, how much people will pay -- we obviously are going to work to keep the costs down in every way possible, but we’ve got to move ahead.

We’ve got to not let this be another lost moment. We’ve got to do it this time, folks.”

Ontario’s Progressive Conservative transportation critic dismissed the announcement as a re-election ploy.

“Southwestern Ontario has been waiting on high-speed rail for years,” Michael Harris said in a statement. “Now, a year out from the election, the Wynne Liberals have shown up in London to re-announce another transit project they will never deliver on.”

Provincial New Democrats representing southwestern Ontario ridings issued a joint statement saying people in their communities “are wondering today whether this is just another hollow election promise.”

In 2015, the government tapped a special adviser on high-speed rail to assess the possibility of such a project, and David Collenette concluded there is a business case for it. It would alleviate pressure on the heavilycont’d on pg. 45

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North America Mission Diocese of Ghana Methodist Church inaugurated cont’d from pg. 1 During the last weekend of April 2017, more than 200 delegates from the United States and Canada converged on the two largest Methodist Church Ghana branches in Toronto, Ghana Methodist Church of Toronto, 19 Penn Dr. and Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, 65 Mayall, for the colorful ceremonies inaugurating the North America Mission Diocese of the Methodist Church Ghana. The theme: “Making Disciples-Rekindling the Methodist Evangelical Heritage for Church Growth” remained the focus of the various addresses, devotions, and activities held during the Synod.

With fervent singing of hymns, choruses, ebibindwom and heartfelt cont’d on pg. 61

Signing of the Mission Diocese status document

Synod Officers

Presentation of Proclamation of Mission Diocese document

Team of Clergy ministering communion

Samuel Okyere Circuit Steward

Emmanuel Duodu GCAO President

Presiding Bishop (3rd R) with Clergy

Circuit Brigade with Bro. Eric Nyarko

Rev. Safo, Prof. Edusah-Eyison and Dr. Cassey Essamuah

Synod Agenda Session

Presentation of bouquet to Presiding Bishop and wife by MGF

Procession of Clergy on Saturday

Mission Choir with Brother Eyison at Pen Drive

Men’s Fellowship (Mission

Presiding Bishop and Clergy with Mission Lay

Ushers

The Ghanaian News May 2017

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Inauguration of North America Mission Diocese in pictures

Presiding Bishop Most Rev. Awotwe Pratt

SMC Very Rev. Prof.

Osei

Presiding Bishop Most Rev. Awotwe Pratt and Very Rev. Owusu Atuahene, Host

Cutting of inauguration Cake

Bro. Kwadwo Agyemang

Presiding Bishop and Clergy with Christ Little Band Presiding Bishop with UC Canada Rep. (2nd right) Michael Blair

Presiding Bishop and Clergy with Circuit Lay

Bro. Opoku Agyement

Presiding Bishop and Clergy with Women Fellowship

Presiding Bishop and Clergy with Circuit Youth Nananom with Presiding Bishop and Clergy

Praises Time

Presentation by Women Fellowship

Presentation by SUWMA

Spouses of Clergy

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Community

y in pictures

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Baby Maykayla Pries baptized at St. Andrews Catholic Church

Baby Maykayla Pries, daughter of Mr. Jaime Pries and Mrs. Mavis Pries was baptized at St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church, Kipling Toronto. Rev. Alex Osei baptized the baby

Super special Mothers’ Day for Mad. Elizabeth Ayiku This year’s mothers’ day was special for Mad. Elizabeth Ayiku the mother of Emmanuel Ayiku, the Ghanaian News Publisher who went to Ghana recently and traveled to Kumasi on Mothers’ Day to celebrate with his 96 year old mother on Mothers’ Day May 14, ‘17

Baby Nadine Takyiwaa Appiah dedicated

Mr. Kojo Appiah and Mrs. Grace Appiah dedicated their baby girl Nadine Takyiwaah Appiah on Sunday April 30, 2017 at the Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church

Rev. Grace Nugent celebrates 72 birthday Mr. John Bosco Kpebesani, Consul-General helping Rev. Grace Nugent to cut her cake on May 22, 2017.

Supported by some Clergy and Mrs. Comfort Ayiku at Presby Church

Nana Kwabena Aning’s 60th birthday bash Nana Kwabena Aning celebrated his 60th birthday and fested friends at 40 Panorama after Church Service at St. Andrews Catholic Church on Sunday June 4, 2017

Nana & Mrs. Aning

Cutting of birthday cake with the support of wife and children

Nana Kwabena Aning with family and friend at Church

Fr.

blessing Nana Aning with family and friends at church

Dancing time at the reception

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Ghanaian Women’s Fasting and Prayer Conference 15th anniversary celebration

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

The vision of Mrs. C o m f o r t Ay i k u t o organize women to fast and pray became a reality and has blossomed into the cont’d on pg. 60

Ministers and Mr. John Bosco, Consul Gen.in prayer mood

Evangelist Boniface Keelson

Some of the Leaders

Some of the Leaders

Group of pastors and wives

Cross section of congregation

Delegates from St. Andrews Catholic Church

Rev. Joseph Osei and delegates from Assemblies of God Delegates from Ghana Methodist, Pen Drive

Music ministry Praises time

At the BBQ At the BBQ Saturday

Ministers at BBQ Saturday

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Apostles’ Continuation Church Worship Centre (English Service) celebrates 2nd anniversary with a banquet

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto “Souls Count”, taken from Proverbs 11:30 was the theme as the Worship Centre (English Service) of the Apostles’ Continuation Church International celebrated its 2nd anniversary with a Banquet. The Banquet Hall of the church was filled to capacity to celebrate the 2nd anniversary. on Saturday April 29, 2017.

Evangelist Winnifred Antwi offered the opening prayer with Deaconess Animah Asante giving the welcome message. Josephine Boateng did a dance recital to the cont’d on pg. 41

Pastor Andrew James, Keynote speaker

Apostle Charles Anokye Manu

Apos. Anokye Manu ( 5th right) and Deacones Animah Asante (L) with Award Recipients

Fun Time

Blessed Trinity Ministries

Dinner Time

Ministers and wives

Church Band

Josephine Boateng Church Choir

Dinner Time

Dinner Time

Members and guests

Members and guests

Youth at the banquet

Youth at the banquet

Members and guests

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Frankly Speaking Matters Arising out of Captain Mahama’s death by lynching in Ghana: The full truth must be told with fear or favor.

By: Dr. Michael Baffoe, Winnipeg, MB

On M ay 2 9 , 20178,Ghanaians, both at home and abroad were shocked by news of the horrific and barbaric murder by moblynching of an officer of the 5th Infantry of the Ghana Armed Forces, Captain Maxwell Adams Mahama. It was reported that he was attacked by a mob at a small town called Denkyira-Obuasiin the Central Region at about 8:30am that morning. He was lynched and a part of his body set ablaze, the Military High Command confirmed in a statement issued on May 30th.The Ghana Policealso reported later that the body of the officer was filled with marks of assault including multiple deep cut wounds on the head and a partially burnt body. A joint police and military swoop of the town occurred on Tuesday, May 30 led to the rounding up of a total of 166 people made up of 80 women and 86 men.

Many have been released since then but as at the beginning of the week of June 5, a total of about 41 persons were still being held in connection with this horrific incident.

They have made a number of appearances at the lower courts in Ghana for initial arraignment whilst investigations continue.

Condemnation of this barbaric act has been swift across the country and beyond. These have come from high government officials, the police, military and ordinary citizens.

But for the behind-thescenes intervention and advice by government and family members of the late soldier, his colleagues of the Armed Forces were bent on embarking on retaliatory and reprisal “operations” on the small town which might have led to mass killings and maiming of other innocent persons.

In fact, we are told on authority that the soldiers

were bent of “wiping out” the town. These rumors and news brought chilling memories of the days of the June 4th 1979 AFRC regime as well as the reckless behavior of the Ghana military during the first few years of the PNDC (Rawlings’s second coming) from 1982 to 1985 when soldiers killed and maltreated people with reckless abandon. Thank God, this was not allowed to happen. At least every one should and needs to realize that there is a new legal dispensation in the country in which law enforcement and other security forces cannot take the law into their hands, no matter the circumstances.

So much information has been thrown around about the circumstances leading to the military officer’s death that it is difficult to know what to believe. The stories have ranged from one that says that he was mistaken by the youth in the town for an armed robber and was therefore subjected to this barbaric instant justice. Others have it that some people in the town had planned his death because he was the leader of a military detachment that had stopped their illegal small-scale mining activities. Another story had it that the military detachment led by this slain officer were in the town protecting the mining operations of a Chinse Company in a Forest Reserve and the

people of the town acted to protect their natural resource. This part of the story, though provocative in the heat of the early shock surrounding the death of the officer, was given by the governmentappointed District Chief Executive of the Area.

He was immediately suspended (or dismissed?) by the President for his “insensitivity”. A detailed news report from one of the top media houses in Ghana on Monday June 5 th also produced some very disturbing background events in the weeks leading up to this dreaded day of May 29th, 2017, which according to the media house, is being covered up by the Ghana military. And so, and so on.

Whilst all well-meaning Ghanaians have condemned this barbaric a c t o f t h e o ff i c e r ’s murder in no uncertain terms, what has been missing or lost in the midst of the reportage, condemnations, threats of reprisals, calls for constraints and demands for justice, is the hard fact that these types of mob justice have become almost institutionalized in Ghanaian society with nobody, either in government, the security forces or the general population, paying much attention to. In fact, two days after the murder of Captain Mahama, there were reports of two similar lynching in different parts of the country: in one instance the “victim” was accused of stealing one Cedi and fifty pesewas; the other was also accused, rightly or wrongly for stealing some cassava.

