2012 Personal & Business Tax Filing * Personal/Business Tax Filing * E-Filing * Corporation Tax Preparation * HST Filing * Discounting (Immediate Cash Refund)
Johnny's Truck & Trailer Engine Work, Transmission rebuild, MTO Saftty Inspection, Air-conditions Call John Acheampong
Tel: 416-638-2275 Fax: 416-638-2270 4699 Keele St. #204, Toronto, Ont., M3J 2N8 Website: www.ekehefinancial.com Email: info@ekehefinancial.com
416-388-4258 1744 Meyerside Dr., Mississauga, ON
Vol. 17 No. 3 March 2013 Display Advertising : 416-916-3700 / Classified Advertising:
Fax: 416-916-6701
The
Ghanaian News KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH NEWS FROM HOME AND LOCAL COMMUNITY ISSUES
Ghanaian News online www.ghanaiannews.ca
2256 Sheppard Ave. West, Suite 202, Toronto, Ont., M9M 1L7 Tel: 416-916-3700 Fax: 416-916-6701
Ghana 's Independence celebration in Canada By Margaret Osei Boateng, Calgary
By Jonathan Annobil, Toronto
IN CALGARY: Cutting the anniversary cake IN TORONTO: Cutting the anniversary cake The Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario in collaboration with the Ghana Consulate in Toronto o n S a t u r d a y, M a r c h 9 t h 2013 organized an event to
commemorate Ghana’s 56 th Independence Anniversary. The event was held at the Apostles’ Continuation Church Banquet Hall which for the first time in many years started on time at
7 p.m. There were about 450 attendees. The Special Guest for the celebration was the Ghana High Commissioner to Canada H.E. Vallis Akyianu who was accompanied by the cont'd on pg. 23
Trinity Baptist Angels at Praise Temple of Christ Int'l for Easter Celebration
Group picture the children
The Ghanaian- Canadian Association of Calgary, (GCAC) on the 9th of March, 2013, celebrated Ghana @ 56. The cerebration was attended by a large crowd of people from different Nationalities. The president of the
Association Mr. Antony Manful and the Vice president, Margaret Adu ( Magma) called on all Ghanaians to come together to rebuild the Association to better serve the Ghanaian Community. The Adehyemanmma cultural cont'd on pg. 56
AGLOW WOMEN’S FELLOWHIP INAUGURATED IN TORONTO
Group picture of members
ALL NATIONS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, KOFORIDUA GHANA ANUC is fully accredited by the National Accreditation Board, Ghana, affiliated to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana in collaboration with DRM University, India and other universities world wide COURSES: UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS - B.E. Oil & Gas Engineering, B.E. Electronics and Communications Engineering, B.E. Biomedical Engineering, B.Sc. (Hons.), Computer Science, B.B.A. Business Administration, B.A. Biblical Studies DIPLOMA PROGRAMS: Biblical Studies CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS: Biblical Studies Call: 233-82-21587 / 233-81-215888 Email: admissions@allnationsuniversity'org or registrar@allnationsuniversity.org
2
The Ghanaian News March 2013
50013010
NEW LOCATION 127 Westmore Drive #124
Email: joytravelandtours@bellnet.ca
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
EHINLAIYE LAW OFFICE Looking for a Lawyer on matters relating to *Real Estate *Contract and Commercial *Immigrations *Wills and Estates
Look no further Our Law Office is set up to give you sound legal and professional advice specifically on any of the above subject matters in a friendly and efficient manner. Talk to us. We are at your service
Tel: 647 748 4664
Fax: 647 748 4774
Mobile: 905 616 0644 Suite 300 - 1183 Finch Avenue West Toronto, ON M3J 2G2
For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700
3
4
The Ghanaian News March 2013
The Apostles' Continuation Church North America Assemblies hold a Joint Easter Convention in Montreal By Felicia Agyekum, Montreal
The Apostles’ Continuation Church International (ACCI) held a joint Easter
Apos. Anokye Manu
Convention in Montreal this year. The celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection began
on Friday, March 29 th and ended on March 31st, 2013 at 445 St. Roche Boulevard, Montreal.
There was a pouring out of anointing of God on over 400 people gathered at this community center in the Parc Extension
area of Montreal. This was the coming together of all branches of ACCI in
the North American Diaspora – Toronto and Scarborough Assemblies; Bronx
and Manhattan Assemblies; New Jersey and Virginia cont'd on pg. 5
Pastor Owusu Yeboah
Pastor John Arhin Elder Thomas Yeboah and Felicia Agyekum
Women's Fellowship
Music Ministry
Women's Fellowship
Pastors wives and Deaconnesses Presiding Elder Charles Oppong Church Elders
L: Pastor John Arhin, Apos. Anokye Manu, Pastor Kantanka, Pastor Ohene Kena
Mrs. Christiana Boakye and Mrs. Elizabeth Brakatu
Seth Boateng Pastor Paul Mensah
Pastors wives and some Church members Cross section of congregation
Cross section of congregation
Cross section of congregation
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
5
NDP: Give concerned On- Gunman, daycare worker tarians a say on future of dead, 53 kids OK in Quebec gaming By Andrew Schwab
QUEEN’S PARK – Wednesday, March 27, in question period, Essex MPP Taras Natyshak urged the government to give Ontarians a meaningful voice in the future of casinos and horseracing in Ontario.
Natyshak. “On top of this, there is mass confusion across the province over the municipal hosting formula that results in municipalities being completely in the dark about potential casino revenues.”
“Community groups all across Ontario, First Nations and the horse racing industry have been vocal opponents of the Liberal government’s plan to push casinos on communities, yet the ‘New’ government, just like the ‘old’ government, is moving ahead with the OLG privatization,” said
Tomorrow, MPPs will debate a motion presented by Natyshak that would require referendums on gaming in communities being considered for new casinos. The motion would also preserve the Slots at Racetracks Program partnership until more consultation can be carried out with
the horseracing industry. “Some 30,000 fulltime jobs in rural Ontario are on the line, and this government is not even willing to admit that cancelling the SARP partnership without a plan for the future was a mistake that will cost Ontarians dearly,” explained Natyshak. “Will the Premier explain to Ontarians why the Liberal government is choosing to reward the Donald Trumps of the casino industry over jobs in rural Ontario?” asked Natyshak
The Apostles' Continuation Church North America Assemblies hold a Joint Easter Convention in Montreal cont'd from pg. 4
Assemblies; Edmonton and Calgary Assemblies and the host assembly: Montreal branch. The three days Divine fellowship was marked by spiritually intense worship and praises; exhortation and ministration of the Word of God and prayers. The theme: “My Sufferings are carried
away” (Isa. 53:4) was resonated in the sermons delivered on Friday by the host pastor: Pastor John Arhin (Montreal) and on Saturday by Pastor Paul Mensah (Edmonton). The closing session on Sunday was ministered by Apostle C. K. Manu, the head of the North American branches. In addition to Pastors,
Overseers, Presiding Elders, Elders and Deacons were also the first lady of the International Church, Mrs. Elizabeth Brakatu surrounded by Pastors’ wives and Deaconesses. Interpretation for the occasion was provided by Deaconess Anima Asante (Toronto) and Felicia Agyekum (Montreal).
GATINEAU, Que. -Terror-stricken parents and caregivers scrambled to retrieve their children from a Quebec daycare Friday after a brazen daylight shooting that left two adults dead -- violence police say was likely witnessed by some of the kids. Police in the city of Gatineau, Que., across the river from Parliament Hill, say they safely evacuated 53 children -- five of them infants -- from the Montessori daycare after responding to a report of shots being fired. Two people were found dead at the scene -- a man who worked at the daycare and the suspected gunman himself. Gatineau police Chief Mario Harel said it’s likely at least some of the kids witnessed the violence. Police and emergency crews fill the street outside a daycare centre in Gatineau, Quebec after a gunman forced his way into the building. Omar Eltalawi rushed to the scene from his nearby home as soon as he heard about the shooting, fearful for his threeyear-old daughter, Zain. “It was horrible,” Eltalawi said as he described the fear of not knowing what was going on inside the two side-by-side homes that house the Racines De Vie Montessori daycare. “You see these things on
the news and you don’t expect it to happen to you.” A chilling scene played out in the aftermath of the shooting as visibly shaken parents sobbed and hugged while they waited for investigators to hand over their children. “Just as you’d expect, it’s scary, terrifying,” said one parent who refused to give his name as he picked up his little girl, wrapping her in a yellow blanket. “It’s terrifying to hear that a gunman goes into a daycare, it’s always terrifying. Every parent’s worst nightmare.” Once inside one of the homes, they found the body of a man lying next to what appeared to be a shotgun. A short time later, the other victim, whose name has not been released, was located in the second house, police said. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital directly across the street. The children were sheltered at a nearby home as anxious parents flocked to the scene on a suburban street in this small city on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River.
“It’s a small area, it’s a close space,” said Harel, the Gatineau police chief. “For sure, they should have been witness (to) the event.” Police said they believe the violence may have been sparked by the recent separation of a local couple. It was not clear whether the daycare worker who was killed was known to the gunman or if he was involved in the separation. Ye l l o w p o l i c e t a p e cordoned off a section of the street, a stretch of older homes in a residential area adjacent to the hospital. Squad cars and emergency vehicles lined the curbs as parents, police and emergency workers mingled. Investigators continued collecting evidence from the scene long after parents and children had left, with officers removing several brown paper bags of items from one of the homes. “We are proceeding with a very careful investigation,” said Gatineau police Sgt. Jean-Paul LeMay. CP24
Check Ghanaian News online www.ghanaiannews.ca
Dreaming of Earning a MD/MBBS degree? All Saints University (ASU) can help you realize your dream. Features: - Licensed Medical Graduates in the USA, Canada, Israel, Nigeria, UAE etc. - Recognition by WHO, MCC, ECFMG - Small student-focused class sizes (30-40 per class) - 2 campuses (Dominica and St. Vincent) - Clinical Training at top-notch affiliated teaching hospitals in the USA, Canada, UK, Nigeria etc - Up to 50% Tuition Fee Scholarship
Admission: in progress for January, May and September 2013 Eligibility: High school graduates with credits in science subjects, english and math or University students/graduates. Earn your Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in as little as 3 years and 4 months!
ALL SAINTS UNIVERSITY DOMINICA & ST VINCENT, THE GRENADINES
Prerequisite/Premedical (MCAT) Component of the 5-year program in Toronto For more information and application visit: www.allsaintsuniversity.org or
call: 416-743-9222
6
The Ghanaian News March 2013
KEEPING YOU IN TOUCH WITH NEWS FROM HOME AND LOCAL COMMUNITY ISSUES
EDITORIAL Publisher / Editor Emmanuel Ayiku Contributing Editors Dr. Michael Baffoe Joe Kingsley Eyiah Director of Operations Comfort Ayiku Community Reporter Jonathan Annobil Winnipeg Bureau Dr. Michael Baffoe
The Ghanaian News Publishes news and comments from the Community, serves Ghanaians across Canada with good source of information is committed to give good community Journalism The Ghanaian News is published in Canada by The Ghanaian News Corporation Editorial Office 2256 Sheppard Ave. Suite 202 Toronto, Ont. M9M 1L7 Tel:(416) 916-3700 Advertising Fax (416) 916-6701 Internet: www.ghanaiannews.ca E-mail: cayiku@gmail.com Subscription costs $12.00 for one year. $22.99 for two years. plus postage U.S. and foreign subscriptions costs US$79.99 per year.
EDITORIAL
Opinion/ Commentary
Stop this organized mob violence in Ghana’s Political governance
Global Bed Bugs Epidemic: How Informed Are You?
Over the past four years Ghanaians have been treated to a frightening spectacle of “officiallysanctioned” mob gangster violence in politics organized and sanctioned by the ruling NDC party. Since the beginning of 2009 when the NDC took over power again, certain sections of their party have been organizing and encouraging a mob violence which if not stopped, does not bode well for the stability of the nation. The scenario goes like this: Whenever any official or well-placed person in the NDC does not like any public official, they will organize some thugs within the party to go vandalize the offices of that official and/or rough him up. They will then go on public demonstration to demand his resignation or firing. In less than a week, the President and/or government responds “positively” to their demands and fire or replace the targeted official. This mobdirected rule of the mob was very popular during Attah Mills time as President. Most frequently the thugs will attack the offices of a DCE/MCE, vandalize his officeS and demand his firing. In most of these cases, Attah Mills responded positively to them by firing the targeted official. At one point there was this government-appointed crook who worked at the Castle with responsibility for stealing people’s imported cars under guise of “seized” cars which were then tagged as government property. His name was Carl Wilson. These will then be auctioned off at give-away prices to party executives and cronies without any due process or compensation to their rightful owners. Most of these cars were seized with no justifiable causes or reasons. People protested at his illegal and criminal behavior. The government paid no heed. At one point a senior official of the NDC decided that he wanted a certain “seized” (stolen) car from the loot. When the chief car thief refused to give him his demand, he organized some party “boys” to go on public demonstration demanding that this well-known officially-appointed car thief be fired. It was then that the government took action and fired this guy true to the established mob action pattern.
These mob-directed illegal actions were to continue throughout the reign of the late President John Evans Attah Mills. Some of us thought Letters to the Editor these illegal actions have ended. But no! There We encourage your are reports coming from Kumasi indicating that feedback and value some National Democratic Congress supporters your comments. Please in Kumasi have vandalized the party’s regional feel free to write to us. office in protest over the nomination of Kojo Bonsu keep letters to a maximum of 200 words, as Mayor of the City. The aggrieved supporters, numbering about 50 reportedly held the regional include your full name, Telephone # and executives hostage accusing them of being behind mailing address the appointment of the former Managing Director with all correspondence. of Goil. They told Nhyira Fm’s Kofi Asante, the Address your letters to President’s nominee is not a true party man. They the Editor also accused the party’s regional executives of not consulting them before the nominee was appointed. The Ghanaian News One Edwin Adade, spokesperson for the aggrieved 2256 Sheppard Ave. Suite 202 Toronto, Ont. M9M 1L7 supporters told Kofi Asante they locked the offices because the executives failed to give them any Tel: 416-916-3700 or “sensible answer” why Mr Bonsu was appointed. Fax: 416-916-6701 or e-mail us at afrocan@afrocan.com
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage
“We thought the Ashanti Region executives gave the name to the president. That is the reason why we locked the office. We asked the party executives and they couldn’t give us a sensible answer. That is why we sacked them and locked the office”, they said. This dangerous officially-sanctioned lawlessness is rearing its ugly head again in Ghana. We hope the President does not give in to this lawless behaviour of some of his party people. Ghana is supposed to be under a system of rule of law and due process. These actions of showing total disrespect and disregard for lawful authority including the authority of the President by his own party people should be stopped and NOW!!!
