THE NEW GHANAIAN | 1 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
10 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY (2001 - 2011) VOLUME 12 NO. 5 - MAY - JUNE, 2012 FREE
Ghanaians Abroad Are Tired Of Being Treated As Second Class Citizens Ghanaian Citiz ens Abroad gathered outside the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, DC on June 16, 2012 to present two petitions to the Ambassador. The rally and subsequent march had a simple theme “Ghanaians abroad are tired of being treated as second class Citizens”. The event organized by concern citizens of Ghana drew crowd from across the US, from as far West as Seattle, Wa to Worcester Ma and everywhere in between. A n ove r w h e l m i n g number of Ghanaians in Cont’d on page 8
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A group picture with Ambassador Ohene Agyekum (middle) holding a placard
Obama's Immigration Announcement: What It Means By Melanie Mason, Washington Bureau, LA Times
What's involved in the policy change, who's affected and where people can find additional information, plus more questions and answers. T h e O b a m a administration announced Friday it would halt the d e p o r t at i o n o f s o m e young illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children. Here is a nuts-and-bolts guide to the policy shift.
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Who is eligible? To b e e l i g i bl e , a n individual must have come to the United States before age 16 and must have continuously lived in the country for at least five years. He or she must be living in the U.S. today and must be 30 or younger. The person must also be in school, have a high school diploma or a GED, or be a member of the military or an
honorably discharged veteran. Anyone convicted o f a f e l o n y, s e r i o u s misdemeanor or multiple misdemeanors or who otherwise poses a threat to national security is not eligible. How many people will be eligible? The administration estimates that 800,000 people will be affected by the policy change. Some estimates climb higher;
the Pew Hispanic Center says the new guidelines could benefit as many as 1.4 million people. Does this provide a path to citizenship? No. The policy only allows for two years of "deferred action," meaning that deportation would be delayed for that period. After two years, a person could apply for a renewal, which would extend the Cont’d on page 5
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 2 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
FINAL FUNERAL RITES
Togbe Azanku Ganahe Akompi V, Dufia of Anfoega Akukome; Nyonufia Mama Amewokpor Meteku; Nana Asampong Boakye, Asamponghene; The Agbenowu & Tsekpo families of Anfoega Akukome, Alavanyo Wudidi and Togo; The Nyansah Family of Kpoertaa, The entire Asampong family; Ms. Delight Antwi - Ghana; Mr. & Mrs. George Gudu - Canada; Dr. & Mrs. William Gudu - Ghana; Pastor & Mrs Harry Agyemang - USA; Mr Saint Kankam Agyemang - USA; Nana & Mrs Kobi Bonsu (Obiba Hayes) - USA; Mr & Mrs Serbeh - USA; Ama Serwaa - Ghana; Kwame Boakye-Ansah - Ghana; Mr & Mrs Wesley Jones - USA; Nana Akwasi Mensah - USA; Nana Adu Acheampong - USA; Mr Akwasi Antwi (Alhaji) - USA; The Agbenowu Family; E.P. Church, Ghana; Gateway Christian Church - USA; Renew Life Worship Center - USA; Lord of The Harvest Church - USA; Breakthrough Ministries - USA; Call of Esther Ministries - USA; Building Materials Shop Owners Association of Adum, Kumasi - Ghana; The New Ghanaian Newspaper - USA & Sunlight Radio America - USA, regretfully announce the death of their beloved mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, Aunt, godmother and friend
Mrs Comfort Agyemang
(a.k.a. Aunty Comfort)
Pastor Harry Agyemang (Bonsu) - Son
Mrs Afua Ayim Agyemang - Daughter-in-law
Nana Kobi Bonsu (Obiba Hayes) - Son
Mr Kankam Agyemang (Saint) - Son
Which occurred on June 10th, 2012 in VA, USA. She was 76
VIEWING: Date: Friday, July 20th, 2012; Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Venue: Mountcastle Funeral Home, 4143 Dale Blvd., Dale City, VA 22193 FUNERAL: Date: Friday, July 20th, 2012 Time: 10:00pm - 3:00am Venue: Ghana Community Center, 6424 General Green Way, Alexandria, VA 22312 BURIAL: Date: Saturday July 21st, 2012 Time: 12:30pm Venue: Dumfries Cemetery, 17821 Mine Rd., Dumfries, VA 22026 Burial-Convoy Procession leaves the Funeral Home to Dumfries Cemetery at 11:30am Nana Akwasi Mensah, VA. (571)247-1260 Nana Adu Acheampong, VA. (301)526-3449 Nana & Mrs Kobi Bonsu (Obiba Hayes) (301)728-8936 Pastor & Mrs Harry Agyemang, VA. (703)340-6698 Mr Saint Kankam Agyemang, VA (202)702-5370 Mr & Mrs Osei Antwi (Alhaji), VA. (571)594-4529 Mr & Mrs Wesley Jones, VA. (703)517-7014 Mr & Mrs Serbeh, VA. (571)213-2339 Pastor & Pastor Mrs Bennett Aboagye, VA. (571)594-4091 Mr & Dr Mrs Kwame Boateng Bediako, VA.(703)863-5229 Mr & Mrs Koranteng. (703)585-4060
R.S.V.P. Mr Akwasi Bekoe, VA. Mr Kwame Mensah, MD Elder Atto Kum, VA. Mr & Minister Mrs Sonny Vanderpuye, VA. Minister & Mrs Clarence Roberts, VA. Pastor & Mrs Franklin Asare Bediako, VA. Mr & Mrs Justice Ameyaw, VA Mr & Mrs Anyang Kusi, VA Mr & Mrs Albert Acquah, VA Mr & Mrs Kofi Sakyi, VA. Dr & Mrs Daniel Ampomah, VA.
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 3 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 4 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 5 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
Cont’d from 1
deportation freeze for another two years. Only Congress can establish a path to citizenship "This is a temporary measure to keep you from being removed,"
said Tricia Swartz, director of immigrant services at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. "It doesn't give you a green card or citizenship." Swartz suggests that people who think they qualify under the new policy find an attorney or
local nonprofit to consult before submitting an application. Does this allow people to get a work permit? Yes, if a person is eligible under this policy, he or she may apply for work authorization. How does this affect the
Dream Act? T he Dream Act, a bill that would establish a path to citizenship for students or members of the military who came to the country illegally as minors, has repeatedly stalled in Congress. President Obama
supports the measure. In his State of the Union address in January, he urged Congress to revisit the bill, but there is currently no version under consideration by Congress. Cont’d on page 7
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 7 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
HEALTH WATCH
Editorial
Conditions Men Get Too
Ghanaian Integrity
Seymour Kramer noticed a patch of what looked like blood on his pajama top three years ago and thought he had cut himself. But he wasn’t scratched. His doctor tested the discharge and told the New Jersey man he had breast cancer. Dan, 70, a retired Michigan engineer who asked that his last name not be used, was pulling weeds three years ago. For no apparent reason, he fractured two vertebrae. Doctors told him his bones were wasting away. He has osteoporosis. As a teenager, Gary Grahl was obsessed with having a trim, “athletic” bo dy. T he Wi s co n s i n resident shunned food and exercised excessively. Sometimes he’d do situps and pushups for three hours before school. He ate little and shrank from 160 to an unhealthy 104 pounds. Over a six-year period, he was hospitalized four times. Now 26, Grahl says he is “completely recovered” from his eating disorder. What do these men have in common? They all suffer from illnesses typically thought of as “women’s diseases.” Breast cancer, osteoporosis, and eating disorders all occur in men, too, though their prevalence is much greater in the female population. As a result, many men, unaware that the diseases affect both sexes, may fail to recognize symptoms. Likewise, doctors and families often don’t suspect these illnesses. This can delay therapy and make disorders difficult to treat.
