www.afrikanpost.com
Circulated all over the United States
Free
African Community News
H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama Takes Office As Ambassador of Ghana to the United States Pg. 5
Tel:571-236-2525
Vol 13 Issue 8
August 2021
For All your Life Insurance and Fire Insurance Needs Call 703-725-6968
August 2 0 2 1
Edward Asare makes list of top 50 Ghanaian Bloggers in 2021
From the Editor
O u r G r eates t G lor y is n ot in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll . We a r e co mmittted to b r in gin g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ias p or a . Yo u ma y als o vis it o u r web s ite a t www. af r ikan pos t. co m f o r d aily n ews u pd a tes o n Af r ica. D is cla imer : Th e o p in io n s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles an d s tor ies in th is N ews pa per a r e th os e o f th e a u th o r s an d do n o t n eces s a r ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ika n Pos t . All commen ts a n d s u gg es tio n s ar e welco me.
on his social media platforms started blogging actively in 2020. His website www.edwardasare.com is gradually becoming one of the most visited news portal for lifestyle and human interest stories.
George Kwasi Bright Publisher and Editor
It also features A list names including Rashad Kojo Emmanuel(ghpage.com) Felix Adomako Mensah (Zionfelix), Ameyaw Debrah, Kwadwo Sheldon, Eugene Sarfo Nkansah (Nkonkonsa), Augustus K. Kyei (kobbykyeinews.com), ChrisV.Agyapong (ghanacelebrities.com), Isaac Aidoo (ghkwaku.com) among others.
To Advertise Your Business or contribute
Call 703- 725- 6968 or E-mail: editor@afrikanpost.com Address: Bright House Productions 6236 Oscar Court Woodbridge VA 22193 D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 13 Issue 8
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT Asantehene marks Akwasidae in Maryland Pg. 20
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Names Former Ghana Ambassador Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah as University’s First Distinguished Statesman in Residence
Pg. 7
Asante Professionals Club Inaugurated in the USA Page 21
Ghana Officially Opens Pavilion at the Offshore Technology Conference in Texas Pg. 14
Jersey City, USA donates PPEs to Gomoa West District of Ghana Pg. 4
Popular Ghanaian Blogger and Digital Marketer, Edward Asare has been named as one of the 2021 Top 50 Ghanaian Bloggers by Africa’s leading Rating & PR firm, Avance Media.
Launched in 2018, the annual ranking seeks to recognize the contributions and efforts of Ghanaian bloggers who are redefining the country’s media and blogging industry.
At an awards ceremony and soiree held on 28th July, 2021 at San Marino Hotel in Osu, all the Top 50 Bloggers received prize packages.
Organized by Avance Media in partnership with Woodin and Verna Water, the 2021 ranking was done based on annual website traffic and social media influence. Debuting at No. 49, Edward Asare focuses on human interest stories from around the world. Asare who has amassed a huge following with a growing community of about 95,000 followers
Commenting on this feat, Edward Asare expressed that “I strongly believe everyone has a story to tell; the good, the bad and ugly. We need to celebrate the success stories of people; the wins, challenges, lessons and failures. Most importantly, more people need to understand the essence of trusting the process, determination and resilience. We need to give people their flowers while they can see it and that’s what we want to achieve with our community. To God, family, friends and all my connections, this is for us.” Asare who started his Digital Marketing career at TV3 currently works with United Bank of Africa (UBA) as a Digital Marketer. Prior to joining UBA, he worked as a Social Media Manager with blogging giant yen.com.gh.
In 2020, he was adjudged Digital Influencer of the Year at the Youth Excellence Awards and was also nominated as Youth Blogger of the Year and Digital Marketer of the Year. Source: https://www.theafricandream.net/
August 2 0 2 1
Page
3
August 2 0 2 1
Afrikan Post
Augustor of Jersey City, USA, donates PPEs on behalf of his city to Gomoa West District of Ghana
Page 4
The 49th augustor of Jersey City also emphasized the need for communities to develop closer ties to foster cultural exchange and business partnerships, which is what informed his city to sign the friendship agreement with Gomoa West District as part of the Sister Cities International Initiative.
He ended with the conviction that the donation would further strengthen the cultural and economic bond between the two communities.
Receiving the items on behalf of Hon. Bismark Baisie Nkum and the people of Gomoa West, Ghana’s Consul General to New York, H.E. Daniel Atta Boafo Kingsley, in the company of Hon. Felix Akom Nyarku, Head of Chancery at the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the UN, thanked Augustor Fulop, the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security of Jersey City and the entire residents of the city for their kind gesture to a Ghanaian community during this challenging period. The consul general was also hopeful that the charitable act would as well kick-start a mutually beneficial relationship between Jersey City and the Ghana Consulate in NY.
Augustor Steven Fulop (L), presenting the PPEs to H.E. Atta Boafo Kingsley. Upon request by Hon. Bismark Baisie Nkum, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Gomoa West District Assembly, Ghana’s Consul General to New York, H.E. Daniel Atta Boafo Kingsley led a Ghanaian delegation to take delivery of PPEs donated by Augustor Steven M. Fulop on behalf of the people of Jersey City, NJ.
As part of the objectives of Sister Cities International – an organization, which seeks to create global relationships based on cultural, educational, information and trade exchanges, the two communities signed a “sister agreement” in 2018, which has helped strengthen commercial and cultural ties between the two societies. Gomoa West indeed chose a right partner in the U.S. to exchange ideas and to do business with, as Jersey City was named the most diverse city in America in 2017, 2018 and 2020 by the annual WalletHub diversity rankings.
It was therefore against the backdrop of this friendship that the city in the “Garden State,” led by its augustor was inspired to donate hand sanitizers, gloves, and other protective gear to enable its sister community in Ghana fight the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony held at the office of Emergency Management in Jersey City on August 8, 2021, Augustor Fulop acknowledged the significant challenges that the pandemic has caused in all countries – he therefore hoped that the kind gesture of his city would augment the efforts by the Government of Ghana in fighting the spread of the coronavirus, especially in the Gomoa West District.
The Jersey City delegation comprised of: Augustor Steven Fulop (6th from right) – Augustor of Jersey City, Jose Arango (4th from left) Director of The Division of Economic Development, Director W. Greg Kierce -Jersey City Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Joyce Watterman (7th from left) - Jersey City Council President, Stacey Flanagan (6th from left) - Director of Health and Human Services, Jersey City, among others. The Ghanaian dignitaries included H.E. Daniel Atta Boafo Kingsley (5th from right) - Consul General to New York, Hon. Felix Akom Nyarku (3rd from right) - Head of Chancery at the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the UN, Mr. Kofi Ameyaw - Head of Information, Permanent Mission of Ghana, Balla (4th from right) NPP USA organizer, Executives of NPP NJ Chapter including Sara Sarpong (1st from left) – NPP NJ Chapter vice - chairperson and some Ghanaian philanthropists. By Kwame Karikari
August 2021
H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama Takes Ambassador Hajia Mahama to set up a Strategic Advisory Board Office As Ambassador of Ghana to the United States
Afrikan Post
Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama has reaffirmed the Government of Ghana’s determination to continue strong bilateral relations with the Government of the United States of America. She also confirmed Ghana’s commitment to partner with the United States Government in various areas of development.
The Ambassador made this note on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, after President Joseph R. Biden accepted her letters of credence by which President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo accredited her as the Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to the United States. She is the first female Ambassador of Ghana to the United States.
Government and Rural Development from January 2017 to January 2021. Her extensive non-governmental and international experiences include roles such as Senior Technical Advisor at Danida, Consultant OXFAM, Faculty of Salzburg Seminar in Austria and Senior Planner, and Gender and Development Coordinator Northern Region Rural Integrated Programme (NORRIP), a Ghana Government and Canadian International Development Agency initiative.
Hajia is a Barrister at Law and was called to the bar in 1982. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Development Studies with a specialization in Regional Development Planning from the Institute of Social Studies (ISS), The Hague, Netherlands. Preceding that, she Ambassador Hajia Alima Mahama brings a obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Law and lot of experience to the role having served Sociology from the University of Ghana. She as a two-term Member of Parliament, cabi- is both a Pearson Fellow and a Humphrey net minister and international consultant for Fellow. several multinational organizations. Ambassador Hajia Alima Mahama has concurShe first served as a Member of Parliament rent supervision over Mexico, Honduras, for the people of Nalerigu-Gambaga Costa Rica and Belize. Constituency from the year 2001 to 2005, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development from August 2001 to April 2003 and Deputy Minister of State, Ministry of Trade, Industry and President’s Special Initiatives, from August, 2003 to January, 2005. She Source: Embassy of Ghana, Washington DC later served as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Women & Children’s Affairs from January 2005 to January 2009.
