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10 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY (2001 - 2011) Volume 11 NO. 11 FREE
Happy New Year To All Our Readers 5th Annual Call Of Esther X’mas Party For Kids
Soft and puffy candy floss, hoola-hoop and musical chairs games, "Mr Blu" The Clown, jollof rice & chicken, and finally & most importantly, Santa with a bag of toys for every kid in attendance. This could summarize the 5th annual Call of Esther Ministries Kids Xmas Party, but it was so much more than that! Held for the first time at the Comfort Inn, Springfield Virginia, Monday December 26th 2011 was an extension of Christmas day to the over a hundred kids, with their parents, who were in attendance.
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Meeting Dates for 2011 ( Last Saturday of each month)
• SATURDAY, JULY 30TH • SATURDAY, AUGUST 27TH • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31TH
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm prompt Venue: Ghana Community Center 6424 General Greenway, Alexandria, VA For more details: Augustine Agbenaza - 703.599.6738 Tweneboah Appiah-Kusi - 240.688.3419
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HEALTH WATCH
4 Short Workouts to Stay Fit During Winter Jeff Galloway, Runner's World
When schedules get packed with holiday obligations, running frequently gets pushed off your to-do list. That's a shame because investing just a little time in exercise can reap big rewards. In fact, even if you have just 10 minutes a day, three days a week, you can maintain some running fitness. Plus, these sessions will help offset stress and provide the consistency that makes it easier to resume your regular training when the craziness abates. You have 10 minutes Warm up with one to two minutes of brisk walking, then alternate two minutes running with 30 seconds walking. If you feel good, gradually increase the speed of your run segments. Repeat three times. Jog easy for one minute to cool down. If you're stuck in the house, walk briskly from room to room and up and down stairs. Every minute, jog in place for 20 steps. You have 15 minutes Walk gently up and down a flight of stairs two or three times to warm up. Then run up one flight and walk back
down. Repeat four times, take a oneminute walk break on a flat surface, then continue the sequence as time allows. If you're in a stairwell, run up two flights of stairs, walk down, repeat, then take a walk break. You have 20 minutes On an out-and-back route, walk for one minute, then alternate 30 seconds walking with 30 seconds running for three minutes. For the next six minutes, run/ walk using any ratio you wish. At the 10-minute mark, turn around. For the next nine minutes, run/walk whatever ratio you'd like, but pick up the pace during the run portion. Cool down for one minute. You have 30 minutes Walk for two minutes, then alternate 30 seconds walking with 30 seconds running for six minutes. For the next 20 minutes, alternate jogging for one minute, running a faster pace for one minute, jogging one minute, walking one minute. Repeat the sequence five times. Walk or jog two minutes to cool down.
Editorial Afi Hyia Pa!
"Naughty or Nice?" is Santa's question he usually asks before handing wide-eyed kids their long awaited gifts on Christmas. If you spent December 25th quietly with family and loved ones, were in attendance at the Ghana Movie Awards, at Sarkodie's sold out "Rappaholic" concert at the Dome in Accra or answered yes to all the above, you can attest to a well deserved end to 2011. Hopefully you were more nice than naughty and Santa(or in the real world, your loved ones) wrapped your heart's desires under a christmas tree. This Christmas, my family started a new tradition of taking turns to share what we appreciate the most about each other, and after the new year celebrations, I'll suggest we also share resolutions on how we can individually be better not just as family members and as members within our community. Our 10th anniversary celebration was The New Ghanaian's appreciation schpiel, in the coming year we resolve to continue to serve you with the excellence you have come to expect: The monthly newspaper will feature uplifting stories about the Ghanaian community in the United States and beyond, as well as pictures of you favorite community events. The New Ghanaian online (www.mytngonline. com) will feature timely news articles, Cont’d from 1
In a brief speech to the excited children and merry parents, Muriel Vanderpuye, founder of The Call of Esther Ministries thanked Ato Kum and family, Dr. Charles Danquah of Hawknad Industries, Mrs. Irene Asiamah of “Saved By Grace”, Mr. Desmond Johnson of International Foods, Mrs. Shirley Taylor of S & S Beauty Salon, Mrs. Esi Gyenin of America School of Nursing & Allied Health, Mrs. Dinah Manu of Mandad Medical Supplies, Ms. Naana Larbi of Naana International, Md., Mr. Ralph Bennet, Mr. Kwesi Bekoe
Boko Haram Seen Linked to Other African Terror Groups Gabe Joselow | Nairobi
A car burns at the scene of a bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, just outside Nigeria's capital Abuja. Five bombs exploded on Christmas Day at churches in Nigeria, one killing at least 27 people, raising fears that Islamist militant group Boko Haram - which claimed responsibility - is trying to ignite sectarian civil war, December 25, 2011. The Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram has again demonstrated its capacity to inflict fear and
terror on the people of Nigeria, with a series of bomb attacks that killed at least 39 people this past weekend. Analysts suspect the group also is working with other terrorist organizations in Africa, but it is not clear to what degree. Boko Haram, which means “Western education is sinful,” has developed its own distinct brand of terror in Nigeria by car r ying out acts of violence in crowds, seeking to inflict as much bloodshed and damage as possible.
