GHANAIAN NEWS - SEPTEMBER 2024

Ghanaian-CanadianCommunityCelebrates Excellenceat21stAchievementAwardsNight

The Chateau Le Jardin Banquet Hall was filled with pride and celebration as the Ghanaian-Canadian community gatheredtohonoroutstandingmembers atthe 21stAnnual Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards. The event, held over the weekend of September 21st 2024 showcased the exceptional accomplishments of 29 awardees across various fields, highlighting the contributionsoftheGhanaiandiaspora to Canada’s social and economic landscape.

Inhiswelcomeaddress,Mr.Emmanuel Ayiku, Publisher of the Ghanaian News Canada and the event’s main organizer,expressedhisdeepgratitude to attendees, dignitaries, and the wider community for their unwavering support. “It is indeed an honor and a feelingofgreatpleasureformetohave another opportunity to welcome you

ByEbenezerAmankwah,Toronto,ON ChrisCampbell

GroupofRecipientsanddignitaries

alltothishistoricoccasion,”Mr.Ayiku remarked. He reflected on the origins of the event, which began in 2000 with modest aspirations but has now evolved into a cornerstone celebration ofGhanaianachievementinCanada.

Mr. Ayiku outlined the threefold objectives of the Award Gala, emphasizing the need to recognize achievers within the GhanaianCanadian community. “These individuals deserve to be honored and encouraged to achieve even higher standards,” he said. The event also aimedtoshowcasethebestandbrightest talents to the larger Canadian society, serving as a reminder of the valuable contributions immigrants make to the developmentofthecountry.

“Often immigrants are seen as just parasites who only take away from

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“Beadventurousand

ByJoeKingsleyEyiah,

Mr. Chris Campbell, the President of the Carpenters Union local 27, who is the only known Black Union President with a full-time paid job in the construction trade industry in Canada was the Keynote Speaker at the 21st Annual Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Awards held in Toronto on September 21,2024.

Speaking to about 300 enthusiastic awardees and celebrants from Toronto and beyond, Mr. Campbell to make a point for his Black cultural background, said; “A younger version

Toronto,ON

-A survey from J.D. Power shows customer satisfaction is higher at mid-sized banks than the Big Five asCanadiansarefocusedespecially onfees.

The survey shows the average ranking among mid-sized banks like Tangerine, ATB Financial and Simplii Financial came in at 644 outofapossible1,000points,while

satisfaction was an average of 611 amongtheBigFivebanks.

J.D. Power says the results show a small uptick in satisfaction after years of decline and stagnation, as customer outlook on their personal finances and the economy also improve.

The consumer insights company

says the top three actions that damage trust include unexpected fees at 54 per cent, blaming the customer for an error at32 per cent and bad banking practices reported in the media at 27 per cent, while high fees are the top reason people mightswitchbanks.

The survey shows Scotiabank’s online-based Tangerine Bank had

the highest ranking among midsizedbanksforthe13thconsecutive year with a score of 684. RBC ranked highest among the Big Five withascoreof623.

The results are based on responses from 14,460 retail banking customers received at the start and midwaythrough2024.

TheCanadianPress

EDITORIAL

Publisher/Editor

EmmanuelAyiku

ContributingEditor

JoeKingsleyEyiah

EDITORIAL

Let’sPatronizeour CommunityBusinessesto boostcommunityeconomic success

Ghanaian-Canadian CommunityCelebrates Excellenceat21st AchievementAwardsNight

cont’dfrompg.1

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JonathanAnnobil

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EbenezerAmankwah

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Articlesappearinginvarious columnsoftheGhanaian Newsareintendedtogenerate civilandinformedpublic discussions. Youdonothave toagreewithopinionsexpressedbythewriters. That shouldencourageyoutowrite toexpressyourownviews. Thisisthewaywegenerate livelyandcivildiscussionsin thecommunity. Rejoinders arenotforumsforpersonal insultsandwewantreadersto adheretothese principles.

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

At our 21st Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Awards held in Toronto on September 21, this year, the keynote speaker, Mr. Chris Campbell during his closing remarks strongly advised Ghanaian Canadians and Ghanaians everywhere to be adventurous and fearless as they pursue theirdreams.Thisincludesbusinessventures orentrepreneurshipinourcommunity.

We all know of the economic, political and social successes of many migrant communities in Canada. We also know that the key to their economic, political and social successes has been due to only one major act of their community members: patronage of the businesses in their various communities. There’s a common saying, “It takesavillagetoraiseachild.”Thepowerof the community has pavedthe way for many of our community business owners. When you choose to support community-owned businesses, you’re supporting community prideandunity.

While that may be intimidating to some, it wouldmeantheworldtomany familiesand communities.

Ghanaian entrepreneurship is a tool for survivalin aworldthatdoesnotwanttosee us win. When we win against all odds, our young children grow up seeing successful entrepreneurs and the world a better place. Wedonotneedtostretchthispointveryfar. We can see these realities of the success of other communities around us. We can take toursofthosebusinessesandestablishments and we will come away with only one major reality: the active patronage of these businesses by their community members. Charity, they say, begins at home. “Home” inthiscontextmeans‘ourowncommunities’ righthereinCanada.Whenbusinessesinour communitiesflourish,thebenefitstranscend to the larger communities as well. The economicsuccesswillenablethebusinessesto support initiatives in our communities from supportforyoutheducation,recreation,and services to by extension creating a positive imageforourcommunity.

The economic successes will also lead to social and political recognition from the larger Canadian community. Again we can see evidence of these around us from other communities: their economic and business successes mean that the larger society takes them seriously. This has enabled them to make inroads into the bigger political arena enabling them to be part of the vital decision-making process of the country that eventuallyaffectsallofus.

We therefore entreat our community members to take cues from the above and activelyandstronglypatronizethebusinesses inourcommunity.

While we encourage our community businesses to strive for higher heights, the GhanaianNews wishtousethisopportunity andthiseditorialtostronglyadviseandappeal to our community members to consciously and strongly patronize the businesses in our various Ghanaian community Businesses here in Canada for a greater community economicsuccess.

Canadian society, but that is not the case,” Ayiku stressed, pointing to the exemplary achievements of the awardees as evidence. These recognitions not only underscore the contributions of the GhanaianCanadian community but also inspire future generations. “We intend to use this ceremony as a great boost and inspiration to our youth,” he added, highlighting the significance of celebrating high-achieving young peopleasrolemodels.

Dignitariesfromfederalandprovincial legislatures and the Deputy Ghana Consul General in Toronto Mrs. Joyce Asamoah-Koranteng were present, further elevating the significance of the event. Mr. Chris Campbell, The President of the Carpenters Union local 27 served as the guest speaker, delivering an insightful address that

resonatedwiththeattendees.

The night’s success was also made possible by the collective effort of volunteers and sponsors. Mr. Ayiku extendedhisgratitudeto allthose who contributed to the event, including his family and the staff of the Ghanaian News.Helauded thesponsorsfortheir crucial role in ensuring the event’s smooth organization and thanked the many volunteers spread across the countryfortheirinvaluableinput.

As the Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards mark their 21st year, the community looks forward to continuing the tradition of celebrating excellence and fostering growth, both within the Ghanaian-Canadian diaspora and across Canadian society asawhole.

WHOISAGHANAIAN

ByEdmundAgbeko,Toronto,ON

The ever-lingering question of ‘Who Is A Ghanaian’, which over the years hasrefusedtogoaway,hascomeback to the fore in recent times, especially following the vetting of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, when she was answering questions from members of the Appointments Committee on Friday, May 26. She said, a birth certificate is just an international requirement – basically reiterating the Supreme Court’s position that, a birth certificate is not proof of citizenship but just a document.

According to her, it is one’s lineage that determines the citizenship or otherwise of a person. “Citizenship is a matter of law; nationality is a matter of law. In certain jurisdictions, being born in that place makes you a citizen of that country, [but] in our country, being born in Ghana doesn’t make you a citizen of Ghana.” “It is your relationshipwithyourmother,itisyour mother’sidentity,yourfather’sidentity, and it is your lineage that determines your citizenship.” So that form [birth certificate] is just an international requirement, we must know where everyoneisborn.Butbeyondthat,your nationality is derived from that form, the evidence on that form,” she said.

Democracy is expensive, as they say. The system costs money, so definitely someone must foot the bill. The issue of cost, when it comes to democracy, primarily relates to political parties, and how they should be funded. The role political parties’ play in democratic practice is indispensable. They make certain freedoms that are core to democracy a reality like freedom of choice and association.

On April 25, 2023, President Akufo Addo nominated Justice Gertrude

Torkornoo as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Her nomination filled the vacancy being left by retired Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah. On May 26, the nominee appeared before parliament’s vetting committee as part of the confirmation process. The nominee spent a few hours answering several questions with astute sharpness, demonstrating the depth andknowledge shebringstothecourt.

The Chief Justice nominee was asked whether one’s birth certificate is proof of nationality or citizenship, to which she responded “No”. Her response is consistent with the court’s position on the matter. I painstakingly reread the court’s decision in the consolidated writsofNationalDemocraticCongress vs. Attorney General and Electoral Commission and Mark TakyiBanson vs Electoral Commission and Attorney General. In that decision, the court said “A birth certificate is not a form of identification. It does not establish the identity of the bearer. Nor does it link the holder with the information on the certificate. Quite obviously, it provides no evidence of citizenship.” The court cited cases that provided the constitutional justification for its position.

For many including astute writer like Dr John Osae-Kwapong, in her explanation,theChiefJusticenominee usedtwophrasesthathaveremainedin mymind.First,thatthebirthcertificate is a record of one’s birth and second, the doctrine of originating process. The first was easily understood, while the second needed the assistance of friendsinthe legalfield.Inthecontext of acquiring a passport, which the nominee agreed to, serves as proof of nationality/citizenship, the doctrine of originating process, if I understood them correctly, simply means the

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Toronto’s10-yeareconomicplancallsforcitytotackle congestion,inequality,housing

The City of Toronto is unveiling a strategy to guide its economic growth over the next decade, calling for “a new approach” to help solve some of itstoughestchallenges.

Dubbed “Sidewalks to Skylines: A 10-Year Action Plan For Toronto’s Economy,” the 72-page document provides a checklist of items to guide thecity’sgrowth.

“Deliveringontheactionin‘Sidewalks toSkylines’willkeepToronto’sengine firingonallcylindersandputthecityon a path to continue its growth,” Mayor OliviaChowsaidatanewsconference to unveil the plan Wednesday. “And weplantodoubleourGDPin25years, that’sambitious.”

The plan proposes 29 key objectives overthenextfiveyears.

Moredetailsonnewdealin2025

Atthetopofthelistisanewdealwith theprovincialandfederalgovernments for permanent sustainable funding for thecity.

The city and the province worked out the first part of their “new deal” last year. The plan includes saving the municipality billions of dollars by havingOntariotakebackresponsibility for the Gardiner Expressway and the DonValleyParkway.

Speaking at a news conference Wednesday, Chow said there will be

“Beadventurousandfearless asyoupursueyourdreams”Chris Campbell

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of myself often found camaraderie in spirited debates with my Ghanaian friends. We’d argue over who could claim Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive;orwhichofourcountrieshadthe most beautiful women—a topic that could stretch on for hours. We’d also lay claim to Bob Marley, the reggae icon, and the Rastafarian religion, both of which are deeply rooted in our cultures.

And then, of course, there was the never-ending debate about our beloved foods. Whether it was comparing the hearty Fufu to the comforting Bammy or pitting the classicJamaicanriceandpeasagainst the rich flavors of Ghanaian Jollof rice, these conversations were always fullofpassionandpride.

Butbeyondthesefriendlyrivalries,we mustneverforgetthedeephistoricalties that bind us. Most modern Jamaicans trace their ancestry back to the Akan andAshantipeopleofGhana,aswell as theYoruba, Igbo, and Ibibio people ofNigeria.Ourancestorswerebrought totheAmericasunderthebrutalsystem ofslavery,andtheirresilience,culture, and traditions continue to shape our identity today. In that sense, I may indeedbeofGhanaianheritage.”

TheKeynoteSpeakerdisclosedthatthe CarpentersUnion has been sponsoring galas, dinners, and fundraising events in the local community including the Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Award and hoped that Mr. Emannuel Ayiku who is the Director of the Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Awards would keep this relationshipgoingwiththeUnions.

HethenusedhisjourneyfromJamaica toCanadatopraisemothers,especially his mother and the community for helping him achieve his dream in life, emphasizing the African saying that, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’

He went on to publicly express his deep appreciation and honour for the sacrifices of his dear mother. ‘She laid outtheblueprintformyfuture,teaching

“ a lot more details” about the second partoftheplannextyear.

“Whether it is transportation, or housing–allthoseoperatingdollarsisa two year package,” Chow said. “Other than the uploading (the highways) –that’s forever, hopefully. And so we will have to conclude the New Deal part two before the expiration of the 2026funding.”

While the federal government eventually joined discussions with the city and the province, they have been less willing to commit to a deal with Toronto, favoring instead a piecemeal approach to project funding in various cities.

The Toronto census metropolitan area (CMA) accounts for 20 per cent of the national economic output as well as 52 per cent of Ontario’s,” the report’s authorsnote.

Theplansetsatargetof2030forthecity to finish hammering out agreements withbothlevelsofgovernment.

20% since 2019, while the median annual income has stagnated at a mere 0.4% growth rate,” the report states. “This disparity threatens to undermine Toronto’s appeal as a destination for skilledworkers.”

Theaverage costof a homeinToronto in2023wasmorethan$1.1million.

“To qualify for a mortgage of that size,ahouseholdneedsannualincome of nearly $220,000 plus a down paymentof$200,000,”thereportsays. “The average income in Toronto for workersage15+acrossalloccupations was $49,000 in 2021. The median householdincomeis$84,000.”

Theplanalsoflags asenseof safetyas an issue as well. It calls on Toronto to “urgently address street homelessness, mentalhealthandaddiction,”butthere arefewactionitemsattachedasidefrom coordinating across city government and with the province to ensure that housing-firstprogramssucceed.

me to be fearless and adventurous’, he saidwithathankfulsmile.

TheSpeakerdrewattentiontothetrend in the workforce in Canada of late and pointed out that 1 in every 6 jobs will be in the trades by 2026 as per the governmentofOntario.“Areyouaware that 80 to 90 percent of the major private and government infrastructure construction here use a unionized labor workforce to construct them? I am referring to carpenters, plumbers, electricians, painters, laborers, ironworkerstonameafew.”

On the importance issue of Empowering Our Future generation, Mr. Campbell posed the followingquestionaspresentreality:

‘Are you all aware that the average construction unionized journey personin

Toronto earns about $70.00 per hour or more. This is equivalent to over $140,000.00 annually and not includingovertimepay.’

Andpointedoutthat,“Theconstruction trades industry is another career path that we as parents and young people shouldlookatasanotherviableoption.

Let’s be honest with ourselves, we will not all be lawyers, judges, police chiefs, university chancellors, NBA stars,doctorsetc.

“There are obvious reasons why other culturesgravitatetotheindustry.These are the folks that drive their $80K Dodge Ram, Ford F150, and GMC pickup trucks to their cottages on the weekendsuptheHwy400.

Ladies and gentlemen wouldn’t you like to see more of your sons and daughters living similar Canadian dreams also through the construction industry?”

In his closing remarks, Mr. Chris Campbell strongly advised Ghanaian Canadians and Ghanaians everywhere to be adventurous and fearless as they pursuetheirdreams.

‘Ifyou’repassionateaboutyourcareer choices, don’t let anyone tell you “No.”‘heencouragedallandsundry.

Other key action items in the plan include making the city “the most competitive business environment in North America” by reducing the commercial-residential property tax ratioto50percentlessthanresidential levy increases in any given year, until theprovincialratioismet.

Italsocallsforanewbusinessincentive programbytheendof2025to“support targeted employment uses, increase high-qualityjobs,stimulateinvestment across the city, drive broader citybuilding goals, and enhance Toronto’s competitiveedge.”

Toronto needs to address housing andinequality

The plan’s authors also said Toronto needs a “new approach” to economic development that addresses more than dollarsandcents.

“While this Action Plan is concerned with GDP and job growth, it seeks to also address increasingly urgent issues ofsharedprosperityandsustainability,” the report says. “This reflects a necessary evolution in how the City approacheseconomicdevelopment.”

It notes that while a high quality of life has historically been a strong asset to the city, “this asset has been increasingly at risk” in recent years, particularly with respect to housing andwealthdistribution.Therisingcost of housing, it notes, has drastically outpaced income growth over the past few years, leaving many people strugglingtostayinthecity.

“Rising housing costs are a significant concern, with home prices soaring by

In order to collaborate with external partners to “reduce barriers to economic inclusion,” the plancalls for targetedproperty taxrelieffor“anchor institutionsdrivinginclusiveeconomic developmentinToronto.”

To advance Indigenous economic development, the city should open an Indigenous Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship next year, host a TorontoIndigenousEconomicSummit in 2025 and launch an Indigenous EconomicStrategyby2026,thereport says.

Steadygrowthprojected

Other key goals include building affordable housing faster tackling congestion through an updated congestion management plan, and dealingwiththeclimatecrisis.

Theplanalsocallsonthecitytocreate more opportunities for youth, noting thattheTorontoregionisexpectedadd 3.3millionmorepeopleby2046.

“Issuesofintergenerationalfairness,as with climate change and infrastructure investment, are emerging across many policy fronts, as the economic prospects for Generation Z and beyond appear more limited than the generationswhichprecededthem,”the report states. “This calls for a ”youth lens” to be increasingly applied to economicpolicydevelopment.”

The authors note that Toronto “has remarkable resilience, withstanding boththe2008GreatRecessionandmost recently the COVID-19 pandemic,” butwarnthatthecityneedstofocuson the basics to stay on sure footing over thenextdecade. CP24.com

Annualinflationfallsto1.6%inSeptember, smallestyearlyincreasesince2021

The chances of a half-percentage point interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada became more likely Tuesday after Statistics Canada reported the annual inflationratefellto1.6percentinSeptember.

EconomistTuNguyenofaccountingandconsultancy firmRSMCanadasaidshehadexpectedtheinflation rate to remain close to the central bank’s two per cent target, where it was in August, for a few more months.

“This is one of the instances where I’m happy to be wrong,”shesaid.

NguyensaidwhiletheBankofCanadahasfavoured a slow and gradual pace of 25-basis-point cuts each time,theinflationreportraisestheoddsofa50-basispointcut.

“It’s clear that we are well behind the curve when it comestoratecuts,”shesaid.

The inflation report is the last major piece of economic data before the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decision on Oct. 23 when it will also update its economicforecastsinitsmonetarypolicyreport.

StatisticsCanadasaidTuesdaylowergasolineprices were the main driver of the drop in the overall inflationrateforSeptemberasdriverspaidlesstofill upthantheydidlastyear.

Gasoline prices in September fell 10.7 per cent

compared with a year earlier. Excluding gasoline, the annual pace of inflation was 2.2 per cent in September.

Meanwhile, rent prices increased ata slower pace in themonthbutremainedelevatedastheyrose8.2per centcomparedwithayearagofollowingayear-overyeargainof8.9percentinAugust.

Statistics Canada said prices for food purchased fromstoresrosefasterthanheadlineinflationasthey increased2.4percentinSeptember,thesamerateas inAugust. Prices for fresh or frozen beef gained 9.2 per cent, while edible fats and oils rose 7.8 per cent andeggsincreasedfivepercent.

Prices for food purchased from restaurants rose 3.5 percentcomparedwith3.4percentinAugust.

The Bank of Canada, which has a target of two per cent for overall inflation, has cut its key interest rate threetimessofarthisyeartobringitto4.25percent.