Prior to her current appointment as Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary, H.E Hajia Alima Mahama served again as the Member of Parliament for the people of Nalerigu-Gambaga Constituency and the Minister of State for Local
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama, has pledged to set up a strategy advisory board to assist her during her tenure.
The Ambassador made the pronouncement during her address to the Ghanaian community in a video message the Embassy put out. The role would be to provide strategic advice to the Ambassador and the Government on how we can harness and leverage numerous investment and trade opportunities in the United States. “Elaborating on the concept, the Ambassador said, “We must begin to look at how we can do more by leveraging the skills and talents of Ghanaians here in the United States to drive huge strategic investments to our country. That is why I plan to set up the first-ever Advisory Board composed of well accomplished Ghanaians from various backgrounds and industries.”
The Ambassador also encouraged Ghanaian associations in various states in America to work closely with the Embassy to advance trade and investments.”Aside from building cohesive communities, maintaining and promoting our culture, various Ghanaian groupings must also become trade and
Page 5
investment agents and work close with the Embassy’s trade office promote and drive investments to Ghana, the Ambassador propounded. Lastly, the ambassador exhibited her commitment to women and children and promised to work closely with women centered organizations to develop Ghanaian women in the United States and Ghana. “As a gender activist, who has spent years advocating for the improvement in the quality of life and rights of women and children and as the first woman Ambassador of Ghana to the United States, I intend to work very closely with women centered organizations to advance the growth and development of Ghanaian women in the United States and Ghana,” she said. Since her arrival, Ambassador Mahama virtually engaged several Ghanaian associations. She has pledged to pursue in-person engagements once the COVID-19 restrictions ease up. Source: www.ghanaembassydc.org
Study Abroad in Ghana with Webster and Earn American Academic Credit August 2021
Webster University is a 106-year-old American university based in St. Louis, Missouri with 9 global campuses. The only Webster University campus in Africa is in the lovely neighborhood of East Legon in Accra, Ghana.
“Our network of international schools presents an unmatched opportunity for students in Ghana to study abroad, and undergraduate students in the African diaspora in the US, UK, Canada, and elsewhere also have the chance to spend a semester or year in Ghana with Webster University,” says Ms. Awoyaa Mensah, Director of Marketing & Corporate Partnerships at Webster University Ghana. Some of Webster’s Diaspora students in Ghana The study abroad in Ghana offer of Webster University is attractive for Black Americans and Africans in the Diaspora, including Ghanaians, mainly because many of such students may have been to Ghana only a few times and for short periods, or never. However, being in a safe and structured university environment means they can truly explore their roots, make new friends and discover their Motherland — all while still earning American academic credits.
The campus has beautiful residential facilities for foreign students who need accommodation during their time in Ghana; it also has ultra-modern classrooms, a wellstocked library, 24/7 security, an edgy student recreational center and stable wifi access. Off campus, the school organizes trips to some of Ghana’s most popular cultural and historic sites including the Cape Coast and Elmina castles, W.E.B Dubois Centre and the local open-air markets. Webster University campus in Ghana All study abroad students get the chance to give back and volunteer with local and international NGOs.
Interested students can already be at other universities as credits can be transferred. Click the following link to discover the undergraduate courses available. Many also love to take AFRICANA STUDIES if they come during the summer season. 2021 Graduating Class There is also an amazing opportunity for adults looking to pursue a Master’s degree at Webster to do so in Ghana’s capital city of Accra. Imagine being interested in an MBA or MA, International Relations, and actually being able to take graduate classes within an emerging market while building your global network of connections? You’re in Ghana for 1.5 years but are earning a quality American degree alongside cultural explorations.
Webster’s Ghana campus is very diverse and provides an incredible learning and extracurricular stage for heritageseeking students too. Learn more about them from their official website at webster.edu.gh and tell them Oral Ofori sent you when you email them.
Source: www.TheAfricanDream.net
Page 6
August 2 0 2 1
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Names Former Ghana Ambassador Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah as University’s First Distinguished Statesman in Residence
Adjei-Barwuah’s Experience in Education, Public Service, and Diplomacy a “perfect fit for WPI.”
August 24, 2021 Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has named His Excellency Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, former Ambassador of Ghana to the United States, as the university’s inaugural Distinguished Statesman in Residence. This new position is being launched under the auspices of several programs within WPI that support the university’s global initiatives.
“As a leader in project-based and purpose-driven global education, research, and outreach, WPI actively builds and sustains partnerships around the world,” said Wole Soboyejo, Senior Vice President and Provost. “To do that most successfully, we seek out dynamic and prominent leaders whose skills and passions align with ours and who can greatly enhance our efforts and our impact. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah’s influence cannot be understated, and his invaluable insights, understanding of complex issues, and keen ability to build consensus through mentorship of students and faculty alike will greatly enhance WPI’s position as a leader and innovator in addressing global challenges. We are delighted to have him join us in this important role that will allow WPI to have an even wider impact.” Adjei-Barwuah, a native of Ghana, earned a PhD in geog-
raphy from Indiana University Bloomington in 1972 and was a lecturer at the University of Ghana before becoming the Executive Director of Ghana’s Tourist Board. In 1983, he moved to England to continue his public service in adult education as an advisor to the United Kingdom’s Learning and Skills Development Agency before returning to Ghana in 2001 to continue his public service. From 2002 to 2008, he served as Ghana’s Ambassador to Japan. In 2017, he was appointed by President Nana Akufo-Addo to serve as Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States.
“As a lecturer, a politician, and a diplomat, I have spent a considerable amount of time teaching and sharing skills and insights that I have acquired over the years; this work has remained crucial throughout my career and in my life, and it has allowed me to work successfully with many people to implement solutions to real-world problems,” said Adjei-Barwuah. “I look forward to engaging and interacting with the students and faculty of WPI as yet another opportunity to do what I love best: to share knowledge, my stories, and experiences with others, in order to help others.” Adjei-Barwuah will engage with students and faculty through the Social Sciences and Policy Studies Department in the School of Arts & Sciences and will interact with the Institute of Science and Technology for
Page 7
Development (InSTeD) and the Provost’s Office. He will also partner with University Advancement to enhance and develop the Provost’s Global Initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ghana.
“Barfour Adjei-Barwuah’s experience and leadership are a perfect fit for WPI as it underscores the importance of the humanities and social sciences and policy studies in producing students who truly care about global impact,” said Jean King, the Peterson Family Dean of Arts & Sciences. “The inclusion of more voices to help us ultimately change the world is, without a doubt, not just a passion, but a need. I look forward to working with the former ambassador on a variety of initiatives that will continue to engage both students and faculty in enhancing the overall WPI experience.” Adjei-Barwuah officially joined WPI this summer and is working on campus full-time this academic year as of August https://www.wpi.edu/
Thoronka Law Offices
August
2021
Page
PRACTICE AREAS IMMIGRATION LAW CRIMINAL DEFENSE BUSINESS LAW
MAIN OFFICE hours Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Weekends by Appointment Call For An Appointment Phone 571-285-5242
A Law Firm with a Difference Call Today www.thoronkalaw.com
Address 12656C Lake Ridge Dr, Woodbridge, VA 22192
MARYLAND BRANCH hours Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm Weekends by Appointment Call For An Appointment Phone 301-949-1500
Address 2730 University Blvd W, Suite 520, Wheaton, MD 20902
8
August 2 0 2 1
Page
9
August
2021
Page
Abeiku Aggrey Santana takes Oral Ofori on a Heritage Tourism ride in Accra, Ghana
10
Early in August of 2021 Oral Ofori, Founder at TheAfricanDream.net had the privilege of being chauffeured by ace Ghanaian media personality Abeiku Aggrey Santana — AKA “Mr. Tourism” — around some parts of Accra, the capital city of Ghana, where they explored monuments that were hidden in plain sight.
According to Mr. Ofori “the tour was my last great experience in Ghana during my late July early August trip of 2021. I am eternally grateful to ‘Mr. Tourism’ for exposing me to that side of Ghana that I tend to miss as I run around like a headless chicken in Accra during my regular business trips to Ghana over the years.“
Oral Ofori (left) and Abeiku Santana (right) seen in photo with the statue of Edward Akufo-Addo (2nd President of Ghana, 5th Head of State of Ghana, and late father of Ghana’s current President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo) between them in the background. Photo courtesy TheAfricanDream.net Abeiku shared wonderful historic gems as he clearly displayed his knowledge of Ghana’s Heritage Tourism sites and he “encouraged Ghanaians, Africans and people across the world to visit Ghana and taste of her beauty and culture…“
When editing is fully complete the video (over 40mins) shot with a cellphone in selfie mode will be shared with the 250k viewers of Fairfax Public access TV in the United States and made available on YouTube under free creative license.