The group has typically gone after domestic targets, including Nigerian police and government institutions, in what is believed to be an effort to create a Sharia-ruled state. But that all changed with a major suicide bomb attack on a United Nations building this year in the capital Abuja. The strike against the U.N. raised suspicion that Boko Haram, which has a stated Islamist agenda, is now operating on a larger scale, and strengthened the idea that it may have direct ties to al-Qaida.
Greg Barton is director of the Center for Islam and the Modern World at Monash University in Australia. “Over the years they've changed their philosophy to focus on a more familiar jihadi world view that wants change in the country and sees itself as part of a global struggle. And they've made links with al-Shabab in Somalia and with alQaida in the Islamic Maghreb in Algeria, which is very worrying," he explained. "So they've Cont’d on page 32
opinion posts, pictures as well as videos on newsworthy happenings in Ghana and beyond. And of course, our official website will continue to feature a digital version of the monthly newspaper every month. Lastly, our affiliate, Sunlight Radio America (www.SunlightRadio. com) will continue to bring you quality programming through talk-shows and music programs 24/7, reaching audiences from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe via the Internet. We entreat you to hold us accountable, send in your suggestions for stories and online content, and most importantly, advertise and partner with us as we host programs that serve the Washington Metro Area and beyond. 2012 is a few days away, come this time next year, let the record (and Santa's list) show that you were nice, in supporting the community newspaper/radio, and in turn uplifting the Ghanaian community in the United States. God richly bless you, Afi hyia pa!
www.mytngonline.com
of Woodbridge International, Mr. Francis Quartey, Rahama Restaurant, Mr. Mark Amaning of Touch Up Hair Gallery, Ms. Edith Amartefio, Confidence of Poise Promotions, Sunlight Radio America and family and friends for their continued support and contributions in making the Christmas party a reality. She admonished community leaders to continuously support the kids Christmas party as the next one will be held around the same time next year, and also the activities of the Call of Esther ministries which seeks to uplift women and empower families(www.theCallofEsther.org).
PUBLISHER: Joseph “Sonny” Vanderpuye MANAGING EDITOR: Emmanuel A. Gamor SENIOR STAFF WRITER: EDWIN JANNEY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Muriel Vanderpuye Eddie Ekuban (FASHION) CONTRIBUTORS: Rev. C. John Thompson-Quartey, Jemila Abdulai, Etse Sikanku, Nii Ayertey Aryeh, Edwin Janney, Oral Ofori, Edwin K. Otabil , GRAPHIC DESIGNING: Sonny Vanderpuye The New Ghanaian is a monthly publication of MEDIA AFRIKA, LLC, 5515 CHEROKEE AVENUE SUITE 100, ALEXANDRIA, VA. 22312 www.mytngonline.com or www.thenewghanaian.org To advertise or for more info call: 703.901.4277 | 571.435.4576 or send your emails to: tngeditor@gmail.com
5515 CHEROKEE AVENUE, SUITE 100, ALEXANDRIA, VA. 22312
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Presenters
Komla the Odade3 DRIVE TIME SHOW: Week days - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Muriel Vanderpuye THE WORD: Mondays - 11:30am - 12noon
Rev. M. Asiedu Frimpong TIME WITH THE KING: Thursdays - 11:30am - 12noon
Stago THE BASEMENT: Saturdays - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
CR GOSPEL MUSIC: Sundays - 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Sonny LET’S TALK NOW: Tuesdays - 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Dr. Love LOVE LANE: Mon, Wed & Fri- 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Evan. Harry Agyemang GOD’S PROMISES: Sundays - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Auntie Araba LOVE LANE: Wed & Fri- 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Elder Isaac Opoku NEW HOPE HOUR: Sundays - 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Rev. Emmanuel Nkrumah WESLEY TIME: Fridays - 11:30am - 12:00noon
Nana Yaa TIME WITH NANA YAA: Saturdays - 12:00noon - 2:00pm
Lawyer Kwaku Ofori RADIO LAWYER: Saturdays - 11:00am - 12:00noon
Apostle Ayvel Arnolds HOUR OF ANOINTING: Fridays - 11:00am - 11:30am
Pastor Josiah Kambutu GOSPEL HOUR: Wednesdays - 11:30am - 12:00am
Joe Mainoo AWARESO: Mondays - 7:00pm - 9:00pm KYER3 W’ADWENE: Thursdays - 7:00pm - 9:00pm ANADWO NKOMO: Fridays - 6:00pm - 9:00pm WOSO KA BI: Saturdays - 8:30am - 11:00am
Pastor Fiifi Ocran AWARESO: Mondays - 7:00pm - 9:00pm CHRISTIAN DISCPLINE: Saturdays - 7:00am - 8:15am PRAYER TIME: Sundays - 4:30am - 6:00am NEW HOPE HOUR: Sundays - 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Rev. Kwasi Gyimah HOUR OF DECISION: Tuesdays - 11:30am - 12noon AWARE3 MU NS3M: Mondays - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Anokyewaa KYER3 W’ADWENE: Thursdays - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
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Happy 60th Birthday
Faith & Community
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Hannah Afriyie "Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, But beautiful old people are works of art." ~ Eleanor Roosevelt “May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!” -Psalm 20:4
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Happy New Year!
