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10 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY (2001 - 2011) VOLUME 12 NO. 6 - JUNE - JULY, 2012 FREE
Ghana’s President Dies In Office His Excellency Professor Atta Mills died at the 37 Military Hospital on the afternoon of July 24, 2012 in Accra, Ghana, of acute cardiac arrest shortly after he had gone to the hospital for medical treatment. He was 68 years old and survived by his wife and son.
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Hayes Osei Dennis Is Dead
Listen to us on the web at
www.sunlightradio.com Mr. Hayes Osei Dennis better known as “Obiba Hayes” tragically died on Thursday, July 19, 2012 in Washington DC. Viewing will be at the Word of Life Church, 5225 Bac klic k Road, Springfield, VA. 22151, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and wake keeping at the Sligo Adventist School, 8300 Car roll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912, 10:00pm to 3:00am.
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John Dramani Mahama Becomes President of Ghana
Jo h n D r a m a n i Mahama, for mer Vice President of the Republic of Ghana has been sworn in as the 4th President. This followed the untimely death of the substantive President, John Atta Mills
the afternoon of July 24th 2012. He was sworn-in as the substantive President in accordance with Article 62 of the 1992 Constitution on evening of the 24th of July 2012 by the Chief
Justice of Ghana, Mrs. Theodora Wood. Present at the solemn ceremony w e r e t h e S p e a ke r o f Parliament, Mrs. Joyce A. Bamford- Addo, Cont’d on page 17
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FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT The Norteye Family of Osu Klamc, The Nunoo Family of Abola Kpatashie, The Tepong of Osu, The Owuo Family of Osu, The Nartey family of Prapram, The Lamptey Family of Osu, The Coleman Family of Osu, The Kotei Family from Labadi, The Woode Family from Elmina, The Roberts Family of USA, The Ametepe Family of Volta Region, Sunlight Radio America, The New Ghanaian Newspaper USA, The Lord of The Harvest Church USA regretfully announce the death of their beloved Mother, Grandmother, Auntie, Mother-in-law, Sister, and Friend
Ms. Eva Ahimah Nunoo which occurred on July 12, 2012 at 37 Military Hospital Accra Ghana. She was 70.
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HEALTH WATCH What is the history of HIV, and when was HIV discovered? The history of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) dates back to 1981, when homosexual men with symptoms of a disease that now are considered typical of AIDS were first described in Los Angeles and New York. The men had an unusual type of lung infection (pneumonia) called Pneumocystis carinii (now known as Pneumocystis jiroveci) pneumonia (PCP) and rare skin tumors called Kaposi's sarcomas. The patients were noted to have a severe reduction in a type of cell in the blood (CD4 cells) that is an important part of the immune system. These cells, often referred to as T cells, help the body fight infections. Shortly thereafter, this disease was recognized throughout the United States, Western Europe, and Africa. In 1983, researchers in the United States and France described the virus that causes AIDS, now known as HIV, belonging to the group of viruses called retroviruses. While HIV infection is required to develop AIDS, the actual definition of AIDS is the development of a low CD4 cell count (<200 cells/ mm3) or any one of a long list of complications of HIV infection ranging from a variety of so-called "opportunistic infections," cancers, neurologic symptoms, and wasting syndromes. What tests are used in the diagnosis of HIV? In 1985, a blood test became available that measures antibodies to HIV that are the body's immune response to the HIV. The test used most commonly for diagnosing infection with HIV is referred to as an ELISA. If the ELISA finds HIV antibodies, the results must be confirmed, typically by a test called a Western blot. HIV antibody tests remain the best method for diagnosing HIV infection. Recently, tests have become available to look for these same antibodies in saliva, some providing results within
one to 20 minutes of testing. Antibodies to HIV typically develop within several weeks of infection. During this interval, patients have virus in their body but will test negative by the standard antibody test, the so called "window period." In this setting, the diagnosis can be made if a test is used that actually detects the presence of virus in the blood rather than the antibodies, such as tests for HIV RNA or p24 antigen. Recently, a new test has been approved that measures both HIV antibodies and p24 antigen, shrinking the duration of the window period from infection to diagnosis. There also are many testing centers around the country that are routinely screening blood samples that are HIV-antibody negative for HIV RNA. Although the tests for detecting HIV infection continue to improve, they still require that people volunteer for testing. I t i s e s t i m at e d t h at approximately 20% of those infected with HIV in the United States are unaware of their infection because they have never been tested. In order to decrease the number that are unaware of their HIV infection status, in 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all people between the ages of 13 and 64 years be provided HIV testing whenever they encounter the health care system for any reason. In addition, resources are available to facilitate people finding local HIV testing centers (http://www.hivtest.org). How is HIV spread (transmitted)? HIV is present to va r i a bl e d e g r e e s i n the blood and genital secretions of virtually all individuals infected with HIV, regardless of whether or not they have symptoms. The spread of HIV can occur when these secretions come in contact with tissues such as those lining the vagina, anal area, mouth, eyes (the mucus membranes), or with a break in the skin, such as from a cut
or puncture by a needle. The most common ways in which HIV is spreading throughout the world include sexual contact, sharing needles, and by transmission from infected mothers to their newborns during pregnancy, labor (the delivery process), or breast feeding. (See the section below on treatment during pregnancy for a discussion on reducing the risk of transmission to the newborn.) Sexual transmission of HIV has been described from men to men, men to women, women to men, and women to women through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The best way to avoid sexual transmission is abstinence from sex until it is certain that both partners in a monogamous relationship are not HIV infected. Because the HIV antibody test can take months to turn positive after infection occurs, both partners would need to test negative for at least 12 and up to 24 weeks after their last potential exposure to HIV. If abstinence is out of the question, the next best method is the use of latex barriers. This involves placing a condom on the penis as soon as an erection is achieved in order to avoid exposure to pre-ejaculatory and ejaculatory fluids that contain infectious HIV. For oral sex, condoms should be used for fellatio (oral contact with the penis) and latex barriers (dental dams) for cunnilingus (oral contact with the vaginal area). A dental dam is any piece of latex that prevents vaginal secretions from coming in direct contact with the mouth. Although such dams occasionally can be purchased, they are most often created by cutting a square piece of latex from a condom. The spread of HIV by exposure to infected blood usually results from sharing needles, as in those used for illicit drugs. HIV also can be spread by sharing needles for anabolic steroids to increase muscle, tattooing, and body piercing. To prevent the spread of Cont’d on page 10
Editorial
Amid Heated Debate Consider the Views of the Opposition “What has made this a little easier for me is a discovery I’ve mentioned before: that in virtually every public controversy, most thoughtful people secretly believe both sides. I know I do….. it is entirely possible for you to disagree with me without being, on that account, either a scoundrel or a fool.” William Raspberry. Halfway through my two hour commute on the train to The New Ghanaian newspaper office in Alexandria from DC, I stumbled on an article about a former Washington Po s t c o l u m n i s t a n d Pulitzer Prize winner, William Raspberry. The headline announced the passing of one of the most prominent African American journalists and the fact that at the time, he was only the second black journalist to win the Pulitzer for his opinion writing in the Washington Post. William Raspberry was seventy-six when he passed and his time in American history as a celebrated journalist, writing the opinion column for the Post for almost 40 years (he was honored as a Knight Professor of the Practice of Communications and Journalism at the Sanford Institute of Public Policy a t D u k e U n ive r s i t y ) peaked my interest. W h a t d i d M r. Raspberry do right during the course of his career that earned him so much respect, admiration and a Pulitzer? I imagined vivid intricate descriptions of the harsh realities of living during the civil rights era and beyond, from the 60s-80s and the precedence that spurred storytelling music genres of the 90s’ rap and hip-hop. I was being too stereotypical. Was William one of those brilliant writers whose race and experiences did not define his perspective, and quite possibly, he was adjudged as being so good that regardless of his ethnic background, the reader was so enthralled that only the pictures painted with his words mattered? I was wrong on both counts and surprisingly glad to be. “To the city, Bill’s columns brought 40 years of smart, independent judgment,” wrote Donald E. Graham, chair man of The Washington Post Co. “He was viewed as a truth-teller,” said Vernon E. Jordan Jr., a lawyer,
