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From the Editor
Afrikan Post
O u r G r ea tes t G lor y is n o t 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 br in gin g th e co mmu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ia s po r a . Yo u ma y als o vis it ou r web s ite at www. af r ikan pos t. com f or da ily n ews u p d ates o n Af r ica . D is claimer : Th e op in ion s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles an d s tor ies in th is N ews paper ar e th os e o f th e au th o r s a n d d o n o t n eces s a r ily r ef lect th e views of Af r ik an Po s t . All co mmen ts an d s u g g es tio n s ar e welcome.
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D E PA R T M E N T S Vol 9 Issue 9
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Rihanna Is Giving Out Bicycles to Malawian Girls to Get Them to School on Time
Pg. 9
Legends Keep Fit Club Donates To Black Starlets Pg. 16
September
On Sept. 5, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated the orderly phase out of the program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DHS will provide a limited, six-month window during which it will consider certain requests for DACA and applications for work authorization, under specific parameters.
Next Steps for Phasing Out DACA
All DACA benefits are provided on a two-year basis, so individuals who currently have DACA will be allowed to retain both DACA and their work authorizations (EADs) until they expire.
USCIS will adjudicate, on an individual, case by case basis:
Properly filed pending DACA initial requests and associated applications for employment authorization documents (EADs) that have been accepted as of Sept. 5, 2017. Properly filed pending DACA renewal requests and associated applications for EADs from current beneficiaries that have been accepted as of the date of this memorandum, and from current beneficiaries whose benefits will expire between Sept. 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018 that have been accepted as of Oct. 5, 2017. Individuals who have not submitted an application by Sept. 5, for an initial request under DACA may no longer apply. USCIS will reject all applications for initial requests received after Sept. 5. https://www.dhs.gov
US Imposes Sanctions on 3 South Sudan Officials The U.S. also imposed sanctions on three South Sudanese companies by owned or controlled by Reuben.
The State Department says it is targeting the men for their roles in threatening the peace, security or stability of South Sudan, which is in the fourth year of a bloody civil conflict that has displaced four million people.
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Are You Thirsty? Are You Hungry? Be Filled Pg. 11
UPDATE
GapBuster, Inc. 16th Anniversary Gala Pg. 7
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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals 2017 Announcement
Ghanaian Jazz Enthusiasts Collaborate On Musical Eulogy In Honor Of Highlife Legend Paapa Yankson
Ghanaians in the West Coast and Midland Regions of the US to Have Easy Access to Biometric Data Capturing Centers. Pg. 5
2017
South Sudan's former army chief, Paul Malong. On Sept. 6, 2017, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on two senior members of South Sudan's government and army chief, Paul Malong. The Trump Administration has imposed sanctions on two senior members of South Sudan's government and the country's former army chief.
The measure Wednesday freezes any assets that Information Minister Michael Makuei Leuth, deputy defense chief Malek Reuben and former army chief Paul Malong have under U.S. jurisdiction. The three are also barred from entering the United States.
“These actions send a clear message to those enriching themselves at the expense of the South Sudanese people that we will not let them exploit the U.S. financial system to move and hide the proceeds of their corruption and malign behavior,” said Sigal Mandelker, under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, in a statement posted on the U.S. Treasury's website.
“Treasury will forcefully respond to the atrocities ongoing in South Sudan by targeting those who abuse human rights, seek to derail the peace process, and obstruct reconciliation in South Sudan," he said.
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Tanzania’s President Refuses Ghanaians in the West Coast and Midland Regions of the US to Have Easy to Extend Presidential Term Limit Access to Biometric Data Capturing Centers.
DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) – Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Monday rejected calls from some of his supporters to extend his rule beyond the constitutional limit of two, five-year terms, bucking a trend in the region.
Mr.-Anil-Katoch-VFS-Global-Ambassador-Martha-PobeeHon.-Bernard-Quatson-signing-the-agreement
The Christian Journal, New York – As part of the avowed aim of Hon. Shirley A. Botchway, ( MP) Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana to improve consular services to the Ghanaian Diaspora, The Ghana Mission in New York is partnering with VFS global to expand biometric capturing process in the US west coast , the Midland region and other designated locations in the United States. Until this arrangement, Ghanaians in the West Coast of US were flying for 5 hours to New York or Washington D.C to process their passport applications.
This move commenced on Friday, August 18, 2017 when the Ghana Mission signed a cooperation agreement with VFS global to start the project. Unveiling the project, Hon. Bernard Quatson, the Consul General of Ghana to New York pointed out that the goal of the Mission is to ensure that the biometric capturing process is accessible in places with high Ghanaian demographics like Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago.
On her part, Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Martha Pobee said the partnership will allow the Ghana Mission to improve on service delivery while catering to the needs of the growing number of biometric passport applicants in the USA.
Mr. Anil Katoch , VFS Global Chief Operating Officer-Americas said that VFS Global is an outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions with contracts in over 123 cities worldwide.
According to Mr. Katoch, the company, which has 23,000 office locations, manages visa and passport issuance-related administrative and non-discretionary tasks for its clients. He said apart from ensuring easy access to passport applications, the partnership with the Ghana Mission will create employment to Ghanaians in the Diaspora. Present at the signing ceremony were Mr. Fred Ansong Dwamena, Executive Secretary General of the National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA); Mr. Abdul Salam, President of Yankassa Association of USA.
Also present were Mr. Paul Odei of International Travel Exchange and the representative of the Travel and Tour industry, and Mr. Mohamed Mardah, a representative of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce of USA.
Several leaders including Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and Burundi’s Pierre Nkurunziza have all tinkered with or defied their constitutions to extend their rule.
“It’s impossible. I will respect the constitution,” Magufuli told a public rally in the coastal Tanzanian town of Tanga after a member of parliament from the ruling CCM party called for an extension of his rule to at least 20 years.
“I have sworn to defend the constitution … I shall play my part and pass on the leadership reins to the next president when the time comes.”
Tanzania, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s most stable democracies, has held five relatively peaceful multi-party elections since 1995, all won by the ruling party.
Magufuli was elected in October 2015 for his first term and he has not indicated whether he will seek re-election at the next polls in 2020. But if he does and wins, he would then be ineligible to contest the vote in 2025.
Some opposition leaders say there is a shadow campaign being carried out by Magufuli’s supporters to find ways of prolonging his rule beyond the two terms.
Former president, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, from the ruling CCM party, who himself served only terms in 1985-1995, first publicly raised the idea in June.
“If it wasn’t for term limits, I would have suggested that Magufuli should be our president for eternity,” Mwinyi told a cheering crowd in Tanzania’s commercial capital Dar es Salaam at the time.
Nicknamed “the Bulldozer” for his strict leadership style, Magufuli has won praise from some Western donors for his tough anti-corruption fight.
Opponents, however, accuse him of cracking down on dissent and limiting democratic space. He has denied the allegations, saying he was not a dictator.
The drive to root out corruption has felled ministers, the head of government’s anti-graft body, the tax chief and thousands of civil servants.
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GapBuster, Inc. 16th Anniversary Gala
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On Thursday August 17, 2017 GapBuster Inc. a nonprofit, minority-founded educational organization dedicated to empowering the community through education marked their 16th anniversary at the Silver Spring Civic Center with series of activities including a book launching by Honorable Kojo Yankah a former Member of Parliament in Ghana.. Before the main event Hon.. Yankah’s launched his new book "Our Motherland, My Life” an autobiography of Honorable Kojo Yankah (former MP and Minister of Central & Ashanti Regions of Ghana) which guides one through his life as a youngster in school leading to a career and service in politics, parliament as a minister of the Central region, Director of Ghana Institute of Journalism, Director of PANAFEST and Founders / President of African University College of Communications.
The theme for the celebration of Gap Buster’s 16th Anniversary was “Unity through education: the path to Greatness”. Gap Buster was founded by Dr. Yvette Butler Yeboah with a mission to cultivate the talents and leadership abilities of the youth so they can effect change both within themselves and their communities. Hon. Kojo Yankah the keynote speaker spoke about the great work by pan Africanists on the African continent and bemoaned the wrong misconceptions created about Africa by the some people in the western World. He assured the audience of new lease of life and hope for Africa in the current generation.
Hon. Yankah is the founder and President of the African University College of Communications and is also a former editor of the Daily Graphic, the widest circulation newspaper in Ghana. He is also a published non-fiction author of books such as Crossroads at Ankobea. Accra; End of a journey: or a journalist report from the Libyan Jamahiriya, Dialogue with the North, and Otumfuo Osei Tutu II: the King on the Golden Stool to name a few The Mistress of Ceremony – Pat Lawson-Muse, NBC News4 Anchor in Washington DC steered the evenings affaires packed with performances by Legendary Drummer , Okyerema Asante, fashion shows, musical performances and poetry recital. King Peggy of Ghana was the Special Guest at the function with Congressman Jamie Raskin and Hoan DangCandidate for Montgomery County Council At Large in attendance
The Mission of GapBuster's is to cultivate the talents and leadership abilities of youths so they can effect change both within themselves and their communities. GapBuster Learning Center strives to enable students to meet their full potential in spite of socioeconomic disadvantages through programs that will engage them academically and intellectually beyond the school day.
Hon. Kojo Yankah With his family talking about His New Book- "Our Motherland, My Life"
His Excellency Koby Koomson, Dr. Mrs. Yvette Butler Yeboah, Mr. Kojo Yankah, Mr. Ekuoba Yeboah, and Mrs. Bertha Helena Koomson
Former Ghanaian Ambassador to the United States H.E Koby Koomson
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Dr. Yvette Butler Founder and President of GapBuster Inc
Hon. Kojo Yankah Delivering the Keynote address
Hon. Hoan Dang-Candidate for Montgomery County Council At Large
Jamin Ben Raskin - U.S. Representative for Maryland's 8th congressional district
Mistress of Ceremony -NBC News 4 Anchor Pat Lawson Muse
Ghana's legendary Master Drummer, Okyerema Asante
Nana Amuah-Afenyi VI known informally as King Peggy, the reigning chief of the town of Otuam in the Central Region of Ghana was the Special Guest
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South Africa: SA, Russia Sign Oil and Gas Development Agreement September
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South Africa and Russia on Monday signed an agreement that will see about US$400 million invested in oil and gas development.
The agreement between PetroSA, the oil and gas corporation of South Africa, and Rosgeo, geological exploration company of the Russian Federation, was signed at the 9th annual BRICS Summit, currently underway in Xiamen, China.