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Faith
General Apostle Edwin K. Otabil
Muriel Vanderpuye Call of Esther Ministries
Reverend Father C. John Thompson-Quartey
Facing Your Giants
You know your Goliath. You recognize his walk, the thunder of his voice. He taunts you with bills you can't pay, people you can't please, habits you can't break, failures you can't forget, and a future you can't face. But just like David, you can face your giant, even if you aren't the strongest, the smartest, the best equipped, or the holiest. David. You could read his story and wonder what God saw in him. His life has little to offer the unstained, straight-A saint. He fell as often as he stood, stumbled as often as he conquered. But for those who know the sound of a Goliath, David gives this reminder: focus on giants---you stumble; focus on God---your giants tumble. If you're ready to face your giants, let David's story inspire you. The same God who helped him will help you. By Max Lucado
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.� Philippians 4:13
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Naana, Naana Int. Market
I Thank The New Ghanaian For The Honor. On Behalf Of All The Award Recipients We Say A Big Thank You. May God Richly Bless You And Expand Your Business. Happy 10th Anniversary! Ayekoo!
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Happy New Year
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The Ghanaian's Eating Habits
Ghana
Some Ghanaians have a weird appetite for food and would eat anything regardless of the source of the food. Some are careful though and would not try any unfamiliar food. With holidays approaching, it is only fair to share with readers my views on food and our eating habits to avoid having an undesirable experience at Christmas. An interesting story about fufu, written by Kofi Akpabli sometime during the year, touched on the social aspect of eating fufu, for example. He went further to tell us how Ghanaians would go the length and breadth to enjoy fufu irrespective of how it is prepared. The unhygienic ways of preparing fufu, that most of us enjoy was not the focus, probably because the writer wanted to save fufu lovers from losing interest in their “idol.” Stories have been told in the past of how some Ghanaian soldiers on peace keeping operations in Lebanon used Irish potatoes to make fufu in blending machines and other equipment. Accompanying the Irish potato fufu is peanut butter soup (groundnut soup), the one that contains sugar more than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) and popular among the Europeans. Boiled Irish potatoes are at least gentle on the stomach than the pounded tubers (cassava, yam, and cocoyam) which is also more laborious to prepare. Others will also eat banku with beans soup, kenkey with ‘bitter leaf soup’, and ‘akrantie’ faeces with nkotomire soup or bat (dankwasre) light soup with “konkote”, etc- Some weird combinations, huh? Whatever the reason, it is all about what you like, so long as there is monosodium to enhance the taste of the food. Unlike homosexuality, there is no national outcry against the type of food one chooses to eat. After all, they own their stomachs. But that is not to say there is no national concern about the safety of the food that we eat. Cholera is not alien in Ghana. At least we
are still battling with the preventable disease, which visits us annually at periods we welcome. Most of the regions across the country have experienced an episode of cholera during the year under review. Health promotion activities and education to curb cholera outbreak are being carried out by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, NADMO, Public Health Institutions, School Health Education Programme (SHEP) among others after the recent floods. Washing of hands with soap and clean water and proper disposal of refuse in our homes, communities and the cities are among the most highlighted sanitation issues. Education is also ongoing among food vendor s, sachet water producers, community members and the entire population. It appears, however, that the battle against the menace of cholera has not been impressive, especially on the part of individuals, communities and the cities
because every now and then, cholera resurfaces in one community or another, and the same campaigns are propagated all across the country all over again. My worry is that it appears Ghanaians do not consider cholera as important as any other fatal disease, and for that matter, less attention is given to our individual hygienic practices and the community as a whole. M o r e r e s o u r c e s h ave recently been diverted to managing this highly preventable disease much to the detriment of other diseases. In a presentation by the Greater Accra public health unit of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital during the cholera outbreak some time during the year, it was revealed that some people, who were diagnosed with cholera, said they took tea, sachet water, there were also those who took some food with pepper, etc. Until recently, I did not know that taking tea or “koko” could give you cholera or acute abdominal
pains. But recent surveys in the metropolis have shown that some client developed cholera or acute abdominal pains after drinking tea or “koko”. This shows that perhaps the water used is either not from a good source or was not boiled adequately to kill all the germs. Some hold the view that, for a perfect Hausa koko for example, the boiling time must be reduced. It, therefore, means that “koko” or tea sellers should use very clean water as well. Vegetables often used by food vendors and at home should be properly washed. Vegetables such as tomatoes, pepper and cabbage may look good on the surface but when cut open, they may appear mouldy or completely decayed! Most Ghanaians like “take away foods” whether at funerals, parties or meetings. Considering our hot climatic conditions, unstable electricity Cont’d on page 37
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Happy 10th Anniversary
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Happy 10th Anniversary
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Nigeria churches hit by blasts during Christmas prayers A series of bomb attacks in Nigeria, including two on Christmas Day church services, have left almost 40 people dead and many injured.