civil rights advocate and political adviser. These are the words shared by his contemporaries and boss at The Washington Post, and it gives a glimpse at William’s legacy and hence the opening quote. From Raspberry’s writings, you could glean a moderate honesty and a delivery of his stance in a manner that was not just palatable, but also agreeable by those who initially opposed him. If that was the standard of journalism in his day, we have strayed far and wide off that course in recent years. Bill disagreed with the journalistic credo “cynical coldheartedness masquerading as objectivity.” It is obvious that during this election ye a r, i n G h a n a w i t h “Woyomization”, ethnic rally cries “all die be die”, indications of polarised journalism either on TV, in newspapers, or on radio will be commonplace. And reading about Raspberry’s legacy sheds light on how rare and much-needed writers such as William Raspberry are. We are in the middle of an election year, and with initiatives such as Ghana Decides (www. GhanaDecides.com), C o d e 4 G h a n a ( w w w. code4ghana.com) and
Ghana Open Data Initiatives (www.GODI. com), the conversation on transparency and mutual r e s p e c t fo r d i f f e r e n t political opinions can not be understated. Levelh e a d s a n d e l evat e d discussion on policies that truly work - not partisan, tribal or declarations that incite emotional reactions - are much needed. While the opportunity for a nation’s people to peacefully and collectively hold their governing body accountable by voting is exciting we must lay watch and be vigilant. And the onus is especially on journalists and media men & women to solicit different opinions fairly and respectfully. This is the underlying goal of the new Ghanaian citizen as well as The New Ghanaian newspaper. We will feature articles that educate and inform of those that polarize and incite emotional reactions only. We ask that you continue to hold each other accountable and support us in maintaining Raspberry’s legacy. Check us out online at www. mytngonline.com for questions, comments and complaints email us at info@ mytngonline.com
PUBLISHER: Joseph “Sonny” Vanderpuye MANAGING EDITOR: Emmanuel A. Gamor SENIOR STAFF WRITERS: Katherine Carboo, Edwin Janney CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Muriel Vanderpuye, Eddie Ekuban CONTRIBUTORS: Rev. C. John Thompson-Quartey, Jemila Abdulai, Etse Sikanku, Nii Ayertey Aryeh, Oral Ofori, Edwin K. Otabil, Jean Aboi, Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Rev. Cephas Haywood Amartey GRAPHIC DESIGNING: Sonny Vanderpuye PHOTOGRAPHY: Sonny Vanderpuye, Emmanuel A. Gamor 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 or sonnyahp@gmail.com
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In Time Of Adversity "In times of prosperity rejoice, but in the days of adversity consider; God also has set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing that will come after him." (Ecclesiastes 7:14) When the storms of life overwhelm us it is very important to uplift ourselves in Christ knowing He is our anchor. Each day represents a wrapped up package, and when we open it we are sometimes surprised at what we see; so it is with our days on this earth. There are some good days and sometimes there are bad days. When we wake up to good days we find ourselves in high spirits but when the day is presented with chaos, adversity, and loss how do we react? The enemy has an assignment: he comes to steal our joy and destroy our peace. I want us to reminisce a bit on the story of Joseph. Joseph was a very happy lad living with a very loving father. He was a dreamer but within a twinkling of an eye he was faced with adversity. A sudden change in his lifestyle, he was sold into slavery because he was betrayed by his own brothers. What will happen to his dreams? The enemy does not waste his time on people who do not have a dream or have a vision. The only reason you are being attacked is because you are a dreamer or a visionary. Joseph's plight did not end there. He was falsely accused of sexually assaulting his master’s wife, and he ended up in prison. Sometimes we feel our problems are unbearable and that we are the only ones who are going through so much but we might want to stretch our imagination and examine the state in which Joseph found himself. Truly, life is not fair but God is good. Joseph never hurt a fly; he was just on an errand to check on his brothers but out of jealousy they tried to change his destiny. He ends up in Egypt of all places. God wonderfully made Jose ph and the unsuccessf ul plan of Potiphar’s wife takes him to prison: a slave, then a
jailbird! What do we do in times of adversity? Joseph is not moved by his circumstances. He stood firm in his faith and did not crumble. His strength was in the Lord his God. The Bible says, "If you show yourself slack in adversity your strength is too small" (Proverbs 24:10). It does not matter what we go through, we need to draw strength from God. The apostle Paul said something remarkable, "... when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:12). How can one be weak and at the same time stay strong? Paul was looking beyond his circumstances. For every mishap he saw an opportunity. He knew that what the enemy meant for evil God would turn it round for his good. He is Elohim our Creator. The Deliverer delivers us from afflictions. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. Paul did not allow the circumstances to dictate him, he dictated to the circumstance. I wish we could all see beyond our adversities. Paul said, "His strength is made perfect in our weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) The word “perfect” means “complete beyond practical”. Having that in mind Paul never allowed his adversities to weigh him down. He was shipwrecked three times, stoned once, and imprisoned three times, but he took advantage and preached the Gospel, planted churches and wrote the Pauline epistles (Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon). He saw the opportunity and spread the gospel of Jesus. Paul d i d a l l t h at b e c a u s e he knew that he was operating under the grace of God. God’s grace was more than enough for him. Therefore, I’m alright with weaknesses, insults, disasters, harassments, and stressful situations for the sake of Christ, because when I’m weak, then I’m strong. (2 Corinthians 12:2, 6, 9, 10 CEB) My sisters and brothers, what you are
Faith
A SUCCESSFUL EAST COAST CONVOCATION
Despite the storm! By Katherine Carboo
Muriel Vanderpuye Call of Esther Ministries going through might make you seem weak but you are strong by the power of God. In times of adversity we pout, complain and play the “blame game”. We l o s e c o n t r o l o f ourselves and try to win the sympathy of everyone that comes our way and we finally find ourselves in a state of depression. For us to sail through adversity, we need self-control. Paul had self-control; so did Joseph. When we have self-control, we have focus, and when we are focused we think clearly. And in the midst of adversity nothing can distract us from our destiny. The Bible says, "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person without self control" (Proverbs 25:28). Adversity forms or foils character. When our faith is tested we become wiser, stronger, and better. It is necessary to be tested so that your faith may be found genuine (1 Peter 1:7). Joseph was tested, and through the hardship of slavery and imprisonment, suffering from rejection stood the test of time. Adversity did not have a negative impact on him; rather; he had victory over adversity. Joseph trusted God without wavering and endurance built character and catapulted him to his destiny. In times of adversity when the spirit of heaviness overwhelms us, we need to clothe ourselves with a garment of praise. Praise will break down the walls that are trying to confine us, as we praise our Maker. Take a stand, access your faith. If you have faith as small as a mustard seed and you speak to this mountain Cont’d on page 25
Dr. Evans Glover The East Coast Convocation of Shiloh Gospel Ministries International has come to a successful end, in Laurel, Maryland. The solemn but power-packed Convocation was a proof of the divine authority of miracles because the God of a believer is a miracle working God, (Mark 16: 17-18), and God really visited His people each day. The program hosted by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans and Rev Mrs. Yvonne G l ove r f e at u r e d t h e Rt. Rev. God working miracles in the midst of the storm that hit the east coast of the USA. Believers believe in Matthew Addae Mensah, Dr. Juanita Bynum, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Randolph Gurley and Dr. Lawrence Tetteh. Others in attendance were the Rt. Rev. Bishop Fuah and Pastor Eric Fiati among others. In his welcome exhortation, Dr. Evans Glover said the purpose of the gathering is to deposit a living seed of the power of the Word of God in souls to impact the world. He likened the daily reading and meditation on the Word of God to the digestion process of a ruminant mammal, that digests plant-based food by initially softening it within the animal’s first compartment of their “four” stomachs. Sheep belong to the ruminant classification of animal who indulges in “cudchewing” behavior. The cud is a food bolus that has been regurgitated. Dr. Glover likened the well digested Word of God to the digestion in the fourth stomach of a ruminant that a believer chews on daily which buttresses faith in times of distress. Dr. Glover underscored the crucial
