April update 2014 online version

Circulated all over the United States

www.afrikanpost.com

Vol 6 Issue 4

African Community News

Maryland African Affairs Commission Hosts Inaugural Legislative Night Pg. 5

Aburi Gardens Restaurant Lunch Special

$5.99

Call 703 490-1100

14830 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191

Afrikan Post

April

Page 2

Exchange Rates For The Us Dollar Against Foreign Currencies From Africa

From the Editor

O u r G r eates t G lor y is n ot in n ever f a llin g b u t in r is in g ever y time we f a ll .

We ar e co mmittted to b r in gin g th e commu n ity th e bes t in N ews f r om Af r ica a n d th e D ia s por a.  Yo u may a ls o vis it o u r webs ite a t www.a f r ik a n pos t.com f or d a ily n ews u p da tes o n Af r ica .

D is cla imer : Th e o p in io n s ex pr es s ed in ar ticles a n d s tor ies in th is N ews p ap er a r e th os e o f th e a u th o r s an d d o n ot n eces s ar ily r ef lect th e views o f Af r ika n Po s t . All commen ts a n d s u g g es tio n s ar e welcome.

2014

George Bright-Abu Publisher and Editor

To Advertise Your Business or contribute

Call 703- 725- 6968 or

E-mail: editor@afrikanpost.com Address: Bright House Productions 6236 Oscar Court Woodbridge VA 22193

D E PA R T M E N T S Vol.6 Issue 4

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

One on One with Efya Pg. 28

Son of Ghana Immigrants Accepted to All Ivy League Schools Pg. 7

Coach Kwesi Appiah Handed A Doctorate Degree Pg. 17

HER PAGE

The Pruning Pg. 20

SPORTS Africa's Football Fixtures Pg. 39

UPDATE

Maryland African Affairs Commission Hosts Inaugural Legislative Night Pg. 5

Currency Algerian Dinar (DZD) Botswana Pula (BWP) Burundi Franc (BIF) Cape Verde Escudo (CVE) CFA BCEAO Franc (XOF) CFA BEAC Franc (XAF) Djibouti Franc (DJF) Egyptian Pound (EGP) Ethiopian Birr (ETB) Gambian Dalasi (GMD) Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) Kenyan Shilling (KES) Lesotho Loti (LSL) Libyan Dinar (LYD) Malawi Kwacha (MWK) Mauritius Rupee (MUR) Moroccan Dirham (MAD) Nigerian Naira (NGN) Rwanda Franc (RWF) Somali Shilling (SOS) South African Rand (ZAR)

Exchange Rate 78.66275 8.72523 1545.88376 79.73807 474.35492 474.35492 174.60443 6.97550 19.39935 39.67500 2.77118 86.92256 10.48950 1.23297 386.08950 30.01070 8.12183 161.43589 678.95779 965.33221 10.53620

Currency Exchange Rate Sudanese Dinar (SDD) 568.42999 Swaziland Lilangeni (SZL) 10.49066 Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) 1628.29385 Tunisian Dinar (TND) 1.58500 Uganda Shilling (UGX) 2509.25617 Zambian Kwacha (ZMK) 5195.00000 Zimbabwe Dollar (ZWD) 376.30000 Source: http://www.exchangerates.org/currentRates/F/USD Updated April 16, 2014

Apparel Store and Salon for sale

1900 sq foot clothing and accessories store located in a high traffic shopping plaza in Alexandria, VA. Modern and exquisite interior decor with freshly painted walls and new carpet.

Huge storage space for inventory.

Merchandise include designer casual wear,men's suits,men's casual shirts and denim,women's designer dresses,gowns and shoes,african dresses, wax and prints.

Brand new hair braiding and weaving salon with 4 chairs.

Highly profitable business.

Seller will grant access to qualified purchaser to inspect books, list of suppliers etc.

Seller willing to stay at least 2 months after sale for support/training.

Call Larry 571-237-3937

April

HOME HEALTH AIDE (HHA)

64 HOURS

2014

Page3

Afrikan Post

April

2014

Page 4

We Have Mobile Phones You can Use in Ghana

Afrikan Post

April

Maryland African Affairs Commission Hosts Inaugural Legislative Night

2014

Page 5

About the African Affairs Commission

On May 14, 2009, Governor O’Malley signed executive Order 01.01.2009.07, establishing the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs within the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. http://www.governor.maryland.gov/executiveorders/01.01.2009.07.pdf

The Governor appointed a 21-member commission to reflect the growth and diversity of the African community. The Commission has established an ambitious work plan to meet the charge of the Executive Order. Over the course of the next four years the Commission will work closely with the Governor’s Office, state and local governments, and other stake holders within the diverse African communities to ensure greater access and inclusion for Africans and all Marylanders. The Commission has five main operating committees. They are .1. Education & Culture .2. Business & Community Empowerment .3.

Legislative & Advisory .4. Health & Quality of Life, and .5. Outreach.

List of Current Commissioners

Picture Courtesy of George Bright Abu / Afrikan Post Annapolis, Maryland March 12, 2014

By Frederick Nnoma-Addison – AMIP News Chair, Outreach Committee – Governor’s Commission on African Affairs

With contributions from Olaolu S. Adewole – Outreach Committee Member

The Governor’s Commission on African Affairs tonight hosted its Inaugural Legislative Night at the House of Delegates Building in the state Capital. At least two hundred dignitaries from a wide cross section of the political, business and African immigrant communities in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia attended the high profile event. The commission organized this event to provide an opportunity for African immigrants and nationals to interact with elected and appointed officials, discuss legislation impacting their community and celebrate the dynamic, growing African community in the state of Maryland.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Martin O’Malley who is on international travel, Secretary of State Mr. John P. McDonough reaffirmed the importance of the commission in the state’s goal to serve all ethnic demographics. He also highlighted some notable achievements such as the Sister – State Program, and the MOU’s signed with Ondo and Cross River States (Nigeria), and Bong and Maryland Counties (Liberia).

Other speakers included delegates Barbara Robinson (Appropriations Committee), Eric Luedtke (Ways & Means Committee), Mary-Dulany James (Appropriations Committee), James Malone (Environmental Matters-Vice Chair), Susan C. Lee (Judiciary Committee), Aisha N. Braveboy (Economic Committee), and Jolene Ivey (Ways and Means Committee) who is also a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. They spoke on several topics ranging from diversity, equitable distribution of state resources, elections, voting, discrimination, and historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s).

Officials from the Department of Business and Economic Development, and the Minority Business Enterprise also took turns to address the attendees on issues specific to their department’s goals. [Link to event pictures at bottom of page]

• Valentina I. Ukwuoma (Nigeria) – Chair • Jewru Bandeh (Gambia) – (Vice Chair) • Frederick Nnoma-Addison (Ghana) – Member • Nana Theo Ngongang (Cameroon) – Member • Mamadou Ibra Sy, Ph.D (Mauritania) – Member • Elias Woldu (Ethiopia) – Member • Jean Bailey, Ph.D. (United States) – Member • Olaolu S. Adewole (Nigeria) – Member • Sarian S. Bouma (Sierra Leone) – Member • Kate Atabong Njeuma (Cameroon) – Member • Alfred M. Nkere (Democratic Rep. of Congo) – Member • Pastor Bola Idowu, Dr.PH (Nigeria) – Member • Leticia Enos (Ghana) – Member • Mohamed Lamrana Bah (Sierra Leone) – Member • Anu A. Esuola, DDS (Nigeria) – Member • Suna Genevieve Nallo (Sierra Leone) -Member • Joshua Muli Nzueni (Kenya) – Member

Nutrition Corner

All You Need to Know About The Ebola Virus

April

As a doctor, I’ve been observing with trepidation the relatively rapid geographical progression of the outbreak of the Ebola virus that was reported in Guinea early in February this year. The infection has also been reported at this time to have spread to Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali, with an Ebola scare occurring most recently in Ghana. In view of this, knowledge is of the essence and we should equip ourselves with necessary information about the infection and its spread — when you know better, you do better.

that releases mood improving serotonin. Also lowers levels of stress hormone.

• Spinach: High in magnesium helps with fatigue, and migraines.

• Oatmeal: High in fiber which balances serotonin levels, also helps with digestion.

Ebola-Like Virus Spreads Rapidly In Guinea, Killing Over 60

What Is Ebola?

The Ebola virus is one of at least 30 known viruses capable of causing viral hemorrhagic fever syndrome, which is a very severe illness accompanied by bleeding. Usually up to 90 percent of infected people die as there’s no vaccine or treatment available.

Written by Valerie Agyeman, Dietetics Student, Radford University

Reducing Stress with Good Nutrition

How Does It Spread?

Ebola is transmissible from person to person via direct contact with an infected patient’s blood or other body fluids. People in direct contact with sick people and even dead bodies are at most risk, e.g family members and health workers.

What Are Ebola’s Symptoms?

What is the first action you take when life stressSymptoms usually start within two days of contact with an infected person or body and is es you out? Do you scoop yourself large amounts classified as early and late symptoms. of ice cream? Or is that Twix bar that sets your mood? Do you always feel like you need to eat Early symptoms are usually non-specific and can confuse medical personnel and even the your problems away? infected person. They include: fever tiredness headache general body and joint pains sore throat Other symptoms that often occur later include: vomiting (containing blood) diarrhea (containing blood as well) cough (also containing blood) bleeding (mostly from the mouth and nose) and even death from other complications.

Prevention Here are a few guidelines on how NOT to get Ebola:

Don’t touch an infected person or their body fluids, e.g blood, vomit, feces, urine, and genital fluids.

Avoid bodies of people who have been suspected to die from the infection.

Wash your hands often, using soap.

Ebola is in animals and bats too, so don’t touch or eat “bush meat” and bats, especially when there’s an outbreak of the infection.

Infection control inside and outside of medical facilities should be optimal. This is achieved by using barrier protection methods, such as using double gloves, fluid-impermeable gowns, face shields with eye protection, and coverings for legs and shoes.

What To Do If You Get Ebola

1. Keep away from others so you don’t infect them.

2. Be very careful with your body fluids.

3. Call your hospital, and go see your doctor immediately!

Ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to your health and life, don’t get caught unaware in the outbreak.

Stay healthy!

Source: Ajibola Abdulkadir Ajibola Abdulkadir is a medical doctor currently practicing occupational medicine in Lagos, Nigeria. She has a keen interest in health education and women’s health. She’s an avid encourager of education in any form and is passionately driven to educate Africans on their healthcare needs

2014 Page 6

For most of us, stress and food go hand- inhand. Food gives us the power and satisfaction that we need in very stressful situations. It is no surprise that when our stress levels increase, our resistance to ‘comfort’ foods decrease. This isn’t always a terrible thing because our favorite foods can actually reduce our stress levels. Stress can have very negative effects on the human body such as blood pressure elevation, slowed down metabolism, weakening of the immune system, weight gain, and more. When you are stressed you know it, your heart starts pounding, muscles get tense, stomach feels queasy, and headaches occur. Giving your body the nutrition it needs is a positive step you can take every day towards managing stress.

With the right nutrition, you are better prepared to face the challenges of the day. An individual with a healthy and balanced diet is more likely to be less stressed than someone with a poor diet. Foods with high mineral and vitamin levels actively help in reducing stress levels.

Here are a few listed below:

• Fish (Salmon, tuna, etc.): High in omega 3, can manage your adrenaline levels to help you keep calm.

• Avocados, Bananas: High in potassium, keeps blood pressure low

• Blueberries, Oranges: High in Vitamin C, antioxidants that helps fight infections in the immune system

• Carrots, celery, and any Crunchy vegetable: Munching on a crunchy vegetable helps relieve tension.

• Milk: Contains B Vitamins, Vitamin D, and Proteins which relieve muscle tension, and also helps with sleep.

•

Dark chocolate: A sugar carbohydrate

Certain foods and drinks can aggravate stress levels.

Some foods you should limit when stressed are: coffee, soda, fast foods, shellfish, and sugary foods.