During the ride, Mr. Ofori discovered some of Ghana’s notable freedom fighters whose actions galvanized Africa to rid herself of colonialism after Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule.
Hopefully, you will also enjoy the full video when it arrives soon, for now, enjoy this teaser and DM the following accounts below for the full +40mins video to be released soon, and don’t forget to watch/share its 13mins teaser here: https://youtu.be/XB1bgKYw9iE.
Source: www.TheAfricanDream.net
The Africa Channel Brings Nollywood films to US and global audiences August 2 0 2 1
The Africa Channel (TAC), the longest-running independent, minority-owned media company focused on presenting pan-African content to global audiences, announces a wide-ranging licensing and distribution deal with ROK Studios, a Canal+ company, bringing premier Nollywood films to the US and global audiences.
The licensing and distribution partnership will encompass current releases and hundreds of hours from the catalog of Nollywood releases ranging from 2015 to 2020. Popular movies premiering in North America for the first time, include The Secretary, Ovy’s voice, Picture Perfect, Dear Mummy B, A Woman’s Scorn and more. Select premium content from over 370 licensed titles will be programmed on The Africa Channelplatform cable platform in North America and the Caribbean, while a majority of the catalog will be made available on Demand Africa through subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) as well as the Free Ad-Supported Streaming (FAST) platforms globally outside Africa.
Page
“We are delighted to partner with Rok Studios to bring North American audiences this expanded selection of content from Nollywood – the second-largest movie industry in the world,” said Narendra Reddy, Executive Vice President & General Manager, The Africa Channel.
strong cultural identity is crossing boundaries to grab diverse audiences and start conversations.”
The deal was facilitated and closed by Thema, a Canal+ group company and leading distributor of thematic and multicultural content.
Please visit www.theafricachannel.com for more information and follow TAC on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Launched in 2005 and 2017, respectively, The Africa Channel, and digital streaming platform Demand Africa, showcase the African continent’s most outstanding English-language television series, specials, documen“Canal + and Thema TV’s commitment to presenting multicultural content to global audiences aligns with our taries, feature films, music, biographies, and cultural and own, and this is a first step in building an expanded rela- historical content. The channel aspires to build bridges tionship with one of the preeminent media companies in between cultures while reinforcing positive narratives of Africa through diverse content and programming. the world.”
“We are very excited to have teamed up with the Africa Channel and ROK Studios on this content partnership for the Americas. TAC’s robust library speaks to the understating of the need for change in U.S. which will allow us to better respond to the ongoing conversation surrounding content diversity and multicultural productions,” said Patrick Rivet, CEO Thema America.
“At Thema America we believe that content with a
https://face2faceafrica.com/
11
SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS RETURNS TO THE SKIES ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
August 2021
Page
Zambia: Newly Elected President Hichilema Sacks Military, Police Chiefs
Dear SAA Media & Business Partners:
We are pleased to announce that South African Airways will relaunch service on September 23, 2021 between our hub in Johannesburg and key By Jerry Chifamba domestic South Africa and regional Africa markets. Attached, please find a media statement issued by SAA’s Corporate Communications Department Cape Town — Newly elected President Hakainde Hichilema fired Zambia Police Service in Johannesburg that further details the relaunch of our service.
This is an exciting and long-awaiting return of SAA’s service to the African skies, which will be welcomed news by our valued travel trade partners and customers. We would greatly appreciate it if you could please distribute this important information through your various media platforms and databases. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of South African Airways. Best Regards, Todd
Todd M. Neuman
Executive Vice President, North America South African Airways
1200 S. Pine Island Road Suite #650
Plantation, Florida 33324 USA
Inspector General Kakoma Kanganja and all service chiefs and their deputies barely a week after his inauguration. Yesterday Hichilema announced the appointment of new army and airforce chiefs, as well as a new head of the southern African country's defence wing.
"I am relieving all commissioners of police with immediate effect," he said, without providing reasons for the replacements, In a televised address to the nation. Also removed are all provincial police commissioners, after which Hichilema hinted at impending reforms and a reorganisation of the Zambia Police Service Command structure, with some officers expected to be retained.
"This evening we made some changes in the Defence and Security Wings of our nation. Lt. General Dennis Alibuzwi is the New Zambia Army Commander and will be deputised by Major General Geoffrey Zyeele, as Deputy Army Commander and Chief of Staff. General Collins Barry is the new Zambian Air Force Commander and will be deputised by Major General Oscar Nyoni as Deputy Air Commander. Lt. General Patrick Solochi is the new Zambia National Service Commandant and will be deputised by Major General Reuben Mwewa as Deputy Commandant. Mr Remmy Kajoba is the new Inspector General of Police and his deputy for operations is Mr Milner Muyambango, while Doris Chibombe is Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Administration, Hichilema said. Hichilema, 59, took office on August 24, 2021, after his landslide victory against incumbent Edgar Lungu. He won with over 60% of the vote and is seen as the electorate's reaction to the incumbent's economic mismanagement and the authoritarian leadership in the southern African country. Speaking shortly after Lungu conceded defeat, Hichilema slammed the outgoing "brutal regime". Recalling that he'd been arrested 15 times, Hichilema said there would be no retribution against those who arrested political rivals. https://allafrica.com/
12
August 2 0 2 1
Okyerema Asante, the African Master Percussionist from Ghana
Isaac Okyerema Asante, the Ghanaian master percussionist was born in Koforidua, the eastern regional capital of Ghana on June 16, 1949. He started drumming at the tender age of three and many times found himself hitting on the tops of cooking utensils that his mother and sisters were cleaning in the kitchen during the evenings. He will arrange three or four pans and beat on them either with his bare hands, a spatula, or whatever came in handy at the time.
The master drummer ventured into drumming mainly because his uncle, who was also a master drummer, greatly inspired him to develop and love the art of drumming. Okyerema watched his uncle play in the palace and other traditional settings many times and found it extremely fascinating to watch how a person could make wonderful sounds on drums with their bare hands sometimes.
The master drummer’s father, Mr. J.H. Asante was a magistrate who badly wanted Okyerema to become a lawyer and planned to send his son to London to pursue law after he completed his high school education in Opoku Ware Secondary School in Kumasi Ghana in 1969. At the time the master percussionist was the leader of the Eastern Regional Cultural Troupe of the Ghana Young Pioneers formed by Ghana’s first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Growing up as a child, he many times imitated the adults he saw playing drums in the palace and at festivals. He did so by making his own drums from improvised materials like empty pans and pots. By this time, his uncle had noticed Okyerema’s interest in drumming and started to teach him how to play and communicate with the drums.
Under the tutelage of his uncle, Okyerema Asante became a master drummer at the age of ten and people not only started noticing his skills and talents but also were fascinated by how well he could play at such a tender age. His interest in music was quickly growing and this interest was constantly fueled by his uncle who was also a great mentor. This interest led the master drummer to teach himself how to play the jazz drums.
Somewhere along his musical journey in 1970, the master percussionist became part of a musical group called the ‘Hedzole Soundz’ based at a club in Osu called the Napoleon. At the time, Hedzole Soundz was the second Ghanaian music group to make an international hit after ‘Osibisa’. Hedzole Soundz, later on, became the backup group for Hugh Masekela, who is one of Africa’s greatest trumpeters and musicians originally from South Africa.
The great Ghanaian producer, Faisal Helwani, was the manager of the Hedzole Soundz. Upon realizing the talent and potential of Hedzole Soundz upon playing with them in Accra, Ghana, Hugh Masekela on his return from Nigeria to Ghana after a performance with Fela Kuti asked Faisal Helwani if he could play his trumpet alongside the Hedzole Soundz in the Napoleon and like magic, that began the astronomical rise of Okyerema Asante. That show earned him his big break on the world music stage. Four days after his meeting with Hugh Masekela, Okyerema was on a plane in what he calls his first trip by air to Lagos Nigeria to record an album with Masekela. That Album, which was released in 1973 also featured songs from the Hedzole Soundz who were already basking in their hit 1972 single called ‘Rekpeter’.
File photo of Okyerema Asante (wearing Kente) hanging out with Actor/Comedian Robin Williams (wearing suit) and members of Ladysmith Black Mambazo music group of South Africa at a fund-raising concert in New York, 1987
Page 13
they’ve been together for the past 35 years since they got married in 1976 in Ghana. They have five children; Atta Asante the first and Atta Asante the second are twin sons of the couple. The 41-year-old twins are professional acrobats based in Paris, France. They also have a 40-year-old daughter named Adjoa Akom who is in Ghana and Jonas Asante aka ‘Chief’ who is 31 and in the process of becoming a lawyer after completing Virginia Union University. Chief is working with a law firm in the Northern Virginia area. Isaac Asante of Woodbridge VA is the last of their children. The couple also has five grandchildren.