Dr. Lawrence Tetteh need for Christians to be confor med to the image of the Son of God spending time to read, pray and ruminate on the word, through which constant supply of light and life is received (John 1:4); thus allowing God’s word to become His word for us. Dr. Juanita Bynum dwelt on the power of child-like faith that brings crazy (1Corinthians 1:25) manifestation of the mercies and grace of God in the lives of those who depend on Him totally. Using Abraham’s kind of faith (Hebrews 11:1-9), she preached and taught the Word interspersed by Divine insights and prophecies as led by the Holy Spirit. Bishop Addae Mensah’s Ministration was ushered by high worship that led to the strong anointing of
Dr. Juanita Bynum astounding healing and deliverance with a terrific speed of God’s hands touching many to the Glory of Christ Jesus! The sweet Spirit of God manifested powerfully again on the fourth day as Dr. Randolph Gurley took the Podium with a Sermon entitled, “It is well” (2 Kings 4:23 & 26). Amazingly unknown to Dr. Gurley, the inter nationally acclaimed Minister Sonnie Badu supported by Shiloh Choir in Song ministration had shaken the Auditorium earlier by the Hymn, “It is well with my soul” written in the anguish of a Chicago Lawyer Horatio Spafford whose four daughters met their tragic death while travelling with their mother by Ship to Europe in 1871. Dr. Cont’d on page 25
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HIV, as well as other diseases including hepatitis, needles should never be shared. At the beginning of the HIV epidemic, many individuals acquired HIV
infection from blood transfusions or blood products, such as those used for hemophiliacs. Currently, however, because blood is tested for both antibodies to HIV and the actual virus before transfusion, the risk of acquiring
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HIV from a blood transfusion in the United States is extremely small and is considered insignificant. There is little evidence that HIV can be transferred by casual exposure, as might occur in a household setting. For example, unless there are open sores or blood in the mouth, kissing is generally considered not to be a risk factor for transmitting HIV. This is because saliva, in contrast to genital secretions, has been shown to contain very little HIV. Still, theoretical risks are associated with the sharing of toothbrushes and shaving razors because they can
cause bleeding, and blood can contain large amounts of HIV. Consequently, these items should not be shared with infected people. Similarly, without sexual exposure or direct contact with blood, there is little if any risk of HIV contagion in the workplace or classroom. July marks month and the International Aids is going on from July 22nd-27th to learn more visit www.aids2012.org
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JOHN MAHAMMA’S BOOK LAUNCH IN WASHINGTON D.C. By Katherine Carboo. Photo by Sonny Vanderpuye
Anyone who has been keenly looking out for a fresh crop of African writers will tell how slow the inflow has been; and any such lover of literary works will attests to what joy it is to sample stories told with the natural flow of unadulterated savory of intriguing rhetoric African flavor. The arrival of this book “My First Coup D’état”, is like a refreshing whiff of fresh air in a poorly ventilated enclosure. Authored by no least a person than the then Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and successfully launched in New York early July 2012, the book by all indication has become a great hit. The second launching which took place at the prestigious Press Club on the 14th Street of Washington DC was astounding – yet another indication of the huge accomplishment of Mr. Mahama’s book; and a clear reflection of the hunger for such a literature. The New Ghanaian was privileged to have a brief interview with the Vice President, Mr. John Mahama. Giving insight on what he hopes the book will achieve, Mr. Mahama indicates that will be the prerogative of the reader; for he believes the effects of lessons learnt by the message of the book will certainly assist the reader to the right judgment. According him, he wrote the book, which is available on order at amazon.com,
as his contribution to African Literature. He secondly wrote in order to document the political era between the sixties to the eighties; filling a void in African literature. T h i r d ly t h i s b o o k is to afford the reader, especially the youth, the opportunity to reckon that though he is a politician and Vice President, he is an ordinary person, who was once a child growing up in a difficult period of the history of Ghana and Africa; yet has become who he is today through perseverance. This, he states, is an indication that the sky is the limit for those who try to improve themselves, especially the youth. He soliloquized that in life one is bound to face challenges. However, with diligence one can overcome those trials positively and move on to be great. Lastly the essence of the book, Mr. Mahama disclosed, is to let Africa know one important thing: “Africa is on the right path. Life is like a tree, when planted you need to water it, nurture it with patience, good governance and, the r ule of law and it will bring good dividends. This will only be possible when patience is exercised in watering Africa’s democracy. We will continue to work for our country; avoiding the politics of insults and intolerance which will not take us anywhere.” To the question of what bearing this book will have on his political life, Mr. Mahama declares that it
will not have any impact on his political career; he is living in the present and can only document that period of his life when he has completely lived it. The four city tour has taken Vice President from New York to Washington DC, from Huston to Los Angeles. The effect of this book can best be described in the words of C.S. Lewis, the famous novelist and poet who once wrote: “My own eyes are not enough for me, I will see through those of others…. In reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself.” By all indication the book will assist in the education of the public – the old will reminisce that period with either pain or nostalgia while the youth will live in the eyes of the writer the sweet pain of both. A number of years in the making, the book made its debut in New York this month to a generally f avo r a bl e r e c e p t i o n . On Tuesday, the Vice President, accompanied b y f a m i l y, f r i e n d s ,
and media, personally launched the book at the Schaumburg Center for Research in Black Culture, in Harlem New York with readings from the book, a “Conversation” with Andrew Solomon (National Book Award winner), a Q&A session and book signing conclusion. The book was sold out from the Schaumburg bookstore and extra copies had to be rushed in from another bookstore nearby. The book, from a sitting Vice President, would no doubt give a fillip to the struggling Ghanaian book-writing sector. He has already had interactions with various Ghanaian literary groups and personalities, including the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW), of which he is now a member, on how to encourage reading, writing and publishing of books in Ghana. It is common knowledge that reading and writing have seen a dramatic decline in Ghana Cont’d on page 17
Hayes Osei Dennis
Fox5, the Washington Post and the Washington Times have reported on the death of Hayes Osei Dennis. Dennis was fatally stabbed Thursday evening in a robbery at his taxi repair shop in Southwest DC . The Washington Post reports that Dennis’ b r o t h e r - i n - l aw, O s e i Antwi, said the attacker entered the shop asking for
a drink of water. “Dennis told him to go in and help himself,” Antwi said. “When he came out, he threatened him with a big knife and said, ‘Give me all the money you have.’ ” The workers told Antwi that Dennis gave the man $20 he had in his pocket, turned to walk away and Cont’d on page 23
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NPP Vice-Presidential Candidate Storms US By Katherine Carboo. Photography by Sonny Vanderpuye
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumiah, Vice Presidential Candidate of National Patriotic Party (NPP)
Ghana
Religion and Chieftaincy are forces of good when well used to address local enforcement and public education. The Vice Presidential Candidate of National Pa t r i o t i c Pa r t y, D r. Mahamudu Bawumiah made this statement on July 11, 2012 during a meeting with NPP Executives and Par ty members of North America in Woodbridge, Virginia. The rally brought together a large number of Ghanaian Political “Elephants” from New York to Pennsylvania, New Jersey to Delaware, Maryland to Virginia and Washington DC . They came to listen and to and inquire about the alternate vision in place for Ghana; it is their hope that the lode star of Africa should have power change hands in January 2013. A c c o r d i n g t o D r. Bawunia, the Economic development of Ghana, a 55 year old nation is a sad one. Ghana keeps struggling with issues that other nations solve with ease. A contemporary like Malaysia has left Ghana behind in several developmental areas. Bawunia lamented that though Ghana within the past three years has seen the doubling of cocoa, timber and gold prices, the cost of living has gotten to astronomical levels of making life hard on the masses; while the there is no significant visible national development in place. Food prices are not good and the Services Sector of the economy is failing abysmally. The resultant effect is the depreciation
