AMANDLA NEWSPAPER: JULY 2011

Amandla Founded October 2003

Volume 10 Issue 7 Global African Newspaper Telephone: 973-419-0073 / 973-731-1339

Ghana: A ew Twist in Dual ationality Law

By Kofi Ayim Ghanaians who took citizenship of different nations before the Amended Act on Dual Citizenship of December 16, 1996 cannot be granted (Ghana) citizenship upon application, according to Ghana’s Interior Ministry. The Act (Act 527 of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana) which came into effect January 1997 has neither retroactive date of implementation nor a grandfathering clause. The amended Article 8 (1) states: “A citizen of Ghana may hold the citizenship of any other country in addition to his citizenship of Ghana.”

In a telephone conversation, Mr. David Agorsor, a Director at Ghana’s Ministry of Interior pointed out that any Ghanaian who acquired the citizenship of another nation prior to the amendment of Article 8 of Ghana’s Constitution ceased to be a Ghanaian. The law on dual citizenship before the amendment states in part: “Subject to this Article, (1992 Con-

stitution) a citizen of Ghana shall cease forthwith to be a citizen of if, on attaining the age of twenty one years, he, by a voluntary act, other than marriage, acquires or retains the citizenship of a country other than Ghana.”

But the Citizenship Act 2000 (Act 591) Part III 16 (3) (b) under which the Ministry of Interior applied in the attached letter states: “A citizen of Ghana who acquires the citizenship of another country in addition to his Ghanaian citizenship shall notify in writing the acquisition of the additional citizenship to the Minister in such form and such manner as may be prescribed.”

However, under this same Act 591 and Section 16 (5): “A citizen who has lost his citizenship as a result of the law in Ghana which prohibited the holding of dual citizenship by a Ghanaian may on an application to the Minister be issued with a certificate of citizenship which shall be effective from the date of issue.” The application of this section seems to be muted in

Victoria Street, a one-way exit off Route 22 East that bisects Empire Street and empties into Frelinghuysen is now known as “Ghanaian Way.” The proclamation of “Ghanaian Way” by Newark Municipal Council is to honor the Ghanaian community in Newark, New Jersey. The naming ceremony held June 25 was characterized with pomp and pageantry and attracted Ghanaians and other Africans from the tri-state metro area to the Washington D.C. metro area.

For the second time in many years

Bronx Church Attains Self-governing Status

Continued on page 5

Traditional chiefs in the Ghanaian community were present at the renaming of Victoria Street as the Ghanaian Way at this same location, Ghanaians demonstrated their nationalism with pride and ecstasy just as they did when Ghana beat the United States 2-1 at the 2008 World Cup Soccer Tournament in South Africa. Incidentally, it was the victory and its charged attendant jubilations that brought both the Newark Police and the area’s Councilman Ras Baraka to maintain peace and order.

The culmination and aftermath of the encounter precipitated the idea of “Ghanaian Way.” In an opening address Councilman Baraka paid glowing tribute to Africa Heritage and asserted that “when we (Africans) celebrate, we

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interpretation.

Mr. Agorsor lamented that the previous government implemented wholesale dual citizenship without taking into consideration the amended Article 8. “That’s the biggest problem for us” he added.

He inferred that it is just prudent to turn around and do the right thing, even if mistakes had already been made. He said those who slipped through the cracks to obtain their citizenship would not be stripped of it, but “if you lose your (citizenship) card, we’ll tell you that you did not qualify in the first place.”

Mr. Agorsor affirmed that by Article 6 of Ghana’s Constitution, children of disqualified Ghanaian parent(s) are still Ghanaian citizens.

The said Article 6 states inter alia: “A person born in or outside Ghana after the coming into force of this Constitution (1992) shall become a citizen of Ghana at the date of his birth if either of his parents or grandparents is or was a citizen of Ghana.

“Ghanaian Way” Inaugurated in Newark, NJ

By Kofi Ayim

July 15 - August 16, 2011

call the heavens down to earth, and today we celebrate in glory to Africa that we left as kings and queens and will go back as kings and queens.” He suggested “the way we talk, walk, and dance has roots from Africa.” The Southward Councilman recounted his early childhood development within the context of African personality and pride as hallmark of his family.

He saluted Alhaji Ibrahim Adams for dreaming up the idea to honor Ghana with the stretch of street.

Congressman Donald M. Payne Snr., praised the evolving democratic dispensation currently Continued on page 5

Rev. Dr. Kwame Amoah-Kuma, Pastor of the Emmanuel Presbyterian Reform Chuch in the Bronx in happily welcoming the congregation and guests to the chartering ceremony for the church on May 22, 2011 Kwabena Opong Bronx, Sunday, May 22: A milestone in the development of African Christian missionary activity in the United States was achieved on Sunday, May 22, 2011. The Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church (EPRC) in the Bronx was chartered as an independent congregation within the Reformed Church of America (RCA) and the Presbyterian Church of United States of America ( PCUSA). The protracted and elaborate ceremony which attracted clergy and lay persons from the Presbyterian Churches in the USA and Ghana and the Reformed Church of America marked the end of more than a decade of existing under the aegis of the PCUSA and the RCA. Historically, what is now EPRC is a breakaway entity from what started as the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Mission (PCGM) further to a conflict as to whether to remain as an affiliate of the PCUSA and the RCA or the PCGM in 2003. The EPRC has since then grown into a full-fledged congregation affiliated to both the PCUSA and RCA and the PCGM which continues to supply ministers to perform pastoral work.

The chartering event signified the cooperation that exists between the PCUSA and the RCA on one hand and the PCG on the other. The current minister of EPRC, Rev. Dr. Kwame Amoah-Kuma is on posting from the PCG. On hand to preach the keynote sermon was the immediate past moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Yaw Frimpong Manso who flew in from Australia for the ceremony.

Dr. Frimpong-Manso paid tribute to Rev. Amoah-Kuma and his wife, the elders and deaconate of the church and his sincere gratitude to the PCUSA and the RCA for partnering with the PCG in the global initiative of bringing a minister from Ghana to work with the congregation to the level chartering.

The theme for the keynote sermon was

“Empowered by the Holy Spirit for effective Witness in the Diaspora.” Rev. Frimpong-Manso reminded the congregation to see themselves as one people under the non-discriminatory and universal injunction that recognizes all Christian believers and humanity without discrimination.

He said that “the essential functions of the Church are Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship and Mission.” He described mission work as a whole-hearted devotion to the Lord God. “in worship, we live out our deep commitment to love and share our gifts, means and our abilities with one another. In discipleship, we follow the call of the Lord Jesus to obey and to teach … we proclaim the Gospel to all people and minister to human needs as Jesus did,” he added.

Christians as a community of faith practice accountability among themselves, while as a covenant community within the reform tradition “we also believe in the supremacy of God.” The former moderator mentioned God’s recognition of the institution of government and secular power properly constituted but also believed that the Church has a “say in the affairs of the nations and in the way people are governed. For effective ChurchState relations and for the Church to have a positive impact on society, the Church needs a firm grip on the Word of God and absolute trust in Christ and must be empowerment of the Holy Spirit.”

The Church, he said rejects all acts of violence which devalues human life and “rather affirms active peacekeeping, participation and equitable distribution in the means of grace and the resources provided

by God, sacrificial service to others as well as the pursuit of justice for the poor, the oppressed and the weak by playing proper roles of prophetic utterance and advocacy.”

Rev. Frimpong-Manso called on the Church to share the Gospel in every culture and stratum of society through discipleship Continued on page 5

Amandla Vol. 10 Issue 7 July 15 - August 16

Editorial A wrench in Ghana’s dual citizenship law The new twist in the dual citizenship law is creating unease among the Ghanaian Diaspora.

When we thought we had seen the end of the long and winding issue of the law granting dual nationality to Ghanaians in the Diaspora, another monkey wrench has been thrown into it. It is even more distressing that a political dimension has been introduced into it. The statement by an official of the Ministry of the Interior that the previous government was not thorough in its interpretation of the law is unfortunate. We question the propriety of the current administration in following this line of action.

First, what does this new interpretation seek to achieve? According to the law itself, there is nothing that indicates a cut-off point.

The other aspect of the new interpretation is why children born to parents who are themselves disqualified by the law could be qualified on the strength of their parents’ parent(s) (grandparent) but NOT on the parents? We thought no one goes to the Father, except through the Son. If a person who is a natural-born Ghanaian cannot be a citizen because he obtained his citizenship before 1996 what qualifies his child who might have been born out of the country, to become a citizen? Looks like a return to the days when the law was what the ruling government ordained.

We urge the government and the parliament to take a critical look at this new development and correct the situation. Holding the citizenship of another country should not and does not make any natural-born Ghanaian a second-class citizen in his country of birth.

Ghana needs its diaspora at this time in its development and cannot afford to alienate any one.

Ghana should learn from Nigeria: once born a Nigerian, always a Nigerian, period.

Mrs. Rawlings loses to John Atta Mills. So what?

Losing elections everywhere is a bitter experience. It is, however, not shameful. But the loss of Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings in the ruling party’s recent primaries has raised quite a storm in Ghana. We assume that the response to her failure to capture the NDC’s nomination is related to her husband having once been a president and also challenging a sitting president of her own party, a novel practice.

Whichever way one sees the situation, Mrs. Rawlings has been a formidable force in the ruling party. There is always a positive element to every situation. Mrs. Rawlings was exercising her democratic right. Her reasons for fighting the sitting president of her own party also must be seen as a positive step toward democracy and good governance. Being a party member does not make everything done by the party in government right. As the president said in his acceptance speech, the victory he won should be considered a victory for the party and democracy.

