June 2014 online version

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Vol 6 Issue 6

African Community News

African Nations at the FIFA World Cup Pg. 14

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Afrikan Post

June 2014

Africa Mourns Dr. Maya Angelou

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.

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

CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

Hakeem Olajuwon Named NBA Ambassador To Africa Pg. 25

Adeola Ariyo Named First African Brand Ambassador For Elizabeth Arden Pg. 28

Graduation Abounds for Immigrant Families

In 1961 met South African freedom fighter Vusumzi Make; they never officially married.

She and her son Guy moved with Make to Cairo, where Angelou worked as an associate editor at the weekly English-language newspaper The Arab Observer. In 1962, her relationship with Make ended, and she and Guy moved to Accra, Ghana, he to attend college, but he was seriously injured in an automobile accident Angelou remained in Accra for his recovery and ended up staying there until 1965. She Picture Courtesy of Maya Angelou Family became an administrator at the University of Ghana, and was active in the African-American Wednesday, May 28, 2014 expatriate community. She was a feature editor for The African Review, a freelance writer for Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the most powerful the Ghanaian Times, wrote and broadcast for voices of contemporary literature, died on Radio Ghana, and worked and performed for Wednesday in her home in North Carolina. She Ghana’s National Theatre. She performed in a was 86. revival of The Blacks in Geneva and Berlin.

A statement issued by her family reads in part “Her family is extremely grateful that her In Accra, she became close friends with ascension was not belabored by a loss of acuity Malcolm X during his visit in the early 1960s. or comprehension”. They described her as a Angelou returned to the U.S. in 1965 to help warrior for equality, tolerance and peace. She him build a new civil rights organization, the lived a life as a teacher, activist and artist.

Organization of Afro-American Unity; he was assassinated shortly afterward.

Dr. Angelou’s long standing relationship with the African continent makes her loss felt in Africa as much as it is felt in the United States. http://www.amipnewsonline.org

NPP Stalwart Glady's Asmah Dies

Mrs. Gladys Asmah won the Takoradi seat with as much as 76% of total votes when the NPP was in opposition.

In Parliament she was the Deputy Minority Leader from 1996 to 2000.She retired from active politics in 2008.

Until her death, she was a Member of the Council of Elders of the NPP where she played a role in the Vetting Committee of the party.

Pg. 36

HER PAGE

When Strength Becomes Weakness Pg. 20

SPORTS

IYSO Hold Fundraiser for the Black Stars Pg. 23

UPDATE

Gubernatorial Candidates Address African Immigrant Caucus Pg. 5

The 'Iron Lady', as she was called, was Member of Parliament for Takoradi and the first Minister of Women and Children's affairs, now Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection.

former Minister of Fisheries in the John Kufuor-led administration and member of the Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mrs Gladys Asmah, has Mrs Asmah's father, Nana Asiebu Amenfi, who togethpassed away. er with J.B. Danquah from the United Party (UP) tradition were among a six-member advisory body put She was reported to have died on Sunday at the Korletogether by Governor Sir Arden Clarke for advise on Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra where she was receivnational issues. ing treatment for a heart-related illness.

Reports say she had been in coma at the Cardio Centre of the hospital for the past week.

She would have turned 75 in October this year.

In 2008, she made a strong case to be nominated running mate for Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, but was unsuccessful.

Among the achievements of Mrs. Asmah are a programme to bring trafficked Ghanaian children back home, the liberation of some Trokosi women from shrines and the assistance given to 12,000 women farmers to go into staple food production, processing and income generating activities in the northern parts of the country .

Source: http:/myjoyonline.com

June 2014

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We Have Mobile Phones You can Use in Ghana

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Gubernatorial Candidates Address African Immigrant Caucus

Four candidates for Governor addressed more than 2,000 African Immigrants on Sunday June 8 in Silver Spring.

The African Immigrant Caucus hosted the event at The Redeemed Christian Church of God in an effort for Ethiopians, Nigerians, Liberians, Cameroonians and other African Immigrants to engage with Maryland Gubernatorial Candidates Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Attorney General Doug Gansler, Del. Heather Mizeur and Rep. Charles Lollar.

“June 8th will go down in history as the day African immigrants in the U.S. finally found their voice and embraced their role as equal partners with their fellow Americans in the ongoing struggle to make America a better place for all,� says AIC leader Bishop Darlingston Johnson, pastor of Bethel World Outreach Church in Silver Spring.

Maryland Gubernatorial Candidates Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Attorney General Doug Gansler, Del. Heather Mizeur and Rep. Charles Lollar.

For more information about AIC please visit us at www.africanimmigrantcaucus.org

Source: http://www.mymcmedia.org/

by Valerie Bonk

Pictures : www.mymcmedia.org and Baltimore Sun

Rev. Thomas Bhai-Kamara (Restoration Fellowship) and Rev. Victor McGodman (Pastor- Christ International Ministries)

Bishop Darlingston Johnson, a Liberian-born pastor and one of three organizers of the African Immigrant Caucus

Pic:Baltimore Sun

Keeping Mobile Phone in Your Pockets Can Affect Quality Of Sperm

Mobile phones may have a significant impact on a man’s fertility, scientists think.

Men who keep a phone in their trouser pocket could be exposing themselves to radiation which lowers their chance of becoming a father.

Scientists at the University of Exeter found that electromagnetic radiation lowered the viability and movement of sperm by 8 per cent.

Most of the global adult population now own mobiles, and around 14 per cent of couples in wealthy countries have difficulty conceiving.

A team led by Dr Fiona Mathews, of the University of Exeter, conducted a review of the findings from 10 studies, involving 1,492 men.

Dr Mathews said the findings suggest that mobile radiation has an impact on fertility - but said much more research is needed to draw any firm conclusions.

She said: ‘Given the enormous scale of mobile phone use around the world, the potential role of this environmental exposure needs to be clarified.

‘This study strongly suggests that being exposed to radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation from carrying mobiles in trouser pockets negatively affects sperm quality.

‘This could be particularly important for men already on the borderline of infertility, and further research is required to determine the full clinical implications for the general population.’

Sperm quality can be affected in three different ways: viability, or how much of the sperm is healthy; motility, or how well it moves towards an egg; and concentration of sperm cells in semen.

Most men have 50 to 85 per cent of sperm with normal movement. The researchers found this proportion fell by an average of 8 per cent when there was exposure to mobile phones.

The paper, published in the journal Environment International today, found similar effects were seen for sperm viability. http://www.myjoyonline.com/

Nutrition Corner

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dentist or doctor visits? Are you having a sweet tooth or craving some sugar? Infused water is here to save the day! Infusing your water with fruits, or herbs not only improves the flavor, but it adds essential vitamins that help your body. Infusing your water also gives you a boost of energy throughout your day. Grab yourself a pitcher with water, chop up some lemon and limes, add any choice of fruit, a mint leaf, leave it in your fridge overnight for the water to really soak up the different flavors, and enjoy a refreshing and nourishing beverage in the morning!

Milk: Are you a milk lover? Milk is also a great way to quench your Written by Valerie Agyeman, Dietetics Student, Radford thirst while also getting the necessary nutrients needed to help you University function throughout your day. You can find vitamin D, calcium, potassium, and other vitamins and minerals that help with bone health, heart health, and blood pressure. For those of you who do not prefer cow’s milk, you can try other milk options such as almond milk, and soy milk. They have the same amount of nutrients as cow’s milk.

Fruits and Vegetables: Eating fruits and vegetables high in water conThe season we have all been waiting for is finally here! Thank tent can replenish your body. There are certain fruits and vegetables you to Mother Nature. Let’s give Summer a nice warm welthat can fulfill your fluid requirements. Make sure you are consumcome. Now all together: “Hello Summer, you have been ing four servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables to meet your missed!” needs (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics). Some high content Summer is the perfect time where we spend most of our activifruits include watermelon, strawberries, grapefruits, cantaloupe, ties outdoors. It is the time where we look forward to the beach, pineapple, orange, apples, peaches, and others. High content vegetalong vacation getaways, taking our kids outside to play, and bles include lettuce, cucumber, tomato, cauliflower, eggplant, pepattending all those fun cookouts! On the other hand, Summer is pers, carrots, and spinach. Not a fruit or vegetable person? You can also a time where the weather can present many challenges. Not always make it fun by cutting them into different shapes and having staying adequately hydrated is a common problem. The human your child participate in the “chopping process”. This way, your body contains a high proportion of water, so when the temperafruits and vegetables look more appealing. Appearance is the key! If ture rises and the body tries to cool itself by sweating, dehydra- it looks good, chances are you will eat it. tion can occur.

Water: Water is the BEST way to stay hydrated, but sometimes we So what exactly is dehydration? According to Medline Plus, try to stay away from it. Make water your best friend; after all it does dehydration is the loss of water and salts from the body. We make up a high percent of your body weight. Water flushes out toxneed water to maintain our blood volume and to ensure our ins, controls body temperature and metabolism, transports oxygen, other body fluids function properly, as well as to maintain our fat and glucose to your muscles, and many more! If you find water to blood pressure. Along with water, the body also needs elecbe plain in taste, adding a teaspoon of honey won’t hurt. trolytes, which are salts normally found in blood, other fluids, This summer, don’t be that person to fall into dehydration mode; and cells. (Medline Plus). instead, make a promise to stay hydrated at all times. It will be very The human body consists of nearly 60 percent water; brain tisbeneficial, and your body will thank you. sue is said to consist of about 85 per cent water (Academy of Thank you for taking your time to read Nutrition Corner, stay updatNutrition and Dietetics). This is why drinking 6–8 glasses of ed every month on more topics each month. Do you have a question, water a day helps our body function efficiently. or a nutrition related topic you would like to see appear in Nutrition Although fluid loss results from engaging in hard physical activ- corner, please contact me at: Vagyemann@gmail.com ity, even simple tasks like walking, driving, or riding your bike can result in significant loss of fluid within a short period of Below is my favorite smoothie recipe taken from the Food Network time. It is also possible to lose a lot of fluid in humid weather.

Website: How do you know if you are dehydrated? Well, the initial feelPeach-Mango- Banana smoothie: ing of dehydration is having a dry mouth, or suddenly feeling 1.

Blend 1 cup of chopped fresh or frozen peaches and mango thirsty as some of you may have experienced before. But staying 2.

1 cup each plain yogurt and ice dehydrated for a prolonged period of time may bring many other 3.

1/2 banana, and sugar to taste. health complications. In the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the initial symptoms of dehydration results in: a You can find more smoothie recipes at: reduced appetite, dark urine, fatigue, mild headaches, chills, and http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/articles/50dizziness. Significant dehydration symptoms also include mussmoothies.html?oc=linkback cle cramps, severe headaches, nausea, constipation, and more.

This summer try your best to stay hydrated! Trust me; you will Sources be very glad you did.

Dehydration. (2013). MedlinePlus. Retrieved June, 2014 from Below are some fun, easy, and nutritious beverages you can try http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000982.htm. with your family to stay hydrated while also quenching your thirst: Water intake recommendations. (2014). Retrieved June 1, 2014 from Smoothies: Smoothies are in this season! Fruit or Vegetable www.eatright.org. smoothies are an easy way to nourish your body with essential nutrients. All you need is a blender, fruits or vegetables, and a Symptoms of Dehrdration. (2014). Retrieved June 1, 2014 from “base” such as water, milk, or yogurt. This is a great beverage to http://www.nutrition.org/publications/the-american-journal-of-clinimake for the house, and this is also a healthy alternative to arti- cal-nutrition/ ficial sodas and juices. It is also a great way to get your children involved in the kitchen by having them cut the fruits or even having them throw the ingredients in the blender!

Infused Water: Many of us love drinking a lot of soda, but wouldn’t you like to save yourself from extra calories, sugar,

Quenching Your Thirst the Nutritious Way

Who are Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamists?

Nigeria's militant Islamist group Boko Haram - which has caused havoc in Africa's most populous country through a wave of bombings, assassinations and now abductions - is fighting to overthrow the government and create an Islamic state.

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By Farouk Chothia BBC Africa

Its followers are said to be influenced by the Koranic phrase which says: "Anyone who is not governed by what Allah has revealed is among the transgressors".

Boko Haram promotes a version of Islam which makes it "haram", or forbidden, for Muslims to take part in any political or social activity associated with Western society.

This includes voting in elections, wearing shirts and trousers or receiving a secular education.

Boko Haram regards the Nigerian state as being run by non-believers, even when the country had a Muslim president.

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

Recruiting ground But residents in the north-eastern city of Maiduguri, where the group had its headquarters, dubbed it Boko Haram.

Loosely translated from the region's Hausa language, this means "Western education is forbidden".

Boko originally meant fake but came to signify Western education, while haram means forbidden.

Founded in 2002 Official Arabic name, Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad, means "People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad" Initially focused on opposing Western education - gaining the nickname Boko Haram, which means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language Launched military operations in 2009 to create Islamic state Founding leader Mohammed Yusuf (pictured above) killed in 2009 same year in police custody, succeeded by Abubakar Shekau Thousands killed, mostly in north-eastern Nigeria - also attacked police and UN headquarters in capital, Abuja Some three million people affected Declared terrorist group by US in 2013

Since the Sokoto caliphate, which ruled parts of what is now northern Nigeria, Niger and southern Cameroon, fell under British control in 1903, there has been resistance among some of the area's Muslims to Western education.

They still refuse to send their children to government-run "Western schools", a problem compounded by the ruling elite which does not see education as a priority.

Against this background, the charismatic Muslim cleric, Mohammed Yusuf, formed Boko Haram in Maiduguri in 2002. He set up a religious complex, which included a mosque and an Islamic school.

Many poor Muslim families from across Nigeria, as well as neighbouring countries, enrolled their children at the school.

But Boko Haram was not only interested in education. Its political goal was to create an Islamic state, and the school became a recruiting ground for jihadis.

In 2009, Boko Haram carried out a spate of attacks on police stations and other government buildings in Maiduguri.