Medical experts say men may shy away from seeking medical treatment for disorders they feel are unmasculine. In support groups, men use terms like “very scared” and “ashamed” to describe initial feelings about their illnesses. Others express frustration at the difficulty in finding information and therapy. Osteoporosis High on the list of such conditions is osteoporosis. Though women are four t i m e s m or e l i ke ly t o acquire it, about 5 million men in this country have osteoporosis, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. A disorder in which bones become weakened, osteoporosis is sometimes called the “silent disease” because it has no symptoms. It often manifests itself in fractures of the hip, wrist, spine, and other bones. Among both sexes, it is responsible for 1.5 million fractures a year. Scientists are still piecing together just how osteoporosis develops, but it is well known that a key factor is deficiency of the mineral calcium. Leo Lutwak, M.D., Ph.D., a medical officer in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, emphasizes that calcium intake over a person’s lifetime is crucial to preventing bone loss. Ideally, he says, a diet a d e q u at e i n c a l c i u m star ting in childhood “can maximize peak bone mass,” helping to ensure strong bones and make osteoporosis less likely. The revised food label that went into effect in
1994 can help consumers pinpoint calcium-rich foods (see the May 1993 issue of FDA Consumer). About 99 percent of the body’s calcium is stored in bones and teeth. Bone is continually being broken down and rebuilt. If the amount of calcium absorbed equals the amount lost, a state of balance occurs. When calcium absorption is greater than losses, the body accrues a “positive balance” that it can use for bone g rowth and repair. But when dietary intake of calcium can’t meet the body’s needs, the body draws the mineral from bones to allow a constant bloodstream supply. Ultimately, the breakdown process can exceed deposits, causing a possible reduction in bone mass and density. Osteoporosis is seen less often in men than in women for several reasons. Men generally have greater bone mass than women, and in males, bone loss begins later and advances more slowly. But men do have a hormonal drop-off in testosterone similar to women’s reduction of estrogen after menopause. Te s t o s t e r o n e m ay diminish as a result of hypogonadism, a condition marked by decreased function of the testicles. Testosterone levels may naturally become lower as a man ages. “Loss of sex hormone results in accelerated bone loss in whomever it occurs, whenever it occurs, for whatever reason,” says Michael Kleerekoper, M.D., deputy associate chairman
of internal medicine at Wayne State University. “Whether that translates to osteoporosis depends on how much bone you have when the loss begins and how quickly you lose it.” Women find relief from osteoporosis with estrogen therapy, and some men respond to testosterone injections. But successes with hormone therapy come most often from “seeing young men in the early stages” of the condition, Kleerekoper says. Another therapy shown to slow bone breakdown and reduce pain associated with fractures attributed to osteoporosis is the drug calcitonin, marketed as Miacalcin or Calcimar. FDA has not approved these drugs specifically for men, though some doctors prescribe them to males if they feel the patient will benefit. Currently under study for osteoporosis treatment are sodium fluoride, which some researchers think may help increase bone mass; vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium; and a nasal spray version of calcitonin. Dan, the Michigan osteoporosis patient, receives biweekly testosterone injections and takes daily supplements of 1,500 milligrams of calcium with vitamin D. He also exercises in a swimming pool, where water provides a beneficial resistance to movement. He says his two fractured vertebrae three years ago made him realize that osteoporosis gives no warnings.
Cont’d from 5
Each state has its own policy on whether noncitizens may have driver's licenses. California Department of Motor Vehicles spokesman Mike Marando would not comment Friday on how this new policy would affect Californians. What happens if Mitt Romney wins the presidential election? As administrations change, policies can change, and for now, it is not clear what effect a Mitt Romney victory in November would have.
In a statement Friday, Ro m n e y d e c l i n e d t o say whether he would overturn the Department of Homeland Security's new policy guidelines. He did say that if he became president, he would do his best "to have that kind of long-term solution that provides certainty and clarity for the people who come into this country through no fault of their own, by virtue of the action of their parents." Where can I get more information? More details
a r e ava i l a bl e a t t h e websites of the United States Citizenship and Immig ration Services ( w w w. u s c i s . g o v ) , Immigration and Customs Enforcement (www.ice. gov) and the Department of Homeland Security (www.dhs.gov). Starting Monday, people can also call the Citizenship and Immigration Services hot line at (800) 375-5283 or ICE's hot line at (888) 351-4024. melanie.mason@ latimes.com
Sen. Marco Rubio, a freshman Re publican from Florida, has floated an alter native Dream Act that would create a nonimmigrant visa for qualifying students, but would not create a path to citizenship. Rubio has not yet introduced specific legislation; on Friday, he called the administration's plan "a short-term answer to a long-term problem." If I am eligible under this new policy, can I get a driver's license?
My favorite definition of integrity is the adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. Integrity is a word we don’t hear much of in Ghanaian politics. We find it diluted to mean something else in entertainment and in business relationships. One might as well throw the concept away in the pursuit of profit margins. Payola, an accepted euphemism for bribery, has gradually but steadily corroded Ghanaian societal consciousness. It is almost said in jest when someone asks for payola or facilitation fee, or something small at customs, to request processed documents and (infamously); to solicit airplay for new songs on radio. For lovers of music in the Hip-life and Twi-pop scene, payola is consistently documented in songs about the struggle to succeed or ‘make it’ in the music industry. With so much about Ghana’s fledgeling democracy at stake, it is necessary that we identify and uphold our integrity. What exactly is Ghanaian integrity, you may ask. We would have to go back to the country’s inception, after independence in 1957 to glean from what the Founding Fathers and the nation’s first president had in mind. In a nutshell Ghana being the first black independent state in sub-Saharan Africa, was supposed to be the gateway to liberation, not just for the nation state, but by example, for the entire continent. Where the country was governed for the people, by the people. Not to cheat the people. Not in dishonesty, but in truth towards Pan Africanism. Ambitious, yes, but that it speaks to the Ghanaian fabric and what the country’s integrity and intended legacy is built on. Whether Dr. Nkrumah will agree with this; where the country is in terms of political, educational and healthcare advancement, is a testament to how far we’ve strayed from our core values. The two most powerful political parties are vying for elections this November and the political discourse from both sides is abrasive, divisive and sometimes ridiculous. It is easy to pass the blame onto others who have been made scapegoats of a corroded system, and Wyomigate is a testament to that. Inasmuch as the saga seems ludicrous, until Albert Wyomi was ousted and made public was there anyone in the current government or the National Democratic Party raise red flags on the misappropriation of funds. Where was the integrity then? Neither party, the NPP nor NDC are blameless. President Attah-Mills is being chastised for recently seeking medical treatment in the United States. The Cont’d on page 20
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
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 8 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
Faith
Selflessness and Sacrifice ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” [John 10:11]
The challenge we face as city dwellers and suburbanites in the United States is that we don’t commonly find shee p wandering in our streets. This lack of firsthand experience with shepherds and sheep is likely to create some confusion for some listeners of today’s passage. It is often difficult to understand a parable or an allegory, without the cultural context in which those words were spoken. In the ancient world of Palestine where Jesus grew up, the pastoral life was very common, and therefore it comes as no surprise that the ancient Hebrews always saw their relationship with Yahweh (God), as one between a shepherd and his sheep. The widely known Psalm 23 is a classic example of this fact: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” [v1]. In the book of Isaiah, Israel is comforted by the words of the prophet: “See, the Lord God comes with might,....He will feed his flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep” [Isa. 40:9-11]. There are other references to shepherd and sheep that are not so flattering. In Ezekiel 34, God’s anger is kindled against the rulers and the elders, in whose care He had placed the people of Israel. God accuses them of abuse and neglect. Ezekiel writes, “Thus Cont’d from 1
the diaspora want to help Ghana in some capacity. Most are met with intense frustrations by an institutionalized culture of bribery and trickery. To this Ghanaians Abroad are saying with one voice “Enough is Enough” and call upon the government to address matters faced by Citizens traveling to or doing business in Ghana. More specifically the issue of Customs Excise Duty as it relates to Port
says the Lord God, Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the shee p...you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them” [v1-11]. Those rulers had failed to see their role as stewards of the children of God. They have neglected the people’s daily needs, especially the needs of the weak, the poor and the oppressed and instead, they have used all the resources for their own benefits. But in today’s Scripture passage, we learn that God is totally invested in our well-being. Jesus proclaims: “I am the good shepherd.” And He qualifies this by saying, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”. Notice how “good” is defined by self-sacrifice for the sake of others. The good shepherd is not afraid for his own life, but is willing to risk his life for the protection of the sheep. As a community of faith, living in the wake of the Easter miracle, God’s assurance of love and tender care could not come in a more timely manner! In John 10:10, Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”. The incarnation of Jesus Christ is God’s way of ushering new life into His world;
God’s deepest desire is that we have abundant life. In a world filled with violence and destruction where innocent children often fall prey to dangerous and harmful predators, these are indeed words of comfort; for God’s love is evidenced by the actions of those who care for the helpless and the dispossessed. The good shepherd lives for the sheep, always looking for greener pastures to bring the sheep. The good shepherd understands that the physical and nutritional needs of the shee p are paramount to his very success as a shepherd. The good shepherd treats the sheep as his very own children, providing security and shelter, even at the risk of losing his own life. Jesus saw himself as the model shepherd; one whose life and example serves as motivation for us who are called by His name. God knows each of us by name, and calls us each day, to walk away from harm and danger and into His loving arms of comfort. Jesus said: “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep….For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again” [John 10:17]. In his book The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein writes about a little boy and his relationship with an apple tree. The apple tree was content to provide a healthy diet, shade and companionship for the little boy. And the little
boy loved the tree, and that made the tree very happy. But as the little boy began to grow into a young man, the tree saw less and less of him, and it became lonely. Then one day, the young man came back and asked the tree for money. But having no money, the tree was glad to give away all of her apples to the young man to sell and use the money for his needs. The tree was happy to oblige. Again, after a long absence, the young man came back and asked the tree for a house. The tree gladly offered her trunk to be cut down and used as wood for the man’s new home. The man chopped down the tree. After yet another long period of absence, the man, this time an old man, returned to the stump. Noticing that there was nothing left to take away from the tree, he told the stump he needed nothing but a quiet place to sit and rest his aging body. The stump was more than happy to offer herself as a resting place for her good old friend. She was only too glad to have her friend back. God’s relationship with us continues to be one driven by compassion and love. Even when we wander away in stubbornness, God welcomes us back when we return. God reaches out for us and touches our lives, sometimes in ways we cannot even imagine! God gives us the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as the way we are to relate
to each other. God works through people like you and me to restore the world to its intended place. Knowing that Christ is invested in us gives us the grace and the courage to throw ourselves with abandon into the cause of justice and peace, trusting that whatever danger lurks in the unsuspecting places, the Good Shepherd will be there beside us and in front of us, to protect us from harm. I wonder what
c l e a r a n c e a n d RO PA which allow Ghanaians in the diaspora to vote in elections. The tone of the rally was nonpolitical, as Ghanaians seem to realize there are bigger issues beyond party affiliations. The rally which was broadcast over a few Internet Radio Stations (Highlife Radio, Sunlight, Awaaba , Obimanso and a couple others) had speaker after speaker calling for solutions rather than bashing a political wing. With one voice they called
for a National agenda to seek to foster the interest of Ghana. Marchers held signs and sang solidarity songs as they march in protest. The event was rather very civil as protestors stayed on the March route, which allowed the District to deploy minimum police presence. As the protestors sang and paraded outside the Embassy in their ever colorful Red Gold Green colors they held signs. A few of the signs read “Enough is Enough Port
Officials”; “Ghana is for Ghanaians”; “We want to Vote, EC”; “Where is my Car?”; “ROPA is our Right not a favor” and “We are tired of paying bribes at the Ports”. These signs summed up the bane of the protest in a rather succinct way. The Ambassador, Mr. Daniel Ohene Agyekum ceremoniously came out to accept signed petitions and addressed the gathering. Mr. Ohene Agyekum started by thanking the gathering for their time and effort and presenting
t h e G ove r n m e n t o u r petitions. He asked for the clarification in the documents presented him to make sure he has the correct understanding of the message. He then delivered a message on behalf of the government. In his response he said “the documents presented him will be delivered to the appropriate office as early as Monday June 18th. He will forward the response received by his Office to Ghanaians Abroad”. On the issue of ROPA he said “he was not in position
Reverend Father C. John Thompson-Quartey the world would be like, if we all acted like the Good Shepherd.