Caffeinated drinks increase the production of norepinephrine, which keep you alert and awake. These foods can interfere with sleep and prevent relaxation. It is important to also limit your consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol can lower the amount of sugar in the blood which causes a decrease in energy, an irregular heartbeat, and can trigger panic attacks. Salty and processed foods increase blood pressure therefore limiting your consumption is the best thing to do.

April is Stress Awareness month. Start this month by making the correct food choices when stress comes your way. The next time you feel fed up with life, don’t reach for the big tub of ice cream; instead, try something a more nutritious. You will feel relieved in no time!

(Visit www.eatright.org)

(References: www.eatright.org)

Son of Ghanaian Immigrants Accepted to All Ivy League Schools April

2014

Page 7

In the next month, Kwasi Enin must make a tough decision: Which of the eight Ivy League universities should he attend this fall?

A first-generation American from Shirley, N.Y., the 17-year-old violist and aspiring physician applied to all eight, from Brown to Yale.

The responses began rolling in over the past few months, and by late last week when he opened an email from Harvard, he found he'd been accepted to every one. School district officials provided scanned copies of acceptance letters from all eight on Monday. Yale confirmed that it was holding a spot for Enin.

The feat is extremely rare, say college counselors — few students even apply to all eight, because each seeks different qualities in their freshman class.

Almost none are invited to attend them all. The Ivy League colleges are among the nation's most elite.

"My heart skipped a beat when he told me he was applying to all eight," says Nancy Winkler, a guidance counselor at William Floyd High School, where Enin attends class. In 29 years as a counselor, she says, she's never seen anything like this. "It's a big deal when we have students apply to one or two Ivies. To get into one or two is huge. It was extraordinary."

For most of the eight schools, acceptance comes rarely, even among the USA's top students. At the top end, Cornell University admitted only 14% of applicants. Harvard accepted just 5.9%.

But Enin has "a lot of things in his favor," says college admissions expert Katherine Cohen, CEO and founder of IvyWise, a New York-based consulting firm.

For one thing, he's a young man. "Colleges are looking for great boys," Cohen says. Application pools these days skew heavily toward girls: The U.S. Department of Education estimates that females comprised 57% of college students in degree-granting institutions last year. Colleges — especially elite ones — are struggling to keep male/female ratios even, so admitting academically gifted young men like Enin gives them an advantage.

(Photo: William Floyd School District) or 11th grade, discovering that each has "their own sense of school spirit" and other qualities he liked. He also applied to three State University of New York campuses and Duke — and yes, they have all accepted him.

In a phone interview, Enin said Princeton so far has offered the most generous aid package. But he has yet to get offers from Columbia, Cornell or Harvard. Either way, he'll need to accept a place in the class of 2018 somewhere by May 1. He wants to pursue both music and medicine.

Cohen says he's "sitting in a very good place right now — I think he can negotiate the very best financial aid package he can get" at his top-choice school. "Almost any of them would do anything for this type of candidate," Cohen says.

them know that he's got a slot in each other's freshman class. They'll compete to get him to show up in the fall.

Once he decides, she says, he should write letters to the seven runners-up saying he's "honored to have been admitted." After all, he's got to keep his options open for graduate school.

http://www.usatoday.com/

She advises that Enin call or write each of the eight and let

He ranks No. 11 in a class of 647 at William Floyd, a large public school on Long Island's south shore.

That puts him in the top 2% of his class. His SAT score, at 2,250 out of 2,400 points, puts him in the 99th percentile for African-American students.

He will also have taken 11 Advanced Placement courses by the time he graduates this spring. He's a musician who sings in the school's a capella group and volunteers at Stony Brook University Hospital's radiology department. Enin plans to study medicine, as did both of his parents. They emigrated to New York from Ghana in the 1980s and studied at public colleges nearby. Both are nurses.

Being a first-generation American from Ghana also helps him stand out, Cohen says. "He's not a typical African-American kid."

Enin says he got the idea to apply to all eight in 10th

Enin (far right), with dad Ebenezer (far left), mom Doreen (second from left) and sister Adwoa (second from right).

April

2014

Page

Thoronka Law Offices

Green Card

U.S. Immigration Law Practice

Naturalization

Removal and Deportation

Citizenship

Work Authorization Personal Injury/ Criminal

Employment Visa (H1B) Divorce Licensed in Maryland and Massachusette

Massachusetts Thoronka Law Offices 225 Stedman Street Lowell, MA, 01852 (978) 275-9889

Virginia Office Kamah Gueh-Thoronka 13198 Centerpoint Way Suite 101 Woodbridge, VA 22193 voice(571) 285-5497 or (571)285-5242 Fax: 571-285-5679

Ex-Convict Turned Preacher Gemann Shows New Wife

spent in prison and proceeds from its sale would be used to buy essential commodities for prison inmates.

The event was also to introduce Gemann to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana fraternity, as he would be collaborating with the church on prison outreaches across the country.

“I turned over a new leaf in prison largely due to the Prison Ministry of the Presbyterian Church… I know other churches also have serious wings dealing with prison ministry but I’ll always remember the useful mentorship I received from some prominent Presby pastors,” he noted.

He explained that life in prison was tough and that basic essential commodities such as soap, toothpaste, toilet rolls are scarce and inmates are constantly in need of them.

Pastor G’love Gemann, founder of the New Life Christian Love Fellowship – the ex-convict turned preacher introduced his new wife to Ghanaians during the launch of his new album, ‘G-14’ in Ghana.

Gemann, whose real name is Nana Kwesi Agyeman, was a successful musician until he was found guilty of shooting a taxi driver and had to spend some 14 years in prison until he was pardoned.

It became public knowledge that his wife divorced him while he was in prison, but only a few people know he has remarried since his release.

“My wife is a great gift from God to me and I could not have asked for more,” the ex-convict who became born again while in prison and was subsequently ordained a Pastor, disclosed at the Osu Ebenezer Church Hall Saturday night.

Gemann was speaking at an event dubbed, ‘A Night with Gemann, during which he told his story and also launched his new album. The album, a 14-track master piece symbolizes the 14 years Gemann

Source: Christopher Kotei (kriskotei@gmail.com)

8

April

Next to Blaze N Cuts and Aburi Gardens Restaurant -Opposite Checkers

2014

Page

9

n

 

April

2014

Page 10

April 2014

Page

Sierra Leone’s First Lady Sia Nyama Koroma Receives International Recognition And Award In The United States better to educate a girl than to fix a woman; it is better to fix our girls at the early stages of life than to engage in damage control”. She also emphasized that there was no better investment that we can make than in the education of our children especially our girls. They are the future ICT specialists, software engineers, scientists, film producers, teachers, doctors, nurses, politicians, and future Secretary Generals of the United Nations.

Her Excellency Sia Nyama Koroma

The First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Sia Nyama Koroma, received an international recognition on Saturday 24th March 2014 at the prestigious Sheraton Washington Hotel in downtown Washington DC, United States of America.

(Photo: Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone)

Stevens, received the coveted award presented on behalf of First Lady Sia Koroma.

In a short , but well-applauded speech, Ambassador Stevens re-iterated that the award represented ample recognition of the role being played by the first lady in alleviating the sufferings of women, infants and young people in Sierra Leone through her charitable work. The Ambassador further Ahe organization, WETATi (Women emphasized that the absence of the First Empowerment to Achieve the Impossible, lady was the result of unavoidable circumUSA), conferred the award at a star-studded stances as she already had pre- confirmed conference, banquet and awards night. her participation to serve as conference chair Mrs. Sia Nyama Koroma was recognized as but had to rescind at the last minute. an avid campaigner for the improvement of However, the Sierra Leonean First Lady highly appreciated the award and has conthe plight of women and children in Sierra veyed her thanks and appreciation to the Leone. It must be recalled that since organization.

President Koroma came to power in 2007, First Lady Sia Nyama Koroma has been a great team player in the President’s quest to According to the citation on the award : provide quality medical care for the chilThe WETATI Innovator Award ceremony dren and the women of Sierra Leone. She was witnessed by prominent women entrehas played a commendable role in the propreneurs, top female ambassadors in the U.S motion and application of President and women from varied works of life. Apart Koroma’s free medical care for children from the award, the first lady was the cover under five, lactating and pregnant women. feature of the premiere issue of the organiThe award was therefore a recognition of zation’s Magazine. the tremendous work being done by the First Lady to promote the well-being of The hallmark of the event was a video children and women in the country. recording from Madam Sia Nyama Koroma that was played live at the event. In her key Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United note speech, the First lady stated that “it is States of America, H.E. Bockari Kortu

The first lady stressed that in Sierra Leone 34% of young women become pregnant before age 18 and 26% of girls aged 15-19 had already had birth. She called for increase support to women and young people, especially in their education, health and empowerment so that they will have voice and choice, which would enable them to help to transform our world. Giving a final word of advice , the First Lady had this to say, “We must advice our girls that success in life needs planning, a determined mind, but above all a willingness through positive action to do what is good, and above a reliance on God to direct their path.”

ble, regardless of their socio-economic status, geographical location or other limitations. The organization is dedicated to ADVANCE and CHALLENGE women to DARE to achieve their impossible through community involvement, life and business coaching, mentoring programs, and joint venture-ships.

The Deputy Chief of Mission Ambassador Ibrahim Conteh and other diplomatic staff were present at the impressive occasion.

Meanwhile, many Sierra Leoneans resident in the United States have congratulated the First Lady for her international recognition and award.

submitted by Embassy Communication Unit - See more at: http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/archives/66431#sthash.Fx9A2Y7k. dpuf Source:http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/

WETATi is a global business network for women of all generations (WETATi Women of Today, WETATi Next Generation, WETATi Daughters of Destiny) and it empowers, educates and challenges women to achieve the impossi-

Ambassador Bockarie Stevens (middle ) receives the award on behalf of First Lady Sia Nyama Koroma. Standing first left is Deputy Ambassador Ibrahim S. Conteh -

11

April

2014

Page

12

April

2014

Page

African Immigrants Excel Highest In U.S. Academics African immigrants to the U.S. are among the most educated groups in the United States. Some 48.9 percent of all African immigrants hold a college diploma. This is more than double the rate of native-born white Americans, and nearly four times the rate of native-born African Americans.

According to the 2000 Census, the rate of college diploma acquisition is highest among Egyptian Americans at 59.7 percent, followed closely by Nigerian Americans at 58.6 percent.

ing a high school degree or higher, compared with 78.8 percent of Asian-born immigrants and 76.8 percent of European-born immigrants, respectively.[Africans from Kenya (90.8 percent), Nigeria (89.1 percent), Ghana (85.9 percent), Botswana (84.7 percent), and Malawi (83 percent) were the most likely to report having a high school degree or higher.

Those born in Cape Verde (44.8 percent) and Mauritania (60.8 percent) were the least likely to report having completed a high school education.

In 1997, 19.4 percent of all adult African immigrants in the United States held a graduate degree, compared to 8.1 percent of adult white Americans and 3.8 percent of adult black Americans in the Source: face2faceafrica.com United States, respectively. According to the 2000 Census, the percentage of Africans with a graduate degree is highest among Nigerian Americans at 28.3 percent, followed by Egyptian Americans at 23.8 percent.

Of the African-born population in the United States age 25 and older, 87.9 percent reported hav-

13

Afrikan

Sheik Daboh inaugurated as 4th President of APC Dallas April

Post

with our agenda for prosperity he added.

By dint of his energy and ability, Sheik Daboh has achieved a notable career. By sacrifice and devotion, he attained a reputation of being one of the most charitable and civic-minded citizens of the Sierra Leone community in the Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area. It’s no wonder that many people gathered to pay tribute to his inaugural ceremony.

2014

Page 14

opposition party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) was represented by its chapter president, Mrs. Khadie Tejan-Sie. She spoke eloquently giving her experience about what is dearly needed for the country at the moment. A moment of silence was also observed on the passing away of former president Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.

The effectiveness of the organizing secretary, Mr. Abu Daboh greatly helped participants enjoy the inaugural ceremony and party. People who witnessed the occasion described it as another day in Dallas saying that it is an excellent experience as well as memorable one.

Stay tuned for more news stories about the great event.