By: Kwabena Akuoko The world is currently experiencing bed bugs epidemic. Increased volume of local and international travel along with transporting pre-owned bedding articles, especially mattresses, box springs and furniture are some of the common avenues through which bed bugs are unintentionally spread within and outside countries. The pandemic underscores the importance for developing a sense of awareness to protect ourselves. We need to educate ourselves in order to avoid the spread of the parasitic insects within and across nations. Suffice to say that secondhand items, which some of us regularly ship to Ghana are conduits through which the pests may inadvertently be transported to the motherland. While there is nothing inherently wrong with sending used articles such as used furniture and other bedding items to Ghana for personal use, we need to be extremely careful with mattresses and box springs picked up from the curbside. Because hidden in these items, bed bugs can unintentionally be shipped along with other belongings. The importance of knowing the source of all used items brought to our homes and mostly, examining them thoroughly to determine that they are bed bugs free before shipment to Ghana cannot be highlighted enough. Bed bugs, small, flat and parasitic pests that only feed on human or animal blood have become a major global concern l a t e l y. A c c o r d i n g l y, governments in Canada, United States and other countries have intensified efforts to curtail the pests’ further infestations. Besides homes, people are likely to encounter the bloodsucking insects in institutions such as prisons, college and university dormitories, homeless shelters, recreational camps, hotels or motels, etc. And contrary to the popular belief, bed bugs infestation is not unique to people with a history of living in poor
housing environments, transient lifestyles or homelessness. Many people across the spectrum routinely struggle with bed bugs infestations. The infestation is also global, but not until quite recently, the presence of the pests was generally viewed as a problem exclusive to the so-called third world countries. In fact, the bed bugs problem has all along existed in the Western world, including Canada, United States and Britain. Reportedly, the parasites have been found at luxurious five star hotels and resorts, and according to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in the United States, there is no correlation between the presence of bed bugs and the dirtiness of the environments they are found. Bed bugs infestation typically takes place around human dwellings, which may include, but not limited to homes, homeless shelters, rooming houses, group homes, hotels or motels, dormitories and cruise ships, etc. The insects commonly hide around the seams of mattresses, under box springs, bed frames and headboards. It is also not uncommon for people to come in contact with the bugs in the public transit system. And given the frustrations and exorbitant financial costs associated with treating bed bugs, when institutions or individuals’ homes become infested, they usually replace their belongings starting with mattresses. Infested mattresses, box springs and furniture thus end up on the curbside for pick-up by municipal authorities for disposal. It is therefore never a good idea to pick up discarded mattresses and furniture left on the curbside and for use here or shipment to Ghana. Aside from being parasitical, it is also worth noting that bed bugs are mystifying creatures with rapid immune building capacity to resist pesticides. The bugs and their eggs can survive under severe heat or cold weather conditions, usually temperatures over 45 degrees celsius or
minus 50 degrees celsius. Similarly, they can live for as long as 18 months without food. This means that the microbes can easily survive through the average 4 to 6 weeks duration for shipping goods to Ghana. Thus, extreme heat temperature in a container with cargos including an infested mattresses en-route to Ghana is not enough to kill bed bugs or their eggs. The reality is that the bugs end up in the old country. Next to infested mattresses and box springs, which may be conduits for bed bugs’ possible spread in Ghana through our ignorance, are secondhand upholstered chairs, recliners, sofas and wheel chairs. These items are typically the next most likely hiding areas for bed bugs and should be carefully examined before bringing them home, or to the shipping yard and later to Ghana. Sofas and recliners are major hotspots for bed bugs, because most people use them for sleeping. It is therefore not advisable to send these second-hand articles to Ghana without knowing their sources or at least, checking them exhaustively for infestations. If possible, we should entirely avoid shipping discarded mattresses and box springs as well as used upholstered chairs and recliners to Ghana because of the high likelihood of bed bugs infestations. To a v o i d t h e spread of bed bugs between nations and most importantly to protect ourselves and loved ones, it is ill-advised to take someone else’s thrown away items such as mattresses or box springs to our homes or ship them to Ghana. Given that many of us lack an awareness regarding the magnitude of the epidemic on global scale, we all have a sense of responsibility to take steps to educate and protect ourselves to help stop further internationalization of the problem. The recognition that bed bugs are not only bloodsuckers, but also great global travellers, which are inadvertently spread through hitchhiking without notice, is the starting point.
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
7
Argentina’s Jorge Mario Bergoglio elected Pope Francis Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, elected as the Catholic Church’s new Pope, Francis, has greeted crowds in St Peter’s Square in Rome. Appearing on a balcony over the square, he asked the faithful to pray for him. Cheers erupted as he gave a blessing. The 76-year-old from Buenos Aires is the first Latin American and the first Jesuit to be pontiff. An hour earlier, white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney announced the new Pope’s election. He will be installed officially in an inauguration Mass on Tu e s d a y 1 9 M a r c h , t h e Va t i c a n s a i d . Pope Francis replaces Benedict XVI, who resigned last month at the age of 85, saying he was not strong enough to lead the Church. He has telephoned Benedict and is planning to meet him, a Vatican spokesman said. Pope Francis began his address to the crowds by offering a prayer for his predecessor. In a light-hearted moment, he said his fellow cardinals had gone to the “ends of the Earth” to find a bishop of Rome. He went on to ask the crowd to “pray to God so that he can bless me”, before calling on the world to set off on a path of love and fraternity. “Habemus Papam Franciscum,” was the first tweet by the papal account @pontifex since Benedict stood down last month. The election was met with thunderous applause at the cathedral in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis’ home city. Throughout Latin America, people reacted with delight and surprise. “It’s a huge gift for all of Latin America. We waited 20 centuries. It was worth the wait,” said Jose Antonio Cruz, a Franciscan friar in the Puerto Rican capital San Juan, quoted by the Associated Press.
Pope Francis Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on 17 December 1936 (age 76) in Buenos Aires, of Italian descent. Ordained as a Jesuit in 1969 Studied in Argentina and Germany Became Cardinal of Buenos Aires in 1998 Seen as orthodox on sexual matters but strong on social justice “Everyone from Canada down to Patagonia is going to feel blessed. This is an event.” US President Barack Obama sent “warm wishes” on behalf of the American people to the newly elected p o n t i ff , h a i l i n g t h e Argentine as “the first pope from the Americas.” Argentina’s President Christina Fernandez de Kirchner wished him a “fruitful pastoral mission”. UK Prime Minister David Cameron said it was a “momentous day” for Catholics, while Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, leader of the world’s Anglicans, offered him “every blessing”. “I look forward to meeting Pope Francis, and to walking and working together to build on the consistent legacy of our predecessors,” he said in a statement. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he looked forward to cooperation under Pope Francis’ “wise leadership”. Correspondents say Cardinal Bergoglio was a surprise choice
and not among a small group of frontrunners before the election. Many observers were also expecting a younger pope to be elected. He is regarded as a conservative, but is known for his humility. He has spent almost his entire career in Argentina and often travels to work by bus. T h e B B C ’s M a r c i a Carmo in Buenos Aires says Cardinal Bergoglio’s sermons always had an impact in Argentina: he often stressed social inclusion and indirectly criticised governments that did not pay attention to those on the margins of society. The name he has taken is reminiscent of St Francis of Assisi, the 13th Century Italian reformer and patron saint of animals, who lived in poverty. The saint was said to have been summoned by God to repair a Church in ruins. C a r d i n a l B e rg o g l i o , whose family roots are Italian, is generally thought to have come second in the last conclave in 2005, which elected Benedict XVI as Pope. The 115 cardinals involved in the 2013 election were in isolation since Tuesday afternoon, and held four inconclusive votes. At least 77 of them, or two-thirds, would have had to vote for a single candidate for him to be elected Pope. Before the conclave began, there appeared to be no clear choice to replace Benedict. BBC News
Ghanaian News TV Coming Soon
Tel: 416-241-1366 Fax: 416-241-1361
THE NAME YOU CAN TRUST
INCOME TAX PERSONAL & SMALL BUSINESS Instant CASH - Same Day Refund! 24 HOURS REFUND E-FILE ELECTRONIC FILING NO MAILING YOUR REFUND IN 2 WEEKS FROM $19.99
Tel: 416-748-2727 416-243-2764 Two Locations to Serve You Better 5010 Steeles Ave. West (Kipling & Steeles) Unit #2, Etobicoke, M9V 5C6 1712 Jane Street. ( Jane & Lawrence )
8
The Ghanaian News March 2013
For All Your Life and Health Insurance Needs
Cancer patients across Ont. given insufficient chemo dose By Hank Daniszewski, QMI Agency LONDON, Ont. --
Call Kojo E. Jackson, M.Sc. (Mgmt) Advisor Member, Advocis
Tel: 905-276-7140 ext 2249 Fax: 905-276-5531 Cell: 416-450-2999 4 Robert Speck Parkway, Suite 1200, Mississauga, Ont.
Family, Friends, Community It's important to know someone you can rely on when it comes to your insurance and financial planning needs For the following products:
Life Insurance Disability Insurance Nana Asare RRSPs & Retirement Planning TAXES Children Education Plans INVESTMENTS Mutual Funds, Seg Funds Critical Illness Mortgage Insurance Annuities, RESP RRSP, LLIF, RRIF, LIF
Tel: 416-661-9155 ext 310 Fax: 416-661-9157 Cell: 416-578-3417 Email: asare@theleadingedge.ca
5050 Duferin Str., Suite 218, Toronto, Ont. M3H 5T5
Boateng Insurance & Financial Services
About 1,000 cancer patients across Ontario are being warned they received an insufficient dose of chemotherapy drugs in the past year. The warning affects about 665 patients at the London Health Sciences Centre who have been receiving treatments since March 1,
Contact Nana Asare, B.A. (Hons), BEC Dip
Life Underwriter
is 3 to 20% below the recommended dosage. Cancer Care Ontario said the problem has now been rectified and the effect of the past underdosing will vary from patient to patient and must be assessed by an oncologist. Health officials have started contacting patients directly to inform them of the problem. CNews
PARKER MANAGEMENT & ACCOUNTING SERVICES TAX SERVICE PERSONAL & BUSINESS EFILE CHARITABLE/NON-PROFIT REPORTINGS BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & CONSULTING ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING SERVICE PAYROLL SOLUTION FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTO/LIFE & HOME INSURANCE BUSINESS INSURANCE FINANCIAL PLANNING ESTATE PLANNING LET’S TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR BUSINESS/FINANCIAL MATTERS WALK IN OR CALL 905-598-2468
1125 Dundas St E # 203, Mississauga, Ont. L4Y 2C4 Phone: 289-469-5151 Cell: 905-598-2468 Web:www.parkeraccounting.ca
E-mail:isaapar@gmail.com
Genuine Financial & Tax Solutions TAXES
Area of Service Include:
INSURANCE: Auto & Home Commercial Life, Disability Critical Illness Health & Mortgages
2012, as well as patients at Windsor Regional Hospital, Lakeridge Health and Peterborough Regional Health Centre. The problem has been linked to an error on the labels of the two drugs -- cyclophosphamide and gemcitabine. Patients may have received a dose that
* T1 Personal Income Tax * T2 Incorporation Income Tax
LOANS Leveraging and Investment Loans
INSURANCE:
Eric A. Boateng A.P.A. B.A. Wealth Creation Specialist
Tel: 416-208-7170 Cell: 416-843-0887 Fax: 416-208-7447 Email: erboateng@rogers.com
205-5 4117 Lawrence Avenue E., Scarborough, Ont., M1E 2S2
Insurance Services SERVICES * Personal Home & Auto * Life Insurance * Commercial Auto * Mortgage Insurance * Commercial Property * Disability Insurance * Professional Liability * Children Education Plan * And more....
* Disability * Individual Life * Accident James Karikari, BComm * Critical Illness
Tel/Fax: 416-633-3044 Cell: 416-301-6270 jkari20@gmail.com 4800 Jane Street, Suite 408, Toronto, Ont. M3N 2L4
Get Auto Insurance For Less Get affordable Auto Insurance Premium today.
Qualify for up to 30% discount. Experienced and New drivers, G2 licenses No history, no problem.