The Masekela production that featured the master percussionist set off a chain reaction that led to the master drummer making his first trip outside Ghana in February 1974 to Los Angeles to promote the work he did with Hugh Masekela. That year also saw Okyerema’s first performance in the USA.
The last album of the master drummer is a jazz piece called ‘Bringing It Home–From Havana to Africa’, which came out under the label of Mapel Shade Records in Maryland, the USA in 2004. Okyerema believes his fans must be given enough time to digest his work, which is why his newest work is going to be launched in April 2010 in the USA, and consequently in May 2010 in Ghana, the new album will be called Digital Slavery.
The versatile master percussionist, composer, producer, and teacher has also done three world tours including one with Paul Simon during the Graceland Tour of the hit 1986 album which was also called Graceland. That album also topped the charts at #1 in the UK and reached #3 in the US. Okyerema Asante describes his Asian fans as one of the most fascinating from all his world tours, in his own words he says ”unlike audiences across Africa, the Asians have a real understanding and appreciation for my musical performance”, that notwithstanding he also believes ”the best drummers in the entire world can be found in Africa and for that matter Ghana”.
”Drumming is the soul of traditional African music and without it, music is not complete, especially in the African context” according to the Okyerema Asante, which is why he now teaches African drumming in Universities across the USA and Europe, something he looks forward to doing in Ghana when his work on the Akyere Madiye Center is complete in the near future.
After Hugh Masekela, other big names started appearing on the master drummer’s resume, some of which included the Jazz Crusaders of Los Angeles California who rose to fame in the early ’60s and remained all through the late ’70s, Maria Makeeba of South Africa who was to marry Hugh Masekela later on in life, and Fleetwood Mac, a British-American rock band formed in 1967 in London, the World Saxophone Quartet and even Queen Elizabeth of England in 1960 who Okyerema Asante drummed for during the queen’s visit to Ghana to witness the country’s independence from British colonial rule.
The art of drumming is widespread in Ghana despite the passing away of Ghanaba (divine drummer) in December 2008 and according to Okyerema, there are going to be more of his kind so long as young and upcoming drummers in Ghana develop a strong love for what they do, coupled with hard work, dedication and respect for the instrument since these traits formed a vital ingredient in his rise to stardom.
One such young drummer who has caught the eye of the master drummer is ”Injorlay” who hails from the James Town area in Ghana’s capital city, Accra. ”Injorlay” is someone the master drummer himself has tutored and his skills are so exceptional that he has been featured by Amandzeba (Nat Brew) in one of the latter’s well-known songs titled ”Kpanlogo yede”. The 61-year-old master drummer is married to Elizabeth and
Today, Isaac Okyerema Asante is setting up an institution in Anyinam, Ghana, the hometown of his wife Elizabeth. This institution, when completed will be a resource center where Ghanaians and foreigners alike can go to learn about traditional Ghanaian and African music and drumming. The institution will be called ”Akyere Madiye Center”. The inspiration behind this idea is spurned from the current threat the invasion of foreign music, especially hip-hop, poses to traditional Ghanaian music.
Source: originally written by Oral Ofori and first published in April 2010
Ghana Officially Opens Pavilion at the Offshore Technology Conference in Texas Afrikan
August 2021
Post
On Monday, August 16, 2021, Minister of Energy, the Honourable Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh in a brief ceremony, officially opened Ghana’s pavilion at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), at the NRG Park in Houston Texas.
Page
Minister for the opening ceremony. The conference is a global gathering of actors in the Oil and gas industry, for knowledge sharing of technological advancements and breakthroughs in the industry.
With Openness, Optimism, and rewarding Opportunities, Ghana continues to remain the best Investment destination in West Africa.
H.E. Hajia Alima Mahama- Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Deputy Energy Minister- Hon. Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, GIPC CEO- R. Yofi Grant, NPA CEO- Dr. Come Grow with Ghana, Grow in Ghana! Mustapha Abdul-Hamid and, the CEOs’ of TULLOW GHANA LIMITED, Petroleum Commission, Ghana, and Source: GIPC, Ghana other key executives in the oil and gas sector joined the
14
August 2 0 2 1
Page
15
Afrikan
AfCFTA honours ex-Nigerien leader with a statue in Ghana August 2021
Post
Page
by PH
lishment and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area” adding that with him, “we have made progress that we are celebrating today.”
Mr. Mene added that “Without the singular contribution of former President Issoufou Mahamadou, to the AfCFTA, it is doubtful that we would have achieved the progress that we celebrate today.” The CFTA is a major project of the AU’s long-term development plan Agenda 2063, which emphasis the need to ease trade and travel across the continent. The free trade zone is considered a critical action to usher Africa into a new era of development.
Mr. Mene however noted that “there will be challenges that august seem unsurmountable, it is at that point that we should re-double our resolve to forge ahead with economic integration of our continent.”
A bronze bust statue on a marble stone has been unveiled at a ceremony in Ghana’s capital, Accra to honour former president of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou.
The statue was unveiled in the presence of five African heads of state at the forecourt of the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) based in Accra. Issoufou was honored for his role in getting the continental free trade deal finally activated after decades of delay and inaction.
Read Also: Some Basics on Intellectual Property (IP) to Position Africans to Tap AfCFTA IP Opportunities
In a statement the AfCFTA secretariat and its partners said Issoufou achievements “include successfully leading the conclusion of the AfCFTA negotiations as AU Champion for AfCFTA; its entry into force; the launch of the operational phase of the AfCFTA.” The statue was sponsored by the African
Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the African Union (AU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). Ghana’s President, Nana Akufo Addo said through the work of the ex-Nigerien leader “we have made the journey of consolidating this common trading area with a population of 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over $85 billion. This is an opportunity for the economic potential of Africa.” The Chairman of the African Union, DR Congo President Felix Tshisekedi commented that Issoufou “has carried this project with bravery and admiration to the end.” The free trade deal finally launched on Jan. 1, 2021 with 54 of 55 AU nations.
AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said the former Nigerien leader who was named the champion of AfCFTA went to “great lengths to lead and oversee the estab-
Issoufou in accepting the honor done him said he has “a double satisfaction to have been distinguished and to receive this distinction here in Accra, the Mecca of panAfricanism.” In March this year, Issoufou also received the Mo Ibrahim Prize for advocating democratic alternation when he renounced a third term as Niger’s president.
He announced his decision to step down after the two five-year terms, a move that was hailed by many and considered significant in promoting democracy in the West African nation.
Issoufou had said that “Handing over power in 2021 to a democratically elected successor… will be my greatest achievement.”
Source: Africafeeds.com
16
August 2 0 2 1
www.esthershairwigbeautyshops.com
13895 Hedgewood Dr, suite 317 Woodbridge, VA 22193
Page
17
August 2021
Adjiringano Botwe Rd. Next to Goil StationEast Legon, Accra LOC: Abogba : Near the Cemetary Opposite Shell Petrol Station Accra
Kumasi Patasi Road Next to Mango Down E-Mail: dynacorpltd@yahoo.com E-Mail: dynacorpltd@yahoo.com Contacts: 0244 233 626 /0244 421 303 /0674 026 641
Page
18
August 2 0 2 1
Page
19
Afrikan Post
July 2021 Page
Asantehene Marks Akwasidae in Maryland
His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene last Sunday celebrated Akwasidae with some of his chiefs and elders, together with many US-based Ghanaians, particularly members of the Asanteman Association in the US, at his residence in Maryland, United States of America (USA). Speaking at a ceremony of great picturesqueness and grandeur, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stressed the need for Ghanaians in the diaspora to trace their roots by exhibiting and living in accordance with the dictates of their traditions and cultural beliefs. Clad in a beautiful blue and white decorated and designed kente cloth, the revered King expressed his profound gratitude to all the invitees for joining him to celebrate the Akwasidae in grand style. “I am happy to see my people in such a great mood today of dancing the traditional Adowa, and this demonstrates the fact that you haven’t forgotten your history, and most importantly, our well-celebrated tradition and culture, ” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said.