Africa
The Islamist group Boko Haram said it carried out the attacks, including o n e o n S t T h e r e s a ’s Church in Madalla, near the capital Abuja, that killed 35. A second explosion shortly after hit a church in the central city of Jos. A policeman died during gunfire. Three attacks in northern Yobe state left four people dead. Two hit the town of Damaturu, and a third struck Gadaka. Yobe state has been the epicentre of violence between security forces and Boko Haram militants. President Goodluck Jo n a t h a n , w h o i s a Christian, said the attacks were an “unwarranted affront on our collective safety and freedom”. T h e Wh i t e H o u s e condemned what it described as “senseless violence” and pledged to assist Nigeria in bringing t h o s e r e s p o n s i bl e t o justice. Boko Haram - whose name means “Western education is forbidden” - often targets security forces and state institutions. The g roup car ried o u t a n Au g u s t 2 0 1 1 suicide attack on the UN headquarters in Abuja,
in which more than 20 people were killed. Nearly 70 people have died this week in fighting between Nigerian forces and Boko Haram gunmen in the country’s northeast. National Emergency M a n a ge m e n t A ge n c y (Nema) spokesman Yushau Shuaibu told the BBC that the latest Abuja explosion had happened in the street outside the church. He said the church which can hold up to 1,000 people - had been badly affected by the blast. Witnesses said windows of nearby houses had been shattered by the explosion. Officials at the local hospital said the condition of many of the injured was serious, and they were seeking help from bigger medical facilities. Businessman Munir Nasidi was in a hotel opposite the church when the blast occurred. He told the BBC: “When I came out of the hotel, people were running around. Everyone was crying. They were bringing out casualties. Nobody was getting near the building as there was a fire.” Police had trouble controlling the anger of
local people. Reuters reports that thousands of youths have erected roadblocks on the road from the capital to the largely Muslim north, and are being tackled by security forces firing tear gas. One of the Damaturu explosions was a suicide car bomb attack on a c o nvoy o f t h e S t at e Security Service. BBC correspondents say four people were killed there, including the suicide bomber. In Jos, a blast close to the Mountain of Fire and Mirac les Church was followed by gunfire that left one officer dead, government spokesman Pa m Ay u b a t o l d Associated Press. Two explosive devices found in a nearby building were disarmed as military were deployed to the site. BBC Africa editor Martin Plaut says the attack in Jos, in Plateau state, could have even more serious consequences than the attack in Abuja. The state lies in Nigeria’s so-called Middle Belt, between the mainly Muslim north and Christian south. More than 1,000 have been killed in religious and ethnic violence in Jos over the past two years and our
correspondent says there will be fears that the latest attack could spark wider conflict. A string of bomb blasts in Jos on Christmas Eve 2010 were claimed by Boko Haram. President Jonathan sa id a f ter the latest attacks: “I want to reassure all Nigerians that the government will not relent in its determination to bring to justice all the perpetrators.” Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi condemned the latest attacks as blind, absurd “terrorist violence” that enflames hate. “We are close to the suffering of the Nigerian Church and the entire Nigerian people so tried by terrorist violence, even in these days that should be of joy and peace,” Lombardi was quoted by Reuters news agency as saying. UK Foreign Secretary Wi l l i a m H a g u e a l s o condemned the bombings. He said: “These are c ow a r d ly at t a c k s o n families gathered in peace and prayer to celebrate a day which symbolises harmony and goodwill towards others. I offer my condolences to the bereaved and injured.” Source: BBC
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Love
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Priscilla & Edward
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African Marriage Customs…What?
One day on a trip to work, my father began to inform of the customs expected when I decide to marry. I listened in fascination and a little bit of apprehension while my father described the process that he and surely many of you readers have gone through. He then proceeded to explain that he expected my siblings and I to go through the traditional process. That’s when I became worried, because I could see my dream of my prince charming bending on one knee begin to dissipate. As someone who has been raised in America for majority of my life, I found some of these traditions a little strange and wondered what was the true meaning behind some of the customs. For instance, the fact that after the meet and greet between the two families and the thorough background search on the groom-to-be and his family, the groom-to-be is given a list of miscellaneous items he is required to bring to the bride’s family in order to marry his bride. Thanks to www. projectwedding.com I was able to find the typical list of items the groom-to-be is required to bring to the bride’s family and close friends before he marries
his bride: a) Dowry /or bride priceoften an undisclosed sum of money, 2 bottled drink of whisky or Gin b) Money for the brides father, 1 bottle of expensive whisky & a piece of cloth c) A pair of sandals and money for the bride of the mother d) Jewelry for the bride e) At least 6 pieces of traditional wax print cloth for the bride f) Engagement ring g) Engagement bible h) Shoes, headpieces, other gifts for the bride j) Drinks, money and food for the guests that will be present to witness the ceremony k) Money for the brothers or male cousins (if bride has no brothers) After I reviewed this list, I couldn’t help but wonder what the significance is for each and every requested item, and honestly, I wasn’t too keen on the idea of being bought with gifts and money. Then I slowly began to realize that the list symbolizes the love the groom has for his bride and is not a bargaining chip between the