"The agreement involves the development in the exploration areas of blocks 9 and 11a off the South Coast of South Africa. Within the framework of the agreement, Rosgeo is supposed to conduct a considerable volume of geological exploration work. It is planned to carry out more than 4 000 square km of 3D seismic operations and over 13 000 km of gravity-magnetic exploration works, as well as the drilling of exploratory wells. The estimated volume of the investment is about US$400 million," said PetroSA. Allafrica.com
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Ghanaian Jazz Enthusiasts Collaborate On Musical Eulogy In Honor Of Highlife Legend Paapa Yankson
Paapa Yankson (top), Nathan pryce (guitar), Dela Botri (flute), Frank Kissi (drums) and Kwame Yeboah (Keyboard)
US-Based Jazz Guitarist, Business Owner and Technology Specialist Nathan Pryce, teamed up with musician friends in Ghana to record a musical eulogy honoring the memory of legendary Ghanaian Highlife musician Paapa Yankson.
Mr. Pryce in an interview with TheAfricanDream.net late August 2017 said he "sadly heard of the passing of the great Paapa while I was vacationing in Ghana. As a jazz guitarist, I decided to express my condolence in a musical eulogy in collaboration with the very talented Dela Botri (Flute) and Frank Kissi (Drums)‌�
The jazz guitarist first met Paapa Yankson several years ago whilst celebrating the new year at the Golden Tulip Hotel in the company of talented Ghanaian and UK-based keyboardist Kwame Yeboah. "I personally enjoy Paapa's music and have known them for decades", Mr. Pryce revealed to TheAfricanDream.net as he continued to say, "I promised Papa when we met, that I was going to replay some of his songs in smooth jazz format someday so am glad to be keeping this promise."
"I was very sad to hear he passed away, so in honor of his blessed memory and acknowledgment of his positive influence in the Ghanaian music circles I had the honor of being also joined by flutist and percussionist Dela Botri to play Paapa's song 'Tena Me Nkyen' in smooth jazz format." - Nathan Pryce
Mr. Pryce extolled the respective musical prowess of the men who joined him to work on the jazz cover: "they all are legends in their own
respects and I personally feel this was our heartfelt send off for Paapa."
The group first recorded the cover version live at +233 Jazz Bar and Grill in Accra; Ghana's premier Jazz and Live Music Club. When Mr. Pryce was asked whether this was a sign of more to come from him, he responded, "I love music, especially jazz and I play it leisurely, but this song 'Tena Me Nkyen' is particularly very dear to me and those I produced it with and for now I would like to leave things there Long live Paapa Yankson and his music."
Listen to, download and share track in the link below and let us know what you think of it or the memories it evoked. https://www.audiomack.com/song/theafrica ndreamllc/tena-me-nkyen-cover-version Paapa Yankson, born June 22, 1944, died on July 21, 2017, at his residence Ghana's capital city Accra is one of Ghana's celebrated Highlife sensations who influenced the music industry for over 3 decades. He has about 16 albums to his credit and has performed all over Ghana, Africa, Europe and the US.
He was 73 years old.
Source: Oral Ofori
East Africa Is Leading The World In Drone Delivery September
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honor belongs to East Africa. A second East African nation announced Thursday it will launch a fully automated drone delivery program. The drones will fly themselves, far from the view of humans -- a move that's not yet legal in the U.S. While plenty of countries have dabbled in drone delivery, no program has matched the scale and impact of what's unfolding in Rwanda and now, Tanzania. In early 2018, Tanzania's government will begin using drones to deliver medical supplies such as blood and vaccines to remote areas. The government expects to save lives thanks to faster delivery of medical supplies. Rwanda has already completed 1,400 similar deliveries. "Everyone has this paradigm that robotics and artificial intelligence starts in the U.S., made by rich people for rich people. It couldn't be farther from the truth," said Keller Rinaudo, CEO of Zipline, which is supplying the drones. "There's a major shift [occurring] where it's not about the country with the most resources; it's more about the countries with modern regulatory reform and a willingness to try new things." Tanzania will open four drone distribution centers with Silicon Valley startup Zipline, providing more than 100 drones and 2,000 flights a day. It's also discussing a partnership with another drone company. Amazon, a juggernaut in the world of drones, has completed one delivery in Britain. Other companies have undertaken or promised limited operations in countries such as the U.S., New Zealand, Switzerland and China. In little time, Tanzania's government sentiment around drones has shifted from "nervous" to "excited" according to Laurean Bwanakunu, who leads the government agency responsible for procuring and storing medical supplies to the country. Leaders figured the system couldn't work -- and if it did, a drone couldn't carry more than a few pounds. But then Tanzania watched as its neighbor Rwanda launched a drone delivery program with Zipline. It realized drones could complement its existing network of trucks, which deliver $600 million of medical supplies around the country. "If an African country like Rwanda is doing it, and it's just a stone's throw away from where we are, why not us?" Bwanakunu said. "The issue is being able to dare and try it. We made a decisions as a country that we wanted to move forward." Previously, the government delivered medical supplies only four times a year due to costs. Bwanakunu envisions several deliveries per week including for emergencies. Tanzania has committed to using the Zipline technology for one year. If things go well, it plans to expand the program. The government is confident the autonomous drones will be safe. Bwanakunu's group received permits from its aviation authority and minister of defense. The drones are required to stay below the height of traditional aviation and give airports a wide berth. They include a parachute that deploys if that anything goes wrong. This isn't the first time East Africa has been a step in front of the "developed world." "We were ahead with mobile money too," said Bwanakunu, referring to M-PESA, which allows for money to be sent through cell phones. "If today trying this technology will save a human life, why not?"
CNNMoney (Washington)
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Ghanaian woman to the rescue of Uber: meet Bozoma Saint John
the 1981 coup d’etat – and mother Aba Arthur who sold clothes.
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Eight years after the coup d’etat, the family including Bozoma’s three younger sisters emigrated to Colorado in the United States where she continued her education.
“The first few months were really hard. Having a name that people can’t pronounce,” she told the New York Times.
African News – Global transportation company Uber has sought the services of a U.S.-based Ghanaian woman to enhance the corporate culture of the company, which has recently had troubling times.
40-year-old Bozoma Saint John is the company’s first chief brand officer hired last month to turn around the $68 billion company’s image riddled with scandals including sexual assault allegations leading to the resignation of CEO Travis Kalanick in June.
“Well, I’m not naive about that at all. And by the way those things are very serious. Again it’s about trying to be the representation for what I want to see. You know, I want change,” Bozoma said in a recent interview with CBS News acknowledging the huge task ahead of her.
She was a marketing executive at Apple Music after joining the company following its acquisition of Beats Music which she joined in 2014.
“I want things to be great for people of color and for women. For us to be able to show up at work, do our best work, and be appreciated for that work. There’s gonna be lots of challenges … But I’m hopeful,” she added. Who is Bozoma Saint John?
“In Colorado Springs, Colorado, my family moved there, we were the first Ghanaian family in Colorado Springs. By the time I went to college, there were four or five families who were there,” Bozoma proudly mentioned her roots in the interview with CBS where she explained how she emigrated with her family from Ghana at the age of 12.
Bozoma Saint John, née Arthur was born on January 21, 1977 to father Rev. Dr. Appianda Arthur – who was a member of the Parliament in Ghana from 1979 until
Bozoma acknowledged her mother’s zeal to ensure they stay connected to the African culture.
She graduated from the Wesleyan University in 1999 and moved to New York to work menial jobs.
She ended up in Spike Lee’s advertising firm where she was introduced to marketing campaigns among others.
She took a marketing job at Pepsi where she met her late husband – advertising executive Peter Saint John who died of Burkitt lymphoma in 2013.
The single mother worked at Pepsi for almost a decade before joining Beats Music in 2014 and subsequently, Apple, after it bought Beats for $3 billion same year.
Bozoma was the head of global consumer marketing for iTunes and Apple Music and this gave her the opportunity to be the first black woman to present a product at Apple’s developers’ conference last year.
With Uber, Bozoma Saint John says she is not afraid.
“I’ve never been afraid of anything and I see potential. I see opportunity. There’s certainly things that have happened that I don’t condone, that I’m not comfortable with and I’m not okay with, but I think representation matters too,” she said.
favor of a bid from within the continent.
One of six African nations will bid to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships as the continent hopes to stage the global meet for a first time, the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) president Hamad Kalkaba Malboum has said.
“President Coe is supporting the fact that Africa could host the World Championships,” the 66-year-old added.
“We are talking with Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco — those countries have the facilities,” Malboum told the BBC on Wednesday.
Qatar and the U.S. will host the 2019 and 2021 championships respectively, with the decision on the hosts for the 2025 edition set to be announced in 2020.
The Cameroonian said that African countries had now come to understand the African countries have previously held sevimportance of the event after showing eral major sporting events with South little interest in hosting the champiAfrica hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup onships in the past. and Morocco staging an IAAF Diamond League event this year. Three nations also “I think many now realise that (staging co-hosted the 2003 Cricket World Cup. the championships) could put the nation Malboum believes that the continent’s pre- on the world map in terms of publicity and promote tourism, so there is a benevious hosting record indicated that the biennial championships could also be held fit from hosting the event. This was not the case in the past,” Malboum said. successfully in Africa.
“I have very positive sounds from some of them. People said that Africa could not host the World Cup in football, but we did it very successfully.”