Call: George Asiffo, Registered Insurance Broker Direct line: 416-987-5766 Toll: 1-888-756-3334
Cell: 416-317-9579 Fax: 416-756-1635
Email: georgea@soundinsurance.ca Websites: www.soundinsurance.ca
www.soundwealth.ca
205 Lesmil Road, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 2V1
Call
416-835-8106 now Osborne
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
9
Increase potassium and cut salt to reduce stroke risk Increasing potassium in our diets as well as cutting down on salt will reduce blood pressure levels and the risk of stroke, research in the British Medical Journal suggests. One study review found that eating an extra two to three servings of fruit or vegetables per day - which are high in potassium - was beneficial. A lower salt intake would increase the benefits further, researchers said. A stroke charity said a healthy diet was key to keeping stroke risk down. While the increase of potassium in diets was found to have a positive effect on blood pressure, it was also discovered to have no adverse effects on kidney function or hormone levels, the research concluded. As a result, the World Health Organisation has issued its first guidelines on potassium intake, recommending that adults should consume more than 4g of potassium (or 90 to 100mmol) per day. The BMJ study on the effects of potassium intake, produced by scientists from the UN World Food Programme, Imperial College London and Warwick Medical School, among others, looked at 22 controlled trials and another 11 studies involving more than 128,000 healthy participants. Potassium is an important mineral that controls the balance of fluids in the body and helps lower blood pressure. It is found in most types of food, but particularly in fruit, such as bananas, vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds, milk, fish, chicken and bread. It is recommended that adults consume around 4g of potassium a day (or at least 90-100mmol). That is equivalent to five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
Our early ancestors would have had a diet very high in potassium but food processing has markedly reduced the potassium content of food. It is thought that the average potassium consumption in many countries is below 7 0 - 8 0 m m o l / d a y. The results showed that increasing potassium in the diet to 3-4g a day reduced blood pressure in adults. This increased level of potassium intake was also linked to a 24% lower risk of stroke in those adults. Researchers said potassium could have benefits for children’s blood pressure too, but more data was needed. A separate study on salt intake, led by researchers at the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary, University of London, analysed the results of 34 previous trials involving more than 3,000 people. It found that a modest reduction in salt intake for four or more weeks caused significant falls in blood pressure in people with both raised and normal blood pressure. This happened in both men and women, irrespective of ethnic group. Lower blood pressure levels are known to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Graham MacGregor, professor of cardiovascular medicine at Queen Mary, who led the study, said that the “modest reduction” in salt intake was equivalent to halving the amount of salt we consume each day. “In the UK on average our dietary salt intake is 9.5g, so we are talking about bringing this down to 6g, or if you’re very careful you can get it down to the recommended 5g - but it’s very difficult because of
the amount of salt already in the food we buy. “Bread is the biggest source of salt in our diet.” He added that a further reduction in salt intake to 3g per day would have a greater effect on blood pressure and should become the long-term target for population salt intake. A combination of lower salt and higher potassium in our diets has a bigger effect than changing just one of those factors alone” Graham MacGregor Professor of cardiovascular medicine, Queen Mary Getting people to eat more fruit and vegetables containing potassium was equally important, he said. “Salt and potassium work in opposing ways. So a combination of lower salt and higher potassium in our diets has a bigger effect than changing just one of those factors alone.” Clare Walton, research communications officer at the Stroke Association, said high blood pressure was the single biggest risk factor for stroke. “We know that making changes to your diet can go a long way to keeping your blood pressure under control. “This research suggests that reducing your salt intake and eating more potassium-rich foods such as bananas, dates and spinach could reduce blood pressure and keep your risk of stroke down.” T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h O r g a n i s a t i o n recommends that adults should not consume more than 5g of salt a day (about one teaspoon). The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that salt intake should be reduced to 3g a day in the UK adult population by 2025. BBC News
10045 St. 10045Hurontario Hurontario #1#1 St.Suite Suite Brampton, Ontario Brampton,Ontario L6Z 0E6
L6Z 0E6
Raymond Micah & Associates RMA Your Success Is Our Business!!! We Help You Achieve Success With: - Charity Applications - Non-Profit Incorporation - Business Registration & Incorporation - Business Plan Writing - Proposal Writing - Charity Fundraising
Our Charity Registration & Business Incorporation Services Do you want to open your own registered charity to do good works in Canada, Ghana or elsewhere? Do you want to register your own private or non-profit business? If so, we can help you succeed - we have helped many others in the community succeed. Honest and Professional Service - Straight forward Our charity application support fee is less than half (50%) what others charge!
We can help whether you are: * An individual or Family * An Association * A Private Business
* A Church * A Non-Profit Organization; or
Please call Raymond Micah Former Manager, Charities Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency
289-201-9539
10
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Senator Meredith Congratulates Canadian Dialogue with Iraq Ottawa, “I would like to congratulate the Canadian Government on opening diplomatic relations with Iraq. This dialogue is a hopeful beginning for Iraqi citizens, Canadians and the global community” said Senator Don Meredith. Senator Meredith, Mr. J o h n We s t o n , M . P. and Canadian of Iraqi o r i g i n ; M r. R a b e a Allos travelled with Reverend Majed El Shafie of One Free World International (OFWI) to Iraq in September 2011,
marking the first time in 20 years that Canadian Parliamentarians visited the country. The delegation met with several members of the Iraqi Government and refugees to discuss human rights violations in Iraq and the necessity of open communication with the Canadian Government. As someone who has witnessed the tremendous need for sustainable economic growth and d e m o c r a c y, S e n a t o r Meredith is elated that the lines of communication
have been opened. “This is a significant step taken by our Government to strengthen relations with the Government of Iraq. The people of Iraq will benefit tremendously and the region as a whole will be well served by our presence there.” M.P., Mr. John Weston added “Broadening Canada’s diplomatic presence in Iraq greatly strengthens the commercial reach of Canadians while working to promote peace and secure human rights
for the Iraqi people. I am proud to have participated in the 2011 groundbreaking human rights missions along with One Free World International and Senator Meredith, which I believe paved the way for our Government leaders to take the bold steps announced this week.” Reverend Majed El Shafie also expressed his praise of the Canadian Government, “My
delegation to Iraq along with Senator Meredith and Mr. Weston was a successful starting point for the work continued by the Canadian Government. I applaud the efforts of Ministers Baird and Kenney for their role in facilitating this much needed dialogue. I am delighted that this work will continue to promote economic growth, religious freedom and security for the people of Iraq.”
When asked about the accomplishments of his visit to Iraq, Mr. Allos stated “I am honoured to have taken part in the mission. I believe that this delegation paved the way for Canadians to re-establish diplomatic relations with Iraq.” L i s a M a r t i n Communications and Policy Advisor
Onkar Travels COMPLETE WORLDWIDE TRAVEL SERVICES
Guaranteed Lowest Fare Competitive, Experienced, Efficient
TDS #96513690 67543022
Registration # 50016573, GST# 81585 8212 RT0001
We Offer Excellent Fares to AFRICAN, EUROPEAN / ASIA /AUSTRALIA and North America Cities.
We also offer Package Tours and Visitor to Canada Insurance.
LOWEST FARE
Call the Experts: 905-276-0000
50011859
for ACCRA, LAGOS & all over AFRICA
AIR TICKETS
Watts 1 888 339 9336 E-mails:sk@airvacations.ca
7900 Hurontario St, Suite 202, Brampton, Ont, L6Y 0P6
MICHAEL ANSU
GINA OFORI
Bus:416-249-2600 Cell: 416-771-8285 Website: www.onkartravel.ca Toll Free: 1-877-249-2243 etobicoke@onkartravels.com 415 The Westway, Etobicoke (Martin Grove/Westway - south of Dixon)
Apollos Air Cargo World-Wide Air Shipping Service CARS SHIPPED BY OCEAN
* Documents * Parcels * Suit Cases * Almost Anything *** Discounted Rates *** Call before coming in 416-428-6176 johnt@apolloslink.com 202-4250 Weston Road, Toronto, Ont., M9L 1W9
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
11
North Korea warns foreign embassies to prepare escape North Korea has told foreign embassies in Pyongyang it cannot guarantee their safety in the event of conflict, and to consider evacuating their employees. Both Russia and the UK said they had no immediate plans to evacuate their embassies in the North Korean capital. The North’s move comes amid threats to attack US and South Korean targets. South Korea has
reportedly deployed two warships with missile defence systems after the North was said to have moved a missile to its east coast. Military officials told South Korean media the two warships would be deployed on the east and west coasts. What Pyongyang is daily threatening is a fantasy. If they did any of it, this would be suicidal” Seoul has played down
t h e N o r t h ’s m i s s i l e move: It said the move may be for a test rather than a hostile act. For its part, the US said it would not be surprised if North Korea were to conduct a new missile test, with White House spokesman Jay Carney telling reporters: “We have seen them launch missiles in the past.” Russia ‘deeply concerned’ British diplomats said on Friday the North had
asked them to respond by 10 April on what support the embassy would need in the event of any evacuation - and they were considering their moves. “ We a r e c o n s u l t i n g i n t e r n a t i o n a l partners about these developments,” said a Foreign and Commonwealth Office statement. “No decisions have been taken, and we have no immediate plans to withdraw our Embassy.”
Russian Foreign Minister S e rg e i L a v r o v s a i d Moscow was “deeply concerned about the escalation of tension, which for now is verbal”. Footage has been shown on state television of North Korean President Kim Jong-un watching a military drill “We want to understand the reasons behind this offer,” he said. “We were interested in finding out whether this was a
Finton Travel Ltd. IATA 67501490
TICO # 4308045
Traveling to Ghana, Nigeria or anywhere around the world Call Nana Osei Tel: 416-746-7028 Fax: 416-746-6806 2200 Martin Grove Rd., Toronto, Ont., M9V 5H9
decision taken by the North Korean leadership to evacuate embassies, o r j u s t a n o f f e r. ” Anecdotal reports from Pyongyang suggest the mood there is calm, and many believe North Korea is deliberately trying to create a sense of crisis, says the BBC’s Lucy Williamson in Seoul. One of the US targets named by Pyongyang was the Pacific island of Guam, which hosts a US military base. On Thursday, the US confirmed it would deploy a missile defence system to Guam in response to the threats. Allows warships to shoot down enemy ballistic missiles while they are still in space Interceptors are fired to hit missiles before they re-enter the atmosphere The US, South Korea and Japan all have Aegis capability South Korea’s foreign minister told MPs on Thursday that the North cont'd on pg. 13
Royal African Travel & Cargo Services TICO #50015070
Kwame Agyemang Manager
TDS #96-528773
Tel: 416-740-5617
2428 Islington Ave, Suite 205 (Elmhurst Plaza)
# 1 VALUE TO THE WORLDD Serving The African Community Since 1979 We Offer Excellent Fares To And From All Major AFRICAN, European And North American Cities Call Us For Special Fares On KLM, Delta, Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines And Many More
For Reservations & Information Tel: 416-964-1950 Fax: 416-964-7546 Toll Free: 1-800-335-2304 info@etravelair.com
Toll: 1-888-949-9929
Sylvester Gyebi 50011608
569 Yonge Street
Toronto
Travel Consultant
(Main Floor)Toronto,
Ontario
12
The Ghanaian News March 2013
FOCUS Ghana Airways Must Learn From Ethiopian Airlines! By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview Middle School, Toronto-Canada M.S., Toronto-Canada A r e G h a n a ’s p u b l i c institutions collapsing as a result of complacency, mismanagement and bad party politics in the country? Can’t we learn from the success stories of some public institutions of our sister African countries? For example, what is preventing the Ghana Airways from learning from the dynamic operations of the Ethiopian Airlines to the benefit of tax payers in Ghana? Is it the actions cum inactions of the country political leaders? Or is it the mismanagement of such institutions by their administrators? Or is it the result of the overly complacency on the part of the Ghanaian electorate? Answers to these pertinent questions may be wide, varied and contentious (as we often hear from contributors on Ghana’s numerous FM Radio stations) but not far-fetched to critical observers as well as open-minded Ghanaians!
One may caution my choices of comparison here. Why compare Ghana Airways which founded in 1958 to Ethiopia’s flag carrier that was established in 1945? Well, there is Ghanaian wise saying which literary means, ‘the follower always learns from the footsteps of the leader.’ True or false? I happened to travel by Ethiopian Airlines to Ghana this March and I was amazed by many positive things of this public institution of a sister African nation. For the records, Ethiopian Airlines is wholly owned by the government of Ethiopia! Its headquarters
are at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. It serves a network of 62 international destinations and 16 domestic ones, more than any other carrier in Africa. Ethiopian, as it is simple called, is one of the fastest-growing carriers in the industry. It is also among the largest on the African continent, and obviously one of the few profitable airlines in the Sub-Saharan region. What an impressive record to be emulated! My first surprise during my recent visit to Ethiopia was to be recorded at the Addis Ababa International Airport! There were numerous Ethiopian Airliners (planes) ready to transport passengers to various countries and cities in Africa! One could the calls for Nairobi, Malawi, Djibouti, Khartoum, Kilimanjaro, Maputo, and so on. “It was just like Kejetia in Kumasi where many tro-tros are ready for passengers!!!!!”
This is a clear evidence of how Ethiopian is serving Africa through effective management of its operations! Can’t Ghana Airways learn to grow the same way? The history of Ghana Airways has been bedewed with poor management and political games. When it was established in 1945, the government of Ghana had a 60 percent stake, with BOAC holding the
remainder. When the company was founded, a seven-year agreement between the airline and BOAC was signed, which saw BOAC personnel being seconded to Accra, and Ghanaian personnel being trained in order for them to take over management and operation of the airline. H o w e v e r, d u e t o mismanagement of the Ghanaian personnel who took over the operations of the airline and coupled
with corruption in the corridors of government, the airline ceased operations in 2004. It was to be revived during 2010 as a partnership between the government of Ghana and Arik Air of Nigeria. Its demise was obvious! Today, Ethiopian Airlines can boast of its direct flight from Toronto to Accra twice a week. Where is Ghana Airways in such development in the carrier business?
North Korea warns foreign embassies to prepare escape cont'd from pg. 12
had moved a missile to the east coast, which is the location for previous military tests. Unconfirmed reports on Friday said the North had moved two missiles - thought to be mid-range Musudans, which are untested in flight but are thought to have the capacity to reach as far as Guam - and loaded them on to launchers. Yo n h a p , t h e S o u t h Korean news agency, said that two warships equipped with Aegis defence systems would monitor the situation. Despite North Korea’s belligerent rhetoric, it has not taken direct military action since 2010, when it shelled a South Korean island and killed four people. But in recent weeks it has threatened nuclear strikes and attacks on the US and South Korea. It has announced a formal declaration of war on the South, and pledged to reopen a mothballed nuclear reactor in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. Many of North Korea’s angry statements have cited the annual military exercises between US and South Korean
forces as provocation. The US flew nuclearcapable B2 and B52 bombers over the South as part of the drill, and has since deployed warships with missile defence systems to the region. Chosun Ilbo says: “The military has pledged to maintain a solid defence amid increasing threats from North Korea, but incident after incident shows how empty that pledge is.” Joong Ang Daily writes: “The escalation of tension by the North has hardly affected the S o u t h . P y o n g y a n g ’s provocations are aimed at consolidating Kim Jongun’s power base at home.” According to Yomiuri Shimbun: “Kim should be keenly aware that the pursuits of nuclear armament and economic reconstruction are incompatible.” Asahi Shimbun writes: “The United States and its two regional allies, Japan and South Korea, should start working closely together in serious efforts to figure out the best way to deal with North Korea.” North Korea’s official media say the US is surrounding the peninsula with a nuclear threat from land, sea and air.