These vigilante type of primitive mob actions have been going on in various parts of the country for many years with no actions taken against the perpetrators of the mob actions leading to deaths. This current issue

Apostles’ Continuation Church Worship Centre (English Service) celebrates 2nd anniversary with a Banquet cont’d from pg. 40 admiration of the jam-packed Hall of members and guests. Apostle Charles Anokye Manu, Head of the North America Circuit of the Church in his short message offered praise to God for translation into reality their heart’s desire of establishing an English Service and commended all who have supported the Worship Center from its inception to the present. Chairman and Leader of the Church, Apostle Clement Brakatu sent a goodwill message from Ghana.

Sumptuous dinner was served after

prayer by Rev. Smart. Blessed Trinity Ministries performed an awesome dance recital. and word ministration given by Pastor Andrew James. Some members of the church were recognized and presented with awards given out

by Apostle Anokye Manu. Vote of thanks was given by Sister Kaye Sutton with Elder Brefo-Mensah offering the closing prayer. Benediction to bring the colorful event to a close was given by Apostle C.K. Manu. The MCs for the occasion were Elder Seth K. Boateng and Deaconess Animah Asante.

of the death of Captain Mahama has caught so much attention because of the status of the victim.

I would also stretch it further to say that the hype and attention are also due to the unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances leading up to the day of the mob action that resulted in the unfortunate death of this young man.

In the light of all the stories, accusations and counter accusations of cover-ups, I wish to point out that there are very critical questions that the Ghana government, and especially the military, must answer in order to shed light on the real truth behind this unfortunate incident.

Some of the questions are the following: Is it true that some top men in the previous NDC government were the ones who set up the Chinese Gold Mining in the Forest Reserve of that town and therefore sent top military officers to provide protection for them?

This question should be answered in the context that only two weeks to the day the officer was murdered, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Peter Amewu, had led a security team to

arrest some Russian and Ukrainian illegal miners in the Ashanti Region.

He lamented publicly that these illegal foreign miners were being protected by top officers from the Ghana military.

The military Command has so far not refuted these allegation from the Minister.

Is it not significant and ironic that the alleged military protection team provided by top officers of the Ghana Army to the Chinese miners at Denkyira-Obuasi was led by the late Captain Maxwell Mahama who happened to be related to the former President Mahama?

Since when did the Ghana Armed Forces start providing security and protection to foreign gold miners in Ghana?

We are also told by the Army High Command that the military detachment that was led by the late Captain Mahama at DenkyiraObuasi was on a special national assignment.

Since this is not a border town, can the military clarify for the general public what this “special national assignment” was in order to debunk the allegation that they were sent by top government officials to protect their

interests in the Chinese Mine in the Forest Reserve of the town?

Is it also true, as reported

by Adom TV, that four officers, all Warrant Officers from the same detachment at DenkyiraObuasi were nearly killed by the townsfolk during a meeting two weeks earlier before the death of Captain Mahama?

The questions are many but it will save the nation from such similar acts and help quell the suspicions of cover-ups if clear and honest answers are provided to these questions in the interest of the security of all citizens of the country.

Finally, the increasing number of lawless acts recorded across the country in similar fashions must be curbed if Ghana is to abide by a system of the rule of law.

Some of these instant mob actions are also due to the loss of confidence in the security and justice systems of the country.

When citizens do not trust their law enforcement and justice systems, they are bound to take the law into their own hands.No citizen should be seen or regarded to be above the laws of the country and measures must be taken to make citizens trust their justice-delivery system.

North America Mission Diocese of Ghana Methodist Church inaugurated cont’d from pg. 1 synod, the Presiding Bishop challenged members to continue the unique heritage of Methodism as people with a strong emphasis o n B i b l e S t u d y an d application. He reminded us that “scriptural knowledge will lead to scriptural holiness”.

The Presiding Bishop charged members of the new Mission Diocese to dedicate themselves to effective evangelism, genuine discipleship, and intentional church planting.

Brother Samuel Okyere, Toronto, Circuit Steward, gave the welcome address to the delegates. Also fraternal greetings and goodwill messages were received from Mr. Emmanuel Duodu, President of the GhanaianCanadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) and the Reverend Michael Blair of the United Church of Canada.

The Sunday Devine Service was a spirit-filled worship, with a charge by the Presiding Bishop to

both the clergy and laity to emulate the example of the early church recorded in the Acts of the apostles, to bear witness to the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ. This, he added, was to allow the Holy spirit to direct, strengthen and guide the children of God in this holy endeavor. A special Deed of Foundation was signed by all the accredited delegates as a historical record of the Inauguration; a special cake was cut by the wife of the Presiding Bishop, Mrs. Anna Pratt, assisted by other female delegates and guests, to commemorate the occasion, and the interim executive was also inducted into office. The executives are as follows: Acting Supervising Missions Coordinator(SMC), The Very Prof. Joseph Osei; Synod Secretary, t h e Ve r y R e v. D r.

Casely Essamuah; Lay Chairman, Brother Kwadwo Agyemang; Bro. Prof. Nathan Austin,

the Honorary Treasurer and the Rev. Thomas Atta-Akosah, Assistant Synod Secretary.

All delegates were impressed with the wonderful hospitality that the Toronto circuit accorded them under the guidance of the host Superintendent Minister, the Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene, ably assisted by Brothers Sam Okyere and Seth OpokuAgyemang Circuit Steward and Lay Council Chair respectively. We give thanks to God for the successful synod and pray for many years of success for the North America Mission Diocese.

Finally, we appreciate the work of the Toronto Circuit Planning Committee chaired by the Circuit Lay Chairman Bro. Seth OpokuAgyemang with oversight of the Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene, Toronto Circuit Superintendent.

T h e Ve r y R e v. D r.

Casely Essamuah, Synod Secretary, North America Mission Diocese, Methodist Church Ghana

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Building a better future for Seniors Minister seeking imput to enhance cultural inclusion for seniors The government is working to make Ontario a more culturally inclusive and supportive place for seniors across the province by launching discussion roundtables with seniors in their communities.

To mark Seniors Month this June, Minister of Seniors Affairs Dipika Damerla has kicked-off a series of roundtables across the province to hear from seniors, community members and not- for-profit groups about how Ontario can make services and programs more inclusive for seniors from all cultural backgrounds, including in retirement residences.

Almost half of all seniors in Ontario are immigrants, with nearly onethird whose mother tongue is neither English nor French. The province is committed to supporting its diverse seniors and eliminating barriers that leave seniors isolated in communities that are not able to cater to cultural needs.

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Areas of Specialization: ♦Immigration Hearings ♦Foreign Sponsorship & Appeals ♦Applications from inside Canada ♦Humanitarian & Compassionate Cases ♦Detention Reviews & Deportation Order Cases ♦Visa Extensions ♦Federal Skilled Worker Applications ♦Family Class Sponsorships ♦Student Visa ♦Provincial Nominee Program.

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

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James A. Kwaateng, B.A. (Hons); LLB (Hons); CCIC Legal consultant; Commissioner of Oaths

Tel. (416) 743-2758 Fax: (416) 743-7027 168A Oakdale Rd., Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario, M3N 2S5.

The Ghanaian News May 2017

REAL AMASS OLD STUDENTS CALLING!!!!

ALL REAL AMASS OLD STUDENTS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO A PICNIC & BARBEQUE DATE: SUNDAY AUGUST 6, 2O17 TIME: 12 NOON VENUE: WILDWOOD PARK, 3430 DERRY ROAD EAST (DERRY RD. & GOREWAY DR.)

THERE WILL BE A GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION ON SUNDAY JULY 2, 2017 VENUE: MSB DRIVING SCHOOL, 15 JOHN ST (WESTON RD & JOHN ST) TIME: 5PM – 7PM (Come with your family to meet your classmates, schoolmates and friends. Come and let’s have some fun!)

(For more information, call or text Jane on 905-447-9065 or Nana Osei-Achampong on 416-274-5869)

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

View Point

Community Concerns

Leadership Qualities Everyone Can Use

By Golda Abena Quayson There is some truth in the adage, “Great leaders are born, not made.” To some extent, the capacity for great leadership is e s s e n t i a l . H o w e v e r, learning how to be a more effective leader is within everyone’s grasp: whether you lead a country, multiple teams, an entire company, organizations,businesses, schools, churches or just one or more staff members. Leadership therefore involve both inborn tendencies and the ability to learn to acquire skills needed to be an effective leader. Here are a few of the qualities and traits of great leaders that you can learn and practice with: Vision and Goal Setting: Foremost, a good leader must have a vison. A team depends on its leader to tell them where they are going, why they are going, and how they are going to get there. People are more motivated when their leader articulates his or her vision for a project or for the organization, along with the steps, or goals, needed to achieve the goals.

big picture, and the part they play in helping the organization grow and thrive. Full knowledge of your organization, is vital to becoming an effective leader.

Communication: Good communication skills is a key and is required at every level of leaderships, but leaders must possess outstanding/assertive communication skills to communicate effectively a n d r e s p e c t f u l l y.

Leaders must also learn to negotiate; this is important because it makes your followers and partners feel valued.

Motivation:Inspiring others is the mark of effective leadership.

Motivation is best done by example and guidance, not by issuing commands, S e l f - A s s e s s m e n t : threats and putdowns.