Malboum added that the governing body IAAF’s head Sebastian Coe was also in
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Are You Thirsty? Are You Hungry? Be Filled
possibly dark. Pause and quietly search for it, identify it and desire to fill it. Only one personality, only one entity, can fill it and fill it beyond measure that it will overflow. That person is the Lord Jesus, the anointed Son of God, the Living Water, the Bread of Life. In John chapter four (4), when Jesus Christ went to the well of Jacob and began to engage the Samaritan woman, He went intentionally not because He was thirsty, but because she was. This move was at a point of His ministry when He began to meet His full purpose, to reach out to the entire world, and not just to the Jews. Thus, Jesus decides to dialogue with a Samaritan woman, although Jews and Samaritans were socially forbidden to interact with each Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah other. When Jesus said to her, “give me a drink” (4:7), it here are thirsts that cannot be quenched and there was His invitation and lead into her life to quench her thirst, for the Samaritan woman had been hungry and thirsty for are hungers than can never be satisfied by our years, looking for fulfillment in relationships, and numerous own hands. There can be emptiness in a person men, yet she was still empty and unfulfilled. She responds to that will never be filled by any physical or monetary Him with, “‘How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a acquisition, food, companionship, success, lifestyle, drink since I am a Samaritan woman?’ (For Jews had no wealth or even family. The hole will remain and as much as you try to fill it, to make it go away, it will not, dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the Gift of God and who it is who says to you, because you have yet to learn and accept that only one give me a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would entity, your creator, the great I Am, can fill that gaping have given you living water’” (John 4:9-10). He tells her in hole and complete your life. But He is still waiting for you to acknowledge Him and accept that you cannot ful- reference to the well water that, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water fill your life because you did not give yourself life. He awaits your acceptance of Him as the One, the only Way that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water, springing up to to the Father and the only God who cannot only mend your broken heart but can give you new life, an everlast- eternal life” (John 4: 13&14). In the course of their dialogue, Jesus discloses private information about her in His ing life of the kingdom of God, which is righteousness, attempt to reveal to her that He is the omniscient Messiah. peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). He tells her that she has had five husbands and that even the If you have Christ as your Savior, if you worship man with whom she is currently living is not her husband. Him and live for Him, if you do your best with the help She says to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming when that of the Holy Spirit to abide by His will daily, then, One comes, He will declare all things unto us” Jesus said to according to His word, you are on the right path, the her, “I who speak to you am He.” (John 4:25 & 26). Having path of life, the path where the kingdom of God is eviheard enough from Him, the Bible tells us that “the woman denced in your life; you are in accord with the True Vine, the Bread of Life, the Living Water, the Bright and left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men, “come, see a man who told me all things I ever did. Could Morning Star and even as you give Him all your heart and being, He continues to give you access to His Name, this be the Christ?” (John 4:28-29). It is interesting to note that the woman, who went to the well to retrieve water, His blood, His glory and His manifold blessings. leaves her waterpot behind and runs into the city to spread However, if you are not certain of your standing, your the good news of seeing the Messiah. The well and waterpot positioning, as a human in connection to the Lamb of here only serve as symbolic pieces within this narrative. God, Jesus Himself, whether you are within or without the church, then consider your existence and take stock, What we learn here is that Jesus, the Living Water, knows who thirsts and readily makes Himself available to quench introspect and see where you are, what your mind is that thirst and fill that gaping hole. occupied on and where your heart lies. What moves Evidently, that the woman had been married to five you? What compels you to live? What drive, purpose, husbands and is now living with a sixth man suggests she is and agenda do you have as you daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly move through your life and the space allotted searching for something and has not been able to find it. She has a thirst that no man or marital relationship has quenched, to you in this world? If you cannot ascertain that your but when she encounters Jesus, the Living Water, she life and purpose , your reason for being, is intrinsically abandons that symbolic waterpot and well, because her connected, intertwined, with the will and direction of parched soul had been filled and satisfied. What are you God for your breath and existence, then you must take using in your attempt to fill that void in your life? Is it relastock of your life and your current situation because, whether you are aware of it or not, something is lacking; tionship after relationship? Is it material purchases after there is a loss, a displacement that you have yet to place material purchases? Is it food? One can hunger and eat physical food to try and fill the void, but physical food your finger on, that you have not quite articulated cannot do it. It is not the prescription that will bring the because you are in a fog, blinded, overwhelmed and overcome by distractions of life which are to preoccupy healing. And unfortunately, one could eat and eat and eat and become obese, entering another miserable state, yet that you intentionally so that you may never become hunger will not be satisfied. Or are you trying to fill that “unblind” and experience that epiphany, that you are void by endlessly working towards success and missing a precious and invaluable quality in your life. Pause and search your heart and soul for that emptiness, achievements, believing that when you attain a certain level, you will be filled and satisfied? The attainment of success is for that space in your heart and soul that is hallow and
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good, but be careful that you are not using your commitment to hard work and pursuit of success to mask and hide the lack in your life. If you don’t already have Christ, He is that need and no amount of career achievement or climbing of the ladder of success can substitute for the Living Water and the Bread of Life. The Bible tells us, “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matt 6:33). The things it refers to are the basic food and clothing, as cited in the previous verses (Matt 6: 31 & 32), but the Bible also assures believers that if we honor the Lord as we should, He will open the gates of heaven and pour out blessings into our lives that we will not even be able to contain (Malachi 3:10). In the book of John, Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life; he who comes to me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John 6:35). When Christ refers to Himself as the Bread of Life, He reminds us that just as we will hunger and starve should we not have physical bread, which provides the needed sustenance and nutrients for our physical bodies, so also will we hunger and die spiritually should we not have Him, our spiritual source of food. Without Him, we will be in a perpetual state of hunger and starvation because we are devoid of our critical spiritual sustenance, for He and His Word are one, even as John tells us that “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). To live as a human being without spiritual food is to hunger; further, to live without Christ is to be dead spiritually. So how do we take access to the Bread of Life? How do we avail ourselves to the Living Water that will never have us thirst again? If we want to live a full and satisfying life, if we desire to be fully aware of ourselves and spiritual state and not exist in a fog or in darkness, then we must look to Christ and see what He has to offer to us, even as the woman at the well came to perceive and understand. We must conclude that because He created us, He knows us just as He knew the intimate details of the woman’s life and came after her, because He knew His daughter was hungry and searching in the wrong places for what was missing in her life. Her spiritual being was not being fed and only He could provide the bread to satisfy the hunger and living water to quench her thirst. Are you aware of your hunger and thirst? Do you know its source? Are you searching for something you cannot place your finger on or are you doing all you can possibly do in your life and career yet still feel a dissatisfaction, and emptiness, a void that somehow is not being filled? Then look to Christ, the Bread of Life, the Living Water. Look to Him who created you to fill you up. Look to Him who designed you for Himself and His glory. Allow Him entrance to your life, so you can rest your waterpot. Allow Him the benefit of making you whole. Be filled.
Dr. Miriam Gyimah is available for speaking engagements. You may contact her at newepistlespress@outlook.com
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Prempeh College Alumni (Amanfoo) in North America Conclude Annual Reunion
Prempeh College Alumni (Amanfoo) resident in North America converged at Springfield Virginia over the Labor Day weekend in celebration of the annual Amanfoo North America (ANA) Reunion. The theme for the event was "footprints on the sands of time", and the objective was to raise funds towards the Amanfoo North America Prempeh Endowment Fund (ANAPEF). This year's festivities was also to celebrate members of the graduating class of 1974/76 for their stellar achievements. These Seniors attended the event in their large numbers and contributed generously towards the ANAPEF.
The three day celebration began on Friday September 1st with a meet-and-greet event at the Courtyard Marriott hotel in Springfield, Virginia. Over 100 old students most of whom arrived with their families met that evening to interact and rekindle old friendships. It was heartwarming to see some Amanfoo brave the storm in Houston Texas to make it to Virginia.
event. Senior G. Kwame Boateng (1984/86) and Adjoa Jewel Frimpong (AJ) controlled affairs as MC’s. Amanfoo and their
spouses partied through the night dancing to various highlife tunes from DJ Rek One.
The thanksgiving service held on the Sunday morning was officiated by Senior Rev. Elvis Acheampong (1981/83) who pastors the congregation at the Gateway international Christian Church in Alexandria. After the service, the fun continued with a soccer match between older seniors and younger seniors at the Loisdale Park in Springfield Virginia, with the older seniors prevailing by a score of 3-1. The festivities ended with an outdoor feast at the Courtyard Marriot hotel. Amanfoo and guests were treated to Ghanaian local dishes such as omotuo, tuo zaafi, waakye and kenkey, with chef Ghanaba grilling all evening. Amanfoo participated in various
activities including table tennis, samammo and board games. The 2017 Annual Amanfoo North America reunion was a great success with record fundraising. Prempeh College was founded in 1949 and was the first government assisted secondary school in Ashanti and Northern Sector of the Ghana.
The events continued on Saturday afternoon with a business meeting as Amanfoo discussed the policies and governance structure of the newly formed ANAPEF as well as ongoing developments in the school. The meeting included guest lectures on health and financial planning. Senior Dr. Adubofour of the class of the 1974/76 class gave an insightful presentation on diabetes, emphasizing patient empowerment and education. Senior Clifford Mpare (1974/76) spoke about the investment climate and opportunities in Ghana.
The highlight of the packed 3-day reunion was the fundraising dinner dance at the Hilton Hotel in Springfield Virginia. His Excellency Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, himself an Amanfoo (1960/62) was the guest of honor. Senior Yaw AsareAboagye (1974/76) chaired the event and he recalled with nostalgia activities in the school during the 70’s. He read a letter from the very first student admitted to Prempeh College in 1949. He entreated all Alumni to support the school.
The keynote speaker, Senior Kofi Bonner (1974/76), a real estate entrepreneur shared his experience from a recent visit to the school and expressed his disappointment over the deterioration of the school facilities. He acknowledged the excellent academic achievements of the current crop of students. Prempeh College won the 2016 edition of the World Robotics Competition held in Michigan, United States and recently won the 2017 National Science and Math Competition.
Seniors Kofi Bonner and Yaw Asare-Aboagye each made a donation of $10,000 towards the ANAPEF, setting the tone for the evening. At close of day, $86,165.80 had been raised in both cash and pledges towards the fund, bringing the total contributions raised in 2017 to nearly $90,000.00
The first ANA lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Senior Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong (1964/66), emeritus professor of pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana. As if destiny planned it, the award was presented by no other than Snr. Bafour-Awuah, the very Snr. Dr Ohene-Frimpong reported to in his 1st year back in Prempeh College.
Legendary Master Drummer Okyerema Asante and Master Percussionist Senior Joe Lartey (1972/74) performed at the
North America Alumni gathering group
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Okwahu United of North America holds Congress & 30th Anniversary Celebration
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The 2017 Okwahu United North America (OUNA) annual Congress was held in Columbus, Ohio, USA. The event was hosted at the Double Tree by Hilton off Hutchinson Avenue by the Ohio Chapter of OUNA under the theme ‘Education! A Promise for All Obooma‘.