Quotes from unnamed Pentagon officials suggest Washington is now questioning whether some of its actions may have contributed to the tension, with CNN quoting one official as saying the US would try to “turn the volume down” on its rhetoric. Meanwhile, retired Cuban leader Fidel Castro has urged restraint on the Korean Peninsula in his first newspaper “reflections” piece for nine months. Writing of the wider impact that a nuclear war could unleash in Asia and beyond, Mr Castro said Havana had always been and would continue to be an ally of North Korea, but asked it to consider the interests of its friends. In recent weeks, the North has shut down an emergency military hotline between Seoul and Pyongyang and stopped South Koreans from working at a joint industrial complex in the North. The Kaesong complex, one of the last remaining symbols of co-operation between the neighbours, is staffed mainly by North Koreans but funded and managed by South Korean firms. BBC News
Check Ghanaian News online www.ghanaiannews.ca
The Ghanaian News
By Joanne Richard, Special to QMI Agency
of self from their professors, peer groups, university community. They have ideally connected with students services on campus (and are) developing support network.” Students shouldn’t just stick it out without a plan, experts say. Developing a plan of action depends on what the student feels isn’t working, says Rose. “Is it the school or the program or the workload or something else? Regardless, just sticking it out likely isn’t the answer. Identifying what isn’t working and then coming up with a plan to either fix the problem or find a better fit is essential.” The point of going to school isn’t just to g r a d u a t e , i t ’s t o b e prepared to move into a rewarding career, he says. “If a student is struggling with the workload of a program that leads somewhere they want to go, then they need to get the support to build up their capacity for dealing with the workload,” says rose. “If the program doesn’t lead somewhere they want to go, then they need to figure out where they do want to go and formulate a plan to get to that place.” If transferring to another school is your game
plan, then doing your homework – including attending an open house and/or speaking with an admissions or program adviser – is essential. If you don’t do your research, you’re just as likely to report dissatisfaction after the second year at a college or another university, says Adams. According to Rose, if the program isn’t a good fit, the student should change it. But that’s not an excuse to run away from a challenging p r o g r a m . “ Yo u ’ r e learning to do new things, so it’s supposed to be hard at times. If it’s all really easy, you probably aren’t learning much.” If you find the content is good, but you don’t feel at home in the environment, you should research other schools that offer similar programs to see if one might be a better fit, Rose says. As for a gap year, “a year in the real world often leads to greater maturity and motivation so, depending on the student and the situation, it’s sometimes the right choice.” Students may want to consider college foundations programs, Rose says. These oneyear programs are a broad survey or in an area such as design or media and can help students clarify their
goals and improve their skills at the same time. Meanwhile, Adams suggests seeking support and sharing information with university advisers. Accept that you are not alone. “Yes, there are students who come to university with t h e i r u n d e rg r a d u a t e plan and professional school/graduate plans mapped out. Others do not, “she adds Expect change and don’t be afraid to explore. Engage with the campus community. 24 Hours
Call Eno or Nana Mensah @
647-704-7103 416-509-4434
849 Albion Road (Albion/Islington)
BOACHIE Import/Export & Financial Services . Income Tax-Personal/Business, (efile), GST Returns . Bookkeeping, Financial Services .Accounts Audits and preparations .We also shipping commercial/Personal Merchandise Worldwide. . Money transfers from Canada to Ghana on 24 hour basis.
Cell: 403 383 2275 Boachie 5103 44 Avenue NE, Calgary AB T1Y 2Z9
Struggling students may have their home life to blame for their poor grades, according to a recent study out of the U.K. Researchers found that a wide range of “stress factors” in the home, including constant arguing, frequents discipline and parental divorce are linked to “lower educational attainment.” In other
words, bad parenting is linked to poor performance at school. The study by the University of London’s Institute for Education reports that “stressful events can potentially disrupt teenagers’ lives; and in some cases have enduring effects from early childhood.” cont'd on pg. 14
THE PALACE
Suitable For: * Funerals * Weddings * Outdoorings * Engagements * Birthday Parties
We also rent chairs at reasonable rate for all occassions Call George Boadi
Office: 905-851-5491 Cell: 416-709-8416 Email: thepalace@gmail.com www.the-palace.ca
4120 Steeles Ave. W. Suite 11 & 12, Woodbridge, Ont, L4L 4V2
African House Spot Bar Restaurant
We Serve All Kinds Of African Dishes * Fried Yam with Tilapia or Red Snapper * Fried Plantain with Beans * Waakye (Rice & Beans) with Assorted meat * Banku with Okro or Peanut Soup * Kenkey with Fish * Boiled Yam with Peanut Soup or Palaver Sauce * Salad, Kebabs
Joanne Richard, Special to QMI Agency
Ahenfie Banquet Hall
Ghana Home Touch Restaurant & Bar * Dieho (TZ) * Konkonte * Jollof Rice * Fufu with Peanut Soup or Light Soup
13
Home life, academic success linked: Study
Research is key to a rewarding degree Do you find yourself hating university? Is your college course a big let-down? Unfortunately, you may have chosen your postsecondary path in haste or not done the proper research. Fortunately, there are people out there who can help get you on the right path. “Too many students rely on minimal information gleaned from websites or the opinions of friends when making decisions about post-secondary education,” says John Rose, student recruitment adviser at Toronto’s Humber College. “Reading websites is not enough. Students need to visit and talk to people.” Quenta Adams, director of advising and access services at Dalhousie University in Halifax, says a number of changes take place during the transition from high school to university and any of them can contribute to students finding that first year is not what they expected. Managing lives and expectations can be difficult, so selfreflection and exploration may be needed. Adams says that second year can be better because students now have some experience with higher education. “They have confirmed expectations
March 2013
Restaurant Hours Monday-Friday 10 am - 12 am Saturday-Sunday 11 am - 2 am
* Hot Wings * Ham Burger & Fries * Banku * Omo Tuo * Jollof * Waakye * Student Special * Deeho/Fufu * Red Red Soup * Kenkey & Fish * Yam & Chofi * All types of Parties & Catering.
Also delivery first in town $20.00 & Up (not include L.L.B.C.C.
Call Victor (Nuru) or Ama Dufie @
416-247-4343 / 416-834-9699 / 416-822-1022 2111 Jane Street, Unit #7,Toronto, Ont. (Beside India Africa)
For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700
14
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Supreme Court ends effort to uncover Tommy Douglas documents OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has ended an effort by The Canadian Press to lift the shroud of secrecy over an intelligence dossier compiled on socialist trailblazer To m m y D o u g l a s . The high court has denied reporter Jim Bronskill leave to appeal in his case to have information in the Douglas file made public. Bronskill has been fighting since 2005 for access to the decadesold, 1,149-page file
Former NDP leader Tommy Douglas poses in Ottawa in this Oct. 19, 1983 file photo. (The Canadian Press/Chris Schwarz)
compiled on Douglas by the now-defunct RCMP Security Service. Library and Archives Canada, which now
holds the file, initially released only 400 heavily censored pages on Douglas, a former Saskatchewan premier, first federal NDP leader and father of medicare. The government argued there was no need for the Supreme Court to hear the matter because there was ``no issue of public importance’’ in the case. As usual, the court gave no reasons for its decision. The Canadian Press
Extracurricular activities to return to public elementary schools The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and the Premier’s office have announced that extracurricular activities may return to public elementary schools across the province. ETFO says that the “government has demonstrated a commitment to dealing with concrete items of importance to members.” This led the union to declare the end of the political protest which had caused the withdrawal of extracurricular activities in most Ontario public elementary schools. ETFO and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) have been in talks with representatives from the provincial government and school board representatives on and off for the last month. The talks have been
focused on two overall issues: the contracts imposed by the province at the end of December and the development of a new negotiation process for the next round of bargaining. There are a number of possible next steps: Some aspects of the current imposed contracts may be amended and revised agreements reached. ETFO says that any agreement reached will be “subject to an all member vote.” T h e b a rg a i n i n g process for 2014 and beyond, may include guarantees that contracts cannot be imposed. There may be legislation developed to mandate which components of contracts will be negotiated at the provincial level and which parts will be left up to boards
and their local unions. All of this will ensure a more peaceful labour scene in education in the coming months and years, which will have a positive effect on public confidence, and allow schools to get back to the business of educating great students. What do you think of w h a t ’s h a p p e n e d ? There is an amazing discussion underway in our online community, with a wide array of opinions. It currently has more than 29,000 views. Provincial education funding announced Caps to be placed on high school credits In a conference call on Tuesday evening, the Minister of Education unveiled an overview of funding for the 2013/14 school year. cont'd on pg. 15
Home life, academic success linked: Study cont'd from pg. 13 The findings don’t surprise Canadian experts. “When there is stress at home, you are more likely to perform at a belowaverage level everywhere. So, these studies findings apply everywhere,” says parenting expert and author Kathy Lynn. The children cannot concentrate on anything but the frequent fighting going on around them and will be thinking about it when they could be sleeping, studying or paying attention in class, Lynn says. According to wellness e x p e c t E l i B a y,
a dysfunctional environment with “threats” to children’s well-being real or imagined, triggers an aroused “fight or flight” stress state. “Stress constricts both the body and mind… It is not the best state to access one’s full intellectual or creative potential.” Bay, of the Relaxation Response Institute, is not surprised by the findings. “Children react to their environment and nothing is more influential to young children than their immediate family. “If they feel under constant threat, or even
worse, the unexpected but predictable turmoil/ attack, their bodies will imprint the stress state as normal. This consumes a lot of the energy that would otherwise be contributing o growth. (This), stunts healthy development,” say Bay. The study also found that watching TV affects academic success, too. TV can be a positive factor for children, but only when the parents are monitoring exactly what kids are watching and how much time they spend in front of the screen, says Lynn. 24 hours
Kachkar NCR verdict prompts swift reaction TORONTO -- A mentally disturbed man who mowed down and killed a Toronto police officer with a snow plow will be sent to a psychiatric hospital instead of prison after a jury found that his illness was to blame. Richard Kachkar, 46, showed no emotion Wednesday as a jury found him not criminally responsible in the death of Sgt. Ryan Russell, 35. The verdict was clearly deeply unsatisfying for Russell’s family, including his widow Christine, who hoped for a firstdegree murder conviction and its accompanying life sentence. “I imagine like most people that everyone is very disappointed, that we’re heartbroken,” Christine Russell said outside court, standing beside the head of the Toronto police union. “I believe that Ryan deserved a lot better than this...There is no h e a l i n g . T h e r e ’s n o closure. There’s no end.” T h e j u r y ’s v e r d i c t , reached in the third day of deliberations, means they believed Kachkar couldn’t appreciate what he was doing when he drove the 5,050-kilogram plow at Russell, knocking him down, fracturing his skull and leaving him dying in the snow. Now that he has been declared not criminally responsible, the Ontario Review Board will assess him and he will be sent to be treated at a psychiatric facility. After the initial assessment, he will be subject to annual reviews. Only when the board decides he is not a significant threat to public safety will he be fully discharged. Christine Russell said she will remain in limbo as she fights at each annual hearing to keep Kachkar under care. Her fouryear-old son Nolan is worried that the man who killed his father will hurt him too, she said. After the funeral, Nolan, then two years old, asked where his daddy was, Russell said. Now he is starting to understand. “One night he was very upset,” she said in a victim impact statement. “I asked him why he was crying and he said, ‘Because daddy can’t come down from heaven and read to me.’ Just recently he told me, ‘I’m not happy because I want daddy to come home.”’ Kachkar was assessed for the trial by three prominent forensic psychiatrists, including one who was chosen by
the Crown, each of whom found that the drifter from St. Catharines, Ont., was psychotic when he killed Russell, that his mind had broken from reality. Now that he is able to grasp what he did, Kachkar “feels terrible,” his lawyer Bob Richardson said. Some people may not agree with the verdict, Richardson acknowledged outside court, but noted it doesn’t mean his client will just walk free. “I think before people criticize something they should take the time to perhaps try and understand it,” he said. “It’s not a get-out-ofjail-free card. It’s a recognition that someone is very, very sick and needs to be treated... It doesn’t mean that they’re not accountable. H e ’s a c c o u n t a b l e because he’s going into the hospital system.” Though all three forensic psychiatrists agreed that psychosis had taken hold of Kachkar’s mind, they were unsure exactly how to categorize his mental illness and they all struggled with a specific diagnosis. Dr. Philip Klassen said if he had to offer a diagnosis it would be either an unspecified psychotic disorder or possibly schizophrenia. He suggested that Kachkar suffered for several years from a “lowgrade” mental illness with periodic spikes, such as in 2006 when he woke up in the middle of the night screaming that he was possessed by the devil and slapped his wife. It appears to have spiked again before Kachkar killed Russell, Klassen testified at trial. Early on the morning on Jan. 12, 2011, Kachkar fled a Toronto shelter barefoot, running out into the snowy streets and stole a truck with a plow attached from two landscapers who had stopped for a coffee. He then drove the plow around the city for two hours, crashing into a luxury car dealership, hitting vehicles and crossing into oncoming traffic. He killed Russell at about the halfway point when the officer tried to stop him. Witnesses heard Kachkar yelling at various times about the Taliban, Chinese technology and that “it’s all a Russian video game.” He was finally stopped by emergency task force officers who Tasered him and shot him in order to arrest him. As paramedics tended
to his gunshot wounds he worried they were trying to poison him or put microchips in his body, court heard. Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair said he accepts the verdict in what he said was a difficult case. “There’s never going to be any sense of satisfaction from any outcome,” Blair said at police headquarters. “We lost a man and a family lost someone very, very dear to them...The tragedy of that is not relieved by this verdict but we understand the nature of the verdict. It was a tough case.” Russell’s father, Glenn Russell, stared straight at Kachkar as he delivered a victim impact statement about the irreparable damage to his family. “Each day is a challenge to get through. There isn’t an hour of the day that goes by that I don’t think of Ryan,” he said. “You killed a son and a brother who was much loved. You killed a man who was well respected as a person and as a police officer. You killed a loving husband and most importantly you killed a father who was the centre of his young son’s universe.” Christine Russell said she supports legislation proposed by the Conservative government that would see stricter conditions put on people designated as high-risk not criminally responsible. It would also revoke the annual reviews in favour of holding them only once every three years. In Ottawa, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson reacted to the verdict by lobbying for the new legislation. “We have a bill before parliament that puts the protection of the public as paramount consideration... so I hope that gets passed very quickly.” T h e l e a d To r o n t o police detective in the case, Mary Vruna, told reporters it was the most difficult one she’s ever worked on but wouldn’t comment when asked if she thought the evidence supported the verdict. “It doesn’t matter what decision they would’ve come up with, whether it was not criminally responsible or a conviction for murder, it doesn’t change the loss that the Russell family, Ryan Russell’s f r i e n d s a n d Ry a n ’s wife and son will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” she said. The Canadian Press
The Ghanaian News
Kenya Supreme Court upholds Uhuru Kenyatta election win
Extracurricular activities to return to public elementary schools
Among the changes a n n o u n c e d : Operating funding will be cut, but there will be an increase in funding for full day kindergarten. Students will be
15
Your Debts Are Not Forgiven You Just Because Time Has Passed.
