GHANAIAN NEWS MARCH 2020

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Vol. 24 No. 3

March 2020

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

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The Corona Virus Pandemic Views and measures taken by Community Members and Groups in Canada As reported elsewhere and in our Editorial and Commentary Columns in this “Crisis” edition, the Corona virus pandemic has had, and continue to wreck hardships on our community members

across Canada.

The Ghanaian News Team sampled the views of our community members across Canada. We have also received write-ups from some Organizations

and Faith Groups in our communities on measures they are taking to assist community members cope with this crisis. These are found on a number of pages in this edition of your versatile Newspaper .

President AkufoAddo Updates the Nation on fight on Corona Virus From: Prof. Michael Baffoe, Winnipeg, MB

President Nana Addo Dankwa on Sunday April 5, 2020 provided the nation with a comprehensive update on the government’s initiatives and measures taken to combat the spread of the Corona virus in the country.

In a powerful moving speech to the nation monitored by The Ghanaian News, President AkufoAddo announced that Ghana has recorded a total of 214 cases of COVID-19, with five (5) deaths as at Saturday April 4, 2020. He provided details of the measures taken so far in the fight against the Covid-19 virus and the results so far achieved.

President Nana Akufo-Addo The President highly commended the heroic roles that health care professionals have played in the fight against the Corona virus.

In appreciation of their efforts, the President announced series of incentive packages for the health care workers. These include the following: • All health workers in the country are to enjoy tax holiday for three months, (April, May and June) as part of government incentive for their sacrifices in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

• Additionally, frontline health workers will receive a 50% allowance on their

March to June basic salary.

• They are also to enjoy free rides to and from work on Ayalolo buses.

President Akufo-Addo noted that, Ghana is “about to enter a critical phase of our fight in the coming weeks, as the Ghana Health Service is due to receive the results of some 15,384 out of 19,276 persons who have been reached through contact tracing and tested. “It is the results of these tests that will determine our future course of action. Government’s policy and measures will continue to be driven by the science in this matter”, he said.

See summary of the President’s Speech on page 16

FRONT PAGE EDITORIAL Coping with the impact of the Corona virus pandemic in Our Communities The past few weeks have been nerve-wrecking for everyone around the world as a result of the raging impact of the relatively unknown virus called “Corona” or by its scientific “guy name” of COVID-19 that has created a world-wide health pandemic. The scary thing about the raging pandemic is that, little or almost nothing, is known by the health and scientific community about its actual causes or how it can effectively be stopped by way of cure for persons who have been infested by it. All the measures that have been proposed and tried by health care professionals are all in the realm of “try and error”.

Around the world, over a million people have been infested by the virus as at the end of March 2020, and over 60,000 have lost their lives to this virus with the highest numbers recorded in Italy, Spain, the United States and China.

And the numbers keep growing. The hottest epicenter of the raging virus is now the United States, our next-door neighbor, where close to 400,000 people are infested and over 13,000 people have perished as at the end of the first week of April, 2020. There seems to be no end in sight for this raging pandemic, or how to treat persons who are suffering from it.

A number of measures that have been announced by governments around the world have been similar: lockdowns of whole cities, towns, communities and borders, all aimed at combatting the spread of the virus.

Mandatory and self-quarantine orders have been invoked on communities.These measures, along with the closure of work places, businesses and schools have had untold hardships and severe inconveniences on people. Many people have lost their jobs as a result of these governmentimposed measures.

Like other citizens, members of Ghanaian communities in North America have been severely impacted by the raging pandemic, and the attendant government-imposed measures, including community lockdowns. Across the border in the United States, we are saddened to learn of the death of at least ten people of Ghanaian origin in the City of New York alone to the virus as at Friday April 3rd, 2020. Although no such tragic news have been reported cont’d on pg. 6

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EDITORIAL

Commentary

Coping with the impact of the Corona virus pandemic in Our Communities

The Corona Virus Pandemic Impact on our Homeland, Ghana

cont’d from pg. 1

in any of the Ghanaian communities across Canada as at the time of going to Press on April 8, 2020, our community members are on edge and stressed to their limits.

We earnestly entreat our community members to observe all the necessary protocols announced by the Canadian Federal and Provincial governments in trying to halt the spread of the pandemic.

These include required social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and other hygienic behaviors and exercises. We are also painfully aware that many of our community members have been impacted by job losses and wage cuts. We sympathize with such members.

It is gratifying to note that the Canadian government, and to some extent, Provincial authorities have instituted certain financial measures to ameliorate some of the financial difficulties resulting from the governmentimposed measures. Most of these benefits are found on-line on government websites.

We encourage our community members to take advantage of these resources and apply into them to help cushion the effects of the raging crisis.

If you are not computer literate, please seek help to access these instructions online to see how you qualify and can access these benefits. Do not suffer in silence. You are all tax-payers and the proposed and announced benefits are being financed from your taxes as well.

We urge all our community members to stay safe and keep well. We will surely overcome and come out of this crisis in the not-so-distant future.

March 24, 1837 Canada gave African Canadians the right to vote

The fast-raging Corona virus pandemic, also known as COVID-19 has been raging since early February. First reported from China, around the City and Metropolis of Wuhan, it was initially termed as an epidemic. Then it hit Italy, then Iran and spread quickly to neighboring European states. By the end of February, virtually every country in Europe was infected with the new epicenter of the disease being Italy and Spain. In early March the United States started experiences reports of the outbreak first in Washington State, California and then the City of New York, the most populous city in the United States.

It was these fast-spreading nature of the virus around this time that led the World Health Organization, (WHO) to declare the phenomenon as a “pandemic”, meaning that its reach and devastating effect was then considered to be world-wide.

government deemed the situation so dire that it imposed a partial lockdown on the two largest Metropolis of the country. These are the municipalities that make up the national Capital Metropolis of Accra, the Port City of Tema, the fast growing unplanned urban sprawl of Kasoa, some 20 kilometers west of Accra and the municipalities that make of the second largest Metropolis of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. These lockdown measures went into effect on Monday March 30 and is expected to last for four weeks and may be subject to review.

Overall, we at the Ghanaian News commend the President and government of Ghana for the decisive leadership it has taken to combat or control the spread of this pandemic. Although the impact of the measures imposed by the government is yet to be felt in terms of the stated objectives, majority Around the end of February, the of the citizens of the country as continent of Africa was relatively well as outside observers have all free from this virus; at least its commended President AkufoAddo presence on the continent had and his government for their bold not been detected. The first cases measures and actions in the fight were reported from the first week against this virus. of March. It was then that the government of Ghana decided We recognize the fact that these to take very pro-active measures measures have led to various to prevent the spread or the degrees and levels of discomfort “importation” (as they put it) of and inconveniences for the people. the virus to the country. It reported Some people in the country have two known cases around this time. tried, (and continue), to flout the The government announced series government’s directives on the of measures that included holding lockdowns. Some have challenged persons arriving in Ghana by air the authority of the security forces from the end of the first week of deployed to enforce these measures.

March in quarantine for testing. These civil disobedience actions The testing of those in quarantine have led to some unfortunate and follow-ups on people suspected altercations between citizens and or reported to have been in contact the security forces. While we with those known to be infested recognize that the governmentquickly shot up the numbers from imposed measures have caused the initial two to five, seven, nine inconveniences, we also believe that they have been in the right and counting by mid-March. directions for the safety, security From this time, the Ghana and long-term interest of the country government declared a virtual and its citizens. “war” on the spreading corona virus. Extreme measures were put We will continue to urge the security in place to stop the fast-spreading forces in Ghana to enforce these phenomenon which included government measures with restraint banning public gatherings of and minimum resort to violence. The more than twenty-five people. few instances of violence unleashed It specifically named meetings, by the security forces on recalcitrant conferences, church and Islamic people that have been observed in services, and funerals as events the first few days of these exercises prohibited under the new measures. have not been pleasant to watch.

The number of known and proven We will also passionately appeal to cases, however, kept increasing. In the people in Ghana to respect and response, the Ghana government abide by the actions and measures imposed a total shut down of the taken by the government to control country’s land, sea and air borders the spread of this deadly virus and to prevent anybody from coming its accompanying pandemic. We are into the country with the fear that convinced that what the government is doing is in the collective interest, they may be carrying the virus. safety and security of the country By the third week of March, the and its citizens.

The Ghanaian News March 2020 7

Message from: Hon. Thomas Frank Seshie Consul-General, of Ghana in Toronto As we all know, the Consulate office has been closed due to the COVID-19 as per directives from the Ghana Government in Accra. The good news so far out of this pandemic is that we have not as yet heard of any bad news from our community.

It is my prayer that nothing bad occurs in the community till the curve is flattened completely.

I also appeal to my fellow

community members to follow all the protocols issued by the various levels of government and health authorities.

Please observe the social distancing, wash your hands thoroughlywith soap and water. When outside, use the hand sanitizers and stay home. Venture out for your medication pickup, grocery or for walks outside but don’t forget the social distancing part

friends with phone calls.

in your own and family interest. Stay home and save lives. Remember to try checking on your

The Ghana High Commission and Consulates in Canada are monitoring the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, and they are in constant contact with key actors with regard to the situational picture and any necessary measures to aid in the battle of the disease. As you are

aware, most governments have strongly advised their citizens to avoid travel and postpone their plans indefinitely.

Just as His Excellency Nana AddoDankwaAkufoAddo stated, “we know what to do to bring back our economy back to life but what we do not know how to do is to bring people back to life”. The best way to prevent and

slow down transmission is be well-informed about the COVID-19 virus. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcoholbased rub frequently and not touching your face. In this light, I will urge all to stay safe and follow the safety directives issued out by the appropriate medical agencies.’

Message from H. E. Margaret Adu, Hon. Consul General of Ghana for the City of Calgary, the Province of Manitoba and Saskatchewan & CEO, Aomega Lodges, Calgary I ponder and reflect; a month ago I was in Winnipeg, Manitoba and 2 months ago I was in Accra and Takoradi, Ghana. In all my travels over these few months there was talk around the COVID -19. I was cautious about it; I was pro-active and took the necessary precautions and sometimes joked about it. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think it would get to the point where a hug and a hand shake would be a weapon and being distant from one another would be an act of love. But such is life, right? We never know what is ahead of us, we can never be prepared enough can we?

Today my offices of the Honorary Consul are closed indefinitely. Up to the first week of March, I still had the offices opened, applicants came in, excited to visit Ghana, but apprehensive. I mostly advised applicants to postpone their travels.

Full of excitement to spend Easter in their homeland with family, it felt so close, it was just two flights away, yet COVID -19 made it seem so far away. They had mixed feelings, I had just made the trip to Ghana and safely back, why couldn’t they also just take their chances……. Very tough decision.

the park, you need to go bowling, you need to get out of the house period.” Now all you tell them is; “No honey, you are safer staying home, its not safe to ride the bus or train, you can’t go bowling or to church”. Your staff who work at two health facilities have to choose one work place now. These have been challenging times, but through it all I must thank my clients, staff and management team, we are managing excellently. God has been our rock. AOMEGA LODGES, is definitely God’s business and He has really protected His business.

As a health provider,COVID-19 has proved to be challenging. How do you comprehend to an individual who spends everyday outdoors to stay indoors, How do convince an individual, staying indoors is healthier than going out , when for years you have preached being a coach potato is not healthy, “you need to enroll in a physical activity, you need to go to church, you need to go to

Please, let’s abide by the COVID-19 precautions, hand hygiene, social distancing, and staying home. This too shall pass if we all work together. Staying home, has its positives, bible studies, board games, movie nights, family laughter, family stories, the list goes on, families will grow closer. Let us not forget to connect with family and friends virtually. Thank you.

What I believe is, in every experience one goes through, an adversity or not, there is always a lesson. A victorious lesson. As a community, I believe we have learnt, we need very little in life to survive. COVID-19 does not discriminate, it knows no class, credentials, or titles, ethnicities, or color of skin. Today with all we have acquired in materials is collecting dust, we have realized its all vanity. Today jobs we deemed as low class, is what is keeping us nourished. The shelf stocker at the grocery shop, the cleaner sanitizing all the trolleys at the shops, mopping and sanitizing hospitals and shops, the garbage collectors, today the tables have turned. No job is low class, every job has its place in life, every job is important.

We thank them all for the important role they play in our lives to keep us safe.

We sincerely are grateful to all our health care providers, law enforcement, and leaders.

Ghana-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) Distinguished Community members in Toronto!!

For the past three months, COVID-19 has impacted the world in an unprecedented way. Our community in Toronto included. Some of our community members have lost their jobs, community businesses have seen contraction, some community members have been furloughed, our community health care workers are working many hours risking their lives, kids and parents at home.

The leadership of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (Toronto) sent its first communique early and mid-February to warn our community and to prepare ourselves. Our communique was clear and concise that we needed to avoid crowded areas, social distancing (now physical distancing as well), scale down funerals, association and church meetings We have been sending audio messages in Twi and English to our community to inform and re-enforcing government messages about what we needed to do as a community to keep our community safe.

We convened a community leadership meeting with our Clergy, Associations, Groups etc. for a unified community response to the crisis. We came out with three resolutions a. needs.

Make ourselves available for community

We have been involved the in the City of Toronto Cluster crisis meetings with United Way and other Not For Profit and Charitable organizations.

Our youth wing continue to work and partnering with other organizations to promote mental health, finances and investments literacy and also sharing government information with other youth.

b.

Set up a hotline with options as – government programs, health wellness, education, seniors help, education, emotional support.

Our Seniors group were scheduled to do their Meet, Greet and Plan March 28th but had to be cancelled due to COVID-19.

c.

Set up a weekly interdenominational prayer service to get our community spiritual and emotional going. We have two Pastors every Saturday 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm for the prayer service.

The four major WhatsApp platforms of GCAO – Executives, Council, Youth and Seniors are helping to drive information dissemination to our community.

d.

Though social distancing we encouraged our community to be there for each other and that together we motivate and cheer each other up e.

We reminded the community that yes we are worried and rattled by the virus but this too shall pass We have shared online educational materials with parents and community leaders.

Since we do not know when this is going to end, we will continue to play our as the strong advocate of our community and collaborate with other organizations, all levels of governments and civic organizations to see us through Emmanuel C. Duodu President – Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) alias Ghana Union

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

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Highlights of Canada’s stimulus measures to fight coronavirus outbreak Key financial and economic measures announced by Canada to support the economy.

- Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp on Thursday bolstered the insured mortgage purchase program to C$150 billion ($107 billion) from previously announced C$50 billion.

are eligible for Employment Insurance.

Provides additional help to low and modest income individuals and families with a special top-up payment under the Goods and - The Canadian parliament on Services Tax credit, estimated Wednesday approved C$52 to cost about C$5.5 billion. billion financial package.

- Provides eligible small - Delays student loan employers a temporary wage repayment to six months. subsidy for a period of three months.

- Provides a taxable C$2,000 a month benefit for up to fourth - Provides additional assistance months to workers affected to families with children by by the outbreak. The benefit temporarily boosting Canada is also available to Canadian Child Benefit payments, workers affected by the current delivering almost C$2 billion situation whether or not they in extra support.

- The Bank of Canada has slashed its key interest rate by 100 basis points in March to 0.75% - its lowest level since Sept 2017. The government has offered C$10 billion in credit support to businesses.

- The Bank of Canada on March 20 announced a coordinated action with some other central banks to further enhance liquidity via the standing U.S. dollar liquidity swap line arrangements.

- Extends the tax filing deadline for individuals to June 1, and allow all taxpayers to defer, until after Aug 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing

on or after Mar 18 and before Sept 2020.

- Allows all businesses to defer, until after Aug 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after Mar. 18 and before Sept 2020.

- Further expands Export Development Canada’s ability to provide support to domestic businesses.

- Provides flexibility on the Canada account limit, to allow the government to provide additional support to Canadian businesses, when deemed to be in the national interest, to deal with exceptional

circumstances.

- Augment credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada.

- Provides one-time funding of C$500 million to provinces through the Canada Health Transfer for their critical health care system needs.

- Increases the credit available to small, medium, and large Canadian businesses.

Compiled by Denny Thomas and Nichola Saminather; Editing by Alistair Bell, Cynthia Osterman and Diane Craft (Reuters)

Bank of Canada cuts key overnight rate to 0.25 % The Bank of Canada is cutting its key interest target by half a percentage point to 0.25 per cent in an unscheduled rate announcement.

In a statement on its website, the central bank says its decision to lower rates is aimed at cushioning the economic shocks from COVID-19 and a sharp drop in oil prices by easing the cost of borrowing.

It adds that providing credit in the economy for businesses that need it should help lay the foundation for the economy’s return to normalcy.

The interest rate cut takes the key rate to what the central bank referred to as “its effective lower bound” or the lowest level that rates can be set.

Bank governor Stephen Poloz is scheduled to discuss the rate cut during a teleconference with reporters this morning.

The central bank is also launching two new programs.

One will aim to alleviate strains in short-term funding markets, while the other will see the central bank begin acquiring federal government securities in the secondary market with a minimum of $5 billion per week. The Canadian Press

10

The Ghanaian News March 2020

What is an essential service in Ontario? The list just got smaller The list of all non-essential businesses in Ontario being forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been lengthened by the provincial government.

The new list was released a few days after Premier Doug Ford extended the state of emergency for at least two weeks. Businesses that are not identified on this list must close their physical locations by 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, April 4.

This is a list of essential services and workplaces provided by the government: Supply chains Businesses that supply other essential businesses or essential services within Ontario, or that supply businesses or services that have been declared essential in a jurisdiction outside of Ontario, with the support, products, supplies, systems, or services, including processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, delivery, and maintenance necessary to operate.

Food Businesses that primarily sell food, beverages and consumer products necessary to maintain households and businesses including: Supermarkets and grocery stores Convenience stores Discount and big box retailers selling groceries Restaurants (take-out, drive-through and delivery service only).

Beer and wine and liquor stores Services Pharmacies

trading and advisory services, banking/credit union activities including credit intermediation, insurance, land registration services.real estate agent services, pension and benefits payment services, financial services including payroll and payment processing and accounting and tax services.

Telecommunications and IT infrastructure/service providers Information Technology (IT) services, including online services, software products and the facilities necessary for their operation and delivery Telecommunications providers and services (phone, internet, radio, cell phones etc.) and facilities necessary for their operation and delivery Newspapers, radio and television broadcasting.

Maintenance Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings Transportation services Businesses and facilities that provide transportation services, including, transportation services provided by air, water, road, and rail, including taxis and other private transportation providers, and support services for transportation services, including, logistical support, distribution services, warehousing and storage, truck stops and tow operators, services that support the operations and safety of transportation systems including maintenance and repairs, and marinas, but only to the extent that the marina is necessary to enable individuals to access their primary place of residence

Gas stations and other fuel suppliers Laundromats and drycleaners Security services for residences, businesses and other properties Vehicle and equipment repair and essential maintenance and vehicle and equipment rental services Courier, postal, shipping, moving and delivery services Funeral and related services Staffing services including providing temporary help Veterinary services (urgent care only) and other businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums and research facilities Home child care services of up to six children as permitted under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, and child care centres for essential workers authorized to operate in accordance with Ontario Regulation 51/20 (Order Under Subsection 7.0.2 (4) of the Act - Closure of Establishments) made under the Act Hotels, motels, other shared rental accommodation including student residences, except for seasonal campgrounds and any pools, fitness centres, meeting rooms and other recreational facilities that may be part of the operations of these businesses Cheque cashing services Services to the public that are restricted to alternative methods of sale Stores that sell any of the following items and provide them to the customer only through an alternative method of sale such as curb side pick-up or delivery, except in exceptional circumstances: Hardware products, vehicle parts and supplies, pet and animal supplies, office supplies and computer products including computer repair, safety supplies.

Financial services Businesses that provide the following financial services: Capital markets and related securities

Businesses that provide and support online retail, including by providing warehousing, storage and distribution of goods that are ordered online.

Manufacturing Businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials, including businesses that manufacture inputs to other manufacturers, (e.g. primary metal/ steel, blow molding, component manufacturers, chemicals, etc. that feed the end-product manufacturer), regardless of whether those other manufacturers are inside or outside of Ontario, together with businesses that support and facilitate the movement of goods within integrated North American and global supply chains.

Agriculture and food production Businesses that produce food and beverages, and agricultural products including plants, including by farming, harvesting, aquaculture, hunting and fishing Businesses that process, manufacture or distribute food, beverages, crops, agricultural products, animal products and by-products Businesses that support the food or agricultural products supply chains and the health and safety of food, animals and plants.

Construction

Personal Protective Equipment, medical devices (such as ventilators), and other identified products directly related to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic Residential construction projects where, a footing permit has been granted for single family, semi-detached and townhomes, an above grade structural permit has been granted for condominiums, mixed use and other buildings, or the project involves renovations to residential properties and construction work was started before April 4, 2020 Construction and maintenance activities necessary to temporarily close construction sites that have paused or are not active and to ensure ongoing public safety Resources and energy Businesses that provide and ensure the domestic and global continuity of supply of resources, including mining, forestry, aggregates, petroleum, petroleum by-products and chemicals Electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage and natural gas distribution, transmission and storage.

Community services Businesses that deliver or support the delivery of services including: Sewage treatment and disposal, collecting, transporting, storing, processing, disposing or recycling of any type of waste, potable drinking water, critical infrastructure repair and maintenance including roads, dams, bridges etc., environmental rehabilitation, management and monitoring, and spill clean up and response, administrative authorities that regulate and inspect businesses, professional and social services that support the legal and justice system Government services including but not limited to policing and law enforcement, fire and emergency services, paramedics, coroner and pathology services, corrections and court services, licences and permits.

Research Businesses and organizations that maintain research facilities and engage in research, including medical research and other research and development activities Health care and social services Organizations and providers that deliver home care services or personal support services to seniors and persons with disabilities Businesses that sell, rent or repair assistive/mobility/ medical devices, aids and/or supplies Regulated health professionals (urgent care only) including dentists, optometrists, chiropractic services, ophthalmologists, physical and occupational therapists and podiatrists Organizations that provide health care including retirement homes, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, independent health facilities and mental health and addictions counselling supports Laboratories and specimen collection centres

Construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, including medications, medical isotopes, vaccines and antivirals, medical devices and medical supplies

Construction projects and services required to ensure safe and reliable operations of, or to provide new capacity in, critical provincial infrastructure, including transit, transportation, energy and justice sectors beyond the day-to-day maintenance

Manufacturers, distributors and businesses that provide logistical support of or for products and/ or services that support the delivery of health care in all locations

Critical industrial construction activities required for, the maintenance and operations of petrochemical plants and refineries, significant industrial petrochemical projects where preliminary work has already commenced, industrial construction and modifications to existing industrial structures limited solely to work necessary for the production, maintenance, and/or enhancement of

Not-for-profit organizations that provide critical personal support services in home or residential services for individuals with physical disabilities Not-for profit organizations that support the provision of food, shelter, safety or protection, and/or social services and other necessities of life to economically disadvantaged and other vulnerable individuals. Web Staff, CP24.com

The Ghanaian News March 2020 11

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12

The Ghanaian News March 2020

FOCUS CONVID-19: Helping our Children do Math as they stay home

By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview Middle School, Toronto-Canada “Understanding and knowing how to do mathematics makes our day-to-day lives easier. Understanding and using mathematics to make decisions and to take action builds confidence and joy!’

I have been prompted to revisit the issue of helping our children to learn Mathematics at home as the result of unprecedented closure of schools in many parts of the world due to the devastating threat of the deadly virus known as Coronavirus (COVID-19) in recent times. News reports from all over the world daily point to the distress that this deadly virus has unleashed on the formal educational system everywhere.

Ministries of Education and School Boards are being forced to look for ways and means to provide distant education to their numerous students now confined to their homes. Virtual learning and google classrooms are being considered.

However, the big question is: how equitable are the technological resources in our homes around the world? Even the highly industrialized/advanced countries like Canada CANNOT BOAST OF COMPUTER AND INTERNET IN EVERY HOME! What do we do as parents stuck with our children at home during these stressful times?

How do parents in their own small way help their children to learn how to do Math-the most dread but necessary of all school subjects?

As a professional teacher, I would like to point out here that, technology in the teaching of Math as a subject in our schools has become very essential in today’s world. Children are easily attracted to computers and other technological devices which provide games.

Such devices when

in what they are asked to do?

Why is it important for our Children to Learn Mathematics?

appropriately guided and directed (supervised) by a trained teacher, are very effective tools for learning.

They become useful tools for facilitating learning in the classroom. They make learning fun!

However, the learning of Mathematics is no fun to many students.

Ask many students from Ghana to Canada and across the world and about seventy percent of students surveyed would tell you that ‘they hate Mathematics as a subject!’ Why? Even among teachers, you would hear one say, “Math was not my favorite subject at school. When I was a student I love Math and as a teacher, I love to teach Math.

What

is

Math?

Math is the most misunderstood subject.

Research confirms that for more than two thousand years, mathematics has been a part of the human search for understanding.