Governor Tiff Macklem has said it is reasonable to expect more interest rate cuts are coming, given the progress made on inflation, but the pace and timing of cuts will depend on the central bank’s evaluation oftheeconomicdata.

In September, Macklem signalled a willingness to changethepaceofcuts,ifcircumstanceswarrant.

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Ontariowill restrictnewbike lanesamid‘outof control’process: Transportation Minister

The Ontario government is introducing legislation that will require municipalities to receive provincial approval before removing traffic lanes to install new bikepaths.

Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria madetheannouncementonTuesdaymorning,noting that the plan will bring “informed decision making and oversight to a process that is frankly, out of control.”

Existing bike lanes will not have to be ripped up underthefirststageofnewlegislation,Sarkariasaid. Howeverhesaidthattheprovincewillalsobeasking municipalities for data on projects initiated in the pastfiveyearstoassesswhethertheprovinceagrees. Sarkariaquestionedsomeofthedatausedtoestimate cycling traffic and the impact of bike lanes on congestions, saying he believes very hot and rainy dayswerenotcounted.

“Whenstrategicallyplaced,bikelanesareavitalpart of every city, offering residents a safe and a reliable waytomovearound,”Sarkariaacknowledged.“What cities should not be doing, however, is taking away lanesoftrafficonourmoremostcongestedroads.”

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Makingartsandcraftsimprovesyourmentalhealthas

muchas havingajob,scientistsfind

Walking into my grandmother’s house, I watch her hands move in a fast-weaving motion as stitches extend from her knitting needles. Beside her are layered stacks of knit blankets, scarves and ponchos stitched with carefully selected color schemes and patterns made of wool yarn. She donates these blanketstochildren’shospitalsandfosterhomes.

Her favorite pastime is creating. She is always crafting,whetherit’sknitting,coloring,scratchartor most recently, dabbling in gem art. These activities provide her satisfaction and purpose in ways more fulfillingthanwork.

Sheinfusedherloveforartsandcraftsintotherestof myfamily.Mymomjoinedcommunitytheatergroups when she became an empty nester and learned pour painting. My younger cousin photographs nature, andhisfather(myuncle)hasacomedicpodcastwith voiceactors.MytwinbrotherandIsangincollege— it kept us sane while balancing our heavy academic workloads.

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We thought it was beneficial for our health, and we wereright.Creatingartreduceslevelsofcortisol,the

body’sstresshormone,pastresearchhasshown.

“Engaging with arts and crafts is accessible and affordable. Options such as knitting and drawing require very few tools and can be engaging and creativelyfulfillingactivities,”saidDr.HelenKeyes, cognitive psychologist and head of the school of psychology and sport science at Anglia Ruskin University,viaemail.

Now,anewstudybyKeyesandfellowresearchershas found that engaging in creative activities can significantly boost well-being by providing meaningfulspacesforexpressionandachievement.

Although prior studies have shown that creating arts and crafting is therapeutic for people with mental health conditions, the general population has been understudied,accordingtothestudy,whichpublished recentlyinFrontiersinPublicHealth.

That’s why they sampled members of the general population without diagnosed illnesses to see how arts and crafts might contribute to well-being and mayreducelonelinessoutcomesineverydaylife.

The team used data from a major national survey in the UK between 2019-2020 to investigate how creative activities could impact life satisfaction, controlling for variables known to affect wellbeing suchasgender,agegroup,health,employmentstatus and deprivation. The researchers analyzed a sample of 7,182 participants living in England (age 16 and over) from the annualTaking Part survey conducted by the UK’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport, which explores how the public engages with theseactivities.

“We kept our analysis to arts and crafting at a broad level,ratherthanfocusingonspecifichobbies,aswe know that people’s preferences vary and they will find the craft or creative activity that works best for them,”Keyessaid.

More than 37% of survey respondents confirmed they had taken part in at least one craft activity over the last year. They were also asked about their employment status, their health, their sense of life being worth living, how frequently they feel lonely andtheirlevelsofsensedhappiness,anxietyandlife satisfaction.

Participants’ reported happiness, life satisfaction and sense of lives being worthwhile were positively correlated to participating in arts and crafts, but arts and crafts were not associated with decreased anxiety or loneliness which requires further investigation. Additional study is needed to examine thesocialaspectsofcreative activities,researcherssaid.

“All forms of art can be beneficial in boosting mental health. Benefits include: increase in selfesteem, reduction in anxiety/stress, improving communication, and fostering creativity,” said Dr. Frank Clark, a psychiatrist with Prisma Healthandapoet,viaemail. Clark was not involved in thestudy.

Arts and crafts for public health

The researchers suggested that arts and crafts could improvepublichealth.

“Governments and national health services might consider funding and promoting crafting, or even socially prescribing these activities for at-risk populations as part of a promotion and prevention approach to wellbeing and mental health,” Keyes said. “Engaging with crafting is something that is relatively easy to introduce into your life.”

Creativity does not have onelook Crafting provides an opportunity for a sense of

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FOCUS

Let’smaketheSchoolCurriculumRelevanttoourCommunityNeeds tocurbYouthUnemployment.

AskJoeKingsleyEyiah,Educationist/SocialCommentator

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

Curriculum could be described as lists of subjects, learning areas and coursesofstudy. Thesyllabusoutlines everything that the teacher needs to teachtohis/herclass.Itmustbeargued here that this content-prescriptive approach limits the scope of teachers toreallypersonalizethelearning.

Although, there is no single definition that can be used to holistically explain this complex phenomenon known as curriculum, it can be simply referred to as a course of study or plan for what is to be taught in an educational institution (Wiles, “Bondi in Curriculum Development: A Guide to Practice”, 1998).According to Gatawa inthebook“ThePoliticsoftheSchool Curriculum: An Introduction” (1990), the curriculumisgeneral in nature, for itencompassesallsocietalspeculations about knowledge and what constitutes it. Knowledge should have a basis as determinedbysociety.

However, because knowledge is dynamic as it constantly changes with the coming on board of new truths in the ever changing universe, policymakers should always be privy toanyshiftinexpectation,sothatwhat is considered as knowledge remains relevanttosocietalneeds

Relevanceisourbigchallengenow:

The greatest challenge we face today is relevance. Our students require a curriculum that provides them with meaningfulexperiences,thatengenders deepandsignificantlearning. Ithasto berelevantandresponsivetotheagein whichwelive. In otherwords,itmust educateforlife.

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

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

Ghana has embarked upon a new

standards-based curriculum for kindergarten to Class 6 in primary schools for the past four years or so. This curriculum embodied the best practices from all over the world, and focuses on making Ghanaian children confident, innovative, creative-thinking, digitally-literate, well-rounded, patriotic citizens. Mathematics, Science, Reading, Writing and Creativity are, therefore, attheheartofthisnewcurriculum.

Also, the two major political parties campaigning for the 2024 Presidential cum Parliamentary elections in Ghana arevigorouslythroughtheirmanifestos promisingthenationnewopportunities (technological improvements) in the education system of the country to meet the needs of every student in the country. We pray that both political parties (the incumbent NPP and the opposition NDC) stay faithful to their promises in education when they win thecomingDecember7elections

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

Rising Graduate Unemployment in Ghana:

World Bank report on Ghana in 2016 laments the growing youth unemployment in Ghana. It says 48% ofGhanaianyoutharejobless.

The report reveals, “In Ghana, youth arelesslikelythanadultstobeworking: in2012,about52%ofpeopleaged1524 were employed (compared to about 90% for the 25-64 population), a third were inschool,14%wereinactiveand 4% were unemployed actively looking for job.Young womenin the same age group are particularly disadvantaged and have much higher inactivity rates than men: 17% of young female are inactiveasopposedto11%ofmales,”

It recommended that “government must work towards equipping the youth with relevant skills through the educationalsystem.”

Obviously, policymakers are confused aboutwhattherealissuesareandwhat, possibly could be done about them. It must be noted here that Ghana is not the only country battling with the rise ingraduateunemployment.

GhananowhasfreeSeniorHighSchool education to help all her citizens of school-going age to access secondary education. This means there will be more High School graduates for our Universities and Colleges than before the free secondary education was introduced in the country. To curb the growinggraduateunemploymentinthe country, the school curriculum ought tobereshapedtocaterfortheneeds of the Ghanaian community. Numeracy and literacy, science and technology, visual arts and performing arts, social studies and vocational studies must all be given respectable emphasis in the developmentoftheschoolcurriculum.

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

The fact is that, there is always the need to maintain the professionalism of teachers through adequate incentivesandcontinuousprofessional development.

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

WHOISAGHANAIAN

cont’dfrompg.6

determinationofone’snationalitystarts fromsomewhere(gleaninginformation from your birth record contained on the birth certificate) but does not end there. It ends instead with the issuanceofaGhanaianpassport,which serves as proof of your citizenship.

It was quite an intriguing response to fully comprehend, if indeed the information contained on one’s birth certificatesatisfiesthe citizenshiplaws of Ghana, why can’t the document be subsequently deemed acceptable as proof of citizenship? I asked my erudite friends. One of them said, “We just need to be sure you are who you say you are.” To buttress their point, they point to lapses in the administrative process of acquiring a birth certificate and the possibility of non-Ghanaians being described on that birth record as Ghanaian.

It is worthy to note that, on Monday,

June 12, 2023, at the Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo administered the Oath of Allegiance, the Judicial Oath, and the Oath of Secrecy to the new chief justice; as Justice Gertrude Araba EsabaaTorkornoowasswornin as Ghana’s third female Chief Justice. Gertrude Torkornoo becomes the 15th Chief Justice of Ghana and the third female to occupy the prestigious positionafterJusticeGeorginaTheodora Wood and Justice Sophia Akuffo.

Theswearing-inceremonywasattended by dignitaries, including members of Parliament, government officials, legal practitioners, and representatives from varioussectorsofsociety.Forherpart, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo pledged to clean the Judiciary by introducing technologytohelptheprocess. Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has served at the High Court, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, where she was appointed to in 2019 by President Akufo-Addo.

“GALAMSEY!-InsearchofGold, WelosttheDiamond

ByEdmundAgbeko,Toronto,ON

AsRachelGyabaahpensit,inGhana’s quest for gold, a far more precious resource is being destroyed; water. Rivers and viable forests that once sustainedcommunitiesandthecountry at large are now tainted with deadly mercuryandothertoxicsubstances.The destruction of forest reserves and wild and aquatic life continues unabated.

These devastating fallouts of illegal mining,or“galamsey,”poseexistential threatstoourverysurvivalandGhana’s sustainabledevelopment.Althoughthe impact on the environment and human health is undeniable, the hidden costs of this devastation extend even further intothepocketsofeveryoneinGhana.

ThePoisonforGoldcampaign,launched by TrustAfrica and Multimedia Group aspartoftheRECLAIMSustainability Programme, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has brought much-needed attention to the actualdriversofthegalamseymenace. The campaign reveals that it’s not just about gold extraction; it’s about the survival of an entire ecosystem, livelihoods,andensuringaccesstosafe andclean water for future generations. A key objective of this initiative is to enhance alternative livelihoods in mining communities while advocating for responsible and innovative smallscalemining.

One of the most alarming aspects revealedbythecampaignistherampant use of toxic substances and heavy metals in illegal mining operations. Chief among them is mercury. Mercury is used to extract gold from ore, but in the process, it seeps into rivers and soil, with a high tendency to contaminate water sources and subsequentlythefoodchainscultivated intheseareasandnearbycommunities.

The Poison for Gold campaign, through investigative journalism and community engagement, has established how communities dependent on rivers such as the Pra, Ankobra, and Offin for drinking water and fishing are being slowly poisoned by mercury and other heavy metals. This has led to serious health complications, including neurological damage, kidney failure, respiratory conditions,andevenbirthdefects.The campaign’seffectivemediaexpositions and advocacy, along with testimonies from affected communities, showcase the damning effects illegal mining is

having on Ghana’s most vulnerable populations. Additional media reports have confirmed that many women in these galamsey communities are now experiencingmiscarriages.

Illegal mining has turned some of Ghana’s most important rivers into toxic wastelands. The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), responsible for providing safe and clean drinking water to millions, now facesthecostlytaskoftreatingheavily pollutedwaterbecauseofthegalamsey menace. Due to this contamination, water treatment plants along the Pra and Birim rivers are forced to use up to five times more chemicals to purify the water for consumption, thereby raising the cost of treatment. This increased cost is passed on to consumers, leading to higher water bills.Thefinancialburdeniseventually bornebyGhanaiansincludingthepoor and vulnerable whose water sources have been destroyed in the relentless pursuit of gold. Beyond this increased expenditure, there is no guarantee that the water is entirely safe or free from harmful substances like mercury, which can lead to long-term health issues such as neurological damage andkidneyfailure.Accordingtorecent reports, mercury can remain in water forseveralyears.

Theironyisbitter:whileillegalminers extractgoldthatoftenleavesthecountry for foreignmarkets,Ghanaiansare left paying more for clean water. It’s as if a golden apple is being plucked from thehandsofthepeople,leavingbehind apoisonedwell.Thisprevailing cycle, where the extraction of one resource leads to the degradation of another, mirrorsaclassicscenariointheanimal kingdom where a predator overhunts, devastating the ecosystem in the process. In this analogy, illegal miners are like predators, relentlessly chasing goldwithoutregardfortheecosystem’s balance.When predators overhunt, the preypopulationcollapses,destabilizing the environment. Similarly, galamsey isdestabilizingGhana’swatersystems, affecting not just the environment but also the health, food security, and economyofthecountry.

The financial cost of treating polluted water is only a fraction of the dangers facing Ghana. The Poison for Gold campaign has also highlighted the devastatingeffectsonfarmingandfood security.Farmersrelyontheseriversto irrigate their crops, but as clean, safe water becomes scarce and more toxic, agricultural yields are plummeting. This in turn affects Ghana’s foreign exchange, as galamsey also threatens cash crops like cocoa. Rising food prices are already a challenge, and this trend is expected to worsen. The destruction of farmlands through illegal mining reduces agricultural productivity, pushing the country

IMMIGRATIONANDSOCIALISSUES

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

AppealingagainstNon-fulfilmentofResidencyObligationfor PermanentResidents

Not all cases of loss of permanent residence are appealable to the ImmigrationAppealDivision(IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). Specifically, section 64 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) forbids appeals to the IAD if the foreign national or permanent resident has been found to be inadmissible on grounds of security, violating human or international rights, serious criminality or organized criminality. Decisions based on a finding of inadmissibility on the ground of misrepresentation may also not be appealable unless the foreign national in question is the sponsor’s spouse, commonlaw partner or child. Permanent residents of Canada are however, generally, not denied appeal rights in matters related to non-fulfilment ofresidencyobligations.

Permanent residents may appeal to the IAD against a decision made outside Canada on the residency obligation under section 28 of the Act pursuant to section 63 of

the Act. They have to act within a permissible time frame. If a permanentresidentdoesnotsubmit an appeal to the IAD within the time period allowed for the filing ofsuchanappeal,thenthedecision made outside Canada will become a final determination in accordance with subsection 46(1)(b) of the ImmigrationAct.

Section 28 of the Immigration Act requires a permanent resident to comply with a residency obligation with respect to every five-year period. Basically, permanent residentsarerequiredtodemonstrate thatatleastatotalof730daysinthe

five-year period have been “spent” inCanada.

The Immigration Act most flexibly spells out four principal ways that permanent residents can meet the residency obligation of 730 days within the five-year period. It is a requirement that the permanent resident must be physically present in Canada; must be accompanying abroad a spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen; must be employed abroad, on a full-time basis, by a prescribed Canadian business or in the public service of Canada or of a province; or must be accompanying abroad a Canadian permanent resident spouse, common-law partner or parent who is also outside Canada andwhoisemployedonafull-time basis, by a prescribed Canadian businessorintheserviceofCanada orofaprovince.

Officers first assess the cumulative number of days the permanent residenthasbeenphysicallypresent inCanadatodetermineiftheperson has acquired 730 days physical presence in the preceding five-year period. If the cumulative number of days physically present is less than730,thentheofficerswilllook at the issues of accompanying a family member, and /or the nature of employment of the permanent resident, outside Canada, if applicable.

The onus rests with the permanent resident to provide information and evidence to satisfy an officer that the residency obligation has been, or will be, met. For example,

if a permanent resident has been a permanent resident for less than five years, it is sufficient for the permanent resident to demonstrate atexaminationthatheorshewillbe abletomeettheresidencyobligation in respect of the five-year period at theendofthefive-yearperiod.

If, after considering the foregoing in its totality, the combined total number of days the permanent resident is deemed to have spent in Canada within the preceding fiveyear period is still less than 730, the residency obligation may still be met if there are humanitarian and compassionate considerations that might warrant retention of the permanent resident status. One should however not count so much onhumanitarianandcompassionate considerationswhichareprincipally subjective.

The issues involved in the determination of residency obligation could be very confusing in a situation where the number of days of physical presence in Canada within the five-year period under examination is under 730. Seek professional advice in such situations.

James A. Kwaateng is an Immigration Law practitioner with hisofficeslocatedat168AOakdale Road, Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario. For thorough discussion of your immigrationandrelatedsocialand legalissues,youmaycontacthimat telephone number (416) 743-2758 foranappointment.

ChinalikelytoseizeGhana’s mineralandelectricityrevenue overdefaultofloans–IMF

In May last year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) revealed that the Chinese government might gain access to Ghana’s mineral and electricity revenues because the Ghanaian government failed to meet its loan agreement obligations.

It added that as at the end of 2022, collateralized loans amount to $619 million of the $1.9 billion loan agreements Ghana has with China.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has disclosed that the Chinese government would likely have access to Ghana’s mineral revenue and electricity revenue due to the government of Ghana’s failure to honour its loan agreement.

According to a news report by myjoyonline.com, the fund indicated that this might happen because the government of Ghana is at risk of not being able to repay four loans it acquiredfromtheChinesegovernment which it collateralised with Ghana’s mineralresources and electricity sales.

The report indicated that Ghana for the past decade acquired at least eight collateralized loans from China with different mineral resources as security against default.

It added that as at the end of 2022, collateralized loans amount to $619

IMFManagingDirector,KristalinaGeorgieva

million of the $1.9 billion loan agreements Ghana has with China.

The IMF indicated that $619 million in loans were acquired between 2007 and 2018 and they were collateralised with Ghana’s cocoa, bauxiteandoilandelectricityrevenue.

“Collateralizeddebtisanycontractedor guaranteed debt that gives the creditor therightsoveranassetorrevenuestream that would allow it, if the borrower defaults on its payment obligations, to rely on the asset or revenue stream to secure repayment of the debt,” the IMF was quoted by myjoyonline.com.

“Statutoryfundswillnotbeallowedto collateralizerevenuestreamsandissue debt. No objection certificates will not be issued to any statutory fund by the governing authority in this regard,” it added.

“GALAMSEY!-InsearchofGold, WelosttheDiamond

cont’dfrompg.11

further from achieving Sustainable DevelopmentGoal2(ZeroHunger).

Climate change further exacerbates the situation. The effects of galamsey compound the impacts of erratic rainfall, droughts, and floods, all of whichalreadythreatenfoodproduction and security. With food insecurity on therise,Ghana’sgoalofattainingSDG 2couldbereversed,puttingvulnerable populations at risk of hunger. Beyond the environmental and financial implications, a human tragedy is unfolding. The mercury used in gold extraction seeps into rivers and soil, enteringthefoodchainthroughfishand crops. The Poison for Gold campaign has revealed heartbreaking stories of childrenbornwithbirthdefects,adults suffering from unexplained illnesses, andcommunitieslackingaccesstosafe andcleandrinkingwater.