irregularities had affected the election By: Ken Ntiamoa, MBABIA Insolvency Counsellor result and called for fresh elections. clean credit report while Born October 1961, son of founding In my long-standing you still owe a chunk President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta practice as a Bankruptcy of money to your longHeir to one of the largest fortunes in & I n s o l v e n c y A c t standing creditors. The Kenya, according to Forbes magazine Insolvency Counsellor, Bank, a collection agent Groomed by former President Daniel the biggest untruth that I or a lawyer representing arap Moi to be his successor, but heavily consistently come across the bank can call any time lost 2002 election to Mwai Kibaki is a wide held believe to demand the principal, Second African president to be indicted among many Canadians accumulated interest if 7 years have passed by ICC, after Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir that and collection fees. the banks and the In a news conference after the verdict, and agents have Mr Odinga expressed “dismay” at the collection It is easy to understand ceased calling, then your what I am saying when conduct of the election and said that debts are wiped out. you consider it from a he did not regret making the challenge, but that he fully respected the decision. The believe that your and as current as possible personal point of view. “Although we may not agree with debts are wiped off in 7 in reflecting your true Let us say that before t a t u s t o p o t e n t i a l you left the old country, some of [the court’s] findings, seven years stems from slenders reporting an you went to a friend to our belief in constitutionalism a misinterpretation of the accuratebycredit rating. borrow money for your r e m a i n s s u p r e m e , ” h e s a i d . laws governing the Credit The law also says that, “We must soldier on in our resolve to B u r e a u s i n C a n a d a . if within a period of 7 plane ticket to Canada. reform our politics and our institutions.” When you owe a credit years, a creditor has not You have lived here for Chief Justice Mutunga said the court’s card debt, a personal updated a borrower’s file 20 years. For 20 years, decisions had been unanimous on all loan or car loan, every at the credit bureau, then your friend never had the issues they were asked to rule on. month the banks send the credit bureau has your contact information He said that Mr Kenyatta and Mr information about how an obligation to delete and you never bothered Ruto had been “validly elected” in you pay those debts to that particular debt to contact him to pay. If a poll carried out in a “free, fair, the Credit Bureaus. The from the debtor’s files you went back home for visit and your friend transparent and credible” manner. information the banks to keep the file clean. ameets you in a beer bar, “It is the decision of the court that send includes, the amount does he have a right to the said elections were indeed of credit facility they The act of cleaning collect his money then? conducted in compliance with the gave you, how much of a debtor’s file by the Do you still owe him constitution and the law,” he said. the credit facility you Credit Bureaus does or you don’t because “At this historical moment in our h a v e u s e d a n d h o w not in itself mean that 20 years have passed? country, the Supreme Court has frequently you pay. The the debt is forgiven or discharged its constitutional duty credit bureaus calculate wiped out. You still in conformity with the solemn oath your credit rating based owe that money for as If you are having debt each one of us took,” he added. on that information. long as you haven’t problems, call me at paid, settled or declared 416-398-1877 ext 201. I “It is now for the Kenyan people, their leaders, civil society, the private One of the laws governing bankruptcy. .So, it may will help you face them sector and the media to discharge the Credit Bureaus is to be possible to have a squarely and resolve them. theirs, to ensure that the unity, peace, strive to be as accurate sovereignty and prosperity of the nation is preserved. God bless Kenya.” Raila Odinga: “Our faith in constitutionalism remains supreme” Outgoing President Mwai Kibaki has urged people to stay calm and accept the result, but much will depend on Toronto police respond to several other violent incidents Kenyans’ faith in their newly reformed judiciary, our correspondent says. involving stabbings and robberies UK Prime Minister David B Maryam Shah, QMI Agency C a m e r o n c o n g r a t u l a t e d M r By: Kenyatta on his election victory. A c a b d r i v e r w a s “The prime minister urged the Kenyan stabbed and run over people to be proud of the strong signal by his own taxi during they have sent to the world about a robbery in the city’s their determination to exercise their west end Tuesday night. democratic right peacefully,” Mr Police say a man hailed the Cameron’s office said in a statement. 57-year-old victim’s cab A E u r o p e a n U n i o n s t a t e m e n t near Keele St. and Wilson said: “Kenyans can be proud that Ave. around 11 p.m., the political reform process of directing him towards t h e i r c o u n t r y i s b e a r i n g f r u i t . a laneway near Jane St. “With continued efforts to implement and MacDonald Ave. the new constitution, Kenyans can The man stabbed the cab build the globally competitive and driver in the stomach, and prosperous nation they aspire to be.” the victim fled the taxi The Independent Electoral and but fell down. The car, Boundaries Commission (IEBC) which was still in drive, Cabbie Yaw Boamah, 57, recovers in his bed at Sunnyh a s i n s i s t e d t h a t t h e v o t e w a s then ran over the cabbie. brook Hospital in Toronto, Ont. Boamah was stabbed and credible, despite technical failures The attacker demanded run over by his own taxi during a robbery with an electronic voter ID system m o n e y – w h i c h t h e Ernest Doroszuk, QMI Agency and the vote counting mechanism. d r i v e r s u p p l i e d – before running away. International observers said the poll threatening injuries. gunshots on Jamestown was largely free, fair and credible, The victim was taken A 27-year-old male fled Cres., near Martin Grove to hospital with nonand that the electoral commission scene. He is described Rd. and John Garland injuries. the had conducted its business in an life-threatening as approximately 5-foot- Blvd., around 10:15 p.m. Police are searching for o p e n a n d t r a n s p a r e n t m a n n e r. a suspect described as a 11 with a medium build. Two men – a 23-yearSupporters of Kenyan presidential 25-year-old black male, A little over an hour later, old and a 20-year-old candidate Uhuru Kenyatta celebrate 5-foot-6 and 150 pounds. officers were called to a were found with nonon the outskirts of Nairobi on 9 H e w a s l a s t s e e n west-end hospital near life-threatening gunshot March 2013Faith restored Kenya wearing a dark jacket. Jane St. and Hwy 401. wounds to the body. passes electoral test - but what next? T h e s t a b b i n g w a s A stabbing victim had A little later, police in the emergency founds 34-year-old man Gabriel Gatehouse BBC News, Nairobi one of several violent arrived just before 9:45 with gun-shot wounds a c t s To r o n t o P o l i c e room The 27-year-old near Keele and Bloor Sts. a r e i n v e s t i g a t i n g p.m. had suffered several The victim had been from Tuesday night. man stab robbed. Four suspects fled A 25-year-old woman non-life-threatening in the lobby of a the scene in a car. Police was stabbed in the leg wounds on Falstaff Ave. arrested one – a 19-yearchest near Weston building “encouraged” to graduate for part time students. and Police said there are five old male – shortly after. Rd. and Sheppard Ave. Funding for salaries in four years. Boards just after 8:30 p.m. male suspects at large, They are trying to identify for teachers, principals W. will receive full funding Police say the attack was bwuet r ne o ad evsacir li pa tbi ol ne s. the other three suspects. “ We ’ r e l o o k i n g f o r for students up to a cap a n d v i c e - p r i n c i p a l s a result of an argument of 34 credits. Students will be cut by 1.5%. during a house party held Tw o s h o o t i n g s a l s o any witnesses to any No other big cuts were in an apartment building rocked the west-end of these cases to come with IEPs will be exempt announced, but boards will at 3101 Weston Rd. T u e s d a y e v e n i n g . forward, “ Const. Tony from the cap, and there Officers responded to said. “We’re quite will be some flexibility have to tighten their belts. The woman was rushed a call for the found of Vella concerned.” 24 Hours to hospital with lifePeope of Education
Mr Odinga’s supporters reacted angrily outside the courthouse as the verdict was read Kenya’s Supreme Court has upheld Uhuru Kenyatta’s election as president, rejecting challenges to the vote. Chief Justice Willy Mutunga announced the decision, which was unanimous, saying the poll was free and fair. Mr. Kenyatta vowed to serve all Kenyans, while his main challenger Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who lodged the appeal, pledged to respect the verdict. But two people died and 11 were hurt as Odinga supporters clashed with police in his western stronghold of Kisumu. And there was an angry mood in the Nairobi slum of Kibera, says the BBC’s Gabriel Gatehouse in the city. “No Raila, no peace,” one man shouted in Kibera, Nairobi’s largest slum and Mr Odinga’s biggest stronghold in the capital. The three-time presidential hopeful faced a choice today. His supporters were waiting for him to speak. When he took to the microphone, his words seemed designed to calm rather than inflame. It was a gracious speech, the speech of a man who had put peace before ambition. Some will argue that Mr. Odinga put peace before the truth. Once the dust settles on this period of uncertainty, there will still be questions about how this election was conducted, and the implications of the failings of the IEBC, the electoral commission, for future polls. Meanwhile, Uhuru Kenyatta has been receiving the customary international congratulations. In the run-up to the election, some had warned of “consequences” if Kenya elected a president indicted by the International Criminal Court. That has now become a reality. The key test will be to what extent diplomats, and indeed Mr Kenyatta himself, can mitigate those consequences. Outside the courthouse itself, police used tear gas to chase away people protesting against the ruling but the area became quiet after the court session ended. Violence after a disputed election in 2007 left more than 1,200 people dead. The presidential, legislative and municipal elections held on 4 March were the first since the 2007 poll. Official results said Mr Kenyatta beat Mr Odinga by 50.07% to 43.28%, avoiding a run-off by just 8,100 votes. Mr. Kenyatta and his running mate, William Ruto, are expected to be sworn in as president and vice-president on 9 April. But they are facing trial on charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for allegedly fuelling unrest after that election. They deny the charges. Supporters of Mr Kenyatta took to the streets of central Nairobi after the verdict, tooting their horns, blowing on vuvuzelas and chanting. Mr. Kenyatta made a televised victory speech hours after the announcement. “I want to assure all Kenyans... that my government will work with and serve all Kenyans without any discrimination whatsoever,” he said. “Above all, let us continue to pray for peace in our country.” He thanked Mr Odinga, who had earlier wished him well. Petitions had been filed to the court by the prime minister and by civil society groups, who claimed
cont'd from pg. 14
March 2013
Cabbie stabbed during violent night in T.O.
16
The Ghanaian News March 2013
IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL ISSUES By: James A. Kwaatemg, B.A. (Hons), LLB (Hons)
Ongoing Changes to improve “the Integrity of Canada’s Immigration System” The Government of Canada is deeply concerned with people jumping the immigration line to gain entry to Canada and people acquiring permanent residency or citizenship through fraudulent means. In a desperate bid to address these concerns and “improve the integrity of Canada’s immigration system”, the Government has made a number of changes to the Immigration system in the past few years and the changes are ongoing. Among the changes is the Government’s recent implementation of measures to deter people from using marriages of convenience to come to Canada. Under these newly-introduced measures which came into effect on October 25, 2012, a sponsored spouse or partner, with few exceptions, would be subject to a conditional permanent residence measure and must live in a legitimate relationship
should also be noted that, for some time now, there has been a requirement for sponsors to wait for three years after the sponsored spouse or partner has been granted permanent resident status before they can sponsor another spouse or partner. with his or her sponsor for two years from the day he or she becomes a permanent resident. It would therefore be in the interest of a prospective sponsor of a spouse or partner to know the exceptions prior to submitting a sponsorship application. Apart from the conditional permanent residence measure described above, the Government has also introduced a sponsorship bar requiring sponsored spouses or partners to wait for five years from the day they are granted permanent resident status in Canada before they can sponsor a new spouse or partner themselves. It
The Government of Canada also expresses great concerns regarding residency requirements as related to maintaining one’s permanent resident status and acquiring citizenship of Canada. The Government claims to have uncovered over 11 , 0 0 0 c a s e s w h e r e individuals from over 100 countries lied about their presence in Canada to keep their permanent resident status or to become Canadian citizens. To combat residency fraud, the Government has introduced stricter measures to determine applicant’s eligibility to keep his or her permanent resident status or to become a Canadian
citizen. Prospective applicants for Canadian citizenship and those who apply to renew their permanent resident cards should therefore make sure they meet the residency requirements of minimum of 1095 days physical presence in Canada within a four-year period and minimum of 730 days physical presence in Canada within a fiveyear period respectively. The international student program is also within the radar of the Government. Several changes have been proposed to the current student visa program and in the next three years there could be conspicuous changes. Student visa applicants might be affected by the system of collecting biometric data for all visitors to Canada. There could also be an enhanced reporting by institutions on the academic activities of the students within the campuses, including monitoring expiration
date of study permits. The requirement for students to study in order to be able to remain in Canada will be strictly enforced in the near future. The asylum system has also undergone numerous changes. On December 15, 2012, the Government changed Canada’s asylum system conspicuously claiming the changes would be of great advantage to refugee claimants who truly need assistance and protection because hearing of asylum claims would be expedited. Under the new measures, new and several forms will be filled out by people who make refugee claims from inside Canada adhering to strict time limits. Canada has, under the new refugee system, compiled a list of “Designated Countries of Origin (DCOs)” made up of countries that do not normally produce refugees but respect human rights and offer
state protection. Before the introduction of DCOs, the Government had created another category of refugees known as the Designated Foreign Nationals (DFNs) - a term applied to claimants who arrive in a group in an irregular manner. The two categories of refugee claimants – DCOs and DFNs - are treated differently from other refugee claimants. Several areas of immigration are undergoing changes. I would therefore advise prospective immigration applicants to seriously consider seeking advice on issues they do not properly comprehend to avoid committing serious and avoidable mistakes. James A. Kwaateng is an Immigration Law Practitioner who has his offices located at 168A Oakdale Road, Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario. For a thorough discussion of your immigration and related legal issues, you may contact him at telephone number (416) 743-2758.