Most discoveries have been promoted by the study of mathematics.

Science has been driven

by Math. Think of the Pythagoras, the Galileo and the Archimedes!

Mathematics is not about answers, it’s about processes. How do we arrive at that answer? Which steps are followed? Are there other ways by which we can arrive at the same answer? So Math is more of problem solving. However, how do students actively engage in bringing about their own understanding if they are not interested

Research has shown that math knowledge and skills contribute to a child’s success both at school and in everyday life. If you want to build your child’s confidence in problem solving then help him or her to learn mathematics.

It must be noted that skills in math open doors to a range of jobs and careers. Nowadays, schools are combining the study of math with science, technology and engineering in an area of studies dubbed STEM. STEM leads the student to investigate, think outside the box, gather and organize information which is then used to solve problems Love

Math!

We do what we love doing, right? Loving Math is not just by chance. There may be some few children who are naturally gifted in Mathematics. At school, they score the highest marks in Math and even ‘teach’ their teachers how to do some Math. True!

However, there are many children who we must encourage as parents and teachers to love Math.

Math is everywhere. It is in the house, around the dinner table, in the streets, at church, in the stores/malls and in our favorite sportsmoney, time, distance, capacity, quantity, building, playing and so forth! We ought to arouse the interest of our children in these areas through our daily interactions with them.

Movement is common among children. Many children love to interact with their friends as we see when they are in the gym for physical education. One of the major problems I find

among my students is the constant need to be moving – being active. Many of them have difficulty keeping focused; hence they require frequent change in their activities to sustain their attention.

“Movement in drama offers students an opportunity to explore and express thoughts and feelings through physical action. It can serve to increase the student’s willingness to get involved in drama and to encourage interaction with other members of the group. Further, by allowing the students to work creatively and spontaneously, it can enhance the aesthetic learning experience”.

(David Booth, Story Drama, p. 50) The students love Gym – Why? It is because Gym gives them an opportunity to move.

How can we incorporate this same enthusiasm in other classes? Simple, by including that factor that makes Gym so exciting – movement. My students resent activities that restrict them to a desk with pen and paper most of the time. As teachers, we need to ‘dramatize’ Math in the classroom or engage our students more in group-work during

their Math lessons.

Personally, I think we need to catch our children young with Math. We have to create or use ‘interest’ to make children learn Math. The technological devices are useful but the basics are very fundamental to teaching even problem solving in Math. The more we practice Math with our children in our daily activities, the more we create interest in them (extrinsic) to love Math. Make Math fun, bring Math home to the child to engage him or her to create his or her understanding of Math. As parents and teachers, we need to give the basics in Math to our children through constant practice and provide them tools to solve problems. Then, they would be discovering Math for themselves.

Then, they would love Math as a subject. If you need help to assist your child in learning Math, do not hesitate to do that. Ask and you will be given; seek and you will find (from the computer to the Math teacher). A deeper understanding of mathematics will enable you to let your children explore Math.

Help At Home: As a parent there are many mathematics activities you can do with your child in the strands of number sense and numeration, m e a s u r e m e n t , geometry and spatial sense, patterning and algebra, as well as data management and probability. For example, numbers are everywhere.

You can count with your child number of objects in house and group them like “there are 3 tables and 12 chairs in the house.” Then ask your child to tell how many tables and chairs are there together in the house and also say which of the two objects is more in numbers and, by how many counts? The child will be counting and learning addition and subtraction of numbers which are basic to doing mathematics.

There are some internet resources which are helpful for learning math at home. Parents must review such websites and determine their suitability for their children (age and grade): www.brainpop. com/math/seeall/ www.kidsites.com/sitesedu/math.htm

The Ghanaian News March 2020 13

We moved the Consulate to Caribbean States on Virus Markham for good reasons COVID19 Lockdown?

Consulate General

By William Doyle-Marshall, Victoria, BC

By Edmund Agbeko, Toronto

Mr. Thomas Frank Kwashikpui Seshie, Consul General Consulate General of the Republic of Ghana has explained to reasons why it was a need for the consulate to move away from their former 4665 Yonge Street location to their current location at 8977 Woodbine Avenue in Markham.

The news of the new location has been received with mixed feelings within the Ghanaians in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) but in an exclusive interview with Edmund Agbeko for the Ghanaian News Newspaper, Hon. Thomas Frank Kwashikpui Seshie was straightforward as in to the reasons why it was apt for the consulate to move to their new location.

BETTER SPACE He said: ‘I understand why there has been mixed feelings regarding our decision to move here [ 8977 Woodbine Avenue in Markham ] but the fact is, our Toronto location was not convenient space-wise as there wasn’t enough room for staff-workers. Moving to a new location is never a decision to be taken lightly but the truth is, a change in location also leads to opportunity that didn’t exist previously for improved efficiency and growth.’

The Consulate General continued: ‘First of all, we have been able to change our scenery, which we believe will improve the quality of the work and time spent here and also, get a significantly rise in productivity as a dull and an out-of-date office environment hurts morale and productivity, which will almost certainly affect our efficiency. Crowded spaces lower work productivity, but honestly, relocating to this new better space will improve both life and work quality for our workers, and trust me, you would be surprised with the kind of results we’re getting. As we grew in staff numbers, there was a greater demand for space and I am proud to say that, we have more than 10 offices here at our new location.’

ITS’ OUR PROPERTY Mr. Thomas Frank Kwashikpui Seshie also revealed that, the property is for the Ghanaian government and thus, enough room to allow for easy reconfigurations; in a way that best supports the official activities of the consulate and its employees and visitors. He revealed that: ‘Ghana owns this property and I believe will serve the best interest of the country and also, the huge Ghanaian diaspora community in Canada. We in the mission are poised to assist the President build a ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ and to act as catalyst for mobilization of foreign direct investments into Ghana.

CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) MEASURES The Consul General Consulate also revealed that, The Ghana High Mission in Canada are monitoring the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, and they are in constant contact with key actors with regard to the situational picture and any necessary measures to aid in the battle of the disease. He added: ‘As you are aware, most governments have strongly advised their citizens to avoid travel and postpone their plans indefinitely.’

‘Just as His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo stated, we know what to do to bring back our economy back to life but what we do not know how to do is to bring people back to life. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face. In this light, I will urge all to stay safe and follow the safety directives issued out by the appropriate medical agencies.’

PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS. SO LET’S TALK CALL GHANAIAN NEWS 416-916-3700

A State of Emergency is in place to safeguard the population of many Caribbean nations in light of the COVID19 outbreak.

Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Belize, Bahamas and Sint Maarten are among islands where movements are restricted in what is identified as a public health and safety emergency.

Failure to comply with emergency measures is considered potentially fatal to the general population. In almost every island the law is being enforced to the fullest extent and serious fines will be imposed when necessary. The Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis Dr. Timothy Harris has declared that, effective 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, a 24-hour full curfew will be in effect, through 6:00 a.m. Friday, April 3.

Under the curfew, in St. Kitts and Nevis, the current State of Emergency regulations have been repealed and a new regulation put into effect. This means no one, except the Security Forces and other Security Personnel, the Health Care Officers, technical emergency officers of utilities including telecoms, and media personnel, will be allowed out of their residences.

As of March 30, there were 8 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Federation. This is an unprecedented time and the dangers that confront the Federation demands that Government take serious actions to confront and overcome this pandemic, Prime Minister Harris emphasized.

These strong measures are in place for the stated term and Government shall continue to evaluate and adapt required measures as necessary as the situation evolves.

Everyone is urged to remain safe and healthy.

Regarding the public service, all essential workers must report to work during the time of the State of Emergency.

The Secretary of Cabinet will determine any other category required to report for duty.

The borders of St. Kitts & Nevis are closed from 11:59 p.m. on March 25 to April 7, 2020 to commercial air and sea vessels. Travellers are advised to contact their travel advisor, travel provider, hotel and/or airline for information about policies for rescheduling trips. The minister is asking all persons to stay informed about the latest news and developments relating to COVID-19 and to take all recommended precautions to stay safe and healthy. The 2020 St Kitts Music Festival has been cancelled and is likely to take place next year.

The Government of Sint Maarten will be increasing its restrictions as per article 1 of the General Police Ordinance, which allows for special measures in extraordinary circumstances.

This regulation restricts movement and authorizes the police to enforce the request the Prime Minister made to the nation on Friday, March 27, to stay at home, and to practice extreme social distancing, and when necessary to be out for essential services only.

This regulation requires the citizens to carry a signed document by their employer, declaring the need for them to travel to work, or one which describes which essential service they are traveling to or for.

The Bahamas Ministry of Health confirms three (3) new cases of COVID-19 in New Providence. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to fourteen. The latest case is a 41 year old female with no history of travel, and unconfirmed links to previous cases. This person remains stable and is in isolation at home.

The second case is a 44 year old male with no history of travel and

unconfirmed links to previous cases. He is hospitalized and remains in stable condition. The third case is a 67 year old male with a history of travel, but no direct link to previous cases. He is hospitalized and remains in stable condition.

The Belize Ministry of Health has confirmed a third case of COVID-19.

It is a 38-year-old Belizean male with travel history to New York.

This is also an imported case. He arrived in Belize on March 20th, and went immediately into selfisolation. The patient showed minor signs and symptoms five days later and he sought medical guidance on March 27th and was swabbed on that day. The patient remains in self-isolation with minimal symptoms and is stable.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is using its digital platform to deliver a virtual care package to uplift and inspire followers around the world currently practicing responsible social distancing. On Friday, April 3 at 9:00 pm ET (8:00 pm Jamaica time), the JTB will kick off its “Escape to Jamaica” Instagram Live series featuring one of Jamaica’s leading disc jockeys, ZJ Sparks. The popular ZIP 103 DJ will host a dance party spinning the latest reggae and dancehall hits live from Jamaica, helping viewers chill and unwind after another week of social distancing.

“Escape to Jamaica” will occur weekly on the JTB’s Instagram channel.

In addition to sharing irie vibes, the series will also feature live cooking demos and pre-recorded wellness sessions. The first wellness session will be on Monday, April 6 at 9:00 am ET (8:00 am Jamaica time), with Empress Thandi Wise, Certified Yoga Instructor from Rasta Wellness Centre and Jakes Hotel.

On Wednesday, April 8 at 6:00 pm ET (5:00 pm Jamaica time) the cooking demos debut with Andre Fowles, Food Network Chopped Champion and Culinary Ambassador for Miss Lily’s in New York, Negril and Dubai

14

The Ghanaian News March 2020

UN chief warns of violence Coronavirus - Africa: Millions at home amid pandemic out of school, jeopardising the future of children in West and Central Africa

With more than 1.2 million people infected with the new coronavirus, the U.N. chief appealed for “peace at home” -- all homes -- out of concern that domestic violence was rising as the social and financial toll of the pandemic deepened.

U..S. officials warned of sad developments to come in the worst-hit country, where medical supplies were short and morgues were crowded. Japanese officials on Monday considered declaring a state of emergency. Infections are soaring in the country that has the world’s third-largest economy and its oldest population.

The reported declaration would likely cover the sprawling megacity of Tokyo and other areas and would come a couple of weeks after the Summer Olympics were postponed until next year.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described “a horrifying global surge in domestic violence” in recent weeks.

Following his call on March 23 for an immediate cease-fire in all armed conflicts, he said it was time to appeal for an end to all violence, “everywhere, now.”

“For many women and girls, the threat looms largest where they should be safest -- in their own homes,” Gutteres said in his statement. “And so I make a new appeal today for peace at home -- and in homes -- around the world.”

He also noted that health care providers and police were overwhelmed and other options for helping victims were stretched or not available as communities cut back services during lockdowns to fight the pandemic.

“I urge all governments to make the prevention and redress of violence against women a key part of their national response plans for COVID-19,” Guterres said.

In this March 8, 2017 file photo, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a press conference at the U.N. in Nairobi, Kenya. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi, File)

potential risk of an infection “explosion.”

The country reported 47 new cases of the coronavirus, the smallest daily jump since Feb. 20, but rising infections have been linked to international arrivals as students and other South Korean nationals flock back from the West as outbreaks worsened and school years were suspended.

Some hard-hit areas were seeing glimmers of hope -- the number of people dying appeared to be slowing in New York City, Spain and Italy. Leaders cautioned, however, that any gains could easily be reversed if people did not continue to adhere to strict lockdowns.

U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams offered a stark warning about the expected wave of virus deaths.

“This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9-11 moment,” he told “Fox News Sunday.”

But President Donald Trump later suggested the hard weeks ahead could foretell the turning of a corner. “We’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel,” Trump said at an evening White House briefing.

In Japan, reports say Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to declare an emergency in Tokyo and other cities Tuesday. His government is also expected to announce a $550 billion economic package to fund coronavirus measures and support businesses and jobs.

In New York City, the U.S. epicenter of the pandemic, daily deaths dropped slightly, along with intensive care admissions and the number of patients who needed breathing tubes inserted, but New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned it was “too early to tell” the significance of those numbers.

Japanese officials say they cannot enforce a hard lockdown as in China or parts of Europe, a government restraint that is partly a legacy of Japan’s fascist history until the end of World War II.

The outlook, however, was bleak in Britain, which reported more than 600 deaths Sunday, surpassing Italy’s increase.

Italy still has, by far, the world’s highest coronavirus death toll -- almost 16,000.

Most of the measures in Abe’s declaration would be requests and instructions, and objectors would not be punished. But such requests would put major psychological pressure on people to comply.

In a rare televised address, Queen Elizabeth II appealed to Britons to rise the occasion, while acknowledging enormous disruptions, grief and financial difficulties.

Tokyo reported more than 100 cases two days in a row for a total of 1,033 on Sunday.

Nationwide, Japan has more than 4,000 cases, with more than 80 deaths.

“I hope in the years to come, everyone will be able to take pride in how they responded to this challenge,” she said. “And those who come after us will say that the Britons of this generation were as strong as any.”

In the United States, the nation’s top doctor warned that many would face “the hardest and saddest week” of their lives while Britain assumed the unwelcome mantle of deadliest coronavirus hot spot in Europe after a record 24-hour jump in deaths that surpassed even hard-hit Italy’s.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was hospitalized for tests after continuing to have symptoms of COVID-19. Downing St. says the hospitalization is a “precautionary step” and he remains in charge of the government.

In many parts of Asia, there have been victories against the spread of the disease.

But on Monday South Korea’s vice health minister, Kim Gang-lip, expressed concerns over loosened attitudes toward social distancing that he says puts the country at

Worldwide, more than 1.2 million people have been confirmed infected and nearly 70,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. The true numbers are certainly much higher, due to limited testing, different ways nations count the dead and deliberate under-reporting by some governments.

The vast majority of infected people recover from the virus, which is spread by microscopic droplets from coughs or sneezes. For most people, the virus causes mild to moderate symptoms such as fever and cough. But for some, especially older adults and those with existing health problems, it can cause pneumonia and death.

Foster Klug And Mari Yamaguchi, The Associated Press

While the focus of the COVID 19 response is mainly on health systems, the pandemic is already having a devastating impact on children beyond that LONDON, United Kingdom, April 3, 2020/ -- Save the Children fears for the future of millions of children, as more than 120,000,000 children and students are currently out of school in in West and Central Africa. Almost all countries have introduced nation-wide school and university closures so far to contain the Covid-19 virus - the number is expected to rise as the virus looks set to spread further.

While the focus of the COVID 19 response is mainly on health systems, the pandemic is already having a devastating impact on children beyond that. In an attempt to maintain the COVID 19 pandemic, governments are closing schools across the world. This situation could further worsen the vulnerabilities of marginalized children within West and Central Africa and especially in the Sahel, says Save the Children.

“It is a hard time with this sudden school closure.

It’s the worst holidays I’ve ever had because we’re in lockdown. We can’t study and I’m worrying about the virus.

I don’t know when the school will open. I don’t know if we will finish school. I don’t know if the virus is going to make a tragedy in our country.

I’m really scared. I miss

my classes, friends and school in a word. The more the days go by, the more cases there are and at this speed, the school is not about to open.” Awa*, 12, a student in Bamako, Mali.

With COVID-19 pushing governments to confine populations and close schools, Save the children is concerned about the limited mechanisms in place to ensure children can follow an education from their homes.

With their education interrupted and not being in a safe place such as a school, children are at a higher risk of abuse, neglect, violence and exploitation, and they, especially girls are more likely of dropping out of school completely.

While some countries are better prepared to provide ‘learning at a distance’ for children during school closures, the most marginalised girls and boys living in rural areas or the suburb of the main cities will struggle to access distance learning. This includes children from low-income households, those with disabilities and children already affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.

National education systems in, DRC, Burkina, Mali, Niger or Northern Nigeria already face considerable challenges as a result of the on-going conflict and displacement and a critical lack of funding.

COVID-19 exacerbates these already dire challenges.

“Education needs to be integrated in the current response of the COVID-19 outbreak, as the future of millions of children is at stake. The disease may disappear over time, but children will continue to suffer the consequences for the rest of their lives”, said Philippe Adapoe, Regional Director for Save the Children West and Central Africa region.

“Managing the health crisis and containing the virus must be a priority of course, but so is ensuring that children can continue their education from home. So far, limited opportunities have been put into place to ensure the continuity of education for children at home. This is a challenge that governments will have to respond to, with the help of the international community.

If we relegate this continuity of education to the background, many children, especially girls may drop out of school all together. The Ebola outbreaks, even if it is a different epidemic, should be a lesson for us” he concluded.

Save the Children calls on governments and international community to ensure that: Measures are in place to mitigate the impact of school closing down. In Africa, where millions don’t have access to internet, tools such as radio programs and TV programs can help children access alternative education. It cont’d on pt. 30

The Ghanaian News March 2020 15

Think Tank: “NEVER LET A CRISES GO TO WASTE”

BY EARL ANKRAH

There’s no better time in human history to test this statement by Rahm Emanuel (Barack Obama’s first Chief of Staff) than now.

But I’m ‘gonna’ crank it up a notch, into a Crises Handling (not Management) issue, of grabbing the bull by the balls in the midst of thisCovid-19 crises; not after it.

Evolution and the theory of natural selection dictates that lifeforms that fail to adapt to drastic changes in their environment perish. Humanity has been thru that before.

Whiles this covid cloud is still hovering above our roofs and haunting us into our safe spaces, maybe now (not after), now is a good time to adjust to covid19settings and dominate it! Well-intentioned opinion leaders may say everything to calm our nerves, but the verdict is out there that this ghost that’s prowling our hoods ain’t retreating any time soon(that we can ascertain).So we either adjust fast enough to thrive whiles it’s still snarling at us, or remain in hiding till it’s gone - with droves of us along with it, in unfathomable economic strife.@tm, I’m not even concerned with overcoming the crises, “flattening the curve” or any draconian intervention yet. I’m all about flourishing within it.

Good thing is, in this particular case, beyond thriving within the crises, this one comes bearing gifts: Covid19 has jolted Planet Earth into a futuristic mode, in a way that future-themed Hollywood movies never managed to make us imitate with such immediacy.

We have always known, but were slow to conform to the hard facts: That not all movements are necessary; that administrative work and customer care can be run from home; that pay systems and all banking require neither concrete structures, nor physical presence; that all manner of so-called ‘important’ meetings and workshops can be held remotely. That wealth can be made in moderation and shared under unselfish, humane considerations; and inequality

At the moment, nationsseem to be playing peek-a-boo with this stealthy zombie, in a “let’s-hide-for-a-whileand-see what-happens-in-the-coming-weeks” mode. That, admittedly, is inevitable. However, while in hiding,can’twe quickly whip-up our work systems and social structures to fit into these covid settings right away?Defeatist as it may sound, we must admit that indeed, more productive and progressive approaches to attaining a Decent work-life balance are applicable now; not in some ‘near future’. Not after covid19; right now.

Only the brave think on their feet amidst crises. This must be our “chooboi” moment, to the point that, even if the WHO’s next advisory asks us to stop breathing, this must be our “my head is under water, but I’m breathing fine” moment.We are “the” humans, not covid19!For those of the monolithic (Abrahamic) faiths, dominating the earth by any means necessary, is an unnegotiable divine assignment.

As in Japanesejujutsu combat, here’s an opportunity to take advantage of the adversary’s strength to our ultimate benefit.

Then, in asymbiotic segue, after the toxic cloudhas passed, nations mayopt for selective “lockdown” periods on their calendar, to allow Mother Nature to breath - some Ghanaian can be overcome instantaneously.That the Ghanaian cultures already have such ritualistic ‘break’ periods that can youth can grab front-roll status in global innovation be institutionalized and up-scaled. when given the opportunity. We’ve known these all along, yet we’ve been stiff-necked in admission, The game plan is to keep the enemy close by dragging her let alone adjusting to embrace them as the modus into our tent, pissing out; not the other way ‘round. And that operandi of our present working lives. must not be a responsibility of Presidencies. It is for CEOs, heads of organisations and groups to “cease the moment” But now, courtesy covid19, we know: this instant! View covid19 as our generation’s ultimate That OPEC Greed can be spat at; that materialism is “kumfo-dumfo”, and exploit her”dumfo” opportunities but an illusion; that transportation is over-estimated, whiles she’s right here with us! Pick up your phone, give a and can be done-without most of the time; that progressive directive now.

WFH (working from home) isn’t a luxury, but a feasible necessity; that “the gathering of the saints” This article first appeared in the Daily Graphic, 8th April, doesn’t have to be physical; and that “the saints” 2020 edition. can take up deeper social welfare responsibilities in their immediate neighborhoods. That not all visits The Writer is the to health posts are essential; that online lectures Head of Public Affairs, can be state-driven. That some ailments can be held in check@ home without clinical attention; Fair Wages & Salaries Commission (FWSC) that 25 members can carry out a funeral without all the wasteful fanfare.So why not go ahead and EMAIL: earlankrah@hotmail.com institutionalize them now? Suddenly, a considerable chunk of Change Management principles have been rendered totally dispensable!

16

The Ghanaian News March 2020

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

Duties, Rights and Obligations of Citizens and Nations Regarding Dual Nationality offspring is perhaps the most important benefit enjoyed by dual citizenship holders.

Dual nationality implies that a person is a citizen of two countries and has legal rights and obligations in connection with both countries. Some countries permit dual nationality while others do not.

Based on citizenship laws of a country, a person born to one or two parents one or both of whom hold a nationality other than the nationality of the country of birth, may have dual nationality. For instance, when a child is born in Ghana to parents one of whom was a Canadian citizen at the time the child was born, the child may acquire Canadian citizenship through descent in addition to the Ghanaian citizenship he has acquired by birth. In some situations too, one may retain nationality of his country of birth or origin after naturalizing as a citizen of another country but in some countries such as Ghana, one may lose his nationality after naturalization.

The 1992 Constitution Act of Ghana stipulates that “a citizen of Ghana shall cease forthwith to be a citizen of Ghana if, on attaining the age of twenty-one years, he,

by a voluntary act, other than marriage, acquired or retained the citizenship of a country other than Ghana”. The good news is a Ghanaian citizen who loses his citizenship under this circumstance can apply for dual citizenship.

Dual citizenship confers several rights and privileges on the holder including, but not limited to, the right to possess the national passports of the countries, to remain in any of the countries without limitation if the person entered the country on the passport of the country and to participate in national elections. He could also be entitled to social benefits, own land or property and to inherit assets from either country. The entitlement to convey nationality to

Dual citizenship also creates the opportunity to pursue employment opportunities in either country of nationality.

Thus, by virtue of being a citizen of the countries, the dual citizenship holder would be allowed to work in the countries without work permit and to hold certain offices, but not all. For instance, in Ghana, a dual citizen may not qualify to hold such high level offices as a Chief Justice and a Justice of Supreme Court; an Ambassador or a High Commissioner; a Secretary to the Cabinet; a Chief of Defence Staff; an Inspector-General of Police and a Director of Immigration Service. Governments could cite reasons of “divided loyalty and allegiance” and “national security” to justify the policy of excluding such persons from holding certain “sensitive” positions.

It would be unrealistic and unreasonable to expect a dual national to show equal loyalty and dedication to his countries of nationality in taxation and in some several other respects.

We should also be mindful of

A message from Canadian High Commission, Accra. Ghana Dear Canadians, As you will now be aware, in an effort to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Ghana announced a number of restrictions to be imposed, which started on Monday 30 March. This applies for a period of two (2) weeks or 14 days subject to review. The Presidential address can be viewed here.

The High Commission of Canada asks that all Canadian citizens in Ghana to abide by the restrictions to avoid all non-essential movement and social gatherings . All residents are instructed to stay at home during this period but may be exempted for the following needs only: to purchase essential items such as food, water, medicine undertake banking transactions.

Please note, we do not anticipate any additional emergency flights at this time beyond the one that took place on Monday 30 March. We will continue to monitor local developments and communicate with you via email as the situation evolves.

Canadians requiring emergency assistance can reach the Consular Section of the High Commission by email and voicemail only. If you require consular services, you can email us at accracs@international.gc.ca or call +233(0)30 221 1521. Only urgent requests for assistance will be assessed.