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Community News Ghana: A New Twist on Dual Nationality Law continued from front page

The website of Ghana’s Interior Ministry states, among others: “Dual Nationality is guided by Section 16 (quoted above) of the Citizenship Act 2000 (Act 591) and the Citizenship Regulations 2001 Section 10 and Section 11”. The websites of Ghana embassy and Consulate in Berne, Switzerland and New York, in the U.S.A. cite Citizenship Act 591, while the Washington embassy site cautions potential applicants “who had no primary Ghanaian Citizenship as of 31st December 1996” to be wary of the current dual citizenship law.

In a telephone interview, the ConsulGeneral at Ghana’s Consulate in New York City, Hon. Ernest Lomotey said concerns of Ghanaians about the dual citizenship issue have been forwarded to Ghana for “guidance and clarification from relevant authorities.”

The interpretation of the law as currently

being implemented by the government of Ghana is ruffling features and bringing diasporean political odd bedfellows to bed. Community activists and leaders, religious and traditional rulers as well as individuals with varying political persuasions when apprised were up in arms against the measure.

A well-known community leader described the move as “divisive and destructive” and wondered aloud the wisdom to exclude a huge constituent of the Ghanaian populace. “You want to deny a full-fledged Ghanaian his birthright, but grant same to a professional footballer whose parent(s) might have had other nationality long time ago, “he rhetorically charged. A yellow cab driver bemoaned the rationale for a naturalized Ghanaian to have rights and privileges than a natural born Ghanaian.

A legal practitioner opined that the seemingly different interpretation of the Citizenship Act by the previous NPP government and the current NDC government is likely to infuse politics into an otherwise important and sensitive legal issue. He described the phenomenon “unfortunate.”

Bronx Church Attains Selfgoverning Status

Rev. Dr. Yaw Frimpong-Manso delivering the keynote sermon at the chartering ceremony Churches/Christianity apart.”

Rev. Frimpong-Manso told the congre Continued from front page gation that they are the cutting-edge of and evangelism, for as he said, “we are Church growth in the diaspora…you must, therefore be empowered by the called as ‘salt and light’ to be a redempHoly Spirit continually for effective wittive influence in the world, confronting individual and corporate sin, and seeking ness in Diaspora. Every hand must be on to overcome evil with good and the deck and you must be credible ambassaGospel of Christ.” In other words, Chris- dors of Christ and of the African Church and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. tians should be the voice of the voiceRev. Kwame Amoah-Kuma, the organizless, and voice for righteousness, peace, ing pastor was commissioned as the subjustice and love. stantive minister and a new class of To the congregation, the ex-moderator told them, “you are here for a purpose elders and deacons also ordained. and as part of God’s plan for World Awards were also presented to ministers and lay persons from the PCUSA, RCA, Evangelization and Discipleship. You are here as part of the Universal Church PCG, and EPRC. The children in the Church put up a performance of song empowered by the Holy Spirit as Missionaries and Ambassadors of Christ and and dance. The Women’s and Men’s Felof the African Church to fulfill your part lowships as well as the Singing Band of the demands of the Great Commission were also called upon to entertain the gathering with their musical renditions. in the Diaspora.” He recalled that the The Church Choir accompanied by a Gospel was introduced into Ghana around 1828 and that since then “that professional band acquitted itself well seed of the Gospel … has grown, mawith its beautiful renditions. tured and being harvested at the time Messages of goodwill were also sent that those who brought it to us are havfrom sister churches from various parts ing a decline in Church life and witness of the country, including Ohio, Virginia, and confronted by the forces of darkness Baltimore, Chicago, among others, as tearing their societies and well as Canada. -- See photos on p. 18

Copy of a letter sent to a Ghanaian who applied for dual citizenship. Name and address are intentionally deleted to protect the identity of the individual

Newark, NJ Inaugurates Ghanaian Way continued from front page being experienced in Ghana and highlighted the struggles that many African countries had to endure to attain political independence. The Congressman’s involvement in Africa and Africans in New Jersey and beyond is an open book.

New Jersey State Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker paid tribute to her late City and State legislator Donald “Nana Kofi” for his keen interest in Ghana. The late City Councilman and State Assemblyman Tucker had long time affiliation to Ghana and the Ghanaian community in his constituents.

Councilwoman-at-large Mildred Crump, known among her peers as “Ghana Girl” praised her colleague Councilman Ras Baraka and the Newark Municipal Council for steering the proposed idea into fruition.

“It’s not about Victoria anymore, it’s about us” she crowed, a point hammered home by Newark Municipal Council President Hon. Donald Payne Jr. The crowd went wild in joy when the Council President ended his speech with “and

A crowd of Ghanaians who assembled at the venue for the renaming Ghanaian Way is the right Way”.

Dr. Zachary Yamba, immediate past president of Essex County College, Newark, New Jersey in a brief summation traced the struggles and contributions of Ghana to the world at large. He recounted sacrifices of Ghanaian soldiers in East and North Africa, Burma and elsewhere during the Second World War to help liberate Europe “but got nothing after their return,” a point reminisced of slave participation in the America’s Revolutionary War. Ghanaian World War II veterans having fought to liberate Europeans from

looming hegemony of Adolf Hitler’s rule could not find any excuse to not join the struggles for independence for their own native country. Dr. Yamba, who himself is honored with a street in Newark, pointed with pride that Ghana has been a gateway for several African Americans to reconnect with their ancestral roots. He praised the legislators present at the event for their grasp of knowledge on Ghana and Africa. Dr. Yamba thanked the Newark Municipal Council for the honor bestowed on his native country, and opined that the occasion

was a cause to celebrate by all. In closing remark, the Consul General of Ghana’s Consulate in New York Hon Ernest Lomotey, praised Ghanaians for being law-abiding citizens and profusely thanked the City of Newark. He reminded revelers that the mantra of Ghana, “Akwaaba” has more to it than its literal meaning of “welcome.” He contended that Akwaaba has become synonymous with Ghana’s well known hospitality to foreigners and visitors. The event was graced by the presence of Ghanaian traditional rulers.

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African News An Historic Day For Africa And The World July 9 was a momentous day for the people of South Sudan as the international community joined with them to celebrate the birth of the world's newest independent nation.

Saturday, July 9, was a momentous day for the people of South Sudan as the international community joined with them to celebrate the birth of the world's newest independent nation.

Following years of civil war and a tense transition, the realization of a peaceful split with Sudan is a testament to their tireless efforts for selfdetermination.

Sunday, July 10, can be seen as equally important because that’s when the real work of governing a new nation begins. The challenges facing South Sudan are many. The needs are great for basic health, education, roads and other infrastructure. An economy largely dependent on oil must be diversified. Militia groups still clash with government forces in some areas. And agreement must be reached with the Sudanese government on the future of Abyei state and the fair division of its oil revenues.

The work is at hand, however, and the South Sudanese people have repeatedly shown their capacity to overcome great odds. President Salva Kiir has named a vice president and formed a government, and the country has quickly established its own currency, the South Sudan pound.

The United States has stood with the people of South Sudan these many years and will remain a steadfast part-

Libyan rebels 'abused civilians' Territory north of the Nafusa Mountains is currently an active sector of the front line Territory north of the Nafusa Mountains is currently an active sector of the front line The campaign group Human Rights Watch accuses rebels in Libya of involvement in looting, arson and the abuse of civilians in towns they have captured in the west of the country.

Observers from the New York-based group say they have witnessed some incidents themselves, and have interviewed witnesses to others in territories recently seized by rebels.

A rebel spokesman talking to reporters in Brussels has denied the allegations.

Accusations of abuse by both sides have circulated since the rebellion against Col Muammar Gaddafi began in February.

The latest allegations focus on four towns seized by rebels in the west of the country in the last month: alAwaniya, Rayayinah, Zawiyat alBagul and al-Qawalish.

"The rebel conduct was disturbing," said Fred Abrahams, Human Rights Watch (HRW) research supervisor.

"We documented fairly widespread looting of homes and shops, the burning of some homes of suspected Gaddafi supporters and - most disturbingly - the vandalisation of three medical clinics [and] local small hospitals, including the theft of some of the medical equipment."

He said the Libyan government had committed more serious crimes, but that did not excuse the behavior of the rebels.

"Our aim is to hold all combatants, all militaries - whether they're organized and states and governments or rebels groups - to the same standards, and it's very much also a warning shot across the bow, because of these other areas they are approaching. We're deeply worried about how they might behave

The people of Southern Sudan celebrate their attainment of nation status on July 9 ner as they seek to build a free, democratic and inclusive society. Important roles were also played by the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Arab League, Intergovernmental Authority and Sudan's neighbors in supporting the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that set the stage of independence. We look forward to continue working with them and other international partners supporting both Sudan and South Sudan as two viable states at peace with one another.

Council recommends South Sudan as UN member

By Patrick Worsnip German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle speaks to the media following and treat civilians in those areas."

A senior rebel leader has refuted the Human Rights Watch claims.

"This is not the case in the liberated areas," rebel spokesman Mahmud Jibril told reporters in Brussels.

In the latest news from this sector of the front line, the BBC's World Affairs Editor, John Simpson, reports that a counter-attack is underway by forces loyal to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

When pro-Gaddafi forces probed rebel positions at al-Qawalish, the rebels took to their vehicles and fled.