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
17
18
The Ghanaian News March 2013
VOLTA DENTAL CLINICS Dr. Martin La-Kumi And Associates ADULT & CHILDREN DENTISTRY COSMETIC
BREATH TREATMENT
Teeth whitening White fillings Laminates and weneers
* Diagnosis and treatment of HALITOSIS (bad breath) and related problems. There is a solution to bad breath
SPORT MOUTH GUARD
To
ORAL SURGERY Extractions
prevent mouth injuries
SNORING APPLIANCE THERAPY
treatment of snoring and sleep apnea problems
ENDODONTIC Root canal therapy
including wisdom teeth
PROSTHETICS Crown & bridges Complete denture Partial dentures Denture repairs Denture relines
IMPLANT SURGERY
TEL: 416-663-3131 Various Languages Spoken - Evening & Saturday Appointments * INSURANCE & DENTAL PLANS ACCEPTED
IN-HOUSE DENTAL LAB COMPLETE STERILIZATION & INFECTION CONTROL
* EMERGENCY & NEW PATIENTS ALWAYS WELCOME
1280 Finch Aven. West, Suite 614, North York, Ontario, M3J 3K6, Canada
LAKESIDE ESTATE Introduces
One Bedroom Townhomes
One Bedroom House
FEATURES: * Long Span Aluzinc roof * Plywood ceiling * Fencewall and gate
* Ceramic floor tiles * Built-in wardrobes
Location: near Ashaley Botwe, Accra For more information about our Townhomes and other homes please call Tel: (233-302)775 043 cell: 233-204-775043 or In Toronto: 416-283-4278 / 416-844-9161 www.lakesideestate.com
+ Prices are subject to change without prior notice
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
19
20
The Ghanaian News March 2013
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
21
SUE AND CHARLIE’S MEAT AND SEAFOOD IN MISSISSAUGA SPECIALIZING IN AFRICAN GROCERIES, MEATS & SEAFOODS o
YAMS
o
MACKEREL BOX
o
GARI
o
HARD CHICKEN
o
FUFU
o
SMOKED FISH
o
PLANTAIN
o
STOCKFISH
o
COSMETICS
o
MOVIES
o
HAIR PRODUCTS
o
PALM OIL
o
KINGFISH BOX
o
AND MUCH MORE!
GOAT MEAT - $3.29LB FRESH GHANA YAM 50LB BOX $60 If we don't have it, we'll get it for you. Great Price, Great Quality, Great Service
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Tel: 905 896 2226 or 905 896 3663 3057 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, L5A 2G9
22
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Tax Tips • If your Ontario Trillium Benefits is less $360, it will be paid in a lump-sum on July 10, 2013 • Last day for RRSP contribution is 1st March 2013 I WILL LIKE YOU TO SAVE YOUR RRSP CONTRIBUTIONS WITH ME THIS YEAR No Money? No Problem, Loans are available
Ghanaian News online www.ghanaiannews.ca
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
23
Ghana 's Independence celebration in Canada cont'd from pg. 1
Ghana Consul General of Toronto, Kodjo Mawutor. In attendance was long retinue of various traditional chiefs and queen mothers of the Ghanaian cultural associations in Toronto amid the playing of
Fontomfrom and other cultural songs to herald their arrival. Some of these were Nana Bresiamah Anokye, Asantefuohene o f To r o n t o , N a n a La Kumi Sasraku I, Okuapemanhene of Toronto, Togbi Zoniyira
IV of Anloga-Lashibi, Ghana, Ga Mantse of Ga Adangbes in Toronto, Nii Kwei Aku V and Nana Atuahene Karikari II, Pease Nkosuohene, Ghana. Also in attendance were leaders from the faith-
b a s e d o rg a n i z a t i o n s including the Rt. Rev. Dr. Asare Kusi of Ghana Methodist Church, Rev. Frank O. Adu, Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, Pastor James McKeown Quainoo, Easter Canada Area Head and McKeown
District Pastor of Church of Pentecost, Apostle F.Y. Agyeman of the Apostolic Church Internationa, Snr. Pastor Isaac Takyi De-Graft of Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, and Apostle Charles Anokye Manu of the
! "# !
$! % &
'()**(+*"(",", ---. !& / .0
Apostles’ Continuation Church. There were also some members of the diplomatic corps present. There were cultural displays during the event. Opening prayer was offered by Apostle F.Y. Agyeman. Rendition of the Canadian national anthem after the Ghanaian national anthem was by Ms Dorothy Frimpong. Justice Kofi Barnes, Ontario Superior Court of Justice Judge was also in attendance to grace the occasion. The High Commissioner brought greetings from the Ghana government and assured the Ghanaian community in Canada of his preparedness to work with them. He added that he came to serve the people so they should feel free to come to him with their concerns and suggestions. Afterwards the Gye Nyame Pathfinders marched within the hall and presented their colours to the High Commissioner after which he inspected a g u a r d o f h o n o u r. Closing prayer was done by Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare Kusi after which the revelers were entertained to dance music. The event was co-sponsored by MoneyGram and Ethiopian Airlines.
24
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Boachi Fine Tailoring Custom Tailoring and Fashion Design For Men and ladies Contact: Kwame 905-794-1604 (Bus) 416-994-8208 (Cell) 55 Crystalview Cres, Brampton, Ont. (The Gore/Ebenezer) Email: boachitailor@yahoo.com
New Light Chapel International 190 BOVAIRD DRIVE, UNIT 12 @ HWY 10, BRAMPTON You have been to Calvary for pardon, but you have not been to Pentecost for power. We invite you to worship with us and experience the Pentecostal power in your life.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE. Sunday - Divine Worship 10am- 12pm Wednesday - Bible Study 7pm - 10pm (Call ahead) Friday Prayer Meeting 7pm - 10pm (Call ahead)
Rev. Kwaku Asare
For information call: Rev. Kwaku Asare
905-654-7364, 905-840-2012, 416-270-6822
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
25
ISLINGTON NORTH CHIROPRACTIC Dr. M. Agyemang, B.Sc. (Hons.), D.C.
Your Personal Invitation Come and enjoy your Dental experience with
Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
Dr. George Boahene Ansong
NOW INTRODUCES:
General Dentistry For the Entire Family
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY STATE OF THE ART TREATMENT FOR:
Cosmetic Dentistry Gum treatment Surgery Dentures White Fillings
Call Us At: 416-748-8866
Mondays to Thursdays 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturdays By Appointment 7007 ISLINGTON AVE., UNIT 14, Woodbridge, Ont, L4L 4T5 (North-East corner of Islington/Steeles)
EC FR E
Various Languages Spoken
Evening and Saturday Appointments Always Available
All Dental Insurance Plans accepted
Al
bio
Teeth Whitening $69.00 per arch Reg. $299.00 Limited time Offer
Save $150.00
nR
d. Royal Dental Care
Martin Grove Rd.
CLINIC HOURS:
ON
1625 Albion Road, Suite 107
Tel: 416-747-5888 / 905-264-8010 Fax: 416-747-1930 / 905-264-9010
ON
We also offer these services: 1. Motor Vehicle Accident 2. Extended health care 3. Soft tissue massage 4. Custom made orthotics
Family Dentistry Crowns & Bridges Teeth Whitening Root Canal Treatment Cleaning
SU LT AT I
1. Protruding and Herniating Discs 2. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) 3. Spinal Root Impingment 4. Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) 5. Compression Fractures
Emergency & New Patients Welcome
P & C Rehabilitation Services Dr. Paul Agyemang, BHK (Hons) CSCS.DC. Chiropractor 1749 Jane Street, Unit 2, Toronto, Ontario, M9N 2S5
416 652-6223
Tel: 416-245-0280 Fax: 416-245-7505
We accept all kinds of Drug Plan Seniors and O.D.B. assistant patients we waive $2.00 copay Free glucometer when buy 1 box of Test Strips Free delivery Service
HOURS OF OPERATION We open 7 days a week Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Holidays: Closed
Offering Excellent Services In: Dr. Paul Agyemang, Chiropractic Treatment BHK (Hons) CSCS.DC. Physiotherapy Treatment MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) WSIB (Workplace Safety Insurance Bureau) Massage Therapy Custom made orthotics Work Conditioning Program Extended Health Care Acupuncture
Clinic Hours Monday Tuesday Wednesday
10 am - 7 pm 10 am - 7 pm 10 am - 1 pm
Tel: 416-652-6223
Thursday 10 am - 7 pm Friday 10 am - 6 pm Saturday CLOSED
Fax: 416-661-4970
2100 Finch Avenue, W., Suite 310 1749 Jane Street, Unit 2, Toronto, Ont.
Located Inside Norfinch Medical Building. Directly opposite Humber River Hospital-Finch site
26
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Central Market
We Carry All Your Tropical Grocery Items For All Your Family Grocery Needs * Fresh Ghana Yam (Pona) * Palm Oil * Titus Sardine * Exeter Corned Beef * Accra Kenkey * Akwaabi * Fresh Garden Eggs * Red Snapper And much more at discount prices We are open 7 Days a week. Sundays from 12 noon to 6:00 pm
Tel: 416-745-5928 5010 Steeles Ave. W., Unit 2B, Etobicoke (Steeles/Kipling)
OBAAPA
The Superstore * African * Caribbean Foods
Ghanaian News TV Coming Soon
INDIA AFRICA GROCERS LTD. For all your Ghanaian and Nigerian Groceries Produce, Meat, Fish etc..
Buy anything by the box and SAVE!! 1 Steeles Ave. East #12 (Steeles /Hurontario, KFC Plaza) Brampton, Ont. L6W 4J5
Phone: 905-874-8053 Business Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 8:30 pm * Sat.: 9 am - 9 pm Sun.: 11 am - 5 pm Open most holidays
UNCLE SETH TROPICAL FOODS
LARGE SELECTION OF BEAUTY & HAIR PRODUCTS Excellent Prices, Courteous, One Stop Shopping
Tel: (416) 241-5435 2121 Jane Str. Downsview, Ont., M3M 1A2
New Kantamanto Market Under New Management Specializing In African and Caribbean Food & Hair Products
Open 7 Days A Week Specializing in African, Caribbean, Asian & Canadian Foods
*WHITE RICE * WHITE CORN FLOUR *ACCRA KENKEY WHITE CORN MEAL * POTATO FLAKES *POTATO STARCH * OX HEAD SCENTED RICE *PALM SOUP *GRACE KENNEDY SCENTED RICE *GARI *ALREADY MIXED FUFU *ADWENE *KONKONTE * FRESH PONA YAMS *ASANKA *KOOBI *QUALITY ZOMI *GHANA BREAD *BODIE FUFU *SHITO
Food Containers On Sale
Twins Sister Tel: 416-235-1470 Cell: 416-948-2531
1288 Wilson Avenue, Unit #D, Toronto, Ontario
African and Carribean Grocery Store
Tel: 416-249-7007
VISIT OUR FISH
MARKET AND BUTCHER SHOP We open 7 days a week. We also deliver OUR BEAUTY AND HAIR PRODUCTS One of the Largest Selection
Tel:
* Amane * Palm Oil * Atadwe * Adwene * Zomi Oil *Werewere * Fufu * Fish * Momone * Alata Samina * Rice * Fresh Yam * Nkuto * Garden Eggs * Goat Meat * Apem * Koobi * Shito * Kenkey * Geisha * Kpako * Gari * Kokonte * Asanka
416-288-9330
The * Fresh Ghana Yams (Pona) * Palm Oil Lowest * Titus Sardine * Exeter Corned Beef Prices in * Accra Kenkey * Akwaabi Town * Fresh Garden Eggs * Red Snapper * And much more at discount prices
Denton * Red Snapper * Tilapia * King Fish Steak * Mackerell We are open Monday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
2069 Lawrence Ave. E. Scarborough, Ont.
1712 Jane Street, Toronto (Jane/Lawrence)
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
27
Yityish Aynaw: First black Miss Israel dines with Obama It’s been an astonishing three weeks for Yityish Aynaw, an immigrant orphan from Ethiopia, who became the first black Miss Israel last month, was invited t o T h u r s d a y ’s g a l a dinner with visiting US President Barack Obama. When Yityish Aynaw arrived in Israel as a 12-year-old, winning beauty contests and dining with presidents was as far from her thoughts as her native Ethiopia is from her adopted land. Her mother had just died, leaving her an orphan her father had died years
earlier. So her mother’s parents, who were among thousands of Ethiopian Jews already living in Israel, arrived in Addis Ababa to fetch Yityish and her older brother. In their new home, they had to learn Hebrew from scratch. “It wasn’t easy because I couldn’t speak the language and I was put into a regular class without any help,” Aynaw, now 21, told the BBC World Service. “It was a new language. It was a new culture. Quite often children
Yityish Aynaw, Miss Israel even laughed at me,” she says, though she adds that she also met many kind people. B u t Ay n a w w a s determined to succeed in her adopted country.