It is clear that the fight against illegal mining cannot be won through law enforcement alone. The Poison for Goldcampaignadvocatesforaholistic approach, engaging all stakeholders government, traditional leaders, civil society,media, local communities,and players in the galamsey industry on a sustainable basis. As global attention turns to climate change mitigation

through COP negotiations, Ghana’s battlewithillegalminingbecomespart of a larger conversation. The costs of climate inaction rising temperatures, increased pollution, and damaged ecosystems are already being felt. Galamsey accelerates environmental degradation,makingitharderforGhana to meet its climate commitments and increasing its vulnerability to climatedrivendisasters.

To turn the tide, Ghana must begin viewing the galamsey menace as an abuse of basic human rights to clean andsafe water, and asan affront to the Constitutionforfailingtoprotectlives, properties, and the environment. The question of where gold from illegal miningendsmustbeansweredtoavoid a mineral curse or blood-diamond scenario in Ghana. Addressing illegal mining is essential not just for environmental protection but for the nation’s future. The escalating cost of treating water is a symptom of a deeper crisis threatening livelihoods and societal stability. Ghana faces a clear choice: either act now to restore ecosystems and protect future generations, or continue to allow illegalminingtodestroywatersources andincreasethecostofliving.Wateris life,notgold.

SoulMatesDoExist

ByStaffWriter,Toronto,ON

Lots of young adults believe they have a soul mate somewhere waiting for them, according to a study. Clearly, the idea of a soul mate is a pervasive one … but is it real?Wheredidthetermevencome from? Is it dangerous to put so muchfaithinanotionthatisnearly impossible to prove?For many, the ideaofasoulmateisrootedinfate, God’s will. Others have no clear understanding of exactly why they believe in the idea of a soul mate but still feel strongly that they are destined to be with one specific personinthisworld.

The concept of a soul mate is a seductive one; the thought that one personcanperfectlycomplete,orat least complement us, is incredibly attractive. If and when we find our true soul mate, our flaws won’t really matter since our soul mate willbeperfectlyequippedtohandle and balance these flaws.When times are good, it is easy to believe that the person you are with could beyour soulmate.Butwhenthings getharder,thissameconfidencecan justaseasilybeshaken.Whatifyou were wrong—what if this person was really never truly your soul mate? Surely, your true soul mate would never disappoint you, never misunderstand you, will never hurt you. Maybe your real soul mate is still out there somewhere, waiting foryou.

While the concept of a soul mate can never be definitively proved, neithercanitbedisproved.Sowhat harms can come from believing in soul mates, or at least hope for one? The problem can be that our concept of soul mates can cause us to have unrealisticexpectations for

love and prompt us to leave relationships that actually have a great future. Let’s take for example that you have found someone special, a possible soul mate candidate. There is a 20-year study thatsuggeststhat55to60percentof divorcing couples discarded unions with real potential. Many of these individuals maintained that they still loved their partner but were boredor feltthe relationshiphadn’t liveduptotheirexpectations.

Viablerelationshipsareoftentossed out, not because of irreversible problems, but because our partner didn’t quite measure up to the romantic ideals that we had in our head. Particularly in the longterm, committed relationships or marriage.Wesometimesendasolid relationshipmerelybecauseyouare no longer 100% convinced your partner is your soul mate. That, I am afraid, seems irresponsible. That is not to say we should stay in unhealthyrelationships, but rather, that we should weigh the meritsofarelationshipobjectively.. But being a good fit doesn’t mean that you need to share every personality trait or interest as your partner.

Soul mates may very well exist … perhaps you are fortunate enough to have found yours already. Ultimately what matters though is not our partner’s ability to pass some mysterious soul mate test. What matters most is that we have confidenceinourabilitytocontinue finding beauty, strength, and yes, true love, in our relationship with thepersonwe’rewith.

Makingartsandcraftsimproves yourmentalhealthasmuchas havingajob,scientistsfind

cont’dfrompg9

achievement and expression through creation.

“A sense of mastery is important for wellbeing, and there is inherently a sense of mastery associated with craftingandcreatingart;thatis,people can see their progress and be proud of what they are producing,” Keyes said viaemail.

Ifyoudon’tthinkofyourselfasartistic or creative, Clark has four suggestions to tap into your creative side:Reframe your thinking to be optimistic about yourcreativepotential;donotbeafraid totakeriskstotryanewactivity;foster relationships with people who are in a creativespacethat’sinterestingtoyou; andthinkaboutwhatyoudidcreatively asachildanddoitagain.

Tryitforyourself

A cheap option for indulging in creativity is coloring. Although some mayperceivecoloringasanactivityfor kids, “I love adult coloring books and encourage everyone to embrace their inner child,” Clark said. “Coloring is an example of a mindfulness activity that has a multitude of health benefits. It can help foster social connection, improve concentration, and spur creativity.”

And when you’re creative, anything can happen. “Creativity has the power to foster resilience, restoration, and reconciliation,” he said. “It is a catharticantidotethatcanhelpprovide a sense of meaning and purpose for humanity.” CNN

EveryDollarCounts! 2024BudgetChangesandImpactonPersonalTaxes

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

The Budget is a blueprint for how the Government wants to set the annual economic agenda for Canada.And it’s thejoboftheDepartmentofFinanceto prepare it. The budget, usually tabled early in the year, is generally preceded inthefall.The2024Budgetwhichwas released in April 2024, tabled some changesinfederalspendingandcredits orallowances,thatimpactourpersonal taxesorincometaxcomputation.Here, I would like to list some of these in a 2-part edition, this month and next highlighting some of the adjustments and how it will impact our tax filing in the future years, at least in 2025 onwards:

1.0ExemptIncome:Students

Effective: 2024-2025 academic year. The government will increase Canada Student Grants as shown below and interest-free Canada Student Loans from$210to$300aweek.

Doubling Canada Student Grants for Full-TimeStudents,2014-2024

Full-Time Students: Maximum in 2014 ($2,000.00), Maximum in 2019($3,000.00); Maximum in 2024($4,200.00). Part-Time students willhaveadjustedpaymentproratedat $1,200.00 in 2014, $1,800.00 in 2019, &$2,250.00in2024accordingly.

StudentswithDependants(Full-Time)

$1,600 (per dependant) in 2014/2019 $2,240 (per dependant) in 2024. StudentswithDependants(Part-Time)

$1,920 $1,920 $2,688

Students with Disabilities: $2,000.00 in 2014, $2,000 in 2019, $2,800.00 in 2024

2.0StudentLoansandGrants

Starting2025-2026

This budget also proposed to increase the Canada student loan forgiveness programtomorehealthcareandsocial services professionals that work in remoteandruralareas. Theseinclude: Dentists, Dental hygienists, Pharmacists, Midwives, Teachers, Social workers, Personal support workers, Physiotherapists, Psychologists

3.0DisabilitySupportsDeduction

Effective:2024taxationyear

Budget2024hasproposedtoaddseveral more expenses that will be recognized under the Disability Supports Deduction, with conditions:Severe and prolonged impairment in physical function:

Ergonomic chair (as well as assessment),Bed positioning devices (aswellasassessment)

Mobile computer cart, Impairment in physicalormentalfunction,Alternative inputdeviceforcomputers

Digitalpendevice,Visionimpairment, navigationdevice,Mentalimpairment, memory or organizational aids. In addition, expenses for service animals be recognized under the Disability Supports Deduction. This could only be claimed under the Disability Supports Deduction or the Medical ExpenseTaxCredit. 4.0

SearchandRescueVolunteers

Effective:2024taxationyear

Budget 2024 has proposed to increase the Volunteer Firefighters Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteers TaxCreditfrom$3,000to$6,000.

5.0 Shares of the corporation that arenotaprofessionalcorporation

Over 50% of FMV of assets must be used in an active business and the transferred shares are exclusively ownedbytheindividual.Theindividual (or spouse/common-law) was actively engagedinthebusinessforaminimum of24monthspriortothetransfer

90%ormoreofthebeneficiariesofthe employee ownership trust (EOT) are residentinCanada

The total exemption (regardless of the number of individuals participating) cannot exceed $10,000,000. Any disqualifying event within 36 months of the transfer would result in the exemption being retroactively denied, with the resulting tax consequences. Any disqualifying event after 36 months would realize a capital gain. Thisprovisionwouldalsobesubjectto a30%inclusionrateforAMT.

6.0RRSPHomeBuyer’sPlan

Effective:April17,2024

RRSP Home Buyer Plan Withdrawals Rise. The RRSP Home Buyer Plan maximum withdrawal will increase from $35,000 to $60,000 and will not require repayments into the RRSP for 5 years for withdrawals made between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2025. (Under current rulesrepayments mustbegininthe secondyearafterthe yearofwithdrawal).

7.030YearMortgageAmortizations

Effective:August1,2024

The government will allow 30-year mortgage amortizations for first-time homeownerswhopurchasenewlybuilt homes. For existing mortgage holders who meet specificcriteria,“permanent amortizationrelief”willbeavailableto extend repayment periods for as long as they need to get to the number they canaffordtopaymonthly.

8.0 Secondary Suite Loan Program andInsuranceChanges

Thisnewprogramwillprovide$40,000 in low-interest loans to homeowners who wish to add a secondary suite to their home in order to rent it out or house family members. The idea is

to increase “density” in communities. With this will come consultations on mortgage insurance changes required for these purposes. Thiscouldinclude changes to regulations, refinancing, maximumloansandpriceofhomesfor thesepurposes. Budget2024proposes tostartthisin2025-2026.

9.0ProgramsforRenters

Aside from a $15 million Tenant ProtectionFundforlegalaidandrights advocacy organizations to fight rising rent, renovictions or “bad landlords”, there is a new Renters’ Bill of Rights to require landlords to disclose a clear history of apartment pricing to give tenants bargaining power. The government also plans to provide a nationwide standard lease agreement. The government plans to amend the Canadian Mortgage Charter and call on landlords and financial institutions as well as fintech companies to make surerentalhistoryistakenintoaccount increditscores.

10.0CapitalGainsInclusionRate

Effective:June25,2024

This budget has proposed to increase the capital gains inclusion rate from 50%totwothirds(662/3%)oncapital dispositions realized on or after June 25, 2024. However, the rules will differ for individuals as opposed to corporationsandtrusts. Specifically:

For corporations and trusts: The new two thirds inclusion rate will apply on all dispositions on or after June 25, 2024

For individuals (either directly or indirectly via a partnership or trust): on or after June 25, 2024 only that portion of capital gains that are in excess of $250,000 will be subject to theenhancedinclusionrate;belowthis threshold, the capital gains inclusion ratewillremainat50%

The provisions add significant complexity to the Income TaxAct, for taxpayers with fiscal years that begin before and end on or after June 25, 2024. Insummary:

Period1-DispositionsbeforeJune25, 2024. Those dispositions would use the50percentinclusionrate.

June 25, 2024. For corporations and trusts, the inclusion rate is two thirds. For individuals, dispositions that exceed the $250,000 threshold would be subject to the higher inclusion rate, to the extent that these gains are not offset by a net loss incurred in either Period1oranyothertaxyears.

Net capital losses of prior years continue to be deductible, as noted above; however their value will be adjusted to reflect the new inclusion rate. (grossed up). For individuals, the new threshold is net of capital gains in respect of which the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption, the proposed Employee Ownership Trust Exemption or the proposed Canadian Entrepreneurs’Incentiveisclaimed.

In addition, taxpayers who claim the employee stock option deduction wouldreceiveadeductionofone-third the taxable benefit to reflect the new capital gains inclusion rate, but would be entitled to a deduction of one half the taxable benefit up to a combined limit of $250,000 for both employee stockoptionsandcapitalgains.

The new rules will not apply to the salesofaprincipalresidencethatisnot considered to be a “flipped property”. Additional details are expected throughout2024.

11.0 Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption

Effective:June25,2024

Budget 2024 has proposed to increase the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) to $1.25 million for dispositionsthatoccuronorafterJune 25, 2024. Indexation would not occur in 2025; rather normal indexation of theLCGEwillresumein2026.Current LCGEis $1,016,836forbothqualified small business corporation shares and qualifiedfarmorfishingproperty.

Stay tuned in the subsequent months for other changes in the 2024 budget that will have significant impact on your personal taxes and hence, to be forewarnedistobeforearmed.

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

Period 2 - Dispositions on or After

KidooFinancialServices

Tips

• Reviewyourinvestments (RRSP,RESP,Mortgage, Insurance)regularlywithyouradvisor • Learnhowtocomeupwitha simplehouseholdbudget • Manageyourdebts beforetheytakeoveryourlife • Contactmetohelpyouachieve yourfinancialgoals

GhanaianWomenCelebrate22YearsofPrayer ConferencewithThanksgivingEvent

ByEbenezerAmankwah,Toronto,ON

HundredsofGhanaianwomengatheredattheGhanaianPresbyterianChurchin NorthYorkonMonday,October14th,2024,forthebi-annualGhanaianWomen’s PrayerConference.Thisyearmarksthe22ndanniversaryoftheprayerconference, whichhasbecomeasignificanteventforthecommunitysinceitsinception.

Heldtwiceeachyear,theconferencetakesplaceduringtheVictoriaDayweekendinMayand theThanksgivingweekendinOctober,bringingtogetherwomenforprayer,fellowship,and thanksgiving.Thisyear’sThanksgiving-themedeventsawparticipants,dressedinall-whiteattire, liftingtheirvoicesinpraiseandworship.

Grouppictureofparticipants

MrsCeciliaAdobea Appiagyei

6ThingstoBoostYourImmunity–YourHealthIsParamount!

BySaraObeng,Toronto,ON

“Wealth is health.”You probably have heard this quote before. I personally believe health is one of the greatest blessingstousashumanbeings.When youwakeupaliveandwhenyouretire to bed alive, you must be thankful!As a matter of fact, make thankfulness part of your lifestyle and you will be a changedperson!

When we are blessed with health, we have the responsibility to keep it, maintain it, enhance it, and treasure it as best as we can – I see this to be onewaytoexpressingthankfulnessfor the gift of health that keeps us alive. If your health has dwindled, you can enhanceitbybeinggratefulthatatleast you’re still here alive. Then you can takeanothermedicalactiontoenhance it. We need our health to enable us to do ALL the other things we want and desire in life – think about it for a moment! What can you do without health? NOTHING! You owe it to yourself to preserve, treasure it, and enjoyit!Therearesomekeythingswe candotohelpourbodiesandhealthto boost our immunity. Get theseon your shoppinglistandthankmelater.

In this piece, I am more than happy to share with you what I have learned to boost mine. I learned these from a mentor who is also one of America’s top doctors, Dr. Daniel Amen. Note of disclaimer here, though, I am not a medicaldoctor and not in any position togiveyouanymedicaladvice.Thisis what I have learned from a doctor and this knowledge has been a blessing to me.So,Iadviseyoutospeakwithyour doctortoseewhatisbestforyou.

VitaminD3  .Ensureyourismiddle range to high range normal. Dr.Amen said he takes 7000 International Units (IU)ofVitD3daily.Ihavebeentaking 1000IU daily. it is explained that the darker the skin tone, the moreVitamin isneeded.It isdifferentfor everyone–depending on the amount of sunshine you get and the darker or lighter your skin is. He recommended taking only Vit D3 andtogetyour leveltested.He saidthenormalisbetween30and100, and he likes his patients between 50 and100,andhekeepshislevelat80.

Probiotics–Dr.Amensaid60%ofour immunity is in our gut which means whatweeatreallymatters.So,thinkof foodswithfiberandthingslikekimchi.

Prebiotics– garlic, onion, and mushrooms really help to boost our immunity and they are part of the excellent prebiotic foods. He said that prebioticfoodsarebasicallyfoodsthat feedtheprobiotics

Supplements . No matter how well we strive to eat, we may lack some key nutrients in our diets. Zinc is critical, and it is said to be one of the large deficits in the population and so 20 milligrams a day, especially during this time is essential. Zinc helps our immune system fights off viruses. Vit C is very vital; because of the lack of enough fruits and vegetables many people eat in a day. It is estimated that 90 per cent of the population does not have five servings of fruits and vegetables in a day. 2000mg a day of Vit C is recommended at this time in the life of our world. This will help strengthen the immune system. Dr. Amen also said that you really cannot

take too much of Vit C, because the body will get rid of the excess that the body does not use -just in case we happentotaketoomuch.

I amhappy to be sharing these withus all especially because I believe in the sourcewhereIgotthisgreatinfo.When I checked my supplements cabinet, I am already taking all of these! Kudos tome!Thenextthingtoaddtoyourlist toboostyourimmunesystemissleep.

Sleep  – for sleep, Dr. Amen shared some statistics. He said that soldiers whogotsevenhoursofsleepwere98% accurate on the range. The soldiers who got 6 hours of sleep were 50% accurate on the range. Those who got 5hoursof sleepwere35%accurateon therange.Thosewhogotfourhoursof sleep were only 15% accurate on the range. So when it comes to decision make and turning your immunity on, making sleep a priority is critical. Sleep, like brain health is three important things: you must care about it;avoidanythingthathurtsit;andthen do things that help it! I personally am a fan of hypnosis for sleep. So as part of my bedtime routine, I scan through mymemorythroughouttheeventsthat occurredduringmyday,andIlookfor

all the great things that happened. I do notthinkaboutthenot-so-goodthings. Ifocusonthegreatthingsonly.ThenI pick out the absolute best thing about the great things that happened during my day. I focus on that and express gratitude for everything, especially the bestthingthathappenedduringtheday. I fall asleep with that mental picture and in a state of thankfulness. Try this for yourself and thank me later. If you fall asleep this way, observe how you will wake up; you will awake up in a positivestate,withasmileonyourface and gratitude in your heart! You may also go with a delightful and uplifting music to fall asleep. This is great. Be surenotto focus on things thatdid not work out, the people who you think did not treat you right, and things like that. This will get you into a state of depression. You cannot undo the past, butyoucanmakethingsrightorbetter by being thankful for the present momentandbeingoptimisticaboutthe future. The past is gone, and the day hasended.Thenextdaywillbringyou a new beginning to make things right, plus new opportunities. This leads to thenextitemonthelist,laughter.

Laughter  – programming our brain withhappythoughts,hopefulthoughts,

funny thoughts, can enhance our immune system markers. What is in your mind matters to how your body functions–especially,yourimmunity. Asabonusadditiontothelist,Iwould like to include the 7th item on the list, H2O. I mean Water! The British will pronounce it ‘wota’. Hahaha. My tongue is still lost between the British andCanadianpronunciations.Anyway, drink, drink, and drink! Ditch the pop. Ditchthesoda.Ditchthecolorededible liquidsandsimplygowiththecolorless blessing that mankind is blessed with, glorious water!

What a great joy to learn from the amazing brains of Dr.Amen,and what an even greater joy it is to share this knowledge with you! I believe that knowledge is powerless unless it is applied. Now you go and act on this knowledge. Talk to your health care provider or doctor and start taking action.At least before you talk to your doctor, start drinking more wota (lol), watching funny movies, and sleeping better!

To your success and optimal living. Yourfriend,Sarah!

Youareenough.Weareenough.Beingenough

As people, and especially as women, we have all had our fair share of times and moments of inadequacies; times when and where we have consciously or unconsciously felt not-enough, inadequate, or simply not matching up to ‘that standard’. I believe strongly that we must in the same vein or a better vein for that matter come to the time and moment where we think, say, and live our lives as ‘I am enough’. I am particularly on us as women because I truly agree with the adage that: “If you educate a man youeducateanindividual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family (nation)” Dr.JamesEmmanuelKwegyirAggrey (1875-1927). This is due to the fact that I have come to realize that everyone comes from a home, and as women (especially mothers) we are the pivot of the home, andgenerally,literallyeverything revolvesaroundwomen. Thus, when we come to this realization, this point in life, andembracethisfactoflife,wewillbeabletoeducatethe rest of the home about this, and for thus, the world will in rippleeffectlearntoembracethisbeautifulaspectoflife.