The rebels' early gains came in the East of Libya. Then their struggle against the army became deadlocked, despite a bombing campaign by Nato warplanes against pro-Gaddafi forces.

In recent weeks attention shifted to the west of the country, when opposition fighters based in the Nafusa Mountains (or Jebel Nafusa) seized territory bringing them to within 90km (55 miles) of Tripoli.

It is these gains the latest counter-attack aims to reverse.

Source: BBC

Nigeria Boko Haram threat closes Maiduguri University Boko Haram was formed in Maiduguri to campaign against Western education Boko Haram was formed in Maiduguri to campaign against Western education The university in Nigeria's north-eastern city of Maiduguri has closed because of the growing threat by the radical Islamist group, Boko Haram.

The BBC's Bilkisu Babangida in Maiduguri says the move follows strong rumours that the group plans to attack the campus.

Boko Haram opposes Western education and fights for Islamic rule.

In recent weeks, about 40 people have been killed in attacks blamed on the

a United Nations Security Council meeting where the Council unanimously recommended admitting the newly formed nation of South Sudan into the United Nations at the UN headquarters in New York.

New York - The Security Council formally recommended on Wednesday that newly independent South Sudan be admitted as a member of the United Nations.

Following the recommendation, in a five-line resolution adopted without a vote by the 15-nation council, the General Assembly is expected to admit the new African country as its 193rd United Nations member on Thursday.

South Sudan achieved independence on Saturday after its people voted for secession from the rest of the country in a January referendum, under the terms of a 2005 peace deal that ended a 20-year war between north and south Sudan.

Sudan became independent in 1956 but was long plagued by conflict be-

President Salva Kiir tween its mainly Muslim Arabicspeaking north and its black African south, where many are Christian or follow traditional beliefs.

UN membership is the gold standard of statehood and a goal aspired to by separatist movements around the world. The last country to achieve it was Montenegro in 2006 but vetoholding China and Russia have blocked Taiwan and Kosovo respectively from joining the world body.

Since Khartoum's acceptance of South Sudan's independence in February, Juba's UN application has been uncontested and a committee charged by the Security Council on Monday with studying it reported back favorably in less than 48 hours.

German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, who chaired Wednesday's council session, said South Sudan's UN accession was a “historic moment for Africa.” But other speakers said the infant state faced formidable challenges.

“On the day of its birth, South Sudan

group.

On Tuesday morning, a bomb exploded near an army barracks in Maiduguri, with five casualties reported, our reporter says.

There has also been a blast at a church in the town of Suleja, near the capital, Abuja, correspondents say.

No casualties have been reported.

Last month, Boko Haram bombed the police headquarters in Abuja, killing at least six people.

Our reporter says Maiduguri, a Boko Haram stronghold, is gripped by fear with many people staying indoors.

Residents are worried that the military will carry out indiscriminate arrests as they search for the bombers, she says.

Refugees flee war and starvation in Somalia

'Motorbike ban'

To save themselves, Rahmo Ibrahim Madey and three of her children escaped on foot this month from southern Somalia's Bakol region — a drought-racked land controlled by the Islamist militants of the Shabab group.

Less than 20 miles from their destination, the battered capital of Mogadishu, Madey's 1-year-old daughter, Fadumo, died of starvation.

Days later, under a shelter of plastic sheeting and castaway fabric at one of the makeshift refugee camps in the capital, the 29-year-old mother spooned small helpings of porridge into the mouth of her 4-year-old daughter, Batulo.

"She is dying," Madey said, knowing she could do nothing. The porridge was the family's last bit of food, and it made no difference for the girl. She died within minutes.

The camp, built around government buildings whose shell-scarred ruins are evidence of Somalia's long civil war, is crowded with about 2,000 people, and more arrive every day. Many bring tales of loss and suffering.

They are refugees not just from persistent drought but from Somalia's war, and they represent only a few of the estimated 10 million people facing severe thirst and hunger in the Horn of Africa — parts of Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti.

Shabab, which has been fighting the

University authorities said they had closed the campus because of the growing insecurity in Maiduguri.

They urged students to stay at home under the protection of their parents.

Our reporter says students are packing up and leaving the campus.

Many of them come from other parts of Nigeria and their state governments have promised to help evacuate them from Maiduguri.

Last week, Maiduguri banned all motorbikes to prevent drive-by shootings

by Boko Haram.

Boko Haram gunmen often use motorbikes to assassinate security officers and politicians.

The group's official name is Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, which in Arabic means "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad".

But residents of Maiduguri, where it was formed in 2002, dubbed it Boko Haram.

Loosely translated from the local Hausa language, this means Western education is forbidden.

Residents gave it the name because of its strong opposition to Western education, which it sees as corrupting Muslims.

Source: BBC

An aid official calls it the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Aid camps in neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia are overwhelmed as drought and Shabab militants take their toll.

By Christopher Goffard and Lutfi Sheriff Mohammed, Los Angeles Times Reporting from Nairobi, Kenya, and Mogadishu, Advertisement

ranks at the bottom of almost all human development indicators,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the council.

In addition, Sudan and South Sudan need to reach agreement on a range of unresolved disputes including borders, citizenship and the sharing of oil resources.

Which country will own the border region of Abyei is still undecided and Khartoum's forces have been battling pro-southern fighters in the northern state of Southern Kordofan.

US Ambassador Susan Rice told the council that Khartoum's commitment to a June 28 peace agreement with the fighters was “wavering” and its forces were “continuing and intensifying aerial bombardments that are killing civilians”.

South Sudanese Vice-President Riek Machar, who represented Juba at the council session, also told reporters that Khartoum was “resisting” the agreement.

But Sudan's Ambassador Daffa-Alla Elhag Ali Osman played down the dispute and told journalists it could be resolved as others had been.

UN peacekeeping chief Alain Le Roy told the council it was critical the two sides reached “an immediate agreement to cease hostilities”.

He also said the first 1 640 troops of a 4 200-strong Ethiopian UN peace force designated to deploy in Abyei would arrive by July 20.

The United Nations had hoped to keep some of its original 10 000-strong UNMIS Sudan peacekeeping force in the north, but Khartoum insisted they leave and their mandate expired on Saturday. About 7 000 UN blue helmets will continue to serve in South Sudan. – Reuters/Africanviews

Somali government for years, has sharply limited the access of aid agencies in regions of the country it controls. Days ago, the group announced it was lifting the ban, but no one could be sure how much help would arrive or how soon.

"It's obviously good news, but it takes some time before we're on the ground.

There are logistical pipelines that need to be set up," said Gabriella Waaijman, East Africa regional head of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Every day, she said, about 1,500 refugees are pouring into aid camps in Ethiopia, while another 1,500 are struggling to make their way toward camps in Kenya. Almost all the current refugees are Somalis, she said.

"The main reason we're seeing so many coming across the border into Ethiopia and Kenya is we couldn't reach them where they live," Waaijman said.

At Dadaab in northeastern Kenya, whose three camps together make it the largest refugee complex in the world, about 372,000 people jostle for space in a complex built in the early 1990s to hold just 90,000.

With 1,300 new arrivals every day, the 31-square-mile complex "is effectively the third-largest city in Kenya," said Stephen Gwynne-Vaughan, director of the aid agency CARE International in Kenya. "And if you look on a map it's not even there."

Most of last year, he said, the influx of refugees was a more manageable 4,000 a month. Last month, he said, the numbers had risen to above 1,000 a day.

The Kenyan government gives the refugees only temporary asylum, though it sometimes lasts for decades.

A tiny number are relocated to Western countries.

Gwynne-Vaughan called the crisis in the Horn of Africa "probably the worst humanitarian disaster" in the world.

Some parts of Kenya have seen less than a tenth of their average rainfall over the last two seasons, he said.

Continued on page 12

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Amandla Vol. 10 Issue 7 July 15 - August 16

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SASSI Ladies of New York Donate $1000 to the Kwakwaduam Association The Kwakwaduam association Inc. of NY was the recipient of a $1000.00 award and a recognition plaque during the 1st Annual Fashion Show and Dance by the SASSI Ladies Social Club (Strong African Sophisticated Sisters Inc.).

This was in recognition of the tremendous work done by Kwakwaduam in promoting community development and its global outreach particularly the work involving Blindness and the School for the Blind in Ghana. The donation was to promote the “Talking Calculator” project which involves securing talking calculators for the School for the Blind at Akropong, Ghana The Strong African Sophisticated Sisters Inc. (Sassi Ladies) was established in October 2009. The President of the organization, Ms. Nazat Bello and the Public Relations

Officer Ms. Eunice Poku indicated that the SASSI Ladies Club is a private social club of African descent women. The primary mission of the SASSI ladies is to provide a support system for its members and encourage members in their personal and career goals. The club also seeks to empower our communities including supporting women’s and children’s initiatives. The SASSI Ladies welcomes members from all religions, races, educational backgrounds and income levels that support its mission and ideals.

The fashion show itself showcased African-inspired clothing and home goods by innovative designers and seamstresses across the nation. The show brought about a wider customer appreciation of Africainspired designs. It was a fantastic display of authentic

designs with gorgeous models to boot.

In his remarks, Dr. Kwame Aniapam Boafo, President of Kwakwaduam expressed extreme gratitude to the SASSI Ladies Club and indicated that Kwakwaduam and the SASSI Ladies share a common vision, values and the mission of empowering their communities and fostering a close social, cultural, relationship between their members. He said that the principles that should guide them must be creativity, cooperative economics, collective work and responsibility, faith, purpose, self-determination, and above all, unity.