Many prominent citizens and other nationalities graced the leadership of Sheik and this important occasion. They were able to see extra events such as a soccer game, Texas Paddle dance, and a presentation of trophy. The Ambassador was conferred Sanpha Sesay, Texas Chief Correspondent with a soccer kit by a newly established infrastrucSheik Daboh delivering his inaugural speech tural development company called, Sangorafa, Source:http://www.sierraexpressmedia.com/ while Mr. Patrick Dangawalli, the president of The Sierra Leone Ambassador to the rated, Sheik Daboh felt the enthusiasm Soccer Stars Association also bestowed a plaque to Ambassador Stevens in recognizing of his commitUnited States, Ambassador Bockari K. of the crowd. He smiled gloriously ment to the community in Texas. Stevens, on Saturday, April 6, witnessed a showing excitement and love over his historic event when Mr. Sheik Daboh, a political party members. When the Also present in the occasion were Mr. Unisa Kanu president of local chapter for the All Master of Ceremony, Mr. Patrick and Mr. Joseph Bobson Kamara, both of whom are People’s Congress of the United States Walsh called him to take the oath of aspiring for the APC-USA Chairmanship. The main (APC-USA) branch in Dallas, Texas was office, the crowd went wild with inaugurated as the 4th chapter president in excitement and hoisted the president that organization. It was the second time towards the inaugural podium; carryAmbassador Stevens visited the Sierra ing him there rather than having him Leone community in that metropolitan walk. area. His first visit was in July 2008 when the Sierra Leone community on the occaIn his inaugural address, Mr. Sheik sion of a soccer tournament also invited Daboh was determined to exude confihim. (Photo: Sheik Daboh’s fantastic inau- dence in highlighting the goals and gural speech) accomplishments of the APC party especially, as he put it, under president The Ambassador did not deliver a keynote Ernest Bai Koroma’s leadership. Mr. address as was expected, but in a brief Daboh said that the APC government statement he reaffirmed that Sierra Leone is has lifted our country from the dolnow essentially a quest for development drums of infrastructural decadence and and investment under the leadership of fiscal irresponsibility to an area of President Ernest Koroma. Ambassador accountability, transparency and infraStevens urged Sierra Leoneans to be mind- structural development. He commendful of the process involved in formulating ed the president for his vision to estaband implementating the agenda for prosper- lish the agenda for change and now ity. He commended APC Dallas as an agenda for prosperity. example of a viable community among the APC-USA Chairman performing swearing oath ceremony APC branch-chapters across North Mr. Daboh maintained that since this America. administration assumed power, Sierra The APC-USA branch interim Chairman, Leone has moved from dismal posiMr. Ibrahim Sanpha Kamara diligently con- tions of negative national and internaducted the inaugural ceremony. The tional indexes to enviable positions.

Chairman administered the swearing in cer- We moved upwards by about a dozen emony in accordance with the stipulated countries from being the most corrupt APC-USA bylaws. The president elect and nation and several positions from a cross section of the executive took the being the poorest country in the world. oath of office at the Hotel Regency.

The country is now identified as one of the fastest growing economies in The hotel hall had a strong sense of cohesub-Saharan Africa with business sion and was relatively peaceful while per- friendly environment the chapter presiforming the inauguration ceremony. As dent added. Sheik Daboh therefore tradition, the United States national anthem appealed and encourage Sierra was sang by Freda Koroma, a daughter of Leoneans to the APC party. He the founding father of the APC Dallas believes that the All Peoples Congress chapter, Mr. Sheku Koroma, followed by Party is a national party with memberthe Sierra Leone national anthem which ship from all regions of Sierra Leone. was generally sang by everyone in the hall. We need more hands on deck to work with the government of Sierra Leone As he was gazing down the Regency Hotel to lift our country from malaise and hall at the hundreds of people from all disrepair to that of responsibility, walks of life who came to see him inaugu- accountability and development in line Ambassador Stevens addressing audience

House, Four Jobs for Good Samaritan

Afrikan

Post

They all say that they can trust me with clients’ money.

I am praying over it so I’ll be directed which one to choose. I have also asked my pastor, Pastor Enoch Aminu of the Pure Fire Miracles Church and the entire church to help me pray about it.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Real Plan Estates, Mr. Charles Nunoo, whose company gave the land and 20 bags of cement to Arhin in celebration of his honesty, told the Daily Graphic that ordinarily the type of house being built for Arhin could cost about GHc80,000, however, “we are offering it to him at a very low price.

He is happy with it and we also offered him very flexible instalment terms.”

The jobless young man who badly needed GHc800 to pay rent or face ejection but was honest enough to return a cash of GHc2,500 abandoned in a taxi to its owner, is to become a homeowner.

Collins Arhin, 35, is to own a three-bedroom self-contained house on the plot of land gifted him by estate company, Real Plan Estates, and has made the initial deposit for construction works to start.

The deposit of GHc5,000 came from the many cash gifts that flowed his way following his courageous and kind act which saw his best friends write him off as a fool destined to live as a wretch.

At the last count, however, Collins Arhin had bagged far in excess of GHc10,000 in cash, more than four-fold what his friends had considered God’s salvation for the fix he found himself in and which they would rather he had stolen.

The gifts have come mainly from listeners of Accra based Radio Gold 90.5FM, which reviewed The Insight newspaper’s publication of Arhin’s uncommon honesty.

But the latest in Arhin’s chain of gifts has brought him a huge dilemma too – four financial institutions have made him offers to employ him and he is confused which of them to pick.

He told the Daily Graphic: “You know these are matters of money and I want to be careful I don’t fall into temptation.

Coach Kwesi Appiah Handed A Doctorate Degree April

2014

Page

15

“I tuned in to Radio Gold that particular day when they read his story and I was touched by his story. I felt that out of a thousand Ghanaians you would have just one person to do such a thing, so I was inspired by what he did and decided to be of help to him. And also in our sort of business too, real estates particularly, there are a lot of tricksters and all that, people don’t even trust us again, but my company stands for the position he took and I decided to be of help.”

Arhin was on his way to take a loan of GHc800 from a friend to settle his outstanding rent when on alighting from the taxi he had travelled in, he realised a co-passenger had left behind a polythene bag containing GHc2,500.

He took the money to a radio station and following a couple of announcements, the owner, a lady who said she had taken the money as a loan from the Agricultural Development Bank to boost her failing trade, showed up. To show her gratitude, she offered Arhin GHc100 as her ‘thank you’ but Arhin gently refused, insisting her business needed all that money.

When he arrived at the friend’s house to collect the GHc800 loan, his friend turned him away, condemning his action and his apparent lack of interest in his own wellbeing.

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has been handed a honorary doctorate degree by the Day Spring Christian University of Mississippi even before leads the Black Stars to 2014 World Cup looming.

The Black Stars coach who will be leading the side to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was decorated with his honours at a ceremony held at the School of Allied Science campus in Accra on Saturday,

Appiah, nick-named the ‘Silent Killer’ by the Black Stars players for his calm but firm ways of dealing with indiscipline in his squad, was awarded a Doctor of Psychology in Sports.

The former Ghana captain was celebrated for his historic achievement as coach of the Black Stars.

Appiah became the first indigenous Ghanaian coach to qualify the Black Stars to the World Cup finals after presiding over a flamboyant qualification series.

Kwesi Appiah was awarded alongside Bishop Annor Yeboah

He was therefore one of 10 personalities including Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho who were awarded for their contributions to the development of Ghana in their various fields of endeavours.

In a citation, Kwesi Appiah was celebrated as a Doctor of Psychology in Sports for his contribution to the development of sports in Ghana and the impact made as coach of the Black Stars.

Dr. Appiah’s award by an American University shows how he is respected across the globe for his successes despite the fact that Ghana will face the United States at the World Cup.

Other personalities awarded included Bishop Annor Yeboah, Samuel Vindex, Rex Asare Narh and Kwame Nyamekye.

The rest are Felix Nyarko Pong, William Panford and Gideon Amenyedor.

The Black Stars coach will now be official known as Dr. James Kwesi Appiah.

President Jonathan’s Daughter Faith Sakwe Marries Godswill Edward

Afrikan

April

Post

2014

Page

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan walked his eldest child, Faith Elizabeth Sakwe, down the aisle to wed Godswill Osim Edward. The two were married in a beautiful ceremony at the Abuja Ecumenical Center. The wedding was broadcast live on Nigerian Television Authority (NTN), and many political figures and dignitaries attended.

Faith and Godswill are college sweethearts who met while attending the University of Calabar.

Congratulations to the couple on their beautiful union!

Source: http://face2faceafrica.com/

Photos: Bella Naija/Banke Meshida-Lawal

NATIVE DOCTOR Alternative Medicine

Oro Anokye Ibrahim

Anyone in need of Spiritual help.

Visit the Great Powerful Native Doctor for all Spiritual Problems, Barrenness, Erectile Dysfunction, Piles, Kooko, Problems in Relationship

http://www.facebook.com/oro.anokyeibrahim

Call 571-229-6817, 14818 Bryan Court, Woodbridge, VA 22193

16

New Pm Appointed In Mali As Entire Government Quits sistent instability in the north.

Security remains fragile in the north, the former base of the Islamist rebels who were driven back last year.

President Ibrahim Boubakar Keita has been facing international pressure to commence peace talks that could help stability.

Oumar Tatam Ly became prime minister after the defeat of Islamist rebels A new prime minister has been appointed in Mali to succeed Oumar Tatam Ly, who has resigned from office - along with his entire government.

Mr Ly was elected last year after a French-led military intervention ended an Islamist takeover.

His successor is a former presidential hopeful, Moussa Mara, who had also served as minister of town planning.

April

Page 17

Newest African Ambassador Presents Letters of Credence At White House

Mr Mara stood against Mr Keita in the last presidential election. He represents a new breed of Malian politician, according to the BBC's correspondent in Bamako, Alex Duval Smith.

A reshuffle had been expected, our correspondent says, but the departure of the entire government is a shock.

Mr Mara's political career is the product of the country's town halls rather than elite French schools.

France is now winding down its troop presence in the country but says it will continue to deploy forces against pockets of militancy in the north.

Source:bbcnews.com

On Monday, March 10, 2014, the new Tunisian Ambassador to the U.S. – Mhamed Ezzine Chelaifa – presented his Letters of Credence to President Obama at the White House.

The presentation of credentials is a traditional ceremony that marks the formal beginning of an Ambassador’s service in Washington.

Nigeria Becomes Africa's Biggest Economy

Mr Mara had been calling for more action to be taken to curb per-

Nigeria has "rebased" its gross domestic product (GDP) data, which has pushed it above South Africa as the continent's biggest economy.

Nigerian GDP now includes previously uncounted industries like telecoms, information technology, music, online sales, airlines, and film production.

GDP for 2013 totalled 80.3 trillion naira (£307.6bn: $509.9bn), the Nigerian statistics office said.

That compares with South Africa's GDP of $370.3bn at the end of 2013.

'Changes nothing' However, some economists point out that Nigeria's economic output is underperforming because at 170 million people, its population is three times larger than South Africa's.

On a per-capita basis, South Africa's GDP numbers are three times larger than Nigeria's.

And Nigerian financial analyst Bismarck Rewane called the revisions "a vanity".

He added: "The Nigerian population is not better off tomorrow because of that announcement.

It doesn't put more money in the bank, more food in their stomach. It changes nothing."

Rebasing is carried out so that a nation's GDP statistics give the most up-to-date picture of an economy as possible.

Most countries do it at least every three years or so, but Nigeria had not updated the components in its GDP base year since 1990.

Then, the country had one telecoms operator with around 300,000 phone lines. Now it has a whole mobile phone industry with tens of millions of subscribers.

Likewise, 24 years ago there was only one airline, and now there are many.

International aid donors are keen for more African countries to undertake this process regularly because it enables them to make better decisions when it comes to aid.