Effective leaders periodically take stock of Team Building: Putting their personal strengths together strong teams and shortcomings. They that work well is another ask: “What do I like to trait of great leaders. do? What am I really good The opposite is also at?” “What are my areas of true: if a team is weak weakness, and what do I and dysfunctional, it is dislike doing?” Knowing generally a failure in your areas of weakness leadership. Unfortunately, does not make you weak. m o s t c o u n t r i e s , On the contrary, it allows organizations, teams you to delegate to others and other entities, are who have those abilities, suffering due to poor or in order to achieve the disorganized team work common goal. Rather than where everyone seem to clinging to the false belief be on their own. that they can do it all, great leaders hire people Risk Taking:You can who complement, rather learn how to assess risk than supplement, their and run scenarios that skills. Working on your will help you make better areas of weaknesses will decisions. Great leaders improve your leadership take the right risks at ability, and recognizing the right time.Example them makes you more abound in the world of great leaders who took human. great risks at what they Kn ow ing t h e considered the “right O r g a n i z a t i o n e t c . : time”. We can think of Effective leaders know leaders like Dr. Kwame the organization’s overall N k r u m a h o f G h a n a , purpose and goals, and Mahatma Ghandhi of the agreed-upon strategies India and Nelson Mandela to achieve these goals; of South Africa. they also know how their team fits into the Sharp Perception: Do

you know how people really perceive you?

Effective leaders do.

They have an easy level of honest communication with their teams and their peers, and a thorough understanding of how they are perceived.

Testing others’ perception of you can be as simple as observing their behavior.

Are your co-workers and team members relaxed around you? Does all conversation stop when you enter the room?

That is a sure sign of how people around you perceive you. If you really want to know what people think, just ask them. You may receive feedback that you are not listening, or showing appreciation as well as you could be. If you have established an environment of honest and open communication, you should be able to ask about your good qualities and the areas you need to improve on. Your staff or followers will appreciate your effort.

Responsive to Team/ Group’s Needs: Being perceptive can also help a leader be more effective in knowing the needs of the team. Some teams value trust over creativity; others prefer a clear communicator to a great organizer. Building a strong team is easier when you know the values and goals of each individual on the team..

Making time to do all these individual/groups/ teams assessments, will help you to provide a better response and better results.

Finally, as the saying goes” Honesty is the best Policy”. As a leader, be honest and have integrity, build trust, and that will reflect on your leadership, as well as setting good examples, by keeping your word in a positive m a n n e r, a n d n o t t h e attitude of “ do what I say and not what I do” Again, be patient under any circumstance. Have empathy, and compassion, humility and exercise cautionwhen it comes to decision-making a s p e o p l e ’s l i v e s a n d destinies depend on you as a leader.

Doris Osei Bonsu, Crisis Counselor, Toronto

Why is divorce rate on the increase?

Is it about marrying the wrong person?

As the latest divorce statistics demonstrate, it seems that people are giving up on their marriages in numbers.

Unfortunately, according to research, the number of Christians divorcing is no lower than that of non-believers. Why is that? Why are so many marriages failing?

From research and my experience working with couples, the problem stems from couples’ expectations about what marriage should be like; most common problem in marriages is that couples don’t understand how relationships really work. People think that if a marriage is meant to be, it will just be.

Contrary to what many believe, the success of a marriage has little to do with marrying the right person. I believe that a successful marriage is not the result of marrying the “right” person, It’s about doing the “right” things. I always say there is no such thing as soul mates and that God doesn’t create one person just for a particular person. Lots of people have been raised tobelieve that a good marriage is all about finding the spouse that God has created for them.

The truth is if love, acceptance, patience, and forgiveness prevails in your relationship or marriage it does not matter whom who you are married to, the marriage will survive. The problem is that when couples run into difficulties or conflicts in their relationships, they assume they must have made a mistake and that they aren’t really meant to be together or did not get married to their “soul mate”.

Then they start to feel and hear unwise voices like “ If things are bad, you married the wrong person.’ ‘It’s not

supposed to be this hard.’ ‘You’ve made a mistake.’ As a result, couples think they might have made a mistake of marrying the wrong person. As a result, couples find the easy way out which is divorce. But couples should not succumb to these false beliefs. I like how one marriage counselor puts it; he said “ We aren’t supposed to be tossing difficult relationships away like some kind of disposable diaper.”

To build a successful marriage requires a lot of hard work. I believe that there are marriage laws that must be followed for couples to have thriving marriages.

Sadly, people keep breaking all the laws and then are stunned by the fact that their marriage fails. If your marriage is failing it means someone is breaking the rules of marriage. Unfortunately, most are unaware that rules exist, much less know what they are. It is important to know or educate ourselves on how both men and women think, communicate, and want different things from relationships. We have to understand how sex, money, expectations, and conflict also help identify what individuals may be doing wrong in these areas and how to find solutions.

Another key to turning around a failing marriage is for couples to understand the true nature and purpose of marriage.

Rather than viewing marriage as a way to have their own needs met. In fact, it is virtually impossible to succeed at marriage if you are selfish. Regardless of the problems that spouses are having, with counseling, guidance and the desire to make the marriage work, building a happy and successful marriage is possible.

Ghanaian News celebrates 20 years of Community Service 1997-2017

The Ghanaian News May 2017

Ask The Doctor

Lifestyle

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

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

Male menopause: Myth or reality?

Aging-related hormone changes in men — sometimes called male menopause — are different from those in women.

Recognizing low testosterone levels

In this article I will describe the signs, symptoms and treatment options and point out the differences between male and female hormone deficiency.

Hormone changes are a natural part of aging. Unlike the more dramatic reproductive hormone plunge that occurs in women during menopause, however, sex hormone changes in men occur gradually.

Here’s what to expect, and what you can do about it.

Debunking the male menopause myth The term “male menopause” is sometimes used to describe decreasing testosterone levels related to aging. Female menopause and socalled male menopause are two different situations, however.

In women, ovulation ends and hormone production plummets during a relatively short period of time.

In men, production of testosterone and other hormones declines over a period of many years and the consequences

aren’t necessarily clear.

So what’s the best way to refer to so-called male menopause?

Many doctors use the term “andropause” to describe aging-related hormone changes in men. Other terms include testosterone deficiency syndrome, androgen deficiency of the aging male and late-onset male hypogonadism.

Understanding male hormones over time Testosterone levels vary greatly among men. In general, older men tend to have lower testosterone levels than do younger men.

Testosterone levels gradually decline throughout adulthood — about 1 percent a year after age 30 on average.

A blood test is the only way to diagnose a low or reduced testosterone level. Some men have a lower than normal testosterone level without signs or symptoms. In this case, no treatment is needed.

Recognizable signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels may include: Changes in sexual function. This might include reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, fewer spontaneous erections — such as during sleep — and infertility. Your testes might become smaller as well.

Changes in sleep patterns. Sometimes low testosterone causes sleep disturbances, such as insomnia, or increased sleepiness.

Physical changes.

Various physical changes are possible, including increased body fat, reduced muscle bulk and strength, and decreased bone density.

Swollen or tender breasts (gynecomastia) and loss of body hair are possible. Rarely, you might experience hot flashes and have less

energy.

Emotional changes.

Low testosterone might contribute to a decrease in motivation or self-confidence.

You might feel sad or depressed, or have trouble concentrating or remembering things.

Some of these signs and symptoms can be caused by underlying factors other than low testosterone, including medication side effects, thyroid problems, depression and excessive alcohol use. There also are conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea that might affect testosterone levels. Once these conditions are identified and treated, testosterone typically will return to a normal level.

Feeling your best If you are experiencing signs and symptoms that might be the result of a low testosterone level, consult your doctor. He or she can evaluate possible causes for the way you feel and explain treatment options.

You can’t boost your natural testosterone production, but these steps might help:

Imported Meat: Is Sending Us Into Our Graveyard .

From voice Of Reason DRIP, drip: We’re eating our way out to the cemetery.

The Antibiotic induced meat is killing us softly.

Are Ghanaians equipped medically and financially to withstand the effects of the over- consumption of antibiotic -saturated meat?

I want to dive right into it: McDonalds, KFC and Wendy’s restaurants around the world are under attack by consumer protection advocates for allegedly using antibiotics –saturated food products. The commotion stems from the founding from scientist and medical studies. The story goes on to say that Scientists have advised that treating live stock (pork, beef, and chicken) with antibiotics is leading to a rise in drugresistant ‘superbug’. And as a result over 23,000 people die every in USA alone.

The medical experts also warn that the routine use of antibiotics to promote growth and prevention— rather than to treat illness in farm animals contributes to the use of drug-resistant “superbug” infections in humans.

According to the report, more than half of the antibiotics used around the world are used in animals, often to make them grow quickly. This has made some infections in humans very impossible to treat because of excessive use of antibiotics.

Translation: 1.This “superbug” infections are resistant to any antibiotic that we are used to in fighting minor and major diseases in humans.

2. Because of having too much antibiotics in our body system (from the over- consumption of antibioticssaturated food), penicillin and other antibiotics are no

Be honest with your doctor. Work with your doctor to identify and treat any health issues that might be causing or contributing to your signs and symptoms — from medication side effects to erectile dysfunction and other sexual issues.

Make healthy lifestyle choices. Eat a healthy diet and include physical activity in your daily routine. Healthy lifestyle choices will help you maintain your strength, energy and lean muscle mass. Regular physical activity can even improve your mood and promote better sleep.

Seek help if you feel down. Men don’t always experience depression as feelings of sadness.

You may be unusually tired, anxious or irritable — even angry — and you may have trouble keeping up with your responsibilities at work and home. Other common symptoms in men include difficulty sleeping and thoughts of suicide. Talk with your doctor if you think you might be depressed.

Many effective treatments are available.

Be wary of herbal supplements. Herbal supplements haven’t been proved safe and effective for aging-related low

more effect in fighting diseases in human.

3. Almost the majority of imported meat (chicken, port, beef) we wantonly consume on this side of the Atlantic are fortified with antibiotics.