The Kwakwaduam Organization thanked the SASSI Ladies Club for its generous donation and indicated that they look forward to years of collaboration between the two.

African News Continued from page 8

Many people had not fully recovered from an earlier twoyear drought, which ended with the rains of 2009.

People walk for days to reach the camps, and during the trek are vulnerable to starvation, thirst and attack. There have been reports of people leaving their children in the bush along the way because the children are too weak to go the distance, he said, though this is difficult to verify.

"This is a protracted emergency," Gwynne-Vaughan said.

"All that distance in between is where they're most likely to be killed."

Many Somalis are pastoralists who for years followed their animals from dry land to better grazing areas, often venturing into Ethiopia and Kenya. But the fighting in Somalia, tighter borders and land disputes have altered migration patterns.

"They're left with few options," Gwynne-Vaughan said.

"Certainly there's no single easy solution. The ultimate solution is peace in Somalia.

That's out of our control."

christopher.goffard@latimes.co m

Goffard reported from Nairobi and special correspondent Mohammed from Mogadishu.

Copyright © 2011, Los Angeles Times/Africanviews

South Africa police chief Bheki Cele in 'unlawful deal' A South African corruption investigator has called for action against the police chief and a minister for "unlawful" property deals.

Thuli Madonsela ruled that police buildings were leased from a company at inflated prices.

South Africa’s Police Chief Gen. Cen Cele Police chief Gen Bheki Cele and Public Works Minister Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde were ultimately responsible for the "fatally flawed" deals, she said.

Gen Cen Cele and the minister have not commented on the allegations.

Analysts say it is the worst crisis to hit President Jacob Zuma's government since it took power in 2009.

Gen. Cele is a powerful ally of Mr. Zuma and campaigned strongly for him during the presidential race.

Disciplinary action Ms Madonsela - who is South Africa's public protector, a role similar to that of an ombudsman - investigated leases for buildings intended to serve as police headquarters in the capital, Pretoria, and the eastern city of Durban.

The 10-year leases were signed with Roux Property Fund, owned by Roux Shabangu, a businessman who is well connected in government circles.

Ms Madonsela ruled that the government paid the company inflated prices.

She did not find evidence of criminality, but the deals were "illegitimate" and unlawful", she said.

"The failure of the national [police] commissioner [Cele] to ensure that the procurement process complied with the said legal requirements... resulted in the invalid conclusion of the lease agreement to the detriment of the state and therefore constituted maladministration," she said, according to the AFP news agency.

In the Durban deal, the government offered to pay $169m (£104m) - three times the market rate for the building, Ms Madonsela is quoted by AFP as saying In the Pretoria deal, it rejected

a lower price from a previous owner of the building, costing the taxpayer an extra $1,7m in the first year of the lease, AFP reports.

Ms Madonsela said Gen Cele should face disciplinary action.

Ms Mahlangu-Nkabinde, whose department signed the leases, did not co-operate with her probe, she said.

"I expect President Zuma to do the right thing," Ms Madonsela is quoted by South Africa's Mail & Guardian newspaper as saying.

Drug dealer During the probe, she said she had been visited by police intelligence officers and the computer of one of her investigators had been hacked into.

She said her investigation had turned her into the target of a "dirty tricks" campaign.

Last year, Gen Cele's predecessor, Jackie Selebi, was convicted of taking $156,000 in bribes from a drug dealer, Glenn Agliotti.

In 2009, Mr Zuma was cleared of corruption charges after being accused of taking bribes from his financial adviser, Schabir Shaik.

Mr Shaik was, however, convicted of corruption.

Analysts say Ms Madonsela's findings will raise fresh concerns about the cozy relationship between the South African government and business tycoons.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, said Mr Zuma should dismiss Gen Cele and anyone else implicated by Ms Madonsela.

"Should the president refuse this request, we believe he would be in breach of his sworn duty to uphold law and order," the DA said, the Bloomberg news agency reports.

PRESS RELEASE

LINCOLN HOSPITAL AWARDED FOR CARE THAT REDUCES DISABILITY AND IMPROVES THE LIVES OF STROKE PATIENTS Only Major Stroke Center in The Bronx to Hold “Gold Plus” Distinction; Lincoln to be Listed in July 2011 “Best Hospitals” Issue of US News and World Report Bronx, New York - Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center received two significant recognitions from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. The Gold Plus Quality Achievement award acknowledges Lincoln Hospital’s commitment and successful implementation of higher standards of stroke care, aimed at reducing disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

The GWTG Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award is the highest level of recognition, allowing hospitals to be recognized for their compliance with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association quality measures and sustained adherence to specific evidence-based guidelines over a period of two consecutive years.

In addition, Lincoln Hospital is included in the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s “Honor Roll” for timely administration of clotbusting therapy (thrombolytics) within 60 minutes of patient’s arrival to the hospital. A thrombolytic, or clot-busting agent, when administered in a timely manner is the best available treatment for ischemic stroke. If given intravenously in the first three hours after the start of stroke symptoms, it has been shown to significantly reverse the effects of stroke and reduce permanent disability.

According to the American Heart Association, the number

of acute ischemic stroke patients eligible for treatment is expected to grow over the next decade due to increasing stroke incidence and a large aging population. Other statistics indicate that stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

“As a New York State Designated Stroke Center, Lincoln Hospital continues to achieve a high level of quality performance, implementing life-prolonging treatments, and ensuring that the care they provide to stroke patients is aligned with the latest scientific guidelines.” said Melissa Schori, Lincoln’s Chief Medical Officer. “We are very proud that Lincoln is the first major Stroke Center in The Bronx to receive Gold Plus status.”

“This is a remarkable accomplishment, considering that Lincoln has one of the busiest Emergency Rooms in the country and serves a large inner-city minority population that is particularly at increased risk for strokes,” said Raghu Loganathan, MD, FCCP, Lincoln’s Director of Medical Intensive Care Unit and Stroke Center. “I am very proud of the multidisciplinary team that is dedicated to making our Stroke Center among the best in the country.”

“A Gold Plus award is an extremely important achievement for the South Bronx community, which continues to suffer disproportionately from cardiovascular diseases,” said Iris R. Jimenez Hernandez, Senior Vice

President and Lincoln Hospital’s Executive Director. “This recognition also demonstrates the Stroke Center’s commitment to quality and dedication to providing our patients with care that is appropriate and based on the latest clinical guidelines.”

Lincoln, along with other GWTG award recipients, will be listed in the “Best Hospitals” issue of US News and World Report’s July 2011 issue.

Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, located at 234 E. 149th Street in the Bronx, is a 347-bed, acute care level 1 trauma center with the busiest single site emergency department in the region. The hospital emphasizes primary care and specialty medicine and uses the latest advances in medical science. Lincoln Hospital is a member of the Generations+/Northern Manhattan Health Network, a healthcare conglomerate which is part of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation.

The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), is a $6.3 billion integrated healthcare delivery system and the largest municipal healthcare organization in the country. HHC serves 1.3 million New Yorkers every year and nearly 450,000 who are uninsured. HHC provides medical, mental health and substance abuse services through its 11 acute care hospitals, four skilled nursing facilities, six large diagnostic and treatment centers and more than 80 community based clinics.

HHC Health and Home Care also provide health services at home for New Yorkers. To learn more about HHC, visit www.nyc.gov/hhc.

Gas Stations in South Africa Run Dry as Salary Strike Crimps Supplies

maintain fuel deliveries and meet the increased demand. We are still experiencing sporadic incidents of intimidation.”

The strike by the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union and the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa came after employers responded to demands for raises of as much as 13 percent with an offer of between 4 percent and 7 percent.

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union said today that 65,000 members of its road freight division may strike in support of the petroleum industry workers.

Road freight workers will “mobilize solidarity support if called upon, including marches and pickets, with the striking members” should their wage demands go unmet, the union said in an e-mailed statement.

Mines Need Fuel Open-cast mines in South Africa may run short of fuel within a few days if the strike continues, the Chamber of Mines said today.

Open-cast miners “usually keep a week’s worth of fuel in stock, so most should be able to last that long,” Dick Kruger, an assistant adviser at the Johannesburg-based chamber, said by phone today. “If the strike drags on, then problems can really develop.”

Workers are pushing for wage increases that are more than double the 4.6 percent inflation rate, arguing that surging food and fuel costs are driving down living standards. Wage talks in the coal, gold and platinum industries have also stalled, and unions have warned that labor action is imminent.

Municipal workers may strike as soon as next week, the stateowned South African Broadcasting Corp. reported today.

Engineering Workers Strike A strike by steel and engineering industry workers entered its 11th day today. Workers are demanding 13 percent rises.

Employers have since made a revised pay offer, which the National Union Metalworkers of South Africa is discussing with its 320,000 members, said Irvin Jim, the union’s secretary general.

“We can’t disclose what those proposals are because talks are now at a sensitive stage,” he said by phone.

Calls to the Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of South Africa, which represents employers in the industry, weren’t immediately answered.

By Brian Latham and Mike Cohen

South African filling stations began running dry as the impact of a four-day-old strike over pay by petroleum industry workers intensified.

Fuel shortages hit more than 150 fuel stations in the central Gauteng Province, the country’s most populous, and 50 in eastern KwaZulu-Natal, the Fuel Retailers’ Association said today.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDSA)’s South African unit said at least 50 of its 230 retail sites in Gauteng had run out of stocks of one or more grades of fuel, as protests over the past two days disrupted deliveries.