Source:bbcnews.com

2014

Source: www.amipnewsonline.com

KNUST ALUMNI – 2014 North America Convention April

2014

Page

In July 2014, Greenbelt, Maryland will play host to KNUST ALUMNI – NORTH AMERICA ASSOCIATION's 2014 National Convention — a three-day event of first-class professional networking opportunities and organizational soul searching sessions. Every other year, KNUST-NA Alumni, their Ghanaian counterparts, and other Alumni in other parts of the world, affiliated members, staff and faculty from KNUST, Ghana converge at the National Convention to raise funds to support their Alma Mater. This summer, the current Presidents from North American and Ghana Chapters will host a Summit of all past and presents Presidents of the Association from North America, Ghana and the United Kingdom to explore the best practices for leveraging her core strengths to the benefit of the association. They will explore what is (and isn't) working for the associations, both in Ghana and in the Diaspora, including, but not limited to, financial support and our ability to make a lasting and significant impact on KNUST campus.

KNUST-NA association has been organizing different fundraising events since its inception in 1999 and revolved around different causes: building an Alumni Endowment Fund to supporting academic programs at the University, funding the construction of Alumni hostel and proving Alumni scholarships to needy students at KNUST. This year, the association intends to raise funds to augment the Endowment Fund and to provide scholarships to some needy students.

This year’s Keynote Speaker will be Hon. Dr. Kwame Saarah-Mensah, Ghana's Ambassador to India, and the convention will be under the distinguished chairmanship of Prof. W. O. Ellis, The Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Special Guests of honor include; Prof, K.K. Adarkwa, former Vice Chancellor of KNUST; Prof. Albert Wright, former Pro-Vice chancellor of KNUST; Honorable Koby Koomson, former Ghana’s Ambassador to US; Prof. Seth O. Asiama, former President of KNUST Alumni Ghana; Mr. Tony Danklu, President KNUST Alumni Ghana; Ms. Eunice Akosua Ofosua Amoako, Gen. Secretary KNUST Alumni Ghana and Mr. Koby Mensah-Kuma, President of KNUST UK Alumni Chapter. The Vice Chancellors will give us updates and also answer questions regarding life on KNUST campus.

This year’s convention is strategic, as it is intended to create avenues to engage in connections with fellow alumni whose collaborative contributions in the topical areas of discussion topics are so critical to the future of our dear Association. Please join us at this crucial moment to contribute in the growth and development of our association, and the University and help turn things around. All ‘Technokrats’ are invited.

The convention registration fee is $150.00. The negotiated discount hotel rate is $97.00 per night (Special Code is ‘KNU’). Book here For your convention registration, and other information about the convention, please visit our website- http://www.knust-alumni.org/event-registration.

If you have any questions, please contact; Dr. Joe Conduah – KNUST–NA President, (joeoconduah@charter.net/608-469-8487), Mr. Kwaku Boateng – KNUST-NA DMV Chapter President (kwakurap@gmail.com/571-274-0444) Ms. Eunice Amoako- Ghana National Gen. Secretary (akosuaofosuaamoako@yahoo.com) (233 26 264 3780 / +233 27 364 3780 / +233 23 324 3780) Mr. Henry Domi – KNUST-NA Gen. Sec (kwadzo64@gmail.com/313 418 9163), Mr. Henry Domi KNUST-NA Gen. Sec

United States Church Honours 5 Governors, TB Joshua

THE Ecumenical Apostolic Church, Virginia USA will on April 26, honour five Nigerian state governors and the General Overseer of Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), Prophet Temitope Joshua as well as the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbenedion with the Global Award of Excellence.

A release by the co-ordinator of the US-based church in South-South Nigeria, Bishop Nmalagu Greatman, on behalf of Presiding Archbishop John Johnston, said the ceremony would take place at God Worshippers Assembly along Amai Road, Obiaruku, headquarters of Ukwua-ni local government area of Delta State at 10.00 a.m.

The release listed the selected governors include Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State.

Others include the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Timipre Sylva.

The statement said the award was approved at the Biennual Bishops Conference held at Lanexa Virgina, USA on December 28, 2013, adding that the nominees were recommended to the Board by the South South Nigeria Regional Chapter Co-ordinator, Bishop Greatman.

Source: http://news2.onlinenigeria.com/

18

April

2014

Offices in Dumfries and Alexandria Call to Make an Appointment

Page

19

The Pruning Her Page

T

Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

he dutiful gardener took out his shares and pruners and entered the garden.

Today, he would be cutting, trimming, pruning and shaping the shrubs at the front of the house. He knew exactly where to begin.

He went to a shrub and took out his largest shares and began cutting off the wayward and dying branches. Then he continued to trim the shrubs from the bottom towards the top. In between, he took out pruners of various sizes as needed, cutting, clipping and snipping here and there, shaping and redefining the branches and vines as required. The shrubs were easy in the hands of the gardener. No one heard them scream or wail in agony throughout the process. But somewhere, there was a lot of resisting, screaming, shouting, crying and, yes, wailing when a vine was being pruned.

Was it you? Or was it me? This time, it was our sister Matilda.

Matilda wept and wept out loud.

She cried in her private room and complained in both that room and everywhere she could find a sister or brother to hear her complaints.

Her quiet times with the Lord had not been so quiet lately. They were filled with cries of agony, loud praying filled with questions, accusations and pleas! “Why am I going through this pain when I have been faithful and careful to follow your ways?” Why do you lead me to a desert where there is no life when I prayed and clearly heard you instruct me to go this way? Yet, this place is nothing but a desert! You have sent me to a place of suffering and no prospects! Why o God why?

She began her prayers on her bed and later found herself on the carpeted floor prostrate and pleading with God to bring her a quick escape. She cried with her hands bald up in two fists desperately pounding the floor as she prayed, cried and wailed. “O God Why?” Matilda’s problems had been going on for years and she was at her wits’ end. She was desperate and had nowhere to turn but to God, her Hope, her Prisoner, she sometimes thought. She had to hear from God today.

She had to know why it had taken so long.

Why all the directions and instructions from God on this one matter had led to dead ends.

“Why? Why when I take orders only from you and for you to deal with me in this terrible way?” Matilda heartbreakingly prayed and cried loudly until her head hurt and was fully congested that she found that she couldn’t breathe. She went to the bathroom to blow her nose so that she could free her sinuses from the stuff in the way of her breathing. It was there in the mirror that she saw the physical results of her battle with God. Her face

was terribly swollen and her eyes were blood shot. She couldn’t believe her eyes. She looked almost as bad as she felt. But she felt she had no choice. She had to continue. She returned to the carpeted floor and threw herself on the floor once more; this time she didn’t open her mouth to pray. It was all in her heart. Her broken heart spoke to God while the tears rapidly flowed all over again. Suddenly, a song forced its way out of her heart and through her mouth. It was a song she had not sung in at least 10 years. She wept more from her agony. She wept more from her tiredness. She wept more, because she knew she had just received her answer from God. When you haven’t sung a song in a long time and you suddenly begin to sing it while in prayer, you have to know the Lord is speaking to you through that song. Matilda recognized this truth as she repeatedly sang the song even as she pondered the meaning of the words, her message from the Lord. She sang: “Nearer, my God to Thee, nearer to Thee; Even though it be a cross that raiseth me; Still all my song shall be nearer, my God to Thee; Nearer, my God to Thee, nearer to Thee.” She began to understand what God was telling her. She continued singing it the next three days, because the song just wouldn’t leave her. The morning of the fourth day, the revelation was complete. She fully understood the word from the Lord. Her tears of pain were turned to tears of joy, the sorrow that was killing her transformed to over flowing rivers of water, and her cries were now smiles and laughter. Matilda had heard from the Lord and this time the word from God had settled everything. All her questions, her pleading, her crying, her accusations were over and she was grateful. The Lord had been pruning her the entire time.

Why does a gardener prune? According to research on pruning, a gardener prunes to ensure the health and vigor of a plant. Pruning removes dead and diseased branches and it helps a tree or shrub maintain its shape and vigor by removing broken, dead or diseased branches that can be unsightly and make it more difficult for the tree or shrub to stay healthy. Pruning also promotes the growth of other plants or trees, because trees and shrubs that go without pruning for years become over grown and make it difficult for other plants underneath or adjacent to them to grow in healthy. For example, grass or minor plants beneath an overgrown tree might not get adequate sunlight, which it needs to establish strong roots so it can grow in lush and healthy.

Pruning reduces risk of accidents, it can bring plants back to life and it also adds to curb appeal (http://orangeleader.com/local/The-benefits-ofpruning-trees-and shrubs).

Just like oxygen giving plants, we, as salt giving Christians, undergo pruning seasonally.

Our Lord and master, the Chief Gardener, enters the garden of His world and thoughtfully approaching us, begins to prune us individually so that we may be in optimal spiritual health for growth and nurturance. Often in pruning, God will withhold fulfilling a promise or answering certain prayers, because He is working on our patience, our resolve, our faith and our maturity.

As Father and Chief Gardener, He knows us all too well and knows what it will take to improve us, to season us. He knows that it is not wise to simply give us all we want and require in a

moment’s time, which in effect will spoil us and leave us untried and unproven. In pruning also, God orchestrates certain obstacles and incidents to befall us, these are our trials and tribulations testing us, even as He is there to help us in every way.

And how do we respond in these seasons of pruning? Well, we don’t hear trees and plants scream or wail in agony, but as human beings, we shout, scream and cry terribly when we are going through the pruning process. The pruning process is not easy, because parts of you are being chopped, cut and snipped off. And because we are flesh-feeling individuals with our own will and understanding, thinking we know better than the Gardener, the Creator and Caretaker of the plants, we find it extremely difficult and painful that we should be pruned at all, much less seasonally!

But the Gardener knows His job and intently goes about it. Jesus Christ said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…” (John 15: 1- 2). “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). One of the good points that we should observe in this scripture is that if we are being pruned, then we are the good branches which are not to be cut off. Christ is the vine and we, His children, who have confessed Him as our Savior, are the branches. God the Gardener is the pruner and prunes as He sees fit, so that we may grow and bear more fruit. If we are to abide in Him, then we must remain healthy, for it is only through good health that we can bear fruit.

The state of being in health and vigor requires that we be trimmed, pruned and shaped.

When God prunes as a gardener prunes a shrub or tree, His intent is not to punish, injure, or destroy. Rather, His intent is to strengthen, shape and revive. First Corinthians 10:13 tells us that “no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. This means that every test He designs or temptations He allows to come our way for our benefit is one that is not too burdensome or overwhelming, and He will make a way for us to overcome. When we go through tests, trials and tribulations and even temptations, we are in the end shaped and become spiritually healthy and stronger than before. We grow closer to Him. And we are of greater use to the kingdom.

This brings us to Matilda’s revelation. What God was telling Matilda through the song “Nearer my God to Thee” was that all the tests, tribulations, obstacles and challenges she was facing were intentionally designed for her to grow closer to Him and eventually guide her to fulfill her calling and receive her blessings and heart’s desires. The Lord particularly pointed to the lyrics “even though it took a cross that raiseth me” to teach her that just as Christ had to endure the excruciating suffering and death on the cross before He could overcome the enemy and ascend to the Father and His throne, so also will Matilda have to bear her crosses so that she will be raised and blessed. That was God’s intent all along and when the Lord spoke to Matilda through that song, her understanding became complete and her countenance was altered, because now she knew that just as Christ was glorified, she too will receive her heart’s desires and

April

2014

Page

20

glory. God was not punishing her. God had not abandoned her. He was simply preparing her.

The Lord gave me this topic after going through some major pruning myself.

Like Matilda, I too complained and wept terribly, because pruning is so painful! But our God is always faithful and He speaks to His children, giving them strength and even wisdom to advance. To further establish God’s communication with us, I will provide an insight to this article. After writing half of the article, as usual, I went back to reread and revise before moving on to complete it.

When I read the introductory paragraph that we have here, the Lord directed me to make the article more personal. He wanted me to present a character to demonstrate the truth of pruning and the heartache and agony that one feels and experiences when being pruned. As I put my fingers to the key board, I began to type the name Matilda. Then I quickly erased it. Why Matilda? I don’t like that name. It is old and so traditional. I wanted something current and fresh like Stephanie or Jasmine to name the character.