two families. All of the customs began to make sense to me. Instead of the traditional white wedding, I am going to be apart of something of bigger cultural importance. After completing my research on all the work and effort that goes into getting married in the African culture, I finally had a change of heart decided that marriage in a traditional African way is not as “silly” or “weird” as I originally thought. Instead, I find that a traditional African marriage is a unique way to celebrate the joining of two families, and that’s what makes an African wedding different from a westernized wedding: family. The involvement of family is a major component in an African marriage, from the knocking on the door (kokooko) to the engagement/wedding day nuptials. The constant factor is the involvement of family from beginning to end. Even though I may not completely understand the importance of each and every step towards the traditional African marriage, I am finally able to grasp the underlying theme for each action, and that is family. ~Kares Vanderpuye
Ghana’s Ipad Kludjeson bounces back with Akasanoma PCTV and Kpad Kludjeson International Limited (KIL), the company that started Celtel, which became Kasapa Telecom (now Expresso) has introduced two innovative products unto the technology market through one of its subsidiaries called Alltel Limited. The products are the AKASANOMA PCTV, which is an all-in-one computer and television set and comes in 22, 26, 32, 42, 55 and 65 inches with memories of up to one terabyte for homes, schools and corporate organisations. Whiles the KPAD, which are specially-made androidbased IPADs to suite both local conditions and international standards, also come in seven, nine and 10 inches with memories of up to eight gigabytes. Chairman and Chief Executive of Alltel, Mr. Kofi Kludjeson told Adom News the brand name KPAD, which stood for Kludjeson-PAD was chosen by the foreign designers over the original name he chose for the tablets, which was A-PAD (African PAD), adding that the name Akasanoma was also chosen to give the PCTV a Ghanaian brand name with an international appeal. He said the research and development (R&D) that went into the two devices were completely done by young Ghanaians at Alltel, but the applications and design of the devices were done with the support of ZTE of China and Hughes Corporation of USA. Mr. Kludjeson, who was once associated with Hewlett Packard in Ghana told Adom News the AKASANOMA PCTV sets also have inbuilt CPU’s and internet connectivity powered by satellite, and also comes with a free MultiTV digibox to give users access to many TV channels on purchase. He said the PCTV and KPADS would be tools through which Alltel would create several Wi-Fi hot spots in homes, offices, schools and various locations across the country to make internet connectivity easy for Ghanaians no matter where they are in the country. Mr. Kludjeson said the main focus would be the staff of crucial sectors like education, health, security, media and even churches, to ensure that all these groups have easy access to information as well as tools to transmit information with convenience anywhere in Ghana. “Over the past three months we have supplied Akasanoma and KPADS to the military as an institution and to some individual staff, the SDA church, and some few institutions – we also have dates to do presentation to the Ministry of Education with the view to supplying teachers and we have also spoken with groups in the health sector to supply doctors and nurses with KPADS,” he said. He said the company is in talks with banks to support the supply of the devices on credit to salaried workers so the banks could take the money in installment on behalf of Alltel over a period of between 12 months and 36 months, depending on what is suitable for the customer. “For the military the applications they want require they pay GHS 70 a month for three years while others are looking to pay between GHS 75 and GHS 85 per month for three years because of the kind of applications they want on the KPADS. “Our products are such that you can upgrade them to suit your needs and after every three years you can trade it in for a new one like it is done in other countries,” he said. Mr. Kludjeson said the company has also established a training centre at Ghana House in Accra to provide e-learning training for more Ghanaian workers to use the internet and android applications to facilitate their work. He said, beginning from next year, the company is looking into reaching 10 English-speaking African countries and also looking at the bigger international market later next year. Mr. Kludjeson said currently the company is 100% owned by KIL but it would float shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange later next year to allow Ghanaians to own shares in a Ghanaian company that is taking technology to the highest level.
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Happy 10th Anniversary
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We Thank The New Ghanaian For The Honor. On Behalf Of All The Award Recipients We Say A Big Thank You. May God Richly Bless You And Expand Your Business. Happy 10th Anniversary! Ayekoo!
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Happy New Year To All
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.� Jeremiah 29:11 Rev. Maxwell Kusi Washington Regional Head The Church of Pentecost USA, Inc.