The occupant of the Golden Stool advised his subjects who live in the diaspora, particularly those in the USA to be law abiding in whatever they did at their various places of work and residence, adding that “you should not do anything negative to drag the name of Ghana and Asanteman into the mud.” He entreated all Ghanaians in the diaspora to uphold the great traditions and endowed cultural beliefs of their respective origins. He advised the elderly and all parents to counsel their wards to embrace the most respected Ghanaian culture and traditions while they still live abroad. The Akwasidae is celebrated by chiefs and people in Ashanti as well as Asantes in the diaspora. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks. Her Excellency, Mrs Martha Pobee, former Ghana’s Ambassador to the UN, His Excellency, Mr. Kobee Komoson, former US Ambassador to Ghana, Aisha Braveboy, State Attorney for Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA, Her Excellency, Hajia Alima Mahama, were there to grace the occa-
20
sion. Oheneba Boachie Agyei Woahene II, Nana Osei Kwadwo (Mamesenhene), Nana Otimpie Aben (Otumfuo’s Saasamohene), Nana Yaw Atta Kyeremanteng (Bebrehene), Nana Gyedu Kumaning Amakye (Barehene), Nana Yaa Asantewaa (Paramount Queenmother of Ejisu Traditional Area), Nana Ama Afrakoma, Queenmother of Agogo Traditional Area and some dignitaries from the royal family were there in their numbers to showcase the tradition and culture of Asanteman. Earlier, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II had urged the members of Asanteman Association of New York to live in peace and unity, respect one another, and work for the progress and interest of the association. He noted that there was no Asantefuohene (chief) in New York and called on the association to hold elections within three months to elect a new chief, queenmother and other officers of the Asanteman Association, and work in harmony to bring peace. Source: Various filed reports ☎+1202.706.9881 💻contact@oralofori.com 🌍https://linktr.ee/the1africandream
Written by Oral Ofori
Asantehene marks Akwasidae in Maryland … a scene of great picturesqueness and grandeur July 2 0 2 1
New York Asanteman Delegation
Asante Professionals Club-USA
Page
21
August 2021
Asantehene Marks Akwasidae in Maryland
Queenmothers of Agogo and Ejisu
Ambassador Koomson and Wife
Page
22
August 2 0 2 1
Asantehene Marks Akwasidae in Maryland
Page
23
German coach who used racial slur to The Truth Behind Black Africans describe African athletes sent home with Blue Eyes from Olympics Afrikan
Post
The German Olympic Sports Confederation on Thursday announced it was sending home a cycling coach who was heard in footage repeatedly using a racial slur to refer to African athletes during a cycling event.
According to The Hill, the sporting director of the German Cycling Federation, Patrick Moster, used the racial slur while he was trying to motivate a rider on the German team who was partaking in a time trial. The rider, Nikias Arndt, was behind Eritrea’s Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier and Algeria’s Azzedine Lagab in the trials when Moster was heard repeatedly urging him to “get the camel drivers.”
“In the heat of the moment and with the overall burden that we have here at the moment, my choice of words was not appropriate,” Moster told German news outlet DPA. “I am extremely sorry and can only offer my sincere apologies. I didn’t want to offend anyone.”
Although the confederation’s president, Alfons Hörmann, said they remain “convinced” Moster’s apology is “sincere”, he said the coach’s comments “violated the Olympic values.” “Fair play, respect and tolerance are non-negotiable,” Hörmann added.
Responding to Moster’s comments in a statement, Arndt also said he was “appalled” by what the coach had said, adding that “such words are not acceptable,” Deutsche Welle reported.
August 2021
“The Olympics and cycling stand for tolerance, respect and fairness,” the cyclist continued. “I represent these values 100% and take my hat off to all the great athletes who have come from all over the world here in Tokyo.” Florian Nass, a commentator who heard Moster’s comments during the trials, also condemned his choice of words. “If I’ve really understood what he was shouting, that was totally wrong,” Nass said. “Words fail me. Something like that has no place in sport.”
Meanwhile, Algeria’s Azzedine Lagab responded to Moster’s comments on Thursday, saying he has been subjected to “more aggressive racist comments.” Nevertheless, he said “it’s such a shame it happens in the Olympics,” NPR reported.
“Well, There is no camel race in #olympics,” Lagab tweeted. “That’s why I came to cycling. At least I was there in #Tokyo2020.” FRANCIS AKHALBEY
Have you ever seen a Black man or woman with blue eyes? What was your initial reaction? I almost fainted when I saw one about 25 years ago while trekking home from school. My first thought was, This must be a Mami Water (mermaid), since the person was not an albino. It was scary to look at from afar, but when I moved closer, the lady looked so pretty and interesting.
This experience is not totally different from the reaction of certain Nigerian parents that gave birth to a blonde hair/blue eyed baby girl in London some years back. When the husband saw the baby, he was shocked. If it wasn’t that he trusted his wife so much, their marriage could have become history — at least until a DNA test verified the paternity of the baby. Today, many believe that those with blue eyes or other non-brown eyes are not of African descent, and if they are, they must be wearing colored contact lenses. There are other fears that have been expressed when it comes to people with blue eyes.
Some have said people with blue eyes are evil. Others want to know if people with blue eyes lack concentration, see well, or if it affects their level of hearing. Some of these fears are unsubstantiated, but other speculations, such as its effect on hearing, seem to be true.
Generally, however, contrary to the opinion of many people, having blue eyes is not the exclusive preserve of Asians or Europeans; Black Africans can also have blue eyes, and there are many explanations for this.
First, one can have blue eyes as a result of a genetic mutation. As explained by livescience.com, “a single mutation which arose as recently as 6,000 to 10,000 years
Page 24
ago was responsible for all the blue eyed people alive on Earth today.”
This was a revelation by a team of researchers from Copenhagen University. The team, whose research is published in the Journal of Human Genetics, identified a single mutation in a gene called “OCA2,” which arose by chance somewhere around the northwest coast of the Black Sea in one single individual about 8,000 years ago.
Blue eyes also come about when a person of African ancestry has Caucasian relatives on both sides of the family who are carriers of the gene for that particular eye color.
Apart from genetic mutation, blue eyes can also be caused by Waardenburg Syndrome, a deficiency inherited from a single parent who august display similar characteristics. There are different types of Waardenburg Syndrome, but essentially, it is a rare disease characterized by sensorinuerial deafness in association with pigmentary anomalies and defects of neutral-crest-derived tissues.
Some have also suggested that blue eyes are a result of ancient interbreeding with the Neanderthals, who went into extinction about 25,000 years ago. Another theory suggested in Afritorial, states that blond hair and blue eyes arose because of a mechanism called “sex selection,” where males and females choose their mates based on one unusual physical characteristic that is not necessarily associated with fitness.
It is noteworthy to note, however, that having blue eyes is not diabolic or evil and the only way to know if someone has natural or artificial blue eyes is to ask the person.
4A f r i k a n
Post
August 2 0 2 1
Page 25
Ethiopia to build local rival to Facebook, other platforms
INSA, which is responsible for monitoring telecommunications and the internet. Twitter declined to comment. Zoom did not immediately reply to a comment request. Shumete declined to specify a timeline, budget and other details, but told Reuters: “The rationale behind developing technoloEthiopia has been engulfed since last year in an gy with local capacity is clear … Why do you think China is using WeChat?” armed conflict pitting the federal government He said Ethiopia had the local expertise to against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which controls the Tigray region in the develop the platforms and would not hire outsiders to help. country’s north. Social messaging app WeChat is owned by China-headquartered Tencent Holdings Supporters of both sides have waged a parallel (0700.HK), is widely used in the country, war of words on social media.The government wants its local platform to “replace” Facebook, and is considered to be a strong tool by Twitter, Whatsapp and Zoom, the director gen- Chinese authorities for monitoring its population. eral of the Information Network Security Shumete also referred Reuters to comments Agency (INSA), Shumete Gizaw, said. he made on Friday to a local language media outlet in which he accused Facebook Shumete accused Facebook of deleting posts and user accounts which he said were “dissemi- of blocking users who were “preaching national unity and peace”. nating the true reality about Ethiopia”. He also told Al-Ain Amharic that authorities were working on the platform to replace Facebook and Twitter, while a trial has International human rights groups have criticized the Ethiopian government for unexplained already been completed of a platform to replace WhatsApp and Zoom and that platshutdowns to social media services including form will soon be operational. Facebook and WhatsApp in the past year. The government has not commented on those shutdowns. Source: Reporting by Dawit Endeshaw Facebook’s Africa spokesperson, Kezia AnimAddo, declined to comment on Ethiopia’s plans Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing by Angus MacSwan and did not respond immediately to a query about Shumete’s accusations. Ethiopia, a country of about 115 million, has about 6 million Facebook users according to Statista. But in June, days before national elections, Facebook said it had removed a network of fake accounts in Ethiopia targeting domestic users which it linked to individuals associated with ADDIS ABABA, Aug 23 (Reuters) – Ethiopia has begun developing its own social media platform to rival Facebook (FB.O), Twitter (TWTR.N) and WhatsApp, though it does not plan to block the global services, the state communications security agency said on Monday.