Sincerely, The Consular Team, High Commission of Canada, Accra, Ghana

the fact that some domestic legal issues such as custody and inheritance disputes could be complicated when a dual national is involved as the laws of the countries of nationality might be in conflict with each other.

With respect to criminality, a dual citizenship holder can be charged with an offence if he uses two passports interchangeably and the Immigration is of the view that it is being done to deceive an immigration officer. A dual citizen charged with a criminal offence while inside any one of the countries he claims nationality may have limited assistance from the other country if he entered the country with that country’s passport at the port of entry.

Apart from criminality, in emergencies and other serious situations, local authorities may not recognize the citizenship of the other country of the dual citizen if the person entered the country using the passport of the other country. For instance, a Ghanaian-Canadian who enters Ghana as a dual citizen using the passport of Ghana at the port of entry may not

be assisted by the Canadian High Commission in Accra or Government of Canada. At that point in time, he was a Ghanaian. The principle above may apply to emergency assistance and evacuations related to the current ongoing COVID-19 virus.

Holding dual citizenship, no doubt, gives the holder some sense of belonging, security, confidence and happiness in countries they hold dual nationality but that does not necessarily mean the holder can count on both countries simultaneously on all issues. Where you are and the passport you used to enter may determine which country is responsible and which country has the upper hand.

James A. Kwaateng is an Immigration Law practitioner with offices located at 168A Oakdale Road, Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario. For thorough discussion of your immigration and related social and legal issues, contact him at telephone number (416) 743-2758.

Summary of President's Address 1. President thanked all Frontline workers especially Health Workers 2. H.E. thanked also security forces for enforcing the lockdown.

3. Steps are being taken to investigate the excesses by the security forces.

4. Condemned false videos being circulated.

5. Government is working to achieve its main 5 objectives.

6. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 stands at 214 7. The week ahead is critical. Over 5,000 contacts traced results will be released.

8. We should continue being patient as gov't works to contain the spread of COVID-19.

9. Special thanks to all involved in testing for COVID-19.

10. More than GHS 8m realized from donations.

11. Govt is working with others faith based organization to provide food for about 400,000.

12. Govt to absorb water bills for the next 3-Months.

13. More PPEs, hand Sanitizers etc to be distributed to all district hospitals.

14. More local production of PPEs. 15. All health workers will not pay taxes on emoluments for the next 3 month.

16. 50% basic salary as allowance to all Frontline health workers.

17. Clean up in Greater Accra and Kumasi by the security forces.

18. Ayalolo buses to convey health workers for free #Stay Home #Observe Social Distancing

The Ghanaian News March 2020 17

Cоnѕumеr Prороѕаlѕ – Mіѕѕеd Pауmеntѕ

BY AJAY OBEROI

whаt is a Cоnѕumеr Proposal аnd whаt can оnе dо for уоu?

Thе Consumer Prороѕаl is Cаnаdа’ѕ bеѕt fоr dеаlіng wіth ѕеvеrе dеbt burdеnѕ.

Really? If it›s ѕо еffесtіvе, whу іѕ іt a ѕесrеt tо many Cаnаdіаnѕ? Juѕt exactly

In its simplest еѕѕеnсе, a Cоnѕumеr Prороѕаl іѕ a “lеt’ѕ make a dеаl” оffеr tо your unsecured сrеdіtоrѕ. Hеrе’ѕ thе deal. You explain уоur сіrсumѕtаnсеѕ.

Your tоtаl unsecured dеbt is wау mоrе thаn you саn rеаlіѕtісаllу аffоrd tо рау rіght nоw оr аt any time in thе near futurе (the

tоtаl must be mоrе than fіvе thоuѕаnd but lеѕѕ than two hundrеd and fіftу thousand). Hоwеvеr, уоu can realistically соntrіbutе a fіxеd рауmеnt еvеrу mоnth fоr uр tо a mаxіmum оf a 5 уеаr реrіоd thаt wіll allow you tо рау bасk hаlf оf whаt уоu оwе; оr 30% оf what you оwе; оr еvеn 20% оf whаt уоu owe.

Whу wоuld аnу creditor in thеіr rіght mind ассерt as lіttlе as 20 cents on the dоllаr? Sіmрlу put, еvеn

20% is bеttеr thаn the tіnу amount thеу mіght rесоvеr іf уоu run оut оf орtіоnѕ аnd еnd up in

bankruptcy. Depending оn your circumstances, some оf your сrеdіtоrѕ might gеt nоthіng аt all іn bankruptcy. Thіѕ mаkеѕ a Cоnѕumеr Proposal a potential “Wіn/Wіn” ѕіtuаtіоn fоr you аnd уоur сrеdіtоrѕ. You avoid bankruptcy and they gеt bасk ѕоmе of whаt thеу are оwеd.

Mіѕѕеd рауmеntѕ In this light, іmmеdіаtеlу уоur consumer proposal tаkеѕ into effect іf уоu mіѕѕ uр tо thrее payments thе соnѕumеr рrороѕаl іѕ аnnullеd аnd аll lаwful rіghtѕ and obligations of thе creditors аrе restored.

Thе total іnсоmе whісh уоu оwе еасh сrеdіtоr іѕ thе оrіgіnаl аmоunt that you started with іn ѕubtrасtіоn tо аnу fundѕ that thе сrеdіtоrѕ rесеіvеd during thе соnѕumеr рrороѕаl bеfоrе уоu mіѕѕеd thе three mоnthlу payments. Thе рауmеntѕ аrе сumulаtіvе – hence аrе еlіgіblе to miss 2 payments аnd mаkе оnе up, 3 payments rеfеrѕ tо bеіng behind 3 payments іn tоtаl аt any tіmе.

Addіtіоnаllу, in саѕе уоu find thаt your fіnаnсіаl situation hаѕ changed, іt is vіtаl tо соntасt уоur truѕtее wіth іmmеdіаtе effect. There аrе сhаnсеѕ thаt your соnѕumеr proposal may bе аmеndеd by reducing уоur monthly рауmеntѕ to fіt your nеw сіrсumѕtаnсеѕ. In case of you have credit or debt issues visit www. gtacredit.com or call 416 650 1100

18

The Ghanaian News March 2020

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The Ghanaian News March 2020 19

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

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The Ghanaian News March 2020 21

COVID-19 ADVICE FROM THE PROFESSIONALS AND FRONTLINES Dr. Doris Kyeremateng, Family Physician, Winnipeg, Manitoba “While members have a duty to continue to care for their patients and provide care to other patients during this pandemic, it is critical that members remain healthy so that you continue to provide medical care for the duration of this unprecedented event.” .......CPSM to Manitoba Physicians Physicians are facing a tough balance act in these difficult times of the raging COVID-19 virus. How does one strike the balance?

Whereas we are provided with the necessary Personal Protection Equipment, and take the necessary universal precautions (distancing, handwashing, sanitizing, masking, elbow sneezing/coughing etc)..... there is a lot unknown about this novel virus and its modus operandi.

If anything, the popular expression: “ it’s just a virus, let it run its course” does not apply here. We have learnt to respect a virus!This Covid -19 is re- inventing how we live & how we practice medicine.Most private primary care physicians are providing virtual care and at average reduced capacity of 60% to 70% of their normal.This translates to similar economic hardships, staff lay offs, questionable business sustainability, EI..... Yes EI. Isolation, anxiety, exacerbated mental and emotional health conditions that come with this crisis are not to be underestimated. Deciphering fake from real news is enough to drive one crazy.

No one is immune to the effects of this virus.So next time you hear “it’s only a virus,” ask which one. My advice to our community members is that, we have enough information on how to protect ourselves against COVIS-19, but not enough against fake news.

Don’t just protect yourself against COVID-19. Protect yourself against fake news as well to maintain your sanity.

Until there is a real treatment found, please stay well, stay safe , stay sane.

Dr. Ishmael Bruce, Dental Surgeon, Winnipeg, Manitoba The most frightening and pervasive aspect of this disease is the fact that it is no ‘respector of persons’, nor does it discriminate what skin colour you have or which continent or country you are from. It also affects literally both the young and the old.

As a senior I am always searching for preventive precautions one needs to take and am often confused as to the many specific instructions; this confusion stemming from the fact that advice given even by the experts are not consistent.

Most of us have literally lost our jobs and were told to stay out “until further notice”. In my case,as a Dental Surgeon, we can only see a patient under strict emergency conditions. Otherwise, all elective treatment services that can wait without any attendant pain or infection are to be left until things settle down and the professional association tells us to resume work. So for all you know work will resume for us probably sometime in June or even July. Funny, I feel it will take some getting used to when things settle down. For me to start driving again in town will be strange the first time because I would have stayed home for almost three months. I feel so estranged from our community members that I find calling them on the phone is one way of keeping in touch. But I seek comfort in the observation that after all this many of us will be stable and undisturbed if we have to be by ourselves at home for a day or so.

Premedications: We Ghanaians are very familiar with herbal preparations, either in foods, soups or as tea. One can prepare any of these, either daily or every other day. You can prepare our famous light pepper soups using these familiar anti-viral spices: garlic, onions, ginger,oregano,turmeric,cloves; and teas out of lemons, pineapple, orange, green tea, ginger, apple cider vinegar, eucalyptus.There is also the traditional Ghanaian preparation using eucalyptus leaves for respiratory problems. This treatment procedure is called...

PUN...in Twi. The closest English translation is “inhalation therapy”.You take a bowl half filled with boiled water. Add half a teaspoon of Mentholatum or Vicks, (a menthol preparation, eucalyptus substitute) into the hot steaming water. Now cover the top part of your body and head with a heavy blanket bending right over the bowl of steaming water.

Stir the water to release the Mentholatum vapour and you breath in the hot vapour for about 20 minutes mostly through the nose. One can also gargle often with the herbal tea to loosen the mucus in the throat and sooth the sore throat.

Medications: They say a heavy daily dose of Vitamin C helps healing, like 6 gm. Then there is presently an on-going discussion about these two drugs under study purported to be useful for treating Clovid 19...a combination of Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin. The latter is a familiar antibiotic. It is the hydroxychloroquine that is not much known in this society.

Ghanaians know this drug very well since many of us have taken it one time or another back home for malaria. If you can get your hands on them though do buy them and keep them for later---just in case.

FROM THE FRONT OF STUDENT LEADERSHIP The fear of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 has had significant impact and major disruptions in the educational sector.International students’ Communities in Canada are affected in diverse ways, one of which is the problem of students having to cope with online class sessions and other mode of online assessments. At first glance, this may not constitute an inconvenience. However, the overall quality and efficiency of teaching and learning is quite low especially for science programs where students are supposed to have laboratory sessions, and practicals.

In terms of finances, some students who have no forms of scholarships or funding and therefore depend on money earned from working part-time have been laid off these jobs. Consequently, amid this new virus which has been declared as a global pandemic, students are not able to have their regular meetings and programs to connect with one other; the stay-home campaign is likely to lead to depression for those whose emotional and social needs are wired to these associations.

Here at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, the students’ leaders are trying their best to check up on members to ensure that each person is safe and equally focusing on their studies in these trying times.

Impact of Corona Virus on Community Businesses Sweet & Low Restaurant Brampton: This COVID-19 has greatly impacted my restaurant business very greatly. The directive that we should cater only for takeout is not working at all. My customers are not coming in. I presume lots of people stocked up food and are cooking at home. It is so bad that I am contemplating closing down and have spoken with my landlord. At times the whole day only a couple of customers will come in. It is financially bruising. It is my prayer that the curve is flattened as soon as possible for business to pick up. My advice to our community is to follow all protocols and stay safe. I was thinking with lockdown people will patronize takeout but that has fizzled out as our customers are not coming out to buy.

Kofi Ofori aka Kofi Barber of Blooms Barber & Hair Emporium Brampton: As barbering is not essential service during this pandemic lockdown, business has gone down to zero as no customer is coming in for we cannot open.

Financially it is so bad, we have rent to pay as well as other personal expenses. I do not think I am the only business hurting but we all have to stay safe to be able to avoid contracting the virus. We should follow the directives by the government and health authorities. It is scary watching TV with grim details coming from all over the world.

Michael Ansu, President Supreme Travels, Toronto, Ontario This COVID-19 has greatly impacted the travel industry as many airlines have grounded many of their planes and massive layoffs. Air travel is almost at a standstill as many countries have also closed their borders due to this pandemic. I hope that the upsurge is flattened within the shortest possible time.

My message to the community is for everyone to keep calm, follow the directives of the government and health officials. Please stay safe and pray that the situation will be better for business to gradually pick up again. God bless us all

22

The Ghanaian News March 2020

Bank of Canada cuts key overnight rate to 0.25 per cent The Bank of Canada is cutting its key interest target by half a percentage point to 0.25 per cent in an unscheduled rate announcement.

credit in the economy for businesses that need it should help lay the foundation for the economy’s return to normalcy.

In a statement on its website, the central bank says its decision to lower rates is aimed at cushioning the economic shocks from COVID-19 and a sharp drop in oil prices by easing the cost of borrowing.

The interest rate cut takes the key rate to what the central bank referred to as “its effective lower bound” or the lowest level that rates can be set.

It adds that providing

Bank governor Stephen Poloz is scheduled to discuss the rate cut during a teleconference

with reporters morning.

this

The central bank is also launching two new programs. One will aim to alleviate strains in short-term funding markets, while the other will see the central bank begin acquiring federal government securities in the secondary market with a minimum of $5 billion per week. The Canadian Press

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The Ghanaian News March 2020 23

COVID-19 Impact from the Ghanaian Faith Communities The Church of Pentecost Canada

Since the Ontario provincial government declared a state emergency in mid-March because of the Coronavirus pandemic, all the sanctuaries of the Church of Pentecost Canada have been closed for church meetings. However, the cessation of in-person meetings has not hindered the church from spending time togetherin the presence of God. All Assemblies meet regularly via teleconference, videoconference, Facebook and YouTube live sessions to worship, listen to the word of God and pray. Indeed, there has been an intensification of prayer sessions in the various Districts and Assemblies of the church across the nation.

Leaders and members meet online daily as we humble ourselves, pray, seek the face of God and ensure that we are living obediently in the presence of God. Intensive prayers are being offered for God to heal our land and the rest of the world from COVID-19.

Intercessory prayers are also being offered for frontline healthcare professionals so that the protective hand of God will cover them as they lead in physically combating this novel pandemic. We are also praying that God will enable scientist and Doctors to come up with an antidote to this virus.

Regular teleconferences have been undertaken by the national Executive Council and Ministers of the church in Canada to pray and discuss ways and means of addressing the needs our members and the church. Ministers, presbyters and members have been regularly reaching out to each other in this perilous time to inquire about the welfare of their fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord and support each other in every way possible while observing the need to socially distance from one another.

In view of the Coronavirus pandemic, several up-coming programs and activities of the church have been suspended, postponed or cancelled. The upcoming Easter Convention has been suspended until further notice based on the ban on public gatherings. That notwithstanding, the Easter Conventions will be held online since the virus cannot stop this important event. The International Executive Council and General Council meetings of the church in Ghana have also been postponed to the beginning of June 2020. The new date is dependent on the status of the pandemic in June. A planned conference for Ministers and Wives of the churches in North and South Americas scheduled to take place in the USA in June 2020 has been cancelled.

God continues to watch over His children and provide the needs of the members and the church in these times. The full financial impact of COVID-19 on the members and the church is still being assessed. Some church members and leaders continue to support the church financially in these difficult times. Others are also waiting for the opportunity to support the church when feasible. However, information so far indicates that in the short term, the church budget has been thrown off balance by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grace of God is still sufficient for His church.

As we wait upon the Lord to heal our land, the Apostle Paul enjoins us to pray without ceasing.Our Lord Jesus Christ also tells that we can pray (ask) only when we abide in Him and His words abide in us. It is when this happens that we can ask anything, and we will receive. If you do not have Jesus, as your Savior, this is a great opportunity to give your life to the Lord by repenting and inviting Jesus to be the Lord of your life. As you believe in His atoning death and resurrection, you shall be saved. The clarion call to stay home because of COVID-19 demands that people meditate and ensure that they are living right with the Lord. Believers should spend quality time with their families and enhance household altars. Pandemics are part of the signs of the last days. The second coming of Jesus Christ is imminent. We should draw closer to the Lord in studying and meditating on the word of God. Let us reach out to our friends and neighbors via phone and other means to support each other and pray for each other.Happy Easter to All. Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Anthony Owusu National Head, Church of Pentecost Canada

The Methodist Church Ghana, Toronto Circuit (Canada Mission)

The foundation and focus of the Church of Christ (with her branches and denominations, including Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecost, etc) is both eternal and social. Its visional fervour, ‘ministerial commitment’ and missional engagement are certainly imparted by changing realities and seasonal happenings of its socio-cultural-economic settings.

Yet, it marches on from victory to victory, for the love of Christ enjoins her and the presence of the Holy Spirit impassions her. To that end, we still bring ‘Calvary Salutations in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ whose Blood still speaks better things – health, peace, welfare, sustenance, graciousness. In Him, we live, move, and have our being. With Him in the boat, we should be able to smile at the storm.

As Christian communities, we have resolved to respond holistically to the pandemic (COVID-19) and from the point of view of God’s promises, as we relate to the facts on the ground; doing so with serenity, courage and wisdom.

CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE: Graham has noted that, “It’s not just the virus people are afraid of – (mine: it is the impact/ implications it brings to our securities – economic, social, domestic and their derivatives). What about my job? Who will watch my kids if their school closes? Will my retirement funds ever come back? In an ocean of anxiety, only the truth of Christ remains unchanged.

With Coronavirus cases on the rise, it’s tempting to panic. But during times like these, Christians are called to walk by faith. It may be impossible to avoid today’s scary headlines, but they don’t have to define you. God promises peace—no matter the circumstance—to those who trust in Him. Choose to focus on Christ instead of your fears, encourage one another with God’s word and precautionary steps”.

Our response to COVID-19 at all levels- personal, domestic, communal, corporate, should be holistic and far-reaching; doing our very best humanly, leaving no stone unturned and giving the rest to the Father who watches over His word to perform. Following up on the communication from the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, we have contextualized the directives to suit the realities of the North America in general and particularly in Canada.

These include having digital church services, tele-conferences, e-communication, preparing teaching material for our congregations for study and reflection in taking the precautionary measures and practicing the culture of preventive steps (i.e. hand hygiene), among others. We have also encouraged our members who are part of the front-liners, including health workers, to give out their very best whilst protecting themselves as well.

Congregations and members are encouraged to respect the laws of the land and follow the experts’ guidelines within their cities, municipalities, corporate firms, etc, in response to the pandemic, as well as exploring and making good use of the many opportunities we have to be able to keep moving and influence our generations in these times.

COURAGEOUS REMINDER: As you put on the wholearmour of the Lord, may the Captain of His host go ahead of you. As you arise and shine, may the Sun of righteousness brighten over you, even with healing in His Wings. As the Lord continues to show forth favour over you, may courage, serenity and wisdom characterize your life and ministry, in times like these. May the Lord, the Owner of His Vineyard and the Sustainer of His own remember you according to His promises and according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. May God’s grace continue to be sufficient. May the promises of the Father in Psalms 23 and 91 and MHB 528 and 878 be yours, now and always.

Rev. Owusu Atuahene

Kingdom Impact Ministries The Apostles’ Continuation Church, Toronto The Apostle’s Continuation Church is not an exception to the government directive of the shutdown of public meetings and activities due to the theCoronavirus Pandemic. At this time we do events online, we use three different formats: Prayer line on telephone lines, Facebook and on Zoom.

Each of these 3 formats are accessible to every member and we share the words of God on the prayer line for those who can login, Sunday and other services are shared through Facebook and Zoom for those also who can access it. We do have services to support our members especially Seniors and Children who need help the most. Also for those who need any other special assistance, they can contact the Church Elders, especially Gibson Nkrumah who is always available..

The Covid-19 outbreak is a time that we all need to return to God, because this is the time the nation is praying to God and by the end of this pandemic many souls will be won. We need all to open up to God, science has done a lot to mankind, but this is the time we need to cry out to God and pray for the knowledge and wisdom for the science inventions to come out with vaccines and products to combat this Virus.

The community needs also to pray for all the frontline workers, Nurses, Doctors, social workers, police and many more.We know that things are tough for the Church and the members, therefore we are not forcing members to make any contributions, but any member who feels in their heart to give some money to support the church can do so at any time. “We trust that God is in Control” Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu, Lead Pastor

“The unfolding Covid19 pandemic and its accompanying deaths, uncertainty and panic have proven beyond reasonable doubt to be the most challenging times humanity has faced in recent times.

We have seen systems we trusted scramble to put up a confident front, even when its clear frustration and certainty lies beneath the façade. Fear and panic grips the culture and no one seem to have a clear cut answer beyond hope. Life as we’ve known it will never be the same again.

Members of our church community have asked questions that I hardly have answers to or could search quick enough to find answers in the word of God. Lay-offs have been unprecedented; the misinformation through social media in a time of panic, concerns about food and supplies shortage in the face of a lockdown are great.

There have been pressure from faithful church members to defy government directives and still have church services. There have also been concerns from church leadership about being unable to pay the bills of the church without the full support of our congregants. Members are demanding that the church gives back what it doesn’t have...and the list goes on.

In all of these challenges, there is a text of scripture keepme going. It is from the Book of Isaiah chapter 60. “Through the storm I found solace in the word of God. God’s word reminded me to know that in the midst of the darkness, God’s light rises on His people”.

In these trying times, I have been thinking of theimpact and legacy and the systems we can build from here on that would have more impact on lives and best serve our peoples. Indeed the glory of the Lord is risen on God’s children.

There is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel.” “...ALL things are possible to them that believe...”

Rev. Dr. Obie Agyeman, Lead Pastor

24

The Ghanaian News March 2020

COVID-19 Impact from the Ghanaian Faith Communities Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, Toronto The Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, Toronto has complied to the “State of Emergency” issued by the Ontario government due to COVID-19 since March 12, 2020. The church has suspended all divine services and programs ever since. During these difficult and unfathomable times, the Church has put together some online services and other programs to engage its members in their comfort of their homes or wherever they are. The following are the measures and services put in place: • Dawn Prayers(commanding the day) Monday to Friday 4:30-5:30am via an audio conference prayer line 416-639-5941 or 866-238-9297 •

Lunch with God-Monday and Thursday 12-1pm 1 via audio prayer line

•

Wednesday-Bible Study 7-9pm via audio prayer line

•

Friday- prayer Service 7-9pm

•

Sunday-divine Service- live streaming on Facebook Rev George AgyeiKwabi-Kofi Agyei and Ghanaian Presbyterian Church at 9:0010:30am

•

A COVID-19 educational program on YouTube

•

Now developing a zoom platform for the children service to meet

•

The church participated in 4-day intercessory prayers for Ghana and Canada in combatting the disease spiritually

•

Some of the groups have started using zoom platform to meet.

The Apostolic Church (Ghana/Canadian Ministry) Toronto As we continue to see the spread of the Coronavirus here in Canada and Greater Toronto area, and as we continue to monitor the recommendations of our Federal and Local Leaders, the Apostolic Church Leadership Team is trying to be wise in our response.

Our desire is to both serve and minister the love of Christ to our community while also protecting people from the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Scripture also teaches us to respect and submit to our governing officials (Romans 13). As a result of these things, wisdom now causes us to move our services online until further notice. We will not be meeting face-to-face at our church until our leadership feels it is safe to do so. Our leaders are working to provide quality alternatives in online formats. Here’s what we are working on: 1. We will be offering our services online using the zoom program not only on Sundays but throughout the week. Services are recorded and it will be available during the week too. If you missed last week’s service you can still find it on our web site. Sunday morning services will go on Facebook live each week, on our website and on social media.

2. We will be offering programming for Impact Kids on either online or digital formatting.

3. We will be offering Communion online as well.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Toronto

4. We are also working to help our community using technology to continue to stay connected during this time.

5. We encourage you to be faithful in your giving through our app or online services being implemented.

These are the safest alternatives during this time of global crisis. Opportunity is also created for various ministers in Ghana to minister the gospel to the Canadian community in such a time like this.We will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments if needed.

Please pray for: 1. Our leaders locally, nationally and globally in this difficult time.

2. For the spread of this virus to be halted.

3. For those most at risk that they may be protected physically and economically.

4. For personal opportunities to let the light and hope of Jesus shine through you during this time.

5. For Impact’s staff and leaders as we seek to make wise decisions and be used by Jesus during this crisis.

We also need to consider carefully the cost of closing churches. Not the financial cost, but rather the psychological, emotional and spiritual costs to people. There are many people for whom the weekly gathering of the Lord’s people is a real strength and community to them. The mental harm caused by the fear pandemic, and the constant 24/7 media and online hysteria should be factored in as well.

And we must be very careful not to fuel the hysteria.

May the Lord take us through this coronavirus pandemic times.