of the Ghanaian currency. Emphasizing the cutting edge issue as Information Technology literacy for leaders, he opined Ghana cannot make any impact in this modern era using 18th Century technology in a 21st Century world. He was accompanied by the General Secretary of the NPP, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (Sir John), National Youth Organizer of the Party, Anthony Karbo, Chief Patron of Washington Chapter, Dr. Charles Dankwa as well as Chair man of NPP and top Executives, Dr. Steve Opoku Kwarteng and Alhaji Mohammed I d d r i s s , r e s p e c t ive ly. Others present were Dormi – Kwabenya MP Aspirant, Lawyer Adwoa Safo and Chairman of NPP, New York, Kwasi Acheampong. The reaction of some school of thought to his analysis was: “What is the new thing NPP has which was not applied the eight years it was in power; barely four years ago?” Raptly listening to Dr. Bawumiah and his team that notion swiftly faded altogether. He underscored the building of a global
economy which he believes will be considered by many as ambitious; yet achievable. Dr. Bawumia stressed that star ting within the West Africa sub-region Ghana is in a good position to make it by competing by the right rules that governs honest and sound business. H e d i s c l o s e d t h at about 80% of Ghanaians have no bank account. To this end when voted into power his team will quickly move Ghana from a cash dominated economy to an electronic dominated economy; thus facilitating free flow of business. He vouched that to enable the making of Ghana as the manufacturing hub for West Africa his team will ensure the elimination of all hurdles investors face in importation of raw materials and equipment. He reminded the gathering that Ghana has huge trust in the complimentary roles of Ghanaians in the diaspora. This has been authenticated in the patriotic acts of those diasporians whose hard work and innovation assisted in bringing Ghana on the map of oil producing nations today,
The Late President John Atta Mills Will Be Laid In State from August 10th to 12th And Buried On August 12th. May He Rest In Peace
as well as the availability of easy money transfer by Western Union. He enumerated additional areas of dire concern to be addressed with dispatch when in governance to include the following: The exemption from import duty of all imported raw materials, manufacturing, health and construction equipment into Ghana. Ensuring that statutory work at the various Ports of entry neither frustrate nor hamper development in anyway. The fishing industry which presently is dead will be revamped and made attractive again. E n c o u r a g e ‘Transfor mational G ov e r n m e n t ’ w h e r e citizens will have a greater say in decision that affect them. On the question of the uses and benefits of standardized rural and urban addressing systems Dr. Bawumia said such lack in a nation causes controversy over voter re gistration as street and property numbers sometimes do not tallying with registered names Cont’d on page 23
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 16 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - JUNE/JULY 2012 Mills’ Life is Worth Celebrating BY EBO QUANSAH In the midst of life, say the sages, we are in death. The passing away of Asomdweehene John Evans Atta Mills, President of the Republic and Commander in Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces has virtually frozen all activities at the centre of the earth. “When beggars die,” wrote William Shakespeare, “there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze for the death of Princes.” Since the official statement from Chief of Staff officially announced that Prof. John Evans Atta Mills had joined his ancestors, the nation has been in grief. Tributes from all manner of people have poured in to sympathize with the Government and people of Ghana. United States President Barack Hussein Obama, the first head of state to visit Ghana after the swearing in of then President Mills, has expressed his regret at the passing away of the leader of the nation. His Secretar y of State Hilary Clinton has expressed her profound sorrow at the passing on of the man whose humble nature and willingness to co-operate with all manner of people endeared him to the hearts of all and sundry. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr. David Cameron described the late President as a tireless defender of democracy in West Africa and across the continent, and he will be greatly missed. Former junta head, Jerry John Rawlings, who engineered the formation of the ruling National Democratic Congress from the butt of the gun, spoke to the BBC about his former deputy. Though everybody knew that the deceased Head of State had not enjoyed a clean bill of health for sometime now, it was a bit out of the mark for the deceased Head of State’s former boss to suggest on BBC that he could have lived longer if he had been wiser. Everybody knew that Prof. Atta Mills had not enjoyed the best of health throughout the three and a half years of leading the nation. But I thought it was not statesmanlike for the former junta head to go on international radio to discuss the type of illness that might have taken him to his ancestors. “It was quite a shock to both my wife and I because though he has been battling with cancer for a while. This is certainly the wrong time for him to go because we have elections around the corner in December,” Flt. Lt.
Rest In Peace President John Atta Mills
Photography by Sonny Vanderpuye, 2009, NY
From The New Ghanaian & Sunlight Radio Rawlings said. The man who took the deceased Head of State from political oblivion to become Head of State of the Republic continued: “Quite frankly, I think that had he been advised and done something wiser earlier on, he would probably have survived for six or seven years, I guess. But it got too high. It got extremely high.” I do not believe that as a statesman, former President
Rawlings had to make these assertions on international radio. I am appalled by Mr. Rawlings assertion that one of the reasons why he had failed to appreciate the work of the deceased Head of State was his unwillingness to try officials of the Kufuor Government for the murder of a number of women during his Rawlings’ own regime. I fail to appreciate the concerns of Mr. Rawlings. As head of state, he had no clue to
the assassination of more than 32 women across the country. When the Kufuor regime tried to unravel the mystery, Mr. Rawlings, who had been touring the country and castigating members of the regime for their connection to these murders, was given the opportunity to prove his assertion. Not only did he fail to do so. He created laughter in society by calling for chemical interrogation as condition for
disclosure. The founder of the NDC acknowledged the contribution of the deceased leader in nation-building, though. “He’s played his part as my vice-President, he was one of the finest, but there again, considering that the cancer affected his eyes and ears, he could not sustain more than three hours a day, so it was going to affect his performance.” Cont’d on page 19
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John Dramani Mahama Becomes President of Ghana Cont’d from 1
Members of Parliament of both divide among others, who were all cladded in black and red signifying their sorrow at the passing of the previous President. H . E . P r e s i d e n t , Jo h n Dramani Mahama, was born at Bole Bamboi in the Northern Region on the 29th November, 1958; and started his primary education at the Achimota Primary School through to Ghana Secondary School in Tamale in the Northern Region. He proceeded thereafter to the University of Ghana, Legon, where he obtained a BA Degree in History in 1981. In 1986, he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon. He also under took fur ther Postgraduate Studies in Social Psychology at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow Russia in 1988. Mr. Mahama was employed as an Information Officer at the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Ghana from 1991 to 1995. He moved on to join the nongovernmental organisation, Plan International, as Sponsorship and Grants Manager in the Ghana Country Office from 1995 to 1996. He was elected to his first term as Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency in the Northern Region on the ticket of the NDC in December 1996. Mr. Mahama served as Deputy Minister of Communications from April 1997 to November 1998 and then served as the substantive Minister of Communications from November 1998 to January 2001. M r. M a h a m a w a s r e elected MP for Bole-Bamboi Constituency in December 2000 and in December 2004. He served as Director of Communication for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as well as Spokesman on Communications for the Minority in Parliament between 2001 and 2004. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Mahama has been Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Foreign Affairs. He has been a Member of the Pan-African Parliament based in Pretoria, South Africa in 2004 where he served as the Chairman of the West Africa Caucus. On Wednesday, January 7, 2009, Hon. John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office as the VicePresident of the Republic of Ghana. Mr. Mahama has seven children. He is married to Mrs. Lordina Mahama and a devoted family man.
President John Dramani Mahama Cont’d from 11
as the educational system has not been very kind to the liberal arts. Combined with the new multi-media culture of the socalled social networking media, many young people hardly touch books these days and the result has been catastrophic, to be seen in the atrocious writing and comprehension skills of the current generation of schoolgoing youngsters, all the way from the primary to university levels. The book may be a personal triumph to the Vice President, but its significance is wider as a vehicle to engender Ghana’s literary renaissance, as can be seen in the titles from Ghanaian writers in the last decade that are trickling back to the bookshelves. The Ghana Association of Writers and Ghanaian Centre of PEN International have reading and writing programs targeted at Ghanaian schools, for in the end, it is Ghanaian schools that stand to benefit from any resurgence in Ghanaian writing.