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African Christian Business Men & Women’s Fellowship (AFRIFELLOW) coming to the Washington Metro Area in March of 2012. Interested? Call.: 703.901.4277 “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.” Deuteronomy 8:18 Cont’d from 5
broadened their list of aims and it means it's almost impossible to negotiate with them.” The top officer in the U.S. military's Africa Command, General Carter Ham, has expressed concern about Boko Haram's claim to be receiving support from other al-Qaida linked groups in the region. General Ham told a group of defense writers in September that he is especially concerned with the stated intent of these groups to work together. He said that intent has been “voiced most clearly” between al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, and Boko Haram. Last year (2010) AQIM publicly announced it would support Boko Haram with weapons and training. But the
two groups have used different tactics. Operating in Mali, Niger and Algeria, AQIM is notorious for kidnappings - mostly of European workers and tourists - in alleged retaliation for foreign commercial exploitation of North Africa. On the other side of the continent, there is also evidence of a relationship between Boko Haram and Somalia's militant faction al-Shabab. Abdi Samad, a security analyst with Southlink Consultants, says he witnessed the link firsthand during a visit to Somalia in 2008, when he saw a Nigerian man leading an al-Shabab operation to excavate the graves of Sufi sheikhs in the Lower Shabelle region. “I have no doubt whatsoever there is a link between Boko Haram and alShabab, because when I heard Boko Haram - what they're doing in Nigeria
- I vividly remember, my memory goes back to 2008, when I saw that tall guy, Nigerian, who was in charge of such operations. So I have a strong suspicion about the Boko Haram they have a link with al-Shabab," Samad said. "But, [to] what extent, that's the question. I don't know it, to be honest. I don't know it.” Nigerian security officials have also said that the man responsible for bombing of the U.N. building in Abuja, Mamman Nur, planned the attack after returning from a trip to Somalia. Samad says the big question about Boko Haram is whether they are interested in a global jihadist philosophy, which would put the group more in tune with members of al-Shabab. “The difference between the Boko Haram, al-Shabab they are saying, there are some elements who advocate what
they call global jihad, they are going to spread Islam from China to Chile, from Cape Town to Canada, which means they are going to [assimilate] the entire world. That's what you call the ideology of alShabab - sorry, a section of al-Shabab -- but I'm not sure if that one they share with Boko Haram,” Samad stated. The African Union commission on counter-terrorism presented a report earlier this month outlining the AU's efforts to confront regional threats. The only group aside from the three al-Qaida linked terror organizations listed in the report was the Lord's Resistance Army, which operates in Central Africa. T he re po r t ca lled fo r a mo re coordinated effort to confront the groups saying their activities represent “alarming signals of the level of threat facing the continent.”
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Sport & Leisure
The Richest Actresses In Nollywood As At December 2011
When the industry started years back many folks did not take it serious. But what was seen as a joke has now turned out to be the jewel that is driving Nigeria and the entire Africa to find their footage in the world. Within the past twenty years the make believe industry called Nollywood has helped to define and sell Nigeria and Africa afresh to the world. Nollywood has provided thousands of jobs for citiz ens and non-citizens alike and have made many rich. Nollywood is indeed a testimony that Nigeria and Africa should not be written off. The industry has given the entire nation a face, a real identity and now the rest of the world has no choice but to take Nigeria a little bit serious. As the industry continues to gain momentum and worldwide recognition, there are some actresses who have paid the price and at the same time have become famous, powerful and forces to reckon with in the society. We can conclude that they are shining, rising, reigning and recognized. Even in the mist of the African dilemma ‘’failure’’ t h e i r l i f e s t y l e h ave revealed glamour and glitz. Although they are far from being perfect, they have indeed persevered. From the beginning the actresses had shown passion for what they had set out their hearts to do and become. Today they have become inspiration to the new generation in Africa. T h ey a r e e l e g a n t , sizzling, bold and beautiful. They are the sum total of the African woman. What has separated the best from the rest and the leaders from the less is nothing but business inventory and diversity, creativity and learning about surrounding opportunities. I am hereby delighted to present to you the richest and most powerful actresses in Nollywood at the moment. Compared to their counter par ts in Bollywood and Hollywood, the actresses may be nowhere, but the truth of the matter is
that they are heading somewhere greater. 1. INI OBONG EDO $870,000 Ini Edo is the all time richest actress in N o l l y w o o d h i s t o r y. Although it has been a long journey but it has also been a position earned by perfection. She is not only an actress but also a producer. Within the past three years her endorsement profile which
includes Globacom, Noble Hair, has hit about N90 million. She has also earned more money in a single year than any other actress in Nollywood and has also featured in more movies in a single year than any other actress. The movie ‘’in the cupboard ‘’ which she played the lead actress is currently in the cinema’s in the United States. Her movie ‘’I will take
my chances’’ from the stables of the royal arts academy would hit the cinema by next year. Ini has several investments that include real estate and fashion. 2 . U C HE J OM B O $850,000 Everyone knows her friends, Desmond Elliot, Ini Edo, Monalisa Chinda, Emen Isong. Uche Jombo is an actress, a producer and a business woman. Her determination and desire to bring quality picture to Nollywood movies cannot be over emphasized. By the end of 2010 Uche Jombo pocketed about N50 million from endorsement and earnings from movies alone. Her i nve s t m e n t s r e vo l ve around real estate, movie production and marketing, import and export. Uche took the bold step few years ago when she became the first full time actress cum producer in Nollywood. That move has paid off and has completely put her at the top. Many of her colleagues have since followed her steps. 3. RITA DOMINIQUE Cont’d on page 36
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African viewpoint: Too proud to be rich?