This led to shoot-outs on Maiduguri's streets. Hundreds of Boko Haram supporters were killed and thousands of residents fled the city.

Facial marks

Nigeria's security forces eventually seized the group's headquarters, capturing its fighters and killing Mr Yusuf.

His body was shown on state television and the security forces declared Boko Haram finished.

But its fighters regrouped under a new leader, Abubakar Shekau, and have stepped up their insurgency.

In 2010, the US designated it a terrorist organisation, amid fears that it had developed links with other militant groups, such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, to wage a global jihad.

The deployment of troops has driven many of the militants out of Maiduguri, their main urban base�

with Cameroon.

From there, the group's fighters have launched mass attacks on villages, looting, killing and burning properties in what appeared to be a warning to rural people not to collaborate with the security forces, as residents of Maiduguri had done.

Boko Haram has also stepped up its campaign against Western education, which it believes corrupts the moral values of Muslims, especially girls, by attacking two boarding schools - in Yobe in March and in Chibok in April.

It abducted more than 200 schoolgirls during the Chibok raid, saying it would treat them as slaves and marry them off - a reference to an ancient Islamic belief that women captured in conflict are part of the "war booty".

Boko Haram's trademark was originally the use of gunmen on motorbikes, killing police, politicians and anyone who criticises it, including clerics from other Muslim tra- It made a similar threat in May 2013, when it released a video, saying it had taken women and children - includditions and Christian preachers. ing teenage girls - hostage in response to the arrest of its members' wives and children. There was later a The group has also staged more audacious attacks in northern and central Nigeria, including bombing church- prison swap, with both sides releasing the women and es, bus ranks, bars, military barracks and even the police children. and UN headquarters in the capital, Abuja.

At the same time, Boko Haram has continued with its urban bombing campaign, targeting the capital on 14 Amid growing concern about the escalating violence, April, when at least 70 people were killed in an exploPresident Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emersion near a car park and on 2 May when 19 people died. gency in May 2013 in the three northern states where Boko Haram is the strongest - Borno, Yobe and This shows that not only does Boko Haram have a Adamawa.

It draws its fighters mainly from the Kanuri ethnic group, fighting force of thousands of men, but also cells that specialise in bombings. which is the largest in the three states. Most Kanuris have distinctive facial scars and when added to their Analysts say northern Nigeria has a history of spawning heavy Hausa accents, they are easily identifiable to othmilitant Islamist groups, but Boko Haram has outlived ers Nigerians. them and has proved to be far more lethal, with a global As a result, the militants operate mainly in the north-east, jihadi agenda. where the terrain is also familiar to them.

The threat will disappear only if Nigeria's government manages to reduce the region's chronic poverty and builds an education system which gains the support of Northern Nigeria has a history of spawning militant local Muslims, the analysts say.

Islamist groups�

The deployment of troops has driven many of them out of Maiduguri, their main urban base and they have now retreated to the vast Sambisa forest, along the border

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Africa’s First Ladies meet in The Gambia The Forum was facilitated by the former Gambian Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay and attended by among other VIP’s the Vice President and Minister of Women’s Affairs H.E Aja Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy, UN Representative to The Gambia, cabinet Ministers, Heads of government Institutions, Diplomatic Corps, Women’s Organizations and a cross section of citizens and non citizens.

By: Ralph Ese'Donnu Sawyerr - IA - Senegal and The Gambia on May 31, 2014.

Sierra Leone’s deputy Ambassador to The Gambia, Haja Saidata Sesay this week joined some of Africa’s first ladies in observing this year’s 3rd WOMEN ADVANCEMENT FORUM 2014 (WAF) in The Gambia. (Photo: Deputy Ambassador Saidata Sesay seated with her counterparts) This annual event was attended by first ladies of the Republic of Senegal, Burundi, Comoros and Nigeria’s state Governors first ladies of River, Ogun and Bauchi States, hosted by Mrs. Zineb Yayah Jammeh under the Theme – Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the MDGS.

WAF is one of the most attended global gender conferences and a platform that push for Women Advancement and Empowerment and positive ways in realizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS). The International forum has in all its meetings strived for the formulation of strategic and realistic approach for women’s socio- economic and political advancement and emancipation.

Declaring the forum open, Her Excellency Zineb Yayah Jammeh commended President Yayah Jammeh for supporting to host the forum in The Gambia, adding that her husband is a strong believer in the potential of women to help transform the socio – economic development of the African continent. She described the 2014 forum as an eye opener to Gambian women and the Girl child.

She called on all present at the forum to make this 2014 meeting an achievement in the implementation of the MDGS for the women and the girl child.

According to the first lady, current assessment revealed that MDG targets including maternal health, hunger and

access to basic amenities such as safe drinking water are all likely to be met by 2015. She also noted that The Gambia is on track towards achieving MDG 3, which advocates for the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women. The fact of this she based on the progress the nation is making towards the attainment of MGD goals, taking into consideration that the Gambian government has accorded women their share of positions in the decision making process in which the girl child education is given top priority.

The current Chairperson of WAF, First Lady of Ogun State of Nigeria, H.E .Funso Amosun commended the Gambian government for hosting the forum. “WAF should be seen to deliberate, review and strategize the successes registered in the implementation of MDGs and as to how to come up with a strategy to maximize the attainment of the next step — Sustainable Development Goal” She said.

Awards of honor for their contributions in promoting women’s affairs were given to the First Lady of The Gambia Zineb Yayah Jammeh, first lady of Senegal- Faye Sall, first lady of Burundi and that of the first lady of Comoros and the wives of the Governors of Bauchi, Ogun and River States and the Vice President of The Gambia.

Traditional dancing from both Gambia and Nigeria climaxed the occasion.

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

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Portrait of Liberia’s Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Unveiled at Harvard Kennedy School June 2014

and interact with. Just being back here with you is what keeps me going; that’s the motivation and the inspiration when I can join all of you who have had such a big part to play in the success that I’ve had. And so, thank you all; it’s been a wonderful occasion. I go back home, almost walking on water. Thank you, Dean.”

Photo and Story : Front Page Africa

Cambridge, Massachusetts – As part of the campaign launch for the Harvard Kennedy School, known as IDEASpHERE, a full-length portrait of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, a distinguished alumna of the School’s Edward S. Mason Fellows Program (MC/MPA 1971), was unveiled at a ceremony .

According to a dispatch from Cambridge, the full-length portrait is an amazing likeness of the Liberian President. It shows her dressed in her favorite color, green, draped in a beautiful green and gold sash and matching skirt made from cloth woven in Liberia, and her signature headtie, also green, with a gold-jeweled brooch. The attire is accented by her signature single row of pearls and a pin of the Liberian flag, the Lone Star.

As for the President’s expression, Artist Stephen Coit painted her with a soft smile, but with a reflective determination capturing her life of perseverance. Coit said he “sought to create a painting that would bring an ongoing presence of President Sirleaf to wherever it hung at the Kennedy School,” for the thousands of future students who would see it.

It was in September 2012 that Dean David T. Ellwood, Dean of the Kennedy School, informed President Sirleaf that HKS wished to commission her portrait to hang in its Library as an inspiration to future generations of Kennedy School students. Upon her acceptance, the School commissioned Mr.Coit, also a Harvard alumnus, to create a full-length portrait of Liberia’s and Africa’s first female President.

The unveiling took place at a private reception in honor of President Sirleaf, hosted by the Women and Public Policy Program(WAPPP), one of Harvard Kennedy School’s Research Centers. As President Sirleaf arrived at the Malkin

Penthouse, in the Littauer Center Harvard Kennedy School, adoring supporters, mostly women, surrounded her to wish her well and thank her for all that she has achieved in her career and life. Everyone sought a photo with HKS’s most illustrious alumna.

“Wow! said President Sirleaf, reacting to her amazing portrait.

She went on to say: “A big thank you.

Words cannot express the honor that I feel, and through me, the honor extended to women in Liberia, women in Africa, and I daresay women in the world, for the role that we all continue to play. I want to thank Jenny Mansbridge; she was a driving force behind this; Francine Lefrak; you, Dean Bohnet, who I’m told started the whole program of IDEASpHERE that we will all be participating in so many events.

“I said to Stephen Coit, ‘How did you do it?’ I have to say that he sent me a note on the experience we shared when he did the painting. Am I right it’s a painting? What he captured in the note he sent me really was a story of my life’s journey, because he talked about darkness into light, humility in the midst of turmoil, perseverance, courage.

Thank you.

“I’m so deeply honored to join the other three persons which you mentioned, sterling women – I need to learn more about them so that I walk properly in their footsteps. And to all of you – the Women and Public Policy Program, the Women Leadership Group – that have really supported these events. A few of you I had the opportunity to meet before

Earlier, in his welcoming remarks, Dean Ellwood said the event was to honor a most remarkable graduate and its only Nobel Peace Prize winner. She was an amazing leader who took over a country with many challenges, and had done an amazing job to make things work. With women like President Sirleaf, he believed there was hope for the world, after all. The commissioning of the portrait, he said, was also to make things right by including the portraits of more women at Harvard, especially that of the Harvard Kennedy School’s most distinguished graduate.

Dr. Iris Bohnet, Academic Dean and Director of the Women and Public Policy Program, thanked the people who had made the commissioning possible: Professor Jane (Jenny) Mansbridge, Charles F. Adams Professor of Political Leadership and Democratic Values, founding faculty Chair of the WAPPP, and the leader behind President Sirleaf’s portrait, It had been Mansbridge’s vision that made others realize that “seeing really is believing, and for our students to believe that they – the women students in particular – could also someday achieve greatness and maybe become a leader like you, Madam President.

We need images of people like you.” Dean Bohnet also acknowledged the Women’s Leadership Board, which is supporting the WAPPP, and which has transformed the School, Harvard University, and was transforming the world.

Dean Bohnet pointed out that President Sirleaf would be only the fourth woman whose portrait hung in the Kennedy School, but assured that the School was acting rapidly in the right direction. Other portraits included Ida B. Wells, one of the early leaders of the civil rights movement, a Suffragette and journalist in the U.S.; Abigail Adams, the second First Lady of the U.S; and Edith Stokey, a faculty member at HKS. She was pleased that President Sirleaf’s would be joining these women.

Finally, Dean Bohnet acknowledged the Artist, Mr. Coit, as a remarkable man and graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, with a remarkable career in business, who, in 1997, decided to pursue his passion as an artist. He had done a number of

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wonderful portraits and paintings for Harvard University.

Together, Deans Ellwood and Bohnet then unveiled President Sirleaf’s full-length portrait, to the wows and ahs of the guests.

Dean Ellwood joked that this would be the School’s biggest portrait, counting for two or three!

Following the unveiling, President Sirleaf participated in the Opening Plenary of the John F. Kennedy, Jr. IDEASpHERE Forum where, together with the former President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon, they discussed “Leaders on Leadership” before a capacity audience of some 650 guests and answered questions.

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June 2014

President Mahama Grants Audience to Wofa Yaw Ansah of Highlife Radio

Wofa Yaw Ansah, the Chief Executive officer of Manassas based online radio station, Highlife radio met with the President of Ghana on his recent visit in May 2014. He discussed among other things issues raised by listeners on issues affecting Ghanaians in the diapora.

Highlife Radio is a US based Ghanaian community online radio station dedicated to providing diverse, stimulating and high quality programming to the Ghanaian Diaspora.HighLife Radio was created as a medium to bring about a sense of community.

Highlife Radio seeks to Inform, Educate, Inspire, and Entertain through culturally relevant quality programming that reflects the diversity of our country, Ghana.

They strive to share appropriate music, culture and information on Ghana and the experiences of our listeners in order to facilitate communication, promote inclusiveness and foster healthy communities.

Highlife Radio aims to meet the highest expectation of our loyal listeners with unique, inspiring and quality programming.

Highlife radio is currently the most listened to online radio station in the diaspora

Yaw Ansah and President Mahama -President of Ghana

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Afrikan

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History of African Nations at the FIFA World Cup

1930s: Egypt's early appearance The inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup was the only one without any qualification process. No African teams entered.

The Pharaohs of Egypt were the only African team to apply to feature at the 1934 FIFA World Cup. As there were 32 countries competing for 16 places, FIFA organized the first qualification round. Egypt was placed in a group with Turkey and Palestine,[17] then a British mandate. Turkey withdrew, and Egypt beat Palestine 7-1 in Cairo and 4-1 in Jerusalem to qualify for the World Cup finals. The 1934 FIFA World Cup finals was organized as a straight knock-out. Egypt lost 2-4 to Hungary in Naples with Abdulrahman Fawzi scoring twice to become the first African to score at the World Cup finals.

However, a third goal by Fawzi was ruled offside by the Italian referee despite the player having dribbled from the middle of the pitch, and the fourth Hungarian goal involved a scuffle where the Hungarian striker broke the Egyptian goalkeeper's nose with his elbow. The Italian newspapers heavily criticized their referee, but Egypt sailed home and only returned to the World Cup finals 56 years later.

1938-1966: World Cup without Africa Egypt was the only African country to apply to compete at the 1938 FIFA World Cup, but withdrew before playing any matches.

No African countries applied to compete at the 1950 FIFA World Cup. Egypt was the only African country to apply to compete at the 1954 World Cup. They were placed in a two-team group with Italy, but lost 1-2 in Cairo and 1-5 in Milan, and thus did not proceed to the World Cup. Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan applied to enter the qualification process for the 1958 FIFA World Cup. Ethiopia's entry was refused by FIFA. Egypt and Sudan competed in an Africa/Asia zone with ten Asian countries for one spot at the World Cup. Egypt progressed to the next round after Cyprus withdrew, but then itself withdrew. Sudan defeated Syria 2-1 on aggregate but eventually withdrew in protest at having to play Israel. (Eventually the spot originally reserved for Africa and Asia was taken by Wales.