Elder Dr. Joe Appiah

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has created the Emergency Response Cell to provide guidance and offer assistance during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Right from the onset, we have been following government advice and adjusting our programs and activities accordingly.

St.Andrews Roman Catholic Ghanaian Congregation

• All mosques and prayer centers are closed and members of Jama’atare asked to offer prayers in congregation with their families at home.

• All planned programs and events were cancelled.

• All non-essential services have been cancelled or alternate arrangements have been made to provide remote assistance • Some programs are being held virtually through live streaming and conferencing tools.

• Educational Classes are being held over the phone and conference calls.

• We are ensuring the wellbeing of sick, elderly and other vulnerable members of the community.

• Members of the community are watching MTA – a 24 hours international channel, offering prayers in congregation at home, reading Holy Qur’an and keeping themselves busy in worship of Allah praying for everyone.

• Members of the community are regularly being reminded to stay home, practice physical distancing and avoid crowds along with enhanced hygiene practices.

The Church, like every institution, has been greatly affected by this Corona virus outbreak. Social and physical distancing and finally, banning of meetings has made it impossible to meet. The church has to follow the guidelines of the civil authorities. Physical meeting is essential for a community of faith. But when that cannot happen as we are experiencing right now, we need to find ways to stay connected. This is where social media comes handy for all.

As a community of faith, we cannot distance ourselves from our God. This is the time to draw closer to God in prayer. We do what we can within our human capabilities and what is beyond us, we entrust that into the hands of God. This is faith and reasonThe community is encouraged to meet among households to pray.

In addition, the church has organized a collection of food items to be donated to members in need.

•

Some youths have volunteered to pick up and deliver groceries for the senior members

•

The pastor is available for pastoral care via FaceTime, WhatsApp Video call and all audio call.

•

The Clerk is also available for all administration issues

•

The pastor and the elders are making calls to every member to check up on their well being

•

The Treasurer is issuing donation receipts via email.

With all these faceless meetings and programs put together, it is our hope that our members will stir up their love for God and the church all together till we meet again in person. May the almighty God help us all to cope with this deadly disease and heal us as well.

Rev. George Agyei Kwabi

Additional Services being Provided During the Corona Virus Outbreak • The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community through the humanitarian relief organization, Humanity First is providing following assistance to general public: o Food hampers to hundreds of families every week. HF Food Bank is open 7 days and food is being delivered to the homes of needy. o All newcomers and refugees are being provided additional support and financial assistance during the outbreak. o Volunteers are offering grocery and prescription pickup services along with over the phone counselling and guidance services. o Humanity First has established Emergency Command Center and is on standby for deployment of Emergency Medical Team.

Dr. Aslam Daud National Vice President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada

The first church after all is the domestic church. The social media has been used effectively to share times of worship on TV. There are live streaming and one can go back to watch and be part of daily worship online. The pastor of the Ghanaian Catholic community of St. Andrew is connected to the community through the various groups within the community by way of social media. Daily and Sunday sermons are disseminated through the groups’ platforms to the community.

Let us continue to pray for each other. If we stay close to God, we will weather this storm by His Grace, and we will come out of this much stronger in our faith.

May the Lord shield us and families from the corona virus.

Deacon Joseph Owusu Afriyie.

St. Andrews Roman Catholic Church, Ghanaian Congregation, Toronto

The Ghanaian News March 2020 25

COVID-19 Impact from the Ghanaian Faith Communities The Church of Pentecost, Amazing Grace AssemblyWinnipeg District, Manitoba The memberships of the Church of Pentecost and the Ghanaian community in Winnipeg as a whole have been impacted by the outbreak of this deadly virus.As a Pastor in the community,it has been very difficult reaching out to the needs of the individual members of our Church. International students who have varying needs dominate the membership of the Church of Pentecost in Winnipeg. Due to the outbreak, those living in student residences have been placed under some restrictions. Some of them are experiencing difficulty going out for groceries and other essential personal items due to limitations on transportation.

Some of the students are worried about their parents and families in Ghana and in other countries due to the lockdowns of cities such as Accra and Kumasi in Ghana, and cities in other countries.Another area of concern is the minimal information about what international students may qualify for in regards to the Canadian government’s coronavirus outbreak aid packages. Most of these students take part time jobs around this time of the year to save some funds for the upcoming semester but they are now forced with the reality of staying at home due to the pandemic.

I am very much aware that we are in difficult times but as a Christian, I am making good use of the opportunity that this outbreak brings. In Galatians 6:10, the scripture says “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” The leadership of the Church of Pentecost in Winnipeg are doing their best to reach out to everyone especially those in need.

Although all church activities have been moved online, participation has been encouraging and members as well as leaders are reaching out to their neighbors.

I am very sure this situation has been a great lesson to all humanity and it has provided an opportunity for sober reflection on the most important things in life. It has provided many families an opportunity to have quality time together, enabling parents to communicate effectively with their children and impart positively on their lives.

It is my fervent hope that by the end of this pandemic, families that were almost broken up due to pressure from work, would have mended up. People would hopefully learn to cherish their families better and rest enough to recuperate from lots of piled-up stress before resuming work.

Overseer Gabriel Addo-Asante

ISLINGTON NORTH CHIROPRACTIC Dr. M. Agyemang, B.Sc. (Hons.), D.C.

Chiropractic & Rehabilitation NOW INTRODUCES: SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY STATE OF THE ART TREATMENT FOR: 1. Protruding and Herniating Discs 2. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) 3. Spinal Root Impingment 4. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) 5. Compression Fractures We also offer these services: 1. Motor Vehicle Accident

2. Extended health care

3. Soft tissue massage

4. Custom made orthotics

Tel: 905-264-8010

CLINIC HOURS: Mondays 9:30am - 6:00pm Tuesdays 9:30am - 8:00pm Wednesdays: 9:30am - 6:00pm Thursdays 9:30am - 6:00pm Fridays 9:30 am -1:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 1:00pm

7007 ISLINGTON AVE., UNIT 14, Woodbridge, Ont, L4L 4T5

(North-East corner of Islington/Steeles)

MALTON PHYSIO Spine Clinic & Chronic Pain Centre Physiotherapy & Massage Clinic

Chef Manny Inc. Emmanuel Boakye, Chef, Hospitality Business

Eric Agyarko, Clinic Director

The outbreak of the covid-19 Coronavirus disease has taken many lives globally, and businesses as well- with a vast majority of the hospitality industry.

Types of Services Provided • • • • • •

As the world scrambles to find a cure for this demonic disease the hospitality industry is come to a halt.

I have not seen anything like this ever since the formation of my business.

I have cancellations after cancellations till the end May and even June Weddings are being canceled right now.

We are in uncharted territory and one can only hope that things will turn around sooner than later.

We are putting a plan in place to deliver marinated proteins .

PROMOTING YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS. SO LET’S TALK CALL GHANAIAN NEWS 416-916-3700

Fax: 905-264-9010

Physiotherapy & Massage Home Health Care Accupuncture & WSIB/Private Spinal Decompression Therapy Extended Health Care Work Conditions Program

HOURS OF OPERATION Monday to Friday - 10 am to 6 pm Saturdays by Appointment Only Sundays - Closed 905-672-1333 Cell: 416-888-3349 Fax: 905-672-1332 Email: maltonspine@gmail.com

Tel:

3427 Derry Rd. East, Suyite 204, Mississauga, ON, L4T 4H7

26

The Ghanaian News March 2020

African Caribbean Groceries Inc 63 Dundas West, Mississauga, Ont

Tel: 905-281-9515 Business Hours

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

63 Dundas West of Hurontario

Kaf African Caribbean Market

PROMOTING

Tel: 905-855-3595

TALK CALL GHANAIAN

LOCATION:

NEWS

2642 Liruma Rd, #2A, Mississauga, Ont., 401 or 403 to South on Erin Mills Pkwy,

416-916-3700

New Kantamanto Market WHOLESALE AND RETAIL MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION Opposite CEEKTEX Specializing In African and Caribbean Food & Hair Products

Open 7 Days A Week * Amane * Palm Oil * Atadwe * Adwene * Zomi Oil *Werewere * Fufu * Fish * Momone * Alata Samina * Rice * Fresh Yam * Nkuto * Garden Eggs * Goat Meat * Apem * Koobi * Shito * Kenkey * Geisha * Kpako * Gari * Kokonte * Asanka

Twins Sister Tel: 416-235-1470 Cell: 647-448-3241

Tel: 416-745-5928

Email. new.kantamantomarket@gmail.com

5010 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 2B, Etobicoke (Steeles/Kipling)

266 Eddystone Ave, North York, Ont. M3N 1H7

Xpress Tropical Foods & Meat

UNCLE SETH TROPICAL FOODS Specializing in African, Caribbean, Asian & Canadian Foods

African and Caribbean Grocery Store

*WHITE RICE

*ACCRA KENKEY WHITE CORN MEAL

* POTATO FLAKES

* OX HEAD SCENTED RICE

*GRACE KENNEDY SCENTED RICE

*GARI

*ALREADY MIXED FUFU

*ADWENE

*KONKONTE

* FRESH PONA YAMS *ASANKA

*QUALITY ZOMI

* WHITE CORN FLOUR

*BODIE FUFU

SO LET’S

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mon-Sat. 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sun.

For All Your Family Grocery Needs

BUSINESS.

MONEY TRANSFER THROUGH MONEYGRAM

We Carry All Your Tropical Grocery Items

We are open 7 Days a week.

Sundays from 12 noon to 6:00 pm

IS OUR

We are wholesalers and distributors of smoke fish

Exit West on Dundas, 2nd light left Liruma Road, Behind Mr. Lube

* Fresh Ghana Yam (Pona) * Palm Oil * Titus Sardine * Exeter Corned Beef * Accra Kenkey * Akwaabi * Fresh Garden Eggs * Red Snapper And much more at discount prices

BUSINESS

We specialize in African, Caribbean Groceries: *Gari Pounded *Yam *Vegetable Salad *Fufu *Potato Starch *Stock Fish *Salted Fish *Smoked Fish *Cerelac *Rice *Bournvita *Milo *Corned Beef *Phone Cards *Cosmetics *Goat meat and many more

Mississauga, Ontario

Central Market

YOUR

*POTATO STARCH *PALM SOUP

*KOOBI

*GHANA BREAD

* Fresh Ghana Yams (Pona) The * Palm Oil * Titus Sardine Lowest * Exeter Corned Beef Prices * Accra Kenkey in * Akwaabi * Fresh Garden Eggs Town * Red Snapper * And much more at discount prices

*SHITO Denton * Red Snapper * Tilapia * King Fish Steak * Mackerell

VISIT OUR FISH

MARKET AND BUTCHER SHOP We open 7 days a week. We also deliver

OUR BEAUTY AND HAIR PRODUCTS One of the Largest Selection

Tel:

416-288-9330

2069 Lawrence Ave. E. Scarborough, Ont.

We are open Monday - Friday: 9 am to 8 pm Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Tel: 416-249-7007 1712 Jane Street, Toronto (Jane/Lawrence)

The Ghanaian News March 2020 27

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

BEST PRICES IN TOWN

fresh yam * plantain * cocoyam * adwene* koobi * abodoi * egusi * gari * konkonte * goat meat * fufu * kenkey * snails * herrings *sugar bread etc. etc.

2400 FINCH AVE. W., UNIT 2C NORTH YORK, ONT., M3N 2M6

Tel: 416-244-4496

NEW ERA MART LTD. AFRICAN & WEST INDIAN GROCERIES

Quality Zome * Yams (Pona) * Gari * Konkonte * Goat Meat * Adwene * Maggi Cubes * Prekese Tel:

416-740-7955

Fax: 416-749-8536

Email: ben@the-wire.com

1148 Albion Road. Etobicoke, Ont. (at Islington)

Mercies African Supermarket We Specialize in African Caribbean Groceries & much more...

* Red Snapper * Adwene * Mackerel * Goat Meat * Palm Oil * Creams & Lotions * Egusi * Braids Open 7 Days * Fresh Ghana Yams * Gels * King Fish Steak A Week Business Hours Monday - WEDNESDAY - 10 am - 8:00 pm THURSDAY - SATURDAY - 10 Am - 8:30 pm SUNDAYS - 12:30 PM - 5 PM

Tel: 905-846-2897

15 Brisdale Drive (Bovaird Dr. W. & Brisdale Drive)

Atwima Marfo Enterprise (Formerly East-End Tropical Market) WE ARE MOVING TO A NEW LOCATION

200 Bellamy Rd. North Plaza (Opposite Esso gas station)

Call Us First

* African Yam * Chicken * Box of Mackerel * Burnt Goat * Red Mullet * Ram Goat Meat * Carnation Milk * Black Soap

* Obaatan Pa Mackerel * Goat Head * Clean Tilapia * Box of Red Snapper * Ackees * Chicken Legs * Grace Soup Mix

* Roasted Hard * African Snapper * Shea Butter * King Fish Steak * Goudas White Rice * Pig Tail * Yellow Yam

WAAKYE - WEEK-END SPECIAL - $5.99 (TAKE-OUT)

The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

Guranteed Lowest Prices on All African Foods Videos and CDs

Cosmetics Tel: 416-286-0516

28

The Ghanaian News March 2020

COVID-19 - Africa: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) response to the coronavirus in Africa The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as coronavirus, has overwhelmed advance health care systems all over the world. The African region has not been so severely affected so far, but if action is not taken immediately to contain the virus, it could have devastating effect particularly in places affected by conflict and violence.

Governments have acted quickly to put travel bans, self-quarantine, and other preventative measures in place.

These are critical steps taken towards curbing the spread of COVID-19, but an outbreak in areas grappling with congestion, lack of access to clean water, and weakened health care systems will likely face a new humanitarian crisis.

The tens of millions of people around Africa who are living in overcrowded displacement camps and informal settlements, often with poor access to health care, clean water and sanitation, are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. They cannot practice social distancing. At the same time, if the virus spreads into places with active conflict, cases will be harder to trace.

The fear now is that unless urgent action is taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19, the virus could take hold in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, with devastating consequences. The ICRC’s work to serve people affected by armed conflict and violence in Africa will not grind to a halt because of COVID-19. More than 40% of ICRC’s operations are in Africa. Many of these programs are life-saving and in places where few other organizations have access.

A coordinated response All delegations in Africa are reorienting their plans to face the challenges ahead, both in terms of adapting existing programs to respond to the shifting needs COVID-19 creates and developing new programs to tackle COVID-19 head-on.

Across the continent, the ICRC is working with Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers to share accurate information on COVID-19 and how people can protect themselves and their families from the disease. This includes radio spots, small group sessions, flyers, posters, tv spots, and targeted information campaigns inside places of detention.

Burkina Faso In Burkina Faso, some 1.5 million people have seen their access to health care cut or seriously reduced since 2019 due to the escalation of violence.

As of February 2020, some 109 health centres were closed and 140 were operating at minimum.

The ICRC is running radio spots to share information on how people can protect themselves from COVID-19.

In areas where people have been displaced from their homes by violence, the ICRC is continuing to improve access to clean water and soap. The ICRC will also distribute soap and hand sanitizer in places of detention and train guards in infection prevention and control.

Mali Access to health care in Mali is limited as conflict and underinvestment has forced some health care facilities to shut down.

Nearly 20% of health care facilities across Mali have been partially or completely destroyed and 93% of facilities in the north have been completely destroyed. Those that remain are totally overwhelmed with injuries from conflict and general health needs of IDPs. Right now, the ICRC is setting up an infection prevention control in all the primary health clinics that the organization supports, including quarantine capacity at two facilities.

The ICRC is also prepared to set up transit sites for suspected COVID-19 patients before they are transported to treatment centres. Chlorine, chlorine sprayers, and other disinfectant equipment will also be provided to health care facilities.

South Sudan People in South Sudan must often walk for hours, and even days, to reach the nearest health care facility.

The WHO estimates there is only one physician for every 65,000 people, while less than half of the health care facilities in the country are functional.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo The Democratic Republic of the Congo is still reeling from an outbreak of Ebola. It also suffers from chronic outbreaks of disease like cholera and measles. These outbreaks put a further strain on local health services, which are now also facing COVID-19. There have also been indiscriminate attacks on the delivery of health care services and humanitarian aid.

In response to the threat of COVID-19, the ICRC is supporting the Ministry of Health in setting up quarantine and isolation measures in two provincial hospitals in Bukavu and Goma. The organization is also training staff in eight referral hospitals in suspected case isolation and helping all supported clinics and hospitals in infection prevention control measures.

The ICRC will continue its health care visits, training staff on the symptoms and case management, and putting in place infection control measures to reduce the risk of the virus from entering places of detention in the first place. With family visits no longer allowed in places of detention, the ICRC is looking into scaling up food and other assistance to detainees.

Cameroon

In addition to adapting how the ICRC treats gunshot and other lifethreatening injuries, the organization is supporting the National Prison Services of South Sudan to run information sessions on COVID-19 to prevent the disease from entering places of detention. The ICRC is also installing handwashing facilities in the most populated prisons and distributing hygiene items to detainees.

In the Anglophone region of Cameroon, The ICRC’s teams are delivering soap and other household goods to 650 families. However, going forward, there are planning to distribute 22 tons of soap and 44,000 jerry cans in prisons and communities in different parts of the country. The ICRC also plans to provide bleach and cleaning products to detention centres.

Somalia

The ICRC is providing soap to detainees and setting up handwashing stations in 20 places of detention in Ethiopia, reaching 40,000 detainees.

These initial places of detention were selected based on their sizes in relation to the number of detainees they have, and their proximity to cities and towns.

Less than 50% of people living in Somalia’s urban areas have access to medical care. In rural areas, it drops to only 15%. The country suffers from outbreaks of measles and other diseases and one million children are estimated to be malnourished.

The ICRC has provided tents for isolation to the Mogadishu hospital that it supports, which can be used if there is a surge of cases of COVID-19.

Health education sessions are being conducted in addition to providing soap to communities, clinics and hospitals, together with the Somali Red Crescent.

The ICRC is also implementing a surveillance system (EWARN) and contact tracing at the clinics’ level in collaboration with Somali Red Crescent to collect information and monitor suspected cases. Hygiene items are being provided in places of detention. The ICRC is also providing soap, chlorine tabs and hygiene information on COVID-19 to more than 120,000 households with the help of Somali Red Crescent volunteers.

Ethiopia

In addition, the distribution of flyers in places of detention with information on COVID-19 prevention, symptoms, and actions to be taken if someone is sick is ongoing. The ICRC is also sharing guidance and recommendations with authorities to limit the risk of outbreaks of COVID-19 in places of detention.

Together with the Ethiopia Red Cross, the organization is sharing information with communities on prevention measures such as handwashing and physical distancing.

Kenya The ICRC is working together with the Kenya Red Cross to support the Kenya Prison Services on infection prevention control, helping to develop protocols, providing hygiene training to prison staff, supporting the

installation of screening, quarantine and isolation facilities, and guiding authorities on humane management of the restrictive measures imposed on the daily life of the inmates.

Djibouti In Djibouti, the ICRC is working in coordination with the Ministry of Justice to conduct an awareness session for the staff and management of Gabode prison and shared protocols on infection prevention and control.

Hygiene items, personal protective equipment and materials to set up the screening station at the gate have been provided to the prison management.

Southern Africa From the ICRC regional delegation in Pretoria that covers southern Africa, the ICRC is appealing to governments to suspend all arrest and forced deportation of migrants to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in holding facilities and in the region. Countries of return are mostly countries with compromised health care systems due to conflict and armed violence.

The vulnerability of migrants, notably those in irregular situations or living in precarious conditions, should be factored in any national plan to respond to COVID-19, to ensure their adequate access to information, their inclusion in the prevention response and their access to health care should they fall sick.

Sudan In Sudan, the ICRC is accelerating efforts to get communities access to water by repairing dozens of handpumps in Al Geneina, West Darfur, which was the scene of clashes earlier this year and home to tens of thousands of displaced people. There are also plans to provide soap and COVID-19 health education.

The ICRC is speeding up an urban water project together with local authorities in Damazine, Blue Nile State, where the town’s existing water supply is under severe strain due to the growing presence of displaced people around its periphery over the years.

Additionally, the ICRC is helping federal and state Ministries of Health to build up contingency stocks of gloves, gowns, disinfectant and personal protective material. It plans to offer support to detention authorities for hygiene promotion with water stations, soap, awareness messages and posters in prisons. At the same time, the ICRC is supporting the Sudanese Red Crescent Society in their health activities, and their COVID-19 awareness campaigns, especially where the ICRC is working in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The Ghanaian News March 2020 29

New African King Meat Shop Under New Management

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Call Kwame or Adwoa @ 416-519-6740 849 Albion Road (Albion/Islington)

30

The Ghanaian News March 2020

On becoming a Covid-19G20 leaders to inject $5 Sensible Nation: Masks for all trillion into global economy in fight against coronavirus

Thad Ulzen MD FRCP (C) DFAPA, Program Director, EAUMF

this process. The whole idea of social distancing is to ensure that the virus has further to travel from a carrier or a sick individual to a healthy person, making it more likely that new cases will occur at a slower rate, so as not to overwhelm our healthcare system.

Since the world became acutely aware of the COVID-19 pandemic, emanating from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, every country has had an opportunity to protect its citizens from the invariable outcomes of the situation with more than 1 million people worldwide.

The obstacles have been many but the principal one has been a tension between protecting the citizenry at the cost of limiting individual freedoms and placing undue stress on economies in the service of public health. There have been other issues, mainly the challenge of providing fact-based scientific information to populations with varying degrees of preparedness and understanding of the core concepts of disease infection and transmission on a global scale.

In the United States it has become clear that at least eight weeks was wasted on administrative dithering and unnecessary political infighting. This has led to an exceptionally high infection and mortality rate, surpassing those of Italy and China to date. The USA is sadly still to achieve Covid-19-sensibility.

The initial steps taken in Ghana, after promoting hand-washing and not touching one’s face, in response to the rapidly unfolding pandemic, have largely been in the right direction but implementation could have been better. Allowing a 48-hour window to elapse prior to implementing the partial lockdown of the country, led to crowding in markets, which was antithetical to the whole idea of social distancing, partly the reason for which the lockdown was being implemented. Additionally, it led to numerous individuals fleeing from Accra and Kumasi to yet unaffected areas of the country. Thishas made further contact tracing of already identified and exposed individuals, more expensive and difficult.

Information from frontline healthcare workers in the regions and districts confirm that they are poorly equipped to handle large numbers of infected patients because of the current lack of PPE’s and the fact that they are having to purchase these from their current budgets.

Many have expressed concerns about the poor and and how the lockdown affects their daily livelihood. When a lockdown is properly implemented and managed, it allows for free movement of people for specific purposes at specific times. The role of security forces, includes managing these nuances and allowing the population to go about their daily business, while observing social distancing. Therefore, instead of bluntly stopping people from shopping for food, the security forces should be teaching and aiding people who are lined up for any activity, to stay 6 feet away from each other in the pursuit of those goals.

We continue to learn from the mistakes of countries who are sadly ahead of us in

This can also be achieved by ensuring that everyone has an adequate facial barrier or mask. These do not have to be imported but can be made by local tailors and seamstresses and sold to the entire population. Though some may doubt the contribution of facial masks, in medicine in an intervention does no harm, it is best to implement it, while one continues to evaluate its effectiveness. Current evidence from Taiwan and the Czech Republic strongly suggests that for those who for various reasons cannot practice social distancing, masks will help in reducing the spread of the virus.

The president’s COVID-19 Trust Fund should focus largely on capacity building and sustainable interventions such as purchasing PPE’s for frontline healthcare workers and supporting small business people and entrepreneurs in Ghana, to make masks for the whole population.

I have seen recent reports that the intent is to return children to school in Ghana by mid-April. This may be a risky proposition because at least 35% of individuals with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic active carriers. Those, testing positive who are identified in the community through our current methods, represent a small proportion of the large army of invisible transmitters of the disease among us.

My recommendation would be to support large scale masking of the population when individuals go into public places and at home, if many share a living space. If children are to return to school, all school personnel and children should wear masks or this lifting of the lid on our blockade will lead to an overwhelming spread of the virus in the weeks and months ahead, erasing current gains.

Very soon, the numbers of infected and the dead that are published every day, will include family, friends and colleagues. This is now our reality within the Ghanaian community in the United States. It is better to have done more to prevent the spread of COVID-19 united as a nation, devoid of any political goals, than to look back and say, “if only we had been more disciplined, more forthright and more unyielding, we could have saved more lives”.

This article is dedicated to the memory of Dr. (Mrs.) Antoinette “Toni” Williams Akita a devoted wife, great mother, a loving grandmother, a truly cherished friend and a public health pediatrician who served the State of New York in her time.

T. P. Manus Ulzen is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at the University of Alabama, Annual Visiting Professor at the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences and author of “Java Hill: An African Journey” – A historiography of Ghana t u l z e n @ y a h o o . c o m www.javahillelmina.wordpress.com Twitter: @thaddeusulzen

Stephen Kalin, David Lawder

Leaders of the Group of 20 major economies pledged on Thursday to inject over $5 trillion into the global economy to limit job and income losses from the coronavirus and “do whatever it takes to overcome the pandemic.”