So I touched the key board again, to type a new name, but again, I felt a prodding to put down Matilda as if my fingers were being directed, and so I did. But again, I erased it.

I was fighting this nudging, but no other name was suggesting itself at the moment. I unwillingly typed Matilda a third time and again, quickly erased it.

The point here is that character names are important. As a writer, one must feel that a name is appropriate for a particular character. I wasn’t feeling Matilda. I said to myself, why is this name suggesting itself?

Is God trying to tell me something? I decided to go to the internet and search the meaning of the name Matilda. I typed “Matilda meaning”. Seeing the definition of the name, I realized that the Lord was being very specific and was impressing on me to use this name. I discovered that the name Matilda is rooted in German and it means “strength in battle." It was a profound moment. I always allow the Lord to lead my topics, but this moment was extra special. Here, the Lord presents His preferred name, because He wanted to speak to the experience and result of pruning. He also wanted to advance my understanding of pruning and my own experience.

The Lord our God is the perfect gardener. The Lord Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. To grow in Him and to remain in Him, we have to be pruned. We have to be tested and we have to mature. Pruning for the Christian is a battle, but after we have gone through this battle and overcome it, we are strengthened. So let us continue to remain in Him even when the battle is hot and the circumstances cause us to shout or scream out loud. They will only lead us to our knees and the carpeted floor where we sob and wrestle. Recall that after wrestling with the angel, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel. Let us all endure so that we will emerge with our new names!

Akua & The Taxi Driver

Akua tries to get to the other side of the road using the zebra crossing. Taxi driver ignores road traffic regulations & nearly hits her.

Akua gets terrified so out of extreme anger screams, "Can't you see it's a zebra crossing?""

Taxi driver pushes his head out of the window and shouts, "Madam, why ? are you a zebra?"

Joke Center

A White Lady And A Nigerian A white lady and a Nigerian guy were having The Guy tied her on the bed and ran drinks at the bar. Later that night the lady away with her laptop. whispered to the Guy “LET’S GO TO MY PLACE” - so they left.

At the lady’s place they started kissing and undressing each other. Then the lady whispered in her sexy voice… TIE ME ON THE BED AND DO WHAT YOU NIGERIANS DO BEST.

Source: Lisa Boat www.peacefmonline.com

Source: Lisa Boat

Mistake at the Dinner Table

During lunch at work last week, I ate 3 plates of beans (which I know I shouldnt).

When I got home, my husband seemed excited to see me and exclaimed delightedly: Darling I have a surprise for dinner tonight. He then blindfolded me and led me to my chair at the dinner table.

I took a seat and just as he was about to remove my blindfold, the telephone rang. He made me promise not to touch the blindfold until he returned and went to answer the call.

The beans I had consumed were still affecting me and the pressure was becoming unbearable, so while my husband was out of the room I seized the opportunity, shifted my weight to one leg and let one go.

It was not only loud, but it smelled like a fertilizer truck running over a skunk in front of a garbage dump!

I took my napkin from my lap and fanned the air around me vigorously.

Then, shifting to the other leg, I ripped off three more. The stink was worse than cooked cabbage.

Keeping my ears carefully tuned to the conversation in the other room, I went on releasing atomic bombs like this for another few minutes.The pleasure was indescribable!

Eventually the telephone farewells signaled the end of my freedom, so I quickly fanned the air a few more times with my napkin, placed it on my lap and folded my hands back on it feeling very relieved and pleased with myself.

My face must have been the picture of innocence when my husband returned, apologizing for taking so long.

He asked me if I had peeked through the blindfold, and I assured him I had not.

At this point, he removed the blindfold, and twelve dinner guests seated around the table, with their hands to their noses If you were the lady what would you do after seeing the guest?

Source:www.jokecenter.com

Clever Doctor

April

2014

It is Me

Page

Jonathan met with the Queen of England. He asked her, "How do you run such an efficient government? Are there any tips u can give to me? I want to help Nigeria." "Well," said the Queen, "the most important thing is to surround yourself with intelligent people." Jonathan frowned, and then asked,"But how do i know the people around me are really intelligent?" The Queen replied, "Oh, that's easy, you just ask them to answer an intelligent riddle." The Queen pushed a button on her intercom. "Please send David Cameron in here, would you?" David Cameron walked into the room and said,"Yes, your majesty?" The Queen smiled and said, "Answer this riddle. David, your mother and father have a child, it is not your brother and it is not your sister. Who is it?" Without pausing for a minute David Cameron answered, "that would be me." "Yes, very good," said the Queen. Jonathan went back home to ask his Vice President Sambo. JONATHAN: Answer this. Your mother and your father have a child, it's not your brother and it's not your sister, who is it? SAMBO: "I'm not sure, let me get back to you." He asked all his staff in the Office but none could give him an answer. Finally, one day, VP Sambo ran into Dora Akunyili. Sambo asked, Dora, SAMBO: Your mother and father have a child and it's not your brother or sister, who is it?" Dora answered sharply, "That's easy, its me!" Sambo smiled,and said "Thanks!"

Then he went back to speak with President Jonathan.

Sambo: Sir, I have the answer to that riddle, It's Dora Akunyili! Jonathan got angry,he said to Sambo. "No wonder Nigeria isn't moving forward, I am surrounded by Dummies! The answer is David Cameron!" WHO IS MORE INTELLIGENT? Source:http://www.akposjokes.com

In the arms of a woman

A doctor wrote on his new clinic: Any treatment is GHc300 and if we cannot treat, we will pay you GHc500.

Wanting the GHC500 for himself, intelligent Akpos came to the doc and said: I can’t feel any taste.

The doc asked a nurse to give Akpos a few drops of medicine from box 22.

Upon taking the drops, Akpos shouted “Oh STOP! it is urine!”

The doctor said “congratulations, your sense of taste is back now”.

Akpos was very angry that he lost GHc 300.

“The Best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman, who wasn’t my wife.”

The following conversation ensued between Akpos and the doc:

Akpos decided to crack this at home.

He came back two weeks later determined to get GHC 500.

Akpos : I lost my memory.

Doctor: Nurse! Please give this man some drops of medicine from box 22.

Akpos: Wait doctor but that medicine is for sense of taste.

Doctor: Congratulations, your memory is back.

Source:http://www.akposjokes.com

21

An inspirational speaker said:

Audience were in shock and silent.

He added: “She was my mother”

A big round of applause & laughter followed!

After dinner, he said loudly to his wife in the kitchen:

“The Best years of my life were spent in the arms of a woman, who wasn’t my wife”

Standing for a moment, Akpos tried to recall the second line of that inspirational speaker.

By the time he gained his senses, he was on a hospital bed, recovering from burns of boiling water!

Source:http://www.akposjokes.com

April

2014

Page 22

Adansiman Associations in the United States Pay Homage to their Overlord April

2014

Page

Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II, the newly installed Adansihene who is currently on a private visit to the United States granted audience to some Adansi citizens residing in the United States.

Known in private life as Mr. Kwaku Bonsra, Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II was installed chief of Fomena on January 24, 2014, succeeding Nana OforiAgyemang II, who died on July 15, 2005. He is the overlord of the Adansi state which is made up of seven Divisions; Fomena, Ayaase, Dompoase, Akrokerri, Akrofuom, Bodwesango and Edubiase. The new chief made a passionate appeal to them to unite and foster good relations among themselves and also appealed to them to adopt their various towns in Adansi and mobilize financial and material resources to support the town. He pledged to do everything within his power to resolve all obstacles that had impeded the installation of vacant stools in the divisional areas under Adansi.

The capital of the Adansi tribe is at Fomena. The Adansi tribe stretches from the Pra River to the south to the Asante paramountcy of Bekwai to the north.It is also bound to the south-west by the Twi-speaking Denkyera tribe.

THE ADANSIHENE and the President of the Adansi Traditional Council, Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II addressing his subjects

Members of the Adansiman Association of the Washington Metro Area with the Adansihene

Mr. George Afoakwah, a community leader and one time President of the Adansiman Association of Washington Metro Area paying homage to the Chief

Delegates from Adansiman Association of New York

Nana Kwasi Arhin Bio, the Chief Sword Bearer (Afenasoafoohene ) of New Edubiase congratulating the new Chief

Other Adansi citizens taking turns to greet the Chief

23

Afrikan

Post

Launching of African Community Resource Center April

2014

Page 24

On March 8th, the local African community was provided the unique opportunity to partake in an event that was truly one of a kind. The African Community Resource Center (ACRC) officially launched the organization at their first annual Black Tie Benefit, with the intention to raise funds to begin the foundation for their major project, a brick-and-mortar building in Northern Virginia.

The ACRC fulfills its mission by offering a wide variety of social and cultural activities to its target population including families, local civic organizations, and businesses. ACRC offers classes, special events, and seasonal activities for all ages.

The organization has hosted numerous projects in the past for the community, including college preparatory classes for African youth and health seminars. Founder Dennis Bioh has worked actively with a dedicated executive board to push the purpose of this project to a national and local scale. He has partnered with non-profit organizations like Give1 Foundation to help push the mission of ACRC to all who are willing to hear. The Black Tie Benefit welcomed over 300 guests who enjoyed artistic performances and presentations from the architect of the proposed ACRC building. There was also a small award ceremony to commemorate the start of the organization. Among the many special guests of honors was the Executive Assistant to Governor Martin O’Malley who stated in her address the importance of the organization: “The organization could serve as the long-term voice that has been missing [the chance to advocate] for all Africans, addressing some of the issues that our families, our youth are facing.

The state of Maryland will be the first state to adopt the objective and the infrastructure of the African Community Resource Center.”

What was highly impressive was the turnout of young adult guests from the African community. It was such a promising sight to see: young, educated Africans who are seeking out chances to uplift their community and give back in every aspect. During his Inaugural Keynote Address, the ACRC president stated that our time demands us to come together.

“There is a high demand of a togetherness of community and business leaders, pastors, and the civil society of Africans working collectively as a force for good. We need to come together as a people, collectively because we cannot be divided. Now, it is about looking ahead of what needs to be done for the next generation by educating our kids and getting them ready for the work force and the real life ahead. We must consider creating opportunities for the elderly that they will be able to go back home and influence the continent of Africa.

The challenges that we face are real and no one can help us but ourselves. Let us build together lets invest in the next generation.”

The ACRC will like to humbly thank every participant in the Black Tie Benefit and those who have supported the vision along the way. There is much to be done we are sure action will occur as awareness spread to the rest of the community.

Dennis Bioh, President and Founder of ACRC

NGOZI Group

Dr. Adade addressing the guests

Afrikan

Post

Hair Braiding and Weave Shop for Lease Great Location : Richmond Highway in Alexandria Spacious Facility Private Entrance Spacious Parking

Call : 703 725-6968 Apostle Nkum Ordains New Pastors in Virginia

On Sunday April 13, Apostle Emmanuel Nkum, the Founder of Nkum’s World outreach Ministries and Apostolic Governance ordained four new Pastors of the Power of Redemption Apostolic Ministries in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Church which was formed about 6 months ago by these Pastors who are working as a team to promote the work of God deemed it necessary to have a proper ordination in order to be recognized and have the authority to perform the duties pertaining to pastorialship.

Rev. Justice Arthur, Rev. Paul Meenu, Rev. Nana Yaw Amankwah and Rev. Mark Minta Boamah were therfore ordained into office .

The vision of Power of Redemption Apostolic Ministry is to spread the love of Christ throughout throughout the Washington Metro Area and across the globe.

Power of Redemption Apostolic Ministry has outreach programs, bible studies, prayer and deliverance, and counseling services available for those who are in need. They celebrated the day with friends and family members from all over the United States which included the Asantefoohene of Washington Metro Area, Nana Kofi Boateng and a host of dignitaries.

Apostle Emmanuel Nkum is the President of Nkum's World Outreach Organization, Inc, a ministry that gives mentorship and fatherhood to Ministers and believers through Conferences, Workshops, Teaching, Training and Healing Services. He is the CEO of League of professional,Founder of Widows and Orphans Forum (W.O.R.F.O), President of Young Minister's Network and Founder of Strategic Advanced Leadership Training (S.A.L.T.). a regular speaker on various satellite television and radio stations.