Seven African countries entered the qualification process for the 1962 FIFA World Cup : Ghana, United Arab Republic (a joint football association by Egypt and Syria, who were politically united between 1958 and 1961), Ethiopia, Morocco, Nigeria, Sudan and Tunisia. Ethiopia entered through the UEFA qualification process, where it was eliminated by Israel, while the rest entered through the CAF qualification process. Sudan and U.A.R. withdrew as FIFA would not allow them to rearrange matches to avoid the monsoon season, so the four teams formed two two-team groups. In the first group, Morocco and Tunisia both beat each other 2-1 at home, and then played a third match at a neutral location (Palermo, Italy) which ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Since penalty shootouts were not used by FIFA till the 1970s, Morocco advanced by drawing lots to eliminate Tunisia.

Morocco then eliminated Ghana with a draw and a win to proceed to a UEFA/CAF playoff with Spain. They lost both legs of this playoff, meaning that no African nation made it to the World Cup finals for the fifth time in a row.

Seventeen African countries entered the qualification process for the 1966 FIFA World Cup : Algeria, Cameroon, French Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, and Tunisia. FIFA rejected the application of French Congo, and had already suspended South Africa for apartheid. To protest at FIFA's allocation of only one spot to three continents (Africa, Asia, Oceania), especially given the large increase in applications from newly independent African countries, the remaining fifteen African nations withdrew.

1970: Morocco returns Africa to the World Cup Fourteen African countries entered the qualification process for the 1970 World Cup : Algeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rhodesia, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia, Zaire, and Zambia. FIFA rejected the appli-

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cations of Guinea and Zaire. The Atlas Lions of Morocco played ten matches to qualify for the single CAF spot at the World Cup, advancing along the way past Tunisia by virtue of a coin toss.

Rhodesia, having been expelled from CAF for having a white minority government, entered through the Asia/Oceania qualifying group, where they had to play against Australia in Portugueseheld Mozambique (there was a boycott against playing matches in Rhodesia). The first two matches were drawn, thanks in large part to the excellent Rhodesian goalkeeper Robin Jordan, and the desperate Australians hired a Mozambican sangoma to 'curse' him. In the third match, Jordan was taken off injured after a collision with another player, Australia won 3–1, then refused to pay the sangoma, got 'cursed' by the irate man, and were eliminated two weeks later by Israel. Meanwhile, Rhodesia's CAF expulsion was soon followed by a FIFA expulsion, with Zimbabwe readmitted in 1980.

At the 1970 World Cup, Morocco was placed in Group 4 along with West Germany, Peru, and Bulgaria. They lost 1–2 to eventual semi-finalists West Germany, lost 0–3 to Peru, and drew 1–1 with Bulgaria. The two goalscorers were Houmane Jarir (against West Germany) and Maouhoub Ghazouani (against Bulgaria), who were thus the second and third ever African goalscorers at the World Cup. Morocco finished bottom of the group, on goal difference, with one point - the first African point in the World Cup.

1974: Zaire makes an impression 24 African countries entered the qualification process for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, with the Leopards of Zaire eventually qualifying quite comfortably, scoring 18 goals and conceding 5 in the ten matches they played to qualify.

At the 1974 FIFA World Cup, Zaire were placed in Group 2 along with Scotland, Yugoslavia (home of Zaire coach and 1970 Morocco coach Blagoja Vidinić), and Brazil. In their first match against Scotland, they impressed with their fast attacking style, and lost just 0-2. Scottish centrehalf Jim Holton said after the match "Let's face it, we underestimated them. For fifteen minutes I wondered what the hell was going on, where the devil had this lot come from, playing stuff like that!"

The next opponents Yugoslavia had noted holes in the Zairean defence, and fully exploited them to hammer Zaire 9-0 in a then record win for World Cup finals, with all but three of their outfield players getting on the scoresheet. Zaire striker Mulamba Ndaye, who was sent off for protesting that a goal by the Yugoslavians was offside, said after the match, "The management had made off with our match bonuses, and we'd threatened not to play the game. Frankly we'd lost our morale. We could easily have let in 20 goals."

After the defeat, the Zairean team were told by the country's dictator Mobutu Sese Seko - who had rewarded the players for qualifying with a house and a car each - not to come home if defending champions Brazil beat them 4-0 or worse. Zaire managed to keep Brazil to merely a 0-3 defeat, with Zairean defender Mwepu Ilunga receiving a yellow card for interfering with a free kick. Zaire left the tournament without scoring a goal.

1978: Tunisia becomes first African team to win at the World Cup. 26 African countries entered the qualification process for 1 spot at the 1978 FIFA World Cup. In comparison, 22 Asia/Oceania countries also competed for 1 spot, while 31 European countries competed for 8.5 spots. Les Aigles de Carthage (The

Carthage Eagles) of Tunisia eventually qualified, along the way eliminating Morocco in the first ever penalty shootout in World Cup qualification history. This was a major change for Tunisia, who had been eliminated

by Morocco quite literally by chance on three previous occasions in the 1960s.

Tunisia were placed in Group 2 with West Germany, Poland, and Mexico. After Zaire's fate in 1974, they were not expected to do well. They were 0-1 down to Mexico at halftime when their Tunisian coach Abdelmajid Chetali told them that they treated their opponents with too much respect, and that they could still win the game if they tackled hard and imposed their belief and self-confidence. Buoyed by the pep talk, the North Africans scored thrice in the second half to win 3-1 and become the first African team to win a match at the World Cup. They lost their next match to Poland 1-0, missing several chances, and held West Germany to a goalless draw. While this was not enough to progress to the next round, African football pride had been restored.

1982: Algeria wins twice but eliminated This was the first World Cup with 24 teams, and Africa's representation was doubled. So 29 African countries competed for 2 spots in World Cup qualification. In comparison, 21 Asian nations also competed for 2 spots, but 33 European nations competed for 13 spots.

1978 finalists Tunisia were eliminated in the first round by Nigeria on penalties. Four series of knockout rounds were played, with the final two spots going down to Nigeria vs Algeria, and Morocco vs Cameroon. Both Les Fennecs (The Desert Foxes) of Algeria and Les Lions Indomptables (The Indomitable Lions) of Cameroon won 2-0 away and 2-1 at home and qualified for the World Cup. Cameroon were placed in Group 1, where they surprised everyone by remaining undefeated. They drew 0-0 with Peru, 0-0 with Poland, and 1-1 with Italy. Grégoire Mbida scored Cameroon's first World Cup finals goal. Italy had also drawn its three matches, so also had a goal difference of 0, but had scored two goals to Cameroon's one, so Cameroon were eliminated. This was especially painful because in their opening match against Peru, Cameroon striker Roger Milla had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside.

Algeria were placed in Group 2 with West Germany, Austria, and Chile. The Africans produced a major upset in the first match, beating West Germany 2-1 with goals by Rabah Madjer and Lakhdar Belloumi. They lost their second match 0-2 to Austria, then produced another surprise by beating Chile 3-2. The day after the Algeria vs Chile match, West Germany and Austria played the final group match in Gijón knowing that a 10 or 2-0 win for West Germany would result in both European teams qualifying at the expense of Algeria on goal difference. West Germany scored after ten minutes, and then both teams appeared to pass the ball aimlessly around for the remaining 80 minutes.

This performance was widely deplored by all observers. The Spanish crowd shouted, "Fuera, fuera!" ("Out, out!") while angry Algerian supporters waved banknotes at the players to suggest that the game was fixed.

Even the two sides' fans were disgusted,

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with an Austrian television commentator advising viewers to turn off their TV sets, a German television commentator refusing to commentate further, and a German fan burning his national flag in protest. Furious Algerian football officials lodged an official protest, but the two teams denied any collusion. As nothing could be proved and the two teams had technically broken no rules, FIFA allowed the result to stand.

FIFA did change the rules - in future World Cups, the final two games in each group are played simultaneously. Thus Algeria were eliminated from the 1982 FIFA World Cup at the first hurdle despite two wins.

1986: Morocco becomes first African team into the Round of 16 As with 1982, 29 African countries entered the qualification process for two spots at the World Cup. There were four series of knockout rounds, with four Mediterranean countries making the final round. Algeria beat neighbours Tunisia 7-1 on aggregate and Morocco beat Libya 3-1 on aggregate to both qualify for their second World Cups.

Morocco shocked both Poland and England with goalless draws, and then defeated Portugal 3-1 to become the first African team to progress beyond the first round. In the second round, they faced a West German side that had seven survivors from the Shame of Gijón match.

Goalkeeper Badou Zaki kept Morocco in the game with a series of excellent saves, but was finally beaten in the 87th minute

by Shame of Gijón substitute Lothar Matthäus. West Germany won 1-0 and went on to reach their second successive final.

1990: Cameroon's Indomitable Lions reach the Quarter Finals 26 African countries entered the qualification process for 2 spots at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. This was the first time African qualification moved from a mostly straight home-away knockout format to include group stages early on. Finally it came down to four teams playing in two playoffs for the final: Algeria vs Egypt and Tunisia vs Cameroon. Cameroon beat Tunisia 2-0 at home and 1-0 away, and qualified for their second World Cup. However, the playoff between the two North African sides was significantly more ill-tempered.

After a goalless draw in Constantine, Egypt beat Algeria 1-0 in Cairo to qualify for the World Cup. After the Cairo match, an Algerian player gouged out an Egyptian team doctor's eye with a broken bottle. The player blamed, Lakhdar Belloumi (who scored the winning goal in Algeria's 2-1 defeat of West Germany in 1982), was not allowed to travel outside Algeria owing to an Interpol international arrest warrant for twenty years till the (financially compensated) Egyptian doctor dropped the charges in 2009. Belloumi always claimed innocence in the incident, with him and other players pointing the finger at Algerian goalkeeper Kamel Kadri instead.

There was tragedy during the second round Group C match between Nigeria and Angola on 12 August 1989 at the Lagos

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History of African Nations at the FIFA World Cup

National Stadium when 24-year old Nigerian midfielder (and qualified lawyer) Samuel Okwaraji collapsed and died of congestive heart failure in the 77th minute.

Egypt were placed in Group F with England, Netherlands, and Ireland. It turned out to be one of the tightest groups in World Cup history, with five draws in six games. Egypt drew 1-1 with the Netherlands, drew 0-0 with Ireland, but lost their final match 0-1 to England. Egypt's only goal of the tournament was a penalty by Magdi Abdelghani against the Netherlands. Egypt were thus eliminated from World Cup, still without a win after losing their only match in 1930.

Cameroon were undoubtedly the surprise package of the tournament. In their first match, they shocked Diego Maradona's defending champions Argentina 1-0 through a goal by François Omam-Biyik, despite finishing their match with nine men. In their next match, they defeated Romania 21 thanks to two goals from 38-year old substitute Roger Milla. These were Milla's first official goals in the World Cup; he had had a goal against Peru wrongly disallowed for offside during the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Having already qualified for the next round, Cameroon then suffered their first loss (after three draws and two wins) in World Cup history, losing 0-4 to the Soviet Union. In the second round, Cameroon defeated Colombia 2-1, with Milla again coming on as a second half substitute to score twice, famously dispossessing Colombian goalkeeper René Higuita for one of them. By this time, Roger Milla, his post-goal celebrations, and Cameroon had firmly implanted themselves in the global footballing consciousness. In the quarter finals, they were seven minutes from qualifying for the semi-finals when England were awarded a penalty. England won the match 3-2 after extra time, with three of the five goals coming from penalties (1 for Cameroon, 2 for England).

1994: Zambian air tragedy, Nigeria reaches Round of 16 40 African countries entered the qualification process for 3 spots at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The extra spot was awarded after the strong performances of Cameroon and Egypt at Italia 90. However, only 28 played all their matches after FIFA rejected Libya (due to UN sanctions) and 11 other nations withdrew at various stages. There was a new qualification format, with two group stages. The big casualty of the first stage was 1990 finalists Egypt, as crowd trouble in Cairo turned a 2-1 home victory over Zimbabwe into a crucial 0-0 draw when FIFA ordered the match replayed at a neutral location.

In the new second stage of qualification were three groups of three, with winners qualifying for the World Cup. The Super Eagles of Nigeria won Group A on goal difference, beating both Côte d'Ivoire and Algeria 4-1 in Lagos. In Group C, Cameroon won the group with 3 wins and a loss away to second placed Zimbabwe, with Guinea coming third.

In Group B were Morocco, Senegal, and Zambia. In the first match, Morocco beat Senegal 1-0. In the second match, Zambia were to face Senegal in Dakar. However, the plane carrying the Zambian team crashed en route on 28 April 1993. The crash, attributed to mechanical problems and pilot error, killed all thirty people on board, including nearly the entire football team - 18 players - and coaches, support staff, and plane crew. (The Zambian government had yet to release a report on the investigation of the crash of the military plane even ten years later. Only two European-based players from the original squad missed the flight - Charles Musonda of Anderlecht, who was injured, and captain Kalusha Bwalya, who was flying in from Europe where he played with PSV Eindhoven. All matches in the group were postponed for a month. Zambia hastily put together a new team, captained by Bwalya, and defeated Morocco 2-1 in Lusaka in the first match with the new team with goals from Kalusha Bwalya and Johnson Bwalya (not related). However, they lost their final group match 0-1 to Morocco in Casablanca and Morocco won Group B by one point. Amazingly, the rebuilt Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) also went on to reach the finals of the 1994 African Cup of Nations.

At the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Cameroon drew their first game in Group B with eventual semi-finalists Sweden 2-2 and lost their second to eventual

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winners Brazil 0-3. They were 0-3 down to Russia in their third match when half-time substitute Roger Milla scored in the 46th minute (becoming at 42 the oldest man ever to score at the World Cup finals) and sparked brief hopes of a miracle comeback.

However, the final score was a 1-6 loss to Russia, with Oleg Salenko netting a record-breaking five goals in vain. In Group F, Morocco lost its three matches by a goal each, 0-1 to Belgium, 1-2 to Saudi Arabia, and 1-2 to the Netherlands.