“We have not been able to fully recover from a delivery backlog in Gauteng, since many retail sites are experiencing considerably higher sales,” Shell said in an e-mailed statement today.

“We are trying our level best to

Read Amandla

Amandla Vol. 10 Issue 7 July 15 - August 16

Page 13

African Business Africa: Remittances Hit $40 Billion Nigeria: Crude Roselynn Karatsi

IN Africa, migration is a vital lifeline for the continent and African migrants play a big role in the development of their home countries.

Between 1990 and 2010 recorded remittances into Africa grew fourfold to reach nearly $40b and they are the continent's largest source of foreign capital after foreign direct investments.

In Uganda the official estimates indicate that remittances amounting to $914m flowed into the country in 2010, $778m in 2009 and $723.52 m were received in 2008 up from $451.57m recorded in 2007 according to Bank of Uganda remittance reports.

The crowning expenditures of remittances sent home by African migrants were in investments such as land purchases, building a home and starting a business. In 2009, the major remittance expenditure items in Uganda were consumption and investment.

About 30 million Africans live outside their home countries, yet African governments have not realized the full economic benefits of the phenomenon, says a new report by the African Development Bank and the World Bank.

This is affirmed by the fact that it is still very expensive to send remittances to African countries.

The cost of sending money to Uganda varies from company to company, the exchange rate and the amount also regulates the transfer charges.

And at Xpress Money the rate for sh2.550,0003,400,000 is sh.73,000 although it is subject to change. In Tanzania for each $100 it costs sh5,000 of Tanzanian money according to Assasira Abre a Ugandan resident in Tanzania.

He says it is much more expensive to use money gram or Western Union. In UK it ranges between 10-20 pounds for any amount above 100pounds according to a Ugandan resident in UK. However, post offices, savings and credit cooperatives, rural banks and microfinance institutions that have large branch networks can play an important role to expand access to remittances and financial services among the poor and in rural areas.

But they should avoid exclusive agreements with money transfer operators, which limits competition and tends to increase the cost of sending money.

There is also a need to assess the implications of telecom companies in Africa offering mobile money transfers and other financial services for banking stability and systemic risk.

Official remittance flows to Africa are significantly underestimated, with only about half of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa collecting and reporting remittance data with any regularity. According to the Bank of Uganda report in 2008 remittances .

In the report, "Leveraging Migration for Africa: Remittances, Skills and Investments" African Development Bank and the World Bank give evidence that suggests migration and remittances reduce poverty in the origin homes of the migrants.

Diasporas also provide capital, trade, knowledge and technology transfers. Kevin Cleaver,

Associate Vice-President of IFAD said IFAD took interest in migration issues because migration is intimately related to rural poverty.

According to the 2008 Bank of Uganda Inward Remittance report remitters support economic activities though most households' remittances in cash were used for consumption, in particular, for household expenses like food, clothing, rent and other utilities.

While 27.4% was spent on education , 41.1% spent on savings and investment with building works accounting for 21.2%. Household expenses accounted for 22.0% of the total.

The Bank of Uganda report affirms that findings on remittance use are supported by community perceptions on the impact of remittances which were generally perceived as having a positive impact on the general standard of living. Remittances were also linked to construction of better houses and improved access to better schools.

Ambassador Giandomenico Magliano, Director General for Globalization from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs high -lighted the key role remittances can play in investment and entrepreneurship in the migrants' home countries.

And upon an Italian proposal, the international community has adopted the goal of halving from 10% to 5% in five years the cost of transferring remittances. As a result this will encourage more Ugandans to send remittances through the formal channels as the cases of informal channels were evident together with hand-carrying by self which were outstanding mainly to the consideration of lack transaction charges according to the Bank of Uganda report in 2008.

Dilip Ratha, main author of the report and lead economist at the World Bank said that high costs charged on the remittances encourage the use of informal channels and are an unnecessary burden for African migrants and remittance recipients.

He said African governments need to strengthen ties between diasporas and home countries, protect migrants and expand competition in remittance markets, otherwise, the potential of migration for Africa remains largely untapped.

Stephen Ogongo Ongong'a, a migrant and the editor of Africa News, also said that it is important for Africans living abroad to be sending money home with a clear purpose.

Apart from the money they send for basic family needs, they should also be given the opportunity to identify viable investment projects to channel part of that money.

One innovation worth considering is diaspora bonds which are sold by governments or private companies to nationals living abroad. These bonds have already been successfully used to tap into assets of Israeli and Indian citizens living abroad.

According to Ratha, sub-Saharan African countries could potentially raise US$5 billion to US$10 billion a year in diaspora bonds. Countries with large diasporas in high-income countries that could potentially issue these bonds include Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia in sub-Saharan Africa; and Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia in North Africa.

New Vision/allAfrica.com

Oil Rig: One of many that adorn the West African coast

Oil Production Hits 2.6 million BPD Ejiofor Alike Nigeria's crude oil export has recorded a major boost as Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has lifted force majeure on about 300,000 barrels per day of Bonny Light crude, which it declared on loadings for June and July 2011.

With the lifting of the force majeure, Nigeria's total production capacity, including condensate, stands at about 2.6 million barrels per day.

Bonny crude is a light, low sulphur grade used by the United States East Coast refiners to produce petroleum products.

Shell did not disclose the volume of crude oil affected by the earlier force majeure but the US East Coast imported 322,000 barrels per day of Bonny Light from Nigeria in March 2011, representing about 32 per cent of total imports to the region, according to a recent data by the US Energy Department.

Also, Shell's earlier loading schedules showed that 10 cargoes of Bonny Light of about 950,000 barrels each were shipped in May 2011, totalling over 300,000 barrels of crude per day.

However, following the operational problems Shell was said to have experienced at the 400,000 barrels per day capacity Bonny Export Terminal, the company had planned to revise exports of Bonny Light for June and July to eight and nine cargoes respectively, translating to over 250, 000 barrels per day.

Last month's declaration of the force majeure on Bonny Light export, which frees the oil giant from all contractual obligations to its customers due to unforeseen circumstances, followed what it called "production cutbacks" caused by leaks and fires on the company's Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP).

Confirming the lifting of the force majeure, Shell's spokesman, Mr. Precious Okolobo, told THISDAY Wednesday that the oil giant had resumed full export of Bonny Light.

"The force majeure has been lifted," he said, without giving further details.

Shell had in a statement attributed the force majeure, which came into effect on June 13, 2011, to multiple fires on the company's TNP. According to the company, joint investigation visits comprising government agencies, communities and SPDC found that the incidents were caused by hacksaw cuts which indicate third party interference and activities of unknown persons.

"The leaks have been repaired leading to resumption of production on June 12. The TNP which transports production from SPDC and third parties in its Eastern operations to Bonny Terminal, was affected by leaks and five separate fire incidents on both the 24' and 28' lines in Bodo, Bera, Biera and Mogho all in Ogoni land, on June 9.

SPDC immediately shut the lines, mobilized its pipelines response and firefighting teams

and extinguished the fires by June 11," the statement said.

The company also said the production deferment over the period had affected the loading programme at Bonny Export Terminal, pledging to advise its customers of a revised schedule.

Vice-President, HSE, Infrastructure & Logistics, Shell Sub-Saharan Africa, Babs Omotowa, had said the leaks and fires were indication of a worrying trend, not only on the TNP, but also on the company's facilities in other places.

"Sadly, the trend is continuing unabated. At the end of April, we recorded more than 35 sabotage spills. SPDC is continuing to upgrade facilities, replace pipelines and improve oil spill response systems. But no matter how much we improve our performance, until the activities of oil thieves and illegal refiners are brought to an end, the vast majority of oil spills in the Niger Delta will continue," Omotowa said.--This Day

South Africa: Prolonged Strike Action Threat to Job Creation Pretoria — As strike action continues to grip the country, experts have warned that job creation could take a major blow.

"We need to bear in mind that the economy is recovering from a downward turn and manufacturing hasn't really taken off as it should. The manufacturing sector is highlighted in the IPAP 2 it is a key industry and we need growth in that sector," Executive Advisor to the CEO of the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Peggy Drodskie, said.

Drodskie cautioned that strike action will make it hard to achieve the targets of New Growth Path, which aims to create five million jobs in the next decade. The plan estimates that over a million jobs in infrastructure development and housing will be created, with 500 000 in the agricultural sector and 350 000 in manufacturing.

Forty-one percent of the working-age population in the country has regular work.

Last week, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) embarked on a nationwide strike, with workers demanding pay increases of between 10 to 13 percent. Under Numsa's leadership, thousands of engineering workers are also demanding a ban on labour brokers.

NUMSA is joined in this by the Metal and Electrical Workers' Union (Mewusa) as well as the SA Equity Workers' Association (Saewa).

On Monday, members of the Chemical, Energy, Paper, Printing, Wood and Allied Workers Union (Ceppwawu), the South African Chemical Workers' Union (Sacwu) and the General Industries Workers' Union of SA (Giwusa) - which has members in the glass, pharmaceutical chemical and fast-moving consumer goods, fibre and particle board industries - joined the

protests.

The strike action has raised fuel shortage fears.

On Tuesday, members marched to the Chamber of Mines in Johannesburg. Workers also gathered in Durban, where they were scheduled to hand over a memorandum to the Steel and Engineering Industries' Federation of SA (Seifsa).