April

2014

Page 25

Afrikan

Afghan Girl Married At Six To Cover Her Father's Debt Post

14 Year-Old Wife Charged for Killing Husband, Three Others in Kano April

2014

Page 26

The prosecutor also alleged that the other six persons who ate the meal in the same dish were rushed to General Hospital, Gaya, but were later treated and discharged.

However, the accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge.

A 14 year-old wife, Wasila Tasi'u, was on Monday charged before a Rijiyar Zaki Magistrates' Court in Kano for alleged culpable homicide.

Her big brown eyes, framed by long soft lashes, are wide open as she takes in the unfamiliar surroundings. She's never stepped foot into a place like this, with books, computers, classrooms and musical instruments. In fact Naghma has never been to school, let alone one that looked like this.

The seven-year old dressed in a blue headscarf and a tattered, red dress, is at Afghanistan's National Institute of Music with her father, Taj Mohammad.

He's a big man with kind eyes and wears a grey shalwar kameez, Afghanistan's traditional dress. Naghma's older brother, nine-year-old Wakhil, is also with them, popping in and out of every nook and cranny, exploring this new and foreign world.

But as they walk along the hallway, Naghma refuses to leave her father's side. She is his shadow -- a daddy's girl.

It's right beside him, holding his hand that she feels most comfortable.

Fleeing conflict

But last year Taj Mohammad betrayed his little daughter's trust.

It began when the family fled the fighting in the country's southern Helmand Province. Taj Mohammad moved his wife and nine children to a refugee camp on the outskirts of Kabul thinking this would be a better life. But unable to make a living, the family suffered, especially when the brutal winter arrived. His wife had to be hospitalized when she fell ill and then his three-year-old son froze to death.

Taj Mohammad borrowed $2,500 to pay for his wife's medical bills and other family expenses. But when he couldn't repay the debt he decided the only solution was to marry off Naghma, then only six, to the money lender's 19year-old son.

"It was a difficult decision," Taj Mohammad tells me in a remorseful tone. "Everyone gives away their child but to give Naghma away like that was just so hard."

When human rights groups found out they were outraged

and contacted a U.S. lawyer Kimberley Motley. The former beauty queen and mother of three who lives between Kabul and Milwaukee, Wisconsin where her family is based, has been working in Afghanistan for the past five years. She arrived in 2008 as part of a U.S. State Department program to train and mentor Afghan defense attorneys.

Anonymous donor

While it was only supposed to be a short-term stay, Motley realized there was a serious shortage of lawyers and decided to set up a practice. While her main clients are foreigners, embassies and corporations, she has made a name for herself with her pro bono work representing victimized Afghan women.

When this case came across her desk, Motley jumped at it. Through her contacts and experience in the country, she arranged an assembly of Afghan elders known as a Jirga, and managed to get Naghma out of the marriage and back to her family. An anonymous donor then paid off Taj Mohammad's debt.

"I'm certainly very happy that Naghma did not have to be married off at the age of 6, so I'm pleased with that," explains Motley. "But I'd like to make sure she gets an education and becomes successful."

Which is the reason why they're visiting Afghanistan's National Institute of Music -- a school that takes orphans and underprivileged children and is offering placements for both Naghma and her brother.

Motley who walks through the school with Taj Mohammad and the two children asks them what they think. Through an interpreter, Taj Mohammad says he likes it very much and would like his children to attend.

He knows he and his children have been given another a chance.

"When I couldn't pay my debt I felt like I'd been thrown into the fire and then someone rescued me -- that was Kim. She has been so kind to me I'm ready to do whatever Kim says."

Source: Anna Coren, CNN

Wasila is facing the charge for allegedly killing her 35 year-old groom, Umar Sani, and three others in Kademi village in Gaya Local Government Area.

The prosecutor, Yusuf Sale, alleged that the accused poisoned Mr. Sani's food with some substance, popularly known as Ota piapia.

According to him, the husband and three other persons died on the spot after eating the food.

Mr. Sale, a police inspector, said the offence contravened Section 221 (B) of the penal code.

The prosecutor urged the court to adjourn the case to enable the police seek the advice of Director Public Prosecution.

The Magistrate, Binta Muhammad, adjourned the case to May 12 for mention.

She, however, ordered that the accused person to be remanded in prison.

(NAN) Source: Premium Times

America School of Nursing & Allied Health

Afrikan

Post

t

April

2014

Begin Your Nursing Education Today

Classes Offered

Nurse Aide Training Medication Aide Training Home Health Aide Phlebotomy Training Pharmacy Technician LPN, RN

Morning, Evening, Weekend Classes Available

Call 703-490-8402 or Visit us at www.asnahonline.com 14910 Jefferson Davis Highway Woodbridge, Virginia 22191 Fax: (703) 490-8403

Page 27

John Dumelo Becomes First Ghanaian Citizen To Hit 1Million Facebook ‘LIKES’

Afrikan

Post

Nigerian-Born Hollywood Actor, Hakeem Kae Kazim, Appointed Global Ambassador For Africa April

Nigerian-born Hollywood actor, Hakeem Kae Kazim, has been appointed as new Global Ambassador for Africa .

Founded in 2010, Africa 2.0 is composed of young African leaders from more than 41 nationalities sharing a collective vision for Africa.

Kazim’s new role will see him participate in Africa 2.0 global campaigns spanning across its 29 chapter countries.

The actor said: “I am truly honoured to be associated with Africa 2.0- a pioneering platform for a new generation of African leaders to inspire and create a solid infrastructure- to shape a brighter future for our continent”.

Members of Advisory board include: Chairman Africa 2.0: former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Finally a Ghanaian citizen has hit 1million facebook likes.

Ghanaian actor, businessman and Philanthropist John Dumelo has become the first Ghanaian to hit 1million ‘Likes’ on Facebook. A humbled John Dumelo wrote on his facebook page: “Just hit the million mark on Facebook. History just got made! Thanks a lot guys. Really appreciate it. I’m humbled. #firstghanaiancitizen“

John Dumelo’s Facebook page was created in 2008 and at the time of writing this post he had 1,000,547 likes. With over half a million likes from Ghana, 300,000 from Nigeria and the rest of Africa, USA, Europe and the Caribbean.

Source:www.ghanaweb.com

2014

Page 28

H.E. Joaquim Kissano, former President of Mozambique and Reverend Jesse Jackson amongst others.

Hakeem has featured in Pirates of the Caribben; 24 Hotel Rwanda; Half A Yellow Sun and Last Flight to Abuja, among many other movies.

Source: http://news2.onlinenigeria.com

April

2014

Page

29

Afrikan Post

April 2 0 1 4 Page 30

April

2014

Page 31

Afrikan

Post

Introducing the Edusei Foundation

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

April

2014

Page 32

In April 1994, Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei, as an intern in Howard University Hospital, Washington DC, was instrumental in getting the hospital to send a Medical Mission to Ghana.

The EDUSEI Foundation is a 501 (c ) 3 organization, which means it is tax exempt and has the approval of the United States Internal Revenue Service. The sister foundation in Ghana also has acquired the approval for the nongovernmental organization with the Social Welfare Department in Ghana.

The Foundation has done its initial assessment and has started making donations to other collaborative NGO’s, namely: Saint Jude Children’s Hospital

The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa

Personal free medical mission to the Northern Ghana. Attending to patients under a tree in the remote part - 1999

Susan G. Komen Foundation United Negro College Fund

Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei hails from a lineage of philanthropists and academicians who place significant value in educating and empowering the youth. His paternal inheritance is from the Edusei brothers and sisters of Sewia and Asamang , Ghana : well known for their academic prowess, business acumen and philanthropy.

It is this rich lineage along with his own successes as a physician, diplomat, philanthropist, and enterpreneur that inspired and encouraged Dr. Bawuah Edusei to create the Edusei Foundation with his family. His track record is well documented. He has always been a community leader and has travelled extensively in the United States since the mid 1980's, helping to organize Ghanaians to give back to the motherland.

In April 1994, Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei, as an intern in Howard University Hospital, Washington DC, was instrumental in getting the hospital to send a Medical Mission to Ghana.

The team went to challenged areas in Ghana to offer free medical services. These include Nima Zongo, Bunduburu Refugee Camp [settling war torn Liberian refugees] in Greater Accra region. They also went to the remote villages along the Volta river in Volta Region, Zongos in Akwatia in the Eastern Region and Cape Coast. The team helped in improving medical education in Medical Schools in Kumasi and Accra. The medical team could not go to the Northern part of the country due a civil strife [Kokumgba/Nonumba conflict].

Consequently, Dr. Bawuah-Edusei later decided to organize a free medical mission and visited the villages in the Northern Region in 1999 and the Amansie district in 2002.

Subsequently, Dr. Bawuah-Edusei helped organize Ghanaians in the United States to donate ICT equipment, accessories and funds to the Otumfuo Education Fund.

Even as the Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, he was always interested in the youth, as he organized the first National Graduation ceremony for Ghanaian youth in United States in Washington, D.C. in May 2007 and continued it yearly until the end of his tour. The Edusei Foundation was therefore formed with his family to emphasize positivity among the youth, the future generation as well as give back to their communities.

It is this rich lineage along with his own successes as a physician, diplomat, philanthropist, and enterpreneur that inspired and encouraged Dr. Bawuah Edusei to create the Edusei Foundation with his family. His track record is well documented. He has always been a community leader and has travelled extensively in the United States since the mid 1980's, helping to organize Ghanaians to give back to the motherland.

Muscular Dystrophy Association

On December 21, 2013, the Foundation organized its first Youth Workshop in Hartford, Connecticut on career counseling and life survival skills.

In Ghana, the Foundation has already made donations to the following orphanages: Tamale Children Home in the Northern Region Osu Children Home in Accra Catholic Fathers Home in Butunagyebu in Takoradi in Western Region Kumasi Children Home, Kumasi Missionaries of Charity (Mother Theresa Sisters) Children Home Mburom , Kumasi.

On March 22, 2014, the Foundation organized a successful Youth Development workshop in London, UK .

This is the just the beginning of our efforts to improve and uplift the lives of others. We intend to organize and collaborate with partners to make youth, women and children realize their full potential for a brighter future.

Upcoming youth empowerment workshops are planned for Washington DC Metro Area- July 5, 2014 New York Metro -August 2, 2014 Toronto, Canada -Fall 2014 Different Cities in Ghana -Summer 2014

Presenting computers and assorted accessories to the First Inauguration of Otumfuo Education Fund, Dr. Edusei at left shaking hands with Nana Owusu Aduanyin, Otumfuo's rep.

EDUSEI FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT.

The mission of the Edusei foundation is to facilitate youth development in the United States, Ghana and the Diaspora in a positive manner to improve their knowledge, behavior and health.

Moreover, we collaborate with other non-governmental organizations to empower women and children.

THEME: ‘Developing The Youth for a Better Future’ AIMS AND GOALS.

Use learning centers, workshops, and seminars to improve academic excellence in the sciences, arts, and finance; and provide instruction in civic responsibilities and cultural values.

Work with women and children toward gender equality and empowerment.

Provide medical counseling and recreational opportunities to promote healthy life styles.

We conduct workshops to counsel youth in career and college selection, life survival and leadership skills, and financial literacy.

Facilitate education of youth to fortify positive cultural values and enhance job creation skills.

Engage, educate and empower youth to contribute toward developing a peaceful, healthy, united and technologically advanced world.

Youth Workshop in Hartford, Connecticut

In all our endeavors we emphasize POSITIVE THINKING and ACTIONS to thrive.

Afrikan

Post

Bishop Dies After 21 Days' Fasting

Pastor On The Run After Impregnating Woman And Her Daughter

NAACP Honors Ghanaian Radio Presenter In New York April

2014

Page

33

NAACP honored Grace Adowa Imo, a Ghanaian Radio presenter in New York

Grace Adowa Imo, a young and dynamic Radio presenter in New York has been awarded by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) branch in the Bronx, New York. Grace happened to be the first and only African and Ghanaian for that matter in New York to ever receive such a prestigious American national award.