Ghana to come together under the Okwahu United spirit to look into the future and develop ways to move Kwahus forward all over so it has a positive effect on Ghana and the world at large. By the way, I am so impressed by the number of attendance in Ohio. I look forward to an even larger number at the 2018 congress and during the Kwahu Easter festivities” — Nana Effah Opinamang III. President and Board Chairman of Ohio Chapter Rev Isaac Anim Fundraising was led by Mr. Enoch Ahenkora (Ohio told TheAfrianDream.net — who were media partners for the Chapter) and supported by Mr. Raymond Ansong of event — that he felt very honored to have been chosen with Massachusetts Chapter, to support education for needy stuKwahus in Ohio to host the 30th-anniversary festivities. He said dents in the Kwahu District. Nana Opoku Fosu was awarded a “even though it was a big responsibility, it was also a bigger plaque at the fundraiser from Ohio for his contribution to honor. We are glad OUNA President Mr. Frederick AnsongDwamena and members all over gave us the support we needed to Okwahuman Association of Ohio joining OUNA. Mr. Sam Safo, President of Okwahuman Massachusetts also received a make this a success.” plaque on behalf of his association’s quick responses that The 3-day event which coincided with OUNA’s 30th Anniversary helped facilitated and prepared a successful congress in Ohio. Celebration was from September 1-3, 2017 with the first day CHURCH AND THEN FUN IN THE PARK: After the involving a reception followed by a socializing and networking non-denominational church service at the Double Tree By night. Day-2 involved executives updating members on the Hilton all roads led to the Highland Metro Park off the progress of respective projects OUNA is embarking on, it was Columbus Pike also in Ohio. The entire park was besieged by ended with a dinner dance. A non-denominational church service and picnic climaxed the an army of Kwahus bent on having fun, making merry, playlast day of the occasion which was attended by some 400 partici- ing games and eating traditional foods. In an interview with TheAfricanDream.net at the park, Mr. Francis Sarpong; pants from respective US states including Connecticut, Georgia, President of the Washington, DC Okwahu United Chapter said Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC and Massachusetts. Obomenghene from “it is so nice to see so many Okwahu adults and children here. I want to take this opportunity to also invite everyone to join the Kwahu District of Ghana flew in for the event while some our association, noting that you don’t necessarily need to be OUNA members traveled from Toronto – Canada to attend. an Okwahu to be a member.” Highlights of Okwahu United North America Congress Okwahu United North America Chapters/Executives at 2017 Congress RECEPTION/NETWORKING: Mr. Peter Ennin opened the At the event were the current OUNA Executives and the morning session with a prayer that was followed by Rev Isaac various Chapter and State Presidents in the persons of Mr. Anim’s welcome address and that of OUNA President Frederick Fred Ansong-Dwamena (President from New York (NY)), Dr. Ansong-Dwamena. The OUNA President in his address touched Alexander Anim-Mensah (General Secretary from Ohio on how far the union has come since 1987 and progress made to better lives and institutions among Kwahus in North America and (OH)), Dr. Wilson Akuamoah Boateng (Asst. General Secretary from Toronto Canada), Ms. Joana AchanfuoGhana. He also announced the association would head to Ghana Yeboah (Treasurer from New Jersey (NJ)), Mr. Derrick for “Homecoming 2018 from March 23 – April 3 because this is Mintah (Organizing Secretary from Connecticut (CT)) and very necessary as we look at newer and better ways to move Mr. Kofi Dankwah (Fundraiser, NY). Okwahuman forward.” The first ever OUNA President is Ernie Kwabena Oware. Other Chapter and State Presidents presents included Rev Isaac Anim (OH), Dr. Alex Boateng (NY), Mr. Derick Mintah Dr. Alexander Anim-Mensah, OUNA General Secretary in his (CT), Mr. Francis Sarpong (DC), Mr. John Kesse (Illinois presentation touched on how Kwahus should look at the bigger (IL)), Mr. Lord Ansong (NJ), Nana Dickson Obeng (Canada), picture when proposing solutions to help the Kwahu district. He Mrs. Queenstar Kyeremanteng (Texas (TX)), Mr. Sam Sarfo cited the need to have an ultra-modern cultural center and said: “…it will attract tourists AND others to the Kwahu District which (Massachusetts (MA)), Mr. Rexford Anson-Dwamena will automatically lead to improving the economic situation of the area while contributing to resolving problems like lack of potable Also present were past OUNA Mr. Stephen Somuah (IL) and Nana Opoku Fosu (NY) and past state/chapter presidents Ms. water, education, and quality health needs in some areas.” Margaret Tabiri (DC), Mr. Sunku-Sunku Donkor (DC), Mr. Henry Ofori-Kru (DC), Philip Siaw (NJ), Mr. Peter K. Ennin DINNER DANCE: The dinner dance was opened with a prayer (CT), Mr. Kofi Saka Owusu (VA) and Mr. Fred Ansongby Elder Kwabena Boamah-Acheampong while Elder Bismark Dwamena (NY). The others were Mr. Nana Opoku Fosu (NY) Omari Somuah the MC of the event introduced the event chairand Mr. Nana Asomani, Mr. Yaw Mensah, Mr. Sam Boateng, man Dr. Yeboah. Mrs. Florence Ofori introduced the keynote and Mr. Joseph Yeboah all respectively of Ohio. speaker Nana Effah Opinamang III, Obomenghene from Kwahu District who represented Daasebre Akuamoah Agyapong II; Notable guests at the event included Akwasihohene Nana Kwahumanhene (paramount King of Kwahus) in Ghana. In his speech, Dr. Yeboah commended Kwahuman of Ohio for the great Dafour II, Tafohene Nana Asomani, ceremonial Okwahumanhene of Chicago-IL Nana Asamoah, ceremonial work done in organizing such an event and encouraged other Queen Mother of Kwahus in CT Nana Adoma Kyerekua, Dr. Chapters to emulate the Ohio Chapter example to continue the tradition of hosting precise and well-organized events. Nana Effah Ofori-Attah of Columbus Asanteman and his wife, and Dr. & Mrs. Nyamikeh Mensah of Indiana. Associations that came to Opinamang III stressed the importance of such events to the support Kwahuman included Asanteman, Okyeman, Kwahus and the Kwahu District. He told TheAfricanDream.net Mfantseman, Ga- Adangbe, and the larger Ghanaian commuthat he fully supported ‘Homecoming 2018’ idea proposed by nity friends of North America. OUNA President.
“This is going to be a nice way for Kwahus in the Diaspora and
Kwahu is an Akan group and area, dubbed ‘Asaase Aban’ or the natural fortress, in view of its national position as the highest habitable elevation. Kwahu lies in the Eastern Region of Ghana, on the west shore of Lake Volta.
Washington DC and Virginia Chapters of OUNA will host and jointly organize the 2018 congress around the Labor Day weekend from August 31 – September 2. To find out more about next that event, explore sponsorship or collaborative opportunities and donate to non-profit OUNA causes, send an email to alexraymonda@yahoo.com, fansongdwamena@gmail.com or contact@oralofori.com. Follow Okwahu United activities on social media via Facebook pages of respective Chapters. Source: TheAfricanDream.net / OUNA
All photos by Oral Ofori of TheAfricanDream.net
Vice Prez (left) & President (mid)_ Ohio Chapter
Obomenghene (left) with Tafohene -extreme right
A cross section of attendees at Okwahuman Congress
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Washington-Virginia Chapters at OUNA 2017 congress
New York Chapter at 2017 Okwahuman Congress
Chicago Chapter members at Okwahuman 2017 Congress
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OUNA Prez (with microphone) Fred Ansong-Dwanena
Some Ohio Okwahuman at OUNA 2017 Congress
Atlanta representation at Ohio Congress for Kwahus
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Legends Keep Fit Club Donates To Black Starlets
September 2017
Coach Emmanuel Obuobi aka. ‘Aberga’, Founder of Legends Keep Fit Club based in the United States of America presenting the items to captain of Black Starlets, Eric Ayiah. The playing body and technical staff of the national men’s under 17 team, Black Starlets received a surprise visit by some officials of the Legends Keep Fit Club based in the USA on Saturday morning.
“We are the Legends Keep Fit believe that the Black Starlets did exceptionally well at the Under-17 AFCON held in Gabon and we know that based on that feat, they can conquer the World and bring the trophy to Ghana.”
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Coach Emmanuel Obuobi aka. Aberga encouraging the players to go all out in India to ensure total victory. With him are some other officials of the Legends Keep Fit Club in USA and coach Ebenezer Akwasi
The visit saw the team receive some items from the Group as So far the Black Starlets have proved that they are the team to get us a trophy after all the other men’s teams failed us”, they continue preparations to the the 2017 FIFA Under-17 Coach Emmanuel Obuobi aka. Aberga mentioned. World Cup slated for India in October this year.
Coach Emmanuel Obuobi aka. ‘Aberga’, Founder of Legends Keep Fit Club based in the United States of America presenting the items to captain of Black Starlets, Eric Ayiah.
Led by the founder of the Club, Coach Emmanuel Obuobi aka. Aberga presented some items including energy drinks, fruits, cartons of bottled water among others.
“This is our widows mite towards your preparations and this will not be the end. We will return with something bigger when you return with the trophy, something we know you can achieve.”
Captain of the Black Starlets of Ghana, Eric Ayiah on behalf of his colleagues, thanked officials of Legends Keep Fit Club based in USA for the kind gesture and assured them of giving off their best at the tournament in October.
Some of the products to be presented to the Black Starlets by the Legends Keep Fit Club in the USA.
Captain of the Black Starlets of Ghana, Eric Ayiah on behalf of his colleagues, thanking officials of Legends Keep Fit Club based in USA for the kind gesture.
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Mark Zuckerberg defends DACA in livestreamed interview with Dreamers
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The conversation also addressed the misconception that Dreamers use up welfare benefits.
Evangelista pointed out that Dreamers pay money to have a Daca permit so they can work and then contribute “billions” in taxes back into the economy.
“All those programs we support – Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security – but we can’t pull from them ourselves as we are not eligible.”
Zuckerberg ended the broadcast by calling on people to push for a new bill that would give Dreamers a path to citizenship, and said that the business community could make such a bill its priority over other proposed legislation such as tax reform – something Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, pledged to do on Tuesday.
Mark Zuckerberg: ‘What you should do with Dreamers, and the compassion you should be showing – I think there is no question.’ Photograph: Drew Angerer/Getty Images Facebook founder calls Trump’s decision to end program ‘one of the most troubling things I’ve seen in a long time’ during conversation at his home Mark Zuckerberg has doubled down on his criticism of Donald Trump’s decision to rescind Daca with a 45-minute live broadcast on Facebook in which he interviewed three Dreamers – undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children.