Some have called it a fast-paced world; a ‘need to fit in’ society, must be accepted by all; need to get likes or be liked’,needtobefollowedbythenumbersonallplatforms, just to name a few. Who gets to define the terms of our lives and gave them the audacity to do so? We hate being judged but it’s happening always. Anxiety, freight, stress, and above all fear, easily overtakes us when eyes are on us. We hanker acceptance or approval be comfortable and are willing to literally do anything for it.Why are all these – because we find ourselves not-enough, and feel the need to have these to be enough. In effect, we have let society label as not-enough for whatever reasons. This wanes our joyandstealsourhappinessfromenjoyingthemomentsof our lives (which we’ll never have again, by the way).This is the way I personally look at it. No one gets to choose their circumstance into which we are born. We are born into such unequal circumstances, and we have to accept the fact that whatever our circumstance, at any moment, we are enough! It is not to say that we should not strive for betterlivingconditions ofthose things we can improve upon–thatwouldbeunwise.Asamatteroffact,weshould be getter better on daily basis and that is when we know we are living and not just existing. If we’re simply going through life and not growing through our experiences in life,weneedtohaveanoverhaulofourentirelifeandbegin toacceptthefactthatweareenoughateverypointintime.

Maybe we are at a point in our life where things look gloomyandblurry;havepursuedacareerandhavestillnot found our bearing;much like struggling, climbinghurdles, searchingforsomethingthatwecouldn’tevensee—andjust reachingforit.Wearefiguringthingsoutinlifeandwefeel notqualifiedforit–wedon’tdeserveit.Wearetemptedto continuallyassumethatwearenotenoughbecauseofwhat we have or are, or because of what we don’t have or what

we aren’t. Is it society or ourselves who get to define us as smart or not smart enough; pretty or not pretty enough; ethnic or not ethnic enough; thin or not thin enough. Is it society that gets to define that then, obviously, even if the definition goes in our favor for a time, it will be out of our favoranothertime, because society isnot stable,society is madeofimperfectpeople,judgmentalpersonalities,aswell as people who are dealing with their own issues anyway! On the other hand, when we make the definition based on positive mindset it will definitely be in our favor and that is empowering! Hey, we are enough, every moment of our lives.

It begins in the mind; a paradigm shift of the mind to the pointofbelievingthatweareenough,regardless.Withthis honest beginning will come courageous and bold actions and steps on our part, and the heavens will line up the opportunities to get things manifesting for us. Until then, wewillcontinuetobelittleourselves,maskupandcoverup tofitin,tobeacceptedevenbythosewedon’tlikeanyway, to survive in areas we can quite easily thrive. Enough of the makeup, enough of the pretense, enough of surviving to fit in by all means. We are enough just as we are! You needto know thatyouare enough!Maybenoone hasever seen you, but the Maker has seen you and you need to see yourself and know that you are enough! Let this be a wakeupcallforusall.

Quit the self-doubt. Quit the self-pity. Quit the pity-party. Quit the insecurity. Take the mask off! Less pretense and makeup and more YOU! Contentment or discontentment. Choosecontentment.

Whateverprojectwemaybeworkingon,hopefor thebest with a positive mindset, great attitude; don’t go through it butgrowthroughit.Onthatjourneyofstrivingtogettosee yourdreamscomealive,wewilllearnwhoweareandtruly ascertainthatweareenough.

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MARITALBREAKUPANDSUICIDALIDEATION

Ifeelcompelledtowriteaboutasubjectdeemedtaboo forsomedivorceesespeciallymentotalkabout.Isay thatprimarilybecauseIhaveclientswhohavebeento thebrinkofsuicideanddebatedwhethertoendtheir lives rather than suffer the humiliation and feelings associatedwithdivorce.Theactualdivorceturnsout to be the easy part. It is the emotional turmoil that is severely debilitating. Suicide, for some, seemed easier than enduring the emotional roller coaster of rejection,fearandanger.

In some situations, the overwhelming nature of the situation canlead to one partner feeling hopelessand suicidal.Inthesesituations,itismoreoftentheperson who feels aggrieved or abandoned who might feel suicidalratherthanthepersonwhohaschosentoend the relationship.The person who made the decision to end the relationship has usually gone through a lengthygrievingandletting-goprocess,beforeleaving therelationship.Andinmostcases,theyhavealready determined what their future will look like. They are muchfurtheralongthejourneyofseparationthanthe otherpartner.

In contrast, while the person left behind might have been aware of conflict or problems within the relationship, it often comes as a shock when their partner leaves. In some instances, the aggrieved or abandonedpartnermaythendirectly blametheother, forthesuicidalfeelingstheyarehaving.Alternatively, the person who made the decision to end the relationshipmayinsomewayfeelresponsibleorthat they have done something to cause them to feel this way.Itisimportanttounderstandthatitisusuallynot theirfault.

Here’s the thing. You never know or realize how much emotional currency you have locked up in any relationship until it comes to an abrupt end. It is normal to expend a great amount of energy trying to salvage what you’re losing or have lost. In many ways, divorce is like going through death of a loved one.Whenyouloseaspousetodeath,emotionalpain is expected, and there is a defined grieving process that can make your distress understandable to both yourself and to others. However, when a spouse is lost through divorce, many people find themselves without a clear roadmap for how to process both the loss itself and the development of a newlife and identityseparatefromthemarriage.

While for some divorce is a relieving end to a dissatisfying relationship, even those happy to escapeabadmarriagecanunderestimatethesenseof loss they will feel. Divorce is not just a legal event, butapsychologicalandsocialprocess.It’sabouttwo

peoplewhowereinloveandthetrustandexpectations they had for each other. You were waking up with thatperson. Nowyouhave to changethe whole way you live. It requires an enormous adjustment. For others, the disintegration of the relationship and the divorce itself can cause deep psychological distress thatkeepsyoufrommovingforward.

The common feelings of anger, resentment, confusion, fear, shame, and anxiety during and after divorce take up permanent residency in your emotional makeup and can wreak havoc on both your mental and physical health. This can be the case even if you were the one who chose to leave the marriage.Perhaps the most important part of surviving a divorce, however, is to give yourself a chancetogrieveforwhatyouhavelost.Perhapsyou havenotjustlostahusband,buta lightbulbchanger, a driver, and bread winner. You may also have lost yoursenseofidentityandaspirations.Youmayhave hadanunhappyrelationship,butyouhavealsolosta dream: the idea that you would be together for ever. Nevertrytostopyourgrief;it’sanecessaryreaction.

Youmayfindyourselfisolatingyourselffromfamily and friends, experiencing deep insecurity, acting out in destructive and uncharacteristic ways, having intrusive thoughts, and feeling an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Feelings of depression and anxietymayemergeandkeepyoufromexperiencing pleasureorenvisioningajoyfulfutureforyourself.As divorce has become more common, the medical community has begun to recognize its destructive impactonbothemotionalandphysicalwell-being,as well as the need for treatments specifically designed tosupportpeoplewhoarestrugglingafterdivorce.

Marriage breakup or divorce launches you into uncharted territory. Everything is disrupted: your routine and responsibilities, your home, your relationships with extended family and friends, and evenyouridentity.Abreakupalsobringsuncertainty about the future. What will life be like without your partner?Willyoufindsomeoneelse?Willyouendup alone? These unknowns can often seem worse than beinginanunhappyrelationship.

This pain, disruption, and uncertainty means that recoveringfromabreakupordivorcecanbedifficult and take time. However, it’s important to keep remindingyourselfthatyou can and will getthrough this difficult experience or stage in life and move on withyourlifeasastrongerandwiserperson

To successfully manage suicidal ideation, stress

and unpleasant situations associated with divorce, considerthefollowingtips:•

 Recognize that it’s OK to have different feelings. It’s normal to feel sad, angry, exhausted, frustrated, and confused—and these feelings can be intense. You may also feel anxious about the future. Accept that reactions like these will lessen over time. Even if the relationship was unhealthy, venturingintotheunknownisfrightening.

 Give yourself a break. Give yourself permission to feel and to function at a less than optimal level for a period of time. You maynotbeableto be quite asproductive on the job or care for others in exactly the way youwereaccustomedtoforalittlewhile.No one is superman or superwoman; take time toheal,regroup,andre-energize.

 Don’t go through this alone. Sharing your feelingswithfriendsandfamilycanhelpyou get through this period. Consider joining a support group where you can talk to others in similar situations. Isolating yourself can raise your stress levels, reduce your concentration, and get in the way of your work,otherrelationships,andoverallhealth. Don’t be afraid to get outside help if you needit.

 Havefunandlaugh!Humorcansignificantly reducestress.Enjoythecompanyofothers

 Consider participating in a stress management seminar. Ask your employer iftheyofferanywithinyourorganization.

 Take Care ofYourself.When coping with a major loss such as divorce, you may notice your body seems to need more attention— you feel more tired and out-of-sorts. Try to respect what your body needs and do your best to keep yourself healthy so you will havethestrengthyouneed.

In order to fully accept a breakup and move on, you needtounderstandwhathappenedandacknowledge the part you played. The more you understand how the choices you made affected the relationship, the betteryouwillbeabletolearnfromyourmistakes— and avoid repeating them in the future. If you know someone that threatens suicide, you can seek the assistanceofemergencyservices.

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Ontario’slatestmovetoacceleratebuildingcouldlandcitiesin legalquagmire

Openinguprulesforaddingnewsprawlcouldcause planning‘chaos,’councilorsays

Ontario cities worry the province changing how and whendeveloperscanapplytobuildoutsidetheurban boundarywillmake long-termplanningdifficultand saddle them with more applications, more appeals andheftiercosts.

Cities have become used to evaluating developer requests all at once during a once-per-decade comprehensivereview.

The new provincial planning statement (PPS), set to come into effect on Sunday, will force cities to createanadhocalternative.

“The decision by the province to allow piecemeal applications,one-offapplicationshasthepotentialto really compromise the ability forcities in Ontario to do even midterm planning,” Coun. Jeff Leiper, the chair of Ottawa’s planning and housing committee, saidlastweek.

“Iforeseechaos.”

Comments posted to the province’s website outline similar concerns raised by other cities — and kudos from developers, who hope cities will honour the spiritofthechange.

Citiesirkedbyrulechange

Ottawa city councilors will vote Wednesday on a proposed process for one-off urban boundary applicationsthatwillcostdevelopers$1.8-million.

UnlikeintheCityofHamilton,thefeewillnotdiffer dependingonthesizeoftheparcel.

Those two cities are among the many that told the province not to change the well-established process, justmonthsafterBill185allowedpropertyownersto appealurbanboundarydecisionsforlandsoutsidethe Greenbelt.

“The proposed approach to the expansion of settlement areas may jeopardize planned growth within existing urban areas,” wrote the City of Mississaugainitssubmission.

The City of London warned about the “tremendous resource need to deal with these applications and appeals” — even when developers have barely anychanceofsuccess.

“There is little to no certainty on the timing and outcome of Ontario Land Tribunal decisions, which canleadtoafragmentedurbanboundary,”Hamilton weighedin.

Others expressed concerns that decisions could increasesprawl,orburdenresidentswithexpansions thatarenotfinanciallyviableinthelongterm.

‘Wewillbechallenged’ Ottawacouncilorsechoedthoseconcernedatarecent meeting of the planning and agricultural and rural affairscommittees.

“I’m sure we will be challenged on it,” said Coun. Glen Gower, about the city’s proposed process. “It’s more than just hectares of land. It’s about where doesitmakethemostsensetofocusfuturesuburban growth.So,abitofamess,isn’tit?”

Coun. Matt Luloff directed staff to seek clarification fromthe province,notingthatthe process“leavesus abitexposed”toappeals.

“Weprefertomakeourdecisionsatthecounciltable aselectedofficialsratherthanpassingthosedecisions off and abdicating that responsibility to an elected board,”hesaid.

“[The Ontario Land Tribunal] is going to deal in facts, including the fact that our numbers that we’re usingneedtobeconsistentwiththelatestMinistryof Finance numbers. I’mnotcertain thatthat’s the case atthemoment.”

As of late Tuesday, no news of provincial clarificationshadbeenreleased.

Province’sintentionsquestioned

The Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Association doesn’t believe the city is in line with provincial intentions, noting that the PPS said the city must complywiththelatestMinistryofFinancepopulation projections.

The city has said its plan will be compliant, even though applications will be assessed in line with infrastructure and transportation plans developed using population statistics now out of line with currentforecasts.

“If you are shooting for a target that is well below what your population growth is going to get, you’re nevergoingtoaddressthehousingissuesthatwehave today and you’re certainly never going to improve them,”saidexecutivedirectorJasonBurggraaf. Royce Fu, Ottawa’s policy planning manager, said thecityisusinga“typicalcyclicalprocess”whichis

logicalandfair.

“We don’t always have to be up-to-date in the long term,” he said. “Because we have a minimum land supply, we don’t always have to plan for these lands inthelongterm.”

He also said developers concerned about the application process can wait to have their request evaluated — free of charge — at a comprehensive reviewthat’sbeenbumpeduptonextyear.

ProspectsatOLTgood,saystaff

When asked about the city’s ability to defend its process at the tribunal, Fu said it will depend on the challenge.

“But staff is confident from the framework that we put forward, it represents a logical progression of howwewillplaninthelongterm,”headded. Senior legal council Tim Marc said any appeal will likely take severalyears, giving staffenough time to finishtheircomprehensivereview.

“And I have significant faith in staff and their analysis,”headded.

Burggraaf, though, is confident the province is making this change to ensure staff do something different.

“If the city does not use the higher projection numbers, I would assume that every application is going to get rejected,” he said. “If that is the case, then that goes to the [tribunal]. I don’t see how this citydoesn’tloseallthosecases.” CBCNews

Torontotogetnewareacodein2025 Here

iswhatyouneedtoknow

Torontowillgetanewareacodenextyear,theCRTC isremindingresidents.

The new number was announced on May 10, 2023, but the CRTC provided new details about the“gradual”rolloutinanewsreleaseissuedon Wednesday.

Area code 942 will join 416, 647, and 437 startingonApril26,2025.

The introduction of an additional area code followsadecisionbytheCRTC’sso-calledrelief planning committee, which determined that the existing varieties of phone numbers in the city weregoingtobeexhaustedbyApril2026.

“The introduction of a new area code creates millionsofadditionaltelephonenumberswithout

affecting theexisting numbers,” KellyT.Walsh, program manager of the Canadian Numbering Administrator, said in a news release. “The new 942 area code will be added to the current area codesalreadyinuseinthisregionandwillcover thesamegeographicarea.”

TheCRTCsaidthenewareacodewillnotaffect the geographical boundaries for local calling areas or the way local or long-distance calls are dialed.

The last time a new area code was added in Toronto was in March, 2013 when 437 become available.CTVNews

AdjeteyAnangcallsforholistic approachin‘galamsey’fight

ByJoycelineNatallyCudjoe

Renowned actor Adjetey Anang has called on screenwriters to tell stories that will educate Ghanaians against illegal mining popularly called“galamsey.”

According to him, galamsey is destroying the water bodies in Ghanaandthreateninglivelihoods.

Speaking in an interview with Max Tv in Accra recently, the actor stated that the current situation was devastating and cautious efforts were needed to mitigate its effect onlivelihoods.

“We should have dealt with the issueofgalamseylongtimeago.We shouldn’t have reached this level where our water bodies have to be polluted for communities around those rivers to find it difficult to attend to their social amenities. It’s totallyno,no,”helamented.

Adjetey Anang therefore underscored the need for

stakeholders including the government and the citizenry to collectively work in eradicating the menace.

He maintained that due to the devastating impact of the illegal mining on livelihoods, he has endorsed initiatives seeking to combatthedestructivepractice.

“It’s not all about people going out to make noise on the streets. Those of us who are in the creative space, let’s begin to craft stories that will speak to it because sometimes our powerful tool is to leave a visual image in the minds of people to make them realize the effect of galamsey in our lives,” Adjetey Anangadded.

He said that visual images were a powerful tool in telling stories and also expressed the need for musicianstoequallyusethesinging medium to champion the antigalamseycampaign.

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TellGhanaianPoliticianstoGetAway

ByKwakuObosu-Mensah,Toronto,ON

This is mid-year of 2024, and it is an election year in Ghana. Ghanaian politicians have started hopping from one world city to another to solicit for financial donations and other types of support from Ghanaians living abroad. Every four years, election year, the cycle starts forming – Ghanaian politicians travel out to solicitfundsfromGhanaianslivingabroad,they will promise everything on earth to Ghanaians living abroad, the Ghanaians will donate money tothepoliticians,thepoliticianswinelectionsin Ghana, then they stop caring about Ghanaians living abroad until the next election year when they again hop from city to city asking for donations.

Surprisingly, but as expected by the politicians, Ghanaians in cities like Toronto, New York, Atlanta, London, Amsterdam and others will don their best costumes, and fill their pockets withmoneytodonatetoNPPandNDCpolitical leaders visiting them. On such occasions, many Ghanaians try to overdo each other by donating more money than others, and to ingratiate themselvestothepoliticians.

After receiving a warm welcome and donations from Ghanaians living abroad, which help them win elections, the politicians take decisions contrary to the interests of Ghanaians living abroad. For example, taxes on goods including vehicles that Ghanaians ship to Ghana have gone up over the years to the point that many Ghanaians complain bitterly. Ridiculously, Ghanaimposestwenty-one(21)differentduties/ taxes on vehicles exported to the country. In comparison, Nigeria imposes only six taxes on vehicles.Recently, in a discussion, I told a Nigerian friend about the duties Ghanaians pay on imported vehicles and he labelled me a liar. No, he did not believe me. A Kenyan friend also did not believe me when I told him of the duties we pay in Ghana to clear our vehicles. When COVID hit the world, the levy placed on Ghanaians and other travelers arriving in Ghana was one of the highest imposed globally. Other areas Ghanaians living abroad have complained about over the years include visa acquisition. Some Ghanaians have acquired citizenship of other countries so they need visa to travel to

Ghana. According to many of such Ghanaians, acquiring a Ghanaian visa is very cumbersome and frustrating. In various media outlets, some Ghanaians have expressed their frustrations so, except for one example, I will not repeat such frustrationshere.Thefollowingisanexperience a Ghanaian shared on reddit.com: “Has anyone ever applied for a visa thru the Ghanaian embassy in DC or knows someone who did but never received the visa including their passport that they sent in? I applied for Ghanaian visa andhadtosendmyphysicalpassportwithother docstotheembassy.Seven+weekslaterInever received my visa neither my passport and they completely stopped all communication with me includingphonecalls.Ihadtocancelmytriplast minute and it cost me $450 and I’ll have to pay differenceformynextflightifI’mabletogetmy passportback.Anysuggestionsorideasonwhat Icandotoretrievemypassportanddocs?”