In Group D, Nigeria thumped eventual semifinalists Bulgaria 3-0, then fell to a 1-2 loss to Argentina before beating Greece 2-0. Nigeria, Bulgaria, and Argentina all finished on six points and qualified for the second round. In the second round, Nigeria faced Italy. Emmanuel Amuneke scored in the 25th minute, leaving Nigeria with a 10 lead two minutes from the next round when Roberto Baggio scored in the 88th minute. Baggio scored again in extra time to send Nigeria home.

This was the third successive World Cup where an African team progressed beyond the first stage, after Morocco in 1986 and Cameroon in 1990. This was a major factor in FIFA increasing Africa's allocation from 3 to 5 spots as the World Cup expanded from 24 to 32 four years later.

1998: Nigeria reaches the Round of 16 again 38 African countries entered the qualification process for 5 spots at the 1998 FIFA World Cup. This was the first time that three points, instead of two, were awarded for a win. Burundi won both their first round qualification matches but then had to withdraw due to civil war. Sierra Leone, who they had just eliminated, took their place in the second round, and then became the first nation in World Cup qualifying history to be eliminated twice in the same qualifying campaign. Eventually, Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, and Tunisia qualified for the World Cup finals along with newcomers Bafana Bafana of South Africa, who had only been readmitted to FIFA in 1992.

The five African teams all took European coaches (three Frenchman, one Serb, one Pole) to the finals, making it the first time since 1974 that there was no African coach at the World Cup. Thus only 2 of Africa's 5 representatives came away with at least one win. However, there was an African representative in the second round for the fourth time in succession.

2002: Senegal reaches the quarter finals 51 African countries entered the qualification process for five spots at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Four of the five 1998 finalists again made it through, with Les Lions de la Teranga (Teranga Lions[45]) of Senegal replacing Morocco. Senegal and Morocco topped the same qualification group each with four wins, three draws, and a loss, but Senegal had a seven-goal superior goal difference thanks to their 9–0 aggregate thrashings of group minnows Namibia. In contrast, the Namibians had managed to hold Morocco to a goalless draw in Windhoek.

Like Cameroon 12 years earlier, Senegal started with a shock 1-0 win over the defending champions and went on to reach the quarter finals. In Group A, after beating France 1-0 with a goal from Papa Bouba Diop, they drew 1-1 with eventual group winners Denmark. In their final match against Uruguay, they were leading 3-0 at half-time. In the second half, the South Americans - for whom a win would have them progress at Senegal's expense scored twice, and then a third time with an 88thminute penalty kick. Senegal survived the frenetic final minutes of the game to hang on to a 3-3 result.

Thus and Senegal progressed to the next round

while former champions Uruguay and France went home. In the Round of 16, a golden goal in extra time (to add to his 37th-minute strike) from Henri Camara took Senegal 2-1 past Sweden after extra time. But in the quarter-finals against Turkey, they were eliminated by a golden goal four minutes into extra time.

In Group B, South Africa drew 2-2 with Paraguay with an injury time penalty, then scored their first ever World Cup win by beating Slovenia 1-0. However a 2-3 loss to Spain then sent South Africa home. In Group E, Cameroon drew 1-1 with Republic of Ireland, beat Saudi Arabia 1-0, and then lost 0-2 to Germany. In Group F, Nigeria lost 0-1 to Argentina, lost 1-2 to Sweden, and having been eliminated, held England to a 0-0 draw. In Group H, Tunisia lost 0-2 to Russia, drew 1-1 with Belgium, and lost 0-2 to co-hosts Japan.

Of Africa's five representatives, three won at least once, but only one progressed beyond the first round. Still, Senegal's surprise run made it the fifth successive time an African nation had made it to the Round of 16, and the second time an African country had reached the quarter finals. Three of the five African nations (South Africa, Nigeria, Tunisia) took a local coach to the World Cup; only one of those three scored a win.

2006: Ghana reaches the Round of 16 51 African countries entered the race for 5 spots at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in a qualification process that doubled as one for the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations. In the final qualification round, teams were organized into five groups of six teams, with winners qualifying for the World Cup and the top three for the continental tournament.

More matches were needed to qualify while at both the 1998 and 2002 32-team World Cups, 3 of the 5 African teams played only 6 matches to get to the finals, here 3 of the 5 teams that qualified played 12 matches. Four of Africa's five representatives to the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals were debutants, in contrast to 2002 when four of five had appeared at the previous World Cup. In Group 1, Togo beat 2002 World Cup quarterfinalists Senegal by two points. The Black Stars of Ghana won Group 2 by five points while in Group 3, Les Éléphants of Côte d'Ivoire lost both its matches to Cameroon but won the group since Cameroon drew too often. In Group 5, Tunisia won the group one point ahead of 1998 finalists and perennial rivals Morocco.

Although Morocco was the only African team (of those who played a match) to remain undefeated, it drew half its matches.

In Group 4, Angola and Nigeria both finished with 21 points after 10 matches, with Nigeria having a far superior goal difference thanks largely to scoring five goals against both Algeria and 3rd placed Zimbabwe in their last two matches.

However, it had already been decided that head to head results were to be used to break such ties in 2006 World Cup Qualification before goal difference. The Palancas Negras (Black Antelopes) of Angola, having beaten Nigeria 2-1 on aggregate, qualified for the World Cup.

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At the World Cup Finals, Côte d'Ivoire lost its first two Group C matches 1-2 to Argentina and 1-2 to the Netherlands before coming back from 0-2 down to beat Serbia and Montenegro 3-2. In Group D, Angola the only African team at the finals with a local coach (Luís Oliveira Gonçalves) - lost their first match 0-1 to Portugal, then drew 0-0 with Mexico and 1-1 with Iran. In Group G, Togo made more news off the pitch with disputes over team bonuses causing coach Otto Pfister to walk out on the team until just before the first match and FIFA officials having to step in to stop players threatening to boycott the second match.Togo lost 1-2 to Korea, lost 0-2 to Switzerland, and 0-2 to eventual finalists France. In Group H, Tunisia drew 2-2 with Saudi Arabia, lost 1-3 to Spain (including an injury time penalty from Fernando Torres), and 0-1 to Ukraine.

In Group E, Ghana began with up a 0-2 loss to eventual winners Italy with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and a 2-1 win over the USA. Thus the debutants ensured an African representative in the Round of 16 for the sixth successive World Cup. They lost 0-3 to Brazil in the Round of 16. The match was later alleged to have been fixed,charges immediately denied by the Ghana Football Association.

While for the sixth successive time there was an African team in the Round of 16, Africa remained the only continent (other than Oceania) to never have two teams reach the Round of 16 at the same World Cup. 2010: Ghana gets to Quarter Final In the 2010 World Cup Ghana progressed beyond the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and reached the quarter-finals where they were eliminated by Uruguay.

Ghana were defeated by Uruguay on penalties after Luis Suárez controversially handballed on the goal line deep into extra time, denying Ghana an almost certain winning goal. Had Ghana won their quarter final they would have become the first African nation to progress to the semi finals of the world cup. Of the 32 countries that participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA ranked Ghana 7th.

Source:www.wikipedia.org

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Man Paralyzed After Insulting Chief

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During the process, Mr Mensah started insulting the chief and was cautioned by some elders to cease from his actions as he was looking for trouble with his disrespectful rants against their stool, but he did not heed their advice.

Mr Mensah and Frimpong got angry and decided to leave the meeting.

When he stood up, Mr Mensah fell back to his seat and was unable to move his legs.

After a while, he was carried away from the house to seek medical attention.

Later, Mr Frimpong reported the caretaker to Otumfuo's Sumankwaahene for allegedly invoking a deity against him and his friend, Mr Mensah.

As at now, Otumfuo's Sumankwaahene has referred the matter to Akyempemhene, who is to sit on the case.

Meanwhile, the assemblyman, Mr Frimpong has refuted that the gods of the stool house has paralysed the victim.

He said the victim is rather suffering from high blood pressure and nothing else.

He confirmed that the family of the victim is seeking spiritual treatment for him to be healed.

In view of this, the Aduana Royal Family of Ayigya has issued a ban on the sale of land in the area.

A unit committee member of the Ayigya Electoral Area in Kumasi, believed to be in his 40s, has become paralysed after insulting a chief and the royal family of Ayigya in Kumasi.

Mr Charles Mensah became paralysed minutes after insulting the chief and royal family members in their stool house.

Nana Kyei Fram, chief of Ayigya, was re-solving a fracas that ensued between his nephew, Aduanaba Kwaku Amoah (caretaker of Ayigya stool lands), and the assemblyman, Kwadwo Frimpong.

The two were fighting over who has the authority to assign land for container shops in the community.

According to the caretaker of the stool land, Aduanaba Kwaku Amoah, most of the community lands have been sold indiscriminately, including those allocated for development projects.

He said the community is far behind in development, coupled with litigations and lack of unity.

His worry was that although there are legitimate traditional authorities in the town, some persons have resorted to disregard its authority, thereby creating misunderstandings in the community.

Aduanaba Amoah has told The Finder that, henceforth, the royal family of Ayigya is occupying its full position and has vowed not to tolerate any lawlessness and indiscipline against the chief Source: http://www.mydiamondradio.com

The victim, Mr Mensah, who is a friend of Frimpong, the assemblyman, was present at the meeting to resolve the misunderstanding.

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King Peggy Raises Funds For Her Subjects

King Peggy also known as Peggielene Bartels, in conjunction with the Otuam Community Development Corporation (OCDC) and the Montgomery College of Arts Institute in Montgomery Maryland in the USA held a VIP reception to raise funds for educational and community development causes in Ghana.

The event which was been dubbed An Enchanted Evening With Lady King Peggy was held on Saturday June 14, 2014 at the Cultural Arts Center of the Montgomery College in Silver Spring .

Peggielene Bartels is one of the first females in Ghana and Africa to ascend to Kingship with the stool name Nana Amuah-Afenyi. She is the Chief (Nana) of the town of Tantum (or Otuam) in the Mfantsiman Municipal District of Ghana. She was made King in 2008.

Okyerema Asante, master percussionist and drummer from Ghana also known for playing with Paul Simon on his Graceland album, and Nana Frimpong also an African drummer, dancer and story teller put up a splendid performance at the weekend event.

All proceeds raised would be channeled into the building of a lavatory for female members of the community of Otuam in Ghana. All donations will be tax deductible according to King Peggy who

Nana Amuah-Afenyi.(King Peggy )

The Reverend Be Louis Colleton of Shiloh Baptist Church in Landover , Maryland Pastor Colleton has worked diligently to bring additional organizations to aid in the support of Shiloh’s mission in Otuam.

encouraged all to "attend to learn about the rich culture of Ghana while they contribute to a worthy cause".

King Peggy showcased pictures of her journey from being a secretary to a prominent female King of a fishing Village in Ghana. She expressed her profound appreciation to various donors particularly the Shiloh Baptist Church in Landover, Maryland for their financial support which has enabled her to provide seven bore holes in the town of Otuam. According to King Peggy the only source of water in the community was a stream which had a potential of breeding water borne diseases but today they have access to clean water. Through King Peggy’s instrumentality the village women have access to microfinance which has enabled the women engage in income generating ventures to support their families.

She has also facilitated the establishment of a rural bank where people can save their money.

Becoming King has placed Peggielene Bartels in a place to help improve the standard of living of her subjects in Ghana and the Montgomery College event was one of the many avenues the Lady King used to stimulate development and infrastructure improvements in Otuam Ghana

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and surrounding communities.

Some of the activities at the event included the signing of the Lady King’s biography titled King Peggy which was available for sale. The book chronicles the inspiring story of how a secretary at the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC rose to become King in her Ghanaian village.

This book was voted 2013 One Maryland One Book of the year.

In April of 2010 the OCDC became incorporated as a non profit organization in Washington, DC. The nonprofit is presently conducting assessment in Otuam Ghana to prioritize its multiple needs, develop an implementation and funding process to meet them while discovering potential for international financial support and cultural exchanges.

Oral ofori

Cameroonian Royalty at the event

Okyerema Asante, legendary drummer and master percussionist (with horns) Nana Frimpong, Kwame Boakye Danquah (KBD) and Dr. Daniel Ampomah

Alice Gyamfi, Miss Ghana USA / runner up-Miss Africa USA 2013 and friends

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June 2014

Call to Make an Appointment

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When Strength Becomes Weakness Her Page

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Dr. Miriam C. Gyimah

ometimes, the very notion that we take pride in, the very thing that is our strength can be turned into our weakness. It is often an innate characteristic that largely defines us and propels us to do our greater good.

We stand on it; we cannot tear ourselves from it, because without this quality, we wouldn’t know who we are and others would not be able to accurately define us and reach our true core.

For me, it is my sense of being transparent and my distaste for hypocrisy and self-serving manners. It is my conviction to level with others and when necessary, let a spade be called a spade.

But we must take caution, for the very thing we take pride in, the very thing we define as our strength of character can be manipulated against us.

Very recently, I felt the words of the Lord resound in my ears and heart, warning me, “don’t be foolish”.

A recent episode afforded me an opportunity, no, rather, a platform, to stand confidently, decidedly, to plant myself on my conviction of being right and therefore justified to correct a wrong.

In this case, the wrong, the moral and social injustice was being directed at me. In my mind, I was justified to stand, by picking up the telephone to contact the person(s) or better yet to confront them and state my case and to call out the one who was leveling false accusations against me for her benefit. I thought I should clear my name, take my hand and clear the water of the debris that was intentionally directed to pollute my reputation, my character.

And while we should be careful to preserve our reputation of gossip and malice, in this case, the Lord wanted me to zip my lips and hold my peace.

As I made up my mind to approach the persons involved, the Lord said “don’t be foolish, don’t be foolish. This is nothing. You have gone through bigger things than this.”

Right there in my vehicle, I stopped considering my act of self-defense and

character preservation and decided to hear what the Lord had to say. When you walk with the Lord, you know His voice and in certain instances in your Christian walk, that voice is very clear.