NUMSA spokesperson Castro Ngobese said other union members were picketing outside workplaces on Tuesday.

Drodskie said the strike also has bearing on the pockets of workers who will experience a loss of salaries that could occur because of the 'no work no pay' policy.

This is in addition to a loss of possible profit as a result of pickets, and workers who are not on strike losing their productivity due to possible intimidation by striking workers.

"Workers will also be impacted.

The no work to pay rule means that income will no longer be available to the economy, which will have an effect on the everyday living of workers," she said.

Drodskie said that strike action makes employers reluctant to take on extra staff. "This impacts job creation," she said.

On Tuesday, Seifsa said bilateral negotiations between itself and Numsa at the weekend and on Monday, aimed at resolving the strike, have been unsuccessful.

"The differences between the two parties at this stage are substantial and it appears unlikely that an early resolution to the strike is possible," said Seifsa executive director, David Carson.

Carson said the employer negotiating team would report back to the main employer group at a meeting tomorrow afternoon, with the possibility of a further negotiating meeting being convened shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, Nedbank senior economist Isaac Matshego said the strikes -- which are key to the manufacturing sector in particular -- impact on the economy could have a significant impact on the economy.

The sectors contribute about 40 percent to the manufacturing sector, which contributes about 15 percent to the country's economy.

Asked about whether the demands of the labour were reasonable, Matshego said looking at food prices, the petrol price and electricity costs, "you would agree that workers need compensation.�

Public sector workers march down plein street to Parliament in Cape Town during a labour strike (file photo).

He, however, he added that prolonged industrial action could be detrimental to the economy.

"Strike action can lead to our economy not reaching its growth potential," he said, adding that the impact of the strike could be felt into the second quarter of the year.

"Manufacturing could contract in the second quarter. I would not rule out the possibility that it could spill out over two consecutive quarters into quarter three," explained Matshego.

Strike action did not bode well for investors. "It does not send a very good message, especially if it is prolonged. There are other countries competing with South Africa for investors," said Drodskie.

BUA News/allAfrica.com

Amandla Vol. 10 Issue 7 July 15 - August 16

Page 14

Op-Ed The War in Libya: The African Union's Mistake of Policy and Principle

By Dr. Kwame Akonor*

NEW YORK, Jun 10, 2011 (IPS) Africa's handling of the Libyan crisis at the United Nations has been timorous and confusing, but it presents an opportunity as well as a challenge for the continental body on how it defines its future strategic interests.

Rather than acting decisively, the African Union (AU) cowered to pressures from the West and voted for U.N. Security Council Resolution 1973, which authorized military action in Libya.

The African support of the U.N. resolution was a mistake not only because it undermined the existing mechanisms and processes that are relevant for human protection on the continent but also because the now two-month-long military response in Libya to protect civilians has since degenerated into a plan to embolden Libyan rebels fighting to oust the country's leader, Muammar Al Gaddafi, from power.

The Mar. 17, 2011 U.N. resolution on Libya is historic but problematic. It marked the first time the Security Council has authorized a military response to protect civilian populations in a non-consenting state. The action, according to the U.S. and its allies, was necessary to protect civilians from a leader who has "no conscience" and was intent on committing mass atrocities.

The resolution is based on an emerging human rights norm, not law, known as the Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

According to this principle the international community has a responsibility to intervene in sovereign territories to prevent and halt mass atrocities. R2P remains controversial and the Libyan events exacerbates (rather than eases) our understanding of its application.

For instance, are armed rebels trying to overthrow that government civilians or combatants? Does the claim of civilian protection justify attacking pro-regime forces? Further, does the call for regime change by the sponsors of the resolution, and the wanton civilian

deaths that have occurred as a result of the intervention, not dilute the case for R2P? Though the AU now balks at the idea of toppling the Gaddafi regime, that objective was no secret. On Feb. 26, three weeks before the U.N. vote, the U.S. insisted that Gaddafi had lost legitimacy and should go.

This notwithstanding, all three African countries (South Africa, Gabon and Nigeria) on the Security Council voted in favor of military action, allowing the resolution to pass by one vote more than was required. China even noted that it had not exercised its veto powers out of respect for the wishes of the Arab League and the African Union.

Africans weakened their own peace architecture by supporting the U.N. resolution. On Mar. 10, 2011, the AU Peace and Security Council established a committee comprising of the heads of states of Mauritania, Congo, Mali, South Africa, Uganda, as well as the chairperson of the AU Commission to find a political solution to the crisis.

The group was scheduled to meet both sides to the conflict in Tripoli on Mar. 20. It is rather puzzling that just two days before their own peace mission was about to begin, African leaders voted to use force in Libya.

South Africa's vote is particularly interesting because it was on both the

AU Libya committee and the U.N. Security Council. South Africa's envoy reportedly failed to show up for the final vote, causing Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N., to dash out of the Security Council chambers in search of him to cast an affirmative vote. It was also revealed later that U.S. President Barack Obama had personally pressed President Jacob Zuma of South Africa to support the resolution.

Having voted for the resolution, the five African presidents had to request permission from the Security Council in order to travel to Libya due to the no-fly zone restrictions. They were humiliated when their request to travel was initially denied. Indeed, the bombing campaign started on the very day they were scheduled to arrive there.

It was not until two weeks later, on Apr. 10, that their request was approved. If the Africa leaders had not voted for the resolution, they would not have had to ask permission of nonAfricans in order to resolve this continental crisis.

Finally, if African leaders really believed that humanitarian intervention were needed in Libya, they could have acted independent of the U.N. Article 4(h) of the AU Act gives the AU the right to intervene forcibly in one of its member states with regards to war

crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity. Thus if the AU was convinced that Gaddafi was committing mass atrocious crimes, they could have taken unilateral action without recourse to the U.N. The U.N.-sanctioned war in Libya is unfortunate. Libya has the highest development on the continent in terms of education, health and wealth. According to last year's U.N. human development report, Libya even outperformed Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – the BRICS group of fastest growing economies.

The war also deals a blow to the AU aspirations for a united and strong Africa. Ruthless and erratic as he may be, Gaddafi, having led the transformation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the present AU, champions the pan-Africanist vision like no other current African leader.

The Libya debacle provides an opportunity for the AU to elaborate on its principles of democracy and human rights, the basis of the current war. The AU needs clear and consistent guidelines on what it means by consent of the governed. In the case of Libya, they ought to have a discussion on whether the political system outlined in Gaddafi's green book is legitimate.

Clarifying the parameters for democratic governance will give the AU a rationale to expel noncompliant members. Similarly, the AU should have a common rationale on when interventions designed to end large- scale human suffering are warranted and how they would be carried out. The AU meeting this month in Equatorial Guinea could be a venue to begin discussing such issues. *Dr. Kwame Akonor teaches international relations at Seton Hall University in the U.S. state of New Jersey. He is also the director of the University's Center for Africana Studies and the African Development Institute, a New York-based think tank. Dr. Akonor's most recent publication "Assessing the African Union's Right of Humanitarian Intervention" appeared in Criminal Justice Ethics (2010) 29 (2):157-173.

JJ Shocked By Cold Reception At Congress Founder of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jerry John Rawlings has expressed shock at the cold reception given to himself and the wife at the just ended National Delegates’ Congress in Sunyani.

Jerry John Rawlings revealed his feelings to a group of concerned NDC supporters led by Ashanti Regional Secretary, Joseph Yammin, on Tuesday.

The group, which included Brogya Genfi, spokesperson for NDC youth in Ashanti and Mohammed Uthman, member of the Ashanti Regional Youth Working Committee said they called on President Rawlings because of disturbing rumors that he was leaving the party in the aftermath of the Sunyani congress.

Brogya Gyamfi, who briefed Xfm 95.1 about what transpired at the meeting, said the former President debunked the rumors. According to him, Mr Rawlings stated emphatically that even though he continues to be part of the NDC, he has no plans of campaigning for the Party’s 2012 Presidential candidate John Evans Mills ever again.

“I will not follow cowards to

GBA condemns conduct of five lawyers

Accra, July 14, GNA- The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) on Thursday condemned the unsubstantiated allegations of corruption leveled against all judges by a number of lawyers.

The Association also reiterated its stand that it would not shield any judge engaged in corruption and that it would assist the judiciary in combating corruption on the bench.

A statement signed by Mr Frank W.K. Beecham, National President and Peter R. Zwennes, National Secretary, said at the Association’s 268th meeting held on Thursday, June 23, 2011, the General Council considered among other things the recent allegation of corruption leveled against judges.

The Association called on the lawyers namely, Dr Raymond Atuguba, Mr Abraham Amaliba, Mr Laary Bimi and Mr David Annan to submit to the judicial council the names of the alleged corrupt judges and the evidence against them.

The Association assured the lawyers and the general public that it would encourage genuine complaints against corrupt judges as well as assist in the prosecution of such complaints.

“In the event that the said lawyers are unable to substantiate their allegations, the Association would advise them to render unqualified apology to the judiciary.”

The statement also said the Association noted with grave concern the open confession by a member of the Bar, Mr Chris Ackumey, that he had engaged in the corruption of a judge.

The statement said Mr Ackumey, a practicing lawyer, by that act was in blatant violation of the laws of the land and rules of conduct as well as etiquette at the Bar. The statement said the Bar deplored and condemned the conduct of Mr Ackumey and the GBA proposed to take the necessary legal steps for the prosecution of Mr Ackumey and institution of disciplinary proceedings against him.

war” because if you do, you will end up fighting alone because they will end up running and leaving you in the middle of the war,” Brogya Gyamfi quoted the former President as saying.