August 2021
Page 26
Nigeria ranked the country with the highest cryptocurrency adoption in the world
In a recent survey that evaluated dozens of countries according to crypto usage, Nigeria ranks 1st as the country with the highest crypto adoption in the world. The survey finds that one-in-three Nigerians have used or owned crypto at some point.
The survey also showed that around 300 million people globally in 2021 have owned or used crypto at some point in their lives.
According to recent data published by Binance, the largest cryptocurrency platform by trading volume, Nigeria ranks 1st globally as the leading country per capita for Bitcoin and cryptocurrency adoption, with nearly one-in-three Nigerians indicating they used or owned crypto assets in 2020. The survey found that the nation of almost 200 million people, mainly on the younger, more tech-savvy side, and the pre-existing prevalence of mobile phonebased P2P payments has led many Nigerians to explore cryptocurrency.
Notably, Vietnam ranked second by adoption as the nation of nearly 100 million has also seen huge demand in crypto, with activities varying from trading and P2P to payments and other utilities. Philippines and Turkey were the third and fourth-ranked nations for adoption, while Peru ranked fifth despite being the most advanced nation in Latin America for crypto adoption. Binance released the report yesterday on its blog site, explaining that the ranking
was based on Statista’s survey on selected countries that said they used or owned cryptocurrencies in 2020.
The cryptocurrency exchange noted that 2021 would be looked at as the inflexion point towards the global adoption of cryptocurrencies as around 300 million people worldwide have owned or used crypto at some point in their lives.
While the presence of 300 million global crypto users seems like an impressive feat, it’s still a far cry from the global monetary system that the crypto industry envisions for the world. Binance explained that 300 million is still not enough, adding that the figure is just 3.8% of the world’s population (7.9 billion) or 5.8% of the total people on earth between the ages of 15 to 65 (5.1 billion). The report concluded once crypto hits 50% usage around the world (2.55 billion people between 15 and 65 years old), it will become one of the widest-used technologies in the world. “For context, Google has nearly 4 billion users, while Facebook has almost 3 billion users”, the report stated. Source: Binance
ABEIKU SANTANA PROMOTES GASTRONOMY AS A NEW TOURISM PRODUCT AT GHANA-NIGERIA JOLLOF FACEOFF August 2021
Page 27
photo courtesy Jollofaceoff The ‘Jollof Face-off’ between Ghana and Nigeria was held over the weekend at Ohuru by HSE boardroom apartments in Lekki Peninsula II, Lagos with the winner taking home a cash prize of $5000 and bragging rights.
Four individuals with backgrounds in the area of Music, Tourism, Media, Culinary arts and brand influencing were selected as the cooking contest’s panel of judges. They were Nigeria’s Don Jazzy, Mukase Chic, Sisi Yemmie and Ghanaian ace broadcaster and tourism Ambassador Abeiku Santana aka Mr Tourism as he’s affectionately called.
read also: First JollofFestival in South Africa: Ghana tops, Nigeria Curates, Congo DR hosts — Africa wins
Tourism stakeholders to pay attention to the sector as it is a major economic booster.
The judges scored the contestants based on plating, texture, taste, side dish and accompanied protein choice for their presentations. Hilda Bassey, a multi-talented television cooking show host came face to face with Seyram Leslie Kumordzie, a private Lawyer from Ghana. Bassey, a regular feature on several shows and the host of ‘Dine of a Budget’ on Dstv emerged the winner, taking home the coveted US$5k prize money for the competition.
Nigerians on social media particularly Instagram did not hide their joy as their representative clinched the ultimate reward.The debate for the best jollof rice has been ongoing between Ghana and Nigeria for some time and has also gained a global attention from people from all walks of life.
Abeiku Santana praised the organisers and his co-judges alike, highlighting the competition as a great tourism project in the area of Gastronomy and the added benefits it brings the participating nations who are known to share a bitter-sweet rivalry in the world of gastronomy and sports, with soccer and jollof rice fueling this never ending love relationship between Ghana and Nigeria.
The Ghanaians on the other side have asked for a re-match in Ghana and that promises to be a great showdown to look out for. This competition was powered by Vfd Microfinance Bank Bank and supported by Afripay, Maggi, Ohuru by HSE and Cellar Central.
Ghana-Nigeria Jollof faceoff panel of judges from left to right: Don Jazzy, Joyce Gyebi (Mukase Chic) and Abeiku Santana in
Source: Theafricandream.net
He explained gastronomy and differentiated it from culinary, saying it is a “heritage and cultural product that uses the major cooking methods and techniques with emphasis on nutrition, palatability, applications of taste and tradition.” Abeiku encouraged Ghana and Nigeria
Houston Non-profit to establish World-Class Rehab Center in Ghana for Mentally ill August 2021
Clubhouse Ghana, a non-profit NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), has disclosed its plans to establish a community-oriented Rehabilitation Center to help revamp and reintegrate Mental Healthcare delivery into the fabric of society.
The Center, when completed next year, will open its doors to Recovered Patients / Clients; and provide them all with skills in carpentry, farming, cooking, bartending, masonry, plumbing, as well as other trades etc. (if necessary); in order for them to be self-sufficient when they recover from a Mental condition in any local Psychiatric Hospital.
The recovered individuals will gain an inner sense of self-pride, resilience and tenacity to face life’s challenges head on even when their families or communi-
ties forsake them due to the stigma attached to Mental Health and the shrouded influence in its wake!
Mental Health
The Founder of Clubhouse Ghana, Mona Lisa “ML” Brookshire née Blay-Miezah, explained that the general objective will be to support the government’s effort to
integrate mental health into the general healthcare delivery system across the country.
She noted that “Mental Health is indeed critical; because it impacts the thoughts, behaviours and emotions of individuals; and as such, has a direct impact on one’s actions and inactions as well as one’s sense of judgement and self-worth!”
Additionally, she stated that “Mental Health also has socio-economic implications for the patients, their families and the nation as a whole; since it contributes significantly to productivity and the human resource base of any country in Africa or the world at large”.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 33 percent of Ghanaians are mentally challenged. However, ML stated that the issue has not really been given the needed attention over the years due to several factors such as misconceptions, the fear of stigmatization, lack of training, poor funding mechanisms, ignorance, spiritual connotations, indifference, negligence among others. Situation in Ghana
In Ghana, ML noted that it is a common phenomenon to see Mentally ‘handicapped’ people loitering both day and night without proper clothing, food and medication. She explained that many Mental Health patients are oftentimes unable to access the needed social or medical support.
Page 28
Out of desperation coupled with Africa’s unnerving focus on superstition, most Mentally Challenged individuals are rather sent to spiritual leaders for exorcism and “healing”.
The aforementioned have devalued the dignity, worth and the rights of the patients living with a Mental Health condition. Such experiences should not be encouraged in the 21st century in an otherwise advanced country like Mother Ghana.
“The meagre budgetary allocations have not been able to support adequate Mental Health and Rehabilitation facilities; and as such little has been achieved over the years,” she stated.
Former Ghana Consulate in Houston Jack Webb (right) and Wife, Diane Webb (left) with ML in the middle. On the wall is a photo of president Akufo-Addo of Ghana Section 80, of Mental Health Act, 2012 (Act 846) talks about the establishment of a Mental Health Fund which will among other things, support the rehabilitation, skills training and empowerment of Mental Health patients. However, change and improvement have both eluded the lonesome individuals that walk the streets naked by day!
“It is obvious that no society can function without a robust Mental Health Advocacy system. Neglecting a country’s Mental Health system amounts to neglecting the country’s overall human capital which will eventually impact even more negatively on the country’s economy,”
August 2021
Page 29
Houston Non-profit to establish World-Class Rehab Center in Ghana for Mentally ill “There is the ardent need for society to see one’s Mental Health as a critical aspect of human and interpersonal development; and as such Clubhouse Ghana will initiate immediate actions to resolve the overarching challenges in order to promote efficiency and an all-inclusive society that embraces diversity and inclusion”, she stated.
Assistance
The Ministry of Health as well as the Ministry of Education will work hand in hand to propel the ML4Lyfe Foundation; as well as its nonprofit, NGO-arm to succeed at all cost.
Clubhouse Ghana is admirably the First-Ever Rehabilitation Center to be established in the entire West-African region. There are only two other Clubhouse-Franchised Rehabilitation Centers in Uganda and South Africa. Hence, Ghana will hold the mantle as the first trailblazing country to be granted funding, US resources and World Mental Health Federation support from Clubhouse International in Manhattan, New York to establish a Center that will operate primarily with the NGO’s business model as a whole: www.clubhouse-intl.org.