Another area that Ghanaian politicians have failed is employment. Due to the actions and inactionsofGhanaianpoliticians,therecontinues to be high unemployment rate in Ghana with its attendant widespread poverty. A recent study revealedthat 31.4%of Ghanaians are extremely poor.In fact, in a districtin Ghana, 68.6% of the people are poor. Poverty in Ghana is due to the misplacedprioritiesofourpoliticians.Insteadof spending state funds on projects that will create jobsoratleastcreateaconduciveenvironmentfor privatebusinessestothrive,Ghanaianpoliticians ratherpurchaseexpensiveSUVsforthemselves. Additionally, theyabandon factories and other projects to rot, and they flatly misappropriate

state funds. Such corruption within Ghanaian politicians have created hardships not only for GhanaianslivinginGhanabutalsoforGhanaians living abroad. Think about the number of times you have to send money to family and friends in Ghana for medical bills, and for sustenance in general. Ghanaians are hardworking and would not need assistance from anyone but the politicians have ruined and continue to ruin the country to the point that there are fewjobs, and the few available jobs payvery low wages. If you have a business in Ghana, I bet it has almost collapsed, if not collapsed, due to a poor businessenvironmentbroughtuponbyirrational decisionstakenbyGhanapoliticians.

Despite all the monies coming into the country from oil exports, foreign assistance and others, most hospitals are still ill-equipped. Instead of equipping the hospitals to adequately take care of Ghanaians, the politicians, the people you donate your hard-earned money to will rather travelabroadfortreatmentwhentheyfallsick.

As you read this article, there is a Court case goingoninGhana.Apparently,some politicians squandered most of the money which was earmarked for the purchase ambulances for hospitalsin Ghana.Andyou giveyour money to suchpeople.

InMay2023,$40millionworthofantiretroviral medications for HIV patients, TB medications, and Malaria treatment medicines donated by the Global Fund arrived at the Tema Harbor.As of June 2024, one year after the arrival of the critical medical items, the medicines were still locked up at the harbor. The donated medicines werelockedupattheharborbecausethedonors were asked to pay exorbitant taxes and port charges to clear the medicines. Let me make this clearer: The Global Fund donated crucial medicinestoGhanaforfree.Thedonors(Global Fund) were requested to pay taxes and port charges otherwise the medicines will rot at the port. Notethat, inMarch 2024, the Global Fund sentadelegationtoGhanatoconvincetheGhana government to release the medicines for public use but the government refused. It was like, pay duties and port charges otherwise we will depriveGhanaiansoftheuseofthemedicines.

We are in the 21st century, yet some children attend schools under trees. In addition, many schoolsdon’thaveadequatechairsanddesksfor thestudents.Atthesametime,ourpoliticiansare importing several SUVs for their use. In 2024, there were 110 Ministers. In addition to their salaries, these ministers were entitled to at least twovehicles,freefuel,ahouse,freeutilitiesand personal protection. Should Ghanaians living abroad continue to give their money to such people?

Finally,Ghanaianslivingabroadarenotallowed tovoteinGhanaianelections.NexttimeGhanaian politicians come to your city to solicit for your money, tell them that you will not give them a dime of your hard-earned money. Tell them to go back to Ghana to enjoy their undeserved privileges. In fact, tell them to get away!Please think twice before you entertain and spend your hard-earned money on the nation wreckers who callthemselveshonorable.

ParentsacrossGTAwarnedbysomeprivatedaycaresthatthey maypulloutof$10-a-dayprogram

Parents at some private, for-profit daycares across the GTA are being warned that their fees could soon be doubling as operators consider pulling out of the national $10-a-day childcareprogram.

Andrew Bartucci told CP24.com this week that he was shocked and devastated to receive a letter from his son’s Bloor West Village daycare informinghimthattheyareconsidering opting out of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program, the national $10-a-day program that has reduced parent fees by more than 50 per cent since it was implementedin2022.

“The lists are so long and we finally found a daycare and we thought that the daycare was part of this program, the CWELCCprogram,whichinitself wasdifficulttofind,”hesaid.

“Wewerequitecontentwitheverything andhow thingsaregoing andwe were told thatif anything, thefeeswouldbe going down as the program was rolled out.”

But in a letter from his daycare Teddy BearAcademy,whichwassharedwith CP24, parents were told that due to “CWELCC’s most recent changes,” participation in the program is now in jeopardyandtheoperatorswarnedthat starting as early as January 2025, fees couldincrease“significantly.”

CP24.com reached out to Teddy Bear Academy for comment aboutthe letter butdidnothearback.

“Thisinformationisbeingsharedwith you in advance and as a precaution, in the event alternative childcare arrangementsmayneedtobeexplored inthecomingmonths,”theletterread.

“We share your frustration with this uncertainty and thank you for your understandingandcontinuedsupport.”

‘Thereisabigimpact’

Currently,Bartuccisaidheandhiswife payabout$1,000amonthforaspotfor his2.5-year-oldsonatthedaycare.

He said with another child about to start daycare in a few months, their monthly daycare cost for both kids could skyrocket to more than $4,000 a month if the daycare drops out of the program.

“At that point, it’s not worth it for one ofmywifeorItowork.Whatmessage is that sending for my wife? Because she would probably be the one to stay home with the kids and she’s worked really hard to advance in her career,” hesaid.

“Shehastoputhercareeronhold.”

Bartuccisaidafterspeakingwith other parents around the GTA, he learned that many others had received similar lettersfromtheirrespectivedaycares.

“We’re all scratching our heads. We don’tknowwhat’sgoingon,”hesaid.

“There’snota lotof informationthat’s being shared, however, there’s a big impacttousandtoallthesefamilies.”

Asimilarletter was sent out to parents with children at Oakville’s Little Kids DaycareCenter.

In the letter, they are told that the current structure of CWELCC has made it difficult to “remain financially sustainable.”

The letter noted that the daycare may alsoneedtooptoutofCWELCCinthe comingmonths.

“In its current form, the CWELCC program’s cost control framework places significant restrictions on how wecanallocatefunds,whichlimitsour ability to invest in our center in ways that benefit the children, families, and staff,”theletterread.

“Additionally, the increasing level of control the government will have over our operations, including how we spend money, is making it more difficult for us to make improvements and decisions that ensure our daycare remains a vibrant, thriving, ‘home away from home’ environment for everyone.”

Theletterwentontonotethat“nofinal decision”hadbeenmade.

“If we decide to opt out, we will be sure to give you ample notice and provide clear information about how this change may affect your fees and theservicesweprovide,”itread.

“We understand the importance of transparency, and we welcome any questionsorconcernsyoumayhaveas wenavigatethisdecision.”

In an email to CP24.com, Debbie Cunha, the CEO and owner of Little Kids Daycare Center, said the letter outlines the “many reasons why” they mayhavetopulloutofCWELCC.

“There are many factors thataregoing to put my business and many other childcare centers at risk of closure,” shewrote.

HeatherKay,saidthathertwochildren attend Little Footsteps Daycare in the city’swestendandtheytooreceiveda letter recently, warning that the centre mayneedtowithdrawfromCWELCC.

“My reaction to this was not really one of surprise. I think from the getgo when daycares were first enrolling in this program, there were a lot of questions for them. They felt the government had not really effectively communicated what the details of the program would be,” she told CTV NewsToronto.

“To me there was always a potential riskthattheywouldcomebackandtell ushowtheprogramwasoperatingand itwasn’tsuitingthereneeds.”

She said that she, and other parents, are struggling to reconcile conflicting narratives that have been put out by thedaycareoperatorandtheprovincial government.

In August, the province announced a new funding structure that will come into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Theneducation minister Todd Smith said the changes would give operators more“flexibility” withhowtoallocate spending.Theprovincealsoannounced that it would be capping parent fees at $22 a day across Ontario starting in January.

“Thereisadisconnecthere,”shesaid.

“Asa parent,itis hardto sortof getto thebottomofwhat’shappeningandthe governmentisclearlytellingadifferent storythanthedaycareoperators.”

Non-profits generally positive about changes

Carolyn Ferns, the policy coordinator for the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, said the province will be moving away from a revenue replacement model and implementing a cost-based funding formula starting inJanuary.

She said many in the sector believe that switching to a cost-based funding formulawillbemuchbetterfordaycare operators.

In recent months, she said she has spoken about the changes with a number of non-profit operators, which makeupmorethan70percentofchild carespacesinOntarioasthenumberof for-profitspaceshasbeencappedat30 percent.

“Theirreactiontothisfundingformula is very different,” Ferns said of nonprofit operators, adding that they have been generally positive about the changes.

She said the funding formula provides “benchmark funding” that is based on the average cost in your region and then if the daycare’s costs are higher, a legacy top-up in offered to cover additionalcosts.

“Then on top of that, there’s also funding in lieu of profit or surplus,” Ferns said. “Those are things that I think most people would think are reasonable.”

‘It’sacompletetakeover’

But Jacky Sheppard, a spokesperson forthePrivateOperatorsGroup,which represents more than 950 private daycare operators in the province,said

private,for-profitcentresareaskingthe province to pause the implementation ofthenewfundingformula.

“We were told that in January coming up… we will be switched to a costbased program. Now that changes everything because now we’re not focusing on our quality and being able tomakeourowndecisions.We’renow being controlled completely on what we spend and how we spend it,” she saidinaninterviewwithCP24.com.

“We’re having to make the kind of changes that no industry would take. It’s a complete takeover. It takes away allofourauthority,ittakesawayallof thisdecision-making,anditreallyputs us into working for the government, whichisnotfair.”

The province also previously informed licensed operators in a memothatstartingin2025,centresnot participatinginCWELCCwillloseout onregularfundingthattheypreviously received, including general operating, fee subsidy or wage enhancement grants.

Thememowentontonotethatfamilies who currently receive fee subsidies willcontinuetoreceivethemuntiltheir childleavestheprovideroragesout.

Sheppard said while some operators will likely wait it out and see how the new funding formula impacts their business, others may pull out of the programandraiseparentfees.

She noted that different regions have different deadlines for pulling out of CWELCC. In Toronto, she said, daycare operators need to notify the municipalitybytheendofOctober.

Sheppard added that a number of groups, including POG, the Ontario Association of Independent Childcare Centres, as well as the Association of Alberta Childcare Entrepreneurs (AACE), have been advocating for

cont’donpg.34

The Canada Revenue Agency says it has terminated 330 employees for inappropriately receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit during the pandemic, giving its final update onaninternalreview.

The CRA launched an internal review in June 2023 into employees who receivedCERBdespitebeingineligible for the benefit, which identified 600 employeesforfurtherinvestigation.

The benefit, known as CERB for short, provided $2,000 per month to Canadians whose jobs were lost as a result of public health restrictions duringthepandemic.

The agency says 185 individuals were not terminated for taking CERB, but

40 of them faced disciplinary action, suchassuspension.

Meanwhile, 135 employees were found to have been eligible for CERB and therefore did not face any consequences.

Some employees would have been eligible because they were students or termemployees.

The CRA says employees who inappropriately received CERB are required to pay back the benefits they received.

The agency says a small number of ongoingcases,includingemployeeson medicalorextendedunpaidleave,will takemoretimetocomplete.

TheCanadianPress

GhanaianCanadianAchievementAwards2024 inpictures

FrederickKissi(l)LakesideEstateRepresentativewith Emmanuel&ComfortAyikuofGhanaianNews

Apos.AgyeiGyamenaandwifewithwell-wishersatthe Awardsceremony Emmanue&ComfortAyikuwiththeeventstaff

Fromleft:VictoriaMinta,LucyCrentsil, ComfortAyiku

Emmanuel&ComfortAyikuwithMarvin YeboahofLiUNA!Local183(r)

ChrisCampbellandAbdul HaleemTayyabattheceremony

GhanaianCanadianAchievement

Mr.JoeKingsleyEyiah,MC

EmmanuelAyiku

AchievementAwards2024Recipients

Fromleft:ChrisCampbell,EmmanuelAyiku,Edmund andNanaAdwoaAyiku

Fromleft:EmmanuelAyiku,Dr.Awafo,Mr.EmmanuelDuodu

COMMUNITYINPICTURES

COMMUNITYINPICTURES

GhanaianCanadianAssociationofOntario(GCAO)

organizeditsannualHeritageCentrefundraisingGala

ByEbenezerAmankwah,Toronto,ON

Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) organized its annual Heritage Centre fundraising Gala on Saturday September 28, 2024 at the Chateau Le Jardin Centre. The event was well attended by the Ghanaian Community members. Various groups, associations and churches made generous donations towards the construction of the proposed Heritage Centre which will serve asa multi-complexfacility for theactivitiesoftheGhanaiancommunity.

Somecommunityrepresentatives

Somecommunityrepresentatives

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Somecommunityrepresentatives

Mrs.JoyceAsamoah Korenteng,DeputyConsul GeneralforToronto

EmmanuelDuodu,PresidentGCAO(l)

UnderstandingGoingtoCollegeorUniversity–FreshmenandWomen

ByStaffWriter,Toronto,ON

Who goes to College? According to a survey in October 2009, 70.1 percent of 2009 high school graduates were enrolled in colleges or universities, with women outpacing men 73.8% vs. 66.0%. With regard to ethnicity, 92.2% of Asian graduates, 69.2% of White graduates, 68.7% Black graduates and 59.3% Hispanic High School graduateswentontoCollege.

Going to college is more than just “goingbacktoschool.”Studentsare apt to find their parents were right whenadvisingthemtogetaCollege degree or at least obtain additional educationafterhighschool.Itisthe beginningofcareerchoice. Infact, thosewithacollegedegreewillearn $500,000 more over a lifetime than their non-degree peers, and even technicaljobswillrequireadvanced learningofsomekind.

College isn’t the end of learning, and students don’t necessarily have to have only one set career goal in mind. It is fine to use college as a way to explore areas of interest while keeping in mind that the averageworkerholds10.8different jobsbetweentheagesof18and42.

Financing College is one of the financial experiences ever taken and it has to deal with proper planning and advice to understand the process. Financing higher education is a source of stress for many college-bound students and their families, especially in today’s troubledeconomy.

In fact, according to one survey, nearly one in three college students say financial pressures are a big source of daily stress for them, up from 27% in 2008; 17% had seriously considered dropping out of school, with financial pressures as the main reason cited as the cause. 54%;7%hadtroublegetting a student loan funded because their bank was having trouble; and 57% are at least somewhat worried they won’t be able to find a job after graduation with highinterest added totheprincipalloan.

On the other hand, adjusting to college life is also stressful. Most Freshmen/women go through the process of withdrawal from parents/guardians and change of environmentalltogether.Thestress levelsofcollegestudentshavebeen on a constant rise. The increased number of students feeling stressed has been accompanied by an increase in utilization of mental health and counseling services; one institution reported a 29% increase in the use of counseling and psychological services in the lastfour yearsandanother reported that 40% of the first-year students visittheircounselingcenter.

Collegeprovidesatimeofsociallyrecognized independence from parental rules and restrictions. Althoughthelegalageofadulthood varies for such things as voting and drinking, going to college is an obvious sanctioned move

towards independence. However, independence is not conferred automatically at a certain age or in a specific place. It is achieved by practicing how to think for oneself and take responsibility for one’s actions. College students can feel invincible and able to take risks. But both the opportunities and the consequencescanbehigh.

The college freshman will be confrontedwithabundantpressures related to social situations - sex, drugs and alcohol. With respect to academics, students today are feelingincreasingpressuretoknow what they want to do, pick a career pathandplanfortheir futures.This pressure is causing unfortunate substance abuse, anxiety and depression.

There is also continuation of peer pressure. Before committing to any one group or trend, students should take their time getting to know other students, investigating different activities and deciding what makes them feel most comfortable. Affiliations change a great deal over the course of the first year as students become more knowledgeableandconfident

Participateandprioritize.Noone can do everything. When students narrow their focus they often feel less overwhelmed. Finding a passion is one of the most exciting aspects of the college experience. Personalize the experience. It’s

easy for students to feel lost in the crowd. Students who take responsibilityfortheireducationby seeking out particular adults often have the best experience. Getting toknowprofessorswillpersonalize college and help the student feel connectedtoaninstitutionthatmay seemimpersonal.

Bepatient.Ittakestimetounderstand the rhythm of a new academic life and for students to develop a personal learning/studying style. Over the first semester it becomes easiertounderstandtheflowofwork and realize how to accommodate different teachers’ standards and courserequirements.

Advice for both parents and students. Expect ups and downs. One minute college students are the models of independence, the next they call in tears. Parents may also try too hard to advise from afar. This back and forth is natural and expected, as both students and parents become more comfortable and confident in the ability of students to handle situations on theirown.

Stay connected. Little things do count. There can be some truth to “absence makes the heart grow fonder,”butparentsmayworrythat “out of sight means out of mind.” So parents and students need to determine ways to stay involved in each other’s lives and remember to say, and do the little things that remindsomeoneoftheirlove.

Ontariowillrestrictnewbikelanesamid‘outofcontrol’ process:TransportationMinister

cont’dfrompg.8

He singled out Toronto’s plan to massively expand its cycling network andsaidthatsomeofthenewlanesthe city has installed were implemented during the pandemic, when there was uncertaintyaboutthefutureoftrafficin thecity.

“This is a place that consistently ranks among the most livable cities in the world, but when you ask anyone who lives here, they say that is changing,” Sarkariasaid.

He cited figures from Satellite Navigation Company TomTom indicating that commuters in the GTA are now wasting around 98 hours a year in rush-hour traffic congestion.

In a statement, Mayor Olivia Chow said she does not support limiting city powers.

“It’s always better when we work together to get things right. To tackle congestion and keep people safe on city roads we need all types of transportation,” Chow said in the statement. “The Province should focusontheir job of finally gettingthe Eglinton Crosstown and Finch LRT

open, which will have a huge impact oncongestioninourcity.”

Shenotedthatastheprovince’slargest municipality, Toronto “also needs our share of money” to repair aging roads andpotholes.

At a separate event Tuesday, Premier DougFordsaidhe’sspokenwithChow aboutthenewlegislation.

“I get along very well with the mayor. We’ve talked about it. Her first comment’salways,‘Ineverput‘emin. Tory put ‘em in,’which is true,” Ford said.

He said he believes most people don’t want bike lanes along Bloor or Yonge streetsoronUniversityAvenue.

ThecityextendedtheBloorStreetWest bikelanesintoEtobicokelastyear.

“You know when Rob (Ford) was mayor, he put in more bike lanes than David Miller. He just put them on secondary roads, not going down the middle of the road putting in bike paths. So it’s not about being against bike lanes, it’s about putting them in the right spot, and I look forward to workingwiththemayor.”

In a release, Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner slammed the proposed legislation as a “distraction” andsaidthegovernmentdoesn’thavea properplantotacklegridlock.

“Whataboutthemountainsofevidence collected by municipalities and the province itself showing that bike infrastructure does not make traffic worse?”Schreinersaid.

“If we want to solve our traffic problems,weneedtogivepeoplemore choices – not take them away. More peoplebiking,walkingortakingpublic transit means more people not in cars and less gridlock. It means kids (like mine)canbiketoschoolsafely.”

Coun. Paula Fletcher said she believes that the provincial government’s “ban on bike lanes” is designed to “grind the city’splansto ahalt” andsaidbike lanesareanimportantpartofToronto’s trafficplan.

Toronto currently has a three-year plan to deliver 100 kilometres of either new or significantly upgraded bikewaysby2027.

The city’s long-term plan calls for the additionof500kilometresofnewbike lanes along major corridors by 2041.

Its currently almost halfway towards thatgoal.

“This is an over-the-top reaction which doesn’t recognize, number one; they keep everybody safe, drivers and cyclists and others using them, and they also take cars off the road,” Fletchersaid.

“It’s only at peak times that things become really difficult, so it’s in the morning or the afternoon. Other than that, the roads are pretty well clear. So nobodysaidyoucoulddrivetoworkin 10minutesandthat’saruleinthecity. Maybeit’s15.”

Asked about the decision-making process, Sarkaria said the call about whether or not a new bike lane can be installed in a municipality will ultimately rest with the minister of transportation.