“To offer the American dream to people,” Zuckerberg said, from his home in Palo Alto, “and then take it away and punish them for trusting the government is one of the most troubling things I’ve seen in a long time in our country.”
Paul Ryan says 'Dreamers' should 'rest easy' over expiring Daca policy Read more “There is lots of debate you can have over immigration, but what you should do with Dreamers, and the compassion you should be showing – I think there is no question.”
Zuckerberg was referring to the administration’s ending of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Daca) program, which allowed 800,000 young people to attend college, get driver’s licenses, and work.
The tech industry has been very vocal about its support of Daca. On Friday, when Trump’s pending action was heavily rumored, Zuckerberg joined Meg Whitman of Hewlett-Packard, Jack Dorsey of Twitter and Tim Cook of Apple and other business leaders in sending an open letter to Trump urging him not to kill off Daca. On Tuesday, Microsoft vowed that it would go to court to protects its employees who are Dreamers from deportation. During the broadcast, Zuckerberg addressed a number of common misperceptions about the program with Maria Praeli and Leezia Dhalla, both Dreamers who work at his pro-immigration advocacy group, FWD.us, and Tomas Evangelista, co-founder of the community group California Dreamers.
The first was the misperception that Dreamers have all entered the country by deceit, when often they lose their documentation due to a clerical error, as happened with Dhalla. Her parents
came into the US from Canada on a visa in 1996 and lost their immigration status because their lawyer filed some paperwork late.
“Bills don’t just come up. People need to push on this.” Source:Allafrica.com
“I feel American in every single way,” Dhalla said.
“I’m American,” added Praeli. “I feel American, but [...] you are constantly told this country might not choose to accept you.”
“You are American,” responded Zuckerberg. “Our country is better for having you here, not because of the different diversity and experience you bring but because you all work super hard. That’s as American as it gets.”
Zuckerberg also addressed the fact that Dreamers don’t have a legal pathway for citizenship, citing comments he had seen on his Facebook posts.
“Most people don’t get that there’s currently no legal way for someone who is undocumented in the country to apply for citizenship,” he said, highlighting the need to push for legislation that gives people that option.
“All we’re asking for is a chance,” said Evangelista. “We’re not saying ‘give this to us now’, we’re asking to give us an opportunity to even start.”
Praeli became emotional when describing coming to the US from Peru when she was five to seek medical treatment for her sister, who had been hit by a car as a toddler. Life was tense for her family until Obama announced the Daca program. “I knew my life was about to change. Since then, the lives of 800,000 people have been changed.”
When her grandmother died in 2013, Praeli’s mother couldn’t fly back to Peru to attend the funeral because she wouldn’t have been allowed back into the US.
“She had to watch her mother’s funeral through an iPad because of how broken the country’s immigration system is,” Praeli said.
Mark Zuckerberg:
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EBay opens U.S. platform to Africa with MallforAfrica.com partnership reach of African sellers, enabling their platforms, and allowing them to earn and compete globally,” said de Wever.
Folayan sees value for the continent in connecting African sellers to the global digital market. “We’re going to help Africans get on the e-commerce roadmap and make sure people see there are amazing products coming out of Africa,” he said. “The end result is not just artisans getting known, it’s about giving them a platform expand their businesses, to make money, to send their kids to school, to impact their families,” he added.
MallforAfrica was founded in 2011 to solve challenges global consumer goods companies face when entering African markets. With a unique payment and delivery system, it serves as a digital broker and logistics manager between U.S. retailers and African consumers. The venture has backing from UK private equity firm Helios Investment Partners and alliances with companies such as clothier Hawes and Curtis and department store Macy’s. While digital sales revenue in Africa is expected to exceed $75 billion by 2025, there’s no reliable estimate of the potential marketplace for online African goods in the U.S., according to Chris Folayan.
Americans can now buy African goods on eBay through the company’s partnership with MallforAfrica.com.
Starting this week, products from select vendors in six African countries are available on eBay’s U.S. shopping site. The collaboration starts in style, with opening merchandise categories of fashion, art, jewelry, and clothing.
For the new program, MallforAfrica selects the sellers and handles payments on its proprietary platform. DHL is the shipping partner. Online shoppers can browse the entire collection on eBay’s Mall for Africa Store.
The new online channel expands an existing relationship between the two e-commerce companies. In 2016, they launched the eBay Powered by MallforAfrica platform allowing U.S. vendors to sell in Africa.
“A year ago our focus was about how we could work with a partner to overcome shipping, payment, and trade barriers to offer eBay’s selection in Africa,” Sylvie de Wever, eBay’s General Manager of Latin America and US exports, told TechCrunch.
“If you think about our purpose, which is connecting millions of buyers and sellers around the world and creating economic opportunity, it makes sense to open up the American market to sellers in Africa,” she said.
To start, the program taps goods from merchants in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and Burundi, according to de Wever. “We’ll be adding more sellers and more countries,” she said.
On the selection of African vendors, “The main criteria are that the products be made in Africa and quality―making sure it’s a quality product that we can ship within the categories selected,” said MallforAfrica CEO Chris Folayan.
To ensure both, MallforAfrica created a new association, the Africa Made Product Standards (AMPS), to verify made in Africa status and merchandise standards. Initial vendors include African art and craft site Qeturah and accessory brand Eclectic Chique. Both MallforAfrica’s Folayan and eBay’s de Wever underscored the partnership to sell select African products on eBay is not charity. “This is very much about expanding the
Still, he’s optimistic. “We know this will be a pretty big market,” he said, noting demand at two levels. “There’s this wave of interest in African centric designs in mainstream fashion. You’ve seen brands such as Chanel and Dolce Gabbana elevate that. Then you have Africans in the U.S. who want to reconnect with their heritage.” In addition to being one of the most educated demographics in America, Africans have become one of the fastest growing immigrant populations, according to data from Pew and the U.S. Census Bureau.
eBay’s new partnership has another interesting tech angle: the ability of e-commerce to leapfrog government trade policy. The last major legislation expanding trade between the U.S. and Africa dates back to 2000. E-commerce partnerships don’t wait for congressional approval. “We’ve seen people all over the world want to trade, regardless of regulation” said eBay’s Sylvie de Wever. Jake Bright (@JakeRBright)
https://techcrunch.com
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Bronx Widow Leaves $300k Fortune To Her Cats
A Bronx widow left $300,000 to her two cats in her will, along with instructions that the funds be used to make sure the felines, Troy and Tiger, would “never be caged” and always be lovingly cared for. Tiger especially hit the jackpot. The former alley cat is now living the good life in sunny Ocala, Fla., dining on filet- ¬mignon-flavored Fancy Feast and bedding down in a plush faux-fur bed with silk lining.
“He deserves it,” said Dahlia Grizzle, the former home health aide to the late Ellen Frey-Wouters, and now Tiger’s caretaker. “He’s a wonderful cat.”
Frey-Wouters, a Netherlands native who worked for the United Nations, died in 2015 at age 88. Her husband, a Brooklyn College professor, passed away in 1989, and the couple’s only child died in infancy.
“The cats were like her babies,” Grizzle said.
Lawyer Irwin Fingerit was a little surprised when Frey-Wouters suggested that she leave the large sum to her kitties, court papers show.
“I said I didn’t think, you know, $300,000 was necessary, and I pointed out the case of the Queen of Mean, Leona Helmsley, who left $65,000 to a dog and became sort of a laughingstock,’’ Fingerit said during a 2016 hearing about the gift. (Helmsley actually left $12 million to her Maltese, Trouble.)
Wealthy And Popular Pastor Sits On Gold Chair As Members Bow And Kiss His Feet In Front Of Congregation September 2017
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Flamboyant Ugandan Prophet, Elvis Mbonye was the cynosure of all eyes at his dinner held at Kololo Independence grounds on Friday when members shocked many by bowing to kiss his feet.
Mbonye who is worth millions of dollars and has a range of cars, mansions etc could be seen sitting on a gold chair as some church members came one after the other to kiss his feet.
The prophet who is valued at 650 million Ugandan shillings came to the event complete with chase cars and bodyguards. Members of his congregation obviously worship him.
“I have seen God and I will be answerable to Him. I do not get into people’s faces; they come to me...I’m not a pastor that I should frequently be with the sheep. As a prophet I decree the final thing,” said Mbonye. The charismatic pastor is quoted as saying that he has been to heaven, and to him, heaven was a glamorous place and so why would he live differently here on earth?
“But no, no, [Frey-Wouters] insisted,” Fingerit said. “She wanted to make sure they were taken care of.”
“Hell is stuffy, poor, sickly, and degrading. I have been to heaven and it is a glamorous place with streets of gold. All attributes about God are glamour and beauty and I’m of God, so I will unapologetically be always on the side of what is rich. I have heard shallow debates where politicians defend themselves for being in air-conditioned cars. You want me to be in a car where I sweat?, ” said Mbonye.
When the cats die, the balance of their trust fund will go to Frey-Wouters’ only living family member, a sister in the Netherlands. The rest of her $3 million estate was split between two other home health aides, charities and her lawyer.
Many people have lambasted the man of God as they accuse him of brainwashing people and earning praises for himself instead of God.
Troy lives with Rita Pohila, another one of Frey-Wouters’ former home health aides. Pohila, who received her own $50,000 bequest from her ex-employer, declined to discuss Troy with The Post — invoking the shy feline’s “privacy” rights.
Source:TCJonline.com
His lavish lifestyle has been condemned too with many asking him to use the money he collects from his members to help the poor and needy in his church instead of lavishing it on himself. Source:onlinenigeria.com
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Immigration Bill Targets Africans Who Benefit United States
By Bernadette Paolo
Washington, DC — African immigrants to the United States account for less than five percent of the total, but they are better educated than most and their earnings are among the highest. African immigration is likely to decline, however, if a bill backed by two Republican U.S. Senators passes.
The "Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy (RAISE) Act," S. 1720 was introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (R) Arkansas and Senator David Perdue (RGeorgia) on 2 August. President Donald Trump backs the bill. It establishes a skills-based program where applicants get points for "education, English-language ability, high-paying job offers, age, record of extraordinary achievement, and entrepreneurial initiative." Over 2.1 million African immigrants lived in the United States in 2015, according to the last U.S. census. They were 4.8% of the immigrant population – up from 1% in 1970. They are doctors, lawyers, engineers, professors and entrepreneurs, as well as refugees – many of whom are themselves highly skilled professionals.