A Service to Ghana
With great optimism and enthusiasm for the celebration of life and stability, Mentally Challenged individuals that roam naked and hungry and unkempt will be finally taken off the streets and taken care of indefinitely.
For those that are functional, ML said they would attain their free Basic Senior High School (SHS) education through the involvement of the Ministry of Education. By virtue of the Rehabilitation Center’s objectives, the functional “clients” (no longer referred to as “patients”); will also learn a trade as quickly as possible and find work and accommodation with assistance from their assigned social workers.
“Sadly, those that are assessed to be non-functional or completely dysfunctional by the Head Psychiatrists will be committed for life into the institution and taken care of till they expire one day,” she indicated.
All these services will be completely FREE of charge (with the medical services rolled into a specific Healthcare insurance plan). Duly, from the provisions of international funding; no Challenged client will ever be turned away or rejected!
On the flip side of less extreme scenarios, albeit disturbing still… Lots of professionals in Ghana have also lost their places at work and are now frustrated and in hiding because of shame and embarrassment due to several relapses and lack of medication.
Once a person has “gone mad before” in local Ghanaian parlance, the stigma prevents them oftentimes from ever returning to school or work or even achieving future goals locally. (Teachers, nurses, even doctors, engineers, accountants, business owners etc. are all not exempt or excluded from the backlash, stigmatisation and spiritual interpretations of one’s medication and relapse history).
Plan of Action
At this time, the publication herein the Daily Graphic Newspapers and/or online will suffice as a “Clarion Call” for all Ghanaian Corporate Entities and Corporate Social Responsibility teams to assist the aforementioned project in its entirety.
Awareness and Erudition
Clubhouse Ghana will schedule tours for CEOs to visit the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Pantang and Ankaful to take an introspective look at the present heart-tugging unfortunate living conditions of individuals at the facilities. Kenny G endorses ML After the tour’s end for over 400 Corporate CEOs of Ghana and beyond, the Ghana CEO Summit www.ghanaceosummit.com will grant ML an opportune moment to share a 20-minute reel and presentation at the next Summit in August 2022. Her impassioned plea at the Summit will focus more on educative awareness; as opposed to fundraising because she believes that the latter will follow as soon as the powers that be understand Mental Health and truly truly “get it”! Local Funding
If you are moved today to give any amount of money at this particular moment, please send donations to +233 244 425 405 via MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) in the name of the Foundation. Alternatively, if you are able to donate with a debit or credit card for Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express, you can donate directly to the secure Fundraising portal below: www.gofundme.com/ML4LyfeFoundation
A hefty portion of your donations will be returned to you; and each individual or corporate donor will be able to write off their taxes annually since the Houston-based company is a 501(c) / 301(c) non-profit organization.
Thank you in advance for your interest and potential involvement in this project. REVEAL: When the architects finally construct the Clubhouse Ghana building; the infrastructure will have a unique emphasis on a Wall of Fame as well as a Walk of Fame; where the names of every single donor (regardless of denomination or amount given) will have their name engraved in the floors and walls of the entire facility! “A Legacy Project, indeed for all of us to ensure that no individual will ever be lowered or devalued or debased for the simple fact that they have experienced depression, anxiety or any other chemical imbalance (Mood… Bipolar) or Mental… Schizophrenia) and/or other Mental condition.
As of August, 2021, the ML4Lyfe Foundation has entered a Partnership with Rotary Club of Accra Industrial, under the overarching Rotary International http://www.rotary.org and Rotary Club of Houston; of which ML is a member, rotaryhouston.org. Finally
PLEASE join us for the Global Corporate Launch of ML4Lyfe Group via Zoom on Sunday, 26th December, 2021: posts.gle/Yc38pb hosted by Kwame “DJ Capelo” Kyiamah of Dallas, Texas.
Ride and ‘Surf’ the ‘Wave’ of Inclusion with Clubhouse Ghana today; because there is a ‘Sea’ of opportunity, gratification and fulfillment that awaits!!! Thank you very much! Servant CEO, ML
ML4Lyfe Group Of Companies
Global Office: 6231 Cantigny Lake Drive Katy, Texas 77493 www.ml4lyfe.com
info@ml4lyfe.com
Google Verified Businesses: http://g.page/ML4Lyfe
Bio/Profile: www.ted.com/profiles/9328681/about Office: +1 832 607 6022 African Presence: Ghana Liberia
Source: ML4Lyfe
4 BEDRROM HOUSE FOR SALE $110,000
Senegalese musician says he was removed from Olympics opening ceremony because he’s Black August
Built to last with original features in a quite desirable area.The home offers 4 bedrooms each with en-suite bathroom that has a shower, basin and toilet. Original plan was for an Airbnb.Main features are as follows:A beautiful kitchen, dining room and lounge.4 large bedrooms and four large bathroomsTank for water and hot water, molded ceiling3 biodegradable manholesBig purposely build underground water tank linked with water harvest pipesParking space for 3 cars, airElectric fence/fire & smoke alarm, air conditions, fansAntique and modern lights from London all in boxes ready to be fixedSmall landscaped garden (still growing)
All finishing/fittings are from UK: other fittings still in import boxes.
Contact Nana Kwasi on:703-725-6968 or
Phyllis on WhatsApp 0447440225799 for further information.
Page 30
the Japanese government, continued: “It’s not about the money, it’s just I feel sad and I feel disappointed about this. This is unfair. I did everything for this country. I arrived in 1994, I performed with Japanese artists everywhere, I participate in so many things. I went all over the world. And this is what I get.”
House for sale $110,000
This home is newly built, carefully planned with appealing spaces. Upon entering this cozy home., you are greeted by an open plan lounge and dining room where your family and friends relax and socialize. The house has a separate visitor’s bathroom/toilet and a fully fitted and functional kitchen with a stress-free space to enjoy. Ready to leave in with electricity and water on a 100 x 50 ft plot of land situated on the main road to Millennium City, Kasoa,
2021
Senegalese musician has said he was not allowed to perform at the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony because organizers did not want a Black face in the event. Latyr Sy, a percussionist, has lived in Japan for more than 20 years and has performed with scores of prominent Japanese artists. He was set to perform in Friday’s opening ceremony at the National Stadium but his role was removed by organizers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for being Black, he told the Independent.
Before this, he had been booked for the ceremony in December and given the rehearsal schedule in April. Organizers also instructed him to block out his diary and keep the show’s plans confidential. He was also asked not to accept any other job and to take his temperature each day to monitor possible Covid symptoms
But in August when he realized that his contract had been delayed, he decided to find out why. He said a PR company told him that organizers do not want him anymore in the ceremony because having an African man in the show would mean that they would have to bring in people from different ethnicities and nationalities. “It’s totally racist,” Sy said. “I was told they said ‘Why this guy? Why this African guy?’ I’ve seen a lot of stuff, I’ve felt a lot of things, but this just doesn’t fit with the Olympics. Why should I be silent?”
Despite being cut from his role, he realized after watching the rehearsal on television that his section was still included in the show. “When I saw it I just felt sad,” he said. “I’m from a small island, a slave island called Goree. I lived in this country for more than 20 years and this scandalous Olympics… it hurts. I’m afraid to talk but I’m just ready to let it out. I want to share my story. I’m not trying to blame anybody, we just have to let the people know this happened.” Sy, who has traveled internationally to play on behalf of
Tokyo 2020 is yet to respond to the allegations. This week, the director of the opening ceremony, Kentaro Kobayashi, was sacked after he reportedly made jokes about the Holocaust. Before that, the ceremony’s musical composer Keigo Oyamada resigned after reports said he had bullied classmates and boasted about it in an interview.
Despite concerns over the Covid-19 situation, Japan made it known earlier this month that the Games would go ahead in empty stadiums. The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games was held on Friday, July 23. However, the women’s softball and football competitions started on Wednesday. Japan is currently under a state of emergency which will be in place until August 22. There will be no fans or the fanfare that traditionally accompanies the games. And with dozens of coronavirus cases being recorded among the athletes, coaches and staff, people in Japan are angry at their government for the decision to go ahead with the games.