Rt. Rev. Dr Reginald Ofori- Twumasi, a renowned bishop in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, has died at the age of 68.

The sudden death of the Presiding Bishop of Holy Fire International Churches - with its headquarters in Takoradi died last Friday at a private hospital at Anaji near Takoradi in the Western Region.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that the presiding bishop died after completing 21 days of fasting at an undisclosed location.

"He told the church members that he will be back after his 21 days' fasting. But a few days after he had completed the fasting, he experienced a short illness and died later at the private hospital", a source at the church told DAILY GUIDE.

A press release on the death of the bishop signed by Rev Jonathan Amoah, Vice President of Holy Fire International Churches, stated that the church and the family would observe the one-week celebration at the church premises in Takoradi.

It added that details of the funeral rites would be announced in due course.

Source: Daily Guide

Pastor impregnates a 45-year-old mother and her 14-year-old daughter

Pastor Sam of Pentecostal church is currently on the run after allegedly impregnating a woman and her daughter. The Pentecostal Church which is located along Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Delta State, has been under lock when the news broke that pastor Sam has allegedly impregnated a 45year-old mother of three and her teenage daughter of 14.

Osundefender gathered that Pastor Sam hails from the eastern part of the Delta state and that the woman and the daughter have been under evil spells after her husband died of mysterious stomach problems and elders of the Illah community where they live, had consulted seers who accused the woman and her teenage daughter of having a hand in the death.

The mother and daughter was introduced to the pastor for spiritual cleansing around December 2013 and the pastor in turn had solemnly promised to attack the attackers of the destiny and reverse the course.

Faithfully, they have been consulting the pastor until last week when they both took

ill and were taken to a private hospital in Asaba by their neighbours, where doctors, after conducting tests confirmed they were both pregnant after which they claimed the pastor was responsible.

Osundefender newsmen who covered the scene learnt that as soon as the news of the pregnancy broke, took off to an unknown destination leaving the church under lock and key.

Confirming the incident, one Elizabeth Agu, an elder sister of the pregnant woman, said, “we tried to reach the pastor who they claimed is responsible, through his GSM line but it was switched off and his whereabouts are unknown while the church is also under lock and key,”. http://www.africanspotlight.com

She has been dedicated and committed community activist for many years in the Bronx. Grace migrated to United States of America since 2003, and she lived in Manhattan until 2006 when she discovered that majority of immigrants live in the Bronx, especially those from Ghana, so she moved to the Bronx in early 2007. Grace has a higher drive when it comes to community development, she joined other community leaders to help facilitate community development programs.

In 2013 she was honored by the board of Africans of the Diaspora Youth Sport Club (ADYSC) and received a medal from New York Police Department(NYPD) Police Commissioner, Raymond Kelly. She also received a proclamation award by the Bronx Borough President, Ruben Diaz in 2013. And in 2012, she was appointed Vice-President of Africans of the Diaspora Youth Sports Club. Under her leadership, the club won NYPD Soccer Championship for three consecutive years. Also in 2010, Grace was honored as outstanding youth leader in the greater New York SDA (Seventh Day Adventist).

Due to Grace’s zeal in community development, she initiated a once a month program called "Abrokyre Nsem" or “Diaspora Matters”. This program helps inform people of the community about events and where they take place.

By popular request, Grace went the extra mile to air a new program on Radio, "Grace Imo Talk Show", a weekly radio Talk-Show, that showcases personalities, and brings together issues, news and views about Africans on the continent and Africans in the Diaspora every Saturday from 8:30pm to 10pm and Sundays from 4:30pm to 6: pm. On Amensan Radio in New York USA. To fellow Grace visit www.graceimoshow.webs.com or www.amansanradiony.com . Grace Adowa Imo-2013 NAACP-Bronx-New York Community leader.

Source: Hussein BabalWaiz

Afrikan

Post

Sierra Leone War-Time Leader Ahmad Tejan Kabbah Dies the country in the late 1960s.

He then spent 21 years working for the UN Development Programme, based in New York, Lesotho and Tanzania.

while he was exiled in Guinea(Conakry).

He was a very concerned about his country and its people. He will remain one of the leaders that has the greatest impact in Sierra Leonean society. May his soul rest in peace -amen

In 2012 the UN-backed Sierra Leone war crimes court in The Hague convicted for- Amadu Barrie, New York, US mer Liberian leader Charles Taylor of aiding and abetting war crimes in the He is not just a great lose for sierra Sierra Leone civil war. leone but africa as a whole.He will be always remembered for his democratical He was the first former head of state values on issues. may Allah grant him convicted by an international court since erfect rest. the Nuremburg military tribunal of Nazis after World War II. walanmicheal, Sierra Leone

Former President Kabbah is a charismatic Leader with huge focus to his peoSierra Leone's ex-president and war-time ple. He succeeded with other Peace leader Ahmad Tejan Kabbah has died at the Keeping Bodies to bring a sustainable age of 82 after a long illness.

PEACE in Sierra Leone. Ex President Kabbah is full of tolerance in any aspect He died at his home in the capital, Freetown, of life, he introduce Child Rights Acts in with his wife and close family members at his Sierra Leone wherein Children's Right in side, reports say.

Sierra Leone is now observed, the National Youth Policy, the Women In a statement, Sierra Leone's government (Gender) Acts, the National Revenue said Mr Kabbah's death was an "irreparable Authority (NRA) etc. Such a man can loss". never be forgotten in the history of Sierra Leone, at the Sierra Leone level he is our Mr Kabbah was praised for his leadership dur- MANDELA who fought for FREEDOM ing and after Sierra's Leone's decade-long in Sierra Leone. Rest In Peace EX. civil war.

President Kabbah as you have done all your assignment assign to you by God so Tens of thousands died in the conflict, with it's time for you to take your rest. many more maimed and raped.

Alhalji Alhassan Sesay, Freetown, Sierra The rebel Revolutionary United Front's trade- Leone mark was to hack off the hands or feet of their victims.

Dr. Tejan Kabba was a Statesman who believes in nations cohesion and good The conflict officially ended in 2002 after for- governance. He has respect for the rule eign forces intervened to help defeat the of law and will be truly missed by all rebels.

Sierra Leoneans. he is tolerant and cre'Peace and stability' ates opportunities for the young people of Sierra Leone.He has set high standard Mr Kabbah was first elected president in for governance in Sierra Leone 1996, ending a decade of military rule. He was briefly ousted in a military coup the folMichael Katta, Freetown, Sierra Leone lowing year before being restored to power by a West African regional force.

Late Ahmad Tejan Kabba was a selfless man who agreed to share power with He won a landslide victory in the 2002 electhe rebels for the peace and benefit of the tions and was praised for maintaining peace common man. He will be remembered as and establishing democratic institutions, the man who secured the future of Sierra although he was also criticised for failing to Leonean workers by introducing the tackle poverty.

National Social Security and Insurance Trust - giving us a reason to be alive. No "If we are now enjoying peace and stability in one else could have moved Sierra Leone Sierra Leone, there is no way President from the brinks of collapse to the threshKabbah could be dissociated from that," gov- old of prosperity with the time Pa Kabba ernment spokesman Abdulai Bayraytay said did. May his gentle soul rest in peace. on Thursday.

Shecku Kawusu Mansaray, Bonthe Born in 1932, Ahmad Tejan Kabbah began his Island, Sierra Leone career in public service in 1959, rising to become the youngest permanent secretary in I met Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in 1998

As a young editor working for the Concord Times newspaper in Sierra Leone, I once asked President Kabbah in the run-up to the 2002 Presidential elections about why he was very much concerned, even upset, about many political parties in the country when he should have been actually celebrating that the opposition was disunited. His response that we did not need dozens of political parties surprised me. I could not help but take a photograph with him after that meeting with senior journalists. I still have the photograph which I will show to my grandchildren in future. Not surprisingly, Kabbah, who had just ended the civil war, won the 2002 elections by a landslide. Rest in peace, Pa Kabbah.

Sulaiman Momodu, Monrovia, Liberia

: I have been following this man profile for a long time when he was working for the UN. He is a man with dignity and pride, he loves his country Sierra Leone this is the reason why he left his Lucrative Job at the UN to served his people. The Government of sierra Leone should give him a befitting buried.

Francis T. Railey, Liberia

April 2014

Page

34

Guinea-Bissau's exPresident Kumba Yala Dies

Guinea-Bissau's ex-President Kumba Yala, who ruled the former Portuguese colony from 2000 until 2003, has died.

A former philosophy teacher, Mr Yala won presidential elections in 2000 following a bitter civil war in the late 1990s.

He was ousted three years later in one of the West African nation's many military takeovers.

His death at the age of 61 comes 10 days before elections intended to draw a line under the latest coup, in 2012.

Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world and has been further destabilised by the booming illegal drugs trade from Latin America, which uses it as a staging post for the European market.

Mr Yala, who headed the opposition Party for Social Renewal (PRS), had recently announced his intention to retire from politics.

He had not given his backing to his party's presidential candidate in the forthcoming polls, instead voicing support for an independent candidate.

Correspondents say that the former president was known for his nationalism, fiery speeches and trademark woollen hat.

A statement from the country's military hospital said Mr Yala had died of a sudden cardiac arrest, Reuters news agency reports.

Inauguration of Newark-New Jersey Circuit of the Methodist Church

Afrikan

Post

April 2014

Page

African Women’s Empowerment Day

35

Ophelia Achiaa – Film Writer and Producer

The Christian Journal, Bronx New York –

The launch of the Newark-New Jersey Circuit at the Ramada Hotel in Newark was a remarkable occasion for The Methodists in the TriState area.

In his sermon Rt. Rev. Benjamin K. Asare the supervising mission coordinator for North America Mission. He said Jesus gave Peter the role to his church. Peter in his first letter is reminding believers that, they are the church.

The nation Israel refuses to listen to the prophets and persecuted them and them the son finally came and they killed him. The victory of his death has made the church what it is today.

Peter tells us we are the foundation of the church. We can only become a community church if we work together. We are a circuit build together. As Christian we are a chosen nation.

Quoting Ex 19:5-6 God entered a covenant with Israel, Israel was to keep their part of the covenant and obey God. But they refuse. God offered the blood of Jesus as the seal of the new covenant. This is the new Israel, and you and I are the new Israel. It is a new privilege and each privilege comes with commitment. God wants us to be responsible. Now we have a new circuit and it is our responsibility to let this circuit grow. We should focus on Christ who strengthens us.

Christ victory has change the pattern of the Old Testament where priest goes to the holy of holy once a year but Christ death has changed that.

Now we all can go to the presence of God. We go to work every day and we believe that the work belong to somebody else. As Christians we should thank god for everything we do. Even at our jobs we should give our best as Christians.

We should use all our resources to help this circuit to grow. We are happy today because we are celebrating a new circuit and it should not end there. Jesus is the president of this new nation.

Though we cannot achieve Christ like life at once but we should try one day at a time. We are ambassadors of Christ. We represent Christ so our life should project Christ.

Christ is the only light that leads us to eternal light. That’s why Christ said he is the light of the world. Christianity brought the light.

Sometimes I feel very sad when politician say the church have failed the nation but they politician have rather failed the nation with bad policies. The circuit is to show the great work of Christ and to evangelize and win souls for Christ.

In his closing remarks, he said we as we sang the song rescue the perishing care for the dying so we have a duty and responsibility to send the message to those who are perishing and dying.

In attendance were other ministers Mr John E. Kweku Lay President, Ver Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asre Kusi Mission Secretary, Very Rev. Dr. Casley B. Essamuah Assistant Mission Secretary, Very Rev. Moses Antwi Superintendent, Very Rev. Ansah Arkoful Circuit Minister, Very Rev. Samuel Edubate Nketsia Circuit Minister, Rev. Joseph Osei Amankwaah Circuit Minister, and Nana Aboagye Agyemeng Mission Lay Movement Council Chairman. Other invited guests were community leaders and traditional Chiefs. Representing Asante was Nana Otimpie Aben II Otumfour Sasaamopayin hene. (Makola Market) The Christian Journal, Newark New Jersey –

The Bronx Community College honored outstanding African women to empower them for making a difference in the community.