“I felt a responsibility to prove myself in everything I did and to improve myself as well,” she says. After school, like most other Israelis, she performed military service. She then stayed on in the army and was serving as an officer when she left, after three years, in September last year. Before she was selected as Miss Israel on 27 February, she was a manager in a shoe shop in Netanya. “For people from my country of origin it is a
source of great pride,” she says of her new title. During the competition she named the black American civil rights leader Martin Luther King as one of her heroes. Her victory is great for us because it shows that the most beautiful woman is black and that people accept difference” “He fought for justice and equality, and that’s one of the reasons I’m here. I want to show that my community has many beautiful qualities that aren’t always
represented in the media,” she said at the time. But another hero, she told the BBC, was the US president. “I was influenced and inspired by Obama. Like him, I was also raised by my grandmother. Nothing was handed to me on a plate and like him I also had to work very hard and long to achieve things in my life. To this day he inspires me just as he inspires the rest of the world,” she says. “I couldn’t believe that cont'd on pg. 47
63 Dundas West, Mississauga, Ont
BANTAMA Supermarket
Tel: 905-281-9515
Quality Products from Africa & Caribbean
African Caribbean Groceries Inc
Business Hours Monday - Wednesday Thursday - Friday Saturday Sunday
-
10:00am - 8:00pm 10:00am - 9:00pm 9:30am - 6:30pm 12:30pm - 5:30pm
NEW LOCATION 63 Dundas West of Hurontario Mississauga, Ontario
M A K O L A Tropical Foods THE SUPERMARKET IN THE HEART OF ACCRA-GHANA IS NOW HERE IN THE HEART OF TORONTO QUALITY FOODS
BEST PRICES IN TOWN
fresh yam * plantain * ccocyam * adwene* koobi * abodoi * egusi * gari * kokonte * goat meat * fufu * kenkey * snails * herrings *sugar bread etc. etc. TWO LOCATION TO SERVE YOU 2400 Finch Ave. W., #2B Toronto, Ontario (Finch/Milvan)
Our Products: * White Yams * Smoked Cat Fish (Pitre) *Smoked Herrings (Amane) * Smoked Herrings (Nsisaawa) * African Ocean Mackeral in chilli sauce or in tomates * And much more....
tel: 647-764-0159 / 647-764-2335 2300 finch ave. w., unit #48, toronto, ont., m9m 2y3
Atwima Marfo Enterprise
(Formerly East-End Tropical Market)
287 Morningside Avenue
9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jane & Wilson Opposite Sheridan Mall (Behind Burger King Next to Jerry)
Tel: 416-740-9922 / 416-824-3737 / 416-244-4496
Asafo Market
(Behind old store) * African Yam * Chicken * Box of Mackerel * Burnt Goat * Red Mullet * Ram Goat Meat * Carnation Milk * Black Soap
* Obaatan Pa Mackerel * Goat Head * Clean Tilapia * Box of Red Snapper * Ackees * Chicken Legs * Grace Soup Mix
* Roasted Hard * African Snapper * Shea Butter * King Fish Steak * Goudas White Rice * Pig Tail * Yellow Yam
R & G African and Caribbean Grocery Inc. WAAKYE - WEEK-END SPECIAL - $5.99 (TAKE-OUT)
* Yam * Gari * Rice * Accra Kenkey * Can Food * Dry Fish * Koobi * Akwaabi Fish * And many more
Call Rita or George
Tel: 416-650-5368
391 Driftwood Court (Jane/Driftwood)
Guranteed Lowest Prices on All African Foods Videos and CDs
Cosmetics Tel: 416-286-0516
28
The Ghanaian News March 2013
BUSINESS Being Your Own Boss: “It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone By Eddie Twumasi Smith Bsc(Hons) Chem Eng, MBA,CGA, CPA
”I want to use this opportunity to thank all those who read my column, send comments, criticisms and share other ideas. I guess through this, we can grow as a community and learn from one another. My desire has been to raise awareness on the need for our community to think and act differently in ways to better our lives in areas of alternative income, investments or portfolio of assets, for those of our baby boomer generation, or generations X and Y. I hope through these articles, I will be able to encourage someone now or later to believe in him or herself on how to translate opportunities around us into long term benefits as well as avoiding threats or other bottlenecks during start-ups. Our neighbors and partners in the community from Asian have done so well in these areas and have provided us with enough examples to emulate. I have a story to share and before proceeding, I must add that, I have the approval of the person whose story I am about to share. A reader of the Ghanaian News recently responded to my previous article entitled “SelfEmployment: A Career Option”, asking me for an advice on what steps to take to be able to start his own business. The basis for his decision was that he was not happy with his current job. He indicated there was tremendous work related pressure, there was no job security since their company is a takeover candidate by another mega company, hence he suspect he might loose his managerial role when the to-be parent company embark on an organizational restructuring sooner or later. He has over 15 years managerial experience in various industries in Canada & USA, a mortgage and other investments. With
these resources, he thinks he has the financial “muscle” to enable him to quit his current job and start a franchise business
skills, have a passion to utilize your talents and the talents of others to achieve your targets. Also worth considering are:
I asked him which area of activity he might choose or think best to venture in?. What was his present area of activity or opportunity/ market that he would like to offer services or products? Apparently, he had not thought about these basic questions yet but wanted to know where (areas for business opportunities); and how to start a new enterprise?
- What products or services? On what basis was this arrived at? On the basis of a detailed market survey, or general perception, hearsay or competitive advantage? This will require a detailed assessment of the current market, competition, pricing, What advantage(s) of your product or services will the buyer gain? Will this be sustainable?
I was a little baffled and wasn’t sure if my dear reader was really thinking right? Or could it be that he does not want to share his trade secrets or business plans with me? I really didn’t want the details but just the high level stuff or plan before offering my candid advise. The world is full of surprises and the last couple of weeks; I had my fair share of those. I could not conclude or understand the motives of my dear reader but guess that, this man was just looking for an escape “channel” from a job that is not challenging anymore, probably boring or that which he does not see any future in the years ahead. For me, that is not strong bases for wanting to start his or for that matter your own business. If one cannot manage the stress that comes with managerial roles in a corporate world, then I can safely argue that such personalities will not be able to survive the challenges of running their own business or a franchise.
- Has anyone failed in similar business before and are you in a position to take care of and overcome these initial challenges?
I think there is the need for us to challenge ourselves a bit more, think a little more, find a passion, utilize our talents in a positive way and consider other factors such as: A. Why do you want to start a new venture? If it is purely for earning more, although there is nothing wrong to wish to earn more, such efforts normally do not succeed. If you are sick of the present job and want to be your own boss, this also might not be a convincing reason. A desire for accomplishment is a better reason. It is even better if you acquire some expertise, knowledge,
- Why do you think you will succeed? Analyze your qualities, both positive and negative with respect to your plans. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. What are your capabilities, expertise, present financial position, and mindset or confidence to take risks? - Have you checked your cashflow and keeping adequate safety margin? - Location of factory, office, and workforce required technical expertise to support your product or services? - Time required for implementation of product or services? How long it will take to get the set up ready and running? Time frame for testing some trial products or penetrating the market or breaking established competition? - Ta x e s , o b t a i n i n g government clearance or required license to operate business? - Consideration for distribution outlets for products and contractual agreements with trade partners? - What are the possible reasons for which your plans can fail? If you cannot find any then it is more probable that you will not succeed B. After all the above considerations, you are now set to quantify the cont'd on pg. 45
Negotiating a Commercial Agreement - Do I Need a Lawyer? By: Jayson Schwarz LLM and Konstantine Chatzidimos Anyone who has purchased an existing business can appreciate the financial risks associated with such a venture: start-up outlays of capital can be significant, Banks want personal guarantees most of the time and personal assets often need be mortgaged to finance the new business. Given the significant degree of risk and uncertainty which cannot be controlled, it is advisable to seize your only opportunity to manage the risk which can be controlled. By this I mean the negotiation and drafting of an effective Agreement of Purchase and Sale (“APS”). Sadly, many purchasers blindly rely on only the standard boilerplate provisions of the OREA (Ontario Real Estate Assoc.) form of agreement to protect their interests and retain a commercial solicitor only when the deal is firm. This is poor decision-making and exposes you to large potential risk. While the OREA form does address many key issues, it does so in a largely cursory manner, often lacking the detail required to adequately safeguard your interests. Only a lawyer will consider many of the other matters that need to be included in your APS. Here is a sample list of items that could be considered in an APS. Although this list is not intended to be comprehensive it shows how vital the right advice is in order to protect yourself. You should always see a lawyer before signing an APS. * Amount of cash flow generated by the property – How do I make sure it is what they say it is? * Level of expenditure on property maintenance, management and taxes needed to sustain that cash flow over time – How can I ensure the numbers are right and will be maintained or not increase? * Quality of the lease documents in place supporting that cash flow and the availability of statements from the tenants (called “estoppel certificates”) to confirm that there are no potential expenses, claims or liabilities pending; * Whether the permitted uses for the property, under applicable zoning by-laws, are flexible enough to allow adaptability in the type of tenants attracted in the future without a change in
the zoning being required; * Whether the property complies with all applicable environmental laws and regulations or whether there are any prospective costs of environmental cleanup – What searches do I need? How long to do them? What happens if the results are bad? * The quality of existing building management if to be assumed as well as future issues relating to the management of the property and what about employees if any? and, * The existence of any service contracts for elevator maintenance, roof maintenance, security systems, etc., and the ability to both assume or terminate such service contracts and re-tender them to better operators on short notice as of the closing date of the purchase. * Tax exposure – provincial or federal, municipal requirements – Are the taxes paid? These are but a few of the issues which must be addressed in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and which will affect the content of the promises or “covenants” contained in the document. As you can ascertain, a properly drafted Agreement serves to mitigate and manage the inherent risks, provided the Agreement allows for full disclosure and investigation, anticipates pre-closing risks and assigns rights and responsibilities appropriately. In conclusion, the purchase or sale of a business or commercial property is a complex process, fraught with danger if you are not adequately protected. Real estate agents, bankers and brokers do not have the same obligations to you or knowledge available to protect you and structure your deal in the most advantageous and safest way for your benefit as a lawyer does. A good lawyer can quickly become the best investment you can make. G
o
o
d
L
u
c
k
Jayson Schwarz is a business lawyer and senior partner at Schwarz Law LLP (www.schwarzlaw.ca ). Konstantin Chatzidimos is his Associate.
Schwarz Law Barristers and Solicitors Schwarz Law LLP is a full service law firm, offering sound and practical professional advice in the areas of Business Law, Corporate, Commercial, Real Estate, General Litigation, Personal Injury, Construction Liens, Immigration and Estates and Tax Planning. Schwarz Law LLP is also associated with law firms in Providenciales (Turks & Caicos Islands), Kansas City, Missouri (USA), Accra (Ghana) & Montreal, Quebec. Jayson Schwarz is also a foreign referral associate of Cyrus Ross International (Europe). As a result, through our network of associated firms, we can provide national and international solutions as required.
Tel: 416-486-2040 schwarz@schwarzlaw.ca
Fax: 416-486-3325 www.schwarzlaw.ca
1984 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4S 1Z7
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
29
TALKING FINANCES Financial Mismanagement By: Gabriel Quayson, Toronto I read an article in the Toronto Star on March 21, 2013 about a lady by the name of ST (hereinafter referred to as Sharon) which shocked and appalled me. First, I was very pleased that a single mother with 3 children in need of financial assistance actually won the lottery. I was appalled at the fact that she lost (spent) a whopping $10.5mil in 9years. According to the article, Sharon was working part time and living pay cheque to pay cheque prior to her winnings. Nine years later she was back working part time again, and living pay cheque to pay cheque . The lessons and mistakes from her experience are explored in this article. The natural impulse for any new money person is to spend, spend and spend some more. That’s exactly what Sharon did. She purchased a customer designed Cadillac Escalade for $200,000 plus, A Hummer and two other vehicles. She gave away about $3million to family and friends. She took friends on lavish vacations, purchased designer clothes and had expensive parties. A house was purchased not for cash but with a $360,000 mortgage. She met a guy that had three children and they had one more together, a blended family.
The average Joe is always requesting more money to meet their bills. There always seems to be more bills than income to pay them. Is that really the case or is there a lot of waste in our finances? Most people seem to think, an infusion of additional cash is the solution to their financial challenges. Sharon is an example of someone that had a major cash infusion but found her way back to where she started from in a short period of time. Normal human tendency urges us to spend money at whatever level it comes in. Certain things that were pipe dreams become possibilities as increases in finances are realized, and eventually become realities. This is normal human behavior but it must be aligned with our earnings and appropriate financial management: The simple lesson is spend less than you earn, save a portion of the earnings, invest in appreciating assets, invest in self development/ self education, allocate a portion of your earnings toward debts elimination, have an emergency funds, and have insurance to cover if disabled. The average individual feels a vehicle is a musthave item and a reasonable expense, just like Donald Trump or Oprah Winfrey will feel a private
helicopter is a reasonable expense and a must-have item. The point being that at different levels of financial achievement certain item(s) becomes a necessity in our eyes. Source(s) of income is the most vital path of your financial security. And your source will rely on your knowledge,
experience, skills and expertise.ie what you are currently able and willing to do. Windfalls, gifts, settlements or inheritance are temporary infusions of cash. If you treat them as income you will be surprised at how quickly it runs out. The first important aspect of keeping your wealth is to ensure your skills, craft or expertise are in constant demand by staying current via continuous upgrading in your chosen field. Many people think that by hoarding money they are gaining safety for themselves. If money is your only hope for independence, you will never have it. The only real security that a person can have
NEW ERA MART LTD.
in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability. Without these qualities, money is practically useless. The second aspect of maintaining your wealth, which Sharon did not do, is to turn your money into your laborer, and allow it to work for you. If you are not skilled enough to allow your money to work for you, then you need to hire an expert money manager to do same on your behalf. Regardless of the size of your funds. If your money does not work for you, it will eventually run out. This is what happened in Sharon’s case, even with $10.5million. Although, there were many sophisticated options that Sharon
1148 Albion Road. Etobicoke, Ont. (at Islington)
Mercies M ercies African Supermarket t We Speciallize in African Caribbean Groceries & much more...
* Red Snapper * Creams & Lotions * Mackerel * Braids * Palm Oil * Gels * Egusi * Fresh Ghana Yams Open * King Fish Steak 7 Days * Adwene A Week * Goat Meat Business Hours Monday - Saturday - 9:30 am - 8:00 pm Sunday - 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Tel: 905-846-2897 15 Brisdale Drive (Bovaird Dr. W. & Brisdale Drive)
cont'd on pg. 30
African Crops * Smoked Fish & Meat * Yam * Plantain * Gari * Fufu etc.