He said the government is also developing a plan to allow vehicles to travel safely at speeds higher than 120 km/h on new highways and to freeze drivertestingfeesatcurrentlevels.

The freeze on driving test fees will cost the government $72 million “this decade,”Sarkariasaid. CP24.com

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‘GTAishardhit’:

Ontario MedicalAssociation

calls formorefamilydoctorsas millionsarewithoutone

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) made an impassioned plea Wednesday to bolster the number offamilydoctorsintheprovinceas 2.5 million Ontarians are currently withoutone.

AccordingtotheOMA,thatnumber is expected to nearly double in less than two years, as the association predicts 4.4 million people will be withoutafamilydoctorthen.

“We’re seeing these numbers all acrosstheprovince.Torontoishard hit. The GTA is hard hit. We’re seeing nearly one in four people who can’t find a family doctor,” saidDr.DominikNowak,aToronto family physician and the current OMApresident.

TheOMAsaysitisconcernedabout the lack of people who want to be family doctors due to the burden and cost of running practices and the hours of paperwork that take themawayfrompatients.

Nowak said the problem is a crisis and a catastrophe, leading some patientstodealwithdelayedcancer diagnoses or having to go to the emergencyroomforcare.

“People are paying for it, in terms of their health and then our health care system is paying for it by supportingtheseexpensivetypesof care.”

Stephen Steele, 67, of Niagara-onthe Lake, Ont., knows how critical having that family doctor is. His referral for a hip replacement got lostinthesystemfortwoyears.

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“It was not a fun 33 months, I can tellyouthat,”hesaid.

Eventually, he went back to his family doctor for help and was referred to another doctor for the surgery.

InastatementtoCTVNewsToronto, a spokesperson for Ontario’s health minister said the government has added 12,500 physicians to the workforce—a10percentincrease —since2018.

“We have launched the largest medical school education system expansionin15yearswhilebreaking barriersforinternationallyeducated physicians through programs like PracticeReadyOntarioandmaking historic investments to expand inter-professional primary care teams, connecting 330,000 more peopletoprimarycarewhiletaking action to tackle administrative burnout, freeing up 95,000 hours that family doctors can spend with their patients. Through our government’s 2024 budget, we are doing even more, investing half a billion dollars to connect 600,000 more people to primary care,” the statementreads.

Nowak said the OMA has been working with government, but that ambition and political will are needed to get the system back on track.

“Let’s support those practices and let doctors be doctors so we can attach everyone in this province to afamilydoctor,”Nowaksaid.

Cp24

cont’dfrompg.26

changes to the way the CWELCC program is being rolledoutintheprovinceandacrossthecountry.

“What we would like to have happen is this. We are simply asking for a pause, for a stop in the proceedingsforJanuary,”Sheppardsaid.

“Let’s stop. Keep doing what we’re doing now, the revenue-based, and let’s come back to the table and talkabouthowwecanmoveforward.”

Province says Ottawa must provide more cash, flexibility

InanemailtoCP24.com,OntarioEducationMinister Jill Dunlop said the province has “fought long and hard”toensureparentsget“thebestdeal”inrelation tothenationalchild-careprogram.

“Asamother ofthree, I understand whatparentsare goingthrough,”shewrote.

“Whilewewereabletosecureasix-year$13.2-billion commitment from Ottawa, Ontario continues to deliver significantly more money, at $33.4 billion in child-careandearlyyearseducation.”

Shesaidshehasspokewithdaycareprovidersacross Ontario about the issue, as well as parents and her federal counterpart, Jenna Sudds, the minister of families,childrenandsocialdevelopment.

“What is clear to me is that Ottawa must provide more funding, lift the cap on for-profit providers, and give more flexibility so that providers can cover their costs and create necessary spaces for parents,” Dunlopsaid.

Sudds responded that the provincial government signed an agreement and now has “a responsibility to families” to work with the federal government to make$10-a-daychildcarearealityby2026.

In an email to CTV News this week, the minister accused the province of “dragging their feet” on releasing a new funding formula and further suggestedthattheyaredoingitagainwithrespectto creatingmorechildcarespots.

“My focus is to hold Ontario accountable and get children off waitlists. Ontario has all the necessary funding they need, they just need to roll up their sleevesandgetthejobdone,parentsarecountingon it,”shewrote.

“It’seasiertosayliftthecapandgiveusmoremoney instead of putting in the work themselves, but we weren’t elected to do what is easy, but rather what’s right.”

She noted that she recently met with Dunlop and “reiterated” the need for the province to create nonprofitspaces.

“Research has consistently shown that non-for-

profits provide higher quality child care because every dollar is reinvested directly in the workforce, thechildren,andthecentresthemselves,”shesaid.

“We have seen what happens when we privatize health care—it leads to increased costs, unequal access,anddisparityinquality.Itwouldn’tbefairto parents or our children to let the same happen with ournationalchildcaresystem.”

While it is clear more communication is needed between government and daycare operators, Kay said,parentsneedanswers.

“Parents need clarity because this is coming as of January1,”shesaid.

“You can’t switch your kids to a new daycare on a dime. It is not something that you do very quickly. It is very hard to find alterative types of care and so I think some level of communication and decision needstohappenquickly.” TheCanadianPress

GoldstarAirToHelpReviveGhana’sFashionIndustry

GoldstarAir,theaward-winninginternationalairline, willhelpreviveandelevateGhana’sfashionindustry, bridging the gap to the global market. The airline will collaborate with the Ghanaian fashion industry to launch an initiative to promote traditional attire globally and showcase Ghanaiantalenton the world stage.

Ghana’s fashion industry is a rich tapestry woven with threads of history, culture, and innovation.Yet, despiteitsimmensepotential,itstruggleswithlimited access to international markets and insufficient support for local designers. The airline will be a beacon of hope that could transform this narrative, elevating Ghanaian fashion to new heights and providingaglobalplatformforlocalclothdesigners.

This exposure would not only boost sales but also fostercross-culturalexchangesthatenrichthedesign narrativesofGhanaianfashion.

The fashion industry is a multi-billion-dollar global industry devoted to making and selling clothes. The airline’s 24-hour service will showcase Ghanaian clothing on board with our traditional attire to international audiences and sell some duty-free products.

GoldstarAir’s In-flight magazine also holds the key tounlockinginternationalmarketsforGhanafashion designersandwillfeaturedesignsoftheirwork.The airline will showcase Ghanaian fashion, culture, customs, and tourist attractions on board the aircraft screens.

Fashion designers for Goldstar Air uniforms, shoe markers, watches, and belt manufacturers for our operations will gain international recognition as our crew displays their work on board, which will promote Ghanaian brands to the global fashion market and give them access to a huge financial opportunity.

TherippleeffectsofGoldstarAir’sinvolvementinthe fashion sector extend beyond individual designers. The influx of international orders would necessitate larger production scales, employing artisans, weavers, tailors, and other related professions. The economic empowerment would uplift the entire country, nurturing a robust and dynamic fashion ecosystem.

GoldstarAir will sponsor and facilitate participation in international fashion weeks, trade fairs, and exhibitions. Such opportunities would spotlight the meticulous craftsmanship and cultural heritage embedded in Ghanaian textiles, capturing the admirationandinterestofglobalfashionistas.

Thefashionindustryisa productof themodernage. Before the mid-18th century, virtually all clothing was handmade for individuals, either as home productionoronorderfromdressmakersandtailors. By the beginning of the 20th century, with the rise of new technologies such as the sewing machine, the riseofglobal capitalism,andthedevelopmentof the proliferation of retail outlets such as department stores.

Clothinghadincreasinglycometobemass-produced in standard sizes and sold at fixed prices. Although the fashion industry developed first in Europe and America, today it is an international and highly globalized industry, with clothing often designed in one country, manufactured in another, and sold in a third.

The airline’s 24-hour service will assist Ghanaian fashiondesignerstobeamajorcontributortothelocal economy and excel in the flourishing global fashion industry. Globally, the fashion market is valued at $3 trillion, so a concerted approach by stakeholders in the country will rake in foreign exchange and will position Ghana as a country recognized for its fashiondesignpowers.

Goldstar Air will also collaborate with Textile manufacturers in Ghana, an industry consisting of ginneries and textile mills producing batik, wax cloth, fancy printed cloth, and Kente cloth. The textile industry has shown signs of significant growth in recent years, promoting high-quality traditionallydesignedfabricsas“MadeinGhana”to niche markets, especially the United States. Ghana’s textile industry includes vertically integrated mills, horizontal weaving factories, and traditional textile manufacturing firms involved in spinning, handweaving,andfabricprocessing.

According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GoldstarAir Eric Bannerman, the fashion industry reviving initiative is part of the avowed strategy of the airline’s 24-hour service to fully optimizeGhana’stourismpotential.Ghanaianfashion is deeply rooted in the culture, which sets it apart from other African countries. Ghanaian designers are known for their keen ability to blend traditional Africantextilepatternswithmodernsilhouettes.

Goldstar Air has been sponsoring some organizers of fashion shows in Ghana to promote the fashion andtextileindustry.Theairlinesupportedthemaiden editionoftheGBGFashionShowandArtExhibition which seeks to Give Back to Ghana and Africa as wellaspromoteandofferopportunitiestotheAfrican youthintheFashion&ArtIndustry.

GBG Fashion &Art Show celebrates and promotes African culture as well as promotes the creatives involved offering them opportunities to excel and buildacreativebrandthattravelsbeyondtheborders oftheAfricanContinent.

The Art of Fashion edition introduces the maiden edition of The Golden Thread Awards, which Recognizes Excellence and Offering Opportunities intheFashionIndustry.These

two ceremonies feature creatives from Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Ghana and are open to all AfricanCountries.

Goldstar Air supported the Kids In Tourism (KIT) initiative as part of the airline’s corporate social responsibility. Kids inTourism festival inAccra and Kumasi is being organized in collaboration with the MinistryofTourism,ArtsandCultureandtheGhana Tourism Authority (GTA). It is part of the ‘Beyond the Return’ program of activities lined up for the ‘DecemberinGH’events.

NanaAkuaAfriyie, Chief Executive Officer of Kids InTourism,emphasizedthatthefestivalisanannual eventforchildrenfromdifferentschoolstoshowcase therichtourismandculturalpotentialsofGhana.She saidchildrenneededtobeprotectedinthesetimesto be able to live their full potentialto grow to become responsiblecitizens.

Thetourismfestivalfeaturesaculturaldisplaybythe children,recitals,andagranddurbarbythechildren, from all 16 regions of Ghana. Resource persons interacted with them about the tourism potentials of Ghana and wear Ghana and Eat Ghana and Feel Ghana.

Goldstar Air supported Naa GaDangme for their annual traditional pageantry show which allows young, energetic, intelligent, eloquent, and beautiful GaDangmeladiestoshowtheirtalents.

GoldstarAir collaborated with Miss Tourism Ghana to bring smiles to Countryside children’s welfare home in Bawjiase, located in theAwutu Senya West Municipal Assembly, Central Region-Ghana, by donating assorted items and organizing a party for them.

The Ghanaian pageantry is noted for promoting the rich cultural heritage and tourist sites in the country, as well as grooming the young ladies about the nation’s culture and traditions. Miss Tourism Ghana managed by Chief Executive Officer Mrs. Delphine Brew-Hammond, won the Outstanding Tourism WomanoftheYearattheNationalTourismAwards.

Mr. Bannerman emphasized that, by promoting Ghanaian fashion on board, Goldstar Air fosters cultural exchange, supports local designers, and contributes to the country’s economic growth. The airlineincollaborationwithfashioneventorganizers will be coming up with Ghanaian Fashion Week, a week-long event that will be showcasing the hottest of Ghanaian fashion at all our destinations. The fashion shows will be another way that Ghanaians canshowcasetheirtalentinternationally.

Ghanaian fashion has long been a center of design for decades, but their styles were largely unknown outside ofAfrica,therefore,the airline initiative will let Ghanaian designers have a stronghold on global fashion.Now,astheworldbecomesmore

globalized and connected, these designers will finallybegettingthe internationalattentionthatthey deserve.

As much of Africa won independence in the midtwentieth century, a wave of liberated creative expression swept across the continent, and its evolution hasn’t stopped since. Showcasing a dazzling array of garments alongside music, visual art,andmuchmore

GoldstarAirwillconveyGhana’shistoryandculture to the world, as well as present dispositions and mindsets in the patterns, designs, fabrics, and colors oftheclotheswewear,aswellashowwewearthem.

ByEbenezerAmankwah,Toronto,ON

The National Identification Authority has sampled a number of Ghanaians living in Canada to test the process of acquiring a Ghana card in the diaspora. The Executive Director, Professor Kenneth

Agyemang Attafuah who led the delegation said this has become necessary because of the developmental contributions of Ghanaians abroad.

The event was co-organized by the GhanaianCanadian Association of Ontario and saw members ofthecommunitytroopintolistentothegroup.

GrouppictureofcommunitymemberswithMrs.JoyceAsamoahKorenteng,DeputyConsulGeneral(center) Questiontime

RetirementServiceinhonorofApostleDr.AlexAgyeiGyamenaandfamily

ByEmmanuelAyiku,Toronto,ON

Sunday, September

22nd 2024 at Mckeown Worship Centre, Church of Pentecost Toronto, special retirement service was held inhonorofApostleDr.Alex Agyei-Gyamena and family forhislongandoutstanding service to the church of PentecostCanada.

Apostle Dr. Alex AgyeiGyamenajoinedtheChurch of Pentecost Canada in 1992 when the church had juststartedinToronto.

He was quickly made the local secretary during that year and called to the office of deacon in 1992 and servedasanelderin1995.

In1997,undertheleadership of Apostle Dr. Alex OseiBonsu, Aps. Alex was called into the Ministry as Probationary Overseer for

the Hamilton Church. In 1999 he was ordained by Apo. Kwesi Ackah Baidoo and transferred to Montreal District. Afterservingthree years in Montreal, he was then transferred to Toronto District to take care of

Scarborough, Mckeown, Mississauga and Brampton assemblies from 2002 to 2008. Apostle AlexGyamena was appointed an Area Head for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and minister responsible for PeelDistrictin2009.

He was transferred to Vancouver in 2010 and Calgary in 2014 as the Western Canada Area Head till 2018, he was back from Western Canada in 2018 to head Scarborough Area where he served from 2018 to present. Apostle

Agyei- Gyamena became anApostlein2019.

Apostle Agyei-Gyamena is a great mentor, visionary, counselor and transformationalleader. He is strong in leadership and cont’donpg.48

ApsDr.AgyeiGyamenaandwifeMamaLoveattheAwards ceremony

RoyalAirMarocCelebratesUpcomingToronto-CasablancaRoute

By:EmmanuelAyiku,Toronto,ON

On Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Hotel X, 111 Princes Blvd., Toronto, Royal Air Maroc celebrated the upcoming launch of a new direct flight between T oronto,Casablanca,andotherAfricancities.

The anticipated route, set to launch on December 8, 2024, was celebrated at an event attended by dignitaries from the Kingdom of Morocco, the Canadian businesscommunity,andseveralAfricannations.

In her opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Canada said, “It is with immense pride and great joy that we gather today to celeb rate a historical moment between the Kingdom of Morocco and Canada. It is a dream come true, one that we hoped for, wished for, and dreamed of. This e ventmarksamajormilestoneinstrengtheningthetiesbetweenMoroccoandCanadaandbeyond.Thisnewairconnectionrepresentsmuchmorethanjustaflight.” NourEddine Ezzairi, Country Manager for Canada at Royal Air Maroc, added, “We are celebrating the launch of the new direct flights between Toronto and Casablanca. This new flight will start on December 8 with three flights per week, and it’s just the beginning. Our main goal is to expand to daily fli ghtswithinthreeyears.Thankyouforsharingthishistoricalmomentwithus.”

Beyond Morocco, the route is seen as a step towards increasing connectivity between Canada and African countries in general. Flights will operate thre e times weekly, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Flights will depart Toronto Pearson at 9:30 p.m., arriving inCasablancaat10:50a.m.thenextday.ReturnflightswilldepartCasablancaat4:45p.m.,arrivinginTorontoat7:25p.m.Alltimesarelocal.

ThenewroutebytheOneworldmemberwillbeoperatedontheairline’s274-seatBoeing787-8Dreamliner,featuring18businessclassseatsina2-2-2configuration and256economyclassseatsina3-3-3configuration.ThenewroutecomplementsRoyalAirMaroc’sCasablanca–Montrealflights.

GatewayNewcomersPathwaySuccessfullyLaunches ‘EmpoweringNewcomersforSuccess’ EventinEdmonton,Albert

ByAllisonAsare,Edmondton,AB

OnSaturday,September28th,2024,GatewayNewcomersPathwayhosted the much-anticipated “Empowering Newcomers for Success” conference at the luxurious Ramada Hotel in Edmonton. This one-day event was designedto offer newcomers the essential resourcesand guidanceneeded to thrive in their new home, Canada. The conference brought together expertsandprofessionalsfromvarioussectorstoprovidevaluableinsights onkeyareasofintegration,includingfinancialliteracy,socialwell-being, andimmigrationprocesses.

Theeventbeganwithregistrationandalightbreakfast,offeringattendeesan earlyopportunitytonetwork.RichmondBonsu,theMasterofCeremonies, officiallywelcomedtheparticipants,settingawarmandengagingtonefor the day.The program continued with a land acknowledgment fromSalila MuriuandanupliftingprayerledbyPastorHusseinNyende.

Christine Birabwa, Executive Director of Gateway Newcomers Pathway, followed with an inspiring opening address that underscored the organization’scommitmenttohelpingnewcomerssucceedinAlberta.

The keynote speaker, Sharif Haji, MLAfor Edmonton Decorer, delivered a powerful and motivating address titled “Navigating Your Pathway to Success.” His speech emphasized the importance of resilience and proactive engagement for newcomers adjusting to life in Alberta. Haji’s words set an optimistic tone that resonated with participants throughout theday.

Aseriesofengagingpresentationsfollowedthekeynoteaddress.Bridgette Wilsonofferedaninsightfultalkonthechallengesnewcomersface,while Dr. Mukasa Michael highlighted the significance of mental and social well-being in the transition to a new country. Financial literacy expert Eva Musana provided practical advice on managing finances in Canada, and Harriet Tinka emphasized the critical need for continuous learning and adult education.The morning sessions wrapped up with immigration

GrouppictureExeutivesandparticipants

lawyer Kwaku Adu, who provided a comprehensive update on current immigrationpoliciesandpathwaystopermanentresidency.

The networking lunch was anotherhighlight, asattendees had the chance to mingle with speakers and fellow newcomers in a relaxed setting. The afternoon sessions resumed with historian Nii Koney, who delved into thecomplexitiesofidentity,offeringnewcomersvaluableperspectiveson maintainingculturalheritagewhileintegratingintoCanadiansociety.

Auniquefeatureoftheeventwastheroundtablesessions,whereattendees rotated between different discussion tables to engage directly with the speakers. These sessions allowed for a more personalized exchange of ideas on topics such as job opportunities, social services, health and

wellness,finance,legalities,andpathwaystosuccess.

As the day concluded, certificates of participation were distributed, and attendees gathered for a group photo, marking the event’s success. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the wealth of information shared and the opportunity to connect with professionals who are well-versed in the newcomerexperience.

Gateway Newcomers Pathway looks forward to continuing its mission of empowering newcomers in Alberta, equipping them with the knowledge andtoolstheyneedtobuildasuccessfulfutureinCanada.