The Olympics will end on August 8 while the Paralympic Games, which will begin on August 24, will end on September 5. The 2020 Olympics and Paralympics were postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
https://face2faceafrica.com/
August
2021
Page 31
US Branch of Asante Professionals Club Inaugurated
August 2021
Page 32
Bishop Kofi Adonteng Boateng, Hon. Atta Boafo-Consular General , Dr. Akwasi Achampong, Nana Osei Agyemang Bawuah Otumfuo Aboafuohene , Barbara Acheampong-President of APC. Hon. Asenso Boakye, Prince Edusei- APC Ghana President and Golash Adade-President of Asanteman Association of Washington Metro
Dr. Akwasi AchampongChairman, APC-USA Patrons
Nana Osei Agyemang Bawuah Otumfuo Aboafuohene
Hon. Kingsley Atta-Boafo Consular General Of New York
US Branch of Asante Professionals Club Inaugurated
August 2021
Mr. Prince Edusei (APC-Ghana President)
Barbara Acheampong (APC-USA President)
Page 33
Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye (APC Founder)
US Branch of Asante Professionals Club-USA Inaugurated
August 2021
Page 34
August 2021
US Branch of Asante Professionals Club Inaugurated
Page 35
SHOULD I SELL NOW or WAIT?
house up for sale soon to take advantage of the current demand, you can wait out the pandemic (however long that takes) for a more vivid picture of the future of the economy, or you can opt to stay in your current home for the foreseeable future.
August 2021
Page 34
Francis Boateng Aims to Change Lives as the Creator of Ghana’s First Solar Panel Factory
However, the overall consensus with most experts is that selling your house now, would earn you top dollars. You august also be able to stretch your dollars more with the lowest interest rates we have ever experienced.
I hope this has given you an insight in As the global marketplace shifts to alternative energy, Ghana’s first solar panel factory is stealing the spotlight helping you make some decisions. for what are, perhaps, obvious reasons. Blessings in full portion!
I am always excited to send this information your way, every time I get the opportunity to do so.
The question to sell now or wait has been a back and forth concern for most families in the current real estate market. I hope this piece of literate would shed some light on your concerns and help you make a good informed decision. Heading into 2021, housing market experts are predicting a year of high demand and rising home prices.
After an initial drop in housing market activity last spring coinciding with stayat-home orders and closed businesses, home buying and selling rebounded quickly. Buyers are still eager to move, but the lesser supply of homes on the market in many parts of the U.S. is contributing to rising home prices. As a result, it remains a seller’s market that benefits homeowners who are choosing to sell now. If you're on the fence about selling, you have a few choices: You can put your
For more information about your real estate needs (buying, selling, leasing/renting a house) call me at 571-229-6694 and I will help you get started. Thank you. Anita A. Bediako- REALTOR® Samson Properties Licensed Real Estate Agent in Virginia and Maryland
Licensed Life and Health Insurance CONTACT 571-229-6694
Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com Website: borderlessrealestate.com
Francis Akuamoah Boateng built Solar Power Solutions (SPS) in 2016, and since then, his business has been slowly but steadily growing. According to report, Boateng built the factory at a cost of $50 million. Born out of Boateng’s vision for an Africa that was solely dependent on alternative energy, SPS provides “off-grid and grid systems, photovoltaic systems and PV street lights,” per its website. Boateng realized that Ghana needed a solar panel factory when he would walk the streets at night and realize that it was always dark because there wasn’t enough electricity to power the lights.
“So I said to myself, ‘why can’t we have lights around and then I remembered that the national grid cannot extend to those areas?’” he said in an interview.
He also said that it was rare for rural areas in Ghana to have electricity — a commodity the Westernized world takes for granted — which was another reason why he was inspired to establish SPS. Today, Boateng’s son manages the solar panel factory, whose products are exclusively manufactured and distributed in Ghana. In addition to providing jobs and electricity, SPS provides inspiration to the Ghanaian locals, who look to Boateng as an aspirational businessman. https://howafrica.com/
August 2 0 2 1
1635 Woodside Drive Woodbridge VA 22191
Page
37
August 2021
Page 37
August 2021
Asante Professionals Club Inaugurated in the USA
The United States branch of the Asante Professionals Club was inaugurated on Saturday April 21, 2021, in Greenbelt, Maryland, under the theme, “Development of Asanteman by its own people”. In her opening remarks Ms. Barbara Acheampong, the Founder and President of APC-USA expressed her view that “inaugurations provide a unique opportunity to look at our shared history, to reflect on some of the foundation building that brought us to this moment and to gaze with optimism, and indeed, with hope, into the future together.” Ms. Acheampong also took the opportunity to express her profound appreciation to the Patrons for their stewardship, members for their tremendous support, and to Manhyia for their endorsement of the Association. She said “Today is a day of celebration for our organization, and a time to honor and appreciate our heritage while glimpsing at the future with confidence and hope. It is a day of reflection about the unity ingrained in us as Asantes that has strengthened us and brought us to this point. “
The occasion was chaired by Nana Osei–Agyeman Bawuah, Otumfuo’s Aboafuohene. Addressing the gathering, Nana Osei-Agyeman Bawuah admonished the members to explore the establishment of an Asanteman Development Bank. The Special guest of the honor was Hon. Kingsley AttaBoafo who is the Consular General of New York. On his part he averred that “the theme cannot stand without leveraging the skills, knowledge and talents of our professionals of Asante origin living and working in the United States to support the Development agenda of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the King of Asantes and the interest of our people, where implementation of health care and education has been critical segments of Otumfuo Development Plan (ODP).”
He implored the gathering to traditionally train Asante children to understand and be able to speak our Akan language as it will improve communication and understanding within the family and also with fellow Ghanaians, which is very common amongst other migrant communities living within the USA. Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, the Member of Parliament for Bantama and also the Minister for Works and Housing and a Founding member of APC, graced the occasion and gave a detailed account of why and how the Asante Professionals Club was started. He was joined by Mr. Prince Edusei who is President of Asante Professionals Club-Ghana. Bishop Kofi Adonteng Boateng of Divine Word Ministries added color to the event by offering prayers for the Association and asking God’s guidance for the success of the Club. Mr. Golash Adade represented the Asanteman Association of Washington Metropolitan area in his capacity as President. Some notable Asante personalities who have distinguished themselves in their areas of expertise were honored by the association. These were Dr. Akwasi Achampong and Dr. Michael Obeng. Some members of the Asante Professionals Club who have served with distinction were also honored. These were Daniel Boakye Mensah, Dr, Frederick Duah, Jeffrey Darko, Juaben Serwaa, George Kwasi Bright, Awura Ama Asantewaa Oduro-Manu, and Dr. Anthony Adade. Each was presented with a plaque with a citation.
Also Kwame Baah-Acheamfour aka Kwame Nie who happens to be the pillar behind the formation of APC-USA was honored with the Pinnacle Award. About Asante Professionals Club: Asante Professionals Club (APC) was originally
Page 38
formed in Ghana when Hon. Asenso Boakye brought together a group of friends in 2015 to create a networking platform that composed professionals of Asante descent to exchange ideas and work together in furtherance of the development of the Asante Kingdom. This was in direct response to Otumfuo’s vision to bring together professionals of Asante origin all over the globe to support the development agenda of Asanteman. In 2017, Ms. Barbara Acheampong traveled to Ghana and her friend Kwame Baah-Acheamfour aka Kwame Nie invited her to an APC meeting where she bought into the vision of APC. On her return, Kwame Nie urged her to form the APC branch in the United States. She therefore reached out to a network of Asante colleagues and friends and formed a branch of the Asante Professionals Club in the USA, now referred to as APC-USA. The association was birthed in August 2019. To this end, the APC-USA Branch is registered and recognized in the USA as a legal 501(c) (3) non-profit organization focused on leveraging the skills, knowledge, and talents of Asante professionals to support Otumfuo’s Development Plan. APC-USA is currently focused on the design and implementation of healthcare and education programs, two critical segments of Otumfuo’s Development Plan, and it continues to seek opportunities to engage and partner with individuals and institutions to further its programmatic goals. His Majesty Otumfuo’s recognition of APC-USA has provided a powerful foundation of support as it mobilizes resources in the United States and work to actualize His Majesty’s commitment to improving social and economic lives across the Asante Kingdom. The Founding Members of Asante Professionals Club-USA are those members who attended the first meeting of the Club held on August 10th 2019 and agreed to be part of the Club. These Founding Members, numbering 10 in total, comprise the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Barbara Acheampong Daniel Boakye-Mensah Bright Gyimah Kofi Tonto Dr Akwasi Achampong Jeffrey Darko Akosua Abrefi Dr. Samuel Akuoko Konongo Fordjour Dr. Micheal Obeng
In the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, APC USA in collaboration with APC Ghana donated PPEs to the Covid Recovery Center in Kumasi-Ghana. APC-USA joined in the celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu’s 70th birthday at Manhyia and presented 1,000 customized Otumfuo@70 Bag packs to support of the work of the Otumfuo Charity Foundation. Other ongoing projects include a 40footer container of medical supplies to three community health centers in the Asante Region and an Educational Partnership with Babson College the world’s best business entrepreneurial school for the past 20 years.