In all there were eighteen women that were honored including the Kadiato Diallo, mother of Amadou Diallo. Ophelia Achiaa a movie producer and writer, Stephani Arthur an activist both from Ghana, Ify Ezinwa publisher of Echoes magazine from Nigeria.

“I am so proud and honored” to be one of the honorees Ophelia Achiaa told The Christian Journal.

Below is a full list of honorees.

Ophelia Achiaa – Film Writer and Producer

Stephanie Arthur –The S. Arthur Group & African Advisory Council

Hawa Bah – Mother and Activist of Mohammed Bah killed by NYPD 09/25/2012

Isseu Diouf-Campbell-African Spot Media

Fatima Diallo – President Miss Guinea USA

Kadiatu Diallo – President Amadou Diallo Foundation.

Mame Djarra Diop – Co-founder Sunu Thiossane Ify Enziwa – Publisher Echoes Africa Magazine

Natasha Johnson- L awyer-Domestic Rights Activist

Catherine Mbewe-Professor Nursing Bronx Community College

Diana Musa-President Talem Center for the African Child

Bukola Shonuga-Journalist Global Media

Yvonne Mbewe-African Services Committee

Bolarinwa Okezie-BCC and Lehman Graduate Student

Mhalaba Sibongile-BCC History Department Faculty

Valerie Solomon-BCC Fulbright Scholar

Adama Traore-Africa Services Committee

Jackie Acquaye-Business Owner Jackie’s Snack & Patries

Nigerian teenager wows with 5.0 GPA, gets accepted to several Ivy League schools in US

Afrikan Post

A 17-year-old Nigerian student at Oakland Tech in Oakland, Calif., who achieved a 5.0 GPA and 2,100 on the SAT, has received offers from some of America’s top colleges like Yale, Columbia and Brown, leaving some people in shock at his accomplishments.

Scroll down for video…

While friends of 6-foot-1 Rastafarian, Akintunde Ahmad, are celebrating his hard work, the star student athlete notes in a sfgate.com report that he has also gotten used to surprised reactions when people find out about his stellar academic performance.

“People looking at me funny is so common that it doesn’t stick out for me anymore,” says Ahmad. “It’s something that I’ve gotten used to.”

Ahmad says he has received offers to attend college at Yale, Brown, Columbia, Northwestern, the University of Southern California, UCLA, Howard, Chapman, Cal Poly and Cal State East Bay, and has been waitlisted by UC Berkeley and Georgetown.

Some private school students who’ve claimed that his achievements are due to easy classes and lower academic standards at public schools were silenced after seeing his SAT and AP scores.

Even though Ahmad performs well in a variety of sports, this year he chose to focus mainly on baseball. He played basketball for three years before making that move. He hits around .500 who approximately 15 stolen bases and expects to continue playing baseball wherever he goes to college, which is reportedly a toss-up between Yale and Brown.

Ahmad, who is one of six children, explained that he received no private tutoring to supplement his public school education.

His mother, Zarina, works as a principal at Piedmont Avenue Elementary School and his father, Mubarak, has worked as a mechanic at AC Transit for 20 years. They practice Rastafarianism and say they work as hard as they need to to keep their children on the right path.

Unfortunately, however, not all of their children have taken Ahmad’s path.

His older brother Azeem was sentenced to 41 months in prison in March 2013 after he was caught carrying guns in a federal sting operation in 2012.

The star-student said two months before the sting operation he had declined an invitation from his brother to hang out at a friend’s house, because he had to complete and essay for school. Five people were later shot at the house including his brother who was shot twice.

“We got the same mother, the same father, just a different path,” he said. “I feel like it’s a setback for him, but sometimes it takes that kind of shock to grab your attention.”

“There’s plenty of people I know who have been killed,” he said. “I could write a list starting in elementary school of all the people we grew up with who have been killed.”

“I could have easily been caught up in that life.

You don’t have to be a bad person to be in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.

Christianpost

2014

BASIC PRINCIPLE OF BIBLE INTERPRETATION - 3 f

April

Page

36

scripture is to be interpreted in the light of passages that are fully developed and formulated. In other words interpret the obscure in the light of the clear. R. C. Sproul says “The basic rule is the rule of care. Careful reading of what the text is actually saying will save us from much confusion and distortion. No great knowledge of logic is necessary just the simple application of common sense.

Example: there is a school of thought that angels are sexless which is deduced from Mark 12:15 where Jesus explains that in heaven there will be no marrying or giving in marriage but we will be like the angels. That imply that angels do not marry but it does not imply they are sexless. It is possible the angels could remain unmarried for other reasons than they being sexless. So then we cannot build a teaching on a possible implication especially if there are no passages of scripture to Rev. George Annan confirm it.

Such implication has no bearing on our salvation The Principle of Simplicity and we will understand them when we get to The principle of simplicity is to look for the sim- heaven. Here on earth we must work out our salplest interpretation knowing that there are no hid- vation with truths which are confirmed throughden meanings to the scriptures, important truths out the pages of the Bible Isaiah 29:29 are not hidden. Major doctrinal truths of our faith If our interpretation of text does not construe its meaning in the simplest, least complicated most are plainly seen in scripture and often repeated natural and straight forward manner then all throughout the Bible. things being equal our interpretation is probably God had not hidden His truth from all but the not varied. wisest and the most diligent seeker. God’s purpose is to reveal not to conceal. We know therefore that important truths are not hidden in obscure passages or in figures of speech. This principle helps us not to major on minors in our www.redemptionnews.org study.

The implicit therefore is to be interpreted by the explicit. That which is assumed to be implied in

Afrikan Post

April

2014

Page

37

Afrikan Post

Kingslight Chapel Hold Easter Women’s Breakfast - 2014

April

2014

The Easter Women’s Breakfast is an annual prayer breakfast organized by the Priceless Jewels of Kingslight (Women’s Ministry) for the inspiration and encouragement of women from all walks of life. It is particularly organized in the Easter season (Saturday before Palm Sunday) to bring into sharp focus, the pivotal role that women played in the Easter story.

Indeed when the environment was hostile to Christ and His gospel, women stood tall. When times were tough, when hiding was the only option for survival, women rose to the occasion. When stepping out to associate with Jesus was like a suicide mission, women dared to identify themselves with the condemned son of the carpenter. This years event took place on saturday April 12, 2014 at the Shebah Temple in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Rev. Mrs. Barbara Ahia-Armah, the president of the Women’s ministry and host of the Easter Women’s Breakfast used the opportunity to launch her new book “Woman You can make it ” at the event.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Life is an all-out battle from the beginning to the end. There is no cease fire; no truce and there is no quarter –given. You cannot face this battle with doubts at the fringes of your mind both about who you are in Christ and about your divine endowments. You are a treasure trove of talents, gifts and abilities. There is an awesome mystery of greatness about you. You were designed to survive every storm and overcome every challenge.In this Book, WOMAN YOU CAN MAKE IT, the reader is taken on a beautiful journey to uncover secrets to fulfilling destiny irrespective of the challenges. This book is an in-depth study of the life of Mary the mother of Jesus, a conqueror of her generation and a

success story for all women to emulate.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Ahia -Armah, General Overseer of Kingslight Chapel International

Prophet Samuel Addison, a visiting minister from Ghana preaching the word

Rev. Mrs. Barbara Ahia-Armah -Host of the Easter Women’s Breakfast and Author of “Woman You Can Make It “

The packed Shebah Temple

The Jewels (Women’s choir ) of Kingslight in ministration

Page 38

P

USA To Play Nigeria In A Pre-World Cup Friendly ..............On June 7

This 17yr Old Footballer (Who Looks A Lot Older) Quits Social Media After Abuse age. People think he is a guy in his 30s claiming to be 17.

Ghana’s World Cup opponents, the United States of American will play the Super Eagles of Nigeria on June 7 at Everbank Field in Jacksonville, Florida in their final friendly before leaving for Brazil.

The U.S. intends to play three friendlies on home soil in late May and early June to prepare for the tournament. The first is expected to be on the west coast, where Jurgen Klinsmann will hold a training camp, then the team will go east to Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ before finishing in Jacksonville.

Many claim he is over 30. Judging with the looks, he looks older tho, but he might be telling the truth about his age. According to report:

This Lazio player pictured above says he's 17 years old and no one believes him. Joseph Minala from Cameroon was forced to shut down his instagram and Facebook Reports are that the U.S. would play friendlies in those three sites accounts following abuse over his and that the final one would be against Nigeria, although at the time Jacksonville was one of multiple cities in Florida vying for the match. That report also said that U.S. Soccer had discussed playing the first two friendlies against some combination of Sweden, Serbia and Turkey, among others.

The Super Eagles have a chance to advance out of a weak Group F in the World Cup.Argentina should win the group, but Nigeria are more than capable of besting Bosia-Herzegovina and Iran for second place. Led by the best defense in Africa — no one allowed fewer goals than the three they surrendered in the second round of African qualifying before dispatching Ethopia 4-1 in the third round — the Super Eagles will give the U.S. attack a serious challenge nine days before the Americans open their World Cup against Ghana in Natal.

Nigeria will be the first African opponent that the U.S. has played since November 17, 2010, when they took on South Africa in Cape Town. That match marked Juan Agudelo’s senior team debut and saw him score the winning goal, becoming the youngest player to score for the U.S. in the modern era.

The last time the U.S. played in Jacksonville was on May 26, 2012, when Landon Donovan scored a hat trick as the Americans hammered Scotland, 5-1, in front of 44,438 fans. In a World Cup year, and it being the last friendly before the U.S. leaves for Brazil, the city of Jacksonville could make it a 76,000 capacity sellout this time around.

Source:3gmediaonline.com

The midfielder tried to convince his followers that he didn't lie about his age by sharing a pic of his passport which showed his birth date on his instagram page but that didn't convince anyone. The abuse continued and he was forced to shut down his instagram page. He also filtered out Twitter pictures of himself and deleted his Facebook profile.

"Envy is the weakness of man, and those with a poor soul hurt others when you are in Serie A. Love you!

Forza Lazio." Joseph tweeted after deleting his Facebook page.

Minala joined the Italian giants in December 2013 Source: http://news2.onlinenigeria.com/

Black Stars to Play South Korea in the US

The senior National team of Ghana, the Black Stars would be in town in the first week of June for series of activities prior to the world cup tournament in brazil. The black stars would play South Korea on June 9th in Miami , Florida .

Further information on the activities of the Senior National team can be found on www.goblackstars.com

VIRGINIA BLACK STARS

SUMMER REGISTRATION IN PROCESS CALL

JERRY 703 786-7070

April 2014

Afrikan Post

Page 39

6236 Oscar Court Woodbridge VA 22193

Tel : (703)725-6968 E-mail:

editor@afrikanpost.com

Pu b lis h ed By Brigh t Ho u s e Prod u ct io n s Man agin g Ed it or G eorge Br ight- A bu Email:editor @af r ikanpos t.com A gn es Ow u s u - Brigh t CEO

Amy AnsongA s s ociate Editor

C h arles N t iam oah N im o- Men s ah ( M r. CN N ) Co- P ublis her

Correspondents Ohio

Cincinnati - Frank Adjei-Mensah Columbus- Big Ben Photos

Georgia - Frank Amponsah Maryland - Fred Nnoma -Addison Florida - Samuel Kissiedu Worcester- Patricia Sagoe New York - Kwaku Kyei/ Francis Boanoh New Jersey-Juliana Asante Delaware-Edmund Kwakye Accra- Eric Bright Kumasi- Gloria Bright UK-Regina Bright

Affiliates-Kumasimail Newspaper www.kumasimail.com

www.ghanaianpost.com www.amipnewsonline.org

C o n t rib u t in g C o lu m n is t s M ir iam G yimah, P H D S amuel K is s eadu F r ed N noma- A ddis on ( A mipnew s .org) O r al O f or i A my A ns ong Rev. G eorge A nnan

Ed it orial C on s u lt an t s F r ed N noma- A ddis on S amuel K is s eadu