PLACESOFWORSHIPDIRECTORY

GhanaMethodistChurchesinCanada

(

SOCIETIESUNDERTHEGHANAMETHODISTCONFERENCE)

TheSuperintendentsMinister-In-Chargeinvitesyoutoworshipwithus

TorontoSociety

PlaceofWorship:69MilvanDrive,NorthYork,Ont.(FinchAv./Milvan) 416-743-4555(Office)905-216-2323(Residence)

DayandTimeofWorship:

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

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

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

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

Friday:BibleTeaching/PrayerMeeting8:00p.m.-9.00p.m.

SaturdayOrganizationalMeeting:6.30p.m.-9.30p.m.

SundayBramptonPrayerMeeting8:00p.m.

EdmontonMethodist

778-237-7339

OttawaMethodist

613-315-3443

RedemptionMethodist

BETHANYMETHODISTCHURCH-BRAMPTON

PLACEOFWORSHIP-1AKNIGHTSBRIGEROAD (Senior’sLounge)

SundayDivineService - 2PM-5PM

OnlinePrayerMeeting Fridaysat8PM-9PM 416-800-4317

Code#9632581

Contact:RobertFrans (289-541-5579) FelixGyimah(289-931-8443)

Church

Location:955WilsonAve.,Unit12,NorthYork,ON

WeeklyServiceSchedule:Monday7pm-8pm

OnlineBibleStudy:Thursday7pm-8:30pm,PrayerMeetingFriday7:30pm-9pm DivineService,Sundays10am-12:30pm

Contacts:AgnesDonkor-647-881-4808,FeliciaOwusu-647-533-1093,GraceKubi-647-608-5373

HolyTrinityMethodistChurch,Montreal

PlaceofWorship:455ChurchStreet-BeaconsfieldQcH9W3S6

DayandTimeofWorship

SundayDivineService:12:30p.m.-3:30p.m.

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

Contact:Bro.JoselinTwumasi438-881-6640

EbenezerMethodistChurch

StoneyCreekUnitedChurch(Chapel)

1KingStreetWest,StoneyCreek, Hamilton

Contact: Bro.KofiBonsu289-684-6074

WorshipTime:11amto1pm

PenielMethodist

ChurchVancouver #2322 124882Ave. Surrey,BC,V3W3E9 SisterComfortT.Owusu 647-895-7131

WorshipTime: 9amto10:30

SERVICESARECONDUCTEDFOLLOWINGTHETRADITIONALGHANAMETHODISTLITURGY.PLEASECOMEANDJOINUS.WEHAVEAPLACEFORYOU.GODRICHLYBLESSYOU

FOODFORLIFE

Bringingthe GospeltoourCommunity

By Rev. Isaac De-Graft Takyi

THECHRISTIANIN2024:THEESSENCEOFGRATITUDE

QUOTES:

“Gratitudeturnswhatwehaveinto enough.”–Anonymous “Thanksgivingisatimeof togethernessandgratitude.”–Nigel

Hamilton

“GivethankstotheLord,forHeis good;Hisloveenduresforever.”–Psalm107:1(NIV)

AsweapproachThanksgivingweekend hereinCanada,theatmosphereisfilled withexcitement.Itisatimeforfamilies and friends to gather, share meals, and reflect on the blessings of the past year. However, amidst the cultural diversity in our beloved country, Thanksgiving means different things to different people. For some, it’s a time to celebrate the harvest,while for others, it’s an opportunity to express gratitude for health, relationships, and successes. But no matter how we view it, Thanksgiving offers us a special chance to reflect on a universal human experience—gratitude.

As a Pastor, I want to take a moment to reflect on the deeper spiritual meaning of Thanksgiving, especially in a multicultural setting like Canada where people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds share this national holiday. Whether we come from African, Asian, European, or Indigenous heritage, gratitude is something that transcends all cultural andreligiousboundaries.

1. Thanksgiving:AHistoricaland SpiritualReflection

The tradition of Thanksgiving has its roots in the harvest celebrations of ancient cultures. In the Bible, the Israelites had several festivals that revolved around giving thanks for God’s provision, such as the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot (Leviticus 23:33-43). This was a time fortheIsraelitestocelebratetheharvest and to remember God’s faithfulness in thewilderness.

In the Christian faith, Thanksgiving is not limited to one day or one meal; it is a way of life. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Thanksgiving, therefore, is not dependentonwhetherthingsaregoing well or whether we have received a particular blessing—it is a response to thegoodnessofGod,whichisconstant, eveninchallengingtimes.

FormanyofuswhocomefromAfrican backgrounds, gratitude is deeply embedded in our culture. It’s common togivethanksatfamilygatherings,and evenduringdifficulttimes,manyofus have been taught to look to God with hearts of gratitude. This attitude of gratitude is also seen in other cultures acrosstheworld,anditunitesusinour sharedhumanity.

2. TheSpiritualBenefitsof Gratitude

Gratitude is powerful. It changes the way we see the world and transforms our hearts. When we focus on what we have—rather than what we lack— we experience a profound shift in our spirit.Thanksgivingallowsustomove from a mindset of scarcity to one of abundance.

Research has shown that practicing gratitude has a positive effect on mental health, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. But beyond the psychological benefits, there are also spiritual rewards. When we express gratitude, we are reminded of our dependence on God and His provision in our lives. This humility draws us closer to God, allowing us to experience His presence in deeper ways.

In Psalm 107:1, the psalmist declares, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” This verse reminds us that Thanksgiving is not just about what we have received, but about who God is—His enduring love and faithfulness. It’s about recognizingthateverygoodgiftcomes fromabove(James1:17).

3. Thanksgiving in a Multicultural Canada

As we celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada,itisessentialtorememberthat wearepartofadiversecommunity.Our nationishometopeoplefromallwalks of life, each with their own traditions and ways of giving thanks. While some may celebrate Thanksgiving in the traditional Canadian way with turkey and pumpkin pie, others may incorporate elements from their culturalbackgrounds.

In my own Ghanaian community, we oftenblendourtraditionswithCanadian customs, creating a rich tapestry of celebration. Our Thanksgiving meals might include jollof rice, fried plantains, or fufu alongside the classic dishes. But beyond the food, it’s the spiritofgratitudethatunitesusall.

For those who may not have a strong Thanksgivingtraditionintheirculture, I encourage you to embrace this opportunity to reflect on the blessings in your life. Whether you’ve been in Canadaforgenerationsorhaverecently immigrated, Thanksgiving is a time to connect with the land, the people, and mostimportantly,withGod.

4. HowCanWeExpress Thanksgiving?

1. Through Prayer and Worship: One of the simplest ways to give thanks is through prayer. Set aside time during this Thanksgiving weekend to offer prayers of gratitude for your family, health, work, and all the blessings in your life. In Psalm 95:2, the Bible says, “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” Let your Thanksgiving be a moment of drawing closer to God through worship.

2. Through Acts of Kindness: Thanksgiving is also about giving back. Many people in our communities are struggling, especially in these challenging

economic times. You can show gratitudebysharingyourblessings with others—whether through donating food, offering support to a neighbor, or volunteering your time. Acts of kindness express gratitudeinaction.

3. Through Reflection: Take time to reflect on the past year. What challenges have you overcome? What lessons have you learned? Reflection allows us to see God’s handatworkinourlivesandhelps uscultivateaheartofgratitude.

4. Through Gathering: Thanksgiving is a time for connection.Gatherwithyourloved ones, share meals, and encourage one another. This holiday reminds us that we are not alone—we are part of a broader community that supportsandupliftsoneanother.

ATHANKSGIVINGPRAYER

Asweprepareforthisspecialweekend, Ileaveyouwiththisprayerofgratitude:

“Father, we thank You for Your provision in our lives. We thank You for the food on our tables, the roof over our heads, and the love of family and friends. As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving,mayourheartsoverflow with gratitude for all You have done. Help us to remember those who are in needandgiveusthegracetoshareour blessings with them. In all things,may we give You the honor and praise. In Jesus’name,Amen.”

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember that gratitude is a way of life, not just a holiday. May we continue to cultivate thankful hearts long aftertheturkey is eaten, and the festivitiesareover.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

am

Address:101WestmoreDrive,Unit206,Etobicoke(Highway27/Finch)

TimeofWorship: 10am-12:15pm

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

Bro. Agyenim Boateng: 647-656-9905 Bro. Christian Kpodjie: 647-405-2068

Email:churchofchristtwiservice@gmail.com

Lighthouse AssemblyofGodChurch

SUNDAYSERVICES: 9:30am-1:00pm- GhanaianService

WEEKDAYSERVICES: Wednesday-BibleStudies7:00pm-9:00pm Friday - HolyGhostService 7:00pm-9:00pm

LOCATION: 42SteinwayBlvd.Unit1&2 (Hwy27/Steeles)Toronto,Ontario,M9W6Y6

Tel:416-740-1200 Fax:416-740-6435

Email: lighthouseagtoronto.org lighthouseag@outlook.com

GoodShepherdPrayerMinistry

Invitesyoualltocomeworshipwithus Venue:95EddystoneAveunit4NorthYork,ON

Timeofworship: Sunday:10am-1pm Wednesdaybiblestudies 7pm-9pm

FridayPrayer/Deliverance 7pm-9pm

Thethiefcomethnot,butfortosteal,andtokill,andtodestroy:Iamcome thattheymighthavelife,andthattheymighthaveitmoreabundantly.11.l amthegoodshepherd:thegoodshepherdgivethhislifeforthesheep.Amen. John 10 :10-11

Tel:416667-9763cell647500-4415/647718-4819/416300-4258

Email:pastorjsarfo@gmail.com

Iencourageyoutojoinusinworshipregardlessofyoursituationthepowerof Godisavailabletomakeyouwhole

Website:churchofchristghtoronto.com

CHRISTREDEEMERCHURCH

Pastor-in-charge:PastorEricAmoah

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

ChurchServices

SundayService:

BibleStudy: 10a.m.-11a.m. WorshipService:11a.m.-1p.m. Wednesday: BibleStudy 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. FridayNightPrayer:8p.m.-10p.m.

Location:14HaasRd.,#100,Etobicoke,ON,M9W3A2

Doyoudesiretoexperiencethepowerandthe presenceofGoddemonstratedinyourlife? Doyouwanttoexperiencethe marvelousworkofGod'sgraceinyourlife? Then,BethelPrayerMinistryInternational wouldliketoinviteyoutovisittheirchurch wherethewordofGodispreachedpowerfully toreleasethepowerofGodinyourlife. COMEANDYOUWILLBEBLESSED PastorDennisAwuku SeniorPastor

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

WorshipHours: SundayService:9am-1pmTuesday9am-2pmConsultation Wednesday:7pm-9p.m.Friday:9pm-12pm Saturday(PrayerWarriors)6pm-8pm Location:52CarrierDrive,Unit12, (Albion/Hwy27) Etobicoke,Ont.,M9w5S5

Pastor Eric Amoah

LeadPastor:Rev.NanaBoateng

Rev.NanaBoateng

TransformationCentre

JoinusonSundaysforWorshipat: Venue:161LakeshoreRoadW, Mississauga,ON Time:10:30am—1:30pm

Contact:Rev.IsaacK.Bonful Tel:289-814-5482

Email:transformationcentreag@gmail.com

Website: www. transformationcentreag.ca

Betransformedbytherenewingofyourmind…“Rom.12:2a

TheApostolicChurchInt'l.

MOVEDTONEW LOCATION

31AirviewRoad

MeetingSchedule

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

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

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

cont’dfrompg.40

training. Heupliftedyoungmenandtaughtthemleadershipskills.

ApostleAlexAgyei-GyamenaiswellconnectedinhisGhanaianCanadian communitywiththeleaders,politiciansandthelowenforcementofficers.

On SaturdaySeptember21st a day before his official retirement, a special award was presented to him by the Ghanaian News at the 21st Annual Ghanaian Canadian Achievement Awards in the category of Religion/ Outreach.

In the Church of Pentecost Canada,Aps. Dr.AlexAgyei-Gyamena is the longest serving member on the National Executive, he served from 1999 topresent.

ApostleAgyei-Gyamena is married to Mrs. LoveAgyei-Gyamera for the past 37 years. They are blessed with four beautiful daughters, Doreen, Marian,Abigail,AlexisandagrandsonIsaiah.

GoldstarAirToHelpReviveGhana’sFashionIndustry

cont’dfrompg.38

In Ghanaian culture, fashion or clothing is just as important as any other facet of society. The airline will represent each ethnic group across the length andbreadthofthecountry,withtheirdistinctculture anduniquenessinthewaytheydress.

The airline will be boosting tourism and economic growthwithourfeaturedcustomizedattiresofKente cloth, Kaba, and Slit (Smock/Fugu) which holds the potential to be among the global fashion industry. The Ghanaian Smock or Tani is a fabric worn by bothwomenandmeninGhana.Itisthemostpopular traditional attire in the country. The fabric is called Tani in Dagbani, while the male and female wear are respectively called Bin’gmaa and Bin’mangli. Goldstar Air will help textile manufacturers serve regional and international markets with printed Africanpatternedfabrics.

Batakari, also known as Fugu is an attire mostly worn by women and men in the northern part of Ghana. In Ghana especially in the northern part, people are adapted to the Batakari trend as it is part of their culture. It is also termed as a plaid garment thatissimilartowhatispopularlyknownasDashiki orJoromiamongsometribes.

Made of hand-loomed strips of cotton, it is either sewn or woven depending on the designer and the public’s preference. Batakari as some may choose to call it in the north, and Fugu by the southerners is oftentimes accompanied by a cap. Batakari is considered a mark of power and tradition as some politicalleadershave been seenwearingthe attireto makepublicstatements.

Kwame Nkrumah declared the independence of GhanaonMarch6,1957,wearingtheBatakari.

Kaba is the Ghanaian term used for the top half of the common traditional attire the Kaba and Slit; which comprises the long wrap skirt called the slit (sleet)andthematchingblousetheKaba.AnAfrican equivalentoftheWesterntailoredTopandSkirt.This customary African fashion dress is a very symbolic outfit inGhanaiansocietyasitisstronglyassociated with the ladies, especially the older folks. African prints are used for Kaba and slit dresses. The most beautifulyetveryexpensivegarmentsusedforthese fashionstylesaretheKenteandlace(laceKaba).

Over the years, “kaftan” has become the catchall term in fashion for any kind of loose-fitting robe or tunic—often used to describe several garments of Middle Eastern and North African origination. It can be made from almost any fabric; most are made of silk, wool, or cotton and are often bound with a sash. Kaftans are worn by both men and women in variations.Youcantryitwhileyouvisitthecountry.

Jokoto or the Joker pants are made from African wax print. Pants made to fit everyone, easy comfy readyfor dancehall and feelthe Reggaeandconnect withtheroots.Justadjustthewaisttoyourperfectfit andyou are ready to roll. Comes with differentstyle printswithtwolargesidepockets.

The Ntama style is a Ghanaian style that has been around for many years. It is usually a piece of cloth wrappedaroundthechestofbothGhanaianmenand women.

TheJalabiyaisusuallywornbyGhanaians.Originally atraditionalEgyptiangarment,thesametermisused fortraditionalSudaneseandEritreanclothes,butboth look different from the popular Egyptian garment which is worn by both Egyptian males and females andismuchmorecolorful.Thecolorsareoftenwhite inthesummer.Incountrieswithwinter,thickerfabric in other colors such as grey, dark green, olive, blue, tan, or striped fabrics are used and colorful scarves arewornaroundtheneck.Ghanahasnowintersoall youneedisajalabiyawithoutscarves.

The jumper is a Ghanaian top usually worn by men whowrapinNtoma.Mostlywhite,theoutfitisworn to cover the chest. It can also be sewn with other colorsdependingonhowonemaywantit.

TheAhenemaaslippersareGhanaian-madeandworn by the Akans. It is worn to compliment the Ntoma outfit by both men and women. Usually handmade, the slippers are quite heavy since it is made with wood.

Culture is a broad term that refers to shared beliefs, values, practices, customs, and behaviors that characterize a group or society or the sum of the collective knowledge of a group. To simplify collectiveknowledgeinculture.Cultureispassedon from individual to individual, but more importantly, collectivelythroughcreativeproducts.

By promoting Ghanaian fashion on a global scale, Goldstar Air would play a vital role in preserving and strengthening the country’s cultural identity. The stories woven into Ghana’s traditional fabrics and contemporary designs are rich narratives of heritageandpride.Throughtheairline’sefforts,these stories would travel far and wide, fostering a deeper appreciationforGhana’sculturallegacy.

Goldstar Air is more than just an airline, it is a potential catalyst for a fashion revolution in Ghana. By providing access to global markets, facilitating participationininternational

events,promotingsustainablepractices,andfostering innovation, the airline will help revive and elevate Ghana’sfashionindustry.

From the Volta, Ho Industrial Zone viability will be an economic generator for the region. Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and charter flightswillalsoopenmoredoorsfortheVoltaregion.

From the Northwestern corner of Ghana, Wa will be experiencing charter flights from the rural and smaller communities connecting global cities which will help businesses in the area expand and attract new companies. Also, Hajj flights to and from the KingdomofSaudiArabia.

From the Mother of all regions, Tamale will serve as a pivotal hub for our airline’s maintenance base, cargo, and training school and plans are underway to operate international flights to and fromthe Sahel region and Hajj flights to and from the Kingdom of SaudiArabia.

From the Garden City Kumasi, the airline will initially operate flights to Rome, Madrid, Hamburg, London, Dusseldorf, Milan, and Hajj flights to and fromtheKingdomofSaudiArabia.

AlsofromtheCapitalcityAccra,flightsshallinclude destinations such as Washington, Dubai, Lagos, Toronto, Monrovia, Conakry, Abidjan, Guangzhou, Dakar, Banjul, Rhode Island, London, Freetown, and pending cities such as Miami-Florida, AtlantaGeorgia, Chicago-Illinois, Glasgow-Scotland, Houston-Texasandmanymore.

Ultraprocessedfoodsmayincreaseyourriskfortype2diabetes,studyshows

Can you tell what ingredients went into your lunch today? Whether or not you can easily identify the contents of your meal may affect your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according tonewresearch.

Packaged foods, soda, chips, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and ice cream all fall under the category of ultraprocessed foods, which can include dozens of synthetic additives such as preservatives, emulsifiers and artificial dyes.Andthereportshowsthesefoods canhaveabigimpactonhealth.

Researchersanalyzedtheconsumption of ultraprocessed foods and the development of type 2 diabetes in more than 300,000 people from eight European countries for an average of 10.9 years, according to the study published Monday in The Lancet RegionalHealth–Europe.

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For every 10% increase in the amount of a person’s diet made up of ultraprocessed foods, the team found thattherewasa17%increasedriskfor developing type 2 diabetes, the data showed.

The scientists also found that reducing the amount of ultraprocessed food you are consuming can lower the risk, accordingtothestudy.

The study is observational, meaning that while researchers can show a connection between the level of food processing and the risk for type 2 diabetes, they cannot say that one causes the other, said Dr. Nerys Astbury, associate professor of diet andobesityintheNuffieldDepartment ofPrimaryHealthCareSciencesatthe UniversityofOxford,inastatement.

However, the results of the most recent study do add to a body of evidence showing that eating more ultraprocessedfoodsisassociatedwith many adverse health conditions, said Astbury, who was not involved in the research.

Why ultraprocessed foods could be ofconcern

You can tell when you have an ultraprocessed food in your shopping cart because it combines multiple ingredients — many of which you wouldn’t cook with at home — and hasundergonealotofprocessing,said leadstudyauthorDr.SamuelDicken,a clinical scientist at University College London.

“Ultra-processed foods are everywhere,” Dicken said via email. “They’re highly accessible, cheap, convenient,andheavilymarketed.”