Speaking exclusively on Xfm’s morning show ‘The Big Bite’ on Wednesday July, 13, 2011, Mr. Ernest Brogya said, the former president explained, people have fought similar fights before and left the party and although he has no intention of joining the campaign trail of its Presidential candidate for the next general elections, there was no way he will ever leave the NDC as long as he remained its founder, unless people decide to change the party’s constitution which gives him that power.

Even that, the former President said, he will still continue to offer his services to the NDC as a party.

Brogya Gyamfi disclosed that the former president told the delegation that his wife’s contest was to fight and bring back the power that belongs to the structures of the party.

Asked what the way forward for the NDC would be, Mr. Gyamfi was of the view that the party needs to be seen acting in a positive manner especially with regards to certain comments and the perceived agendas by some members to ‘get rid’ of the former president from the party in order to

get him to rescind his decision not to campaign for President Mills in 2012.

Source: Daily Guide

South Sudan welcomed as the newest member of the United Nations 14 July 2011 The General Assembly is set today to admit the Republic of South Sudan, which became an independent nation last Saturday, as the 193rd member of the United Nations.

South Sudan's independence from the rest of Sudan is the result of the January 2011 referendum held under the terms of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended the decades-long civil war between the North and the South.

Among those expected to speak at the meeting, which will be followed by a flag-raising ceremony, is SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon, Assembly President Joseph Deiss and Vice President of South Sudan Riek Machar. allAfrica.com

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Amandla Vol. 10 Issue 7 July 15 - August 16

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Amandla Vol. 10 Issue 7 July 15 - August 16

PRESS RELEASE

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Environment Nigeria: Lagos Embraces Recycling Option Michael Simire

GREEN AFRICA The preservation of Africa’s environment is the focus of a new radio program Green Africa.

Sponsored by the African Views organization, the onehour radio program seeks a fresh understanding of Africa’s role and responsibilities in the universal ecosystem and consensus for action.

According to the program’s creator and Director of Research and Strategy, African Views, Wale Ajibade, conservation of natural resources is a serious problem in Africa which must be resolved if the continent will attain any measure of greatness.

Green Africa, a weekly environmental discussion program featuring co-hosts Ernest Opong the Publisher of Amandla newspaper and Dan Miner every Wednesday from 12 noon to 1.00 pm EST. The broadcast of the program is through the Internet utilizing two basic channels - AV radio and blogtalk radio.

The initiative is also being supported by a wide range of grassroots organizations and experts on diverse fields in science, economy, politics, and environmental issues.

Topics are centered around sustainable management of resources and stewardship of the environment through advocacies on changes in public policies and individual behavior in recognition of humanity, ecosystems, ecology, health, and human rights.

At a stakeholders meeting Thursday, facilitators of the program expressed optimism at the potentials of the program in showcasing Africa’s environmental practices to the rest of the world.

The stakeholders emphasized the need to mobilize citizens to tune into the program which will be broadcast live.

They urged the facilitators to utilize all available opportunities including looking for potential sponsors that will sustain the cost of hosting the program.

Uchenna Ekwo, Ph.D. Center for Media & Peace Initiative 12 Desbrosses Street New York, NY 10013 Tel: 212-400-4851; 917-8035540

The Nigerian commercial capital city of Lagos has adopted an environmental management approach that seeks to recover discarded materials from the waste stream for further beneficiary use.

With a population of over 17 million people that generate about 9,000 metric tons of waste daily, the bustling megacity that holds 30 percent of the nation's urban population is striving to effectively control the fast-emerging mountains of refuse or risk being inundated by them.

Courtesy of its Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), government has embarked on resource recovery endeavours such as a landfill gas capture, nylon buyback programme, compost facility, and recycling banks/plants. In fact, the authorities have in recent years reportedly invested around N30 billion and N40 billion in capital and recurrent expenditure respectively.

Head of LAWMA, Ola Oresanya, said last week that green waste such as grass or flower cuttings and hedge trimmings are being processed into compost, discarded paper into new products (like toilet paper, paper bags and notebooks) and unwanted tyres into rubber products (sandals, mats rubber bands and new tyres).

On the gas capture scheme, he said, "At the Olusosun Landfill, we have developed gas wells to manage and recycle municipal solid waste into clean energy. Landfill gas can be generated 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

Landfill gas is extracted from landfills using a series of wells and a blower (or vacuum) system.

"This system directs the collected gas to a central point where it can be processed and treated depending on the ultimate use for it. Landfill gas-

to-energy projects do not only mean decreasing the hazards towards our climate; they also serve as a substitute for fossil fuels, such as natural gas."

He noted that, before year's end, the scheme would commence producing electricity.

His words: "The end point of it is when we are going to invite you by God's grace by the end of this year to come and see electricity that will come from that site. We are still working on it, there are two ends to that waste-to-energy programme; one is to convert the methane gas to energy, the other side is with the Dutch government who probably has signified interest to buy our own Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) emission reduction credits, which we are developing. We are converting what should have been our own pollution to energy, so the project is considered as a CDM. When the world's greatest polluters give you money for not polluting, they count it as their own milestone for buy-back of emission to the air. So, the total number of methane gas that we are able to save will be paid for by the Dutch government and they will come and measure the total number of gas they we have captured and they will pay us. That is just on the CDM and carbon credit programme which is a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) project."

He described the initiative as undergoing a pump test, and that a simulation by UNFCCC experts had revealed a "very robust deposit of methane is in that place."

On its registration with the Designate National Authority (DNA), he said, "Well, we have our compost programme already registered and we have a PIN for that but got the Olusosun (gas capture site) registered through the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank and not through the

DNA. But we are still going est city in 2012. "First is to to synchronise it and get it understand all it takes to be ratified under the DNA." the cleanest and what it mean The LAWMA boss noted that is we are going to compare the government had been able ourselves with the best city in to access an international fathe world now, so that means cility. "Well, immediately proper bench marking. What after the Copenhagen summit, is the cleanest city in Africa knowing the deprivation from doing that we are not doing? the Africa region in accessing We are already looking into the Green Climate Fund, that and whatever they are there are different bodies now doing that we are not doing that have been set up to assist now, we want to do between African countries to really ac- now and next year and even cess this fund and there are do better. funds to new project identifi"There are several areas cation and packaging. Only where we are the best in two cities in Africa have acAfrica for now but there are cessed the fund and they are still a lot other areas where Johannesburg and Lagos. It is we believe we must still catch called the Africa Carbon up. By and large, it is all Asset Development Fund. We about aspirations to make have accessed the fund and sure that we get the best pracmaking progress already, we tice. If there are no aspirahave the grant to package for tions, there will be other sites other than Olusocomplacency. The greatest sun. We are now aligning enemy of success is complaother sites like Abule Egba cency, if we have been deand Solus, which are our poclared the cleanest city in tential project sites where the Nigeria, and by and large I ACAD fund is now being think in West Africa, we are showcased." also doing very well and yes, According to him, the United everybody has been applaudStates Environmental Protecing the paradigm shift, the tion Agency (US-EPA) is inthreat to that success is comvolved in one of LAWMA's placency and we don't want to project by part-funding along fall a victim of our own sucwith ACAD. He named the cess and that is why we set sites as Abule Egba and new aspirations, as well as Solus, where the organisation goals for ourselves." is doing a methane assessReacting to inquiries on what ment, which will be followed informed the city's recycling by a pump test. programme, he contended, He said, "After that, I am sure "On resource recovery we we can do all necessary due have our target that means we diligence in making sure that should be able to convert the projects are registered. waste from its present form to And I am sure the DNA will a useful format. We have be interested in picking that done our studies in the last six up, and we have similar projyears, and what we are only ects that can go under the seeing are the implementation CDM. Our Transfer Loading of all the things we said we Station is being package as a are going to do and we try CDM project, and we have now to show the public that the big one coming up at Epe, the job is just starting. which costs about $80 mil"You can be sure we are lion. It is also being package going to do more of recycling as a CDM project that will atin Lagos; that is our new tartract potential funding under get. Our core area in waste the UNFCCC." management in Lagos now is Oresanya further shed some in recycling, we want to be light on plans by the authority the best recycling city in to make Lagos Africa's cleanAfrica, we want to be able convert substantial part of waste into new and useful items and, most especially, we want to have our own indigenous solution, using our own technology and combined with experience from other nations that have done it, using our internal capacity within LAWMA, academia and the general public. So, we are trying to evolve something that is very indigenous to Lagos as a city, to make sure that we do our conversion. A typical example of that is our buy-back programme, whereby we buy recoverable waste from people. We are not just doing it now, it has been with us in the time past in this part of the world."

He admitted that e-waste has become a challenge to the environment in the state and that the authority was collaborating bodies like the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA; NASREA, NPA and Customs in addressing the issue.

"We are all involved in how to nip this in the bud. We are working as a team; what concerns LAWMA is warehousing and awareness of the product. Most of our recycling banks are actually to capture electronic wastes, as when you bring something, we give you something new in exchange.

"The awareness is slow but is coming up generally and people are getting to know them and what they actually stand for, we are yet to raise a lot of enlightenment about them, we want to test the ground and know the take-off point,.