His voice can resound in your ears and heart and you undoubtedly know that your God is speaking. Do you listen or do you go ahead and do what you want to do?

The ever-wise Holy Spirit counseled me even while I steered the wheel of my vehicle, returning home after church. Yes, I had just left Sunday morning service where the offending incident had occurred after church dismissal.

Why shouldn’t I defend myself? I thought why shouldn’t I clear my name and set things straight when someone is trying to make me out to be something I am not? But the Lord advised that this case was not worth it, that it was petty and did not merit my engagement.

Furthermore, the Lord began to appeal to my senses, prompting me to be careful and a little more wise and to consider how this incident was actually a plot of the enemy to cause me to stumble and become publically culpable for an embarrassing episode that will hurt my name and ministry. My eyes were opening to the plot the enemy was setting for me and indeed, I realized, just as the Lord had said, that it was not worth it.

You see, as children of the Cross, we are sought after by Satan day to day.

The Bible states, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1st Peter 5:8). He preys on us. He studies us and learns of our personalities, strengths and weaknesses. And to benefit from these weaknesses, he plots, he hunts and even haunts us, seeking our destruction. His mission is to discredit us any which way he can. The question is: how much respect do you have for a discredited person, especially when that person is a leader or a minister? Satan’s plot is to harm God’s work by orchestrating our downfall somehow, anyhow. It is up to us to keep this knowledge at the front of our minds and be careful, be wise and not get caught up in our egos and self-righteousness.

I never connected it to self-righteousness until this moment, but for me, (and I know I am not alone) I am someone who cannot tolerate false accusations or misrepresentations, especially about a loved one or myself. Additionally, as stated earlier, I do not shy away from

speaking my mind, so I say it like I see it.

No, I have never been described as passive and I believe in firmly standing on your ground. So here, you can see how I might have a need to stand up for myself and make my position clear, especially when an unfavorable painting is harmful to my character and reputation. I see such misrepresentations as personal assaults and as a natural fighter, I must rise and smash down any hurtful obstacle thrown against me.

The Lord knows this about me and He taps into it for His glory. But on the other end, the enemy knows this as well and so he could readily use it since he has set his eyes upon me to derail my growth and God’s purpose for my life.

So the Lord began to reason with me and appealed to my spiritual common sense. I saw it as clear as day. My attempt to defend myself and expose the truth of the matter would have very likely represented me as the aggressive, defiant persona who was rather the center of a commotion.

Sometimes the enemy is so clever that in the midst of confusion, disturbance and senselessness, the truth is unheard and overshadowed. And the Lord, knowing how much this child of His cannot bear for such an outcome, because it would likely crush me and set me back weeks, months and even years in ministry, spoke to me.

What we have to learn and be conscious of is that there is always ongoing designs being attempted by Satan as he uses demonic powers or even influence human beings to cause you to falter and sometimes never recover. We can’t fall for his tricks.

And in order to stay on the path God has laid for us, we need to get over ourselves.

We have to be wise to abstain from such situations and exhibit some self-control or tolerance, a fruit of the Spirit. We truly have to get over ourselves thinking that we always have to have our say and that our voices must be heard to clear every matter, when in many cases we don’t have to, because the Lord has it under control and He will fight our battle. Sometimes, we have to put up a brave front and like the Shunamite woman, simply say “it is well” (2 Kings chap. 4) and leave it at the feet of Christ. After all, we are the apple of His eye. Let’s not rest on what we think is our strength and neglect resting on the strength and the word of the Lord.

There once was a strong and indomitable individual, but the source of his strength was found out and he was profoundly disgraced and weakened, because he came to rely on his strength instead of the word and desires of God. I speak of

June 2014

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Samson the Nazirite. We learn from Judges chapters 13 through 16 that Samson’s birth was prophesied by an angel. He was a gift from God to his parents and Israel. He had a very clear purpose and ministry. He was to protect and deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. As a result, he was set apart as a Nazirite and was granted supernatural power through the symbol of his hair. But Samson took his strength for granted so much so that even as a judge of Israel, he defied the laws and desires of his God and fulfilled his own “needs”.

Against the Lord’s and his parents’ wishes, Samson continued to frequent the territories of his enemies and consorted with their idol worshipping women. Satan, having marked Samson long ago and desiring his downfall and disgrace, provided the beguiling Delilah to bring an end to his heavy hand over the Philistines and his influence in Israel. Sure enough, because he didn’t abide by God’s word nor listen to His voice, Samson was manipulated to reveal the source of his power and as a result, it was taken away from him.

What profit is there in our lives when our ministry is not only thwarted, but destroyed by our foolishness? How do we continue to stand as pillars in our homes, churches or communities? How might we still be a positive impact in the lives of others when we have been shamed, discredited, and stripped of the platform the Lord had so well prepared for us? The Lord says in Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’”.

While God wants wonderful opportunities and accomplishments for us, Satan simply wants “to steal, kill and destroy” us (John 10:10). Let’s be careful. Let’s not be foolish in thinking that we can and should do something that we shouldn’t. Let’s be wise in our walk with Christ and let’s be wiser about the ways of the enemy.

What Would You Have Done?

Joke Center

An old woman has a daughter who lives abroad but she cannot afford 3 square meals a day.

Who Will You Go With?

I don't know if she wants to marry an old man.

If you were the landlord, what will you do?

Talk True ooo

Source: Whatsapp

Akpos: 2 3 4 6 7 8 9

Teacher: where is 5?

Akpos: Yesterday, I heard on the news that 5 died in a car accident http://funnyakposjokes.com

Teacher: Can U see God? Akpos: No. Teacher: Then there isn’t a God! Akpos: Sir, can U see ur brain? Teacher: No. Akpos: so u have no Brain http://funnyakposjokes.com

If Adam and Eve were Chinese

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com

The old woman replied: Don't mind that girl, upon all the money we spent on her, she is only sending me photograph of an old white man.

The woman brought it out and it was bundles of 100 dollar Bills.

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If Adam and Eve were Chinese, we would still be in paradise because they would have ignored the apple and eaten the SNAKE

One day, the landlord visited the woman and asked her: Madam why are you struggling to eat when you have a child abroad?

The land lord asked: Please, can I see the photo?

June 2014

Very Richman Looking for a Wife I love you Sweetheart

A group of men gathered at a church conference on how to live in a loving relationship with their wives. The men were asked, “How many of you love your wife ?” All the men raised their hands. Then they were asked, “When was the last time you told your wife you love her ?” Some men answered today, some yesterday, majority didn’t remember. The men were then told to take their cell phones and send the following text to their respective wives: I love you, sweetheart… Then the men were told to exchange their phones so one can read the other wife’s reply to the love message.

Here are some of the replies:

1. Have you impregnated someone again 2. That was then, not now 3. You wan borrow money abi?

4. What did you do again? I won’t forgive you this time.

5. Meaning?

6. Is that a new song?

7. Am I dreaming?

8. If you don’t tell me who this message is actually for, you will die today!

9. U dis man!! I asked you to stop drinking.

10. Abeg na who be this?

http://funnyakposjokes.com/

If God gives you the opportunity to come to heaven with one person, who will you go with?

Please be honest

Source:http://www.akposjokes.com

Mental Hospital

In a "Mental Hospital" a journalist asked the Doctor:

How do you determine whether to admit a patient or not?

Dr: Well, We'd fill a bathtub and give a teaspoon, a glass and a bucket to the patient and ask them to empty the bathtub...

Journalist: Oh, obviously a normal person would use the bucket because it’s bigger...

Dr: "No, A normal person would pull the drain plug!!

Please go to bed No.39; we will start further investigations on you"...

Guess you reading this also thought about the bucket… didn't you?.....

June 2014

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Black Stars Conclude Their World Cup Preparations In The U.S With Fundraiser In Washington DC June 2014

On Tuesday June 10th, the Ghana Black stars wrapped up their World Cup preparation in the United States with a fund raising dinner organized by the International Youth Soccer Organization (IYSO) and hosted by the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC. A day after Ghana beat their South Korean counterparts by 4-0 in a friendly match, they flew to Washington DC from their Miami, Florida base to crown the victory with a fund raising dinner. Some Ghanaian Government officials who were on official assignment in the nation’s capital were on hand to encourage the players.

Various dignitaries who graced the occasion included, Kwesi Nyantakyi, current president of the Ghana Football Association , Hon. Seth Tekper, the Minister of Finance, Mr. Kobby Koomson, a former Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Kwesi Botchwey, a former government official, and Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah , the Minister of Energy and Petroleum and the Member of Parliament of Ellembelle constituency in the Western Region of Ghana. The atmosphere at the Washington Mission was charged with jubilation as Ghanaian fans travelled from all over the United States to join in giving the team a befitting farewell. Ms. Amma A. Twumhead of chancery at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC welcomed the team and pledged the mission’s support for the team. She also announced that a giant screen would be made available at the embassy to show the opening ceremony of the World Cup and matches to be played by the Black Stars. The coach, Dr. Kwasi Appiah, assured all fans that the team has a lot of confidence and that the boys are united and poised for victory at the World Cup. Captain Asamoah Gyan, who will be making his third appearance at the World Cup, entertained the crowd as he was pushed by Rev. William Kpakpo Addo (Azigiza Junior) to sing a gospel song to the admiration of everyone. The Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kofi Boateng, the Asantefoohene of the Washington Metro Area and Nana Ama Achiaa, the Asantefoohemaa, presented a check as their contribution to the fundraiser, and out of confidence the Chief said he had booked his ticket to Brazil to stay past the group stages to watch the Black Stars in the quarter finals. A group known as the All Stars sang a special song for the Black Stars, after which the Masters of Ceremony, Apostle Emmanuel Nkum and Ms. Angeline Addy, launched a special commemorative magazine for the Black Stars and raised funds for the team. The players crowned the event with the cutting of a special cake as they all gathered around and supported the Asamoah Gyan and Dede Ayew , who both led the cutting of the cake ceremony. The party continued even after the players left to board their plane to Brazil. The organizer of the event Dr. Joel Sarsah who runs the International Youth Soccer Organization (IYSO), was appointed by the Ghana Football Association to help expand the international fan base for the Black Stars—Ghana’s beloved national soccer team. IYSO then created the “Go Black Stars” campaign to increase the team’s visibility with U.S. audiences and to garner financial support for the Black Stars’ participation in the 2014 World Cup. The “Go Black Stars” campaign is promoting special events and other activities that encourage the involvement of fans as well as companies, community organizations and individuals interested in advancing the competitive strength of the Black Stars and development of Ghana.

The players assisting the captain to cut a commemorative cake

Mc’s of the event, Apostle Nkum and Ms. Angeline Addy raising funds for the stars

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The Black Stars Players

Asamoah Gyan, The Captain of the National Team entertaining the guests with a special song

From Left : Hon. Mustapha Ahmed,Minister of State at the Nana Kofi Boateng , Asantefoohene of the Washington Presidency and Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Minister of Metro Area flanked by his wife and Nana Ama Achiaa , Energy and Petroleum Asantefoohemaa

Senior Officers of the Embassy of Ghana Mr. Nsiah, Ms. Amma Twum-Amoah -Head of Chancery, Mr. Adjirakor and Mr. Jojo Bruce-Quansah (Head of Information)

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Afrikan

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Ahmed and Claudia Exchange Vows

June

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Special moments of Ishark Ahmed and Wife, Claudia

The couple joined by Nananomb( Nana Agyeman -Virginia Omanhene, Kwawu Hemaa, Nana Sefa and Aduanaba Frempong- Aduanahene to cut the wedding cake

Nana Mensah and his Sister, Akosua Akyaa

The couple with family and friends

Friends of the couple pose for the camera

Ahmed and Claudia are residents of Woodbridge. Ahmed is the proprieter of A and C Banquet Hall in Woodbridge and Claudia is a Nurse at the Spring Hill Village in Springfield, Virginia.

The couple had their marriage blessing ceremony on Saturday May 29th, 2014 and hosted a big reception with about 400 people including royalty in attendance at the Dunya Banquet Hall in Alexandria, Virginia.

Congratulations to Ahmed and Claudia from Afrikan Post.

Afrikan

Post

An Improbable Tennis Prodigy

June 2014

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VERO BEACH, Fla. — There are no spectators, apart from a handful of coaches, wives and on-the-prowl agents, when 16-year-old Francis Tiafoe takes the court.

There is no scoreboard, nor officials to call the lines as the country’s best junior boy warms up.

The Futures Circuit is the lowest rung on the ladder of professional tennis, a minor league proving ground where promising amateurs, tapped-out pros and maxed-out journeymen claw over ranking points and $10,000 purses. It is a precipitous step down from the emerald-green splendor of Wimbledon and pampered environs of champions such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Francis Tiafoe, 16, has a full complement of shots and shows tactical savvy beyond his years. “I’m like 35 in tennis years,” he says. “I’ve been on a tennis court all my life.” (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) Then again, the $75-a-night oceanfront motel where Tiafoe and the other players are staying is a considerable step up from the spare room at College Park’s Junior Tennis Champions Center. That’s where Tiafoe often lived as a child, sleeping on a massage table with his twin brother when their father, who worked there as the maintenance man, had no other place to call home.

In a sporting narrative as improbable as that of Venus and Serena Williams, Tiafoe, the son of immigrants from the West African nation of Sierra Leone, has emerged as the nation’s most buzzed about tennis prodigy.

In December, the Prince George’s County-born teen became the youngest player to win the Orange Bowl, the most prestigious international title for 18-and-under boys, achieving the feat at 15 — more quickly than even Federer, John McEnroe or Bjorn Borg managed. And when the French Open juniors tournament gets under way in Paris on June 1, Tiafoe (pronounced Tee-AH-foe) will be the top-seeded boy.