The U.S. Census Bureau's America Community Survey showed from 2008-2012, 41% of foreign-born Africans had a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 28% for all other immigrants. They are among the highest wage earners, they pay substantial taxes and they often fill jobs where there are critical shortages across the United States, such as in health care. Today the United States is the number one destination for students from sub-Saharan Africa, ranking ahead of the United Kingdom. Over 31,000 Africans are presently enrolled in U.S. universities.
Those scholastic achievers can go elsewhere to be educated – and contribute billions of dollars to universities in other countries that compete for them. As actions against U.S.immigrants have grown, recruitment by other countries of those students, and the fees and expertise they contribute to national economies, has increased. Mounting racially charged rhetoric also is discouraging many potential immigrants.
The RAISE Act adds to the uncertainties that affect the decisions, along with the intentions, of students, business professionals and other Africans.
Many questions about the bill are unanswered. How are the points tallied? What proficiency in English is required? [According to a Migration Policy Institute report, more than 25 million people over the age of five in the United States were considered limited in English proficiency, and less than half of all immigrants in 2013 spoke English well.] What are the age limitations? What is the salary range for a 'high-paying' job? What constitutes 'extraordinary achievement'? How is entrepreneurial achievement measured – financially or by other criteria? Another RAISE provision shows immigration preferences for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and legal residents, but it eliminates preferences for certain extensions and categories of adult family members. For people from
countries where close familial ties are an inherent part of their upbringing, and where parents, grandparents and siblings are considered immediate family, getting immigrant status may mean a permanent separation from what they consider to be their nuclear family.
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First Soccer Game in Somalia in Three Decades
Among the most concerning provisions relating to Africans is the elimination of the Diversity Visa Lottery. The rationale for eliminating the Lottery – with 50,000 opportunities for visas annually – is that it had "no humanitarian or economic interest" and was "plagued with fraud." Both justifications are questionable and unproven. The Diversity Lottery gave people from underrepresented countries in Africa and other regions of the world a chance to obtain U.S. residency, while restricting the number of applicants from countries that already dominate immigration, such as India and China. The bill's restriction of refugees to 50,000 may also affect Africans negatively. A recent Pew Research Center article, attributes the rise in the number of foreign-born Africans coming to the United States to the Refugee Act of 1960, which allowed entry to those escaping conflict in Somalia and Ethiopia. Africa's share of refugees rose from 1% in that period to 37% in 2016. Among arrivals in the U.S. last year were those from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where more than five million people are estimated to have died in conflict in the past decade – largely outside media or policy attention.
The RAISE bill would alienate groups of individuals that would benefit the United States. While the preference for skilled workers is understandable, unskilled workers are also contributing in such sectors as agriculture and in a host of jobs that many Americans do not want or cannot fill.
The proposed legislation raises not only questions about what it portends for African and other immigrants. It raises questions about what it means for our country, for our economy, for the fabric of our nation that has always been interwoven with the abilities and innovations and cultures of those from many nations. It is that fabric that stands to be torn if this legislation passes. RAISE would fragment our society internally, while, at the same time, lessening our reputation abroad. That type of raise America can do without. Bernadette Paolo, a trained lawyer with extensive experience on Capitol Hill, is former President and CEO of The Africa Society and was a 2016 Harvard Advanced Leadership Fellow.
Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201708230891.html
Photo: Steven Depolo/Flckr.com
By Mohamed Olad Hassan For the first time in more than 30 years, thousands of residents and fans watched a nighttime soccer match in Mogadishu, often described as the world's most dangerous capital. Thousands of fans enjoyed the event at Konis Stadium, which the international soccer organization FIFA recently renovated. Although the match, the final of a citywide club tournament for 16- to 18-year-olds, took place under tight security, it was historic for the city, which has dealt with terrorist suicide bombings and anarchy. Source: http://allafrica.com/
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Trivia
Two scenarioA cat enters a white lady's bedroom at night...White lady:awww hey where did u come from kitty,who do u belong to. picks up cat and takes him to the kitchen,pours some milk for the cat and goes like "u ve a gud night kitty, tomorrow we ll go find ur owner" then locks the kitchen door behind her.Same cat enters a Ghanaian woman's bedroom at night....Gh lady:Herr Yesu mogya nka wanim wati,(I cast you in the blood of Jesus) where did u come from.who ever sent u has failed,tell them u did not meet me.picks up her Bible and tries to throw it at the cat and fails then bursts in to tongues.picks up the phone and calls pastorGh lady:Odi u said it ooo,now they ve come fiili fiili(physical).....The Ghanaian lady goes to church on Sunday in white to share her testimony. I began to fear Alcohol since the day I saw my neighbor spent the whole night dancing to the sound of my Generator, thinking he's in the Club saying this DJ go kill person ooooo. When I turn the Generator off, he asked me who sing this track. I said na Yamaha featuring Petrol. Don't laugh alone Driver Abu is beinginterrogated after an accident … Policeman: So Massa how did you end up killing 49 people?
Abu: I was driving @80km/h when I saw 2 mencrossing the road. On the other side, a wedding was taking place. I hit the brakes but they failed,so I had to make a choice:Either i hit the 2 men or run into the wedding party.Policeman: Hit the 2 men of course!
Abu: oyiwah! We think alike but after hitting one, the other man escaped into the wedding party, so I went after him
September 2017
20 Great Quotes on Prayer :
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●" The greatest thing anyone can do for God or man is pray." - S. D. Gordon ' ● "Prayer is where the action is." - John Wesley ● "Satan does not care how many people read about prayer if only he can keep them from praying."Paul E.Billheimer. : . ● "Don't pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees." - Corrie Ten Boom ● "Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees." - William Cowper ● "I would rather teach one man to pray than ten men to preach." - Charles Spurgeon ● "The man who mobilizes the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution to world evangelization in history." - Andrew Murray ● "We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties." - Oswald Chambers ● "There is no other activity in life so important as that of prayer. Every other activity depends upon prayer for its best efficiency." - M.E. Andross ● "He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day." - John Bunyan ● "I have seen many men work without praying, though I have never seen any good come out of it; but I have never seen a man pray without working." - James Hudson Taylor ● "Prayer is not learned in a classroom but in the closet." - E. M. Bounds ● "We must begin to believe that God, in the mystery of prayer, has entrusted us with a force that can move the Heavenly world, and can bring it's power down to earth." - Andrew Murray ● "Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His' voice in the depth of our hearts." - Mother Teresa ● "Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." - C.S. Lewis ● "The more you pray, the less you'll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You'll feel more patient and less pressured." - Rick Warren
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Bishop Kofi Adonteng-Boateng Of Divine Word International Ministries Ordained International Police Chaplain
Photo: Left to right: Bishop Adonteng-Boateng (wearing Police Chaplain badge) in the company of FCPD officers in the persons of 2nd Lt Dan Pang, MPO Allie Eggers, Pfc Deborah Lucero, Pfc Kenneth, Pfc Marcel Ngobeh and 2nd Lt Tim Forrest. Photo by www.TheAfricanDream.net
Bishop Kofi Adonteng-Boateng of Divine Word International Ministries (DWIM) became an international Police Chaplain in the United Staes (US) when he completed the required certification to acquire that status with studies at CELA University International Police Chaplain Ministry in Miami, Florida. The occasion was on September 10, 2017. Pastor Daisy Perez of Fountain Salvation International Ministry and CELA University flew into Springfield, Virginia, to personally present Bishop Adonteng-Boateng’s certificate of graduation to him in his church and in the presence of some members of the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD).
The Bishop wanted to share this joy with FCPD was joined by his wife, senior members of his congregation and police officers Lt Tim Forrest, MPO Allie Eggers, Pfc Kenneth, Pfc Marcel Ngobeh, Pfc Deborah Lucero and 2nd Lt Dan Pang respectfully of FCPD. Also present was Apostle Doodu of Maryland and his wife.
During the presentation of the certificate and badge, Pastor Perez who was accompanied by her daughter Sefora thanked the Bishop for his wonderful works and prayed that he continues to be blessed by God so his work in the community flourishes. The Bishop in turn “thanked the pastor for defying the bad weather at the time in Florida to travel to Virginia to bestow such an honor, and for the patience of the police officers invited.“
Officers of the FCPD who had earlier on joined the bishop’s congregation in a praise and worship session expressed their appreciation to the audience, they also encouraged individuals in general and persons in the immigrant community to not be afraid of the police because they are there to serve and protect and are very empathetic.
By this recognition, the Bishop thus becomes eligible to join the American Police Chaplains Association. He said after the event that “this is yet another opportunity to spread the work and word of Christ. I am very humbled and look forward to serving the police and hopefully the military for I have always dedicated my life to the service of Christ.” Police Chaplains provide pastoral, spiritual and emotional support for service personnel. They also officiate religious services when invited to by the police. They are given a police badge similar to that of a regular police, today, however, they are noncombatant.
Bishop Kofi Adonteng-Boateng was ordained Bishop in the US in 2012. His DWIM is headquartered at 6715 A Electronic Drive in Springfield, Virginia with branches all over the US and his home country of Ghana. To learn more visit www.divinewordint.org Source: TheAfricanDream.net
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DC Mayor’s Office on African Affairs Welcomes New Deputy Director
Originally from Ivory Coast, Soro Yah K. Kignaman, joins the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs with over 8 years of international relations, project management and implementation experience. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, Soro Yah worked as a Program Analyst for the United Nations Development Program in West Africa and managed multiple projects focused on local and good governance, capacity building, rule of law, public sector reform, gender equity, addressing inequalities and improving the electoral process.
Soro Yah earned a Ph.D. in International Relations from Institute of Diplomatic and Strategic Studies in France and is fluent in French. As the new Deputy Director of the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, Soro-Yah looks forward to helping improve the quality of life of the District’s African community and supporting Mayor’s Muriel Bowser’s vision for the city.
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African Heritage Month The Mayor's Office Kick Off Hosted by the on African Affairs and the National Commission on African Museum of African Affairs Art host African Diaspora Heritage Talk Series
On Thursday, August 31, 2017, the Commission on African Affairs and the entire team of the Mayor's Office on African Affairs hosted a Happy Hour to launch September as the month of celebration of African Heritage in the District. COAA and MOAA took advantage of the opportunity presented by the gathering to interact with members of the community and highlight the services provided by the advisory group and the agency.