The response is about 20 percent away from our initial target and that means we have to do a lot of publicity that can push people towards its utilisation. By the time the recycling bug will catch up on everybody, it will be something good."-- allAfrica.com

Amandla Vol. 10 Issue 7 July 15 - August 16

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Artcultainment The Emmanuel Presbyterian Reform Church in the Bronx received self-governing status after a chartering ceremony held on Sunday, May 22. Amandla was on hand to record the event in the images below

The clergy file to the church to begin the ceremony

Rev. Ruth Boling, Chairperson of PCUSA with Clerk of Session, Daniel Ogyir reading the charter document to the church

Rev. Dr. Kwame Amoah-Kuma receives his commission as pastor of the new church from the moderator of PCUSA

A cross-section of the congregation and guests at the ceremony

The church choir belts out some anthems

Rev. John Norton of the Reformed Church of America was active in the chartering process

The class of elders for the newly chartered church

The church’s future had a role to play at the event

Amandla Vol. 10 Issue 7 July 15 - August 16

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Ghana Beats Nigeria 2 Nil Black Meteors qualify for All Africa Games Ghana seem to be confirming their current superiority over Nigeria in football. After stopping Africa’s champions, the Falcons from the All Africa Games they have gone further to make a stronger statement over Nigeria by eliminating Nigeria’s Olympic team from the festival in Mozambique slated for September.

Kumasi, July 10, GNA - Ghana's Black Meteors on Sunday beat Nigeria's Dream 5 by two goals to nil at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi to qualify for the All Africa Games in Mozambique in September 2011.

The two goals came from Emmanuel Agyeman Badu in the 11th minute and Richard Mpong in the 70th minute to enable the Meteors to qualify on the awaygoal-rule, having lost 1-3 in the first leg match played in Nigeria a fortnight ago.

The Black Meteors played their hearts out knowing very well that their pride was at stake.

With Samuel Inkoom playing his usual roving role and Agyeman Badu, Dominic Adiyia and Mpong leading the attack, the Nigerians, who descended on the field hoping to maintain their lead and thus qualify, could not withstand the pressure.

It was the Nigerians, who first carried the battle to their Ghanaian counterparts when their striker Otubanjo Yusuf sent in a powerful drive that sailed over the bar in the second minute of the game. Sensing danger Meteors counter-attacked and in one of their forays earned a free-kick, which Agyeman Badu elected himself to take. His shot from 20 metres went straight into the net leaving Goalkeeper Afeloklai Theophilus stranded.

The Meteors threw everything into the game in search of the elixir of life but all the chances that came their way were wasted.

In the 44th minute Mpong received the yellow card for rough play to end the first half.

The Nigerians resumed the sec-

Sports Michael Essien Suffers Knee Injury

ond session strongly and nearly levelled up in the 50th minute but Otubanjo's low drive was perfectly saved by Dan= iel Adjei in Meteors' goal.

The Meteors quickly turned the tables and had a chance to increase the score in the 63rd minute but substitute Ben Acheampong fumbled. Determined to carry the day and qualify at all cost at the expense of their arch rivals, Adiyia in a move gave a cross to Mpong, who sent a thunderbolt of a shot into the Nigerian net to set the stadium agog.

Line Up: Meteors - Daniel Adjei; Samuel Inkoom; Masawudu Alhassan; Ahmed Adams; Edward Kpodo; Isaac Cofie; Richard Mpong/Aziz Tetteh; Agyeman Badu; Sadick Adams/Gladson Wawako; Dominic Adiyia, and Salifu Latif/Ben Acheampong.

NIGERIA: Afelokhai, Anyanwu, Lawal, Amoda, Igiebor, Ehiosun, Otekpa, Suswam, Otubanjo, Udoh, Oduamadi.

Ghana housed in Group B for All Africa Games Accra, July 12, GNA – Ghana’s Black Meteors has been housed in Group B alongside Cameroon, Uganda, and Senegal for the All African Games slated for Maputo, Mozambique after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the draw for the quadrennial meeting.

The draw was conducted at the CAF headquarters, Cairo on Tuesday by CAF General Secretary, Hicham El Amrani for the 10th edition of the quadrennial multi-sport event scheduled for 3-18 September.

The Meteors qualified at the expense of the ‘Dream Team V’ of

Nigeria with goals from Emmanuel Agyemang Badu and Richard Mpong to give Ghana the two unanswered goals required to overturn a 1-3 deficit in the first leg meeting.

Host Mozambique are in Group A with South Africa, Libya and Madagascar.

Also housed in Group B is the female U-20 team, the Black Princesses who also incidentally defeated Nigeria to reach the finals slated for Maputo.

The Princesses will be up against South Africa’s Bayana Bayana, Zimbabwe and rising forces, Tanzania for the two-week long

continental version of the Olympic Games.

Mozambique, Cameroon, Guinea and Algeria are placed in Group A. The Princesses lost 1-2 to the South Africans when the two sides met at the semi-final of the competition held in Algiers in 2007.

While the Princesses were bronze medalists at the Algiers event, the Meteors exited the competition at the Group stage but hope to make amends this time round with the high caliber of youngsters to desirous for laurels.

Kenya defeat Ghana in Cricket Match Kenya defeated Ghana by 5 wickets in a match of the ICC Africa Region Division One Twenty20, today, July 9, 2011, at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala Earlier, Ghana’s Captain, Peter Ananya, won the bat and elected to bat first to set a competitive total on the board for the opposition.

The Ghanaian opening pair started the inning with confidence, particularly Francis Bakiweyem, who provided the start his team was looking for and faced Kenya’s bowling line up with courage to score 34 runs.

On the other hand, James Vifah was aggressive, smashing three boundaries before giving up his wicket to Harrison Angila on 16.

After Vifah’s departure, the 17year-old, Julius mensah joined Bakiweyem, and tried to build up a partnership; however, he failed to contribute for Ghana, and lost his wicket on 12 as he was runout.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Ateak came at the wicket and played brilliantly to put up a partnership of 35 runs with the opening batsman.

However, Bakiweyem did not sustain the momentum to support his partner, and threw away his wicket on 34.

After the loss of 3 wickets, Ghana’s batsmen, including Ateak, failed to show resistance in front of the Kenyan bowling

Chelsea midfielder has sustained a knee injury in training.

A statement from the club said: 'Michael suffered an injury to his right knee during training this week.

'He will undergo tests over the next few days to determine the extent of that injury. Until we have the full results of those tests we will not be commenting further.'

The 28-year-old Ghanaian was ruled out for more than six months in 2008 when he sustained cruciate ligament damage.

Essien also missed the 2010 World Cup because of a knee problem, and the midfielder's latest setback is a blow to new Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, who is preparing his squad for their trip to the Far East, where they will compete in the Asia Cup. Essien joined the Blues from French club Lyon in 2005 in a £24.4m deal and has gone to establish himself as a key player at Stamford Bridge.

He has helped Chelsea to two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, as well as the Carling

Cup in 2007.

Despite being ruled out for the majority of the 2008-09 campaign, Essien has amassed 229 appearances for the London side, scoring 26 goals.

While the club have not elaborated on the severity of the problem, Essien will be mindful of what happened to him while playing for Ghana in a World Cup qualifier against Libya three years ago.

On that occasion he landed awkwardly during the match and was subsequently told he faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, the Blues have named Michael Emenalo as their new sporting director.

Emenalo was assistant first-team coach for most of last season, taking on the role after Ray Wilkins left the club.

The 45-year-old will oversee a scouting network and youth development programmes, as well as supporting Villas-Boas.

A statement on Chelsea's website. read: 'Michael takes on a vital role that will assist the overall long-term football strategy of the club.'

- BBC

Swazis Celebrate Essien Injury Ghana’s Cricket Team line up.

Ateak gave away his wicket on 36 while the rest of batsmen failed to move the score board as Ghana set the target of 141 runs for Kenya.

Ghana’s bowlers were average with their performance. Duncan Allan and Anglia took 1 wicket each while Joseph Ochieng picked 2.

In reply, the Kenyan opener Allan was right on the money with the bat. He made 37 runs on 31 balls with the help of 6 fours.

The remaining batsmen however, were not upto the mark and wickets kept tumbling without much contribution in terms of score.

However, the middle order batsman, Jignesh Hirani, played sen-

sibly according to the situation, and made 23 runs on 24 balls, which eventually helped his team to seal the victory by 5 wickets.

Irfan Karim supported Hirani by scoring 18 runs on 13 balls, whereas Ochieng made 14 runs and Angila scored 11.

Advertise in Amandla, Call us for rates at (973) 4190073 / (973) 731-1339

Swaziland media are celebrating Michael Essien’s injury after a knee problem ruled him out of the clash between Ghana and Swaziland in September.

The country’s biggest newspaper the ‘Swazi Observer’ wrote the screaming headline “Joy for Sihlangu as Essien ruled out” in response to the Chelsea star’s injury.

The Swaziland national football team, nicknamed Shilangu, fear being massacred during the return leg of the Group I Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to be played in Kumasi.

The absence of the midfield powerhouse gives them hope of causing an upset against the group leaders but even without Essien last year, the Black Stars thrashed them 3-0 in their own backyard.

They had feared a massacre in Ghana with Essien’s return to the side but they are expressing their happiness that the midfielder will not be available because of the injury.

Essien will be out of action for the next six months after undergoing surgery to repair a

Mzwandile “Muzi” Ginindza, captain of the Swazi national team ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.

The 28-year-old twisted his knee as he landed awkwardly last Thursday, the first day of double sessions at Chelsea, where the first team returned to Cobham to begin preparations under André Villas-Boas.

Ghanasoccernet.com

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