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 9 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 10 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
What exactly is wrong with President Mills? By Dr. Michael J.K. Bokor
2012 For all that he may be to political observer s, President Mills is definitely not charismatic and lacks the drive to act decisively—and with authority too—as expected; but his approach to governance has to be viewed on its own terms and judged as such. Being self-effacing and reluctant to use the enormous powers at his disposal, his approach comes across as a painful novelty. Ghanaians are used to the looming presence and “strongman” mentality of former heads of state (probably, excluding Kufuor) and will definitely regard Mills’ leadership style as awkward. That’s why he has become an easy picking for his opponents. To worsen his circumstances, his health has become a major concern. The rumors about his health condition have not let down all these years. They have added to all the negative impressions that his opponents have about him and compounded the credibility problem weighing him down as the country moves toward Election 2012. We are aware of his previous trips to South Africa before the 2008 elections and the United States recently for medical attention and his own claim that his problem could be boiled down to a “sinus infection.” That explanation didn’t end the rumors. Unscrupulous characters are known to have circulated rumors on several occasions that he was either dead or in the throes of death. In truth, he is still alive and nearing the end of his first term. His seeking re-election without any confirmation of his health status has definitely re-ignited the rumors about his health condition, especially concerning observable evidence on his skin (the darkening of his fingers and cheeks), which some have interpreted as outside manifestations of a very serious internal deterioration of his entire system. His sudden departure for the United States last Saturday has stoked the fire. He might have found humour in the rumors concerning his health condition to toss around; but he hasn’t handled the matter as resolutely as one expected. I think that the President must come clean to end all these dangerous rumors and speculations. Is he really as healthy as his pre-departure posture and joke at the Kotoka International Airport will have us believe? It shouldn’t be a subject matter for dangerous speculation. As the public face
of Ghana, he can’t hide anything about himself without feeding the rumor machine with what may not work in his favour. Although his health condition may be treated as a “private matter” to be jealously guarded against prying eyes and ears, I think that the manner in which it is being handled is doing more harm than good. At least, it appears not to be serving any useful purpose if it continues to be wrapped up the way it has been done all this while. The point is that the more this matter is treated as a national security secret, the more tongues wag, especially when the President wasn’t seen in public or heard from for many days, even when many disturbing events were happening all over the country to threaten peace and tranquility. Out of the blues, when he emerged, it was nothing to solve those problems but to leave the country for a “regular medical check-up.” Happenings that suggest that he is not in the best of spirits or health won’t redound to his good image for as long as the matter is handled in this manner. T h a t i s w hy w e m u s t be concer ned that those surrounding the President have resolved to keep us in the dark as if doing so will erase the health problem from the slate. It won’t; and the earlier those people— and the President himself— come to terms with reality, the better chances are that an informed Ghanaian public will know how to relate to him. As of now, the situation isn’t favorable to him. As we can infer from the rumors doing the rounds about him, this so-called “regular medical check-up in the U.S.” has political twists that are worsening the President’s credibility problem. What is it about his health that should warrant such a “regular medical check-up” in the U.S. and not in Ghana? What kind of health condition is it that Ghanaian medical doctors can’t handle for him to know whether he is still fully healthy or not? Or is it because the equipment and expertise needed for his kind of diagnosis (or “regular medical check-up”) are not available in the country? If so, whose fault is it? This last question is important because it highlights the failures of our various governments over the years as far as the health sector is concerned. Had they been honest and competent enough to support the health sector with the requisite equipment/facilities and experts, won’t they be prepared to handle
responsibilities of the sort that have taken President Mills to the U.S.? But what should we expect when leaders of countries such as ours lack foresight and can’t solve pertinent national problems to help the vast majority of their people live in decency? On a larger note, how do these political leaders consider the vast majority of Ghanaians whose sweat and toil sustain their lifestyles? That they are mere nobodies who don’t need their lives to be prolonged through exquisite medical attention, unlike those of them who quickly rush to get help outside the country? All human life is precious in the sight of the Creator, though; but to these leaders, theirs is more precious on earth. Mortal as they are, they can’t eventually escape death’s icy hands. The folly of it all. How many of these hardworking Ghanaians will ever get the opportunity to depend on the national coffers for this kind of service? Yet, these are the very people being depended on to sustain the democracy that has become the gold mine for these politicians. The NDC’s Johnson AsieduNketia may want to indulge in anti-NPP politics over this health issue concerning President Mills, but it won’t serve any useful purpose to create goodwill for the NDC. The point must be made clear that it is immaterial whether the rumors about President Mills’ death emanated from the NPP’s quarters or not. What matters is that the President’s health is no secret to be tucked under anybody’s armpit. For as long as Ghanaians know that they are the providers of the money spent on him, they have every right to monitor what happens and be told the truth.
Anything short of that will promote more damaging rumors and no amount of damage control or the apportioning of blame will solve the problem. The President must come clean. If he can’t, then, anybody who knows what is ailing him should tell us the truth. He stands to get genuine sympathy and good wishes if he levels with us. It is not a difficult thing to do because as human beings we all know that our bodies are mutable and vulnerable to any kind of disease that infects us. His will not be anything extra-ordinary. We expect that our bodies will not forever resist the vagaries of life and won’t be shocked to learn of his health problem. Some heads
of state have died from all kinds of diseases or causes— consumption, madness, suicide, a s s a s s i n at i o n , b e h e a d i n g, poisoning, syphilis, and many more. What may be happening to President Mills isn’t anything that humanity wouldn’t have known before. Even if it is a new disease to medical science, he will set a record as the first person to have contracted it, which should give researchers some substantial stuff to work on for some panacea to save other human beings from its scourge. I reiterate my demand that President Mills’ health condition isn’t any secret and shouldn’t be made into one as such. We want to know what his problem is so we can better relate to him.