4. Common infections can kill us because there are no effective drugs on the market to fight them.

Questions: If people in developed countries (who have access to better medicines and superb healthcare cont’d from pg. 32 delivery system) are dying like flies because of overconsumption of antibiotics –saturated foods, what travelled Highway the hell are we doing with these imported beef, pork 401, free up air travel and chicken when we can’t afford common health capacity by lessening Insurance premium payment ? the need for short-haul Yes. I know we’re going to treat this issue the same flights and spur regional way we have been treating every ‘national security’ issue in Ghana—don’t do a damn thing about it as development, he wrote. long as someone is making zillions of cedis from the importation of these products.

Collenette, a former By now the Genetically Modified food’s (GM) federal transportation enthusiasts are aiming their guns at my throat. They’re going to do everything to prove me wrong because it’s minister, recommended not a big deal if five or ten thousand Ghanaians die the first phase connect Toronto and London every year as result of indecision on this issue.

I’m sure this story is in the public domain therefore all by 2025, then extend the policy –makers are aware of it. But who is going to the line to Windsor in a do something about it? Can Ghana afford to sacrifice its offspring for our own greediness and selfishness? second phase.

Your answer is as good as mine!

Until we meet here again stay tuned. Be blessed, The train would travel informed and educated. between Toronto’s Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi(Voice of reason) Union Station and *The author is a social commentator.

Pearson International

testosterone. Some supplements might even be dangerous. Longterm use of DHEA, for example, has no proven benefits and might increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Treating aging-related low testosterone with testosterone replacement therapy is controversial.

For some men, testosterone therapy relieves bothersome signs and symptoms of testosterone deficiency.

For others, the benefits aren’t clear and there are possible risks.

Among the risks, testosterone therapy contributes to sleep apnea, stimulates noncancerous growth of the prostate and stimulates growth of existing prostate cancer.

Testosterone therapy may also increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and contributes to the formation of blood clots in the veins.

If you wonder whether testosterone replacement might be right for you, work with your doctor to determine why your testosterone level is low and whether it is causing your symptoms. Weigh the pros and cons of treatment together with your doctor.

References : May Clinic House call, May 2107

Ontario planning high-speed rail link from Toronto-Windsor Airport, Guelph, Kitchener, London, Chatham and Windsor.

Collenette looked at the possibility of a line operating mostly on a dedicated right-of-way with top speeds to 300 kilometres per hour, but found it would have been more expensive than a line operating on a mixed-use railway.

A new public entity will be established to oversee the project.

Allison Jones, The Canadian Press

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

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Former Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega has died

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Manuel Noriega Former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega has died at the age of 83 following brain surgery this year.

Noriega, who ruled Panama from 1983 to 1989, spied for the CIA until the United States invaded and toppled his corrupt government, ending a criminal career that saw him working with drug traffickers such as Pablo Escobar.

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President Juan Carlos Varela announced Noriega’s death on Twitter late on Monday, and said his passing marked the closing of a chapter in the Central American country’s history. He said Noriega’s family should have the right to bury the former leader in peace.

The 1989 invasion ordered by President George H.W. Bush brought an end to Noriega’s career of money-laundering and cocaine smuggling. He was initially sentenced in the United States in 1992 but was in custody for murder in Panama when he died.

Noriega had surgery in March to remove a brain tumour, having been let out of prison under house arrest in January because of ill health. But he suffered a haemorrhage and had been in a coma.

A Panamanian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Noriega died at around 11 p.m. local time in a Panama City hospital after his condition suddenly worsened.

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Ghanaian News celebrates 20 years of

Call: Elizabeth

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Danger looms in Achimota as child beggars take over highway

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Ontario asks judge to review implementation of new carding regulations TORONTO -- An Ontario judge who recently led a review into police oversight will look into whether the practice of police street checks, known as carding, is consistent with the provincial government’s goal of eliminating systemic racism.

or walking away cannot then be used as reasons to compel information.

The Liberal government has appointed Appeal Court Justice Michael Tulloch to conduct a review of how a new street check regulation has been implemented.

Race is prohibited as forming any part of a police officer’s reason for attempting to collect someone’s identifying information.

Ontario introduced carding rules last year, outlining that police must inform people that they don’t have to provide identifying information during street checks, and that refusing to co-operate

The aim was to end arbitrary stops, especially those based on race, though anti-carding advocates have called for the practice to be abolished entirely.

Street checks started coming under intense scrutiny several years ago amid data showing officers were disproportionately stopping black and cont’d on pg. 61

Children begging at Achimota near the old overhead bridge Children who go begging with their parents at Achimota near the old overhead bridge risk losing their lives as they move carelessly along the highway.

The children together with the mothers have taken over the median of the Achimota-Nsawam highway where they sit dangerously while cars and other heavy vehicles speed past them.

What makes the situation more worrying is the fact that a vehicle could easily veer off the road and crash them to death as has been recorded in other parts of the country where hawkers were ran over by trucks.

City authorities must be proactive in evicting these beggars from the dangerous location to ensure lives are preserved.

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Inside Lakeside Estate Community

By Emmanuel Ayiku, Accra, Ghana

Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate Ltd., known as Lakeside Estate for short was born into the family of Japan Motors Group of Companies, also known as Kalmoni Group.

Lakeside Estate started as a farming company called AgriCattle Ltd. in 1974 when its present land was obtained from Nungua Stool for farming purposes. The change of landuse from farming to real Estate development necessitated a

review of the name, “ AgriCattle Ltd�. to the present name of Agri-Cattle Lakeside Estate Ltd. Lakeside Estate is among the leading private Real Estate Company specializing in affordable housing in Ghana.

Their homes cater for the residential needs of young families and professional individuals.

Presently Lakeside Estate is developing its property which

was acquired from the Nungua stool. Lakeside today boast of an award winning recreational facility known as, Lakeside Marina Park (LMP) which turned 11years.

Lakeside has the vision of becoming one of the best customer-focused Real Estate Company in Ghana that will expand through the building of a unique variety of housing units that are environmentally friendly, affordable to many and conforming to Ghana Building Code.

Staff meeting at Lakeside Estate with Emmanuel Ayiku of Ghanaian News and the Directors

Salah Kalmoni with delegates at Real Estate Seminar

From left: Prince-Joseph Ayiku , Emmanuel Ayiku, and Lawrence De Souza at the entrance to the Lakeside Estate Community

Emmanuel Ayiku of Ghanaian News and Salah Kalmoni, Direcor Lakeside

From left: Prince-Joseph Ayiku , Emmanuel Ayiku, Salah Kalmoni and Lawrence De Souza

Marina Park

Lakeside Police Station

Some of the affordable housing units under construction

From L, Emmanuel Ayiku, Andria Abraham and Salah Kalmoni at Real Estate Conference

At Lakeside Marina Park

The Ghanaian News May 2017

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

All Nations International Development Agency (ANIDA) celebrated 20 years

By Vernon Ayiku, Toronto

Anchored by the hashtag #PayItForward the All Nations International Development Agency celebrated 20 years on Sunday June 4, 2017 at All Nations Full Gospel Church, in Toronto. Initially beginning with the sponsorship of five orphan children by Senior Pastors of All Nations Toronto, Dr. Samuel Donkor and wife Rev. Rose Donkor, “ANIDA blossomed with time”, says its Executive Director, Samuel Donkor Jr.“As time went on, another kid would reach for help, and they felt they had to help them so it began on that premise ”Donkor Jr. said.

20 years later, ANIDA not only provides opportunities and sponsorship programs for in need children in both Jamaica and Ghana.The non-profit has expanded and also provides women’s development centers, neighborhood outreach programs and emergency relief programs.The event itself had a large and lively turnout as folks crowded around volunteers in light sky blue t-shirts to buy raffle tickets and baked goods to support and raise money for ANIDA.

Rev. Dr. Samuel Donkor Senior Pastor

Dr. Rickie Rush, Guest Speaker

Rev. Dr. Samuel Donkor and Dr. Gyimah

Dr. Rickie Rush out of the Inspiring Body of Christ Church in Dallas, Texas keynoted the celebration.“Let’s push the button,” Dr.Rush proclaimed as he encouraged the congregation to continue supporting ANIDA.“Your money should have a purpose, if there is something in your pocket right now it should have a purpose.”Dr. Rush continued to preach as he explained the value of decisive spending and helping others.Decisively, Dr. Nosente Bollo ANIDA also has plans to expand their sponsorship Rev. Samuel O. Donkor Jr. Executive Dir. ANIDA Kamara, Board Member program into other countries and also hopes to expand their neighborhood outreach programs into new cities across Canada.

Some of the church leaders

And for as low as $35 a month ANIDA provides anyone the opportunity to connect and make the life of a child somewhere better. “I always believed I grew up poor until I visited Africa.Then I realized I had everything I needed.” Dr. Rush said.

Life is like a rollercoaster, Dr. Rush explained. it’s full of ups, downs, twist and turns.But once we get off the ride and it’s someone else’s turn to get on, “it’s our jobs as leaders to try and properly prepare the next group for what they are about to go through”, he concluded.

From right: Rev. Dr. Sam Donkor, Dr. Rush, and Pastor Donkor Jr.

Some of the worshipers

Rev. Dr. Sam Donkor (L) and Rev.Cynthia Gyimah with

Congregation

Volunteers

Music Ministry

Some of the worshipers

Ushers

The Ghanaian News May 2017

53

The Apostolic Church International Canada host National Conference of Apostolic Churches in Canada & Abroad

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

The Apostolic Church international Canada (ACIC), now part of the Network of the Apostolic Church in Canada hosted a three-day 2017 National Apostolic Church Conference from Friday May 19, 2017 climaxed with a church service on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at the church premise on 168 Rexdale Boulevard in Etobicoke. The conference participants were from all walks of life.

Representatives were from Jamaica, Barbados, Haiti as well as the Apostolic churches across Canada.