In writing the book, the Vice President must have been mindful of that as he interacted with Ghanaian literary giants like Ama Ata-Aidoo, Atukwei Okai, Kofi Anyidoho, and others whose writings are included in literature syllabuses for Ghanaian schools. The sting in the tail of “My First Coup d’état” can be seen in the subtitle of “And Other Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa.” It weaves a fascinating vignette of the author’s life and national and international events from the mid-sixties of the last century when Ghana experienced her first coup d’état, to the present. Sometimes playful, generally humorous, but mostly serious, it is an exercise in what Africa got wrong, what Africa could have done differently and certainly, what Africa must not do again! In his review, Chinua Achebe, the doyen of African writing had this to say: “With crisp, yet sweeping prose, John Mahama’s memoire, My First Coup D’état provides insights into Ghana’s and by
extension, Africa’s struggle to weather its historical burden and engage with a world much removed from her dilemma. Without sentimentality or condescension, he exposes homegrown African pathologies and helps us understand several contradictions of our postcolonial condition. His is a much welcome work of immense relevance to African studies and deserves serious critical attention.” John Dramani Mahama’s relevance in the context above is to be seen in his intellectual capacity to distance partisan politics from the pages of the book. Politics did come up during the Q&A, which he skillfully parried with the answer that he is a social democrat and left of center and nothing more! He had earlier explained his socialist antecedents, from a Nkrumahist father to a university exposure where he consumed left wing literature to his cur rent “pragmatic” position on national and international realities. For example, on American bases on the African continent, it was
not a straightforward yes or no. “Ghana,” he said, “Would join the world to fight terrorism, drug trafficking, and other crossborder crimes. That would mean collaboration, for no one country can do it alone, and if that meant bases, ‘so be it’.” That was a courageous and honest admission. And what about Election 2012? “Yes,” he admitted, “There was a lot of tension and some of the language inappropriate, but Ghana would sail through and become an even shinier example for Africa. And the media: As a politician, if you survive from 6am to about 10am daily, then you would survive the whole day!” “My First Coup D’état” would have its detractors, but as a first attempt, especially from the pen of an active politician, the Ghanaian literary scene can only be enriched by it. The literary consultant was Meri Nana Ama Danquah, a Ghanaian author and the book was published by Bloomsbury, an international publishing company.
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South Africa Dlamini-Zuma Becomes AU Boss
South African Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, New AU Chairperson The South African Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma was this weekend elected to head the African Union Commission bringing to end a leadership battle that has been going on in the organization. Dlamini-Zuma comes to replace Gabonian Jean Ping who has been at the helm of the commission since 2008. The 63-year-old Dlamini-Zuma becomes
Africa
Cont’d from 16
It is common knowledge that there is no love lost between Jerry Rawlings and President John Dramani Mahama. Even then, I shudder to think about the former junta head’s reason for declining to proffer an opinion on the man Mr. Rawlings himself chose to lead his Communication Ministry when he sat at the Castle. Asked to comment on the competence of the new President of Ghana, Mr. Rawlings told the BBC: “I don’t k now, I hope.” It is a known fact that the founder of the NDC and the new President are not the best of pals. In the run-up to the 2008 elections, the grapevine was awash with rumours that on the day Mr. John Dramani Mahama was officially accepted at a meeting of the Functional Executive Committee of the NDC to become the r unning mate to then Presidential Candidate Mills, a wrong time for the meeting was deliberately
the first female head of the commission. She underwent three voting rounds before Ping was finally eliminated and a final confidence vote of 37 gave Zuma 60 per cent a mark that got her win. “Now we have the African Union chair Madame Zuma, who will preside over the destiny of this institution,” Benin’s president and current AU chairman Thomas Boni Yayi said.
The contest to head the Commission of the 54-member AU had been deadlocked since last year, with neither DlaminiZuma nor Ping winning a two-thirds majority. I t p i t t e d Fr e n c h speaking states, largely backing Ping, against mostly English-speaking countries, especially in southern Africa, which gave their suppor t to Dlamini-Zuma. Her former husband,
South African President Jacob Zuma, was one of the first to offer his congratulations after the vote. Dlamini-Zuma will assume office as the African Union takes on several regional crises, including an Islamist militant insurgency in nor ther n Mali and a rebellion in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mills’ Life is Worth Celebrating communicated to the founder. By the time Flt Lt. Rawlings got to the meeting g rounds, Mr. Mahama had already been introduced and accepted a s Vi c e - P r e s i d e n t i a l candidate. I n s i d e r s s a i d t h at the founder of the party was livid. But there was nothing that he could do to reverse the decision of the party’s top organ. Evidence points to the fact that the tension that characterized the relationship between the office of the founder and the Castle is likely to continue. I am inclined to side with ex-President John Agyekum Kufuor, who suggested that the whole nation should celebrate the life of the departed Head of State. Kufuor said, having earned as an exceptionally great professor, a tax expert who led the Internal Revenue Service for a number of year s and became President of the Republic. How many people will
get the opportunity to live such a brilliant life?’ Kufuor asked. The Gentle giant said Ghanaians should let the departed Head o f S t at e ’s l i f e g u i d e them to temper with the incessant partisanship and divisiveness that has characterized the nation’s politics. I cannot agree more with the Gentle Giant, whose tenure as Head of State brought tension in society to a very low level. The deceased President was a spor tsman. He played for the University of Ghana team at football and hockey. In fact, he was playing active hockey as a key member of the Old Achimotan and Citizens teams, even when he was Vice-President of the Republic. He became a top sports administrator - as Board Chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak, Board Chairman of the National Sports Council and VicePresident of the Ghana Olympic Committee.
On the academic front, he was lecturer, senior lecturer and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Ghana. He was for several years head of the Internal Revenue Service, during which time he spearheaded the introduction of the Value Added Tax that has come to raise finance for a number of worthy courses. With such an illustrious career, the nation has much to celebrate about the life of the former President. Some of us are waiting on the new President to outline how the nation would honour its departed head. In the words of Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, head Pastor of Action Faith Chapel, “it is not how you die. I think we emphasize too much about death. But the family and all of us as citizens should reflect more on how he lived so that all of us can be strengthened to up our eyes to the future.”
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in places without that system. He reiterated that in many African countries and Ghana for that matter this constitute serious shortcomings for overall development. The agenda, should NPP be given the mandate by the good people of Ghana in December 2012 election, will be to restore the economy embracing the National Identification cards for each person (at least for tax and crime leakages), as well as street addresses for every housing location with the help of Google mapping. He also assured the gathering that his team when in government will promote more dedicated diasporians to transfer their skills-set home. Dr. Bawumia also spoke of Hayes Osei Dennis Cont’d from 11
was stabbed twice, once in the body and again in the neck. D.C. police declined to comment on the account the workers gave Antwi. Reports the
the need for free highschool education for the youth. He said this could be done without any stress on government resources in addition to “MasterApprentice” relations in certain informal sectors of the Ghanaian economy into more structural environments for proper training of the youth. The crop of such youth then can become better taxpayers and responsible couples with good moral values and money-making skills; thus reducing escalating youth unemployment in the country. The Agric-sector employs about 65% of Ghanaians and the growth-rate in that sector has been declining under the Mills administration. He said one way to solve this problem is to expand our manufacturing base
with agro-processing as a priority. There is also the need to start petrochemical, plastics, and fertilizer industries, and appraise fur ther opportunities in Bauxite mining and related factories. The General Secretary, Kwdwo Owusu Afriyie, (Sir John) also made an appeal for 400 pickup trucks towards the campaigning activities of NPP. He estimated that the 230 constituencies deserve at least one (1) new pick-up, each for the ten (10) regional groupings of the party. He accentuated t h e n e e d fo r a h u g e support towards this very important election to ease the unending pain of the good people of Ghana who saw their trust crucified on the political Altar of December 2008.
Washington Times, Police have only been able to describe the attacker as a black man wearing a white shirt who was seen running northbound on Half Street after the stabbing. Several businesses in the area have surveillance cameras and police are in
the process of reviewing recordings to determine if the man was caught on tape as he ran away, Lt. Alder said. The Associated Press also reports that police are reviewing neighborhood surveillance tape in hopes of identifying a suspect.