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Faith & Community
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Dr. Nicku Mordi Heaven Acknowledges And Earth Affirms An exclusive interview with Dr. Nicku Mordi by Katherine Carboo
When Heaven acknowledges an achievement the earth has no option but to respond according to the order from above. Right from her youth this great woman identified with the Lord and there has been no turning back. Nothing could stop her; not culture, not marriage and its magnetic pull, not finances, not male chauvinists and pessimistic stances from friends- nothing could stop her. D r. M o r d i i s t h e President and Founder of International Gospel Outreach Ministries (aka I GO Ministries) Inc., Africa for Jesus Prayer Movement and Unity in Diversity, originally from Tanzania. In 1993 God spoke to her for church leaders and Christians to gather and c laim Africa for Jesus through prayer and intercession. Dr. Mordi took God's mandate literally and started to meet with other Christians every Third Saturday of every month at Bethel World Outreach Church in Silver Spring. Africans and Friends of Africa, Pastors and Christians from different churches, denominations and countries came faithfully to intercede every month. She in unity with dedicated men and women of God called every African country by name and every president by name. By faith, prayers were made for the governors in all 50 states and the President of the United States of America based on the Word of God n. 7:14; Prov. 14:34). Her works have not gone unnoticed. Dr. Mordi has very recently been honored with an award for her achievements in the African society. To d a y, T h e N e w Ghanaian is privileged to have her share the motivation and drive behind her passion of selflessness which has seen her with chain of awards; because she chose to remain stuck to her vision and commitments to her God. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present
Dr. Nicku Mordi a.k.a. “Mama Africa” at Addis Ababa Airport, Ethiopia to you our personality of the season, The Rev. Dr. Nicku Mordi, a survivor of many challenges. Pa s t o r K a t h e r i n e Carboo (PKC): “Dr. Mordi, I wish to thank God for your life and salute you as a full time Missionary, a wife, a mother and a grandmother with a tenacity that has turned a vision into a reality this magnitude. Like the proverbial Spider with several hands, you have all your hands doing something at the same time running your home as a loyal wife and mother. You have so impacted this generation. Out there, m a ny a r e t h o s e w i t h dreams squashed because spouses got in their way, cultural restriction became impediments, or mere fear of failure caused them to be dauntingly handicapped. Will you kindly share a word of encouragement or caution to such people still struggling with their visions? How did you articulate your vision into action to get to where you are today? “ D r. N i c k u M o r d i (DNM): “Thank you very
much Pastor Katherine. One thing I know is this: this is my calling. God called me when I was so young to serve Him therefore He is the one who gives me the power to do all I am doing. I do not think I am an extraordinary person; I am just focused and determined. I did not call myself a minister but a young girl who has fallen in love with Jesus and who loves the Lord Jesus, so because of that no matter the obstacles I was steadfast in my love for Christ. This was my mind-set into marriage. I saw God in my Judea, my Jerusalem, and my S a m a r i a eve n t o t h e outermost parts of the world. I n e e d e d t o m a ke adjustments when I married. It was not too easy. My husband knew me when I was a Preacher, Missionary and Evangelist; however he was expecting these many ‘hats’ to be removed and be just a wife. But I was not born just to be a wife. I was born to be and continue to be an Ambassador for Jesus Christ.” P KC : “ W h e n o n e
looks at your website you have a whole package there as your objectives and goals, working with organizations; networking with individuals, private sectors and faith-based organizations to invest in Africa in order to transform lives among many others. How successful has that been, looking at provision of education to youth and children who would otherwise not have made it; women whose chores have been reduced by the provision of portable water and other assistance by way of technology your organization provided. Kindly give us an insight?” DNM: “I could not have done all these without the help of God and very good friends He has blessed me with. These friends are Africans and Americans who believe in me and continue to help me. As the visionary and the originator of the ideas, I do many things to improve lives and I do them and I expect people to help. Yes, it is true we’ve put many children to school. Some are already out Cont’d on page 12
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 12 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012 Cont’d from 11
successfully and continued to the Teachers Training Colleges and are now well-placed in society serving their communities; there are others in Secondary Schools we hope to see to Colleges. There are Pastors we have assisted to source their calling by putting them to school and got them trained to establish Churches. The question of financing these projects has been a matter of faith. Like we see in the Bible Jesus feeding the five thousand men, excluding the teaming number of women and children with five loaves of bread and two fishes and yet there were leftovers that filled twelve baskets, so also God has been with the little that we are blessed by. Many a time I call myself a “five loaves and two fishes” woman. There are many mega churches out there who can reach out and factor into lives yet are not. The Bible says: “My people perish for lack of knowledge”; we are out there to help people to transform their lives. I remember at one time we had over four hundred widows we were helping. In 2005, we encouraged and financed two hundred women to make clothing and set up their own boutiques. You don’t have to wait to get a lot of money to help people. The little that you have can go a long way to impact lives. We are building houses for people in different countries. In Ghana we built three houses for some refugees who had settled there. I don’t have the resources but by the little that God blesses us, we push forward. God is faithful and my heart is sold out to help someone out there; God sees this and helps me to impact others.” PKC: “Indeed your heart is really sold out to help others. T his is visible through the emotional way you are putting your message across. Africa is infested with a peculiar canker worm that consumes wealth
through bad management of selfish people in governance, even though blessed with so many riches. Many international banks are loaded with stolen wealth of previous and current African governors while their nations suffer poverty. Let’s use Ghana as an example. Ghana became independent together with Malaysia, and eight years earlier than Singapore in self-governance. Today, Ghana cannot be compared with both countries in development and technology. Kwame Nkrumah of blessed memory said: “The inde pendence of Ghana is meaningless unless it covers the total liberation of the entire continent of Africa.” We are self-governing sovereign states now but in bondage and slavery of poverty. The masses have no “voice” to scream their protest. What do you make of this “evil” that has plagued African politicians?” DNM: “First of all we would rather compare Ghana to other African nations. I will say Ghana has done well. I’ve been privileged to travel around Africa and Ghana is far more developed than many of the nations, of course except South Africa. This problem in general is with the African mind-set; the way we think and the way we talk. How we think and how we do our things as Africans must change. One thing that is vital is to change. This is a burden from God we keep on confessing with our mouth poverty, that is why Africa is poor. We cannot afford to continue “pity partying” ourselves as poor. Before addressing the politicians, I have an issue with Christians. We are so much concerned about the spiritual and faith in going to heaven and being saved so much so we are failing in our basic responsibility to God and man. The Church in Africa must be focused on both the spiritual and the physical. Christians are “Kings” and “Priests” according to the Bible, and that is how God
Dr. Mordi saying prayers at a genocide memorial site in Kigali, Rwanda created us as Africans. Kings rule and Priests stand between the Kings and God for the welfare of the nation; sourcing ideas from God that will make the people prosper. The Priests tell the Kings how to rule, with directions from God. Bible says when the righteous rule the people rejoice. This is where we as Christians have failed. We shun our responsibilities and cry foul against the politicians. Many times we think politics is a sin. That is a lie from the devil. God himself is a politician. The Bible starts with politics; it did not start with salvation. When God said to Adam: “I have given you dominion”. The word ‘dominion’ is a political word meaning taking authority. In the New Testament we read in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that Christians are Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal for us to act as an ambassador. This is a political appointment. So we have to reevaluate our stance as Christians in our nations based on the Word of God. I don’t blame the politicians, including myself. We cannot change everyone at once. But we can change one person at a time. That is why I always campaign that we can effect change. Those who can
Dr. Mordi praying for Pastors and Leaders in one of her conferences in Africa
hear can make a change. Here in America, a woman brought a change when her ethnicity was subjected to segregation; she refused to be segregated to the back of a public bus and today that lady, Ms. Rosa Parks is respected to be part of a positive change in America. We can star t with one Church we can start with one congregation. Africa is not poor. I remember I was in a church service in the Democratic Republic of Congo with the Head of State, people in government, ambassadors – they were there and I was addressing about two thousand people telling them that we are praying and we should not forget that the people with visions are also praying; the difference here is they are praying for ideas. The makers of the cell phones will not have succeeded without the vital component of a mineral even though it is a paradox that Congo's conflict minerals leave a trail of destruction as they make their way from the mines in eastern Congo to the mobile phone in our pocket. We have resources all over and we do not know how to use what He has given. When God said take dominion He was speaking to His children, not the politicians who do not know God or care about God. We do not have to blame the politicians but God’s children. So, how can Africa be said to be poor?” PKC: “Thank you very much for this insight. We pray that God’s children will know that when God said to take dominion He was addressing His children.” DNM: “I don’t think it is prayer alone. There are no people in the world who pray better than Africans. Go round the world and you will know this truth. In Europe Africans there are the prayer magnates. My question is, what kind of God are we praying to? Otherwise we can be said to be praying amiss. You cannot pray
and then be waiting. You pray and God will prompt some kind of action. In 2003 God did that with us; God reveals strategic times to move into action.” PKC: “Looking at the youth of the world today can sometimes make us cringe. It is worse in the developed countries. We can imagine what is going on in the underdeveloped countries. What do you suggest we do to help them conform to keep them out of unnecessary evil and be part of responsible society?” DNM: “How we grew up is different from this generation. They have influence from all angles molding them negatively – they are bombarded with influence from schools, society, television community and everywhere. It is a different generation altogether. But we as Christians have our morals and standard sealed in the Lord. We cannot wait for a big organization. If a person takes initiative and counsels the youth and supports them, we will be able to change things. The key is taking the initiative. There is no need to wait for money; where action is needed action must be taken. As we move into action with the solution of the problem then the issue of money will be resolved. We need to impact the young ones of this generation. Yes, they look like they never listen; but when the program is released into the hands of God, God drops ideas as to what must be done. I was going to Central America for a youth seminar, I did not know what I was going to do. I waited on the Lord and God moved so miraculously without any prepared notes or ideas. We have a God, if we tap into His ideas we will see that we will be so blessed. With the youth, when they are approached with respect and love, there is nothing that you give them that will be rejected; and that is Cont’d on page 24
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Ghana
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 15 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
¢2.9bn Chop Chop At World Cup
AN EXPENDITURE of over $18.5million, comprising Government allocation and private s e c t o r c o n t r i bu t i o n s towards Ghana’s participation in the 2010 Wo r l d C u p i n S o u t h Africa, has raised serious eyebrows in Parliament, with some MPs saying disbursement of the cash was for ‘chop’ ‘chop’. It was disclosed in Parliament yesterday that an amount of $125,559.09, the equivalent of ¢2.26billion, was used for a welcome party (float and banners), with $34,965.03 or ¢629 million going for refreshment. The MPs, including Isaac Kwame Asiamah, the Minority spokesperson
on Youth and Sports and Simon Osei-Mensah, MP for Bosomtwe, yesterday asked the Minister for Youth and Sports, Clement Kofi Humado, to give a complete breakdown of how the money was expended. However, the figure presented by Mr Humado could not be reconciled with what had earlier been presented by his predecessor, Akua Sena Dansua, now Minister of Tourism. Answering questions from the MPs, the Minister told Parliament that total receipt from government, private sponsorship and “text and win” promotion f o r t h e Wo r l d C u p tournament amounted to
$18,515,256.83. He said out of the total amount, $16,998,955.37 was spent, with the remainder of $1,516,301.46 paid to government chest. G i v i n g t h e breakdown, the minister said $125,559.09, the equivalent of ¢2.26billion, was used for welcome reception, with $34,965.03 or ¢629 million going for refreshment. H o w e ve r, M P f o r Okere Dan Kwaku Botwe raised concerns about some of the expenditure items, questioning why $125,559.09 of the taxpayers’ money was used for a welcome reception and also $34,965.03 for refreshment.