Source:AfricanBeat DC Mayors Office_on_African_Affairs
On Wednesday, September 06, 2017, the Mayor's Office on African Affairs, the National Museum of African Art and members of the African diaspora community hosted African Diaspora Heritage Talk Series as we celebrate African Heritage Month. Docent-led tours kicked off the evening, followed by a community discussion featuring artists and cultural entrepreneurs. The discussion revolved around the preservation and retention of cultural heritage through arts and crafts, technology, language, visual arts, and creative economies.
Source:AfricanBeat DC Mayors Office_on_African_Affairs
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The 20 Colleges That Have Created The Most Millionaires And Billionaires September 2 0 1 7
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No college degree can guarantee you wealth, but a handful of schools have a proven track record of minting rich people, from billionaire founders and CEOs to investors to politicians.
Wealth-X, a firm that does research and valuations on ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals, has revealed where the world's wealthiest people — those with assets exceeding $30 million — went to college.
In its tally, Wealth-X counted alumni with both undergraduate and graduate degrees, counting alumni of multiple institutions more than once, but left out those with diplomas, certificates, honorary degrees, and drop outs. Considering some of the world's richest self-made billionaires dropped out of Harvard, Stanford, University of Chicago, and other schools on this list, the numbers of UHNW alumni could be even higher had they graduated.
Of the top 20 colleges in the world that produce the wealthiest people, five are public universities, six are Ivy League, and only one is located outside of the US. By and large, Harvard University mints the highest number of millionaires and billionaires, which together command a net worth of $811 billion, more than twice that of the No. 2 school, University of Pennsylvania.
Below, check out the top 20 colleges in the world that have produced the most rich people, along with the total known number of UHNW individuals with degrees from the institutions, and their combined wealth.
1. Harvard University Lloyd Blankfein, Goldman Sachs chairman and CEO, class of 1975.John Moore/Getty Images Known UHNW alumni: 1,906 Combined wealth: $811 billion 2. University of Pennsylvania Elon Musk, cofounder of PayPal and founder and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, class of 1997.Getty/Kevork Djansezian Known UHNW alumni: 832 Combined wealth: $369 billion 3. Columbia University Warren Buffett, investor, philanthropist, and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, class of 1951.Alex Wong/Getty Known UHNW alumni: 578 Combined wealth: $307 billion 4. New York University Actress and philanthropist Angelina Jolie, class of 1993.Anthony Harvey/Getty Images Known UHNW alumni: 488 Combined wealth: $155 billion
4. New York University Actress and philanthropist Angelina Jolie, class of 1993.Anthony Harvey/Getty Images Known UHNW alumni: 488 Combined wealth: $155 billion
5. Stanford University Peter Thiel, cofounder of PayPal and Founders Fund partner, class of 1989 and 1992.Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for New York Times Known UHNW alumni: 466 Combined wealth: $404 billion
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Drew Houston, founder and CEO of Dropbox, class of 2005.Steve Jennings / Getty Images Known UHNW alumni: 375 Combined wealth: $215 billion
7. University of Chicago Evan Sharp, cofounder and chief creative officer of Pinterest, class of 2005.Pinterest Known UHNW alumni: 371 Combined wealth: $93 billion
8. Northwestern University Ginni Rometty, chairman, president, and CEO of IBM, class of 1979.Mike Blake/Reuters Known UHNW alumni: 365 Combined wealth: $80 billion
9. Yale University Former US Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton and her husband Former US President Bill Clinton, both class of 1973.REUTERS/Jim Young Known UHNW alumni: 360 Combined wealth: $156 billion
10. Princeton University Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon, class of 1986.Chip Somodevilla/Getty Known UHNW alumni: 330 Combined wealth: $188 billion
11. Cornell University Hedge fund manager David Einhorn, founder of Greenlight Capital, class of 1991.Reuters Known UHNW alumni: 319 Combined wealth: $101 billion 12. University of Virginia Paul Tudor Jones, founder and CIO of Tudor Investment Corporation, class of 1976.REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz Known UHNW alumni: 300 Combined wealth: $64 billion
13. University of Southern California Marc Benioff, founder and CEO of Salesforce, class of 1986.Salesforce Known UHNW alumni: 294 Combined wealth: $98 billion
14. The University of Texas at Austin Rex Tillerson, US Secretary of State and former chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, class of 1975.Reuters/Joshua Roberts Known UHNW alumni: 293 Combined wealth: $71 billion
15. University of California, Berkeley Cofounder and chairman emeritus of Intel Gordon Moore, class of 1950.Justin Sullivan / Getty Images Known UHNW alumni: 290 Combined wealth: $125 billion
16. University of Notre Dame NFL hall of famer Joe Montana, class of 1979.Business Insider Known UHNW alumni: 277 Combined wealth: $44 billion
17. University of Michigan Larry Page, founder and CEO of Alphabet, class of 1995.Seth Wenig/AP Known UHNW alumni: 272 Combined wealth: $141 billion
18. University of Cambridge Arianna Huffington, cofounder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and founder and CEO of Thrive Global, class of 1972.Andrew Burton/Getty Images Known UHNW alumni: 271 Combined wealth: $69 billion 19. Boston University Radio host Howard Stern, class of 1976.Theo Wargo/Getty Images Known UHNW alumni: 241 Combined wealth: $62 billion
20. University of California, Los Angeles Larry Fink, cofounder, chairman, and CEO of BlackRock, class of 1974 and 1976.Mat Szwajkos/Getty Images Known UHNW alumni: 235 Combined wealth: $63 billion Source: http://www.businessinsider.com
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THE JOY OF HOMEOWNERSHIP
Dear Reader,
It is a known fact that the best single investment one can make is owning your own home. Homeownership promotes a sense of achievement, positive self esteem and pride. It creates a sense of accomplishment and freedom! The Biggest Benefit of Homeownership Homeownership makes good sense because there are tax privileges when tax time rolls around: • You get the benefit of deducting the interest paid on the mortgage throughout the year. • You deduct any points paid, either discount or origination fees paid on loan. • You can deduct a room in your home if it is solely dedicated for home business use. • The biggest advantage, though, is the fact that the principle you pay on the mortgage is like putting money in the bank, in the form of equity. Other Advantages of Homeownship • Owning your home gives you an individualized approach concerning landscaping, decorating, and curb appeal, which in the process can add value to the home.
You do what you please when you please to your home which renting does not provide. • If you have children, they will find stability in knowing that they aren't going to have to change schools, which can be traumatic for younger children. They won't have to make new friends, and a sense of place becomes very real to them. Disadvantages of Renting • When you rent, you do not have the flexibility to make aesthetic or cosmetic changes to the place as you please. You may be able to paint a room, but need to repaint back to the original color scheme when you move. • You cannot make major structural changes or ground changes such as adding flower beds or even rock gardens and waterfalls to reflect your taste. • You put up with an obstinate landlord that refuses to repair things in the apartment, or just "doesn't have time." This can build frustration and stress. • You help the Landlord build equity on their property and gain tax write off while you are left with nothing at the end of your lease term I hope you enjoyed reading this article and it has provided helpful information in making your decision to home ownership a smooth one. 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® –Licensed in the Common Wealth of Virginia Prince William CountyLocal Expert CONTACT 571-229-6694 Email: borderlessrealestate@gmail.com Borderlessrealestate.com
Secure Your Future Get Life Insurance Call Today 571-778-1917 September 2017
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After 37 Years, Angola Will Get A New President. Joao Lourenco
Joao Lourenco After the departure of the seriously ill Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Joao Lourenco will become Angola's next president. Who is the man who ran on the ticket of the party heavyweight MPLA?