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PRESIDENT MILLS - EAGLE IN THE SKY
Rev. Cephas Haywood Amartey, Accra, Ghana
It was courtesy a phone call from someone who in many ways is now a household name. He was brief, and to the point, "Reverend, we have bad news, the President is dead. I just had word but I am waiting to confirm." Obviously, he knew the weight of the message he had delivered and wholeheartedly paused at the other end of the line for it to sink in. And in the next breath added, "It is confirmed Reverend, we will talk later." And on that note, the conversation ended. And this began, for all of us here in Ghana, and beyond, a time of mour n in g and reflection. Earlier in the day, the Speaker of Parliament had read out a letter from the President informing the House of his short trip to Nigeria. He had even sighted at the Castle, Osu at work. His birthday had been celebrated with a church service of Sunday and though absent because of I'll health in the last day or two, was back at the office Tuesday morning. It seems that he had had a sudden relapse and been accordingly r ushed to the Cont’d from 1
President John Atta Mills suffered from throat cancer, with recent visits to the hospital, while still in office as the president of the country. In a press statement dated July 24, 2012 signed by Chief of Staff John Henry Martey Newman, stated, “It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we announce the sudden untimely death of the President of the Republic of Ghana - His Excellency, John Evans Atta Mills." President Mills recently went around commissioning projects across the country and also had indicated his preparedness to contest the nation’s 2012 general elections. Returning from the United States of America where he had undergone a routine check-up with his doctors. President John Dramani Mahama commended Parliament for the quick and smooth manner in which the swearing-in ceremony was organized shortly after the passing of late President John Evans Atta Mills.
3 7 M i l i t a r y H o s p i t a l fo r treatment where around some fifteen minutes after two in the afternoon, President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, had slipped into eternity. Try as anyone can, the passing of a modern day president especially in the league of President Mills cannot go undiscovered for long and within a short time, the breaking news confirming his death had crossed into the international platforms. Three and a half years ago, when the world watched as he was sworn into office, none of us thought this would happen. Last year when he celebrated his birthday, none of us suspected anything like the death of our President. Quite recently when he returned from the celebrated and much talked about routine medical check up, he informed Ghanaians that he was heading straight for the Castle to work. Confirming Confirmations: Rumors that the president had died had done some rounds in times past and especially in recent times. So this time round, almost everyone who heard the tragic news was initially skeptical. However, when I heard Citi FM, Joy FM, TV3, Metro TV and the other networks roll out the story, it was clear that we will NEVER AGAIN hear our president's voice. The arrivals of members at the Parliament House, reports of distinguished men and women in government and at the Party's
offices across the country crying and shedding tears confirms that indeed President Mills had died. Smooth Transition: In line with the constitutional requirements, the Speaker convened Parliament and teary-eyed, somber-voiced Vice President moved up and was sworn into office as the next President of Ghana. This was the ONLY thing John Mahama never thought possible was that he will wake up as Vice and return to bed that same day as the a president of the Republic of Ghana. Condolences: The first official note of condolence was that of Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan. Then came Britain, the zonal office and several others. This is the first time a SITTING Ghanaian President has died. And the state has transitioned this one quite well. The leading opposition Party the NPP has issued their message of condolences. Everyone describes the death of the president as quite shocking. Obviously, when a man goes to work in the morning and is dead by the time of lunch is a major issue. The Rawlingses: According to indications reaching Yours Truly, Jerry Rawlings and his wife, Nana, are not in town. Everyone is also trying seriously to call something off. The final of the CAF competition involving
two Ghanaian clubs has been rescheduled. The Opposition NPP was about to celebrate their twenty years this Saturday but it has now been seaside. Flag bearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo has cut short his campaign tour. By the time you read this, it is quite likely that we might hear from the Rawlingses. In His Time: God moves in mysterious ways. He alone knew it was time for the President to come up to glory. Knowing Ghanaians, we will carry on with consoling each other. But I know that after a period of mourning will the times of blame throwing. May I remind all that our Peaceful President who has just passed on will not at all want his demise to be used to weapons of mass destruction? On the closing heels of the campaign trail, I hope and pray that his thoughts and spirit lead this nation in the way it should go. The mood here is solemn and that feeling is attested by the silence on our streets. For the next one-week, the national flag and indeed all flags in the country and across our embassies worldwide will all fly at half mast. Ours was a President who held up his hands and declared his faith and undying commitment to God and Calvary. For President Mills then, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Thank You, President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills for all the good you stood for and for your life. "Vaya con Dios" Mr President, Go with God Mr President." you will remain forever in our hearts!
“I want to par ticularly commend the Speaker for providing me with the calming effects to go for the swearing-in as I initially found it difficult to come to terms with the transition of the late President,” he added. President Mahama said this when Mrs Joyce Bamford Addo, Speaker of Parliament led a delegation from Parliament to call on him at the Castle, Osu. Mrs Bamford Addo who was accompanied by Edward Doe Adjaho, first Deputy of Speaker and Jones Kugblenu, Director of Public Affairs, was at the Castle to congratulate him for his new responsibility.. President Mahama promised to institutionalize peace and unity, the key values that late President Mills supported.. Mrs Bamford Addo shared t h at a l t h o u g h t h e d e at h of late President Mills was traumatizing and John Evans is irreplaceable, members of parliament were hopeful that President Mahama would be able to continue with the good work that he had embarked on. M e a n wh i l e , a b o o k o f condolences has been opened at
the State House in the country’s capital city, Accra. Among the many sympathizers who has signed the Book was former President and founder of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Jerry John Rawlings. A sober looking former president, Jerry Rawlings was teary as he signed the book of condolence for the man who was his vice-president from 1996 to 2000. Earlier on the members of the judiciary led by the Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Woode, H.E. president Yayi Boni of Benin and chairman of the Millennium Excellence Awards, Mr.Ashim Morton also came to sign. The Ministry of Information has also opened a Book of condolences on the Ghana Gover nment Por tal online. Meanwhile, the de puty Minister o f Info r matio n, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah, described the intense angling and jostling by some people in the ruling NDC to secure the Vice Presidential slot as already very offensive. Potential candidates include:
Minister for Trade Hannah Tetteh, former defacto Prime Minister P.V Obeng, Former Finance Minister Dr. Kwesi Botchwey and former National Reform Party Presidential candidate Goosie Tanoh. Others names that have been thrown in the hat: Local Government Minister, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Lands Minister Mike Hannah, CEO of the National Health Insurance Scheme Sylvester Mensah and former NDC Presidential Aspirant Ekwow Spio Garbrah. Two youth groups in the Volta region say they want either the second deputy chief of staff Alex Segbefia or former CEO of the Tema Oil Refinery Dr. Kwame Ampofo. The Party’s Ablekuma North Parliamentary candidate is also pushing for a youthful Vice President and has threatened to rally dissension against the selection of any of the old hawks. But Mr. Ablakwa in an interview told Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana Programme on Friday July 27, 2012, that most of the leaders in the NDC
find the intense lobbying very disgusting. “Most of us in the NDC are very offended by the open lobbying that is going on for the running mate slot. I was in a meeting yesterday and Stalwarts in the NDC were very offended. “I do know that there is going to be a statement today to warn all those party activists who are issuing statements and sending text messages to desist, it is going to be the President’s choice. But the Communications Director of the main opposition NPP, Nana Akomea blames the NDC leadership for sparking the jostling with the recently national executive committee meeting which endorsed President Mahama as flagbearer of the party pending the party’s popular acclamation not later than September 1, 2012. There are credible indications that the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) will acclaim President John Dramani Mahama as its 2012 Presidential Candidate.
UN General Assembly Pays Tribute To Ghana’s Late President Mills The worldwide body, United Nations General Assembly (GA) yesterday paid a fitting tribute to Ghana’s late President John Evans Atta Mills describing him as a man of peace. At the beginning of the 123rd meeting of the 66th Session at the UN headquarters in New York, United States of America, the members of the August body observed a minute’s silence in honour of the Ghanaian leader. The tributes were kickstarted by the President of the General Assembly, Mr Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser, who speaking on behalf of the UN membership said “Thanks to his (President Mills’) leadership, Ghana remains today a model of democracy in the region. “Prof. Mills’ legacy of hard work, integrity and sacrifice will remain bright and enduring for the people of Ghana and of the Cont’d on page 25
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 25 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - JUNE/JULY 2012 Cont’d from 8
Cont’d from 24
Gurley blessed the gathering with deep discernment of the fortitude Christians need in their walk with God for unprecedented miracles! Many were those who identified with the prophetic Word of God ministered strongly to the hungry souls and backed by the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. The night Dr. Lawrence Tetteh took his turn was indeed a night to remember. The healing hand of God was in action – a fifty plus old lady born deaf received her miracle while the short limb of a lady was brought to normal and a tumor vanished from someone’s arm, like magic; that indeed was the touch of God. Immediately after, the storm came down! The storm and its aftermath notwithstanding, everyone was blessed and felt fulfilled to the praise and glory of God. The gathering was treated to harmonious music made in Heaven; with Worship, Praise Mixed-medleys of Heavenly Hymns by Pastor Bezaleel, Minister Ken Appiah, Minister Aba, and the maestro himself, Sonnie Badu supported by the World-Class Shiloh Praise Team. God faithfully confirmed His presence throughout the program which ended with the first graduation ceremony of students from MEB College of Theology and Biblical Languages, the educational center of Shiloh. Eight students graduated with Master of Art in Ministry, Bachelor of Ministry and Certificate in Ministry. In great expectation it is hoped the Lord will show Himself mighty once more come 2013, East Coast Convocation; it’s a date with the Lord, June 24 to June 30, 2013 by God’s grace – be there for another touch by the Lord. East Coast Convocation has come and gone but lives impacted and souls won for the Lord will never remain the same; an indelible mark has been made in lives, and the Spirit of God has sealed many to be presented to the Lord for eternity.