“What kind of reception are we talking about? Was the reception different from refreshment?” Dan Botwe quizzed. However, Mr Humado responded: “Mr. Speaker, I am satisfied these are genuine and true costs incurred by the Ministry of Youth and Sports”. The minister also indicated that $5,925,000 was used to pay appearance fee, $150,000 was spent on protocol, $269,800 for per diem allowances, $610,000 as president’s special package or reward to the players and officials. H o w e v e r, I s a a c Asiamah, who is also the Cont’d on page 23
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The Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA) and the Embassy of Ghana, Washington D.C., Honor Graduates
Dr. Bob Yaasi, Guest Speaker
A group picture of graduates, COGA, Ambassador Ohene Agyekum & the Embassy of Ghana staff, friends and family
COGA and the Embassy of Ghana on the 16th of June, 2012 held a graduation ceremony at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC. This was to honor any Ghanaian who graduated from High School, College or any tertiary institution in the US. This is an effort to recognize and encourage Ghanaians in the US, especially the up and coming ones to get all the education they can to give them better opportunities than their parents got. The Council's Graduation Ceremony, previously known as the Academic Achievement Awards,was established in 1996. The awards were given to elementary, middle and high school students. Each class of students had to submit well-written and accurate answers to questions pertaining to Ghana's history, its geography, the form of government and its leaders, along with general questions about what it means to be a Ghanaian. High school students, however, had to submit written essays from a choice of questions on the Ghana. Three winners from each class received certificates, and small cash awards. The Awards continued for a few years, but then fizzled out due to lack of interest, and the fact that it was based exclusively on competition. Over the years, the old format was revisited, and was found to be unfair and too restrictive. As was seen on Saturday, the new format is strictly noncompetitive,with the youngest being high school graduates, and then on through to the most advanced degree holders. O n c e t h e g r a d u a t e s 'Â credentials have been received and recorded by Embassy o f G ha na sta f f, they a re automatically eligible for recognition at the Graduation Ceremony. Both the Council and the Embassy are committed to make this wonderful event an annual program.
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MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION At Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Lorton, Virginia
A group picture of the women
Some women listening to the Word
Mr. & Mrs. Emmanuel Amoako Shepherds of the Church
Singing Group
The Choir
A short play
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I’ve been stopped for drunk driving! What do I do? by Ifiok Nwa, Esq.
First of all, if you’re drunk, then don’t drive. Don’t drive, because you don’t want to hurt someone else or yourself. Don’t drive because you don’t want to damage your car or someone else’s property. And finally, don’t drive because you don’t want to get arrested, lose your license, pay huge fines, have your insurance go through the roof and perhaps even lose your job. With that said, let’s move to the real world where you do not have to drive drunk to be arrested and found guilty of drunk driving. This is the world that says any person with virtually any amount of alcohol in their system is a candidate for a drunk-driving citation and 100% responsible for any accident that may occur, regardless of who caused the accident. This is not an exaggeration, and you should not assume that because you drink and drive in a responsible manner that you are immune from the “drunk driver” label and the consequences of a drunk-driving conviction. Most people do not realize how few drinks it takes to exceed the legal standards of .08 % or .1 % Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). For the average sized person, three or four drinks could easily place them in the “drunk driver”
category. However, based solely on a police officer’s claim that you were “impaired,” even though your BAC was below the legal threshold, you may be convicted as a drunk driver. The only additional evidence needed would be proof of some measurable amount of alcohol in your system. How to be charged for drunk driving? T h e r e a r e va r i o u s s t a t u t o r y for mulations used to describe the requisite elements of the criminal act of drunk driving. In a number of states, the requisite act consists solely of “operating.” These laws are known by the acronyms, OWI (operating while intoxicated) or OUI (operating under the influence). In general, the OWI/OUI statutes include the following: A defendant is operating; A vehicle/ motor vehicle upon a roadway; Within the jurisdiction of the court; and T h e o p e r at i o n o c c u r s wh i l e t h e defendant is either: a) under the influence of an intoxicant, narcotic, or hallucinogenic to the extent that his or her “normal faculties” are impaired; or b) operating with a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) above a prohibited level, usually .08 or more.
Most jurisdictions allow proof of the offense by showing either impairment, or a high BAC (blood alcohol content) level. Statutes making it an offense to merely operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or greater while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is considered a strict liability offense, i.e., no proof of criminal intent is necessary for a conviction. Several states’ statutes use the ter m “operating” by itself. Other statutes encompass both “driving” and “operating” as the requisite act. A majority of states and the District of Columbia, which follow the Uniform Vehicle Code, provide for “physical control” of a vehicle, in conjunction with “driving,” “operating,” or “driving or operating,” as an alternative requisite act. These basic statutory formulations (“to drive,” “to operate,” and “to be in actual physical control”) create disparate results across the country in cases in which an intoxicated individual is found behind the wheel of a non-moving vehicle. In general, courts accord the term “to operate” a broader meaning than the term “to drive,” as “operating” encompasses more than driving the vehicle. The concept of “operating” focuses on setting the operative machinery of the vehicle in motion, such as turning the ignition key to start the motor, as opposed to actually moving the vehicle. The absence of a requirement that the
vehicle actually be in motion makes the element of “operation” much easier to prove than the element of “driving.” Thus, even if the vehicle is stopped and not running, someone can be charged with OWI. The same distinction applies to OUI. A driver, although asleep in the back seat, can be arrested for OUI because he was intoxicated. What to do when you’re stopped? First, always keep documents like your registration and insurance card in a readily accessible location. You do not want to have to look through your glove box, or worse, to not find these documents when you need them. When a police officer stops you, find a safe place to pull over, always on the right side of the road whenever possible. Next, turn your dome light on and place both your hands on the steering wheel where the police officer can see them. This makes him more comfortable about his safety and conveys a sense of personal control on your part. Be courteous, but admit to nothing. If the officer asks if you have been drinking, return his question with a question, “Would you like to see my license?” or “Why do you ask?” Do not admit to drinking so much as one beer. You are under no obligation to give the officer any information beyond that on your driver’s license. Your admission to drinking gives the officer “cause” to pursue the matter Cont’d on page 28
Africa
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Ecowas Parliament Assumes Full Legislative Status BY KUNLE AKOGUN AND DAMILOLA OYEDELE, The E C O WA S Pa r l i a m e n t S at u r d ay unanimously adopted its Draft Supplementary Act, which seeks to transform the Parliament from an advisory institution to a lawmaking one. T h i s fo l l ow e d t h e conclusion of debate and adoption of the Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Enhancement of the Powers of the ECOWAS Parliament during its 2012 First Extra-Ordinary Session in Abuja. The Parliament has also come down hard on child trafficking and labour, describing both as a twin evil that must be
blotted out from the face of the West African subregion. The sub-regional Parliament also decided to re-admit its members from Guinea Bissau who were affected after the ECOWAS Commission suspended the nation due to a coup d’état. Addressing the closing session Saturday, Speaker of the Parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, told his colleagues that the quest for the enhancement of the powers of the Parliament was informed by the need to make it a true legislative institution, noting that a legislature primarily connotes a lawmaking body and that anything to the contrary detracted from the essence of any legislative institution. Ekweremadu described the Draft Supplementary Act as “detailed, firm, fair, and in conformity with international best
standards relating to supranational legislative institutions the world over”.