In a country yearning for a home grown men’s tennis star, this puts Tiafoe under immense pressure to deliver on his promise, to justify the countless hours he has devoted to mastering the game and the hundreds of thousands of dollars that tennis center benefactors have invested in his young career.

Or, as he puts it: “It’s not like everything was given to me. I had to really work hard for it and earn it.” But, he adds, “I’m very thankful for what I have. I don’t want to let anyone down.”

In many ways, this broad-shouldered, 6-foot-1-inch phenom with eight-pack abs is still a boy. Tiafoe doesn’t yet drive, has a 9 p.m. bedtime and shaved for the first

An improbable tennis prodigy Francis Tiafoe grew up at College Park’s Junior Tennis Champions Center, where his immigrant dad was the maintenance man. Now the 16-year-old is the country’s best junior boy. time in January. But he possesses a missile of a forehand, a full complement of shots and tactical savvy beyond his years. And he brings all of that to bear in his opening match in Vero Beach, where he schools 30-year-old Oleg Dmitriev, a Russian who has competed on the pro circuit since Tiafoe was 3.

Tiafoe starts their first-round match slowly, feeling out the muscular Russian’s game. He blasts a forehand winner to notch his first service break. And each time Dmitriev strings together a few points, Tiafoe switches tactics. If the Russian is feasting on pace, Tiafoe counters with topspin-slathered moon balls. If he plants himself behind the baseline to take big wallops at the ball, Tiafoe flicks drop-shots that die upon clearing the net. And when Dmitriev comes unglued, cursing his poor play and unlucky bounces, Tiafoe proves steadier, displaying the same gap-toothed smile whether he wins a point or loses it.

And he does all this, en route to a 6-3, 6-3 victory, without a single glance toward Misha Kouznetsov, his coach and mentor since age 8, for advice or affirmation.

“I’m only 16, but I’m like 35 in tennis years,” Tiafoe explains afterward between bites of a grilled chicken-and-cheese sandwich. “I’ve been on a tennis court all my life. The only thing that’s been there longer is the net post.”

Hakeem Olajuwon Named NBA Ambassador To Africa Africa) Amadou (Gallo Fall) and the NBA … on the ground with different organizations to create awareness and life skills through basketball, and also give a platform for players to develop their talents to play on a higher level from high school in the US, to colleges and ultimately for those that have tremendous talent to play in the NBA. Right now, it’s a true platform that can be created to channel their talent.

“High school coaches and college coaches are looking for talent … on a global level. They look to Africa because there is tremendous talent and opportunity in Africa.”

Just over three decades after Hakeem Olajuwon arrived at the University of Houston from Lagos, Nigeria, on a journey that would lead him to the Rockets and the Hall of Fame, his long assumed role as inspiration and exemplar to basketball players in Africa was made official .

He hoped, however, in his new role as NBA Ambassador to Africa he could do even more.

Olajuwon will work closely with the NBA Africa office in Johannesburg, South Africa, on player development and NBA Cares events, while hoping to bring a “positive” message needed amid the crises, especially in Nigeria.

“I see Africa as the future,” Olajuwon said. “I’m very happy for this position to help support (NBA Vice President for Development in

More than 30 African players have played in the NBA since Olajuwon began his Hall of Fame career, but there has long been a sense that there is much more talent that could be developed.

Olajuwon said the key to that could be create relationships in Africa to allow the clinics and other training necessary. Olajuwon said he was not sure whether he would participate in actual events, but indicated that his role could be to help make them possible.

“A lot of players with dreams have been influenced by me and other African players that have played in the league, but I think the natural step now … is to expand in US and China and also in

Africa because there is opportunity and talent,” Olajuwon said.

“There also opportunity for big corporations to bridge the gap between the NBA and the government to provide opportunity for players to develop basketball in Africa.

“I was in Nigeria with the NBA and the program called Power Forward. I was in the ground with the government officials and also with actual players, the kids, taking pictures, shaking hands, meeting a lot of people. I will be on the ground working with Amadou, who is in charge, to see where my role can make the most impact.”

For Olajuwon, the position with NBA Africa is a chance to offer a response, even if only a symbolic answer, to the anguish in Nigeria with the continuing acts of terrorism by Boko Haram.

“I think the timing is right to bring that positive image,” said Olajuwon, who worked with the Rockets and Dwight Howard last season. “What is going on in Nigeria is very, very difficult for anyone to comprehend. The mindset, it is mind-boggling. I look for positive things to counter the negative of the mentality that is going on now in Nigeria.

“This is the advantage of sports. Sports are something everybody can gather over regardless of their differences to be able to give back to the community and the youth of the future.”

Source:www.bbcnews.com

22yr Old Mother Sells Her One-Month Old Baby For N430k In Onitsha

Afrikan

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22 year old Chinelo Huma, (pictured above), who got pregnant while she was engaged in prostitution, sold her 1-month baby for N430,000. She, alongside 3 others, have been arrested by the AntiHuman Trafficking Unit of the Enugu State Police Command.

Three other women, Nkechi Ugochukwu, Maria Asomba and Esther Obi, who allegedly played roles in the sale of the baby were traced to Onitsha, Anambra State and arrested by the police. Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu who disclosed this, toldSunday Sun that Huma got pregnant while prostituting. Her boyfriend who was not quite ready to bear the responsibility of fatherhood rejected Huma’s pregnancy. Incidentally, Huma already had two children, who were being cared for by her mother. So having another child out of wedlock was not an idea that appealed to her one bit and she decided to relieve herself of the burden of caring for the baby. Her words: “I am a prostitute. When I became pregnant and it was close to nine months, my boyfriend rejected it. I decided to sell the baby. When I gave birth on April 13, 2014, one lady whose name is Maria Asomba, arranged for the baby to be sold to Mrs. Nkechi Ugochukwu, and she paid N430, 000, but Asomba gave me N150,000. “When the police arrested Ugochukwu, I told them I didn’t want the baby again, because I already have two children and my mother is taking care of them.” Adamu explained that 43-year-old Ugochukwu had for long desired to have a child of her own but was unable to conceive. The arrangement to source the baby was facilitated by one Esther Obi, who nursed the newborn for two weeks before handing her over to Ugochukwu. The Commissioner of Police further revealed that Asomba, 35, specialized in looking recruiting pregnant ladies that were willing to dispose of their babies after giving birth. The police learnt about the ignoble act, Adamu said the Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Supol Gloria Udoka (DSP) and her team swung into action and traced the suspects to a jungle in Onitsha, where the one-month old was rescued. The police team also arrested Ugochukwu. Giving more insight to the sordid affair, the deputy head of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Supol Anyai Dennis (CSP) expressed disgust that even after the baby was recovered, Huma insisted she didn’t want to keep the baby. Supol Dennis added that Ugochukwu was reluctant to hand over the baby as she had led her neighbours to believe she had given birth and would feel a deeply embarrassed, given that she had made

arrangements for the baby already named as Chinasa. Expressing her pain at the turn of events, Ugochukwu lamented: “I have been barren for years and I needed a child. My husband’s kinsmen have been maligning and making jest of me because I don’t have a child. I borrowed N430,000 to buy the child; my husband is aware of the baby. The baby was brought to me on April 17, 2014. When I took the baby to my compound all my neighbours congratulated me over the new baby; policemen came and took the baby from me. I don’t want my money back. I need the baby. I have named the baby Chinasa and I am already planning to dedicate her in church.” That desire now appears to be a pipe dream as the Commissioner of Police has given a firm assurance that all the suspects would be charged to court soon for human trafficking. Source: Sunday Sun.

Source: Nigerian Celebrity News Online Magazine

June 2014

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6th Annual Baffour Charity Soccer Tournament

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NGOZI in collaboration with West African Community Collaborative (WACC) are pleased to announce the 6th Annual Charity Soccer Tournament & West Africa Community Festival on July 19th, 2014

Baffour is a vibrant and energetic young man full of life filled with dreams and aspirations. He was involved in a car accident on the morning of January 31, 2006, while on his way back from work. He suffered severe injuries to his spinal cord, which left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

Due to reasons beyond his control, Baffour did not qualify for medical assistance. FRIENDS OF BAFFOUR with the help of NGOZI organized the first ever Baffour Charity Soccer Tournament in 2009 to raise funds to assist Baffour.

After years of researching on ways to find help, Baffour saw that there are other people within the community with similar situations or worse who do not have the wonderful support system he benefited from. He decided to join NGOZI to continue organizing the soccer tournament every year, in order to help members of the communities in the DC-Maryland-Virginia area who find themselves in some form of predicament. The Baffour Soccer Tournament is therefore organized annually with participating teams from local social organizations and sport clubs, 2014 is the 6th year.

Part of the proceeds from the 2014 event will be donated to the African Community Resource Center building project and The Courage F.U.N Program. For more information on these organizations, please visit the following websites http://acrcusa.org, www.pwsi.org, www.friendsofbaffour.com, and www.ngozi.org.

For registration of Soccer Teams, Donations, Sponsorship and Vendoring opportunity for the 2014 event, please visit our website www.ngozi.org.

NGOZI is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and contributions to NGOZI are tax-deductible.

We will like to express our profound appreciation to the following organizations and individuals who supported the 2013 event.

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June 2014

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Adeola Ariyo Named First African Brand Ambassador For Elizabeth Arden

Afrikan

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All Nations Church Celebrates Five Years Anniversary With Sanctuary Dedication June 2014

The Christian Journal Elizabeth, New Jersey Friends from far and wide joined All Nations Church to celebrate their fifth anniversary and the dedication of their new sanctuary. The Mayor of the city of Elizabeth, Christian Bollwage was the special guest of honor for the tape cutting ceremony.

Nigerian model Adeola Ariyo (pictured) has just landed her biggest fashion feat till date. The beauty has become cosmetics giant Elizabeth Arden‘s first African Brand Ambassador.

Speaking on her landmark accomplishment, Ariyo, who began modeling at the age of 13 in London, said, “Being chosen as an Elizabeth Arden Brand Ambassador in Africa is an incredible honor. Elizabeth Arden herself was an entrepreneur, a women’s advocate, and champion for holistic beauty, inspiring women all over the world. I’m proud to be associated with a brand that embodies such important values.

“I’m proud to be associated with a brand that embodies such important values.”

Elizabeth Arden Africa Managing Director Corne Nel added:

With this appointment, beauty powerhouse Elizabeth Arden is growing its footprint in Africa.

‘Expanding into Africa is an exciting venture for our brand. It’s an opportunity to really celebrate African beauty.”

Ariyo has previously appeared in Sports Illustrated (pictured) and Elle Magazine, with the publication’s Editor Jackie Burgers saying about her new appointment:

“What stands out for me about Adeola is that she truly represents the Elizabeth Arden brand.

She is the best choice for the beauty house, because she embodies incredible beauty and substance. Adeola is well-traveled and truly committed to young women on the African continent.

She is sincere and authentic, and what shines through is that she is here to represent African women and educate us about beauty and what beauty means today.”

Congratulations, Adeola!

Source: www.face2faceafrica.com

The church features include a giant wide screen right above the altar, 2 children’s room, a youth chapel, offices for church administrators and big parking lot. The church new sanctuary can accommodate more than 350 people that triples the size of the old worship center.

The new sanctuary is warmer, more inviting space than the old place of worship that it replaces.

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Dr Frank Ofosu-Appiah general overseer of All Nations Church in his sermon said this sanctuary will never lose the presence of the people.

It will be a place of glory and God will manifest his glory in this sanctuary. Referencing the Bible verse Ephesians 3:21 “Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”

That it will be a house of hope for the hopeless. Sometimes people don’t need money but they need hope. The need to be encouraged that there will be a better tomorrow. It will be a house of healing for people who are broken emotionally, physically, mentally, financially, broken dreams, broken marriages and families.

Pastor Joe Asmah, in an interview with The Christian Journal, said “it was by God’s grace “I’m pleased for them,” Dr Frank Ofosu Appiah that has made this day possible and he hope the House of restoration will bring a lot of restorafounder and general overseer of All Nations tion to the community and beyond”.

Church worldwide.

It’s a great milestone in the church five years in Source:The Christian Journal New Jersey.

June 2014

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Afrikan

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June 2014

$2.39 Corned Beef $3.99

$1

Fufu $2.50

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June 2014

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Afrikan

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How The Boss Of A Popular Phone App Got The Idea

June 2014

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installed for free and users don't have to pay for basic content.

Revision App then makes its money by charging people to view its educational videos, along with other more advanced or in-depth resources.

Mr Hagan launched Revision App with his own savings, but he has since secured some outside investment, as well as funding from the government's Start-Up Loans scheme.

Based in east London, and with 10 permanent staff, Revision App is now expanding into Europe and the Middle East, with North America set to follow.

Mr Hagan calls his plans for overseas expansion "global domination".

'Make learning fun'

Such has been the success of Revision App that last November, Mr Hagan was declared young entrepreneur of the year by Shell Livewire, the young business support service run by oil group Shell.

Mr Hagan was also invited to address the 2013 Conservative Party conference.

Inspiration for a successful business idea can come from anywhere, but for Jermaine Hagan, it was very much the result of personal need.

mobile phone app, Mr Hagan decided to learn by getting work for companies that do just that.

He says: "I have always liked working and making money.

"Prior to the clothing business at uni, I used to sell CDs and DVDs on eBay while at school. And after that, I used to write business plans for entrepreneurs."

"I thought, 'Why don't I try and get paid while I learn?' so Back in his final year at university, the Londoner found that he that was what I did. had little time for revising, or even going to lectures in the first Raised in "a working class family" in north west London, Mr Hagan place.

"You just have to get in the right place, and I've always says his parents "brought me up to be ambitious". been super-confident. I learned on the job as a consultant for some of the largest mobile app development firms."

He adds: "I'm trying to strive for greatness... I get by on four hours' sleep a night - relaxing and me don't really go together.

This was because Mr Hagan, now 24 and the founder of popu- And realising that he also needed to improve his wider busilar mobile phone application Revision App, was at the time ness skills, instead of paying to get the classic business "And anyway, what I'm doing at Revision App is so enjoyable - we running a successful clothing business from his student bedqualification, an MBA or Master of Business are trying to make learning fun. room.