Showing more unity than at any time since the G20 was created during the 2008-2009 financial crisis, the leaders said they committed during a videoconference summit to implement and fund all necessary health measures needed to stop the virus’ spread.

“The G20 is committed to do whatever it takes to overcome the pandemic,” along with the World Health Organization and other international institutions, they said.

Their statement contained the most conciliatory G20 language on trade in years, pledging to ensure the flow of vital medical supplies and other goods across borders and to resolve supply chain disruptions.

But it stopped well short of calling for an end to export bans that many countries have enacted on medical supplies, with the G20 leaders saying their responses should be coordinated to avoid “unnecessary interference.”

“Emergency measures aimed at protecting health will be targeted, proportionate, transparent, and temporary,” they said.

Advertisement The G20 leaders also expressed concern about the risks to fragile countries, notably in Africa, and populations like refugees, acknowledging the need to bolster global financial safety nets and national health systems.

“We are strongly committed to presenting a united front against this common threat,” the G20 leaders said their statement.

Saudi Arabia, the current G20 chair, called the video summit amid earlier criticism of the group’s slow response to the disease. It has infected more than 500,000 people worldwide, killed almost 24,000, and is expected to trigger a global recession.

Saudi King Salman, in opening remarks, said G20 countries should resume the normal flow of goods and services, including vital medical supplies, as soon as possible to help restore confidence in the global economy.

The group said it was “injecting over $5 trillion into the global economy, as part of targeted fiscal policy, economic measures and guarantee schemes” to blunt economic fallout from the pandemic.

The amount is about the same as G20 countries injected to prop up the global economy in 2009. But a U.S. relief bill is pledging $2 trillion in fiscal spending, more than double its commitment from that crisis.

U.S. President Donald Trump said later the videoconference showed “tremendous spirit to get this over with.”

He told a White House news briefing on the coronavirus that the G20 countries were keeping each other informed about their efforts to fight the crisis. cont’d onpg. 38

Coronavirus - Africa: Millions out of school, jeopardising the future of children in West and Central Africa cont’d from pg. 14

is vital that governments support teachers and equip them with the skills to provide quality distance learning.

Appropriate care and specific support is available for children, along with distance learning, as school closures will hit the most marginalized children hardest.

Needed measures will be put in place to mitigate the risks for children with the impact of school closures extends beyond disruption to education. Many rely on school meals to support their daily nutrition. In addition, children who are out of school are also at greater risk of being

recruited into labour, abuse and exploitation,

privacy

Pay particular attention to the girls, who are more likely to will face a disproportionately larger burden for caring for family members who contract the virus and taking care of younger children and be at risk of negative family coping mechanisms like child marriage. More governments need to put mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable girls, following the recent decision of Sierra Leone Gvt to lift the ban affecting pregnant girls from attending school.

To protect a generation of children from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, Save the Children has launched its Agenda for Action – a five point plan for a coordinated community, national and global action on five fronts to avert a catastrophe that could affect the lives of millions of children.

The number of children out of school in West and Central Africa is based calculations by UNESCO.

*name

changed

for

reasons

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Save the Children.

The Ghanaian News March 2020 31

COMMUNITY INFORMATION Tribute to Nana Ama Gyamfuwaa Amonu 3rd Asantefuohemaa of Toronto (1988 – 1991)

By Asanteman Association of Toronto national unity among Ghanaians in Toronto as she was always present at any social function organized by any Ghanaian ethnic group. Her loving-kindness transcended the Ashanti enclave and never knew any barriers between different Ghanaian tribes.

Nana Ama Gyamfuwaa Amonu was the third Asantefuohemaa of Toronto (Queenmother of Ashantis in Toronto, 1988 - 1991).

She occupied the queenmother’s stool concurrently with Nana Adu Boakye Tenten, Asantefuohene of Toronto (Chief of Ashantis in Toronto, 1988-1991).

Nana Gyamfuwaa Amonu also nurtured a strong vision of leaving a lasting legacy of the rich Asante culture to the future generations of Ashantis in Toronto. As demonstration of commitment to this vision, Nana devoted considerable amount of time teaching the Asante children the graceful Adowa dance. She also undertook intensive membership drive to the Asanteman Association by persistently persuading newcomers to join the group.

Ecclesiastes Chapter 3:1-5 says: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; …a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”

Accordingly, when Nana Ama Gyamfuwaa Amonu’s time to be born came, she was born. It was a time to laugh and a time to dance, rejoice and make merry.

Today, her time to die has come and so she has passed away. It is a time to weep and a time to mourn.

However, we of Toronto Asanteman Association acknowledge that Nana Gyamfuwaa Amonu was a precious gift to Asanteman, a precious gift to the world, a precious gift to all those who interacted with her when she was alive, and the positive impact she made on the lives of uncountable people. Hence, we should not only weep and mourn but also share our joy in the precious gift that her life was to us and the world.

Asanteman will forever hold well-treasured memories of the good times we shared together with Nana Ama Gyamfuaa Amonu – her infectious smiles, eloquence, smartness, always-ready-to-help attitude, forgiveness, sense of humour and wisdom-packed counselling. Even though we on earth feel that we have painfully lost Nana Gyamfuaa Amonu to the icy hands of death, the Heavens and Angels have gained a noble Asante woman with class and grace.

Ghanaian community in Toronto as an individual who faithfully and selflessly served the community with the highest level of enthusiasm, dedication, loyalty and a strong spirit of nationalism to Ghana’s national discourse during her tenure. Her benevolence to Nana Gyamfuwaa Amonu will forever be fondly the community cut across all ethnic groupings in remembered by Toronto Asanteman and the entire Toronto. Indeed, her life epitomized and promoted

A Community Icon Joseph Wie Addo, AKA JOE MONEY, Passes Away

MAY HER NOBLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE! NANA GYAMFUWAA, DUE, DAMIRIFA DUE! DUE NE AMANEHUNU!

Philips Opoku Asamoah Passes away at 65

JOE MONEY, 59. From November 16, 1960 to March 6, 2020.

His untimely death occurred on March 6th, 2020 at Etobicoke General Hospital in Toronto after a short illness.

The one week celebration was held on Sunday March 15, 2020 at the Luna Ball room, 30 Gordon Mackay Rd. Toronto.

He left behind, Wife Maggie Wie Addo, Daughter Abba Wie Addo and Son Abeku wie Addo.

Final Funeral arrangements The Late Joseph Wie Addo, are been planned.

AKA JOE MONEY

Philips a Ghanaian Canadian was in Ghana and after a short illness died at the Kole Bu Hospital in Accra.

He left behind his wife Afia Badu (aka) Nana Philps and 4 children 32 girl, 30 boy, 28 boy and 27 boy.

Funeral arrangements are on hold at moment in Ghana.

May he rest in peace

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

Sarah Efumwaa Obeng

THE QUARANTINE TIMES How are you today, my friend? I know (because I have prayed and still think about you) that you and yours are doing great.

Perhaps you’ve been looking forward to this piece to enjoy and be blessed by it. Or, perhaps, it’s your first time meeting me here and I have been able to catch your attention.

Welcome! It’s great to meet you. You probably are one of the billions of people still on this planet who may be wondering ‘how on earth did this world change so drastically in a few days?’ Yes! How one day can halt/pause or even put the whole world into a long or even indefinite recess.

If you are one of those philosophical people, you may be drawing all kinds of conclusions; ‘God wants the world to know that He’s still there and owns the universe and the world’; ‘God wants the world to rest or get a long, long sabbath’; ‘no one has control over the world except the One who created it – whether or not you believe it or believe Him’. People are making all kinds of conclusions and you might have yours. I have mine, too. Believe yours and I believe mine – they are simply our beliefs. There is no truth, except the ultimate truth.

Anyway, whether we like it or not, we are still in our quarantine times. We have no choice here. Stay at home! Especially, if you have one of the ‘non-essential’ careers.

So now you have all this time on your hands! Hooray! What are you doing with it?

This is a great time

and opportntiy to truly ‘lead’ your own life.

Your job is not your leader now. Society is not your leader now.

You are your own leader. This is the time for great leadership.

You may not be able to invest in anything, trade in anything, businesses and business plans may all be on halt. However, if we’re so blessed to still be alive, our breath, our brain, our sense, our understanding – simply put we can still abound, grow, and thrive. Only that we cannot do it physicallysocially. The fact that we do not have social accountability (the need of being somewhere or doing something when we say we’ll be there or do it) doesn’t mean we have no responsibility in quarantine times.

Life still goes on!

So, what exactly are you doing with this abundance of time?

Could it be a time of ultimate personal development/growth?

Could you invest in your prayer life? Could you invest in your financial education?

Could you invest in your character development? Could you invest in your self-discipline? Could you invest in your health and fitness?

Could you invest in your life vision (do you even have a life vision for yourself or your family, if you don’t, could this be a time to develop one or get help to develop it?)? Could you invest time in auditing your social relationships (reviewing the friends who are ‘useful’ and ‘un-useful’ and determining how to improve your life by letting some go and finding new one who

will add value to your life or to whose lives you can add value)?

Could you spend some quality time with your family/children?

Could you simply develop or invent something that will be your own ‘monumental achievement’? Think about it. Ponder over it.

Quarantine times is also a time for leaders of people or groups to truly lead and be great leaders. It’s a time for great leaders to put their people first – their safety and add value to the followers and serve them; and give them hope. It’s time for these leaders to work with their teams and not think that they know it all so they give all the directions. This is a time for true salt and light leadership. My

friend Ken Blanchard has a saying “All of us are smarter than any one of us”. We work in teams, whether that team is our leadership team; at home; or at work. This is a time to use our teams. This is a time to mastermind and tap into the brains of those around us.

I believe there is so much we can do in these quarantine times.

This may be referred to as times of creativity, of imaginations, of learning, of inventions – it’s totally up to you.

People are doing stuff in these times and when these times pass, we’ll enjoy the fruits.

So, what are you doing? Yes, it’s a time of pain, and I’m not going to even go deep with it because I don’t like to generate

more pain. With all these lives being lost, it’s certainly a time of global crises and pains. However, it’s also a time of gains.

Think about what good will come out of this at the end of it all. Please take some time and think deeply about it. ALL students are home now. School boards and authorities if they’re not already doing so will start thinking about the other means of delving education to students.

I bet some students at home now andsome of them are finding some amazing online courses outside school curriculum that my be more useful to their lives than what school offers, and I dare say that some of these student will not even go back to school or college but will come

out of quarantine times with their own innovations and businesses.

So, my friend, quarantine times have gains so look for them!

We are all gaining some valuable experiences for the future. These experiences coupled with our personal values will teach us great benefits for the future.No one, or perhaps, very few people like bad experiences, but what we do with bad experiences defines what we become.

These are times of lemons which we can also turn into lemonades.

At the end of the day, we must keep in mind, This too shall pass! Be strong and stay strong.

All is well with you!

The Ghanaian News March 2020 33

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

Ghana’s Flag hoisted at Queen’s Park to celebrate 63rd Independence Anniversary

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Toronto

Ghanaian-Canadians in the Greater Toronto Area defied a very unfriendly weather and trooped to Queen’s Park, Ontario’s Legislature in Toronto to participate in the flag raising ceremony of Ghana’s flag. It was to commemorate the 63rd Independence celebration of Ghana from British colonial rule.Mr. Alexander Ben-Acquaah, Minister/Consul at the Consulate Office in Toronto who was the MC for the ceremony, gave the opening remarks and thanked all for defying the weather to show their patriotism to our motherland. This was followed by the opening prayer by Rev. Fr. Kenneth Korsah of the Ghanaian Anglican Church, Toronto. cont’d on pg. 65

Consul Gen. Thomas Seshie being helped by Det. Don Yirenkyi in raising Ghana’s flag

MPP Mike Schriner, Hon. Theodore Arnott (Speaker) Mrs. Faustina Acquah and MPP Hussein Hassan

Queen’s Park staff A section of community leaders and members

MPPs at the event Rev. Fr. Kenneth Korsah praying before the event

A section of community members

Ghanaian-Canadian service personnel saluting after the flag raising

The Ghanaian News March 2020 35

Ghana’s Flag hoisted at Queen’s Park to celebrate 63rd Independence Anniversary

Group picture of attendees

Ava & Page Kyere (from Hamilton) singing the national anthems

MPPS Tom Rokocevic, Hussein Hassan, Consul Gen. Thomas Seshie and MPP Kevin Yarde

MPP Norm Miller presenting a certificate to Consul General

A section of community members

MPP Norm Miller and staff

Consul General and some nananom Ghana Consulate staff

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

Communit

ty in pictures

The Ghanaian News March 2020 37

38

The Ghanaian News March 2020

Impact of Corona Virus on Community Establishment Monica Amenya, Social Worker The Covid-19 Global pandemic have had many devastated impact on our work asa Social Workers, working in the domestic violence sector.Some of the devastated impacts are that we are no longer accepting new clients into our system.We have put a hold on new intakes, just to keep the current families safe.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE AFRICAN CANADIAN SENIORS The President of the African Canadian Social Council, Mr. Kabu Asante has said that the African Canadian Community has over 20,000 seniors within GTA namely, Ghana, Somalia, Ethiopian, Congolese etc.

The outbreak of the covid-19 Corona virus disease has taken many lives globally, and businesses as wellwith a vast majority of the hospitality industry. As we all know. the seniors are the most vulnerable and that more attention must be paid to them.

The sad reality is that many women who are undergoing domestic/conjugal abuse use work as a form of safety and escape during the time they are out of the house for work. Unfortunately since the Covid-19 crisis, some of these women find themselves at home with their abusers. They have nowhere to go. This has increased the conjugal dangers this category women experiencing on a daily basis. More women are now at risk and have nowhere to go for safety.

Most of these seniors within our community are not well-informed or with little knowledge about the dangers brought about by this Although all domestic violence shelters are under lockdown, we are still providing coronavirus. Many also do not know the measures that they can take to protect service through the outreach department by email and by phone counseling.The themselves. In terms of preparation to stay safe, we urge our seniors to follow families who are currently residing in the shelters are also mandated to social the Government directives. distance themselves in the shelter.The is no more community socialization.

Families have to use the dinning space individually. Although our mode of service The African Canadian Social Council is seeking funding from the Government to engage all the Council member Associations to mobilize Volunteers and have changed, we are still available to provide support in this crisis moment. the Youth to do errands for delivery of medicine, groceries and other special We can continue to help folks going through domestic violence situations and needs for most of the seniors who don’t have family members and living in who have nowhere to go by providing over the phone safety plans and resources isolation . on where they can seek additional support.

Arrangements are being made to take delivery of protective corona virus items My message to our community is to stay safe and continue to practice social distancing. Continue with your hand washing practice and we hope this too shall for distribution to all the seniors. There is a hotline of any Senior facing problems to contact the Council anytime at 416-740-4371 pass soon.

By: Mr. Kabu Asante, President, African Canadian Social Council,

Anthony Osei-Kwabena, Amazing Broker, RE/MAX PREMIER INC. These are unprecedented times. No one was prepared for the turn of events in the last few days.

Prior to the covid-19 being labeled a pandemic the real estate sector was red hot. Multiple offers on listed properties abounded. Price of homes was on an upward trend. There was such a pent up demand for home purchase. Simply put, we were in what may be described as a seller’s market. This situation is characterized by having more buyers than there are available properties for those buyers, hence the prices were bid up from the original listed prices.

Since the lockdown, the real estate market has slowed down a bit. The industry was deemed to be part of essential services. Home ownership and the rental market are both deemed integral to our well-being as a society. It does not matter whether you own a home or rent a home; the fact is that we all need a roof over our heads and the industry plays an active role to make this possible.

Amid social distancing and other safe health practices, most of us in the industry have curtailed our physical contacts. As such, I personally have reduced my exposure to the outside world. We are encouraged to use non-contact means to conduct our business.

This has limited applications. How do you sell a home if you or your clients do not want or cannot venture out for safety reasons? There are still those who have to sell or buy.

Transactions are initiated for myriad of reasons, very personal to the principals involved in the transaction.

Our job is helping to move the process along smoothly and this is proving challenging at this time. Real estate professionals are self-employed and thereby do not collect employment insurance benefits during these times. A protracted lockdown will make it very difficult for a lot of us in the industry. Like the rest of the population, the bills do not stop because of a virus. March to June is traditionally our busiest months. In spite of Covid-19 we have not as yet seen any negative impact on the general value of properties.

It is the amount of transactions that has slowed a bit. The so-called spring market more likely than not,will be delayed until we can all go back to our regular behavior later in the year.

Home ownership will still remain one of the best investment a family can make. Sixty nine (69) percent of Canadians own their own home. A home impacts you, physically, emotionally, financially and intrinsically. It will continue to remain one of the best asset classes to own.

We wish you all the best and are available to answer all your real estate questions. Just call or email.

G20 leaders to inject $5 trillion into global economy in fight against coronavirus cont’dfrom pg. 30

“We’re handling it a little bit in different ways but there is great uniformity,” Trump said.

Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed in a call on Thursday on the importance of cooperation through the G20 and other groupings to help international organizations “eliminate the pandemic quickly and minimize its economic impact,” the White House said.

PLEDGE OF JOINT ACTION The meeting displayed little acrimony despite an oil price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia, an observer to the meeting said.

“Everyone realizes that it is essential to preserve jobs, and to maintain trade flows, not disrupt the supply chains,” said one Brazilian government official with knowledge of the videoconference discussions.

Slideshow (5 Images) No country advocated “total confinement,” mainly because most of the countries in G20 are not implementing such moves, the official added.

While the group pledged joint action, the leaders’ statement lacked the urgency of the 2009 effort, said Mark Sobel, a former U.S. Treasury and International Monetary Fund official.

“It’s endorsing what’s already being done in various countries but it isn’t offering a multilateral, global vision.” said Sobel, now affiliated with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

The G20 leaders also asked the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group “to support countries in need using all instruments to the fullest extent.”

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva plans to ask the Fund’s steering committee on Friday to consider doubling the current $50 billion in emergency financing available to help developing countries deal with the virus, a source familiar with the plans told Reuters.

To boost global liquidity, Georgieva also asked G20 leaders to back a Fund plan to allow member countries to temporarily draw on part of its $1 trillion in overall resources to boost liquidity. The IMF made a similar move in 2009 with a $250 billion allocation of Special Drawing Rights, its internal unit of currency.

Georgieva gave no specific number in her statement, but observers to the G20 meeting said an SDR allocation of up to $500 billion could be needed.

On the health response, the G20 leaders committed to close the financing gap in the WHO’s response plan and strengthen its mandate as well as expand manufacturing capacity of medical supplies, strengthen capacities to respond to infectious diseases, and share clinical data.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the G20 to seek support for ramping up funding and production of personal protection equipment for health workers amid a global shortage.

By Stephen Kalin and David Lawder; Additional reporting by Nayera Abdallah in Cairo, Stephanie Nebehay in Geneva, Andrea Shalal in Washington, Anthony Boadle in Brasilia, Alaa Swilam, Yousef Saba and Maher Chmaytelli in Dubai, Anton Kolodyazhnyy in Moscow and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Writing by David Lawder and Stephen Kalin; Editing

by Alexander Smith, Tom Brown and Peter Cooney Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

More From Reuters

The Ghanaian News March 2020 39

Black History Month Celebrated at Brampton City Hall

By Jonathan Baah Annobil, Brampton, ON

On Friday 28th February 2020, the City of Brampton celebrated Black History Month at its City Hall. The hall was jam packed with people to celebrate the Black History Month (BHM).

The MCs for the occasion were George Chukwu of Afroglobal TV and Allan Jones. The event was dubbed the beat of Black History Month. Among the entertainers were Boys and Girls Club of Peel and Wings of Passion Youth Choir who gave a special rendition of Bob Marley’s “Redemption” Song. Lamoi Simmonds did a spoken word recital and was given a standing ovation.

The climax of the celebration was the presentation of awards to seven deserving recipients and the street unveiling in honor of Sergeant Major Henry Shepherd

by His Lordship Mayor Patrick Brown and City Councilor Charmaine Williams. Mayor Patrick Brown stated his pleasure in honoring the recipients on the impact they have had on the community and Brampton as a whole.

The recipients were Roman Aman (Elder Help Pee)-Legacy Award, Jared Service-Youth Empowerment Award,

Peel School Board Trustee Kathy Macdonald and Idris Orughu (Our Legacy Project) Advocacy in Action Award, Andreas Bucknor, Founder and Executive Director of Restart-Social Impact Award, Anette John (Community Block Party)Social Impact Award and Tamar Huggins-Founder and Executive Director of Tech Spark CanadaInnovative Award. They all received plaques for their awards and received thunderous applause as they posed for the cameras.

Mayor Patrick Brown flanked by City Councilor Charmaine Williams, introduced Mr. Darren Kowlessar and Honor Guards of Lorne Scots Royal Regiment as well as the children of Sergeant

Major Henry Shepherd.

A street sign in his honor in Brampton was unveiled. Sergeant Major Henry Shepherd, (18951960) was the first black Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Lorne Scots, one of the oldest Canadian regiments.

MP Sonia Sidhu and MPP Amarjot Sandhu graced the occasion. Juno Award-winning Reggae artiste, Kirk Diamond and the Movement of Ahrye entertained the crowd to pulsating reggae beats to draw the ceremonies to a close. Don’s Caribbean Jerk offered some delicious free food at the conservatory. A special Black History Month marketplacewas mounted at the conservatory for vendors to display their merchandise as part of the celebration.

Some VIPs and a section of attendees

Recipients flanked by Mayor Patrick Brown(left) and Councilor Charmaine Williams(right)

Mayor Patrick Brown & Councilor Charmaine Williams

Babarinde Williams, & MCs George Chukwu & Allan Jones

Lamoi Simmonds- spoken word recital

Wings of Passion Youth Choir

Unveiling of Henry Shepherd Rd sign by Mayor Patrick Brown and Coun. Charmaine Williams Honor Guards of Lorne Scots royal Regiment & Sgt. Major Henry Shepherd’s children

Cross section of attendees Boys and Girls Club of Peel

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

Swearing-in ceremony of Obarima Kofi Gyamfi the New Asantefuohene of Toronto

By: Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto, On

At the Ghana Calvary Methodist Church Premises on Sunday March 8th 2020, Nana Kofi Gyamfi and Obaa

Yaw Owusuawere introduced and swoon in as the Newly AsantefuoHene and Ohemaa to the members of the Asanteman

Nana Kofi Gyamfi swearing-in

Association of Toronto.It will be recalled that on Sunday December 8, 2019, Nana Kofi Gyamfi (aka) Kofi Adams and ObaaYaa Owusua were elected as the New AsantefuoHene and Ohemaa of Toronto.

According to the constitution, the newly elected are to swear in their allegiance to the Asanteman Association's constitution to abide by the rules and to work with it.

After that it gives them the full power and authority as Head of the Asanteman Association of Toronto. The process continues and at a later date Nana Kofi Gyamfi will swear his final allegiance to Otumfuo, the Asantehene in Ghana.Nana has two 3-year terms, his first 3-year term starts after his swearing in to Otumfuo and after the end of his first term he has the option to seek another 3 year term through an election.

of the Association. Nana then introduced the Ahenfo/ Ahemmaa and his appointed Administrators to the general council for approval.

The AbusupaninNana Acheampong took his turn to advise Nana Kofi Gyamfi on

his responsibilities as a leader of the Asantemam Association to uphold the highest standards.

He opined that transparency and accountability are very important and suggested that he should update members of the affairs of the Association twice every year.

Abusuapanin Nana Osei Acheampong and some elders

In his acceptance speech, Nana thanked the Elders and the entire members for their support and to all who helped his electoral process. He also thanked those who have contributed towards the growth From left Obarima Omono Asamoah, Nana Kofi Gyamfi, Nana Obaa Yaa Owusua, Obaa Margaret Bonsu

Nana Omono Asamoah swearing-in

Some members of Asanteman Association

Members

Members

Elders and members

Some of the queenmothers

The Ghanaian News March 2020 41

Frankly Speaking NDC dazed on the Ropes as….

Nana AkufoAddo shows Exemplary Leadership in crisis From Prof. Michael Baffoe, Koforidua, Ghana Any student of community development and political studies will tell you that there are two types of “Leaders”.

There are those that are born with leadership qualities and those that emerge in times of crisis. There are some people that combine both… natural and emergence. Of the two types of leaders, those that display confidence, effectiveness, and inspiration during crisis are the ones that keep society together, lessen fear and panic in times of crisis.

With the above as the backdrop, let us examine the situation in Ghana over the past six weeks since the heightened anxiety and hysteria over the Corona virus broke. We will examine the initial days in February when news broke of the outbreak of the epidemic in China, then Iran and then Italy.