West Africa’s wait for high-speed broadband is almost over
Edward Shepherd, guardian.co.uk, A cable linking west Africa to Europe will not only make it less frustrating to use the internet but could help achieve millennium development goals on education, health and the environment I am sitting in an internet cafe in the Gambia anxiously watching the upload status bar creep from 97% to 98%. It has taken more than two hours to get this far. I am uploading some photographs to send to my editor, but the connection
is agonisingly sluggish and a deadline is looming. Suddenly, for the second time today, the dreaded message flashes up on my screen: upload failed. It was 98.7% complete. This is the kind of frustration experienced by many in west Africa who are using the internet for anything heavier on bandwidth than browsing simple text-based websites. Connectivity in the region suffers from high latency, high cost and narrow bandwidth. But all this is set to change in December when the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) broadband cable comes online. The France Telecomled $700m system will use high-speed fibre optic technology to link Europe with 18 countries along the west coast of Africa, as well as landlocked M a l i a n d N i ge r. T h e Cont’d on page 20
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 20 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012 Cont’d from 19
submarine cable has an initial 1.92 terabits per second (Tb/s) capacity, which can be upgraded to 5.12Tb/s. To put this into context, 5.12Tb/s bandwidth would allow approximately 20m ordinary videos (and up to 5m HD videos) to be streamed simultaneously, without any significant buffering. The capacity will be divided among the consor tium of operators who have part-funded the project in partnership with governments. It is expected that the Gambia’s initial share will increase its bandwidth capacity by a factor of approximately 16. The leap will be dramatic. The cable will go some way to addressing a significant regional bandwidth disparity. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Europe benefited from an average of almost 90,000 bit/s of bandwidth per user in 2011 compared with 2,000 b/s per user in Africa. The ACE’s website claims that the cable will “be a vector of social development and economic growth in Africa” and will “reduce the digital divide”. In a 2011 report, the Broadband Commission for Digital Development identifies broadband as a “tool of u n p r e c e d e n t e d p ow e r ” i n meeting the millennium development goals by 2015. Thanks to its ability to enable combined provision of voice, data and video at the same time, it is hoped that broadband will assist developing countries in areas such as education, health and governance. Broadband has also been linked to economic growth. A report from the World Bank claims that a 10% increase in broadband penetration in developing countries contributed 1.38% to economic growth over the study period, although this conclusion has been criticised by Charles Kenny of the Centre for Global Development for not being robust. Kenny is also sceptical about Cont’d from 7
act is not only embarrassing, but speaks the the distrust of the Ghanaian health care system. There is a Fante saying that “If the person preparing the food refuses to eat, who should volunteer themselves for poison?” If the leader of Ghana, the person elected to improve the country’s public system: education, healthcare, doesn’t believe in the very same institution’s integrity, then who should? Average citizens without the financial ability to do so can not travel out of the country for healthcare. And when it comes to education, the same holds
the grand claims made by the broadband commission, which he says are based on “very weak evidence”. He says: “T here are definitely ways you can use ICTs [internet and communication technologies] to help improve health and education outcomes, for example, but the statement that they are the most powerful tool as a group … is hyperbole. If you want to reduce child mortality, for example, you need vaccination programmes and bed nets. ICTs can help deliver these goods, but it is the vaccines and bed nets themselves that are the tools of unprecedented power.” Kenny is concerned about the prospect of the broadband agenda attracting government money in low-income countries, which he consider s could be “better used elsewhere”. Nevertheless, he is generally in favour of more, cheaper b a n dw i d t h i n d eve l o p i n g countries: “It is one element of creating a better environment for businesses to flourish and services to be delivered so it’s a positive.” Poncelet Ileleji, president of the information technology association of the Gambia and IT director of the Gambia YMCA computer training centre, believes in the transformative power of broadband. He says: “Broadband is helping to meet the MDGs in many ways, especially when it is used as an advocacy tool. It can be used to raise community awareness on development trends in health, education and the environment.” He sees broadband access in west Africa as a catalyst for the growth of domestically developed applications designed to meet local needs: “For example, farmers could use voice apps to access market prices.” Voice software could translate English language websites into local languages, he says, thereby enabling access to markets and information which will cut out middlemen true. Most wealthy politicians and business professionals send their children abroad for tertiary education and the opportunities available young professionals One of my favorite quotes from the Nigerian writer, Chinau Achebe: “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.” As a nation can we take a stand on NOT compromising our values, our principles and ethics? Can we maintain a commitment to improved healthcare and education without it being lip service and empty political campaign promises? Yes we can. In fact, we should have been doing so already. Emmanuel Gamor
and give farmers greater control over their livelihoods. There is still a long way to go before the potential of better connectivity can be fully realised in west Africa. ITU data indicates that internetuser penetration in sub-Saharan Africa was 10.6% in 2010, well behind the then global average of about 30%. Much work has to be done in terms of public policy and improving affordability and penetration among the most disadvantaged. H ow eve r, o n c e AC E i s switched on, the routes to the kind of development outcomes advocated by Ileleji will at least be open. The information age will have truly arrived in west Africa. The likes of the broadband commission may be somewhat overselling broadband’s ability to help achieve the MDGs, but there is little doubt that more bandwidth has the potential to deliver great changes to the region.
West Africa: Unicef Appeals for Urgent Funds Amid Growing Crisis in Sahel Region
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
said today it urgently needs more funds to assist women and children suffering due to drought, disease and conflict in West Africa’s Sahel region. “There is no doubt the money given earlier this year has helped us considerably to be prepared and save lives,” said UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Manuel Fontaine. “Across the Sahel we are dealing with multiple needs to save lives and help children, and the Mali crisis has only put more children in danger,” he added in a news release. Having already secured $93 million, UNICEF needs $146 million for the rest of the year for the Sahel to make up its total goal of some $238 million for 2012. The funds will go towards responding to the growing needs in the region, where the UN estimates that about 18 million people are affected by a drought and food crisis in nine countries. In addition to the drought, the northern part of Mali has also witnessed resumed clashes between Government forces and Tuareg rebels since January, leading to the mass displacement of civilians. The majority of those uprooted have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
“So far we have received m o n e y p r i m a r i l y fo r t h e immediate nutrition response. But the lack of funds for other vital work prevents us from doing all that we can for children and their parents in what is their time of greatest need,” Mr. Fontaine said. The agency noted that nearly a quarter of a million children under five years of age who are suffering from severe acute malnutrition received life-saving treatment in the Sahel during the first four months of the year, as part of its emergency response in the region. It forecasts that, over the course of 2012, at least 1.1 million children would need to be treated and 5,200 specialist treatment centres will need to be established to cope with the crisis. The biggest upsurge in children needing help will be over the coming three months because the region is now in the driest and harshest period of the year, the agency stated.
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 23 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012 LAUREL CITY TO BURST WITH GOD’S GLORY & SOVEREIGNTY Katherine Carboo, Freelance Journalist. The 2012 EastCoast Convocation of Shiloh Gospel Ministries International, a week long intimacy with the Lord is finally here. From June 25th to July 1st, Laurel High School’s new auditorium on 7900 Cherry Lane, MD 20707, will resound with the electrifying power of God’s Word, God’s Sovereignty and Authority over the works of the devil in the lives of men. It is going to be a quality time of salvation, revival, healing, deliverance, renewal of faith in the Lord, and the sweet contentment of supernatural security in the saving Grace of Christ Jesus. T his is going to be an imperative appointment with the Divine God of miracles, signs and wonders. Theme: “Behold, I do a new thing”, (Isaiah 43:19), this extraordinary Christ’s Crusade is being hosted by God’s humble-servant, T h e Re v D r. E va n s Glover and his equally humble –handmaid, Rev. Mrs. Yvonne Glover of Shiloh Gospel Ministries International and President and Vice of MEB College of Theological S t u d i e s a n d B i bl i c a l Languages , respectively.
The occasion will seal God’s Glory in this month of June 2012 in the lives of many. In addition, it will be a memorial in the sight of God and humanity as a period when God’s Holy presence met mortal men in sweet fellowship in the District of Columbia, Virginia and Maryland Metropolitan area, and beyond. Lives will be changed and the impossible will be made possible by God’s visitation. Many will have an experiential knowledge of the power of God by His Word, packaged and presented by an array of His great servants. Notable among special Guest Speakers are the President of World Miracle Outreach Dr. Lawrence Tetteh of Gt. Britain, the General Overseer of Gospel Light Ministries International, and Rt. Rev. Matthew Adae-Mensah of Ghana. Others are the President and Apostolic Overseer of Harvest International Ministerial Fellowship and The Tabernacle Church International, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Randolph Gurley of North America, and Dr. Juanita Bynum, President o f Ju a n i t a B y n u m Ministries. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh
is the founder and President of the World Miracle Outreach. He is an International Evangelist, a Teacher of the Gospel and the author of many books, including ‘Do Miracles still happen?’ As a Research Fellow in Economics and International Relations, he had the opportunity to work with International organizations, but the Lord had completely different plans for him. The emergence of Dr. Tetteh as one of the most uncompromising, dynamic and powerful healing evangelists of our time is going to be evident. He overflows with the anointing of the Holy Spirit and God is using him in ministering around the world in international and national conferences and revivals authenticated by God’s the supremacy. The program is showcasing God’s servant the Rt. Rev. Matthew Adae- Mensah. He is one of the few men of God anointed with the rare ministry of raising the dead. Originally, educated at the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology as a professional Mining E n g i n e e r, G o d ’s c a l l on his life erupted into
Cont’d from 15
asking for reasons for the increase of about $9 million. Replying, the minister insisted that his figures were cor rect, setting tongues wagging in the House. The minister had indicated that the answer provided in November 2010 by his predecessor, Akua Sena, was based on Ghana’s contingent, but this current question had to do with Ghana’s participation. According to him, the scope of the income and e xpenditure had been broadened and that accounted for the difference, adding that the earlier one was a draft. “What we have now is a detailed expenditure well calculated by the ministry,” Mr. Humado contended. Other expenses presented by the minister were accommodation and meals, $3,413,519.72; miscellaneous (medicals,
laundry, visa fees, excess baggage, etc) $78,560.05; scouting and monitoring, $106,794.00; winning bonuses, $2,541,500; air tickets, $2,722,571.73; transportation, $38,181.22 and match tickets $456,119.00. The rest were travel insurance, $51,001; publicity (national launch, souvenirs, etc), $91,534.06; administrative expenses, $72,741.26; commission (event organization), $61,892.41; local camping, $6,944.06, website development, $1,900; and bank charges and charges on bank transfers $240,372.73. The sports minister indicated that the expenditure covered the Black Stars’ camping and training tour in Europe as well as expenses on supporters and Ghana’s par ticipation in the tournament. By Awudu Mahama
MP for Atwima-Mponua, took the minister on, q u e s t i o n i n g why t h e Ministry of Youth and Sports had given different amounts as appearance fees for the same World Cup tournament. Quoting from official reports of Parliament, Mr Asiamah revealed that whilst answering a question on the floor of the House, in November 2010, Akua Sena Dansua, a for mer Minister for Youth and Sports, gave the appearance fee as $4.2 million. The Minority spokesperson on Youth and Sports asked Minister Humado, “Who is telling the truth? Is it $4.2 million or $5.9 million?” According to him, Akua Dansua had given the total expenditure as $7.19 million and not the $16,998,955.37 presented by the current minister,
action; propelling him into the propagation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was trained and groomed by the late Servant of God and Overseer of Benson Idahosa University of Nigeria, the Archbishop Benson Idahosa; where he attained educational excellence in Theology. He remained under his mentorship and got equipped to impact the truth of the Gospel by precepts and example. Bishop Adae-Mensah m ove d o n t o b e t h e founder and Overseer of Gospel Light Ministries International, Charismatic Christian ministries he star ted in 1989; and b e c a m e a P i o n e e r in healing and deliverance ministries in Ghana, Togo, and La Cote d’ivoire and presently around the world. He has authored inspiring books and he is also a play-wright and a Gospel-music arranger. T h e R t . Re v. D r. Randolph Gurley and his pastor wife, Dr. Mrs. Manon Gurley of The Tabernacle Church of Maryland, USA will be ministering in this grand Convocation. Dr. Randolph
Gurley, powerful Church planter and a world-wide evangelist and crusader of Christ has to date brought into salvation uncountable souls for the Lord. With his wife who holds a PhD in Christian Counseling and a member of American Society of Christian Therapists and American Association of Christian Counselors, both of them have authored books including ‘Light not White’, the Church and racism and ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ a study in World Evangelism. Bishop Gurley is the Vice President of Vision International University and Chair man of the Board of Regents. Vision U n ive r s i t y h a s 1 3 0 Campuses around the USA and 100 in nations around the world. This authoritative man of God is the President and General Overseer of Harvest International Ministerial Fellowship and the world mission organization. The Gurleys have a cross-cultural ministry that projects the Word of Truth of the Gospel exhuming healing and deliverance in its wake.