Administration, Mr Hagan successfully applied for a job with carmaker Honda.

"We want children and young people to use Revision App on their And while his college friends would attend classes and hit the phone instead of Angry Birds [or other non-educational games." library, he would sit, surrounded by boxes, and spend hours Working for a year at Honda's European headquarters, locatputting jumpers and other clothes into parcels, ready to be ed just outside London, he says it gave him vital knowledge posted out to customers. on pricing and profit margins.

With exams looming, Mr Hagan's only hope of passing his A few years earlier, Mr Hagan had done the same trick to www.myjoyonline.com degree was to borrow his friends' revision notes. Thankfully get the skills he needed for his clothing company, doing an they agreed, and he was able to graduate from London's Brunel internship for a large clothing retailer.

University.

'Global domination' He says: "It gave me the idea for Revision App. I realised that there must have been thousands and thousands of other stuWhen he was happy that he had all the knowledge he dents out there in the same situation... desperate for better revi- required to start Revision App, Mr Hagan launched the busision notes. ness in November 2010. Since it took up all his time, he had by now closed the clothing firm.

"And in this day and age, everyone spends all their time on their mobile. So I thought, 'Why not gather as many revision Instead of relying on notes from his old friends, Revision notes as possible and turn them into an app on your smartApp pays a team of teachers to help produce content that phone?'" applies directly to national school curriculums and college courses.

'Hustling' Mr Hagan says this is vital "to give parents complete reasArmed with a degree in financial computing from Brunel surance".

University, Mr Hagan had the skills and knowledge to be able to produce the first basic test version of the app.

Revision App was an immediate success and has since grown to have more than one million UK users.

He filled it with all the notes that he had been able to gather from college friends, both those on his course and those doing And while Mr Hagan won't release any financial details, other subjects.

Revision App is today one of the most downloaded education applications in the country.

"I was literally hustling to get the content," says Mr Hagan.

It applies a "freemium" model, under which the app can be But, aware that he didn't know how to successfully market a

Timeline:

World Cup Facts

July 13, 1930 - The first World Cup begins in Montevideo, Uruguay.

1942 and 1946 - The tournament is not held because of World War II. Play resumes in 1950.

June 11-July 11, 2010 - The World Cup takes place in South Africa. Spain wins its first World Cup championship by defeating the Netherlands in the final, 1-0.

2018 - The World Cup is scheduled to take place in Russia.

2022 - The World Cup is scheduled to take place in Qatar.

FIFA World Cup Edition : 20th Host country : Brazil, South America (CONMEBOL)

Dates : 12 June – 13 July 2014 Teams : 32

Host cities :

Stadiums :

12

12

Number of matches :

64

Expected total attendance : › 3,300,000 Volunteers :

15,000

Reigning champions :

Spain

The World Cup happens once every four years and lasts for a month in the summer. A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 stadiums in Brazil, the host country of the FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 12, 2014.

See how much you know and test your soccer/football knowledge with these trivia tidbits and facts about the World Cup.

Which country has the most World Cup wins?

This year's host country, Brazil, has won the World Cup on five occasions.

How many times has the host country won the World Cup?

In the 19 time the World Cup has been played, the host country has triumphed six times: Uruguay in 1930, Italy in 1934, England in 1966, Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978 and France in 1998.

What is the highest finish posted by a men's team from the United States?

The U.S.'s best showing came in 1930 when the American team placed third in the World Cup. (The USA women's team, however, has won twice.)

Brazil also hosted the 1950 World Cup. What two countries were prohibited from participating in the qualifying process?

Germany and Japan

How many times has Canada qualified for the World Cup? Only once, in 1986.

In the 2010 World Cup, what was the average number of goals scored per game?

Fascinating Facts About Brazil June 2014

12 In 1954, Austria beat Switzerland 75. The highest scoring final happened when Brazil beat then-host country Sweden by a score of 5-2.

When did numbers first appear on jerseys?

1954 was the first year shirt numbers were used. The jersey number with the most number of goals scored is number 9.

Who was the oldest player to score a goal in a World Cup match?

Roger Milla of Cameroon was 42 years and 39 days old when he scored a goal against Russia in 1994.

Who was the youngest player to score a goal?

Pele did so at 17 years and 239 days old when he scored in 1958.

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By Shannan Younger

With Brazil hosting both the World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, all eyes are on the South American country.

Check out these facts about Brazil .

The official name of the country is the Federative Republic of Brazil What cities are hosting World Cup games?

Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Fortaleza, Manaus, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janero, Salvador, and Sao Paulo. You can read more about each of them in this Travel Channel article. This is the second time Brazil has hosted the World Cup. It first hosted in 1950.

The capital of Brazil is Brasilia. It’s a new city – it was built between 1956 an 1960 Prior to then, Rio was the 2.3 goals per game. Players scored a total capital. of 145 goals in the 64 games.

How many goals were scored in the highest scoring World Cup match?

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The largest city in Brazil is Sao Paulo, which has a population of 10.9 million people.

What is its population?

Brazil has a population of approximately 194 million people It is the fifth largest country in the world when measuring by both population and land area.

Less than 1% of the population is indigenous and more than half of the population is of primarily European origin.

What does the Brazilian flag symbolize?

There are 27 stars, one for each state and the federal district – they are arranged to look how the night sky looks over Brazil The white band has the motto Ordem E Progresso, which means Order and Progress. Just like the American flag, the number of stars has been expanded as more states have been added to the country. It was first approved in 1889 with 21 stars and the version with 27 stars became official in 1992.

The green original represented the House of Braganza of Pedro I, the first Emperor of Brazil but now symbolizes the country’s forests and the yellow signifies its mineral wealth.

Brazil is big, but just how big?

Source: 100 things you should know about the World Cup and 100 facts on the The country of Brazil covers 46% of the continent of FIFA World Cup website.

South America. The country has three time zones.

That means it has several neighbors.

Brazil shares a border with every country in South America except Chile and Ecuador.

Languages You may know that Portuguese is the official language Brazil, and it is the only South American country that can say that. Portugese is far from the only language spoken there. In fact, you can hear more than 180 languages.

Independence Brazil became independent from Portgual on September 7, 1822.

It became a democracy in 1985. Brazil’s current President, Dilma Rousseff, was inaugurated on January 1, 2011.

AmazonAmazon_River The Amazon River the world’s second longest river (after the Nile) but it is is the largest by volume of water discharged. The river can measure up to 30 miles wide during the rainy season.

The Amazon runs through a vast expanse of rain forest, which helps explain why there are more species of monkeys living in Brazil than in any other nation. Deforestation is a huge problem in the country.

Crops

The country was largely agrarian until the 1960s and still produces a quarter of the world’s coffee and a large portion of the world’s sugar cane.

Carnival

Rio de Janero’s famous Carnival, which is known around the world as being an incredible party held before Lent each year, attracts around 2 million revelers each day

Helpful Dolphins

In the town of Laguna, dolphins help the fisherman by herding fish towards their nets. The local report that the dolphins have been helping the fishermen for generations.

Money The currency in Brazil is called the real and it is written R$.

Permission to Land Brazil has a lot of airports – 4,000 of them in fact. The only country to have more airports is the United States.

Christ the Redeemerstatue One of Brazil’s most well-known landmarks is the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janero.

It also has more than 4,500 miles of coast line, many of It is the world’s tallest religious statue and in which feature amazing beaches. TripAdvisor recently named Baia do SancAmazonrivermapho the best beach in 2007, it was included in the New Seven Wonders of the World list. It was officially presented to the world. the public in 1932.

Discovery Pedro Alvares Cabral, a Portuguese explorer, is considered to have discovered the country when he sailed into what is now Bahia in April 1500.

Sources: The Telegraph, National Geographic, The CIA’s World Factbook, Science Kids, FIFA and Travel Advisor Tips

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Kingslight Chapel International AWAKE MEN’S CONFERENCE - 2014

June 2014

The annual powerful Men's conference called Awake Men's Conference 2014 took place from Thursday, June 12th to 15th, 2014.

On Saturday, June 14th, as part of the activities of the conference the Men’s ministry called Gallants of Christ headed by Rev. Dr. Daniel Ahia-Armah, the Senior Pastor hosted a breakfast meeting at the Holiday Inn in Dumfries Virginia.

The theme for the conference was “Fulfilling Your Divine Purpose” Acts 13:36.

The main speaker was Samuel Bentsi Addison the Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Eagles House Chapel International. An anointed servant of God, who operates in the Five-Fold Ministry.

Kingslight Chapel which is based in Woodbridge , Virginia has a slogan: "KLC - Where all needs are met"

Kingslight Chapel is a Word-based, Holy Ghostfilled, multi-cultural and racially diverse Church with a divine mandate to bring light to this dark world, hope to the hopeless and to equip the child of God for mission and victory.

The Gallants of Christ of Kingslight Chapel

Guest Speaker-Prophet Samuel Addison

Rev. Mrs. Barbara Ahia-Armah, Rev. Dr. Daniel Ahia-Armah (Kingslight Chapel) and Rev. Opoku Amoako of Destiny Life Ministry

Song Ministration by Minister Yaw Osei-Wusu, The Gallant Voices of KLC and Minister Clarence Roberts

All hands raised in worship

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Ghanaian First Lady Participates Ghanaian First Lady Interacts with In UK Parliamentary Reception Baroness Northover in London

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First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has participated in a parliamentary reception at the House of Lords held by GAVI and the Forum for African First Ladies against breast and cervical cancer to highlight the burden of cervical cancer in developing countries.

June 2014

While thanking GAVI for its continuous support to Ghana in the provision of HPV vaccines, the First Lady, said government is committed to ensure timely access to treatment of cervical cancer in line with objective seven of Ghana's health care programme.

The event also touched on how investments in HPV vaccines can make a difference to improve 'Government will continue to ensure timehealth and economic outcomes for women and ly access to treatment for cervical cancer girls. patients. This is very much in line with Objective Seven (7) of Ghana's 2010 The HPV forum and parliamentary session was Healthcare Programme of Work, which is hosted by the government of the United to 'Control non-communicable diseases, Kingdom and the Global Alliance and Vaccine ensure their proper management, and proImmunization, GAVI on the theme, 'investing in mote healthy lifestyle''. a healthy future for women and girls'.

Liberal democrat and government Member of the House of Lords, Lord Paul spokesperson in the House of Lords on Boateng, who welcomed the guests, commended international development, Baroness the First Ladies of Ghana and Mozambique for Lindsay Patricia Northover commended the extent of work done in championing the use the two first ladies for the tremendous of vaccines to prevent cervical cancers. work done and said the government of the United kingdom will continue to support The First Ladies then took turns to share experi- GAVI which would in turn provide funds ences from their respective countries on the for developing countries. state of cervical cancer.

GAVI'S objective is to vaccinate 30 milFirst lady of Mozambique, Dr. Maria da luz Dai lion girls and women in developing counGuebuza, said her country has launched immu- tries who suffer and die most from cervinization projects in three districts and is comcal cancer. mitted to do more to fight cervical cancer.

The forum continued with deliberations on First lady of Ghana, Lordina Mahama, citing the policies to help fight cervical cancer and a spate of deaths recorded in the world and in commitment by members to champion it.

Ghana due to lack of access to healthcare and the late seeking of treatment said Ghana cannot continue to watch her women who contribute greatly to the workforce and economy lose their lives to cervical cancer hence the need for the www.modernghana.com intervention.

'because women are the major contributor to farm labour, the benefits of improving women's health in Ghana is of importance to the Government'.

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First lady Lordina Mahama has been interacting with Liberal democrat and government spokesperson in the House of Lords on International Development, Lindsay Patricia Northover on the protection of women and girls in their respective countries against cervical cancer.

First Lady, Lordina Mahama, was accompanied to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the House of Lords at London by the Minister of Health, Sherry Aryittey and Ghana's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Victor Smith.

Liberal democrat and government spokesperson in the House of Lords on International Development, Lindsay Patricia Northover who received them stressed the importance of vaccinating young girls and women against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer.

Baroness Northover noted that women and girls are a priority to the United Kingdom hence the campaign to educate girls and women on the need for the HPV vaccine and asked if it was similar with Ghana.

First lady, Lordina Mahama, briefed her on the progress Ghana has made in the Northern and Central regions of Ghana by vaccinating girls between the ages of 10 and fourteen.

Through the Lordina Foundation, a lot of women have been screened and educated on cervical and breast cancer and HIV with emphasis on prevention of mother to child transmission.

Baroness Northover who was thrilled about the progress made in Ghana said the United Kingdom through DFID will continue to support Ghana in the areas of health and education.

First lady of Mozambique, Dr. Maria da Luz Dai Guebuza and her team later joined the meeting to talk about the progress made in their country.

The meeting precedes a GAVI Alliance HPV event to be held at the House of Lords on Wednesday June 4.

By Sandow S Kpebu

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Graduations Abound For Immigrant Family

June 2014

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where I’m from. You wouldn’t dare do that.”

But there were positives too, he said.

Ansah Ntow, Kofi Ansah, Afua Ansah, and Georgina Ntow at the Community Arts Center in Fairfield

By Eric Robinette Journal-News, Fairfield — Many people wear caps and gowns at this time of year, but one Fairfield family that immigrated from Africa will have several graduation joys to celebrate by the end of the year.

Kofi Ansah plans to graduate from Miami University in December, with plans to become a heart surgeon. His sister, Afua Ansah, graduates from Fairfield High School at the end of the month, with plans to attend Duke University and become a pediatrician. Meanwhile, their parents, Georgina Ntow and Ansah Ntow, have already graduated after attending Miami University-Hamilton. All of them hail from Ghana in West Africa.

The family came to the U.S. through the Diversity Lottery in 2003, and arrived in America in 2004. After living in Virginia for a time, the family moved to Fairfield in 2005.