Throughout February, the rest of the world was adopting a lackadaisical attitude towards this virus outbreak. Like Donald Trump said, it was the “China virus”. And it remained so in the minds of many people around the world up till the end of February.

The world all of a sudden woke up to the looming dangers of this virus when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus as a “pandemic” and advised societies around the world to take it seriously with some suggested guidelines for behavior and controls.

Throughout the past three months, we have been made to understand by health experts and opinion leaders that this “stranger” virus has no cure and is invisible. One significant characteristic that the virus has shown since is that it does not care or respect anyone in terms of socio-economic or political status. It will strike anyone: royals and serfs, rich or poor, the powerful, well-connected and not-so well-connected, citizen or “illegal alien”, young or old, male or female.

It also sees no ethnicity or racial divides.

With all the above scenarios considered, the mantle and batons fell on “leaders” of the world to put on their “armour” and go to “war” with the raginglethal and furious “enemy” known as Corona virus or COVID-19. This is where the skills of “leaders” in societies around the world have been tested to the limit.

In the course of the past six weeks, the strength and

the Republic of Ghana, Nana AddoDankwaAkufoAddo will easily rank among the top five in resoluteness, confidence, effectiveness and sensitivity.

weaknesses, emptiness and hollowness of many “leaders” have been exposed, tested, proven and/or exposed.Some have proved that they are up to the task while others have proven that they have no idea what to do or why they are “leaders” in the first place.

Now unto the Ghana stage.

Over the past four weeks, the President and government of Ghana have taken a number of bold, controversial and difficult measures aimed at tackling and preventing the spread of this dreaded Corona virus pandemic in the country.

Some of the measures have been draconian, but necessary.

They have included the total closure of the country’s land, air and sea borders, the closure of schools, and the compulsory quarantine of all air passengers arriving in the country around the second weekend in March, 2020. Others have been the partial lockdown of the two largest Metropolitan areas in the country: Accra/Tema and Kumasi and aggressive contact tracing of those persons that have tested positive so far of the virus.

The above have, as expected, created hardships for people, but these were expected.

Measures adopted by governments in crisis will always create inconveniences and hardships. As stated above, leadership qualities in people emerge in times of crisis. Assessing the situation of the crisis in Ghana, it can be said boldly, without any fear of contradiction, that the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo has risen above all in his performance and handling of the Corona virus pandemic in Ghana. The President has shown admirable leadership qualities in these trying times of national and world-wide crisis. If we attempt to do a ranking of the performance of world leaders in these crisis times around the handling of this C-Virus, the President of

Over the past five weeks, the President of Ghana has done five live national televised address to his people. In each of these interactions, he laid down clear steps on what his government plans to do, and is doing, to combat the spread of this virus in the country. He has given regular updates on the measures introduced and implemented. And he does these with the confidence and resoluteness that are expected of leaders guiding their people through crisis. I can say, with open invitation to anyone who can contradict me, that Ghana has NOT experienced this kind of leadership in its history as a nation during times of crisis of which we have had many in the 63 years of the nation’s life.

the NDC. In a 360 degrees about turn, Asiedu Nketia fumed that the nation was “at war” with corona virus and this is not the time to talk about Air Bus scandal. Ha haha!. This is not absurd, but it is funny and shows a party frightened about the bribery fire burning closer to their homes.

3. On Tuesday April 6, 2020 Asiedu Nketia again reacted to measures announced by President Akufo Addo to alleviate the suffering of sections of the Ghanaian population. In reacting to the government’s plans to distribute food to about 400,000 vulnerable people in Accra and Kumasi affected by the lockdown, Asiedu Nketia said that he had issues with how the government is going to identify the needy in our society.According to him, most often, these interventions turn out to be what he describes as ‘in the name of the poor but for the benefit of the rich’, and that “there is no mechanism to verify if truly the food will get to the 400, 000 people”. Heid further that without this system of verification, the government can say they have provided for 400,000 Ghanaians and no one can verify it but we all just have to accept”.

President when he invited political leaders for a meeting on Friday April 3rd on the Corona virus pandemic was to demand that two thieving NDC Radio stations that were closed down by the National Communications Authority for operating without licenses should be reopened by the President. Radio Gold, the NDC mouthpiece had not paid for its license for seventeen years and was operating with impunity. The other one was Radio XYZ.

6.

Sammy Gyamfi: His reaction to the government’s announcement to make available one hundred million dollars to fight the pandemic was to accuse the government of engaging in a scam.

The above reactions and pronouncements of the top NDC leaders show how scared they are with the bold and effective initiatives that the President is rolling out in these trying times of national crisis. The NDC seems dazed as to the near flawless approach of the President and his government to the crisis.

They seem to have taken a 4. John Mahama, severe beating, reeling on the CEO of the dreaded the ropes and ready to fall.

“Dumsor”, in reacting to the My simple advice to them is President’s announcement to to fasten their seat belts, for absorb the water bills of all more are coming. What will 1.

In reaction to the first Ghanaians for the next three help them and their public set of protective measures months, questioned why that image is to support the announced by the President, incentive is not extended to President and government Johnson AsieduNketia, cover the electricity bills of in these trying times to save all Ghanaians as well.

Did he General Secretary of the NDC held a Press Conference produce any electricity in his our country and its citizens, (their preferred past-time and time to be distributed for free? because if more people die, there will no-one to vote for leisure activity) and accused 5. OfosuAmpofo: The them when the elections that the President of just using the Corona virus pandemic to only “sensible” thing Ofosu they are afraid of are held.

Now let us move on to the responses and behavior of the “leaders” of the second largest political party in the country that goes by the name of National Democratic Congress (NDC). I will single out four of their leaders on their behaviors and pronouncements since this crisis began in the country over the past five weeks only. These are former President John Mahama, NDC National Chairman Samuel OfosuAmpofo, General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and Communications Director Sammy Gyamfi. Now check the following trend:

build “structures” to “rig the 2020 elections”. Nothing can be so absurd as this!

2.

On Thursday April 2nd, Asiedu Nketia descended heavily on the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu after he released preliminary details of his investigations into the Air Bus bribery scandal. The information released by the Special Prosecutor showed that the bribery scandal was getting closer home to envelope John Mahama and

Ampofo could say to the

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How Far Does a Cough or a Sneeze Travel? Asking for a Friend Colleen Stinchcombe There are plenty of times when you might wonder: How far does a cough or a sneeze travel? During a global pandemic involving a respiratory illness is certainly one of them. Prior to the new coronavirus pretty much upending life as we know it, you might have simply given someone the side-eye if they coughed near you in the grocery store or on public transportation.

And look: Coughing in public without covering your mouth has always been a public health nuisance with the potential to cause harm.

But now it can be a matter of life and death to a huge number of people—to the point that doing so intentionally might result in a felony charge.

And it makes sense to worry about other people coughing and sneezing in your general vicinity these days. COVID-19 spreads easily—and a big part of that spread is through respiratory droplets, like from a cough or a sneeze.

What that means is that if someone coughs, sneezes, or even talks, small droplets can expel from their mouth. You can get sick if those droplets land in your mouth or nose and then you inhale them into your lungs, according to the CDC. The CDC recommends that you stay at least six feet away from people when you’re out in public, to minimize your risk of this type of transmission.

But is six feet actually sufficient? If someone is coughing or sneezing, is it possible that they’re expelling those droplets farther than just six feet?

Which brings us back to the original question: How far does a cough or a sneeze travel?

Here, doctors explain what you should know about how far germs spread in general when people sneeze and cough, how to keep yourself as healthy as possible, and how to protect others when you’re the sick one (whether you have COVID-19 or otherwise).

Infectious diseases have a few modes of transmission.

One of these is large droplet transmission, Alexander L. Greninger M.D., assistant director of the University of Washington Medicine Clinical Virology Laboratory, tells SELF. This refers to the droplets sick people expel when they cough, sneeze, or talk. If someone else inhales those secretions, they can get sick, too.

Illnesses like the flu, the common cold, and pertussis (whooping cough) are thought

to mainly spread this way. Same goes for COVID-19.

also know it’s not your fault.)

Then there are infections that fall into the airborne transmission category, like measles, tuberculosis, and chickenpox. Unlike large droplets, which need to quickly come into contact with someone’s mucous membranes in order to cause an infection, airborne transmission allows potential pathogens to remain suspended in the air for some time after someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. (Remember, not all germs are actual pathogens that can make you ill.) Then someone else can breathe in those particles and get sick.

Large respiratory droplets containing pathogens like influenza can travel up to 6 feet when a sick person coughs or sneezes, according to the CDC. A 2014 study by MIT scientists published in the Journal of Fluid Mechanics suggests this number may be way higher for smaller airborne particles.

Researchers used highspeed video upwards of 1,000 frames per second to record sprays of mist as well as human coughs and sneezes, finding that smaller droplet particles traveled as far as 2.5 meters horizontally through the air. That’s more than 8 feet.

Some illnesses can infect people via both forms of transmission.

For instance, the flu mainly spreads through large droplets, but the CDC notes that it can be airborne as well. And there’s some preliminary research that suggests that COVID-19 has the potential to hang out in the air for a few hours as well, although more research is needed.

There’s also the potential to get sick through touching something that has the virus on it, and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with that virus now on your fingers. That’s one way that people suspect COVID-19 is transmitted—the study mentioned above found evidence that the virus lasts for up to 4 hours on copper surfaces, 24 hours on cardboard, and two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

If someone sneezes or coughs and those droplets get onto something you then touch (or if they have the virus on their hands from touching their face or blowing their nose, and then touch something that you then touch), that could be a potential way to contract the disease.

Infectious diseases can also of course spread in other ways, such as through direct contact (like if you kiss someone who’s sick). But since we’re talking about how far germs spread through the air, we’re going to focus on large droplet and airborne transmission.

So, how far does a cough or a sneeze travel?

The important thing to understand here is that scientists really only have estimates for how far coughing and sneezing can spread germs, not hard numbers. Some of this might even depend on how forcefully a person coughs or sneezes.

(Scream sneezers, we’re looking at you. But we

The study also recorded smaller airborne droplets spraying 13 to 20 feet vertically in the air, which researchers noted was theoretically high enough to enter and travel through some ceiling ventilation systems in some buildings. The researchers posit that this impressive (and kind of nauseating) distance is because smaller pathogens can travel as part of a buoyant cloud that extends their reach.

The problem with airborne pathogens isn’t just how far they can spread, it’s also how long they can hang out in the air and on objects.

A lot of this depends on the pathogen in question.

Measles, for instance, can live for up to two hours in the air and on surfaces, according to the CDC. This illness is so contagious that 90 percent of people who are close to a person with measles but who aren’t immune (like through vaccinations) will catch the illness.

That’s especially scary considering the recent measles resurgence happening in some parts of the United States.

Keith Roach M.D., associate professor in clinical medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Or you could rush away from the scene, but the particles may still be on your clothes, which you might touch later. You get the picture.

The reason that COVID-19 is so contagious is because it has never existed before, which means that no one has immunity to it. But with diseases that have been around for a while, like colds and flus, the good news is that even if someone sick sneezes or coughs around you, factors like your past exposure to viruses and your vaccination record could end up protecting you from that illness, depending on the strain in question. (Make sure you’re up to date on your flu vaccine every single year. Is it 100 percent effective? No. Does it still slash the death toll and number of hospital visits linked with the flu each year? Yes.) If you have good hygiene habits, that’s another point in your corner.

What else can you do to avoid getting sick?

Good hygiene is essential. Wash your hands, people! Soap and water are most effective at preventing transmission of illnesses like COVID-19, cold, and flu, but Dr. Roach

recommends keeping alcohol-based hand sanitizer at the ready for the times you can’t wash your hands. Your sanitizer should be at least 60 percent alcohol in order to be as effective as possible. Even with great hand hygiene, you should also try very hard to avoid touching areas like your mouth, nose, and eyes, since those are possible portals for pathogens. That’s always true, but especially important right now.

And if someone in your household is obviously sick or has what you suspect might be COVID-19, make sure that they’re isolating in a separate room in the house if at all possible, and that you’re sanitizing high-touch surfaces (like doorknobs, light switches, bannisters, and so on) on a regular basis.

Here’s more information about how to keep you house clean in case of coronavirus, as well as how to care for someone with a suspected case of COVID-19.

Finally, Dr. Greninger recommends prioritizing lifestyle measures that can help your immune system work as well as possible, like getting adequate sleep. Eating in a way that fuels you and trying to manage stress are good ideas, too. (When possible, since we know it’s not always—especially right now.)

How can you protect others from your own coughs and sneezes?

If you’re sick (with anything, COVID-19 or otherwise), cover your face when you sneeze and cough. This can definitely be helpful in sparing others from your illness, Dr. Greninger says. Just don’t cover your face with your hands, because that makes it all too easy to spread those germs around. Instead, the CDC recommends coughing or sneezing into a tissue and then throwing it away, or sneezing into your upper shirt sleeve or elbow, completely covering your nose and mouth.

Unfortunately, even the best cough and sneeze etiquette can’t fully stop the spread of disease, Dr. Roach explains. A small 2013 study of 31 people published in BMC Public Health found that some droplets— especially smaller ones—still spread when the participants were practicing good cough etiquette, including coughing into their shirt sleeve or elbow.

As the scientists explained, this is because some particles manage to find the path of least resistance around whatever is blocking them. But pure physics dictates that putting an obstacle in the way of any pathogens is preferable to just spewing them cont’d on pg 46

For COVID-19, the study mentioned above found that coronavirus particles were detected in the air for a median of about 2.7 hours. That said, more research is needed.

What happens if someone sneezes or coughs on or near you?

It’s normal to feel completely grossed out by how far germs may be able to travel—and right now to feel really scared by it.

Yes, someone who is ill sneezing or coughing on or near you can boost your chances of getting sick. This is true even if you hold your breath.

“The particles will stay there for many minutes, and in some cases many hours, and you can’t hold your breath that long,”

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Lifestyle

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

An Anxiety Expert on how to deal with Anxiety over the Coronavirus Courtney Shea The last few weeks have been anxious for everyone, as the new realities of social isolation and potential economic collapse set in. For the three million plus Canadians who live with anxiety disorders, the mental health implications are especially, well, stressful. So how best to cope? We spoke with Christine Korol, a registered psychologist at the Vancouver Anxiety Centre about coping with the uncertainty, how to be mindful while washing the dishes—and whether it’s okay to ditch your bra.

First things first: How are you doing?

I’m doing pretty well.

I do deal with anxiety, but for whatever reason it hasn’t really acted up during the COVID-19 outbreak. That’s the thing

about anxiety—it’s not necessarily predictable.

I was totally fine during the SARS outbreak and then for whatever reason H1N1 really freaked me out.

Are you doing anything to stay mentally healthy?

I try to follow the same advice that I would give a client, which is to set aside time to just relax and unwind. After doing back-to-back virtual therapy sessions all week I took the weekend off. My kid is really into RuPaul’s Drag Race, so I watched that for the first time. And I exercised.

I’m lucky to have treated myself to a Peleton last summer. Talk about good timing.

How important is getting exercise when you’re feeling anxious?

Very. Physical activity releases stress and all that pent-up energy we

have from being cooped up. It’s also a way to be in your body, in the moment, which is a good way to combat the hamster-wheel-brain thing. As far as I know it’s still okay to get out for a walk or a run, as long as you’re practicing social distancing.

[Editor’s note: This applies to those who are symptom free and haven’t travelled or been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, read more about getting outdoor exercise safely during a time of social distancing here.] You can also get creative: do yoga on your patio, even run up and down the stairs. You also want to take care of your body in terms of eating well. Anxiety can be an appetite suppressant but brains don’t like being starved and a brain under stress can be more anxious.

Being cooped up and alone can’t be good for

anxiety levels?

Definitely there are mental health consequences that come with isolation and social distancing. It’s why you are seeing this movement to refer to it as “physical distancing,” meaning there are ways for people to connect socially using virtual tools. That’s really important. It’s been amazing to see the way people are hanging out and spending time with loved ones on video chat platforms like Zoom and Facetime. It’s a good idea to schedule these “dates” the way you would in the physical world so that you feel committed to having that social time. One of the things with anxiety and depression that comes with being alone is you might start to feel like you don’t want to be with other people, but it’s important to push past that to experience the positive results.

So [safe] social interaction is an anxiety buster?

Connection is really important. And then the other thing in terms of this kind of widespread crisis is that it can be helpful to understand that you are not alone. To feel yourself as a part of history and a collective effort. You think about previous generations where people were going off to war and we got through that. I’ve heard from people who have started journaling while they’re stuck at home.

Taking the time to record your experience, to acknowledge that things are hard, but also that this is a moment in time.

That it is not forever.

What about the anxiety caused by our fellow man? Most of my COVID-related stress has been around seeing people ignore the rules.

This is definitely a tough one. With anxiety in general it’s best to distinguish between the things you can control and the things you can’t.

And then focusing on the second group. You can stay up all night

fuming about people still going to the beach, but what is that going to accomplish? Instead, focus on something you can do that might actually make a difference. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbour.

Check in with a friend or family member who’s having a tough time. The other thing to keep in mind about the way other people are behaving is that you don’t live in their head and you don’t necessarily know why they are acting the way they’re acting.

Maybe they have a hard time watching the news and keeping up with best practices, so their ignorance is a coping mechanism.

Meanwhile so many of us can’t look away from the local news, CNN, Twitter. How does the 24/7 news stream affect anxiety?

Again, watching news, knowing about every single new study or statistic, every person who’s died in Italy. That can also be a way of coping, but it’s not good for you. The news, even during a global health crisis, is still designed to hook you. You are going to hear about one death rather than all the people who survived, and so on.

I think it’s a good idea to choose a few sources that you feel are reliable, rather than just taking in everything that’s on the internet. And then set limits. Maybe you check once in the morning and once at the end of the day.

Mindfulness is something we’re hearing a lot about in response to mental health challenges around COVID-19.

Can you explain how it works?

There are a lot of different ways to be mindful. Some people practice mindful meditation, where you are sitting, doing nothing but focusing your thoughts. But really you can be mindful while working on a puzzle, while baking, while cleaning the dishes. The point is that you are

actively directing your focus to whatever it is you’re doing. Even if it’s I am turning on the tap, I am putting the dish in the dish washer. It’s a way of combatting that hamster wheel where your brain is running a mile a minute.

Can you be mindful while binging on endless hours of Netflix?

No. Even if you are really into whatever you are watching it’s still a passive brain activity, so it doesn’t have the same benefits. I’m not saying don’t watch movies or TV. Just that you aren’t going to see those mood benefits.

What about “I am pouring a glass of wine…I am taking a sip…”

Ha. Right. I get that people are using alcohol to help them unwind, but I would be careful with that. Drinking alcohol interferes with your sleep. Even if you are sleeping through the night you’re not getting a deep sleep, so that’s going to impair your ability to manage stress and reduce your resilience.

There is some debate about quarantine wardrobe. Some people are getting dressed as they normally would while others are enjoying this time of bra-lessness and PJs. If you’re having trouble adjusting to working from home, it’s a good idea to dress for the day and to do whatever else you can to instill a routine and make distinctions between day and night. Try not to work in your bedroom and if you are working in your bedroom, set up a workspace that isn’t your bed. Otherwise, your brain is going to get confused and have trouble powering down when you want to go to sleep at night. On the other hand, it’s okay to recognize that we’re in special circumstances and give yourself a break. If that means not wearing a bra, go ahead.

MSN News

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How Far Does a Cough or a Sneeze Travel? Asking for a Friend cont’d from pg 44

into the air without any barriers. Even though covering your nose and mouth isn’t foolproof, it’s definitely better than nothing—which is precisely why the CDC recommends it.

In addition to following proper sneeze and cough etiquette, you should wash your hands thoroughly and frequently when you’re sick. (Especially if you slip up and cough or sneeze into your hands.)

It’s also important to keep your distance from people when you’re ill, and to frequently disinfect surfaces you’re always touching. Find out what else you should do if you think you have COVID-19 here.

In situations involving compromised immunity, face-blocking devices may help.

If you’re sick and spending time with people who have

compromised immune systems, or if you have a compromised immune system yourself, you may want to step your illness prevention up a notch.

Depending on your specific scenario, it could make sense for you or the people around you to wear a device like a face mask or N95 respirator.

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The ‘Coronazation’ and Disruption Of Societal Equilibrium In 2020 There is only one story in Ghana and in the world right now: The corona(‘collora’) virus is creating unprecedented social, political and economic havoc--probably unprecedented in the history of the world, in recent times.

Even the proverbial Ghanaian hospitality ,that we are affectionately known for across the globe has been ‘coronazed’ and shunned without exception.

Social -distancing is the norm and reality.

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In Ghana, at least ,this is the first time in the history of Ghana that the Ghanaians are shunning Chinese nationals in Ghana like crazy. Not only that, the Ghanaian returnees coming from abroad are also being shunned or rejected by the natives like lepers.

Everyone is avoiding them .Nevertheless, this is probably the best and first time the Ghanaians in the dispora can really ,really, exhale and enjoy their time and lives in Ghana without interruptions .

This is very extraordinary observation. But, I’m sure you won’t understand its implications and ramifications ,if you have not been ‘victimized ‘(as in being pesewased and cedied) for being a ‘burger’ in Ghana .You pay more for services and products, than the average native Ghanaian if you are a ‘burger’.

Until this unfortunate epidemic broke out, if you returned from abroad to Ghana for holidays it felt like you

owed almost every person you encountered a living. People want things from you like father Christmas. Now ,you would be shunned and discarded like a used vehicle tire.

This is the funniest side of life. Indeed, life has its own way of playing tricks on us.--I can’t stop myself from laughing !.

To that end, here are the five coronavirus’ impacts in Ghana: 1)The One-Man churches: Coronaviurs will eventually slow down the mushrooming of one-man’s churches .Their tithes, counseling fees, ‘akwankyere’ fees, and population will diminish tremendously, if its effects continue.

This also can free up the TV airwaves that they have hijacked. With that, some of the radio and TV frequencies will be available for educational informative programs for our kids and students.-that can boost the spirit of the free SHS initiative.

2)Rampant Motor accidents: Motor accidents on our potholes infested roads are the major cause of death in Ghana..It also consumes 1.6 percent of our GDP--which is way too much for a country like oursespecially, given the needed priorities that need financial attention .So anything which can reduce this malice on our roads is not only saving money for the nation, but it also saves human capital investment.

With the adverse effects of Coronavirus , people are not travelling that much so there are not many vehicles on our roads; racing against time or another vehicle to pick the next passenger .The nation is robbed everyday of its ablebodies and human capital resources; whenever there is a deadly car accident.

There are many causalities of road accidents: The emotional and economic costs. The deceased’s families left behind, business ideas that never saw the light of the day, books that were never written, dreams that never materialized and a fragile nation which is being robbed of its scarce human capital. We surely need a break from wearing ‘kuntukuni’ on every weekend.

3)Sanitation: The use of hand sanitizers and handwashing practices were never part of our DNA. And food contamination and poor sanitation have always been our Achilles’ heel . But the fear of the coronavirus has really made all of us sanitation ambassadors for now.

Everything is sanitized, over and over.And, if we can top it off with not piling up mountainous garbage in the middle of the streets around the Rawlings’ park, that will really break a historical record. At least, that will allow us to take a break from mosquitoes and their malaria .

4)The environmental Mismanagement: Forest cont’d on pg. 67

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

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50

The Ghanaian News March 2020

Appreciate your Gifts, Talents and leave a Legacy of Appreciation H. E. Margaret Adu charges African Women From: Prof. Michael Baffoe,Winnipeg, MB Her Excellency Margaret Adu, Honorary Consul of Ghana for The City of Calgary, Province of Manitoba and, Province of Saskatchewan, has admonished African women, especially young women and girls to appreciate their gifts and talents and utilize them to take their rightful place in modern society.Delivering the KeyNote address at the 63rd Ghana Independence of the Ghanaian community of Manitoba in Winnipeg, H. E. Adu electrified the audience with her captivating and powerful speech. We produce below her full speech at the event on Saturday March 7, 2020.

Thank you for the honor of being a guest speaker. I am glad I joined you tonight. Thank you for the warm reception I have received. You are an extraordinary community. It’s not about grandeur, but unity, priceless and memorable. I have been enlightened in so many ways. Thank you. As you celebrate African History on this 63rd Independence of Ghana, this month is also women’s history month and tomorrow is actually International Women’sDay.So, I will want to empower today’s woman.Today’s woman will make tomorrow’s history.

Panelists discuss the History of Africa at the Independence celebration. From left: Dr. Uche Nwankwo, originally from Nigeria, Johise Namwira, originally from The Congo and Dr. Kari Koth originally from Jamaica.

The Hon. Consul General of Calgary, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. H.E. Margaret Adu cuts the Anniversary cake.

All I know is my grandma never doubted who she was or my 83-yearold mom for that matter. Today’s girl, young woman, or woman is pressured to be someone they are not, the saying goes “it’s hard to be a woman, you cont’d on pg. 66

The executive committee of the Ghanaian Union of Manitoba poses with Hon. Consul General, Margaret Adu.