Juanita Bynum is a prominent international Bible teacher, prophet, psalmist, and media personality. Founder and President of Juanita B ynum M inistries in Waycross, Georgia, Dr. Bynum is fueled by a passion to fulfill God’s mandate for these turbulent times. Her thrust on character building by merging spirituality with ever yday living provokes people to pursue a life of integrity. Not afraid to deal with hard, relevant issues, Dr. Bynum preaches in-your-face messages that have drawn thousands of women and men to her crusades and events. Often addressing crowds of 50,000–100,000 as a keynote speaker at international conferences and events, Dr. Bynum has preached in many of the largest, well-respected pulpits in America and around the world. Dr. Bynum is the New York Times best -selling author of the book, The Threshing Floor. She is also the best-selling author of the book, The Matters of the Heart, which has sold to date over 600,000 copies.
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Aquitted And Discharged
Rev. Cephas Haywood Amartey, Accra, GH
The true story of Deleone (the Lion) will forever stay with us. For me, this is a story that tells about the ruthlessness of life and also the unwavering hand of destiny and the power of providence in the lives of men and women. It also reinforces the fact that no matter the situation you or a loved one may find themselves in, even here in Sikaman, the Hand of Providence can still sway the tide in your favour. This was an incredible story that played out right before my eyes. I Love My Life Deleone simply loves his life. He loves to keep to himself and stay true and committed to the principles that will keep him out of trouble. From the time I have known him, it is and continues to remain clear that he is quite distrustful of people, especially women. Either from his personal past, or the observation of others, or maybe the influence of his late parents - or whatever - the guy fears just about anything unpredictable. He maintains that no one knows what is in the mind and heart of others and therefore it is better to fear another human being than the devil himself. He also believes that a man must Cont’d from 12
human nature. There is a “Food Security” meeting at the Horn of Africa. This is where I said to them that when humans are given that which is basic human need they can solve their own problems. One thing we forget is God has a solution to every problem and situation. In Africa we have different people with different cultures. Therefore one set of people is different from the other group. It is therefore good to approach according to their culture.” P KC : “ H ave yo u e ve r encountered problems like a glass ceiling, you see the solution but you cannot reach it?” DNM: “Problems! Every day there are problems. But this should not discourage anyone. Jesus said in this world, we are bound to encounter tribulation but we must be of good cheer for He has overcome the world. So what comforts me and makes me continue to go on is God is faithful. Yes, sometimes I get
be careful and very wary of women. He loves his wife and children and tries to remain as honest as possible; to date, he remains one of the elite few, if not the only young man, into whose trusted and safe hands we totally entrust our home and children. Hustlings At Agbogbloshie Not long after he got what was his biggest break in the form of a Work And Pay old beat-up Mitsubishi taxi, he was like a man possessed and worked his life away to pay off the deal so he could own the car. In that first phase, Deleone spent more of his daily sales keeping the taxi on the road. Shortly after running the race around the blocks of the Okaikoi Constituency, he branched out further afield and joined in the day-to-day hustle of Agbogbloshie where in time he gained the confidence of some regular customers and drove them to but mostly from the market back to their bases where they prepared food for the masses. When you do the rounds at Agbogbloshie as a taxi driver, come rain or shine, one way or the other, you will fall foul of the law. And when you do, the city guards and the police who walk the beat around those environs will nail you - without fail. Mostly, these are parking related offences and you get away with a slap on a citizen’s sleeve. But if you go beyond that, you will equally be taken across the road and to somewhere beyond. Deleon went through all that
and came out fine. Somehow, through selfdesigned off duty hours which he committed to other menial jobs that brought in some few cedis to assist, after what seemed like forever, he paid off the debt. When it was time to be given the documents to the car, the owner now had regrets because she didn’t count on the dedication of a Sikaman boy who had his chance to own his own taxi - so they drummed up imaginary leftovers and I encouraged him to pay up that little amount and move on and up in life, which he did. But then came the first time he was tapped on the shoulder by a police officer as he was bent trying to lift up load into his taxi cab. He told me he just lifted his head, said a “Yes Sir,” to the officer and went about his job of raising his load into his taxi. But he was naive because in the capital, when you are bent over a load at Agbogbloshie and an officer of the law taps you to get up and beside him is a little girl barely twelve, the officer either wants to know whether you know where and who she belongs to or otherwise the dreaded alternative - you may be a suspect in a possible case of abuse. He raised his head the second time and looked at the officer warily. Then the officer turned to a young girl beside him and asked her in local dialect, “Is that the man?” and the girl said, “Yes.” And from the man’s littered lips dropped the words, “Gentleman, you are under
arrest!” At first he thought it was a prank but when by sunset, after he had heard the seriousness of the charges and realised he will spend the night in jail, the ice cold reality of life hit him. That day marked a turning point for the young man. The next three months after the sudden arrest were filled with lots of ups and downs. The young girl who pointed him out as her presumed violator had a ruthless mother and team who just wanted to draw blood. From their perspective, if a man abuses an under aged girl, the law must come down hard and mercilessly on the offender. However, knowing the frailties and uncertainties of humanity, the lawmakers from way back ruled that no matter the circumstance, man or woman must be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecutor hauled the guy back and forth to the alleged venues where the incident presumably took place. Deleone had never been in or even sighted anywhere around these areas. When some folks suggested out of court settlement, I was livid. I had faith that a good trial and cross examination will set him free. Quite challenging but through a contact, he got the message. Then it was back and forth to the court house. We had conflicting reports about the police required medical exam. The girl’s mother had the forms but will not go ahead with the tests. Then she wanted money to take her girl for
the test. The report said, no violation or something to that effect. One of the places where they led a team to examine was a room in Accra ghetto that had not been opened in ages. The area guys said, there was no way anyone could have accessed the room in the last few weekends because the rightful owner had travelled for weeks now. Deleone was also a face never known or seen around that area and they take no prisoners at the place. Aquitted And Discharged Exactly three months to his arrest, in one of the courts in town the case was called and after deliberations, Deleone was acquitted and discharged by the court. When he was freed, he broke down with tears of joy and relief and from the old Ga stock that he comes, first took a solo trip to the beach for a sea bath which for him was cleansing of “the dirt” that had smeared him. Bringing You Hope This story is basically to remind you of the goodness of God and to assure you that no matter how terrible things appear, in this nation there are still good and fair minded judges who preside over cases in the courts and therefore we should continue to have faith in them. You, a relative, or even a close friend may be facing some trying issues for which you may be facing a judge. So keep the faith and assume a healthy posture as you face these issues. Thoughts and comments via email: cardinalzone@yahoo.com
discouraged; yes I encounter problems all the time. But the beauty of it is I use the problems as an occasion to learn. But do we make the voice of our problems to silence us and halt us? The Bible says: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it”( 1 Corinthians 10:13). God will forever provide another route, no matter the glass ceiling. PKC: “Can you share with us some of your most recent accomplishments and what in your view prompted your awards?” DNM: “I have been in Ministry all my life; and by the American standard I’m now a Senior Citizen. By God’s grace, last year, I received three awards. I received one from the Ghanaian Ministers of Virginia. But the one that topped them all was the one I received from
my home country of Tanzania. It is a huge country that can fit the entire West African region. The women of Tanzania decided to honor two women who have impacted the country to commemorate the country’s fifty years of independence. They chose me and the wife of the founding father of the nation, who is the mother of the nation – a politician and a Christian lady. The women were on their knees praying when God placed my name on their heart. I was humbled and yet excited.” PKC: “What qualities are we looking for in our choice of worthy leaders?” DNM: “We must look for leaders who fear God and respect their fellow man. We must look for a good leader who believes in the potential of his people and will try all he can to help them. That leader must have a very good knowledge of the resources of the nation he wants to lead; so as to be able to apply that knowledge for the benefit of the nation. The choice of a leader must
be that of a worthy steward who honors the institution of marriage. Most people in governance everywhere have concubines and are involved in all sorts of things God hates. God will always honor those who have respect for His Word. The Church must be involved in politics, our God is a Politician, He made us in His image and likeness and said man must take dominion (Genesis 1:26) as I said earlier, we must do as He says.” P KC : “ W h a t i s y o u r projection into the future?” DNM: “We must remain united. We may differ in our cultural background. We must see the unity of the body of Christ, speak into our continent, speak over our families, our countries, the lives of our spouses, our youth, our children and the body of Christ every third Saturday of the month. God spoke, declared and called forth things into being. He has given us the power to ask and command things into being (Isaiah 45:11). If this is done consistently, by our mouth and
our faith we can bring change in the circumstances of people and nations as well as our homes. This prophetic assignment was a revelation given by God through me in 1994; and the same message persisted to 2006. But do we as a universal Church of Christ value insights and prophetic directions God uses women to give? This is a grave situation. We are hoping we will be well resourced to build many more schools, clinics and conference centers. In all our projections it is our fervent hope to have continuous youth and women empowerment programs. We are therefore stretching out our hands to all out there; every little support will go a long way to bring the needed change in our rural and vulnerable communities.” PKC: “Dr. Mordi, thank you for this inspiring, open and frank interaction. It is our hope God will continue to use you mightily for the benefit of our generation. Thank you and God bless you.”