In our series of viewpoints from African journalists, former BBC Focus on Africa deputy editor and Ghanaian government minister Elizabeth Ohene gets her head around some large figures. I have been reading over and over again the Forbes list of the 40 richest Africans which was published recently. The list does not include what many would consider the usual suspects, when talking about rich people in Africa. There are no presidents current or former - no dictators or rulers of any kind because, according to Forbes, they try to distinguish between wealth that is generated personally through entrepreneurship and wealth derived largely from positions of Cont’d from 34
$670,000 From the face of Nokia to Globacom and now Arik Air, Rita Dominique has re-invented herself to become one of the most powerful actresses of all times in Nollywood. She is at the moment producing her own movie that would be released in the cinema by 2012. 4 . G ENEVIEVE NNA J I $640,000 More than a decade long, G e n ev i eve i s eve n b e t t e r and bigger. Her ability to maintain communication with her die-hard fans keeps the brand ‘’Genevieve’’ stronger, c o m p e t i t ive , a n d a l m o s t unbeatable even in this new era of revolving Nollywood. Over the years, Genny has remained the most powerful and respected actress in Nollywood. Less than a month ago she received a national honor from the president. Having started her fashion company ‘’St Genevieve’’ some few years back, she is now testing the business world for different opportunities. Genevieve is also the highest earning Nollywood actress in a single movie. 4. MONALISA CHINDA $610,000 from Globacom to Carnirive and now Vita500 the south
power. The other category of people that do not appear on the list are Africa's famous hardworking females; there are no women on the list, and I wonder if that means hard work does not lead to wealth in Africa. According to Forbes, the richest African is a Nigerian. Now that probably should not come as a surprise; the stories, real and apocryphal, about the wealth of Nigerians are many and varied - so no surprises there. But if you take a closer look at the list, the bragging rights properly belong to South Africa, which has 15 people in the list, followed by Egypt with nine, Nigeria with eight and Morocco with five. Kenya and Zimbabwe then provide the three to make up the list of 40. Poor relations? All 40 of the richest people in Africa come from six countries and this leaves the other 47 other countries faced with some stark
realities. Should we accept that we are the poor relations then? Or do we have a case of what I call "difficulty-with-figuressyndrome" at play here? Or is it simply that we are so much better at hiding wealth here in Ghana for example? The Forbes people have a reputation for being able to ferret out money - no matter how well hidden. Over here we have a difficult relationship with wealth. In many parts of Ghana people are encouraged to claim to be poor and to appear to be embarrassed by wealth. You will hear a lot of "poor me" from people who do their best to look poor when they are not. Indeed, as they say in these parts: "Let someone say it for you", in other words let someone say you are rich, but never yourself. This is probably why paying taxes is so difficult for so many people; you cannot go and fill forms to say you are worth a million dollars and pay the appropriate tax on it, even if you are. In other words, people are not evading tax - they are simply behaving as they were brought
up to do by claiming to be poor even when they are not. Fear of banks And then of course nobody has forgotten that not too long ago - in 1982 to be exact - the government went into all personal bank accounts and everybody who had more than the equivalent of $50,000 (£32,000) had to appear before a committee to explain and justify the source of the money. To this day, people are reluctant to put their money in the bank in case somebody seizes it. Over here when you are rich, our instinct is to say you are a thief. A few years ago, in my capacity as minister of tertiary e d u c a t i o n , I w a s h av i n g ne gotiations with student leaders about the establishment of a student loans scheme. There was not a lot of money to go around so I tried to convince the student leaders the loan should be available only to those who really needed it and that we should have a means test to determine those who would qualify for the loan. With one accord, they insisted: "We are all poor." We wear poverty as a badge of honour.
But I should be careful I do not give the wrong picture here. I exaggerate only to make the point. There are parts of Ghana where people claim and boast about being rich when the money they have is really not that much. A fortnight ago I was told by somebody that I presumed sho uld know a bo ut these things that two men of my acquaintance in Accra were billionaires - dollar billionaires that is - and I was beginning to bask in reflected glory until the Forbes list came out and pricked my bubble. But I look at the list again and note that there is one name missing for which I can find no explanation. Mo Ibrahim is not on it; yes, him of the Mo Ibrahim Index, known and generally acknowledged as a billionaire and who has set up the prize that gives $5m to African leaders to encourage them to do the right thing. Surely his money is not derived from a political position? Now if he is missing from the list, I have hope yet that my two friends in Accra will make it onto a revised list next year.