The Ghanaian community cultural group performs 2 times

The Ghanaian Community Choir of Manitoba in live performance at the celebration.

Some distinguished guests at the celebration. Seated from left: Dr. Kari Koth, Prof.

Michael Baffoe, H.E. Margaret Adu, MLA audrey Gordon, Ms. Johise Namwira.

Standing from left, MLA Jamie Moses, Joe Mensah and Juanita Hulete, right.

The Ghanaian community cultural group performs 2 times

The Ghanaian News March 2020 51

Prof. Baffoe touts Positive Sense of Identity and Belonging of newcomer youth as critical for successful integration in new societies From: Matthew Mabefam, Melbourne, Australia Prof. Michael Baffoe of the Faculty of Social Work, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada has underscored the critical importance of the development a positive sense of identity and feeling of belonging as critical indicators for successful integration of newcomers in Host Societies. Delivering the KeyNote Speech at a major conference at the University of Melbourne in Australia, Prof. Baffoe emphasized that these factors, especially having a sense of belonging and acceptance by host societies has very positive impact on the smooth and successful integration of new comer youth.

Prof. Michael Baffoe underscored the fact that “integration” should not be seen and regarded as a oneway street or endeavor in which only newcomers are the ones that are expected to adapt to the way of life of the new society. “It should be seen as a collective effort on the part of both the host societies and the newcomers as both have something to contribute to the

development of society”, he said. He therefore called for strong, deliberate and meaningful efforts and support from host societies for newcomers in their integration efforts.

“It is in the interest of host societies”, he continued, “to recognize the fact that assisting newcomers integrate smoothly in their new societies is in the

The Conference was organized by the African Studies Group of the University of Melbourne, Australia’s largest University,from March 12 to March 14, 2020.

Under the Theme: Borders, Identities and Belonging in Cosmopolitan Societies: Perspectives from African Immigrants in the Diaspora, theConferenceattracted Researchers, Academics, Settlement and Integration Practitioners, Graduate Students and NGOs from across Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.

Prof.

Baffoe took Conference participants through the trajectory of creating, deconstructing and reconstruction of sense of identities by newcomer youth especially youth from ethnic minority groups in their integration attempts in new societies.

He emphasized that when minority newcomer youth feel a sense of acceptance and belonging as well as a feeling of positive sense of identity in their new societies, they integrate well and perform well in various aspects of life and endeavor.

interest of all: both the newcomers as well as the host society”. He concluded by driving home the fact that when newcomers develop a feeling that they belong in their new society, it has positive and longterm effect on the cohesion, stability and development of the host society as well.

On the Opening day of the Conference on March 12,

Professor Baffoe facilitated what was billed as a “Master Class” that engaged the participants of Researchers, Academics and students in stimulating discussions on the new trend of Borderless Research and the need for collaboration between researchers, policy-makers and service practitioners, especially in the field of migration and settlement.

The

Conference

also

featured a Public Lecture delivered by Prof.

SabeloNdlovuGATESHENI from the University of South Africa, P:retoriax, under the Topic: Planetary Human Entanglements and the Crisis of Living Together: The Politics of Borders, Migrations, Belonging, Identities and Citizenship in the 21st Century.

A section of the conference participants at the conference.

Prof. Baffoe delivers his keynote speech at the conference.

An International “Gang” at the conference. From left: Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

Some conference participants.

Prof. Baffoe, left, poses with the Executive Committee of the African Studies Group, Matthew, Franca and Kennedy, Organizers of the conference.

52

The Ghanaian News March 2020

Church of Pentecost Wins the Maiden Trophy of ‘What Do You Know About Ghana’ Quiz Contest in Toronto

By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Toronto The 63rd Ghana Independence Day anniversary was marked in Toronto with ‘What Do You Know About Ghana’ Quiz contest on Saturday, March 7 2020. It was the first of its kind in the Toronto Ghanaian community and new among Ghanaians in Diaspora. The patronage was huge and the contest very educative as well as fun.

The program which was organized by the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) was initiated and effectively coordinated by Samuel Baidoo of Toronto. It was held in the spacious hall of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church with a cross-section of Ghanaians living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) including Professors, Pastors, Chiefs, Presidents of Cultural Associations, local church members, other professionals and a good number of the youth in attendance.

Participants of the contest included three Cultural Associations (the Mid-Volta Association of Canada, the Ga-Adangbe Association and the Mfantseman Cultural Association of Toronto) and seven Churches (Ghana Anglican Church, Disciples Revival Church, St. Andrews Catholic Church, the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, Ghana Calvary Methodist Church, the Church of Pentecost Canada, and the Ghanaian Toronto and Heritage Church) in the community.

Questions used during the contest

encompassed politics, geography, history, and the culture of Ghana. There were three rounds of questions for all the contestants and a tie-breaker round for the top four groups.

At the end of it all the Church of Pentecost, Canada was the overall winner and lifted the maiden trophy for the competition. They were also presented with a golden plaque and a certificate of participation.

The Ghanaian Presbyterian Church came second and received a silver plaque with the Mfantseman Cultural Association of Toronto in the third place (bronze plaque). All the participating groups were presented with certificates of participation.

The awards were presented by the Chairman of the Board of Advisors of GCAO, Dr. Victor Awafo; the Consul General of Ghana in Toronto, Hon. Thomas Seshie and the vice Chancellor of the University of Toronto (Scarborough Campus), Professor Wisdom Tetteh. Prof. Tetteh used the occasion to praise the contestants for their efforts to study about our motherland Ghana and encouraged them to keep up with their efforts. He was particularly appreciative of the involvement of girls in the competition and said that, ‘gender must not be a barrier to whatever we do as a community’.

Mr. Emmanuel Duodu of the GCAO promised to make the competition an annual affair to help our youth and all Ghanaians in Toronto keep abreast with our motherland, Ghana.

Side attraction at the event was a spectacular march drill by the Pathfinders Club of the Toronto Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church.

1.

Consul General Thomas Seshie & Prof. Wisdom Tettey

Group Picture of attendees

Singing of national anthem

Group picture of contestants and quiz masters

Quiz masters Alex Darku (left), Joe Eyiah with timekeeper Rita Duah and quiz coordinator Samuel Baidoo (right).

Pathfinders Club of Toronto Ghanaian SDA

A section of contestants Some community members

The Ghanaian News March 2020 53

Ghanaian Association of Hamilton held a special independence celebration at the Home of Mrs. Comfort Afari, the President of the Association on March 7, 2020 in Hamilton.

Mrs.Comfort Afari, President of the Association

Group picture of members at the party

54

The Ghanaian News March 2020

Apostles’ Continuation Church International ends Month-long fasting bY jONATHAN bAAH aNNOBIL, tORONTO

The monthlong fasting and prayer season of the Apostles’ Continuation C h u r c h International climaxed on Sunday, March 1st. 2020 at their sanctuary on 10 Belfield Road, Toronto.

Apostle Anokye-Manu

A special 3-day revival to crown the month-long fasting started on Friday 28th February and ended on Sunday 1st March 2020.

The theme was “ He must increase, I must decrease” taken from John 3:30 with Apostle Charles AnokyeManu, North America & Head of Toronto as the preacher.

Women dancing and praising

Congregation Deacons

Group picture of pastors and elders

Congregation

Testimony by Elder Kwame Yeboah and wife

Media

Women leaders

Men praising and dancing

Music Ministry

The Ghanaian News March 2020 55

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56

The Ghanaian News March 2020

FOOD AND RECIPES Compiled by Nana Ama

Nigerian Egusi Soup

Beef Stew Ingredients

Ingredients 4½ cups (600g) Egusi (Melon) seeds

•

2 pounds stewing beef trimmed and cubed

2 cooking spoons red palm oil

•

3 tablespoons flour

Beef: Best cut and Shaki (cow tripe)

•

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Fish: Dry Fish and Stock Fish

•

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons ground crayfish

•

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pepper and Salt (to taste)

•

3 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetable: Nigerian pumpkin leaves, spinach or bitter leaves

•

1 onion chopped

3 small stock cubes

•

1/2 cup red wine optional

1 Ogiri Okpei (traditional locust bean seasoning: optional)

•

6 cups beef broth

•

3 tablespoons tomato paste

•

1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 sprig fresh

•

1 pound potatoes peeled and cubed

•

4 carrots cut into 1 inch pieces

•

4 celery stalks cut into 1 inch pieces

•

3/4 cup peas

•

2 tablespoons cornstarch

•

2 tablespoons water

Instructions ^1. Combine flour, garlic powder and salt & pepper. Toss beef in flour mixture. ^1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot. Cook the beef and onions until browned. ^1. Add red wine and beef stock while scraping up any brown bits in the pan.

Directions Boil the shaki, stock fish and dry fish in 1 litre of water with the stock cubes till they are well done. First sign of a done shaki is that the cuts will start curling on itself.

Wash the beef to be used for the soup, add it to the pot and cook on medium heat till done.

As soon as the shaki, fish and meat are done, add crayfish and pepper, stir and remove all the meat from the stock (water used in cooking the meat and fish) and place in a different pot or plate.

Add the ground egusi to the stock and stir. If the stock from cooking your meat and fish is not enough to give you a medium consistency, add some water to get the consistency of evaporated milk or a bit thicker. It will not be as smooth as evaporated milk though.

Cover and cook till the egusi cakes. Stir and add a little bit more water. watch it closely so that it does not burn.

Repeat step 3, adding only a small quantity of water at a time. After about 25 minutes, you will notice the clear egusi oil coming to the surface of the soup.

Add the red palm oil and bitter leaves (if it is your choice of vegetable), pepper and salt to taste and cook for about 7 minutes. You know it is good to continue when the palm oil and egusi forms a good blend of light yellow colour.

^1. Stir in all remaining ingredients except for peas, cornstarch and water. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer 1 hour or until beef is tender (up to 90 minutes).

Add the cooked meat and fish. If using pumpkin leaves or any other soft vegetable, add it at this time and stir the soup.

^1. Mix equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry.

Slowly add the slurry to the boiling stew to reach desired consistency (you may not need all of the slurry).

Turn off the heat. Leave to stand for about 5 minutes before serving.

^1. Stir in peas and simmer 5-10 minutes before serving .

Season with salt & pepper to taste.

The egusi soup is ready to be served with Garri (Eba), Semolina Fufu, Amala, Cassava Fufu or Pounded Yam.

KAKLO

Add salt to your taste, stir and leave to simmer for 2 minutes maximum.

YAM BALLS

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

Ingredients 250g Yam 50g Margarine 1 or 1/2 Egg Yolk beaten 1 tlsp Milk Pepper, Salt, grated Nutmeg (to taste) Egg and bread crumbs for coating Oil for deep frying

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

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

ACCOMPANIMENT: Bambara Beans, Red Red or Bean Stew

Method 1. Boil yam thoroughly till cooked, drain and mash to get a smooth result 2. Add margarine while still hot 3. Add pepper salt and grated nutmeg 4. Add egg, malk if mxture is dry 5. Divide them into pieces and dredge with flour 6. Roll into balls and coat with eff and breadcrumbs 7. Fry in deep-frying until golden brown 8. Drain and serve

The Ghanaian News March 2020 57

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

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The Ghanaian News March 2020 59

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60

The Ghanaian News March 2020

PLACES OF WORSHIP DIRECTORY

Ghana Methodist Churches in Canada ( SOCIETIES UNDER THE GHANA METHODIST CONFERENCE) The Superintendents Minister-In-Charge invites

you to worship with us

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

416-743-4555 (Office) 905-216-2323 (Residence) Day and Time of Worship:

Very Rev. Joseph Owusu Atuahene Minister-in-charge

Edmonton Methodist

Sunday: Bible Class Meeting:

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

Church Service:

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Brampton Prayer Meeting

8:00 p.m.

587-336-1223

Redemption Methodist Church

Ottawa Methodist

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

613-823-2291

Vancouver Methodist 416-833-1615

Weekly Service Schedule: Monday 7 pm - 8 pm Online Bible Study: Thursday 7 pm - 8:30 pm, Prayer Meeting Friday 7:30 pm - 9 pm

Divine Service, Sundays 10 am - 12:30 pm Contacts: Agnes Donkor - 647-881-4808, Felicia Owusu - 647-533-1093, Grace Kubi - 647-608-5373

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

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

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

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

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

Very Reverend Albert K. Appiah, BETHANY METHODIST CHURCH-BRAMPTON PLACE OF WORSHIP1A KNIGHTSBRIGE ROAD (Senior’s Lounge) Sunday Divine Service 2PM-5PM Online Prayer Meeting Fridays at 8PM -9PM 416-800-4317 Code # 9632581 Contact: Robert Frans (289-541-5579) Felix Gyimah (289-931-8443)

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

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

416-614-7771

CHRIST REDEEMER CHURCH

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

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

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

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

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

Email:

info@disciplesrevivalchurch.org www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

Ghanaian Presbyterian Church of Montreal

SUNDAY SERVICE - Morning - 10:00 am Mid-Week Service Wed: Bible Study & Prayer: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm Friday: Youth Service 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Friday: Adult Intercessory Prayer - 7:00 - 9:00 pm For deliverance & healing, come to Disciples, a Church that caters to your needs Do visit our website and sign up for the Pastor's monthly newsletter

www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

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

Minister: Rev. Stephen Azundem Services: Tel (office): 450-314-0871 Sunday 10:00AM – 1:00PM Tel (Cell): 514 660 2422 Divine Worship Service Res: 514-542-4142 Wednesday 7:00PM – 9:00PM Teaching Service (Bible Study) Friday 7:00PM – 9:00PM – Prayer Service

3000 Boul St-rose Laval, Quebec, H7R 1T6

FOOD FOR LIFE

The Ghanaian News March 2020 61

Bringing the Gospel to our Community by Rev. Isaac DeGraft Takyi THE CHRISTIAN AND COVID-19: PRAY “Panic not, fear not, worry not, blame not, complain not, condemn not and criticize not, BUT Trust God, Have Faith, Live Hygienic, Stay home, Pray always, love people, worship God, and Serve society” Isaac De-Graft Takyi

3. Help us (Psalm 20:2a)

6. Give Us (Psalm 20:4)

“May He send you help from the sanctuary” (Psalm 20:2a, HCSB)

“May He give you what your heart desires” (Psalm 20:4a, HCSB)

There are many times in life when one needs help. What do we do? We call on someone we know who can help us. If it is our car, we call the right mechanic. If there is something wrong in the bathroom, we call the plumber. For an electrical problem, we call on the electrician. We always call upon the right person to help us depending upon the situation. In the same attitude we can look at God as the Everyman Helper.

If we are dependent upon God daily, then when the tough times come, God will help us and give us what we need. Jesus said this clearly:

pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of Yahweh our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king!

May He answer us on the day that we call.”

Psalms‬ 20:1-9‬ HCSB‬‬

“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble.”

(Psalm 46:1, HCSB).

7. Fulfill Us (Psalm 20:4)

EIGHT WORDS WE CAN USE TO PRAY TO GOD DURING THIS CRISIS FROM THIS PSALM:

“and sustain you from Zion.” (Psalm 20:2b, HCSB)

WE DECLARE OH LORD:

God doesn’t just help in times of need. He sustains us. He gives us the strength to get through the situation. Our Father in heaven is our source of life and our sustainer in life, in business and in ministry.

At the face of this pandemic, I know people, including Christians, have quite a number of questions on their minds. Such as, who is the cause of this? Why is this happening to us? Where is this coming from? Is this the end of the world? Is God in the known of all this? Is this China? Is this the US? Is this my fault? Is this my sins?Is this Satan?

Or is this God? We do not have all the answers, but as Christians we have hope, trust and confidence in God, the faithful, truthful, reliable and trustworthy God who definitely knows what He is doing and what He is saying to humanity? So join me in asking God, what are You trying to do in this? And what are you trying to say to us as a church, and as believers in all of these?

Friends, do not be afraid; connect your faith with mine and let us obey the command of the Lord to pray. I believe this is the time to for us to pray, so let us pray based on Psalm 20:1-9 “May Yahweh answer you in a day of trouble; may the name of Jacob’s God protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion.

May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt offering. Selah. May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose. Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May Yahweh fulfill all your requests. Now I know that the Lord gives victory to His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with mighty victories from His right hand. Some take

1. Answer us (Psalm 20:1a, 9) “May Yahweh answer you in a day of trouble...” Psalm 20:1a, HCSB) “Lord, give victory to the king! May He answer us on the day that we call.” (Psalm 20:9, HCSB) Ask God to answer you right now!

2. Protect us (Psalm 20:1b) The Psalm turns from the general call for answer to a specific type of answer: protection. “may the name of Jacob’s God protect you.” (Psalm 20:1, HCSB) Ask God to help you right now!

GLOBAL UNIVERSITY LEARNING CENTER LIVING WORD ASSEMBLY OF GOD TORONTO, CANADA GLOBAL UNIVERSITY: ACCREDITED, ACCESIBLE AND AFFORDABLE Living Word Assembly of God Church, 139 Millwick Avenue, Toronto, Canada is affiliated with Global University, as a Learning Center. We are delighted that you are seeking to prepare yourself for service in God’s harvest field. We trust you will identify a program of study to help you prepare for God’s call on your life.

Global University is a Christian University in the Pentecostal Tradition. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission in the USA, part of the North Central Region that includes, Ohio State, University of Chicago, Moody Bible Institute.

Global University is Accessible, you can study anywhere at any time through our open enrolment.

Global University tuition is Affordable, the lowest of any highly accredited distance education university.

Global University learners benefit not only from increased knowledge through studying course content but also from spiritual growth and increased discipline. Should you enroll and study with Global University, you will not be studying alone. Instead, you will join students studying in literally every time zone of the world.

Motto: Winning the Lost and Training the Found Everywhere.

To register please contact Rev. Dr. Paa Kwesi Dadzie (Director) 416-831-2488 or Church Office: Mrs. Victoria Mintah (Administrator)

416 741-6285

Ask God to help you right now!

4.Sustain Us (Psalm 20:2)

Ask God to sustain you right now!

5. Remember Us (Psalm 20:3) “May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt offering. Selah” (Psalm 20:3, HCSB) What we do day by day in times of peace prepares us for times of war. When our devotional life is a habit we are well served for the battle. Our generosityis not in vain.

Ask God to remember your sacrifices right now!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.” (Matthew 6:33, HCSB) Ask God to give you your heart’s desire right now!

“and fulfill your whole purpose.” (Psalm 20:4b, HCSB) God doesn’t just give to us to make us happy. He gives so that He can fulfill what He wants to do in our lives. God wants to be our source in life. That is why God wants us to come to Him in prayer.

Ask God to fulfil His purpose in you right now!

8. Lift me (Psalm 20:5-8) “Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May Yahweh fulfill all your requests.” (Psalm 20:5, HCSB) Shout for joy at your victory!

Lift up your banner in Jesus name!

Thank God for answering your prayers right now!

“Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of Yahweh our God.” (Psalm 20:7, HCSB).

62

The Ghanaian News March 2020

The Coronavirus Epidemic: Who Is Worth Saving In Ghana?

From: Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi (Voice of reason) WE’RE IN A WAR ZONE. The Update: “75 million Americans are told to stay home as test reveals more coronavirus cases”. Reported cases have continued to jump as the virus spreads more and more Americans are getting tested.

The United States of America had its first case on 21st January in Seattle ,Washington, and two months later more than 200 people have died and they’re still counting. This is not a science fiction!

Folks, we’re not out of the woods yet.

But, the question is : Who is worth saving when the demand on our fragile healthcare delivery system becomes so overwhelm and unbearable?

What happens in(Ghana)in the next few weeks depends largely on us--our government, politicians, healthcare institution and in particularly, the twenty- something million inhabitants of this land--all making tiny decisions on daily basis with oversize consequence for our collective future.

In the worst case scenario, if Ghana embraces drastic restrictions, socialdistancing measures and school closures, for instance, we could reduce our death rate around lower thousands, and exhale a national sigh of relief as we prepare for the our next phase of action and mop up--that is a big ‘If’.

First thing first. Right now ,there is a need to slow down the spread of the contagion ,so that it doesn’t overwhelm our fragile healthcare system.

My worst fear is: When we’re overwhelmed by it, doctors would be forced to practice ‘disaster medicine’.

The term comes from wars zones and natural disasters, when emergency doctors must prioritize the order of treatment to decide who they will use the scarce resources to try to save; and who they’ll let go.

as 2.2 million people in the United Stated(alone) could die over the course of the pandemic”.

Now picture this for a moment. If the United States of America is that vulnerable then how does it make us in Ghana? .

In the countries where the virus is taking a toll on them ,doctors have to give priority to those who are expected to live longer. Age is not only a factor, but the older you are ,the lower you’re on the priority list. And in Ghana, how much money you have , your political ‘connections’ and family background will ultimately be the determining factors as well.

With that, we need to take stock of all the available hospital beds (including intensive-care beds)nation- wide. I’m sure we’re way short of the projected beds needed in our hospitals. We also need to take an inventory of all the medical personnel we have(including those who are home doing nothing).

This will allow us to be proactive and activate our emergency deployment plan ,when things gets worst. This is a war so we better fight it as such.

Nevertheless, our success or failure in fighting this maniac depends on how long we’re willing to endure the harsh restrictions on our lives and movements, for months, let alone for a year or more. We’re talking about a country that doesn’t have a single river that is not polluted by galamsey or a workable commercial food storage system in place.

Now the fearful part: With the outbreak that has become a full -blown pandemic, all elective surgeries and other minor medical procedures to save lives will be cancelled or pushed to the curve, so as to free up staff and space to attend to corornvirus cases. What are we going to do to ordinary emergencies--stroke, heart-attacks, car accidents, etc ?

Mindful of the fact that we started with checking the symptoms at the port of entries ,then hand -washing and sanitization and social-distancing. By next week or two, we might embark on curfew and total lockdown status--food and water shortages abound.

I don’t want to sound like a prophet of doom, but if the numbers start to skyrocket, perhaps we may have to convert stadiums and church buildings into ‘isolation wards’ .But, do we have enough beds to go around? What about other logistics? What about food and water situations?

I know most people will ignore the warning signs on the wall, but this is serious than we make it sound or look.

It has been predicted by the world’s top epidemiologists that: “Coronavirus is the most serious respiratory virus threat since the 1918 flu pandemic.

And If drastic actions are not taken to limit the viral spread, as many

The point is, we lost the ‘best opportunity’ to act because we were ill-prepared. We had two months to act, yet there was a perception that” China is very far away and that nothing is going to happen here”.

To reduce the numbers of the casualties, there is a need to embark on vigorous

actions which are not limited to these: 1.The government should pass laws to give free extensive and affordable testing to people because some people without symptoms could still be contagious.

2.Let’s deploy our armed forces and BNI officers to trace the virus ‘contacts’ and bring them for testing. They can also control unauthorized movement of the citizens.

3.There should be hefty penalties for those who will break the ‘containment orders’.

4.The public should be wellinformed(something that should have been done way earlier).Because unless the government gets the co-operation of the public, its policies may not be adhered to, and enforcement only can go so far.

5.As individuals, we need a ‘sense of responsibility’ and change of attitude to combat this enemy.

It’s believed that the more aggressive measures put in place by the government, the faster we can slow the transmission rate. Nevertheless, this crisis can bring the worst in us-xenophobic conspiracy theories and other negative human impulses.

For every crisis brings forth its own psychological and societal injuries ,as well. So we have to watch out so as to bring the best in us and be our neighbor’s keepers because we have nowhere else to go.

At this point, anything that can reduce the demand on the healthcare system will be our best remedy. That will be the only weapon we can depend CONT’D ON PG. 66

The Ghanaian News March 2020 63

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

Pastor in Charge

Rev. Milton Offei

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

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

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

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

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

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

I AM ALPHA & OMEGA MINISTRY INT'L We invite you to worship with us Church Service: Sunday Worship: 10.00a.m. - 12.30 p.m.

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

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

JESUS Loves You

Bishop John Mensah

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

Tel: 416-419-6671

Transformation Centre Assembly of God Church, Mississauga Join us on Sundays for Worship at: Venue: 161 Lakeshore Road W, Mississauga, ON

Time: 10:30am—1:30pm

Contact: Rev. Isaac K. Bonful Tel: 289-814-5482 Email: transformcentreag@yahoo.ca Website: www. transformationcentreag.ca Be transformed by the renewing of your mind… “Rom.12:2a

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

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

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

Pastor Dennis Awuku COME AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED Senior Pastor

Contact:

Cell. 416-400-8211 Church 416-642-0390 Worship Hours: Sunday Service: 9am - 1pm Tuesday 9am - 2 pm Consultation Wednesday: 7pm - 9p.m.