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 25 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
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THE NEW GHANAIAN | 27 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
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8640-A Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA. 22309 (Next to Safeway, Engliside Plaza) For more info please call: 703.400.4687 DJ Black, FOKN Bois raise high Ghana’s flag at Moers festival G h a n a ’s D J extraordinaire, DJ Black and the country’s most controversial music duo, FOKN Bois, have raised high the flag of Ghana at t h i s ye a r ’s M o e r s International Jazz festival in Moers, Germany. This year’s festival featured two new African Dance Nights which came off on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, where DJs and musicians from Ghana and Kenya presented music currently being played in African clubs which are up to date and very danceable. DJ Black started both nights with an hour of pure dance tunes from Ghana and all over the continent to a crowd made up of musicians, directors and music enthusiasts who thronged the event grounds to watch him display with two turntables, a mixer and a serato. Known in real life as, Kwadwo Ampofo, his selection of diverse African music from the
continent got the crowd, mostly new to the songs, dancing.
When the FOKN Bois got on stage, the crowd just couldn’t hold back
their laughter, screams and claps as Wanlov the Cont’d on page 28
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 28 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012 Cont’d from 18
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD. Proverbs 18:22
Copyright © 2012 [ANOINTED HANDS STUDIOS]. All Rights Reserved. Cont’d from 27
Kubolor and M3nsa, who make up the duo, with the support of DJ Elo, from Hungary, performed songs from their albums. Later, DJ Black and DJ Elo awed the audience with a display of mixes made up of eclectic African Jazz and African urban dance music. Stefan Franzen, the curator of the festival applauded the innovation of
African Dance Nights which also featured Just A Band from Kenya and said in a statement, “The musical realities of Africa are constantly changing, [moving] away from rural traditions towards the rougher but equally danceable [songs].” “To reflect this,” he said, “our African Dance Nights turn the focus to current developments in Nairobi and Accra, presenting one live act and one DJ set from each city by leading representatives
of the respective urban scene. This is not sugar-coated Afro-Pop from the big cities of Europe, but raw, up to date music from the metropolises of Africa as they truly are in 2012. Europe looks forward to another great show.” This year’s festival, the 41st edition, which came off from May 25 to May 28, was organized by Music Meeting and it also saw some exciting music and performances from across the world.
further. Without that admission he must base his decision on pursuing a DWI arrest on your driving, or mannerisms after the stop. Most states do require a driver to submit to a chemical test, or face severe penalties. However, the police officer must have at least “reasonable suspicion” that you are impaired by alcohol to force you to take one of the chemical tests. If you have made no admission to drinking and have performed no tests that he can claim you performed inadequately, his grounds for forcing the testing are limited to your driving and your demeanor. If your drinking has not been excessive, neither your driving nor your demeanor should support reasonable suspicion to demand a chemical BAC test. The only common defense for refusing to take a chemical test is that the officer did not have probable cause to require the test. If the officer persists in forcing you to take a chemical test, and the test results show that he was not justified in forcing you to take this test, you may wish to consider a lawsuit to recover damages. A request for punitive damages should also be initiated in the interest of deterring future enforcement excesses. If you are not “drunk,” it is usually advantageous to you to have the stop recorded on a video camera. Many police cars are equipped with video cameras for just this purpose. However, police officers will sometimes avoid turning the camera on if they think the resulting documentation will detract from the possibility of a conviction. Ask the officer if his car has a video camera and if he has it turned on. If he does not have the camera turned on and you believe it would be advantageous to your defense, ask him to turn it on, that you want the stop recorded. This sends a message that you are not afraid to have your mannerisms and demeanor judged by an impartial judge or jury. It’s very difficult for a police officer to claim your “speech was slurred” or that you were “staggering” when you got out of the car when a video film shows a composed articulate defendant being interrogated on an unlit roadside by a uniformed, guntoting agent of the law. Remember it is never a good idea to drink and drive. Always have a designated driver when going out for drinks with friends, or make sure you have enough money for a cab. In the event you do find yourself arrested for drunk driving, feel free to contact an attorney at the Montfort Law Firm to inform you of your rights, and guide you through the process. Visit our website at www.montfortlaw. com, to address any additional questions regarding this OWI or OUI. Ifiok attended Cooley Law School, and then transferred to Florida State College of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor Degree. While attending law school, Ifiok worked at Elder Law of Michigan, Anderson Stull, & Association, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, and interned with Eastern District of Michigan Judge Denise Page Hood. Ifiok Nwa is currently a partner with The Montfort Law Firm, in the New York City office. He is registered to practice in Georgia & New York.
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 29 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
Apostle Ayvel Arnolds, Springs Gate Chapel, Springfield, VA.
“Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.” Psalm 47:6
Copyright © 2012 [ANOINTED HANDS STUDIOS]. All Rights Reserved.
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 30 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
GHANA WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Come join us worship this and every Sunday in Woodbridge: St. Paul United Methodist Church 1400 G St., Woodbridge, VA. 22191 11:00am - 12:00noon in Arlington: Calvary United Methodist Church 2315 South Grant St., Arlington, VA 22202 1:00pm - 3:00pm Officiating Minister: Rev. Emmanuel Nkrumah For further details please call: 703.342.7886
THE NEW GHANAIAN | 31 | FOCUSING MORE ON THE COMMUNITY - MAY 2012
DISH The Leader in Pan-African Entertainment
Afrotainment Dedicated exclusively to broadcasting top-quality African movies and TV series, Afrotainment Movies presents programs in English and French. Daily on Afrotainment Movies, viewers can catch award-winning African TV series and 4 movies from the best African producers and directors, starring the most popular African actors.
Afrotainment music Watch African music videos all day, every day. With hundreds of African music videos from all genres and all African countries scheduled daily, Afrotainment Music is the only channel in North America offering the best African music videos from the biggest and upcoming African artists, along with the best African live performances 24/7.
africa 24 The first French-language International news channel directly from Africa, Africa 24 broadcasts continuous news bulletins and covers the latest economic, political and cultural issues with an African perspective.
TV9ja Your Premier in Nigerian Home Entertainment is a TV channel dedicated to broadcast the best Nigerian Entertainment. TV9ja is the voice of the Nigerian in North America and therefore is offering a daily slot for broadcasting Nigerians VC2 (Viewer Created Content).
Pan-African Bouquet
Call
1-866-267-7805
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 - MAY 2012
THE CHURCH OF PENTECOST U.S.A, INC.
Holy Ghost Convention VIRGINIA DISTRICT
presents
Theme: "And they received the Holy Ghost" Acts 8:17
Apostle Maxwell Kofi Kusi Regional Head, Washington (Main Speaker)
Pastor David Brown Ntiamoah District Pastor, Maryland (Guest Speaker)
Pastor John Kudolf Ansah District Pastor, Richmond (Guest Speaker)
Pastor Kwame Ofori Amanfo District Pastor, Virginia (Host)
Date: July 18th - 22nd, 2012 Venue: 8198A Terminal Road Lorton, VA. 22079 Time: Morning: 10:00am - 1:00pm Evening: 7:00pm -10:00pm For more information please call: 718.864.4404 Come let’s enjoy the presence of the Holy Sprirt! You will never leave the same! THE NEW GHANAIAN IS PUBLISHED BY MEDIA AFRIKA, LLC - TEL.: 571.435.4576 | 703.901.4277 - EMAIL: tngeditor@gmail.com