The Sunday service started with the praise and worship segment followed by a short talk by Pastor Karl Thomas, President of Apostolic Church Canada and also Pastor of Impact Church, London Ontario. Thereafter, Pastor Cyril Williams of the host church welcomed the conference participants and Overseer Akwesi Peprah gave the opening prayer.

The guest preacher for the occasion was Rev. Brian Simmons of Stairway Ministries, a Bible Translator, who based his exhortation on the topic “the seven glories of God�. Over 300 delegates attended the conference. A picnic was organized the following Monday Victoria Holiday to wrap up the conference

Women Leaders

Cross section of congregation

Music Ministry

Keynote Preacher Brian Simmons (right)

Cross section of congregation

Keynote speaker Brian Simmons

Pastor Karl Thomas, President Apostolic Churches Canada

Overseers Akwasi Pepprah, Victor Agyekum and Pastor Cyril Williams

Praises Time Deacons

Cross section of congregation

Cross section of congregation

Cross section of congregation

Cross section of congregation

Congregation

Cross section of congregation

54

The Ghanaian News May 2017

Pastors Isaac Takyi DeGraft and Jonathan Manu’s Graduation

By Docas Marfo, Toronto

On behalf of the members of Living Word and Lighthouse AG church, we would like to say a big congratulations to Rev. Isaac De-Graft Takyi and Rev. Jonathan Manu towards their phenomenal achievement! They have been awarded with the Post-Graduate Diploma of Pentecostal Studies towards the completion of Masters in Theological Studies, conferred upon them by Master’s Pentecostal Seminary and Tyndale University. This has been a great achievement for Rev. Isaac and Rev. Jonathan and we applaud them for their continuous dedication to the ministry. We are extremely proud of this journey they have undertaken and the perseverance they have shown throughout. God richly bless you Pastors!

Revs. Jonathan Manu and Isaac Takyi DeGraft and wives Olivia Takyi DeGraft (L) and Doreen Manu (R) with Rev. Boniface Keelson (2nd right)

Group picture of Revs Jonathan Manu and Isaac Takyi DeGraft with family and friends

Pastors Isaac and Jonathan with church staff

The Ghanaian News May 2017

55

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

The Ghanaian News May 2017

57

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Ontario pledges to create 45,000 new child-care spaces

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The education minister and the early years and child care minister are unveiling the child-care framework today as they announce $1.6 billion in funding to build 45,000 new licensed spaces.

As part of the overall plan, Ontario will appoint experts to lead an affordability strategy and the province will study how it can better support early childhood educators and child-care staff with compensation, hiring, retention and training.

Those new child-care spaces are part of a pledge of giving 100,000 more children aged four and under access to licensed child care over five years.

The new framework aims to increase access to high-quality child care by funding those new spaces, providing

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

Ghanaian Women’s Fasting and Prayer Conference 15th anniversary celebration cont’d from pg. 39 Ghanaian Women’s Fasting and Prayer Conference as it celebrates its 15 years in existence this year. The theme for this year’s celebration was taken from 1 Timothy 2:4 “...that everyone to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.” Five days May 17 - May 22 were set aside to celebrate the 15 years celebration and the venue was the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church at 51 High

Meadow Place as the Ghanaian Women trooped in their numbers to the venue to praise and worship the Lord.

The celebration got off with a big bang on Wednesday May 17 with Rev. Dr. Ama Owusu, Evangelistmissionary, Director for Families of Today for Tomorrow, who spoke to the congregants on Unity in Christ. Dr. Michael Adjabeng on Thursday May 18 gave an educative talk on Mental Health

with Rev. Isaac Takyi De-Graft of Living Word Assembly of God delivering a powerful talk on Emotional Health. The following Saturday May 20 at the Presby Park, the women organized a community picnic as part of the celebrations. There was abundance of food for everyone who was at the picnic.

The climax of the celebration was on Monday May 22nd 2017

(Victoria Day Holiday) as the women converged in their numbers to the sanctuary of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church. They were all decked in their special commemorative anniversary cloth.

The anniversary service began with praise and worship to prepare the congregants spiritually led

by Jennifer and Rachel. Rev. Raymond Baah Abekah, Ministerin-charge of the Presbyterian

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Church formally welcomed the congregation to feel at home. Rev. Boniface Keelson pastor-in-charge of Lighthouse Assembly of God Church was the guest preacher for the climax of the 5 day celebration.

In his exhortation, he urged the congregation mainly of women interspersed with few men to immerse themselves in serious prayers for that is why we have all converged here to do. He charged that as Christians our goal should be to be saved, as salvation should be our prime target. Also some people backslide due to flimsy excuses like no visitation when sick. He urged the congregation to be prayerful and should pray for others as well. He concluded that God answers anytime we call on Him. After his sermon, Rev. Boniface Keelson led the congregation in a series of prayers dedicated to families, untimely deaths, the welfare of our youth, marriages within our community, churches, community leaders, Christians all over the world, Ghana and our adopted country Canada.

Mr. John Bosco Consul General graced the occasion and urged the women as mothers to be role models for their children and asked God to bless all. Mr. Emmanuel Duodu, President of GhanaianCanadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) admonished the women to work with the association for the betterment of the community.

20 reverend ministers within our community and some from Ghana were on hand to support the event.

As part of the celebration, pastors and some laymen who have contributed to the enhancement of the conference since its inception were honored with plagues by Mrs. Comfort Ayiku, Founder of the conference assisted by Mrs. Susana Barning. The moderator of the well-attended conference was Rev. Mrs. Eleanor Adu-Anane.

The next conference will be on Thanksgiving holiday, Monday October 9, 2017 at Living Word Assembly of God, 139 Millwick Toronto.

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

61

The Free Senior High School Mumbo-Jumbo Debate Voice Of Reason There are more to the SHS education’s issues than tuition.

Since the NPP government announced the free -SHS education which is supposedly taking off in September, 2017 academic year, questions have begun to multiply uncontrollably.

People are talking and suggesting other remedies which need to be looked at critically. They think instead of across the board free SHS education for every student, there should be some kinds of limitations, responsibilities and requirements on part of the students and stakeholders.

These are some of the suggestions: 1. Tuition Assistance program, which can be directed at the poorer students with good academic potentials.

2. More money could be spent to help students in JHS to become academically ready for SHS which is a bigger barrier to SHS graduation.

3. The government could have spent more to help SHS students deal with mental health issues, alcoholism, drug abuse, “sakawa” and all manner of indiscipline which are common epidemics among SHS students.

4. It could also have massively improved career counseling for SHS students. Because according to the World Bank report, two-thirds of jobs in the world could be lost to automation very soon. That means our future work force is going to compete with

5.

6.

7.

8.

machines and computers for jobs. The question is: Are we preparing our future workforce to face the future jobs market requirements by just giving free SHS? Or are we going to create more bureaucracy workforce that will always depend and bribes and corruption?

There should be income limits for the students’ families. Why should students whose parents are well- to- do and attended a premium private JHS get free SHS at St Rose’s ,whereas a poor student who attended Tweapease public JHS goes to an unknown SHS? And, why should my child be a day student when his friends are getting a free education at the boarding house? The question is: Do we have enough space to accommodate these students who don’t want to stay home?

Free SHS doesn’t mention reducing or absorbing the non-tuition fees, like living expenses, and other learning materials and travel, which for many students are far more burdensome than tuition.

It doesn’t cover for those who for one reason or another have to take their Nov-Dec exams as private candidates.

Free SHS will de-motivate students. According to education experts, “ research has shown that students whose parents spend a lot of money on their education or have

North America Mission Diocese of Ghana Methodist Church inaugurated cont’d from pg. 34 prayers, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, the Most Reverend Titus K. Awotwi Pratt, presiding over the Synod, and celebrations.

He was ably assisted by Brother Kwame Boafo, the Lay President, and the Rt. Reverend Dr. Paul Boafo, the Administrative Bishop. Also present was the Bishop deputy, former General Director for Ministries, the Very R e v e r e n d Wi l l i a m Agyei Mpere-Gyeke, and the Very Reverend Professor Joseph M. Y. Edusa-Eyison, the VicePrincipal of the Methodist University College Ghana.

At the formal opening of the synod, the Presiding Bishop challenged members to continue the unique heritage of Methodism as people with a strong emphasis o n B ible Study and application. He reminded us that “scriptural knowledge will lead to scriptural holiness”.

The Presiding Bishop charged members of the new Mission Diocese to dedicate themselves to effective evangelism, genuine discipleship, and intentional church planting.

Brother Samuel Okyere,

Toronto, Circuit Steward, gave the welcome address to the delegates. Also fraternal greetings and goodwill messages were received from Mr. Emmanuel Duodu, President of the GhanaianCanadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) and the Reverend Michael Blair of the United Church of Canada.

The Sunday Devine Service was a spirit-filled worship, with a charge by the Presiding Bishop to both the clergy and laity to emulate the example of the early church recorded in the Acts of the apostles, to bear witness to the redemptive work of God through Jesus Christ. This, he added, was to allow the Holy spirit to direct, strengthen and guide the children of God in this holy endeavor. A special Deed of Foundation was signed by all the accredited delegates as a historical record of the Inauguration; a special cake was cut by the wife of the Presiding Bishop, Mrs. Anna Pratt, assisted by other female delegates and guests, to commemorate the occasion, and the interim executive was also inducted into office. The executives

are as follows: Acting Supervising Missions Coordinator(SMC), The Very Prof. Joseph Osei; Synod Secretary, t h e Ve r y R e v. D r.

Casely Essamuah; Lay Chairman, Brother Kwadwo Agyemang; Bro. Prof. Nathan Austin, the Honorary Treasurer and the Rev. Thomas Atta-Akosah, Assistant Synod Secretary.