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

Good Shepherd Prayer Ministry Invites you all to come worship with us Venue: 95 Eddystone Ave unit 4 North York, ON Time of worship: Sunday:10am - 1pm Wednesday bible studies 7pm - 9pm Friday Prayer / Deliverance 7pm - 9pm

Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

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

Worship Hours Pastor Joseph Nash Sarfo Founder & Pastor-in-charge

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

John 10 :10-11

Tel: 416 667-9763 cell 647 500-4415 / 647 718-4819 / 416 300-4258 Email:pastorjsarfo@gmail.com I encourage you to join us in worship regardless of your situation the power of God is available to make you whole

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

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

Tel: 416-743-2507

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

It’s A Great Commission!

64

The Ghanaian News March 2020

The Apostolic Church Int'l.

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

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

- - - -

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

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

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

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

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

THE APOSTLES'

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

CONTINUATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (CANADA)

168 Rexdale Blvd.,

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

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

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church

SERVICE TIMES:

THEME FOR YEAR 2020:

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

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Wednesday - Bible Studies 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Friday - Holy Ghost Service 7:00 pm -9:00 pm LOCATION:

Worship Service Bible Studies Service All Night Service Deliverance

Toronto

Montreal Assembly

10 Belfield Road Tel: 416-247-6629

378 Cremazie East Montreal, Quebec, H2P 1E5

Scarborough Assembly

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

63 Howden Rd., Unit 'F' Scarborough, ON, M1R 3C7

lighthouseagtoronto.org

lighthouseag@outlook.com

Rhema Power of Grace Chapel Int'l

Tel 647-850- 0142 Fax 416-945- 9445

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

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

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

Wednesday - Midweek Service Friday - All Night Service

-

8p.m. - 10p.m.

10p.m. - 1a.m.

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

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

Church, Scarborough

Place of Worship:

Founder &Pastor-in-charge

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

Immanuel Assembly of God

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

Days And Time of Worship

- Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday 9:00 p.m.

- Friday 9:30 p.m.

- Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Worship With Us At These Branches In Canada

42 Steinway Blvd. Unit 1&2

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

Website: www.apostlescontinuation.org

Rev. Douglas O. Ansah Pastor-in-charge

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

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

647-880-4216

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

The Ghanaian News March 2020 65

Ghana’s Flag hoisted at Queen’s Park to celebrate 63rd Independence Anniversary

cont’d from pg. 34

Hon. Theodore Calvin Arnott, Speaker of the Ontario Legislature gave his remarks at the event by welcoming everybody. “As we celebrate the Republic of Ghana’s Independence Day, I know that I speak for all 124 members of the Provincial Parliament, when I say we are delighted to have you here at Queen’s Park, the seat of government and Ontario’s majestic symbol of our parliamentary democracy”. He also acknowledged that we are gathered on the traditional territory of the Mississauga the Credit First Nation.

Speaker Arnott continued that ‘we are also reminded of all the generations that came before us who built the province and that “we are blessed to inherit the responsibility passed to us for a time and it is our obligation to build on it further for the benefit of the generations to come”. “Together today we celebrate our success each one of us has played a part in that success and we look to the future with firm confidence that the best is yet to come. Canada and Ghana have a longstanding friendship.

Ghana was Canada’s first International Development partner”. “We were welcomed openly by the renowned Ghanaian hospitality and more than 60 years later, our partnership remains strong, our engagement toward Peacekeeping and promotion of Human Rights”.”We formed a bilateral training and technical assistance partnership through the LC initiative to increase deployment of women to UN peace operations” he ended.

After hisspeech Speaker Ted Arnott then presented a certificate from the Ontario Legislative Assembly in recognition in Ghana’s 63rd Independence celebration. Thereafter, Hon. Thomas Seshie, Ghana General in Toronto, announced his pleasure in the assembly of Ghanaian-Canadians to celebrate Ghana’s Independence at the forecourt of Ontario’s Legislature.

He added that Canada has been a very good friend of Ghana for well over 60 years, and that Ghana’s shackles of colonization was broken 63 years ago, the first black African country south of the Sahara and after that many African countries followed suit, making Ghana a true trailblazer.

“We must continue from where we are today, and that is why we are celebrating precisely today, for we must continue to move forward. Policies have been initiated including the 1 District 1 Factory of which over 70 have been completed and more are going to be built”, he said. He asserted that Gold has been mined in Ghana for well over 500 years, yet still there is enough gold in Ghana as well as other minerals like diamond, bauxite, manganese, magnesium and silver. The Consul General Thomas Seshie touched on the planting for food and jobs program which was supported by the Canadian Government which has yielded enough food for home consumption, and for exported. “Canada has done much for Ghana in training several personalities improving so many areas of our lives, especially with women.

We have so many things together like

Welcome Home Evangelistic Ministries Affiliated with the Evangelical Church In Canada

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

New address: Heart Lake United Church 85 Sandalwood Pkwy E. Brampton, ON Sunday Worship Service Start from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday Discipleship class is 7pm Friday Prayer meeting is 7pm Contact Info: Tel: 647 210 7057 Fax: 905 495 4789 Website: www.whemfamily.com

Email: whemtoday@gmail.com

Peacekeeping”. “Hon. Speaker I am saying that we want more trade with Canada, and that is the message today” he ended.

The flag was hoisted by Consul General Seshie supported by Detective Don Yirenkyi of York Regional Police accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem of Ghana by Page and Ava Kyere from Hamilton followed by the Canadian National Anthem.

The program then moved indoors to Rooms 228 &230 for the reception and greetings from MPPs, where an array of authentic Ghanaian cuisine was served. Remarks were given by MPP Norm Miller on behalf of Premier Ford and the Ontario Government, MPPs Hussein Hassan, Tom Rakocevic and Kevin Yarde represented New Democratic Party, MPP Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party as well as Speaker Ted Arnott. Afterwards

they were all given memorabilia from Ghana as thank you for gracing the occasion. The Liberal Party could not attend but sent their greetings which read there. Also 4 Consul Generals from Japan, Argentina, Russia and Philippines were in attendance.

Mr. Emmanuel Duodu, President of Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario,in his short remarks gave a brief history of when Ghanaian-Canadians started arriving on the shores of Canada and how the older generation and the current crop of highly educated youth have contributed to Canada’s development and appealed for help for the Heritage Center as a resource center to be a reality to be able to offer help in various ways to the community.

Mr. Anthony Dominic Yebuah , Counsellor of the Consulate gave the vote of thanks after which the reception kicked in to end the ceremony.

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

66

The Ghanaian News March 2020

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

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

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

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

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

Apostle Osei Bonsu

Pastor Appiah Jacob

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

Church of Christ Ghanaian Congregation Greater Toronto Area Matthew 16:18

Address: 1771 Albion Rd. (Forum Banquet Hall) Hwy 27/Albion

Every Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Contact Information Adu Kwasi 647-745-8074 Brother Acheampong 416-671-4268 Sam - Ghana House 647-867-2020 Brother Agyenim 647-656-9905 Brother Ato 416-728-8574 Brother Asamoah 647-867-0945

All Are Invited

Appreciate your Gifts, Talents and leave a Legacy of Appreciation H. E. Margaret Adu charges African Women cont’d from pg. 50

must think like a man, act like a lady, look like a young girl and work like a horse.” That is so pathetic, isn’t it? We literally have to be someone we don’t want to be, before society acknowledges our being, and I think that is wrong. Trying to be someone else never breeds confidence and progress.What happened to woman, woman that has a sense of identity, accepting of who you are regardless, and being confident regardless.

Today I stand up here, a very proud woman, I am not going to think like a man to get ahead, women are equally smart, I don’t have to look like a young girl to get ahead , a grown up woman is equally beautiful, I am accepting of my body that changes overtime beautifully, and why do I have to work like a horse, when I am not an animal, but a woman.

Girls and women alike, I have good news, we are women, uniquely created and heiresses. As we celebrate international women’s day tomorrow, let as embrace us. Embrace your you.

Its only when you embrace your you, that you will achieve the unthinkable.

Never think of your you lesser than another woman or a man. Never compare yourself to another woman or want to be like another, you are you, you are not them. You are unique to you. Be grateful for you, but hunger for growth with humility. Steve Jobs said, “your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life”. This is so true.

We are all beautiful in our own make, society has created perceptions of beauty and has blinded todays girl and woman, please embrace your you as you are, and not until you embrace you and love your you first , then trust me you will not progress but digress.

Embracing your physical you, builds confidence inwardly, and reflects in all you do.Believe in you, never doubt you, never think less of you, You is the key to your success, it’s all about your you, if you embrace your you, you will respect your you , your you will be special and your you will now be confident because you have accepted your you, and when your you is confident you will start achieving,

God will use your you to uplift His name because you are accepting of His creation of you.

Embracing your identity, acknowledging you,and in respectingyour you, you will respect others. You will be honest with your you and it will foster honesty in all you do, your you will be a you of integrity and you will operate with integrity, it is a ripple effect.Women, you can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading the last one, so as off today your past you is gone, a new you is re-born. Remember your past doesn’t define you, what you do with your future does. Don’t wait for opportunity, create it with the new you. And the new you is what? It’s you as you are, your strengths, your God given talents, use them, don’t falsify them. Make the most of the next chapters in your life.

Please don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.

Recently I was asked what was my measure of success, I believe the answer is, “the acceptance of your you, because I believe from that point on you have found your true worth and meaning. Its really not about your bank account!! Your true worth will lead to achievements. Achievements leading to mentoring, encouraging, lifting one up,supporting and directing others to succeed.Your success becomes infectious. You then would have played a great role in the success of others, of a community! That in my opinion is SUCCESS!!!!

In ending, be the woman, that when your feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says, “oh crap she is up again”.

I love that quote, because you know what,your you will be facing the day victoriously with confidence ,integrity, honesty, inspiration, encouraging, and courage, making a difference in your you and others, it’s a chain reaction and leaving a well-deserved legacy. It brings me great joy to see women break free from the bondage of deceit of self.

Your you will make history and will be celebrated by your community. You will leave a legacy of self-appreciation.

Long live the proudGhanaian Woman, Long Live Mother Ghana, LongLive Africa. Thank you.

The Coronavirus Epidemic: Who Is Worth Saving In Ghana?

CONT’D FROM PG. 62

on. But, before that let us see this as a war. We must and should deploy all our arsenals and armed forces to get involved before it’s too late.

Our worst and really frighten days are yet to come so let keep hope alive.

If the Parliament House or the Flag Staff House and any other house in the nation is not safe from the virus, it’s a declaration of war on our fragile nation. So it needs to be fought as such.

Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi(Voice of reason)

Until next time .Stay tuned. Be blessed ,educated and informed.

*The author is a social commentator and a diehard concerned citizen, not a spectator.

The Ghanaian News March 2020 67

With the world in lockdown, International Sports Press Association (AIPS) embraces a new digital era for Young Reporters graduates In times of pandemic, the Young Reporters eCollege is a way to continue the renowned Young Reporters Programmes, offering chances, tools and answers to the next generation LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 30, 2020/ -- AIPS (www.AIPSMedia. com) has set a new era by launching the Young Reporters eCollege, an innovative distance learning programme, with a first online session to discuss the future of Tokyo 2020 and how sports journalism can and must stay relevant. In times of pandemic, the Young Reporters eCollege is a way to continue the renowned Young Reporters Programmes, offering chances, tools and answers to the next generation.

The coronavirus disease has changed the way we talk, meet, study, consume, travel and live. When COVID-19, became a pandemic, the world as we knew it started to collapse. For some countries it was earlier, for some others, it was, -or will be-, later. Those that were better prepared managed to adapt more easily.

Sports media has also been hit by the pandemic. Circumstances are new, different, exceptional, but this profession has survived worse scenarios. When the crisis is over, sport will resume. In the meantime, sports journalism can’t be put in lockdown.

Quick Reaction - AIPS quickly reacted to this new reality, firstly by changing its website to make a day-by-day recount of the outbreak, with reports coming from more than 130 countries, and then by bringing together graduates of its cornerstone Young Reporters Programme together in a virtual situation room to discuss the future that awaits.

In a one-and-a-half hour Zoom session, 14 Young Reporters coming from four continents were reunited with their mentors, the day when Tokyo 2020 officially postponed the Games for next year.

It was a virtual emulation of the long morning sessions that we’ve

The ‘Coronazation’ and Disruption Of Societal Equilibrium In 2020 cont’d from pg. 47

degradation, sand mining, ‘galamsey’ and haphazard waste disposal practices have been with us for several decades. But now ,at least , we know that someone’s environmental mistakes(upstream) elsewhere may sip downstream like corona virus .No mercy, no respecter of person, no limit to the distant---it can adversely affect others far, far away from the epicenter.

Everyone can and will be a victim if we do not collectively fight against environmental mismanagement practices. This shows that we all live in one global village indeed!.

5)Politics: There is a deep freeze on politics in Ghana right now. Politics has simply stopped. No rallies, no policy plans, no political attacks and insults. No nothing!.

When will it begin again? No one knows.

And, no one really wants to be the first person back in the political muddy water-particularly given concerns about infection and contagion and backlash.

Make no mistake: The presidential race is, going to start with a full swing, whenever the country emerges from the quarantined mode. Nevertheless, coronavirus will have profound effects on 2020 campaign. So what will they be? I don’t know. Neither does anyone else--because we’ve not been in this mess or place before--ever!

Particularly, when it’s combined with the fear, panic and anxiety .

The coronavirus is not something likely to be forgotten anytime soon. Nor will we ever forget how vulnerable we are as a nation.

Yes, without a doubt, Ghanaians have a very short -memory ,especially, when it comes to natural and other national traumas. However, this profound one is going to leave powerful lingering effects on politics because we eat, drink and sleep with politics. It looks likes 2020 election will hugely be known as the “Coronavirus election”.

But, one thing is certain when everything is over: Ghanaians are going to set their priorities right. And, our policymakers and the leaders of every political shade and stripe will fine-tune their priorities and

agendas right; to reflect on the nation’s aspirations and needs--that is my wish.

Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes, the tendency to focus exclusively, on superficial symbols and ‘paper achievements’, as measuring stick of ‘success’ can easily camouflage our own deep sense of identity crisis, confused sense of belonging and mixed- up priorities .

Oh ,Yes !, since we and our offspring are torn between two ‘cultures’ ,goals and sense of entitlement, simultaneously; we don’t really know where we belong. But, the question is: Are we going to walk alone or try to bring the nation along?

Or are we equipped to lift Ghana from its socioeconomic doldrums anytime soon?

And, to the socio-economic exiles, can they honestly say(without any reservation) that the possession of a foreign passport alone, makes them ‘foreigners’ ( and not ‘Ghanaians’)?

Trust me, your answer will betray your Ghanaian part, which is not willing to negotiate with your conscience and background--several weeks from now.

Yes, there is always a bliss after a storm, so let’s turn the aches of the coronavirus into a teachable moment for our own economic upliftment and development ,to get things right because this “misfortunate opportunity” may never come again.

Given the good life this country has offered us( and our politicians and their offspring)---by keeping ethnic- cleansing at bay---doesn’t she deserve a little bit of humane treatment and protection from any disaster?

Is that too much to ask from you? I hope not!

And, please turn off the light when you leave the room.

Stay tuned. Be blessed ,educated and informed.

From Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi(voice of reason) *The author is social commentator and a diehard concerned citizen, not a spectator.

had somewhere around the world, from Jordan to Uruguay, from the Netherlands to Morocco, in all those years since the Programme started.

Context and Facts - Among the many things that are taught over the Young Reporters Programmes, is understanding the context, establishing the facts, judging the circumstances and coming with a creative perspective.

The amount of sports news that are being produced every day without a single ball bouncing is the confirmation of these exceptional times.

Moving the Olympics to next year was not just an obvious choice, but it was also historical, as it had never happened before. Calendars, funding, hotels capacity and understanding the situation of small federations must also be included in the analysis, as AIPS president Gianni Merlo pointed out.

More Traffic, Less Money - Websites are receiving up to ten times more traffic, paywalls are no longer active, yet many small newspapers will cease to exist if advertisers continue to pull out. It is not the first time that journalism faces a crisis. As we always say, crisis are opportunities and also tests. Survival tests.

Is it really the moment to discuss about Haaland’s next team? No, which is why the covers of Marca are the explanation of why sports is culture, and being a sports newspaper does not necessarily mean to privilege transfer market rumours over a pandemic.

Creativity and Storytelling - What times are better to grow a relationship with

athletes than now, that they have time and are not in holidays, training in their living rooms and responding challenges over social media? And what if there is no sports events to cover? Are we capable of producing interesting stories with a phone, just as many journalists that do not live in the main cities and have no budget for travelling have to do day by day? And, more importantly, can we touch the people’s hearts?

Finding the right stories, the right characters, equals to finding the right notes for a melody. If we manage to find an Olympic medallist that is also a doctor and prepares to save people’s lives, there is a guarantee of success for the audience, and for ourselves. If we only wait for some social media post to reproduce what the athletes are doing, then we are signing our death certificate as journalists.

Content vs Story - Everybody can create content, but the ones that tell us the key stories will always make a difference. It is the conclusion of a thoughtful session that will for sure open the path to a new digital era for AIPS. Virtual, but very, very real. More former Young Reporters will join in the future, and more journalists will be able to join. There is a new generation that is eager to learn, regardless of the difficult circumstances.

And since social distancing can’t stop distance learning, there will surely more exciting news coming.

Stay at home. And stay tuned…

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Sports Press Association (AIPS).

The World’s Darkest Moments Are Here The world has began to come to grasp.

The third world- war is finally here.

Major cities have suddenly turned into ghost cities with fear.

Medical doctors and nurses have traded their usual gowns for protective gears.

Masks, gloves, coats, glasses are their new work gear.

No, expressive greetings.

No, huggings.

Or handshakes or kissings.

‘Lockdowns’ or ‘social -distancing’ is our new way.

But,it makes us keep in touch often with friends and relatives who have fallen away.

Our days are now filled with WhatsAPP chats.

Friends and relatives talk on video streaming shows.

Schools are closed with no time frame.

Public gatherings are things of the past.

Everything is disinfected and sanitized over and over.

We have to adjust by learning to live indoors.

We no longer can celebrate babychristening ,birthdays or marriages.

Our favorite pastime; funeral is forbidden.

Covid-19 robs families of their chance to say a final good -bye.

The pandemic kills twice.

First,it isolates you from your loved ones ,right before you die.

Then, it doesn’t allow anyone to get closer.

And, surely it doesn’t allow anyone to get closure.

Victims of the covid-19 are dying in hospitals’ isolation.

Without any family or friend’s consolation.

Corpses are being sealed in one- way.

And, immediately taken away.

So many families want to see their loved ones’ bodies ,one last time.

But, it’s forbidden.

Burying personal items is now illegal.

A drastic measure, but one designed to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

The dead can’t be buried in their finest and favorite clothes.

Instead, it’s the anonymity of the hospital gowns.

It has made the undertakers act as replacement of families, friends and priests.

Because people who are close to the dead will be quarantined.

The hardiest thing for the medical professionals is not the inability to ease the pain of the bereaved families.

But they have to worry about their own mortality and safety of their families.

This is a war ,so let’s treat it as such with all the arsenals at our disposal.

Indeed, corona virus is denying even small dignity to the dead.

From kwaku Adu-Gyamfi (voice of reason) *The author is a social commentator and a diehard concerned citizen, not a spectator.

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Around the World Sports Scene Atletico Madrid keen on signing Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu Spanish giants Atletico Madrid are keen on making a move for Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu in the summer transfer window.

Atletico will however loan him back to Real Valadollid just for a year as part of the deal to sign the player.

Mohammed Salisu is highly sought after by several

clubs in Europe including English Premier League giants Manchester United.

The 20-year old has had an outstanding campaign, since earning promotion to the senior side. He has made 27 La Liga appearances and has a goal to his credit. GHANAsoccernet. com

Big gap between foreign and home-based players -Akonnor I think it is up to us to try as much as we can to improve that area because there is a big gap.

Ghana boss C.K. Akonnor

Ghana boss CK Akonnor has stated the national team doors are open to homebased players as much as they are to foreign-based stars.

Black Stars coaches in recent years have been heavily criticised for marginalising players plying their trade on the domestic scene for national call-ups.

“It’s up to the locals [to prove their worth]. We’ll give them the chance. We’ll encourage them. I would like to give the chance to the locals more,” Akonnor told Ghana FA Media in a video released on Twitter on Wednesday.

“When I started playing [for Black Stars], the likes of Frimpong Manso, Armah Senegal and Salifu Ansah the goalkeeper, they were senior guys. We had a majority of locals in the team.

“I started playing as a local player before I travelled abroad. It has changed and

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pays glowing tribute to Opoku Afriyie FIFA president Gianni Infantino has paid tribute to former Ghana national star Opoku Afriyie, who passed away at the age of 65 on March 29, 2020.

The Rojiblancos are set to trigger the buy out clause of the Real Valadollid player, which is at 12 million Euros.

The Madrid based club could sell defender Stefan Savic in the summer and look set to use that money to bring in Salisu from Valadollid.

with Jonathan Baah Annobil

“Once we see a player doing well, I will also give him that chance. They should also believe they are coming to play. Not even to be on the bench. And that will show automatically in training.

These are the kinds of things they will have to do and it has to come from the individual.

“I’m not going to close my eyes on them once they are there and doing well. They need to be consistent without their performances and they will automatically get in there.”

Last month, Akonnor named his first Ghana squad since assuming duty as Black Stars boss in January.

The 23-man roster featured four home-based players, namely Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Richard Attah, Ashanti Gold right back Kwadwo Amoako, Habib Mohammed of Asante Kotoko and Yahaya Mohammed of Aduana Stars.

The team, though, could not assemble for a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against Sudan due to the cancellation of fixtures over the coronavirus pandemic. Goal.com

Call Us First The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

Afriyie, a former Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak forward passed on Sunday following a short illness, aged 65. The former Ghana captain was a member of Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations winning squads in 1978 and 1982.

In a letter to the President of the Ghana Football Association Kurt E.S Okraku on Tuesday, Infantino wrote: “During his career, ‘Bayie’

at Accra Hearts of Oak SC.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino

was part of the famous national team that won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1978 on home soil, scoring the two goals in the final against Uganda. He also took part in the 1980 edition in Nigeria. At club level, he will be remembered for his career at Asante Kotoko SC and

“After his retirement, he went on to manage Asante Kotoko in 2003 and he has also served as the team manager and welfare officer of the Black Stars. One of Ghana football’s gentlemen, striker and two-time Ghana Premier League top-scorer, his legacy and trajectory on and off the pitch will not be forgotten and he will be truly missed.

“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Ghana Football Association, and to Afriyie’s family, friends and loved ones.

Our thoughts are with all of you. pulse.com.gh

Ghana’s Prof Francis Dodoo appointed to chair World Athletics’ Governance Commission The President of the Ghana Athletics Association (GAA), Professor Francis Dodoo, has been appointed as Chairman of the new Governance Commission of World Athletics.

The decision to appoint the former President of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) was taken at the sport’s world governing body’s Council Meeting in Monaco on March 11-12.

governance experience, having served on erstwhile IAAF’s Values Commission, the Commonwealth Games Federations’ Governance and Integrity Commission and World Anti-Doping Agency’s Committee for Athletes.

Professor Francis Dodoo

Prof. Dodoo, who is also a Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, will chair the 12-member Commission.

Gesta de Melo, Canada’s Inaki Gomez, Australia’s David Grace, China’s Leung Hong Shun, Kenya’s Jinaro Kibet, Estonia’s Sirje Lippe, Virgin Islands’ Ronald Russell and USA’s Norman Wain.

The members include personalities from the athletics world such as Holland’s Sylvia Barlag, Spain’s Carlota Castrejana, Germany’s Dagmar Freitag, Brazil’s Helio

A statement issued by GAA in communicating the decision said Prof Dodoo, the All-Africa Games record holder in Triple Jump, comes to the position with a wealth of international

Aside his post at University of Ghana, Prof Dodoo also chairs the international governing board of the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), based in Nairobi, Kenya.

He is a four-time Olympian.

He held Ghana’s Triple Jump record for 11 years.

He won the National Sportsman of the Year in 1987, when he set the record, and was later honoured with a Grand Medal by the state.3news.com

Ghanaian veteran Guard’s 16th season on hold due to coronavirus Veteran American born Ghanaian Shooting Guard Alhaji Mohammed’s 16th year as a professional basketball player is on hold due to the Corona Virus pandemic.

The BAL is run by the NBA and FIBA Africa and its inaugural season was set to commence earlier this month with 12 teams participating.

The virus has spread all over the world and forced several industries to scale back including sports where several tournaments have been suspended.

Monastir was in line to host games in the Nile Conference beginning March 21 with the former University of Louisville player Mohammed on the roster.

Mohammed was set to play for Tunisian giant US Monastir in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) following his signing a week prior to the start of

Alhaji Mohammed

the tournament on March 13.

Conversely, the competition got suspended over fears of the virus spread; there have been over 700 confirmed cases in Africa.

Mohammed has played in several countries including Spain and Germany and won the Hungarian League in 2017. basketballghana.com

The Ghanaian News March 2020 69

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The Ghanaian News March 2020

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The Ghanaian News March 2020 71

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