“Examples include sugary drinks, ready meals, savory snacks (such as crisps), breakfast cereals, and plantbased alternatives,” he added. “They canoftenbeidentifiedbyalonglistof ingredientsonthepackage,withlotsof colorful branding, and some of them with nutrition/health claims such as lowinfat,orhighinfibre.” CNN

Plant-based ultraprocessed foods linked to heart disease, early death, study says

The researchers were not able to say for sure why ultraprocessed foods are associated with a greater risk for type 2 diabetes, but there are some hypotheses.

For example, “they tend to be high in calories for the weight of the food, meaning you eat more calories before youfeelfull,”Dickensaid.

“We also know that increased body fat (from excess calories) increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. When we considered bodyweight, an increase in waist to height ratio (increased belly fat)potentiallyexplainednearlyhalfof theassociation,”headded.

The study can’t prove a causal relationship between foods and type 2 diabetes risk, and the authors acknowledged there are limitations and a need for further research, said Sarah Gallo, senior vice president of product policy at the Consumer Brands Association, which is a US trade association for manufacturers of consumerpackagedgoods.

“Demonizing shelf ready foods could limit access to and cause avoidance of nutritious foods resulting in decreased diet quality, increased risk of food-

borne illness, greater food waste and exacerbated health disparities,” she said.“ThemakersofAmerica’strusted household brands are closer to the consumer than any other industry and are committed to protecting access to nutritious, affordable, convenient and safefood.”

Whattoeatinstead

The main culprits that seemed to be driving the connection between ultraprocessed foods and type 2 diabetesweresugarydrinks,processed animal-based foods and savory snacks suchaspotatochips,Dickensaid.

When you go to buy your lunch, he recommends swapping out a soda for water and chips for fruit or unsalted trailmix,hesaid.

It’s also important to note that not all processing is the same, said Dr. Hilda Mulrooney, reader in nutrition and health at London Metropolitan University.Shewasnotinvolvedinthe research.

“Reallyallfoodsareprocessedtosome degree; picking an apple off a tree is a type of processing,” she said in an email. “Processing is often beneficial because it helps ensure food safety and adds to its lifespan, reducing the risk that it will go off causing food poisoning.Itisthedegreeofprocessing thatisbeingquestioned.”

How much ultraprocessed food are you eating?

To evaluate the degree to which the foods you are eating is processed, she recommends thinking about how closely they resemble the starting ingredients.

“Lookingatfoodlabelsisagoodplace to start; if the end product does not resemble the starting food, and has a longlistofingredients,thenitislikely tobeultra-processed,”Mulrooneysaid viaemail.

Ideally, you want to maximize the amountoffoodsyoueatthataresimilar totheirstartingingredients,shesaid.

“If you are unsure how much ultraprocessedfoodisin your diet,it might be worth keeping a record for a few days,” Mulrooney added. “If you find you are eating a lot of them, then it is worth making some swaps to shift the balance of your diet away from ultraprocessed and towards more natural andlessprocessedfoodsanddrinks.”

Also remember that diet isn’t the only factor that contributes to diabetes risk, she said. Your activity levels, the length of time you sit, the amount of sleep you get, your hydration levels, and your smoking and drinking habits allplayaroleaswell.

Isyourkidapickyeater?It’sprobablynotyour fault,studyshows

Tryingtoconvinceyourkidtoeattheir food can be a struggle. The tears, the tantrums–manyparentswillknowthe feelingonlytoowell.

But those failing to tempt their child to eattheir broccolicantake solace, as research has found that picky eating is largely down to genes rather than environment.

A new study led by researchers from University College London, King’s College London and the University of Leeds found that food fussiness in children is “a largely genetic trait,” whileotherfactors,suchasthetypesof foods eaten at home and where meals areeaten,mayonlybesignificantwhen thechildisatoddler.

Theresearchinvolvedmorethan2,000 pairsofbothidenticalandnon-identical twins born in 2007 and based in the United Kingdom. Parents answered questions about their children’s eating behaviors from the ages of 16 months to13yearsold.

Most identical twins share 100% of their genetic material, while nonidentical twins do not, which meant the researchers could compare genetic and environmental influences on food fussiness across both groups and take inferencesfromthis.

They found that non-identical twin pairs were much less similar when it came to picky eating than identical

twin pairs. This indicates that genetics havealargeinfluenceonhowreluctant achildistotrynewfoods.

The research also found that food pickinesstendstopeakwhenachildis 7 years old, often declining slightly as theyenteradolescence.

Picky eating “often causes a lot of stress for the children and their families,” Moritz Herle, a researcher at King’s College London and one of the study’s lead authors, said. “Our research indicates that differences between children’s fussy eating can be largely attributed to genetic factors, which hopefully will help to alleviate someoftheblamedirectedatparents.”

“Wehope our findingthat fussy eating is largely innate may help to alleviate parental blame. This behavior is not a result of parenting,” added UCL researcher Zeynep Nas, the paper’s otherleadauthor.

The study found that environmental factors can, however, have an impact on a child’s food pickiness when they are a toddler. This could mean that, if a child is picky at this age, early interventionstohelpthemlearntoeata wider range of food could reduce their pickinessinthefuture.

Abigail Pickard, a researcher in developmental child psychology at AstonUniversitywhowasn’t involved in the research, told CNN that picky

eating is “quite common” in children. One of her recent studies found that approximately 16% of British children aged between 3 and 5 showed picky eating behavior, with factors such as age, parental feeding practices, and cultureplayingapart.

“Parentsshouldtrytomaintainarelaxed atmospherearoundmealtimesandavoid turning food into a power struggle,” Pickard suggested, adding that caregivers should model healthy eating habits and avoid offering children food asarewardforeatingdislikedfoods, as thiscouldcreateanegativeassociation.

The study was published Thursday in The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. CNN

Health/Lifestyle

ByWilliamDoyle-Marshall

Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago has been in the forefront of informing collectors about things –whether they have gone or on the horizon. History, culture, politics, race relations and of course the impact of racism and slavery on the lives of the people of the world. Because most of the well-established calypsonians and composers have been based in the Caribbean, it is only natural that we can locate them in various parts of the world like the Caribbean, African nations, North America, the United Kingdomandelsewhere.

The months ofAugust and September areimportantforTrinidadandTobago. The twin island became independent from Britain August 31,1962 and a few years later became a Republic on September23.Earlyinitsindependence Cosmopolitanwasthetermusedwhen promoting tourism to the twin island state. As a result Calypso, Steelband and masquerade were the pivots upon whichthecountrywashoisted.

As a result, the country’s calypso

Calypso’sRoleinWorldLife

music has been in the forefront informing music collectors and others interested in the affairs of the country aboutmanythings–whethertheyhave gone or may still be on the horizon. History,culture,politics,racerelations andofcoursetheimpactofracismand slaveryonthelivesofthepeopleofthe world.

Becausemostofthewell-established calypsoniansandcomposershavebeen basedintheCaribbean,itisonlynatural thatwecanlocatetheminvariousparts of the world. Most remain at home, but others have migrated to African nations, North America, the United Kingdomandelsewhere.

Alston Cyrus whose stage name is Becket has created various hits that touch various social, political and cultural issues that have earned him numeroustitles.Hehasbeenhonoured by the Government of his land of birth St. Vincent. Here he sings about how Oppression which has affected everyone in the Caribbean and around the world. “Survival is a hell for Brotherman in every nation of the Caribbean,”helaments.Heemphasizes

the people in the region are suffering in the Caribbean because of stinking Oppression.

Repressive education -- so many brothers on the corner all because no school to go, no work to do. the cry in Saint Kitts – Oppression; the cry in Nevis – Oppression. In Antigua – Oppression; in Dominica – Oppression. “Oppressors leave we alone.Oppressorscomeoffthephone,” Becketpleads.

Dr. Hollis Urban Chester Liverpool known in the world of calypso as Chalkdust, has captured the national Calypso Monarch title in Trinidad and Tobagoninetimeswithveryinteresting and captivating compositions. He standsoutfromhiscolleaguesbecause of the contents of his material that coversawiderangeoftopics.Liverpool does not fall in the wine and jam type of compositions that seem to capture the exuberance of most party-goers. You may wonder why. Dr. Liverpool hasbeeninfluencedbysomeofthetop observersoftheculturalscene.

acknowledges that Albert Gomes, a retired politician on returning to his native home in 1975 mentioned he “would like to see the government giving carnival back to the people. Gomes felt carnival was becoming a fete where the parades were being emphasized “to the detriment of the kindoffolkloreaspect”.

In one of his calypsos Chalkdust sings “Pride is the grandfather of all virtues. It gives you strength to chase away the blues why we must never lose or abuse. National pride, he emphasizes the value of all Trinidadians displaying especially when they go for holiday and hear a kaiso(calypso)play.

Inabooktitled“CarnivalinTrinidad and Tobago” published in 1977 the national calypso king acknowledges thereareseveralreasonsthatprompted himtoembarkonhisstudy.Onestems from the fact that Carnival in my opinion today tends to be too much tourist-bent, while the locals seem to be sitting on the fence. Liverpool

“I does feel proud, real proud when I sit down in my national stadium and when my Beewee (British West Indian Airways) plane lift off the ground pride does make my heart drum. But when they say that Tom Adams (late Barbadian) Prime Minister outsmarted Eric Williams Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobagoandgetawholeairportscotch free. Chalkdust feels the hurt of being laughed at by Barbadians over the issue. He sings about the hurt he feels when he goes to Barbados and find their airport “nicer than mine and Bajans laughing at me oh the painthatI doesfeelinside,thegriefI cannot hide them Bajans choking my nationalpride.”

Around the World Sports Scene

UniversityofGhanatake onGhanaCommunication TechnologyUniversityat2024ABF

The University of Ghana (UG) and Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) Men’s Basketball teams are gearing up for an exciting showdownastheypreparetoparticipate in the 2024Africa Basketball Festival.

The game, set to take place on Sunday, October 27th, promises to be an electrifying clash that will highlight the passion and skills of university basketball teams in Ghana.

The University Contest, which has become a part of the annual Africa Basketball Festival, was introduced during the 2024 festival and saw University of Ghana losing to their archrivals Accra Technical University at Bukom Boxing Arena where the festival was held.

Speaking at the launch of the 2024 AfricaBasketballFestival,JonesKelvin Mensah the captain of University of Ghana Basketball team said “we lost to Accra Technical University last year because we were not mentally prepared,butthisyearwillbedifferent”

This year’s Africa Basketball Festival will bring together ten (10) countries ofthebest university basketball talent, showcasing the dynamic growth of the sport in Ghana andAfrica at large. UG and GCTU are no strangers to high-stakes competition, both being prominent institutions known for their strong athletic programs. The teams have been training rigorously, and the players are eager to prove themselves on the continental stage.

The University of Ghana’s team has consistently shown dominance in the local basketball circuit, known for its solid defense, quick transitions, and versatile scoring options. Their success in the Ghana University Sports Association (GUSA) games has prepared them for competitive environments, making them a formidable opponent in this festival. Meanwhile,theGhanaCommunication

Technology University men’s team, which has been gaining recognition in recent years, brings its unique style of play, emphasizing teamwork, three-point shooting, and strategic playmaking. Their rise in university sportsisatestamenttotheirdedication and the institution’s growing investment in athletic development.

The Africa Basketball Festival is not just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of culture, unity, and the spirit of competition.Fanscanexpectathrilling day of games, filled with intense matchups, remarkable skills, and the kindofsportingspiritthatunitesteams and audiences alike. The festival aims to foster sportsmanship and strengthen tiesbetweenuniversitiesfromdifferent regions while providing a platform for young athletes to gain exposure.

As UG and GCTU prepare to face off against each other and other talented teams, both universities are hopeful for success, aiming to bring glory to their institutions and represent Ghana with pride. The excitement surrounding this festival is palpable, and basketball enthusiasts are eager to seewhichteamwillemergevictorious.

The event is expected to attract basketball fans from across Ghana and beyond, making October 27th a significant day for university sports in Africa. With both teams determined to make a mark, the stage is set for a memorable showdown at the 2024 Africa Basketball Festival

2024 Africa Basketball Festival is hosted by University of Ghana Sports Directorate and brough to you by Indomie Noodles, Glico General Insurance, GTS Drilling, Ghana Shippers Authority, Goldgod.

Entertainment, Ghana Basketball Association, Nkonkonsa.Com, Black SecretMakeUp,WarriorKingWatches and GTV Sports Plus. Visit www. africabasketballfestival.comformore. ghanaweb

GhanaiansbayforOttoAddo’s headonsocialmediaas2025 AFCONhopeschancesslipaway

Ghanaians have been venting their frustration on social media after the BlackStarsofGhanalosttoSudanbytwo goalstonilinthe2025AfricanCupof NationsqualifiersonOctober15,2025.

SomenetizensblamedheadcoachOtto Addo for his squad selection and the tactics he deployed during the game, which did not help the team at all.

Others also lambasted and chided the Black Stars players for their mediocre performance, showing less commitment and passion while playing for the national team.

AhmedHamedMahmoudMohammed andYousifYagoubscoredthetwogoals forSudantodefeattheBlackStarswho struggledtofindtheirbestform,failing to create chances and pose a threat to the Sudanese side as they had in the firstgameattheAccraSportsStadium.

The Sudanese team, led by Ghanaian James Kwasi Appiah, dominated the gameandcreatedgoodchances,which resulted in their deserved victory.

Afterfourmatchesplayed,Ghanaliesin thirdplaceinGroupFwithtwopoints, Sudan in second place with seven

points, while Angola leads with nine points,waitingtoplaytheirfourthgame.

The Black Stars will travel to face Angola and play the last match against Niger in Ghana.

Thechancesoftheteamqualifyinghave become slim, with a defeat in any of thenexttwogameslikelytojeopardise the team’s chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

ghanaweb

The national youth boxing team of Ghana, the Black Rockets, has been invited to take part in the IBA Youth World International competition in Montenegro, Europe. They are expected to leave Accra for Budva on October 18, 2024.

According to the leader of the team, Alhaji Fuseni Dauda, who is Vice President of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), the youth team, who have been training for a long time under Coach Charles Quartey, will raise high the flag of Ghana.

He noted that the new Black Bombers need to be tested, tried, and exposed to gain the muchneeded exposure and experience.

Alhaji Dauda expressed that the six boxers are already self-motivated but need the support of the government to be assured and insured to put in all theireffortsandwintheultimateprize.

“Our game is about to rise again. We will take Ghana Boxing to the next level,” he assured.

Coach Charles Quartey said the new Black Bombers are those being prepared for the next Olympic Games, so they need to be encouraged by the government.

Mustapha Nettey, Treasurer of the GBF, also thinks the recent donation by BOXUP came at the right time and the boxers are really happy.

“We really appreciate what Dr. StephenAddisonhasdone,andhewill be remembered and blessed forever becausewehavebeenlookingforsuch supportfor alongtime.We knowwith hissupportwecangoveryfar,”hesaid.

The IBA Youth World International Boxing Tournament is from October 20toNovember3,2024. ghanaweb

withJonathan BaahAnnobil

Black Stars head coach, Otto Addo

FOODANDRECIPES

CompiledbyNanaAma,Toronto,ON

ABUNUABUNAORCOCOYAMLEAVESOUP

AbunuabunuisasoupthatisverypopularintheBrongAhaforegion ofGhana,alsomadefromcocoyamleaves,liketheKontomirestew, thiscanbeservedwithBanku,fufu,oranythingaccordingtoyour preference.

INGREDIENTS

• Snailsoranymeatofyourchoice

• Herrings/dryorsmokedfish

• Onion

• Ginger

• Garlic

• Freshtomatoes

• Kontomire

• prekese

• salt

• peanutbutter/groundnutpaste(optional)fornkatekonto

METHOD

• Washthekontomireleavesinacleanbowlandputintoasaucepan

• Addalittleamountofwaterandboilunderamediumheat

• Removeafter5minuteswhenitsoftens

• Washthemeatandputintoanothersaucepan.

• Washandcutonionsintopieces.

• Adddicedonionstomeat,addseasoningandsalttotaste

• Placeitovermediumheat

• Chopsomeonionsandpourintoablender,addginger,pepperand garlicandblendintoasmoothmixture

• Pourtheblendedmixtureintothemeatonfire.

• Addabout4piecesoffreshtomatoesandfreshonions

• Addateaspoonofpeanutbutter

• Blendthecocoyamleavesandpouritintothesoup

• Addabout4cupsofwater.Youcanaddmoredependingonhow thickyouwantyoursouptobe.

• Removethecookedonionsandcookedtomatoesandblendtogether.

• Pourtheblendedmixturebackintothesoup

• Addthispoint,youcanaddtheherringsorsmokedfish

• Allowthesouptoboilforabout15minutes.

• Addsaltormaggiecubetotaste

• Addtheprekeseandallowittodifuseinthesoupforabout5 minutes.

• Thesoupisready

• Servewithfufu

GROUNTNUT/PEANUTBUTTERSOUP

INGREDIENTS

• 2mediumonionsor1largeone

• 3veryripelargetomatoes

• Awholechicken,choppedtopieces(welike"boiler"chicken, freerange,"kokoyaSetswana")

• Gardeneggs(optional)

• 12okra(withendstrimmed)

• 1scotchbonnetpepperorkpakposhito

• Ginger

• 2bayleaves

• 1rosemarysprig

• 1.75lchickenstock

• 4tbsppeanutbutter

• Watertomixwiththepeanutbutter

METHOD

• Placethewholeonion,pepper,tomatoesandchickenpiecesin thepotandtopwiththestock.Cover,bringtotheboiland reducetosimmerfor15minutestillvegetablesaresoftand tender.Removethevegetables.

• Blendthevegetablesandgingerinafoodprocessorand returntothesoup.Bringtotheboilthenreduceto simmerwhileyoumakethepeanutbuttersauce.Ifyouare usingboilerchicken,itcanbequitetough,soitmayneed extratimecooking.

• Meanwhile,makethepeanutbuttersauce.Therearedifferent waysofdoingthis,Ihaveoptedtogoforwhatiseasierfor me.Scoopthedesiredamountofpeanutbutterintoa saucepanandput

• Addwateralittleatatime.Thiscanbequitetrickyasthe waterinstantlychangestherunnypeanutbutterproperties. Iwouldsayitisasimilarexperiencetowhitesauce,when themilkisaddedtotheflourandbuttermixture.Oncea smoothsauce isachieved,allowtosimmer.Youwill findthepeanutoilbeginstoseparatefromthepeanutbutter. Whenthishappens,youcanaddthepeanutbuttersauceto therestofthesoupandsimmerfor20minutestilloilrisesto thesurfaceofthesoup.

• Checkseasoningtoyourtaste.Servewithyourfavourite carbssuchasboiledslicedyam,potatoesorrice,konkonte.

INTERNATIONALDAYOFPRAYER(IDOP)

Christianpersecutionisreal.Itisadailyrealityformore than365millionChristiansworldwide.INTERNATIONAL DAYOFPRAYER(IDOP)forthepersecutedChurchisa daysetasidetoprayforourbrothersandsistersinChrist aroundtheworldwhoarefacinghighlevelsofpersecution anddiscriminationfortheirfaithinJesusChrist. ThisYear’sThemeis,“RememberHer” “YouaretheGodwhoseesme,”forshesaid,“Ihavenow seentheOnewhoseesme.”- Genesis 16:13 ( NIV)

YouareinvitedtojoinusONLINEonSunday,November 3rdfrom6pm-7pmtoprayforourglobalfamilyinChrist.

Pleasecontactustoregister.AZoomlinkwillbesentto youtojoin.

Contact:FelixOppong–Kyekyeku MissionDirector, LivingWordAssemblyofGodChurch E-mail:felix302@rogers.comorfelix@livingwordag.org Tel:647-297-3273