“I wanted my kids to come to school over here. It was very expensive to be back in (Africa) and pay for the school fees. So I said, let’s take this opportunity, and perhaps I will win,” Georgina Ntow said.

Afua Ansah, who was elementary school age at the time, found the USA nothing short of overwhelming.

“You have this idea about America. You’re all excited and then you get here and it’s all different. So dealing with the language barrier and not having my (extended) family here was pretty hard,” she said.

Kofi Ansah said, “For me, it was really different too, especially in school. How people behaved was not what I was used to because over in Ghana, teachers have stricter control over the students … (here) students talked back to teachers and stuff. That wouldn’t happen

“Teachers had more time for students. There was greater technological advancement in the United States, so we could use smartboards and computers in class, so those all made a difference for me as a student. I wasn’t used to that in Ghana,” said Kofi.

His father struggled with culture too.

“In Africa, you can greet anybody … here it’s quite different. People don’t care when you greet them sometimes. So this was not normal, because you are giving respect to somebody and they seem not to care about it. But on the other hand, sometimes Americans are prepared to greet you without knowing you. It was a bit of a cultural shift. So with time we have to learn to assimilate to the kind of life here,” said But concerns about bettering the family far outweighed any cultural differences, because people in Ghana greatly value studying outside the country.

“It has been the wish of every parent to bring their children to study … we want our children to come here to benefit from American education. That is very important,” said Ansah Ntow.

The family brought with them a particularly strong work ethic that helped them realize their goals.

“I remember in the seventh grade, we were given math problems to do. The book had a total of 60 problems, and the teacher gave us 20 to do. I did them all,” Kofi Ansah said. “Hard work was definitely a big catalyst to our success later on in our education.”

Meanwhile, the parents got an education too. In Ghana, Georgina had worked in a bank, and the father worked as an electrical engineer. They wanted to better their situation as well. She went on to get a GED from Butler Tech, and then she applied to Miami University-Hamilton in 2007 to study nursing. Two years later, her husband joined her, pursuing an engineering degree.

Now, Georgina, having graduated in 2012, works as a nurse at Summit Behavior Health Care in Cincinnati. Ansah Ntow already had the equivalent of an Associate’s Degree in engineering, so in the spring of 2009, he enrolled in Miami University-Hamilton. He graduated earlier this month with a bachelor’s degree in applied science and technology.

“Leaving everything back and coming down here, we were ready to start life, and the idea of going to school has paid off. We are grateful to the system in a country where they don’t discriminate. If you are serious, they help you get a quality education,” said the father.

Kofi in particular benefited from a mentoring relationship with Greg Ossmann, the former director of communications for Mercy Hospital in Fairfield. Ossmann and Kofi have known each other for only two years, but in that short time, Ossmann has marveled at the progress Kofi and his family have made.

When they met at the Jungle Jim’s health fair, “Within 15 minutes, (he) was actually offered a job with a translating service — one that Mercy used … had not he shown up, both of us would have missed out on a tremendous mentoring relationship. Half the battle is showing up,” Ossmann said.

Kofi Ansah concurred, saying, “That made a difference in my life because I was able to shadow doctors. I’ve been to events, tailgating with Bengals players. It’s just amazing. Mentoring with Greg has been very impactful, and it’s shaped who I am today.”

Ossmann has benefited from the relationship as well, saying that Kofi was like a son to him, and he plans to attend Afua’s graduation at the end of the month.

“People talk about the United States being a land of opportunity. Kofi, his sister and his parents understand that to the nth degree, because they’re now living that,” Ossmann said.

By Eric Robinette Journal-News, Fairfield

Nigerian Names Twins Nollywood and Hollywood

Lanky and heavily built Nollywood producer, Femi Ogedengbe is back in the news again and this time,the guy is furious over reported criticisms coming his way over naming his twins Nollywood and Hollywood. The producer vent his anger on his Facebook page, saying the level of hypocrisy in Nigeria is just too high. " How do I explain the attack I and my wife have received on the internet for adding Nollywood and Hollywood among the names we gave our bundles of Joy: King Praise Micheal Victor Tochukwu Jesuogbo Iyinoluwa Hollywood & Queen Grace Michelle Victoria Peculiar Chimamaka Jesukomeh Opeoluwa Nollywood.

I guess all those who condemned us have been so blinded by hatred that they couldn't see all other names but just the Hollywood and Nollywood. Anyway thanks for noticing me my wife and our children but what is really bad in those two names?

Here in Nigerian there is a town called Umuagwo and Umueke (descendants of snakes) and you

don't think that is weird enough but some of you whose family names are something around the neighborhood of Esubiyi,Sango these and Ogun that join in condemning a name that has its origin in such a vibrant industry as Nollywood that has engaged more Nigerian youth in one way or the other and have helped in no small measure in putting smile on our collective faces" he said.

Photo: Femi Ogedengbe/Facebook

BY IYABO AINA

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Edusei Foundation Makes Major Donations

June 2014

The Edusei Foundation founded by Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei and his family have made several donations to various orphanages and have organized youth workshops in various regions of Ghana, USA and the Diaspora. To cap it all the Foundation has made major donations to the Ghana Black Stars and the Catholic relief Charities as part of their efforts to broaden their horizon in supporting Ghanaian initiatives and embracing youth activities.

The Foundation was started in 2012 and built the basic groundwork with the main goal of seeking youth development and empowering women and children, facilitating college counseling, life survival skills in order to positively enrich their lives.

Recently the Foundation made a donation to the Catholic Relief Charities in Ghana and signed a memorandum of understanding to support youth activities in the five poorest regions (Upper East, Upper West , Northern, Central and Brong Ahafo Regions) in Ghana .The foundation provided a seed money of 50.000 Ghana Cedis. The donation was received by Rev. Father Afriyie, the General Secretary of the Ghana Catholic Charities fund on May 2, 2014.

The Youth workshops that have been organized by the foundation have successfully rekindled the youth spirit in the United States and it would afford the youth better opportunities than earlier generations.

On June 6th, 2014 Dr. Edusei and his family visited the Black Stars at their Miami, Florida base and made a donation of twenty five thousand US Dollars to the Ghana Black. The Foundation also

Dr. and Mrs Bawuah-Edusei Founders of the Edusei Foundation

Presentation to the Osu Children’s Home

provided the latest ICT equipment including IPADS worth thousands of US dollars to upgrade the technical team to be at par with the best in the world.

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and made donations and gave them kind words of encouragement and went a long way to ensure their success in the tournament.

Edusei Foundation was founded for Youth development and the Black Star Players, who are all youthful; have conducted themselves well to be role models for the youth. The Edusei Foundation therefore hopes these donations will encourage the Black Stars to achieve higher goals and continue to be inspirational to the youth.

The Coach Kwasi Appiah on his part thanked the Edusei Foundation for the gesture and mentioned that this donation from an individual confirms the love, support and confidence Ghanaians have in the Black Stars.

Dr. Edusei and Family making a donation of $25,000 to the Black Stars

The Edusei Foundation Presenting a check of 50,000 Ghana Cedis to the Catholic Relief Charities in Ghana

Dr. Edusei's track record of philanthropy will be continued for youth development and empowerment of women and children. Whilst Dr. Bawuah- Edusei espouses positive thinkAddressing the Black Star players at the presentation in the ing he has led an exemplary life and despite all the chalfamous Regis Hotel in Miami, Dr. Bawuah-Edusei, who is a medical doctor, guided the team to not only prepare physically lenges he has kept his integrity intact and continued the family tradition of philanthropy which he started even but to enhance their power of positive thinking as the mind is before he became Ghana's Ambassador to Switzerland and the most powerful tool of the body. He and his family expressed their deep appreciation to the whole Black Star Team later the United States of America.

The foundations has made donations to various orphanages for all the sacrifices they have made. and institutions in Ghana.

The occasion was graced by the entire Black Star Team and Dr. Barwuah-Edusei wishes to thank God, family, friends and their technical staff: including Coach. Mr. Kwasi Appiah, Ghana Football Association President Mr.Kwesi Nyantakyi and all those who have supported him over the years with full family members and friends of the Edusei’ family from all over assurance that he is the same person, legal with uncompromising integrity, fiercely independent, and that his endeavors the U.S.A. have been by his own initiative. He intends to continue these Asamoah Gyan ,the Captain of the National team on behalf of noble qualities unabated as a private citizen for the rest of his life and again thank God for his blessings. the players expressed his profound appreciation to Dr. Edusei and recalled a similar gesture in 2006 when he visited the Black Stars camp in Switzerland ahead of the 2006 World Cup

Presentation to the Tamale Orphanage

Youth Workshop Saturday, July 5th 2014 Time: 4pm-8pm

Kumasi Children’s Home

Location:Ghana Community Development Center 6420 General Green Way, Alexandria, VA 22312 Admission Is Free / Free Dinner Dedicated to a) Career Counseling b) College Counseling c)Life Surviving skills and Health Education RSVP : Paul Ofori -Tel 202-618-0431 / George Bright-Abu -703-725-6968

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African Firsts at the World Cup

First African country at the World Cup: Egypt in 1934 First African to score at the World Cup: Abdulrahman Fawzi, who scored both Egypt's goals in 2-4 loss against Hungary in 1934. He netted a third, but was ruled offside.

First African country to score a point at the World Cup Finals : Morocco in 1970, with a 1-1 draw against Bulgaria

First African country to win a match at the World Cup Finals :

Tunisia in 1978 with 3-1 over Mexico

Heaviest African defeat at the World Cup Finals: Zaire 0-9 loss to Yugoslavia in 1974

Biggest African win at the World Cup Finals: Nigeria 3-0 over Bulgaria in 1994, Morocco 3-0 over Scotland in 1998.

First African coach at the World Cup Group Finals: Abdelmajid Chetali of Tunisia in 1978

First African team to reach round of 16: Morocco in 1986

First African team to reach quarter-finals: Cameroon in 1990

First team to use penalties in World Cup Qualification: Tunisia in 1978, beating Morocco 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Oldest man to score at World Cup Finals: Roger Milla, aged 42, against Russia in 1994 FIFA World Cup. (Russia won the match 6-1.)

Fastest-ever hat-trick in an "A" international: Abdul Hamid Bassiouny of Egypt scored a hat-trick in 177 seconds against Namibia in a 2002 World Cup qualifier in Alexandria on 13 July 2001 during an 8-2 win by Egypt.

Most matches played by an African team to qualify for the World Cup Finals : 13, by Algeria in 2010.

First African to score an own goal at the World Cup : Youssef Chippo of Morocco in the 2-2 draw against Norway on 10 June 1998. Two days later, Pierre Issa of South Africa scored an own goal in the 0-3 loss to France.

First African to score a penalty at the World Cup: Magdi Abdelghani of Egypt in the 1-1 draw against the Netherlands at Italia 90.

First African country to host the World Cup: South Africa in 2010

First African player to receive a yellow card at the World Cup: Kidumu Mantantu of Zaire against Scotland in 1974 FIFA World Cup on 14 June 1974.

First African player to receive a red card at the World Cup: Mulamba Ndaye of Zaire against Yugoslavia in 1974 FIFA World Cup on 18 June 1974.

First African goalkeeper to receive a red card at the World Cup: Itumeleng Khune of South Africa against Uruguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. (He was the second goalkeeper ever sent off at the World Cup finals, after Italy's Gianluca Pagliuca of Italy at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.)

Ghanaian players in World Cup for other countries

The nation Ghana apparently for no reason has been the sufferer of Top talents opting to play for other nations in the past. And this year’s mundial is a case of no exception.

After successes chalked by top talents like Marseille Desailly, Gerald Asamoah. George Boateng, David Odonkor and the lots who have all followed in this path in times past; what is there to be achieved by these new crop of prodigies?

Topping the list prodigies, who on a normal day can prove their worth playing in Ghana national team, is ever robust now Italian talisman, Mario Balotelli.

Born to Ghanaian immigrants, Thomas and Rose Berwuah, the former Manchester City man gets the opportunity to represent Italy, the nation of his foster parents; Francesco and Silvio Balotelli at the mundial.

The Super Mario would once again be the man in the lead of affairs for the Azzurri, after successes chalked at similar roles at Euros 2012 and the confederations cup of 2013.

Next is England and Manchester United’s Danny Welbeck. The 23 year old forward for the first time has got the opportunity of adding his name to the list of prodigies after been named by Manager Roy Rodgson as part of England’s 23 man squad for the mundial.

Born Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah, he made his first appearance for the three lions in a friendly with the Black Stars in London whiles he was in line for a call up to play for Ghana.

Born in the Moordrecht, just outside Rotterdam in 1994, Memphis was the son of a Ghanaian father, and Dutch mother. However his parents divorced when he was only four years old, with the youngster living with his mum.The budding talent after featuring for almost all the junior teams of the Netherlands, once again is given the opportunity to make the Dutch’s proud again.

The Dutch national side will also feature Georginio Emile Wijnaldum who only recalls that his father, a Ghanaian was called Boateng, but separated with his mother, who is a Surinamese.

Finally is Jerome Boateng, junior brother to Kelvin Prince Boateng of the Black Stars. The versatile talent who plies his trade with German giants, Bayern Munich is having his second stint with the German National team at the mundial, after success in South Africa 2010.

These talents could obviously have contributed to Black Star’s quest of making history at the finals this year. This is a case far from possible, since they all now; pride themselves in the colours of other nations.

On the touchline, former Ghanaian international, and former Borussia Dortmund star, Ibrahim Tanko, will be making history as the first Ghanaian and African tactician to handle a different country at the global soccer fiesta. Tanko is an assistant coach of the Indomitable Lions and will be supporting Cameroun’s German head coach, Volke Finke

VIRGINIA BLACK STARS SUMMER REGISTRATION IN PROCESS CALL JERRY

703 786-7070

June 2014

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Pu b lis h ed By Brig h t Ho u s e Pro d 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

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C on t rib u t in g C olu 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

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