world” he said. The President of the UN noted that “As President of Ghana, he (President Mills) was widely regarded as a caring, principled and dedicated leader, who made lasting contributions towards the advancement of economic development and good governance”. Mr Al-Nasser extended the heartfelt condolences of the entire UN body to Mrs Ernestina Naadu Mills, wife of the late President Mills, the bereaved family and the Government and people of Ghana at this difficult time of grief and mourning. In his statement to the UN, Mr Ken Kanda, Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative said the country had lost an illustrious and indefatigable son, who in all respects was honourable, honest and above all extremely humble. Ambassador Kanda told the august body that the late President was taken ill suddenly around noon on Tuesday, July 24 and was rushed to the 37 Military hospitals in Accra, where he passed on at 14:15hours. President Mills was “Respectful and Respectable, He led a surprisingly simple life for a man in his position; He had deep respect for the office and the people he served. He was a leader Par Excellence”. Describing President Mills’ transition as a huge and painful loss, Ambassador Kanda summed up that the late Ghanaian leader’s legacy of a fruitful, fulfilled and exemplary life “earned him the accolade of “Asomdweehene”, (King of Peace) because he eschewed divisiveness and lived and led as a “Father for all”. In a tribute on behalf of the African States at the UN, Mr Charles Thembani Ntwaagae, Botswana’s Envoy said the best way Africa and the International community could continue to honour Prof. Mills’ memory and legacy was to renew commitment to upholding human dignity, democracy and accountable governance, freedom and justice, all of which he fully cherished during his lifetime. Prof. Mills was the kind of person who rarely showed emotion even under most trying circumstances,” Ambassador Cont’d from 8
Rt. Rev. M. Addae Mensah
to move it will move (Matthew 17:20). You need to speak to the mountain or the mountain will speak to you. Life and death lies in the power of the tongue and they that love it will eat its fruit. So speak life to your situation! Mem or i z e Go d' s Wo r d, meditate and speak it!
Ntwaagae said of the late Ghanaian leader. On behalf of the Eastern European States, Mr Zeliko Vukobratovic, charge d’affaires of Bosnia and Herzegovina hoped that the le gacy of President Mills will serve as an outstanding example in leading the country towards progress and prosperity. The Asia and the Pacific Small Island Developing States, in their tribute read by Ms Sofia Mesquita Borges, Permanent Re p r e s e n t at ive o f T i m o r Letse said the vision of the late President Mills has “seen benefits from policies focused
on investing in local people to ensure that they do not only reap the benefits of economic growth, but are also competitive nationally and internationally” Ambassador Jean Wesley Cazeau of Haiti on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean States eulogized the late President Mills, whilst Mr Miguel Berger, charge d’affaires of Germany, spoke highly of the leadership qualities of the late President on behalf of the Western European and other states. He said that the death was a great loss and hoped that President John Mahama will continue from where President
Mills left off. At the turn of Mr Jeff De Laurentis, US Ambassador to the UN, he referred to President Mills’’ impressive record that endeared him to the world as a peaceful and true statesman. He also recalled recent invitation that President Obama extended to the late Ghanaian leader to the USA. All the speakers referred to the late Ghanaian Leader’s peaceful nature and exemplary leadership that made him to stand out. Source: R.Harry Reynolds (Head Of Information, Ghana Mission,UN, New York)
We cannot avoid prayer in times of adversity. We need to cry out to God. Prayer goes beyond communication, it is having a solid relationship with God. Praying in tongues for a few hours a day is an effective tool in lightening our burden. When I pray in tongues continuously I literally feel the burdens lighten, the situation
looks minimal, God takes total control and I experience the peace of God that exceeds my understanding. Finally, we may want to surround ourselves with people of faith who can positively influence and encourage us. When we come out of adversity triumphantly in Christ, we become like the fresh olive fruit.
It has an overwhelming bitter taste but when it is pressed, the oil has very significant purposes. It is used for anointing priests and kings, lighting the Olympic torch, cooking, and healing. In times of adversity, may we be like Joseph and Paul and take advantage of the opportunities and excel and complete our purpose in life.
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 26 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - JUNE/JULY 2012
OFFINSOMAN CONVENTION OF NORTH AMERICA The Offinsoman Union of the Washington Metro Area cordially invites you to its maiden Offinsoman Convention of North America. Theme: “Building Offinsoman Community in the Diaspora for the Development of Offinsoman” Date: Saturday, September 1, 2012 Venue: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center 5000 Seminary Road Alexandria, VA 22311 Time: 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Day Congressional Session By invitation only 8.00 pm -1.00 am Dinner/Dance - adults only $25 per head For more info please call: 571.236.2525
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Sports & Leisure
Ofori Amponsah Is Now A Pastor Multiple award winning Highlife singer, composer and song writer, Ofori Amponsah aka Mr. All 4 Real, has revealed that he is now a full time born-again Christian and a strong man of God the world should look out for. Ofori Amponsah who paid a visit the Peace FM office (Ship House), on Tuesday July 10, 2012, disclosed in an interview w i t h Pe a c e f m o n l i n e . com that he is gradually dropping his ver y successful music career to preach the word of God and win souls for the most high. The “Otoolege” singer revealed that he has actually formed his own church called the Family of Faith and Love Ministries where he ministers every Sunday as the head pastor. According Mr. All 4Real now known as brother Ofori, he started the church few weeks ago with his own children and few family members but he currently has over a hundred church members. Ofori Amponsah said he doesn’t want to be addressed with his showbiz name Mr. All 4Real , rather he should called ‘Brother’ Ofori Amponsah which might later change the ‘Prophet’ or ‘Pastor’ Ofori Amponsah because he now the founder and General Oversea of the Family of Faith and Love Ministries. “I have started my own fellowship and I believe God is calling me into the ministry to tell people He is alive…All the songs I wrote and music I did was not by my strength but by a God-given talent in me but now it is time for me to return to God just like the prodigal son,” Ofori Amponsah stated. Brother Ofori said his new ministry meets just adjacent to his residence at Ofankor Barrier a superb of Accra. “We started just some three weeks ago”. Ofori Confessed that his love and passion for writing, composing and producing music is slowly reducing and he can foresee that he will completely quit music very soon because God wants to redirect his life elsewhere. However, he added that he is recording a number gospel songs which will be released very soon all geared towards
spreading the good news. When asked whether he was an apostle, a pastor, an evangelist or a prophet, Ofori Amponsah said the “calling of God” on his life enabled him to do the works of both an evangelist and a prophet. Amponsah said he is prophet and he is also blessed with the gift of healing.