All delegates were impressed with the wonderful hospitality that the Toronto circuit accorded them under the guidance of the host Superintendent Minister, the Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene, ably assisted by Brothers Sam Okyere and Seth OpokuAgyemang Circuit Steward and Lay Council Chair respectively. We give thanks to God for the successful synod and pray for many years of success for the North America Mission Diocese.

Finally, we appreciate the work of the Toronto Circuit Planning Committee chaired by the Circuit Lay Chairman Bro. Seth OpokuAgyemang with oversight of the Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene, Toronto Circuit Superintendent.

to work to pay some cost of their education (even if only small expenses) are more likely to incite to work hard and graduate”. Also as the cost of SHS education drops to zero, so does the perceived cost of dropping out.

9. This free SHS education will threaten to destroy some of the private SHS. Suddenly, the nation’s private schools will have to compete with “free public SHS”. Many of these schools are already struggling to survive. If upper –middle class students are drawn away to free public schools, private ones may close down. That can hurt the nation’s educational diversity and destroy jobs.

The private SHS tend to have smaller classes and tend to spend heavily to subsidize poorer good students.

That will also may widen the gap between rich and poor. When schools are ‘free’ more people will apply. As more apply, selectivity will increase, as administrators chase for good students from good backgrounds. That will exclude students with lower academic credentials, who tend to come from more disadvantaged homes and backgrounds.

Over long- term, this free SHS could hurt the quality of education in Ghana, because there won’t be enough money to go around and provide other needed infrastructure and services for the schools to enhance learning.

We live in a nation whose budgets are perpetually challenged by rising “entitlements syndrome”.

Education will eventually be squeezed when free SHS takes off because of the entitlements mentality . The senior High schools will also try to claw back to the private sources for funding like PTA and Old students’ associations and dorm fees, activities fees and other charges that don’t officially count as tuition, but still quality suffers when the schools’ budgets are not enough to meet their needs .

Since the admission into the premium SHS are supposedly not going to be competitive, how is the education service going to assign students into schools or are the upper –

middle class students who can afford to pay bribes are going to pay their way out and leave the poor in the cold?

Finally, people think free SHS education will hurt its recipients’ future earnings .Because since some core subjects like math, science and other business creating subjects are not incorporated in the free SHS policy as requirements, free SHS education will be like a factory assembly line.

In other words, many students (esp. those from less endowed JHS) will take easy subjects just to get by and enjoy all the freebies because there will be no accountability on the part of the students and parents .Why should they study hard when they are getting everything free?

Is BECE going to be abolished?

If yes, how are we going to place students in SHS? If it’s not going to be abolished why should students study for good grades when they have free tickets to enter SHS? In the end, the disadvantaged students from disadvantaged JHS will be short-changed. So we better fix all the bugs before we take –off.

In fact, before we rush into free SHS education, let’s examine what is keeping our teenagers out of SHS, and figure out how to get them in the classrooms and keep them there for graduation.

Most of their problems have nothing to do with tuition.

But a lot to do with lack- ofmotivation, accountability, peer-pressure, lack -of -focus and responsibility, interest in easy-way out of everything, quick money syndrome ,being too pessimistic of the future and lack of parental control, etc.

In other words, before we embark on a free SHS we have to have solutions to the above mentioned issues. Otherwise ,it will be a waste of money and resources.

Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi (voice of reason) *The author is social commentator and founder o f A d u - G y a m f i Yo u t h Empowerment foundation for the Disadvantaged Youth of Asuom.

Ontario asks judge to review implementation of new carding regulations cont’d from pg. 47 other racialized people. Police argued they simply go where the crime is, and that stopping people ostensibly at random, asking for identification, and recording the information is useful.

Under the new regulations, officers must offer a written record of any interactions with the public, including their name and badge number, along with information on how to contact the independent police review director.

Tulloch will report by Jan. 1, 2019, on whether the continued use of carding reflects the government’s plan to eliminate systemic racism.

He will make recommendations on how consistently the rules are applied, compliance by police officers, oversight mechanisms of the regulation and if additional changes are necessary.

“Our government is committed to

building safer communities and protecting individual rights -- and that is what the regulation on street checks was designed to do,” Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister MarieFrance Lalonde said in a statement.

“Justice Tulloch’s review will help the government ensure this regulation is contributing to our vision of a fairer, safer Ontario.”

Ontario human rights commissioner Renu Mandhane said in a statement that she is confident Tulloch will address some of the limitations of the current rules.

She has previously cited concerns about whether the rules apply to street checks in the context of investigating a specific offence, the lack of a requirement for officers to tell people they can leave a street check, and the lack of a requirement to tell youth they can contact a parent or guardian.

The Canadian Press

62

The Ghanaian News May 2017

PLACES OF WORSHIP DIRECTORY Ghana Methodist Churches in Canada

I AM ALPHA & OMEGA MINISTRY INT'L

( SOCIETIES UNDER THE GHANA METHODIST CONFERENCE)

We invite you to worship with us

The Superintendent Minister-In-Charge

Church Service:

invites you to worship with us

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

Toronto Society

Bishop John Mensah

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

Place of Worship: 19 Penn Drive, North York, Ont. (off Finch Av./Milvan)

416-743-4555 (Office) 905-216-2323 (Residence) Day and Time of Worship: Sunday: Bible Class Meeting: 10:00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Brampton Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m.

Tel: 416-419-6671

EVANGEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH NEW ADDRESS 314 Rexdale Blvd. Etobicoke, Ont. M9W 1R6 Tel: 416-242-7950 Fax: 416-242-8573

Calgary Methodist - 403-603-2864 Edmonton Methodist - 587-336-1223 Ottawa Methodist - 613-823-2291

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

Church Activities

Pastor in Charge

Rev. Milton Offei

Sunday School: Church Service: Sunday Evening: Wednesday Bible Studies: Friday Prayer Meeting:

Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene

10a.m. -11:00a.m.

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

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

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

7p.m. - 9:00p.m.

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

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

Contact: Rev. Joshua C. Doughan - 514-542-0871 SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED FOLLOWING THE TRADITIONAL GHANA METHODIST LITURGY. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU. GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU

CHRIST REDEEMER CHURCH

Disciples Revival Church

Pastor-in-charge: Pastor Eric Amoah Tel: (416) 748-1242 Cell: (416) 300-9970 Church Services Sunday Service: Bible Study: 10 a.m.-11a.m.

Worship Service: 11a.m. - 1p.m.

Wednesday: Bible Study 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m.

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

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

416-614-7771

Location: 4 Racine, Unit 9

(Kipling/Rexdale)

Email: info@disciplesrevivalchurch.org www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

Redemption Faith Church

SUNDAY SERVICE - Morning - 10:00 am

Invites you to worship with us at 1485 ALBION ROAD (Albion/Kipling)

Mid-Week Service 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

Tel: 905-495-1936 Fax: 905-495-1937 This is a loving and caring Church that preaches and teaches the whole counsel of God. A place where the word of God is backed by strong anointing to bring Salvation, Healing and Deliverance to all people who believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST

For deliverance & healing, come to Disciples, a Church that caters to your needs Rev. Dr. Stephen Ofori-Darko

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

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Sunday Search the Scriptures - 12 noon - 12-45 p.m.

Church Service - 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Fridays - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Bible Study, Intercession & Deliverance

FOOD FOR LIFE

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Bringing the Gospel to our Community by Rev. Isaac DeGraft Takyi THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS THE LIFE OF FAITH: WHAT IS FAITH? Just as our physical eyesight is the sense that gives us evidence of the material world, faith is the “sense” that gives us evidence of the invisible, spiritual world.

“Physical eyesight produces a conviction or evidence of visible things; faith is the organ which enables people to see the invisible order.” (F. F. Bruce) Faith Is Taking The First Step Even When You Don’t See The Whole Staircase.

- Martin Luther King, Jr. Is faith in God still relevant in our postmodern world? As humans do we need faith in a deity to survive?

I s f a ith e s s e n tial t o t h e development of a family, a community and a nation? What is faith? What does it mean to other people? What does it mean to you? And what does God say faith means?Jesus Christ asked a question in Luke 18:8, which I believe is very relevant in our time “when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

The fact that Jesus even had to ask this question is a good indication that faith will be scarce at the time of His return.

Christ was asking, will I find people who believe this?And will we have the faith to believe it? This month we will look at what faith is not and what faith is? As we take a critical look at the subject of faith through out this summer.

WHAT IS NOTFAITH? We will start with the negative and conclude with the positive, we will look at what faith is not and conclude with what faith is. * Faith is not merely believing in Christ without living in obedience to Him. Read John 8:31 in the King James Version: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”Your faith in Christ will enable you to both believe and obey Him always. * Faith is not a substitute for keeping the law of God. Read all of James 2:14-24, including “Faith without works is dead.”

We want living faith; if faith without works is dead, then faith with works is living faith.

Christianity is not legalistic, it is living obediently by faith in grace and truth.

* Faith is not living in the dark, or wishful thinking. Some hold that “Faith is believing what you want to believe, yet cannot prove.”Ravi Zacharias says “Sadly, many people, including some Christians, live with this definition of faith.

For some it feels liberating. It means being able to believe in anything you want to believe.

No explanation is required; indeed, no explanation can be given; it is just a matter of faith.

For others, such a definition is sickening. Embracing faith means you stop thinking”. As faith increases, reason and meaning eventually disappear.

No explanations can be given, and none can be expected.

Thus, living in faith is living in the dark. This is not faith.

For both groups, the problem is the same. By starting with the wrong definition of faith, they have asked the wrong question, are dealing with the wrong problem, and so have ended up with the wrong answer. Faith is not wishful thinking. It is not about believing in things that do not exist. It neither makes all things believable nor meaning impossible.

not need faith.