Joao Lourenco is considered to be a loyal party soldier - a man who has always been ready to take on greater responsibility in the governing People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). He served as governor in several provinces of Angola, and between 1992 and 1997 he was responsible for propaganda in the MPLA's Politburo. Later, he served as the party's secretary-general for several years. Read more: Angola chooses successor to President Jose Eduardo dos Santos Lourenco was recently the country's defense minister before becoming the ruling party's flag-bearer in the August 23 parliamentary election to replace long-term President Jose Eduardo dos Santos. "He is continuing to take on responsibility now," state-run newspaper Jornal de Angola wrote, praising him. However, Lourenco's ambition almost cost him his career in the past. In 2003, he fell into a trap: He put himself forward as a possible successor in the country's highest political office as dos Santos began openly thinking about stepping down. However, at that time, dos Santos did not really want to abdicate. Instead, he wanted to find out whether there were opponents with ambitions of power within the MPLA. The background: Jonas Savimbi, leader of the former liberation movement UNITA, had just fallen in battle. The MPLA celebrated its victory over the rebels and dos Santos was publicly playing with the idea of standing down because his most important promise as head of state had been fulfilled. Joao Lourenco's push to the front was badly timed and he fell into disfavor for several years. The resilient politician It took 10 years for Lourenco to recover from this faux pas. In December 2016, he reached his goal. Following a proposal by party chairman dos Santos, the central committee of the ruling party decided to place Lourenco as No. 1 on its ticket for the August 2017 poll, thus making him the party's presidential candidate. In the last election in 2012, the all-powerful governing party polled over 70 percent of the votes. And this time, too, everything had pointed to a victory - despite great dissatisfaction among Angolans and despite a severe economic and financial crisis. The fact is, the MPLA controls the money and the media, and dominates everything during election campaigns. The five opposition parties are poorly organized, have little money to
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Jose Eduardo dos Santos finance the election campaign, and do not manage to get their messages to the people. Old promise in new packaging "We are the guarantors of development and progress, we create new jobs, and we improve the health and school systems" - these are Joao Lourenco's campaign messages, and they could be seen and heard by Angolans on all broadcasting channels. The party produced radio and TV programs and printed newspapers and pamphlets. It organized election campaigns in all provinces, handed out T-shirts, beer and other gifts. MPLA rallies are always well attended. If necessary, the ruling party transports its supporters long distances so they can attend. The rather pale Lourenco was turned into a superstar. "Lourenco's task is to ensure continuity," said Angolan blogger and human rights activist Rafael Marques, meaning continuity in the way the police, the military and the intelligence service are run. A new law passed in the last parliamentary session ensures that personnel decisions by the outgoing president are out of bounds for the new president. The law was passed by a large majority. The two major opposition parties, UNITA and CASA-CE, voted against it. But the two parties combined make up only 40 of a total of 220 lawmakers. Many Angolans are wondering whether this law does not place too many limits on the new president's ability to act. Will Lourenco, who is a general himself, fully submit to the decisions of his predecessor, as the new law dictates? Or will he want to make his own personnel decisions? The fight against corruption During the run-up to the elections, the opposition accused the MPLA and its candidate Lourenco of being incompetent and corrupt. Lourenco went on the offensive, repeatedly denouncing his political opponents as "crooks" and announcing a major fight against corruption in Angola. The country needs transparency and stability, he said, adding that the only way to promote the new objectives of the MPLA government is to diversify the Angolan economy and attract foreign investors. Human rights activist Rafael Marques doubts whether Lourenco will really tackle corruption. He believes dos Santos chose him as his successor precisely because of this reason. "The [former] president has always opted for a corrupt person; he always protects the corrupt," said Marques. Angola's UNITA rebels shooting a machine gun Between 1961 and 1975, the MPLA, UNITA, and FNLA fought over control of the country
The flagbearer of the largest opposition party UNITA, Vitorino Nhany, pointed to one of the many financial scandals of recent years: the bankruptcy of BESA Bank, the Angolan branch of the Portuguese EspĂrito Santo Bank. In this case, nearly 6 billion US dollars apparently disappeared. "Lourenco describes us, the opposition, as crooks, but we ask him why he got 30 million dollars from the EspĂrito Santo Bank? Who is the real crook?" Nhany said. A life for the party Joao Lourenco was born in 1954 in the port town of Lobito. He was 21 years old when the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. He joined the Marxist MPLA, one of three liberation movements that seized power in the capital, Luanda, and waged a bloody war against the rebel movements UNITA and FNLA. Lourenco comes from a modest background: his father is a medical worker, his mother a seamstress. The MPLA's war against the rebels became young Lourenco's first professional area of work. In the north of the country, on the border with Congo, Lourenco earned his first spurs as a soldier. He took part in several military exercises and training courses run by Cuban advisors. Of all liberation movements, the MPLA was the best-organized with international connections, especially with Cuba and the Soviet Union, but also with other eastern bloc countries in Europe. In 1978, Joao Lourenco traveled to the Soviet Union, where he completed a history course for party cadres at the Vladimir Ilyich Lenin military academy. After his return to Angola, Lourenco quickly rose to the rank of general, consolidated his position in the party and founded a family. He married an MPLA leader, who later clinched a ministerial position as well as a post with the World Bank. His marriage with Ana Dias Lourenco produced six children, who are now also politically active - with the MPLA, of course.
Source: http://www.dw.com/
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Frequently Asked Questions: Rescission Of Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Afrikan
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Release Date: September 5, 2017
The following are frequently asked questions on the September 5, 2017 Rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program.
Q1: Why is DHS phasing out the DACA program? A1: Taking into consideration the federal court rulings in ongoing litigation, and the September 4, 2017 letter from the Attorney General, it is clear that program should be terminated. As such, the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security rescinded the June 15, 2012 memorandum establishing the DACA program. Please see the Attorney General’s letter and the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security’s memorandum for further information on how this decision was reached.
Q2: What is going to happen to current DACA holders? A2: Current DACA recipients will be permitted to retain both the period of deferred action and their employment authorization documents (EADs) until they expire, unless terminated or revoked. DACA benefits are generally valid for two years from the date of issuance.
Q3: What happens to individuals who currently have an initial DACA request pending? A3: Due to the anticipated costs and administrative burdens associated with rejecting all pending initial requests, USCIS will adjudicate—on an individual, case-by-case basis—all properly filed DACA initial requests and associated applications for EADs that have been accepted as of September 5, 2017.
Q4: What happens to individuals who currently have a request for renewal of DACA pending? A4: Due to the anticipated costs and administrative burdens associated with rejecting all pending renewal requests, USCIS adjudicate—on an individual, case-by-case basis—properly filed pending DACA renewal requests and associated applications for Employment Authorization Documents from current beneficiaries that have been accepted as of September 5, 2017, and from current beneficiaries whose benefits will expire between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018 that have been accepted as of October 5, 2017. USCIS will reject all requests to renew DACA and associated applications for EADs filed after October 5, 2017.
Q5: Is there still time for current DACA recipients to file a request to renew their DACA? A5: USCIS will only accept renewal requests and associated applications for EADs for the class of individuals described above in the time period described above.
Q6: What happens when an individual’s DACA benefits expire over the course of the next two years? Will individuals with expired DACA be considered illegally present in the country? A6: Current law does not grant any legal status for the class of individuals who are current recipients of DACA. Recipients of DACA are currently unlawfully present in the U.S. with their removal deferred. When their period of deferred action expires or is terminated, their removal will no longer be deferred and they will no longer be eligible for lawful employment.
Only Congress has the authority to amend the existing immigration laws.
Q7: Once an individual’s DACA expires, will their case be
referred to ICE for enforcement purposes? A7: Information provided to USCIS in DACA requests will not be proactively provided to ICE and CBP for the purpose of immigration enforcement proceedings, unless the requestor meets the criteria for the issuance of a Notice To Appear or a referral to ICE under the criteria set forth in USCIS’ Notice to Appear guidance (www.uscis.gov/NTA). This policy, which may be modified, superseded, or rescinded at any time without notice, is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law by any party in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter.
Q8: Will USCIS share the personal information of individuals whose pending requests are denied proactively with ICE for enforcement purposes? A8: Generally, information provided in DACA requests will not be proactively provided to other law enforcement entities (including ICE and CBP) for the purpose of immigration enforcement proceedings unless the requestor poses a risk to national security or public safety, or meets the criteria for the issuance of a Notice To Appear or a referral to ICE under the criteria. This policy, which may be modified, superseded, or rescinded at any time without notice, is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by law by any party in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter.
Q9: Can deferred action received pursuant to DACA be terminated before it expires? A9: Yes. DACA is an exercise of deferred action which is a form of prosecutorial discretion. Hence, DHS will continue to exercise its discretionary authority to terminate or deny deferred action at any time when immigration officials determine termination or denial of deferred action is appropriate.
Q10: Can DACA recipients whose valid EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed request a new EAD during the phase out? A10: If an individual’s still-valid EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, they may request a replacement EAD by filing a new Form I-765.
Q11: Will DACA recipients still be able to travel outside of the United States while their DACA is valid? A11: Effective September 5, 2017, USCIS will no longer approve any new Form I-131 applications for advance parole under standards associated with the DACA program. Those with a current advance parole validity period from a previously-approved advance parole application will generally retain the benefit until it expires. However, CBP will retain the authority it has always exercised in determining the admissibility of any person presenting at the border. Further, USCIS retains the authority to revoke or terminate an advance parole document at any time.
Q12: What happens to individuals who have pending requests for advance parole to travel outside of the United States? A12: USCIS will administratively close all pending Form I-131 applications for advance parole under standards associated with the DACA program, and will refund all associated fees.
Q13: How many DACA requests are currently pending that will be impacted by this change? Do you have a breakdown of these numbers by state? A13: There were 106,341 requests pending as of August 20, 2017 – 34,487 initial requests and 71,854 renewals. We do not currently have the state-specific breakouts.
S e p t e m b e r 2017
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Q14: Is there a grace period for DACA recipients with EADs that will soon expire to make appropriate plans to leave the country? A14: As noted above, once an individual’s DACA and EAD expire—unless in the limited class of beneficiaries above who are found eligible to renew their benefits—the individual is no longer considered lawfully present in the United States and is not authorized to work. Persons whose DACA permits will expire between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018 are eligible to renew their permits. No person should lose benefits under this memorandum prior to March 5, 2018 if they properly file a renewal request and associated application for employment authorization.
Q15: Can you provide a breakdown of how many DACA EADs expire in 2017, 2018, and 2019? A15: From August through December 2017, 201,678 individuals are set to have their DACA/EADs expire. Of these individuals, 55,258 already have submitted requests for renewal of DACA to USCIS. In calendar year 2018, 275,344 individuals are set to have their DACA/EADs expire. Of these 275,344 individuals, 7,271 have submitted requests for renewal to USCIS.
From January through August 2019, 321,920 individuals are set to have their DACA/EADs expire. Of these 321,920 individuals, eight have submitted requests for renewal of DACA to USCIS.
Q16: What were the previous guidelines for USCIS to grant DACA? A16: Individuals meeting the following categorical criteria could apply for DACA if they:
Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; Came to the United States before reaching their 16th birthday; Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time; Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS; Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012; Are currently in school, have graduated, or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Source: https://www.dhs.gov
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Congratulations to Nana and Mrs. Obuor Gyau on their Marriage Blessing S e p t e m b e r 2017
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Nana Aboagye Danquah known in private life as Nana Obuor Gyau and His Wife committed their marriage Before the Lord on Saturday September 9, 2017 at the Ghana Catholic Community Church in Alexandria. Rev. Anthony Appiah officiated the Ceremony and Blessed the Marriage. Nana Obuor Gyau is the Adumhene of Bechem in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana and His Wife Elizabeth is the Cousin of the Late P.V Obeng, former Presidential advisor of Ghana and also the Daughter of the Late C.K Toku, former District Commissioner of Juaso in the Nkrumah Regime
Nana and Mrs. Obuor Gyau
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S e p t e m b e r 2017
Prempeh College 2017 Annual Reunion
Winner of the King /Queen of the Night Fundraising Contest
Friday Night Meet and Greet
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Snr
Ghana's Ambassador to the United States Dr. Barfour Adjei-Bawuahand His Wife
Dr. Adubofour Giving a Presentation On Diabetes
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Executives of Amanfoo North America
1973-1978 Group
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S e p t e m b e r 2017
Prempeh College 2017 Annual Reunion
Snr Yaw Berko Nketia '77/79, President of Amanfoo North America
Dr. Asare Aboagye-Chairman of the Occassion1973/74 Group
1987 Group With their Spouses
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The keynote speaker, Senior Kofi Bonner (1974/76)
The first ANA lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Senior Dr. Kwaku Ohene-Frempong (1964/66)
82-56 Year Group
Wesley Girls High School Old Students Giving a solidarity Message
Yaa Asantewaa Gilrs Secondary School Old Students
St. Monica’s Old Student Making a Presentation
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