Brother Ofori said he was staunched member of Tesano Baptist Church wh e r e w a s a c t ive ly involved with the work of God in the early 90, until he backslid in 1994 and met Daddy Lumber who gave him his musical break through. The “Odwo” hit maker disclosed that God revealed to him through a
dream in 1997 that he will go the world and return the house of God after 10 years and truly he had his calling 10 year after in 2007 He said it was time for him to return to the Lord and actually preach about Jesus Christ. www.ghanacelebrities. com
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 28 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - JUNE/JULY 2012
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Rawlings’ comments on Mills’ death are “irresponsible & absurd”
JJ Rawlings reading the New Ghanaian Director of Operations at the Presidency, Nii Lantey Vanderpuije, has slammed former President Rawlings for stating that had the late President J.E.A. Mills listened to wise counsel and done something wiser he could have lived a while longer. A c c o r d i n g t o M r. Vanderpuije, former President Rawlings’ comments were “unnecessary, irresponsible and absurd” to say the least. In an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, former President Rawlings who has never seen eye-to-eye with the late president since the latter assumed office in 2009, said even though the news of his former deputy’s demise came as a surprise to him, it could have been averted. Mr. Rawlings said “quite frankly I think that had he been advised and done something wiser earlier on, he could probably have survived for another six, seven months, I guess but it got too tight, it got extremely tight.” But speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana prog ramme on T hur sday, Nii Lantey Vanderpuije said the founder of the National
Democratic Congress (NDC) should have waited to be briefed on what transpired before making such definite statements on an international platform. Doctor Rawlings? “You are not a doctor. A post mortem has not been carried out for you to determine what killed him. And you are not there in the office with him. I know Professor Mills works more than the three hours he is talking about. So where does this fallacy of hasty conclusion come from?” he queried, adding “you don’t work with him, you don’t live with him, you are not there to determine [his health].” The NDC’s parliamentary candidate for Odododiodoo stated that the haste with which Mr. Rawlings commented on the cause of death of the President was alarming and showed a man who still haboured hate for the deceased Prof. Mills “In your normal haste and because of possibly habouring that level of hate and dislike for the person, you will say these things!” Mr Vanderpuije said he was literally ashamed after listening to the audio over and over again on getting wind of what the former President had said about the late President Mills. “It is
Group slams Rawlings for "distasteful" comments
late President Mills’ death could have been avoided. Mr. Rawlings who has been a harsh critic of the former President insinuated that the president would have lived a little longer if wise decisions were taken some months ago. He added that “It was quite a shock to both my wife and I because he’s been battling the cancer for quite a while but this is certainly the wrong time for him to go because we have
Some civil society groups have chided former President Jerry John Rawlings for some "distasteful" remarks he made in the wake of President Mills' death. The former President told the BBC in an interview that
totally uncalled for and as an elderly person… I felt so, so ashamed when I heard that. I couldn’t believe it.” He vowed to stand up to individuals, no matter their age, who make such unguarded pronouncements and called on the youth to do same in correcting people who go out of the accepted practice in society. “It is time some of us, I think it is time to tell people, no matter their age, when they go against our cultural norms and practices, when they go against things that make us a people, we should tell them that maybe, they are becoming deviants in society,” he asserted. Insensitive Comments Baako The Managing Editor of the New Crusading Guide, Kweku Baako Jnr, who was also a guest on the show was in good company with Mr Vanderpuije albeit in a lesser tone. He said despite the fact that Mr. Rawlings might have raised a legitimate concern on the sad incident; he broached the matter too early in the day while many are still recovering from the shock of the news of President Mills’ passing. “Even the one week, we haven’t finished. So because of who for mer President Rawlings is: he was a former president – former head of state – founder of the NDC, prominent, eminent statesman of international proportions. What he says and how he says it and where he says it at this material moment, critical. To that extent, I think what he said is premature, is untimely and insensitive,” Mr. Baako said. He said in due course, the issues raised will be discussed extensively on a national non-partisan basis to serve as a direction to how best to handle the health of Ghana’s presidents, supposing there is any merit in the allegation. “ [ Raw l i n g s ] m ay h ave raised issues, he’s brought those issues to the front burner now prematurely in my candid opinion. As I said, sooner than later those things will become issues. I think that he didn’t calculate what to say and how to say it. The timing is wrong, I will be candid…”.
elections around the corner in December”. But the convener of the Forum for Governance and Justice, Dr. Clement Apaak in an interview with XYZ News said the comments of former President Rawlings were distasteful and unfortunate. "I find it rather distasteful and quite contrary to our traditions and cultures as Africans when he suggests that if our President had taken a
wiser decision perhaps he could have lived for an additional six to eight months. "I think that certainly it raises a lot of questions because if he knew that our late President could have benefited from wise counsel and he didn’t offer that wise counsel, then he has a responsibility of explaining to the good people of Ghana why he didn’t offer the said wise counsel".
Mills family issues rejoinder over Rawlings pronouncement on BBC T h e M i l l s Fa m i l y o n Friday said it deemed it extremely provocative and almost impossible to ignore the continued direction of undignified insults at an honorable man whose loss has turned their hearts, as icy as his body that lay in the morgue. A statement signed by Abusuapanin Nkuma-Kyerba Twidan for and on behalf of the Mills and Allied Families of Cape Coast, Ekumfi and Accra, said although they were in deep mourning and would have wished to remain quietly so, for as long as necessary. “Unfor tunately, we are forced to break our silence on account of the widely reported, insensitive, uncustomary and in-humane comments made on BBC by our past President Jerry John Rawlings concerning the person, ill-health and death of His Excellency President Prof. John Evans Atta Mills”. The statement said the entire family wishes it to be known that they have over the past three years remained quiet over the constant harassment and insults poured on their son, all in the spirit of tolerance and peace, as constantly preached by the late President Mills throughout his life. “Three and a half years of insults we took and would have graciously forgiven as a tribute to the nature and legacy of the honorable man whose death Ghana and the world mourns”. It said the family is provoked to face up to those whose minds continue to fer ment such uncouth, derogatory, uncensored insults, “nonetheless, we remain restrained, for now”. “We are restrained because throughout his live and up to the time of his death, the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills remained sane, full of wisdom and capable of sound judgment, expressing same in thought and speech. Further, our Son died in a bed, at peace with himself, and with dignity in the eyes of equally well-thinking men”. The statement added that
“such a kind fate may not befall those tempted to stride the world as rabble-rousing tin-gods”. It said the family is particularly restrained by the spontaneous sincere display of sympathy and sorrow with which Ghanaian from diverse political, religious and cultural persuasions continue to mourn.
“Shameful” Rawlings must “shut up and hide” Wayo The leader of United Renaissance Party (URP) Kofi Wayo has counseled Ghanaians not to listen to what former President Rawlings says because he has nothing to show since he failed to achieve anything meaningful in his 19 years as President. According to Mr. Wayo, Rawlings should kee p his mouth shut and stop making unnecessary comments about the death of President Mills. “I don’t know what is wrong with that guy [Rawlings] but you people are the ones who keep urging him on. The [NDC] should have cut him off a long time ago. “He was a President for nineteen years, what did he change. If I was him I would just keep my mouth shut and hide. “What did he do for Ghana, we still don’t have water, light and factories and he is still not ashamed of himself and keeps talking. “He has been attacking this guy [Mills] from day one now he is dead, what is he going to do now?” Mr. Wayo asked. The maverick politician also expressed his regret in the death of President Mills.
Rawlings Regrets BBC Comments The attention of the Office of President Rawlings has been drawn to a statement issued by the family of the late President Mills in response to comments recently made by President Rawlings in an interview with the BBC. The Office of President Rawlings would like to assure the family of former President Mills that no ill motive was intended in the comments of President Rawlings. President Rawlings wishes to assure the family of the late President Mills that he retains a healthy respect for the contributions that President Mills made to the country of Ghana and the NDC party. Any misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the statements on BBC is therefore regretted.
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Requires additional $10/mo International Basic package. Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; upfront and monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. Prices, packages, programming and offers subject to change without notice. Offer available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer ends 5/20/12. Š 2012, DISH Network L.L.C. All rights reserved.
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 32 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - JUNE/JULY 2012
AUGUST 24: WASHINGTON DC GHANA EMBASSY 3512 International Drive N.W. Washington D.C. 20008 2:00pm – 9:00pm ADMISSION IS FREE Call: 301.779.1290 301.592.8818 308.925.4417 301.336.6468 www.hfcbank.com.gh
AUGUST 25: MARYLAND HILTON GARDEN INN 7810 Walker Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770 10:00am – 8:00pm
AUGUST 26: VIRGINIA NEW LIFE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH 7701 Fullerton Road Springfield, VA. 22153 1:00pm - 7:00pm