Korean energy drink. Like Ini, Genevieve, Rita Dominique, Monalisa Chinda’s endorsement profile has continued to soar higher each and every passing year. She has never had it better in the industry than now. Her debut movie as a producer ‘’Kiss and Tell’’ has been raking in millions for her. Monalisa has become investor wise and is investing her millions properly. 5 . F UN K E A K IN D E L E $600,000 She is probably in her best at the moment. The multi talented actress has become really successful in recent times. Her cross over from Yoruba movies to English movies has also given her an edge. A business woman and real estate investor, Funke Akindele has proved many critics wrong. Her latest movie ‘’The Return of Jenifa’’ is expected to hit almost N40 million by 2012. 6 . K ATE HENSHAW $540,000 Her failed marriage has not changed her status as one of the biggest chicks in the industry. By 2008 Kate was the richest actress in Nollywood and has since remained strong in the industry. Her ability to invest variously in different projects has been working for her. 7 . OMOTO L A JA L A D E EKEINDE $500,000 It has almost been between
her and Genevieve and the argument goes on. Omotola has become more innovative and has put several initiatives to keep her annual earnings high. The singer and actress have continued to pull into her account millions every year. 8. STEPHENIE OKEREKE $480,000 After her training from the New York Film Academy, the actresses has proved that whatever men can do in the industry women can do also. Her first movie as a new generation movie producer in Nollywood ‘’Through The Glass’’ has earned her several international awards. The Imo State born actress, model, producer, film director is living nothing behind as she is determined to take her career another level. She is currently the ambassador for the Japanese company Kanekelon Hair. 9 . ME R C Y J OHNSON $470,000 Mercy Johnson’s rise to fame has been described by industry pundits as a ‘’Storm. Mercy is the second most popular actress in Nollywood aside from Genevieve Nnaji. Her controversial marriage almost pushed her integrity into the waters. but her determination and resiliency has made her almost unstoppable. Mercy earned more than N40 million
between 2007/2009 making her the highest earning actress in that period. Mercy has several investments both in Lagos and outside Lagos. 10. CHIOMA CHUKWUKA AKPOTHA $470,000 Regarded as the most scandal free actress in Nollywood, the pretty actress refuses to look back. Chioma has recently s t e p p e d u p h e r g a m e by becoming a producer and also featuring in some yet to be released international movies. She is also investing her movie and continues to make millions. 11. OBI EDOZIE $400,000 The movie ‘’Save Our Soul’’ has raked in thousands of dollars. Her latest yet to be released flick ‘’Mr and Mr’’ would soon hit the cinema. She is better seen as a business woman than as an actress. 1 2 . OMONI ONO B O L I $360,000 She has continued to rise in the industry and there seems to be many good things yet to come from this beautiful actress. The actress, producer, and scriptwriter have never fallen short of expectation. She was recently made the ambassador for the brand detol. 14. OGE OKOYE $300,000 Some of her colleagues seem to be enjoying more fame. Than she does, but nothing would take
the fact that she has been there and she is still very relevant in the industry. Oge okoye has bounced back to full time acting and she is making more millions now than ever before. She is determined to take her place back in the industry. 15. TONTO DIKE $180,000 Hate her or love her alongside Mercy, they are the hottest actress at the moment. The controversies surrounding her has also made even more famous. Tonto is into different business including importation of cars. 16. EMPRESS NJAMAH $130,000 Her earnings not only come from acting but from fashion, importation, bridal decoration projects and real estate. 17. CHIKA IKE $100,000 She may seem unpopular, but she has become one of the most sought after actresses at the moment. Her fashion shop Fancy Nancy shop in Abuja is worth about thousands of dollars. 18. HALIMA ABUBAKAR $65,000 She owns houses in choice location and she is doing well as an actress. She is at the moment producing her own movie that will hit the stores by 2012. AfricanMoviesNews.com
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Rahama Restaurant & Catering 12744 Darby Brooke Ct, Woodbridge, VA. 22192 Tel.: 703.490.6471 | 571.276.0964
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Welcome Home!
Cont’d from 18
supplies, poor water storage/ sources, our unreliable refrigeration systems, it is not advisable to “take away meals” only to eat it hours later. The colder the food, the more likely it is to get contaminated when the storage facility is questionable. Let us cultivate the habit of eating the food when it is hot and at the same place that we are served. I personally do not encourage dishing out food as “take always”. If you cannot
eat when lunch or dinner is served, it only means two things: either you are not hungry or that, the meal is not your preference. Well, it may be economical to take away but when economics can have dire consequences on your health, it is better to safeguard your health. It is embarrassing to find out that a visitor who ate from your home has been rushed to the hospital hours after eating, and worse still being diagnosed with cholera or acute abdominal pains. You might have probably prepared your
meals , but it may well be that, either hands are not properly washed, or food carried away from one point to another has been contaminated by germs, flies or through poor storage practices. Christmas is a period of sharing and is often characterised by eating. But the eating must be responsible enough. The worst way to begin 2012 is to enter the New Year sick. As we share and eat, let us make conscious efforts to observe the best possible safety standards we can. Our health is too important to be mortgaged
for anything. Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year to all! By Rebecca Y. Akatue a Public Health Practitioner & Operations Manager of the NHIA
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Nana Adu Gyamfi
I Thank The New Ghanaian For The Honor. On Behalf Of All The Award Recipients We Say A Big Thank You. May God Richly Bless You And Expand Your Business. Happy 10th Anniversary! Ayekoo!
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Ghana Wesley United Methodist Church Saturday, 31st December 2011 (New Year's Eve) Joint Service - Woodbridge Event: Watch Night Service Time 9:00pm - 1:00am Venue: St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1400 G Street, Woodbridge Va 22191 Sunday, 1st January 2012 (New Year's Day) Joint Service - Woodbridge Event : Covenant Service Time: 1pm -3pm Venue: St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1400 G Street, Woodbridge Va 22191 Officiating Minister: Rev. Emmanuel Nkrumah For further details please call: 703.342.7886