* Faith is not defined in terms of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste, although faith does not ignore them. If we could perceive the object of our faith, we would

Biblical faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, writes the author of Hebrews.

A few verses later faith is similarly defined as knowing

Ghanaian Presbyterian

WHAT IS FAITH? The word Faith from most dictionaries is defined as complete trust or confidence in someone or something,a strong belief in God or doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

The Greek word for faith (pistis) in Strong’s Concordance, means persuasion, conviction of religious truth, conviction of the truthfulness of God based upon hearing His Word,the confident conviction or reliance on God, and assurance in the character, work, and Word of God. It comes from the root word meaning to convince, to assent to evidence or authority, or to rely on by inward certainty.

In a nutshell, It means “trust or trustworthy”. The word “substance” means a support or assurance and the word “evidence” also means proof or conviction. Faith includes firm conviction acknowledging God’s truth, personal surrender to Him, and the conduct inspired by such surrender pleases God.

that God exists and that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.There are many great conclusions that can be drawn from the above definitions but just one will suffice here.

Suppose you tell a friend that you have faith in her. What does that mean? It means two things.

First, you are sure the person you are talking to actually exists. And second, you are convinced she is trustworthy; you can believe what she says and trust in her character. Faith in God is believing that God exists and God can and must be trusted.

This verse tells us that faith is the assurance that we will receive the things for which we hope, and it supports the knowledge that we will receive them. The Bible has promises for blessings in this life if we obey God, and it also contains promises for eternal life in the kingdom of God. Faith is the assurance that we will receive those promises. Faith is believing that God is and He does what He says.

Faith is also the evidence or proof of what we cannot see or what we have not seen yet. By faith we know that God made the universe, although we cannot see God and we were not present at the cont’d on pg. 68

Living Word

Church of Montreal

Assembly of God Church (Affiliated with P.A.O.C.)

139 Millwick Drive Toronto, Ont. (Steeles/Islington) Tel: 416- 741-6285 Fax: 416- 741-0133

Minister: Rev. Stephen Azundem

Services:

Sunday 10:00AM – 1:00PM Divine Worship Service Wednesday 7:00PM – 9:00PM Teaching Service (Bible Study) Friday 7:00PM – 9:00PM – Prayer Service

Tel (office): 514 278 8109 Tel (Cell): 514 660 2422

1345 rue Lapointe St. Laurent, QC, H4L 1K5 Location: At the Corner of O’Brien and Poirier.

Email: livingwordag@bellnet.ca Senior Pastor Rev. Isaac Takyi DeGraft

Church Activities

Sunday Early Morning Prayer: 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service: 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday Prayer: 10:00 a.m-12 noon

Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

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

Last Friday of the month“All Night Prayer”):

7:30 p.m.-12 mid-night Youth Service (Fridays): 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

Departmental Meeting (Every other Sunday): 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

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Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, Toronto Tel: 416-614-6110 647-341-7305 Email: gcmuc.org Invites all Christians to join us to worship and glorify the Living God

Worship Schedule: Sunday Church Service - Akan: English Service

- 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

-

10:00 a.m. - 12 noon

Friday

- Prayer Meeting: - 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday

- Organizational Meetings Choir Practice, Singing Band Practice

Bethel Prayer Ministry Int'l Do you desire to experience the power and the presence of God demonstrated in your life?

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

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

Pastor Dennis Awuku COME AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED Senior Pastor

Contact:

Res. 416-740-6963 Church 416-642-0390 Worship Hours: Sunday Service: 9am - 1pm Tuesday 9am - 2 pm Consultation Wednesday: 7pm - 9p.m.

Friday: 9pm - 12 pm Saturday (Prayer Warriors) 6pm - 8pm Location: 52 Carrier Drive, Unit 12, (Albion/Hwy 27)

Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

Harvest Christian Church Invites you for a wonderful time with the Lord

Auxilliary Minister Rev. Samuel Victor Mpereh

-

647-770-8440

Venue of Worship 65 Mayall Avenue, Toronto, ON Tel: 416-614-6110 Email: gcmuc.org Hamilton Society Stoney Creek United Church (Chapel) 1 King Street West, Stoney Creek, Hamilton Contact: 289-244-5914, 289-700-6815, 289-698-1388

Worship Hours Sundays (Mornings) 10 - 12:45pm Wednesday (Bible Study) 7 -8:30 pm Friday (All Night Prayer) 8-10:30pm Rev Moses Sarpong

Come and Experience the power of the Word Join us at 196 Toryork Drive(Corner of Weston/Finch)

Tel: 416-743-2507

It’s Harvest Time So Reach Out And Make A Difference

It’s A Great Commission!

Apos. Dr. Emmanuel Anthony Owusu National Head

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The Apostolic Church Int'l.

The Apostolic Church International (Toronto Assembly) is a Branch of The Apostolic Church in Ghana Apostle Nii Aryee (Area Supt. Canada-Wide)

Meeting Schedule Sunday (Worship) Wednesday Teaching Service Friday Prayers Friday: Monthly All Night Service Saturday : Movements -

- - - -

10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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

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

10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

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

THE APOSTLES'

Field Superintendent contact: 416-454-6141 (cell) 905-913-2037 (Res)

CONTINUATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (CANADA)

168 Rexdale Blvd.,

North American Headquarters: 10 Belfield Road Toronto, Ont., M9W 1G1 Tel: 416-247-6629 Fax: 416-247-5308

Etobicoke, Ontario, M9W 1P6 Church Office 416-740-1979 Field Secretary: Pastor Cyril Williams - 416-875-9616 Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church

SERVICE TIMES:

2017: LIBERTY IN THE SPIRIT 2 Corinthian 3:17

SUNDAY SERVICES: 10:00 am-1:30 pm Ghanaian Service WEEKDAY SERVICES: Wednesday - Bible Studies Friday - Prayer Service LOCATION:

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 7:00 pm -9:00 pm

42 Steinway Blvd. Unit 1&2

Tel: 416-740-1200 Fax: 416-740-6435 lighthouseag@outlook.com Website: http:/www/lighthouseag.ca www.lighthouseagtoronto.org

Rhema Power of Grace Chapel Int'l

Worship Service Bible Studies Service All Night Service Deliverance

Toronto

63 Howden Rd., Unit 'F' Scarborough, ON, M1R 3C7 Pastor In-Charge: Pastor Ohene Kena Tel 647-850- 0142 Fax 416-945- 9445

Sunday - Divine Worship - 10a.m. - 1p.m.

Wednesday - Bible Studies 8p.m. - 10p.m.

Friday - Prayer / Deliverance - 7p.m. - 10p.m.

Contact Lines: Tel: 416-321-2796 (Pastor's Res) 416-747-9225 (Church)

Cell: 647-921-2414

Tel: 514-271-9083 Pastor-In-Charge: John Arhin

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

Immanuel Assembly of God Church, Scarborough Sunday School: 9:30am -10:30am Church Service: 10:30am - 12 noon

350 Deerhide Cres, North York, ON Rev. Bishop Joe Bonnah

378 Cremazie East Montreal, Quebec, H2P 1E5

Scarborough Assembly

Place of Worship:

Founder &Pastor-in-charge

Montreal Assembly

10 Belfield Road Tel: 416-247-6629

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

Days And Time of Worship

- Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday 9:00 p.m.

- Friday 9:30 p.m.

- Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Worship With Us At These Branches In Canada

Pastor-in-charge: Rev. Boniface Keelson

(Hwy 27/Steeles) Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6Y6 Email:

Website: www.apostlescontinuation.org

Rev. Douglas O. Ansah Pastor-in-charge

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

647-880-4216

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

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The Ghanaian News May 2017

The Apostolic Church Int’l Canada Inc.

(Currently, the only Ghana affiliated Apostolic Church in Canada)

Heaven In My Heart Ministries 100 Penn Dr, Unit #3 Rev. Eleanor Adu-Anane, Oversea and Founder MRE, ECE

Tel, 647-892-9412 Fax: 905-846-6257 E-mail eleanoraduanane@yahoo.ca

Time of Worship: Apostle Dr. KwabenaAkufo Supervising Apostle

Reverend Festus Ofori Senior Pastor Services

Sunday Worship Service 10am-1:00pm Wednesday Bible Studies 7:30pm-9:30pm Friday Prayer Meetings 7:30pm-9:30pm Contacts Us: 312 Rexdale Blvd, Etobicoke ON M9R 1R6 Major intersection Martin Grove www.theapostolicchurchcanada.org Email:apostolicchurchcanada@yahoo.com

Wednesday: Bible Studies 7:00pm to 8:30pm Friday: Prayer Meeting 8:30pm to 11pm st 1 . Friday of every month: All Night Prayer Meeting & Deliverance 9pm to 2am Saturday: Youth Meeting: 2pm to 4pm Choir Practice: 3pm to 5pm Sunday: Christian Education: 9am to 10am Celebration: 10:30am to 12:30pm

Rev. Mrs Eleanor Adu-Anane MRE, BA, RECE For Counselling & other matters contact the Pastor

647-892-9412 or 905-846-6257 E-mail: eleanoraduanane@yahoo.ca 100 Penn Drive Unit #3, North York, Ontario Canada. M9L 2A9

Tel: 647-607-5124 / 416-274-3378 416-897-4742

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Mathew 5:6

Come and taste the power of Christ.

Mailing Address: 2 Berwick Avenue Brampton Ontario, L6Z 2P6,

The Ghanaian News May 2017

67

Welcome Home Evangelistic Ministries Affiliated with the Evangelical Church In Canada

Gen. Overseer & Founder: Evang. & Prophetess Winnie Manu BRE, M. Div.

Worship Celebration Services Sunday Worship Celebration: 10 a.m.

Wednesday: Bible Studies - 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday: Intercessory Prayer Meeting 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Friday: Youth Night - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Healing Service: Last Sunday of every month

Place of Worship Cheyne Middle School 236 Queen Mary Drive Brampton, ON L7A 3L3

Contact Info: Tel: 647 210 7057 Fax: 905 495 4789

Christian Hope Ministry Int'l Invites You All To Come Worship With Us Apostle-in-charge: Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

Tel: 647-344-6726 Cell: 416-200-2453 TIME OF WORSHIP: Sunday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Tuesday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

VENUE: 1177 Finch Dr. #20, North York "And these signs will follow those who believe, in My Name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick , and they will recover. Amen (Mark 16:17)

"COME AND EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF GOD"

Transformation Centre Assembly of God Church, Mississauga Join us on Sundays for worship at: Venue: Clarkson Community Centre (Margaret Marland Room) Address: 2475 Truscott Drive, Mississauga, Ont (Southdown Rd/Truscott Dr. on Winston Churchill Blvd/Truscott Dr.

Time: 10.00AM-1.00PM

Website: www.wheministries.org

Email: whemtoday@gmail.com

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

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

PLACE OF WORSHIP 230 Eddystone Ave., #207, North York, Ont. M3N 1H7 We are more tan our conquerors Romans 8:37 "Come and see the manifestation and the power of the Holy Spirit at work"

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

Apostle Osei Bonsu

Contact: Pastor Isaac K. Bonful Tel: 289-814-5482 Email: transformcentreag@yahoo.ca www.transformationcentreag.ca "...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2a

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

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Around the Ghana Sports Scene Sports News: Coach Eyiah takes his Girls to QuarterFinals in Toronto.

By Staff Reporter The Brookview Middle School Senior Girls’ Soccer team made it to the quarterfinals on May 29, 2017 during this year’s Toronto District School Board Grades 7/8 Girls Soccer tournament.

They played against John G. Middle school of Etobicoke at the Hilltop Middle School park in Richview, Toronto.

The proud coach behind the girls’ feat is Mr. Joe Kingsley Eyiah, a teacher at Brookview Middle School who is also the Contributing Editor of the versatile Ghanaian N e w s b a s e d i n To r o n t o .

We at the Ghanaian News wish

Mr. Eyiah and his girls all the best.

David Accam rewarded with a place in the MLS team of the season that will play Real Madrid Surprisingly he was over looked for Black Stars team that will be playing against Ethiopia and United States of America.

Accam is Ghana’s highest earner in the United States of America and has been one of David Accam the consistent performers for Ghana and Chicago Fire Fire this season with his over forward David Accam has all contribution earning him been named in the MLS side rave review. that will take on Real Madrid The team was voted for by fans during their pre-season.

The Ghanaian international has of the MLS and the 26-year-old scored 4 goals for Chicago Fire was the only Ghanaian named in the team. Ghanasoccernet. so far this season. com

Mali beat Ghana to retain U17 African Championships History was made yet on Sunday at the Total U-17 African Cup of Nations Gabon 2017 when Mali became the first country to retain the title following a 1-0 win against the Black Starlets of Ghana.

In the final played at the Stade d’Angondjé otherwise known as Stade de l’Amitie, Seme Camara scored the only goal from the spot kick in a hotly contested match.

Sunday’s victory was the first time a defending champion successfully secured the title and the Aiglonnets joined the rank of countries like Nigeria, Ghana and the Gambia that have won the title twice since the championship was launched in 1995.

As widely predicted by the coaches, this match has all the trappings of a cup final and it started in an offensive manner in front of an enthusiastic crowd.But it was Mali that constantly troubled Ghana for much of the early minutes of play with the striking pair of Seme Camara and Hadji Drame tormenting the Ghanaian defence.

In an attacking raid, Ghana conceded the penalty and Mamadou Samake was twice lucky as he followed up the rebound to give

FIFA President mourns with Ghana FA on death of Robert Hammond F I FA P r e s i d e n t , G i a n n i Infantino has personally sent a letter of commiseration to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) mourning the death of former Hearts of Oak and Black Stars hero, Robert Hammond who passed away in the United States this week.

Joe Kingsley Eyiah Coach

Mali the lead in the 20th minute.

Some ten minutes after, the Black Starlets conceded yet another foul in the box but goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim punched the ball away to keep the Black Starlets in the game.

Ghana came strongly towards the first half and was unlucky to get an equaliser after Eric Ayiah with only the goalkeeper to beat, tamely shot on the body of Youssouf Koita and the lurking Malian defender cleared away to keep the score line at 1-0.

Meanwhile, Mali did not remove their legs from the pedal and could have added the second goal barely five minutes after the restart but Seme Camara in front of an empty post ballooned the ball over the bar.

T h e r e a f t e r, t h e g a m e s e e sawed but Mali have the duo of captain Mohammed Camara and Mamadi Fofana to thank as they stoutly defended their area down to the very end.

Mali as champions will lead the continent’s quartet including Ghana, Guinea and Niger to the forthcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup to be hosted in India in October. CAF Online

with Jonathan Baah Annobil

Hammond famously shone for Hearts of Oak in the 1970s when he teamed up with Anas Seidu, Peter Lamptey (Goal Thief), Mama Musa Acquah and dribbling wizard, Mohammed Polo to form the most formidable forward line Accra Hearts of Oak have ever had, nicknamed the FEARSOME FIVESOME. Hammond was also famously called Mr. Expensive because of his then Ghanaian record

President, Kwesi Nyantakyi.

“The Accra Hearts of Oak S.C. legend featured prominently for the Black Stars in the 1970s. With his club, he was a key player of the “fearsome five”, winning several league titles and reaching the final of the CAF Champions Late Robert Hammond League on two occasions,” continued the messaged t r a n s f e r o f ¢ 1 , 0 0 0 p l u s signed by Mr. Infantino. refrigerator and helped the Accra giants reach the old African “On behalf of the members champions’ league finals of of the international football 1977 and 1979 as well as win community, I would be grateful 4 league titles and 3 FA cups. if you could extend our deepest condolences to his family and “Please accept my deepest loved ones. We hope that, in condolences on hearing of some way, our words of support the passing away of former may help bring a little bit of international player Robert peace and solace,” it added.

Hammond,” said the letter dated sportsnetghana.com May 31 and addressed to GFA

Ghana drops again in FIFA ranking Ghana has dropped four places in the latest FIFA Ranking for June as the Black Stars ranked 49th position globally and 9th in Africa.

rankings published on 1 June, after placing 19 last month.

The Pharaohs, who were ranked in the global top ten in 2010 during their golden The decision not to play any era after three successive international friendly on the Africa Cup of Nations wins last FIFA free date two months (2006, 2008 and 2010), have ago has affected the team as changed places with Costa the Black Stars slip further. Rica in FIFA’s June ranking.

Ghana play their next competitive game against Ethiopia this month in their opening clash of the 2019 Nations Cup qualifiers.

Egypt, who are currently out of action since they strolled to a 3-0 friendly win over Togo in March, will play their next competitive game against Tunisia this June in their opening Group J clash of the 2019 Nations Cup qualifiers.

A f r i c a ’s l e a d i n g n a t i o n is Egypt and they have dropped one position to 20 in the FIFA global football The group also includes

Niger and Swaziland. Egypt is still leading the continent in global rankings, ahead of Senegal (27), Cameroon (32), Nigeria (38) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (39).

To p 1 0 A f r i c a n t e a m s : 20.

Egypt (19) 27. Senegal (30) 32. Cameroon (33) 38. Nigeria (40) 39. DR Congo (41) 41. Tunisia (42) 41. Burkina Faso (35) 47. Ivory Coast (48) 49.

Ghana (45) 53. Algeria (54) sportsobama.com

The Christian Life is the life of faith: What is faith? cont’d from pg. 63 creation. Faith is the evidence or proof that God exists, and it is also the evidence that He will keep His promises, even though we have not seen those promises yet.Romans 4:16-21 describes the relationship that the Old Testament patriarch Abraham had with God: “being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.” Abraham had faith that God could keep His promises, and he was assured that he would receive them.

He had the evidence, which is faith.It is in this way that the writer of Hebrews talks about faith in God. Faith is knowing that God is real and that you can trust in God’s promises. You cannot trust someone who isn’t there, nor can you rely on someone whose promises are not reliable. This is why faith is talked about as the substance of things hoped for and as the evidence of

things not seen. Both words carry with them a sense of reality. Our hope is not wishful thinking. Faith does not make God real. On the contrary, faith is the response to a real God who wants to be known to us as seen in Isaiah 45:5-6.

One Charismatic Pastor defines Faithas the most important force in all the universe. Why?Because the scripture reveals that “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

Mark 9:3.Faith he argues confers divinity upon humanity.

Faith empowers us to operate in the very realm of God. Faith empowers us to handle what only God could handle. Faith isnot a mere Bible principle.

Faith is our access to God. We are empowered by faith.

Faith is the covenant trigger for the manifestation of the power of God. Your faith pulls the power and establishes the

glory. Matthew 9:8; Mark 2:12.

Matthew 15: 29-31.

Let us conclude this segment with the admonition fromHebrews 10:35-39“So don’t lose your confidence.

It will bring you a great reward. You need endurance so that after you have done what God wants you to do, you can receive what he has promised. “Yet, the one who is coming will come soon. He will not delay. The person who has God’s approval will live by faith. But if he turns back, I will not be pleased with him. “We don’t belong with those who turn back and are destroyed.

Instead, we belong with those who have faith and are saved” GOD’S WORD Translation (GW). Dearly beloved, Faith enables believers to obey God, to take risks, to face obstacles, to endure suffering in spite of. Faith pleases God, gains God’s approval and Faithgets rewarded. Don’t lose your faith.

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