Call Rosinaa Boakye Tel: 905-913-0033 Cell: 647-588-5755 8887 The Gore Rd., #56 Brampton, Ont. (Jaipur Gore Plaza)
Quality Zome * Yams (Pona) * Gari * Konkonte * Goat Meat * Adwene * Maggi Cubes * Prekese
Email: ben@the-wire.com
Sharon could then structure the principle to her children with the following stipulation: The principal ($5million) cannot
African Supermarket & Beauty Supply
AFRICAN & WEST INDIAN GROCERIES
Tel: 416-740-7955 Fax: 416-749-8536
could have implemented she blew it. The simplest option would have been for her to put less than half ($5million dollars) of her $10.5 million winnings into a GIC with 5% interest rate and it will yield a yearly salary/interest of $250,000 for as long as she leaves it in there. She will then structure her monthly commitment/ overhead so that $250 000 dollars covers all. If she left the funds there for a lifetime, she would have had a life time yearly earnings of $250,000.
Rowntree Meat Ltd Rowntree OPEN Meat Ringing The Bell - Seasoned B.B.Q. * Chicken * Meat * Jerk Seasoning 7 DAYS Call For Your Order Ahead Of Time - 416-742-6333
* * * *
Fish Boxes * Red Snapper Tilapia, * Mackerel King Fish * Goat Meat Oxtail * Chicken Leg
Business Hours Mon. - Thurs. - 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fri. - Sat. - 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
-
Tel: 416-742-6333 Visit our Meat Shop for your Party needs @
2687 Kipling Ave. W Unit 5, Etobicoke, Ont (Rowntree Plaza)
Kaf African Caribbean Market Tel: 905-855-3595 We specialize in African, Caribbean Groceries: *Gari Pounded *Yam *Vegetable Salad *Fufu *Potato Starch *Stock Fish *Salted Fish *Smoked Fish *Cerelac *Rice *Bournvita *Milo *Corned Beef *Phone Cards *Cosmetics *Goat meat and many more We are wholesalers and distributors of smoke fish
MONEY TRANSFER THROUGH MONEYGRAM
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mon-Sat. 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sun.
LOCATION: 2642 Liruma Rd, #2A, Mississauga, Ont., 401 or 403 to South on Erin Mills Pkwy, Exit West on Dundas, 2nd light left Liruma Road, Behind Mr. Lube
30
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Nigerian author Chinua Achebe dies Renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe has died at the age of 82 after a brief illness A statement from his family said his “wisdom and courage” were an “inspiration to all who knew him”. One of Africa’s best known authors, his 1958 debut novel Things Fall Apart, which dealt with the impact of colonialism in Africa, has sold more than 10 million copies. He had been living in the US since 1990 following injuries from a car crash. Bilkisu Labaran, from the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, talks about the influence of Chinua Achebe The writer and academic wrote more than 20 works - some fiercely critical of politicians and a failure of leadership in Nigeria. South African writer and Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer called him the “father of modern African literature” in 2007 when she was among the judges to award him the Man Booker International Prize in honour of h i s l i t e r a r y c a r e e r. Things Fall Apart has
Albert Chinualumogu Achebe
been translated into more than 50 languages and focuses on the traditions of Igbo society and the clash between Western and traditional values. The Anambra state government in Nigeria first made the announcement about his death.
Analysts say in Igbo society the death of an important person must be announced by someone in authority. Nelson Mandela referred to Prof Achebe as a writer ‘in whose company the prison walls fell down’” His home state was in
Financial Mismanagement cont'd from pg. 29
be spent, but it can be invested to live off the interest. She could then entrust that amount to her children when she is ready to meet her maker. This simple move would have blessed her family with hundreds of years of earning at that amount or higher. She should have paid cash for her house to ensure that no matter what happens she will have shelter for herself and children. It was once said, if all the money in the world was divided equally among all the people of the world, within five years the money will return to the HOUSE (High end car dealership, luxury vaca-
tion resorts, multi nationals, white collar thieves, name brand clothes boutique, casinos and churches, etc.). Isn’t it ironic that any part of the world you go, you will always find a minimum of 10% of that population living in luxury and in possession of the majority of that country’s wealth? In conclusion, any fool may earn/come into money, but it takes a wise person to keep it. It is not how much money that goes through one’s hand but how well it’s managed that determines your financial success and longevity. The lesson from Sharon’s experience is start where you
are and work effectively at managing your current income against your current expenses, obligations and demands. In the journey of life, we will encounter many financial obstacles and receive many financial rewards on the path. Our job is to prioritize and dispose of our funds (income and or windfalls) in a way that serves our immediate and long term best interest. If you mismanaged $10,000 per year, you will definitely abuse $100,000 or $10.5 million per year. The amount one has at any given time is irrelevant, what is relevant is the effectiveness in its management.
For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700
mourning for the death of “the illustrious son of the state, Nigeria and Africa”, Mike Udah, spokesman for Anambra state governor Peter Obi, told the BBC. A statement released on behalf of his family said Mr. Achebe was “one of the great literary voices of his time”. “He was also a beloved husband, father, uncle and grandfather, whose wisdom and courage are an inspiration to all who knew him. Professor Achebe’s family requests privacy at this time.” N i g e r i a ’s P r e s i d e n t Goodluck Jonathan said Mr. Achebe’s admirers had all learnt “indelible
lessons of human existence” from his works. “Achebe’s frank, truthful and fearless interventions in national affairs will be greatly missed at home in Nigeria because while others may have disagreed with his views, most Nigerians never doubted his immense patriotism and sincere commitment to the building of a greater, more united and prosperous nation that all Africans and the entire black race could be proud of,” the president said in a statement. Last year, Mr. Achebe published a long-awaited memoir about the brutal three-year Biafran war when the south-eastern
Igbo region tried to split from Nigeria in 1967. After leaving Nigeria, he worked in the US as a professor. His 1990 car accident left him paralysed from the waist down and in a wheelchair. A statement of the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory said it offered its condolences to the Achebe family. The former South African president and anti-apartheid fighter, who spent 27 years in jail, “referred to Prof Achebe as a writer ‘in whose company the prison walls fell down’”, the statement said. BBC
Land For Sale in Ghana 100 x 100 at Tema Main Road, Road to Togo on Exit to Prampram Road Also House for Sale in Kumasi, Amakom House on 2 Plots Call Nana for info 647-994-3534
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
31
Community Information It is another time of the year for
Ghanaian Women's Prayer Conference May 20th 2013 @ The Apostles' Continuation Church Int'l 10 Belfield Rd. (Kipling/Hwy 401) 9 a.m. - 12 noon For more info, please call 416-916-3700, 647-343-3567, 905-792-9516, 416-248-8593, 905-846-6257, 416-746-2485, 416-749-0631, 416-245-6393, 905-794-6323, 416-820-9522, 416-740-9276, 905-970-0824
Movement of United Ghanaians Abroad ( MUGA-GHANA FIRST ) The Official mouthpiece Ghanaians Abroad OUR MISSION Is to serve as a forum where Ghanaians living Abroad express our concern about event and circumstances in Ghana that affect our well being and of our brother's and Sister's at home. BE A MEMBER AS A GHANAIAN For more information or to register contact: Tel: 004917627 727777/00494721685881 Or 647-717-3362 Osei Bonsu 416-716-5977 Kojo Owusu 647-349-1865 Maame Dufie E-mail: ghabroad@googlemail.com Website: www.muga.co We shall Over Come
The 13th Annual Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards 2013 a celebration of Excellence Houring our Communicty Achievers Hosted by The Ghanaian News in September 2013
Call for 2013 Award Nominations This year's (2013) presentation recognizes achievements
2013
2013
32
The Ghanaian News March 2013
The
The Ghanaian News online Check it out www. ghanaiannews.ca
Youth Journal
MOVING FORWARD WITH OUR YOUTH THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY
Every Child Has a Fundamental Right to Education By Kwabena Akuoko, MSW, RSW, Toronto
“Poverty begins when even one child is denied his or her fundamental right to education”. Kofi Annan A country’s future social and economic growth is at a serious risk when a significant proportion of its children lack educational opportunities. This disconcerting situation is unfortunately widespread in today’s Ghana. And according to Challenging Heights, a local children’s rights advocacy organization’s recent report, approximately one million Ghanaian children are not registered in schools. This development is particularly disappointing, given our country’s reputation for sound democratic governance along with constitutionally enshrined tenet of children’s fundamental right to education. It is unfathomable that this day and age, as many as one million children do not have access to basic education in Ghana. We incubate future marginalized and extremely poor citizens by somehow denying educational opportunities to a considerable number of children. Since education is notably considered as a fundamental right and starting point towards poverty reduction measures, we have a moral responsibility to extend learning prospects to all children. Former United Nations Secretary General, and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Kofi Annan in his 2001 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech said it better by alluding to the fact that poverty essentially commences the moment a child is denied his or her basic right to education. Mr. Annan’s opinion regarding the interconnectedness between lack of educational opportunities and generational poverty suggests that a country’s poverty alleviation efforts will lead nowhere if it fails to provide education to a sizeable number of its children. The government has a huge task to leave no stone unturned to ensure that all school age children are appropriately registered in schools and also attend classes as required. It is in this context that the child-centered non-government organization, Challenging Heights deserves recognition and commendation for bringing this crucial issue to the spotlight and also taking a leading role to provide education to needy children. Challenging Heights works to promote children’s right to education and also ensures their freedom from forced labour and other forms of exploitation. It ensures that underprivileged and exploited children in some fishing and farming communities around the country have access to education. This raises two fundamental questions. What is the government doing now to remove roadblocks to children’s education? Also, given that the problem did occur overnight and has existed for years, what have successive governments done in the past to address it? This is a serious problem that should not exist in a contemporary Ghana, a country that has lately gained international recognition for its sound democratic governance in which the rights and freedom of all citizens, including children are supposedly respected and protected. We hugely betray the younger generations
even if one child is denied his or her fundamental right to education. It is government’s ultimate undertaking to ensure that the educational needs of all children are comprehensively addressed. After all, it is well documented that provision of education to children is one of the effective and surest pathways to curbing poverty in a child’s future life. And to the extent that education is well identified as one of the leading poverty alleviation measures, the reconstituted Mahama administration’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP) must truly reflect its name and endeavour to do the right thing by ensuring that all Ghanaian children’s freedom and general well being are respected and protected. The Minister of MGCSP who is also responsible for children’s rights and welfare, Nana Oye Lithur is thus called upon to live up to her ministerial responsibilities to guarantee that the rights of all vulnerable children, including their fundamental right to education are protected. All Ghanaian children, regardless of their families’ socioeconomic backgrounds must have unimpeded access to educational opportunities. This then calls for a wide-ranging response to issues, which hugely affect children’s general welfare such as child labour, all forms of child abuse and neglect, and any outdated and unwholesome cultural practices that hold back children’s access to education. As a modern democratic nation, Ghana cannot win the war against poverty, reach and maintain full middle income status without making sure that every child receives at least basic, yet quality education. Equal access to education for all children is imperative in order to adequately prepare them for the future. Ensuring that all children are registered in schools is consistent with any progressive measures that seek to address social inequality because education provides a passport to successful future. Ghana has always been exceptional among African nations because of its strong support for public education, which gives all children unrestricted access to learning opportunities regardless of which part of the country they reside or their parents’ socio-economic backgrounds. But the once unparalleled educational opportunities seem to be increasingly at risk, primarily because a good number of children are somehow being denied their elemental right to education. Children’s education is a crucial aspect of a country’s future social and economic development agenda, which educational policy directions cannot fail to notice. A country that guarantees educational opportunities for all children tend to witness faster economic growth than otherwise. The government must then secure the provision of education to all Ghanaian children. It is against this backdrop that any policy framework regarding Ghana’s future social or economic upward mobility must fittingly promote and support equal and unhampered educational opportunities for every child.
Poverty Eradication : The Elusive Dream Graphics courtesy Poverty could be mankind’s biggest modernday problem. It casts an ugly shadow across race, nation, age and religion. It begets evils that mutate and deprive us of dignity. Having worked on development in Africa, Asia, Europe and America, I am surprised how complex we believe tackling it is. Yet, to tackle it, we must understand its origin, causes and critical links. To escape material poverty, people first need decent incomes. Second, the taxes, leakages and costs of living must be manageable relative to those incomes. Finally, people must have the knowledge to deploy savings productively to sustain their escape from poverty. Let me be clear: while the World Bank defines absolute poverty as living on less than US$ 1.25 per day (say Kshs 3,000/month), this opinion piece is premised on the fact that poverty is the absence of savings or material wealth. Using a simple equation: Wealth = income – taxes – leakages – costs of living. The in
components more detail
First, it is clear that the starting point is income and the most common sources of income are employment, business, investment, and welfare, with employment by far the most prominent. The quantity of income dictates if one should barely survive, live a comfortable life or combine a comfortable life with saving. The most effective way, therefore, to tackle poverty, is to create high paying jobs and to equip people with skills to
fill them. Creating jobs without developing local skills pulls in expatriates. Conversely, developing local skills without the jobs could lead to mass emigration (as in Zimbabwe), innovation (as in China) or social unrest like the Arab Spring. Equally important sources of jobs (and taxation) are businesses, like SMEs in agriculture, manufacturing and service sectors. FDI is known to leverage the creation of SMEs. If a government gives people skills, access to finance and a conducive business climate, they tend to help themselves, others and the government out of poverty. A good environment allows those with resources to invest in equity/ shares, savings and deposit accounts or bonds to derive dividend or interest income. Investments earn incomes and give others the capital to produce more. Some people earn income from a combination of sources. However, some will always be left behind be it due to vulnerabilities arising from disability, discrimination, socio-cultural or even economic causes. Responsible societies have an obligation to help those left behind by providing welfare income. People’s ability to earn an income, therefore, depends much on the efforts of the government. Governments greatly influence the investment climate, access to finance, quality of skills, employment, migration, disposable incomes, and welfare programs. Also important is the behavior of individuals themselves and the international community (aid, trade, loans and FDI among others).
Second, tax represents mandatory direct deductions that governments impose on incomes. Being the lifeline of governments, some believe it is the second surest thing to death. Most governments use scaled percentage rates to tax which make tax progressive so that those who earn more pay more in absolute terms. Higher taxes may enrich governments and impoverish citizens (socialism) while lower and more progressive taxes may lift people out of poverty. Smart governments win by widening the tax base, for example, by growing the economy and enforcing compliance to share the burden thinly across a bigger universe. They also ensure that taxes collected are not only shielded from leakage, but are also directed into very carefully targeted causes of public good. While governments directly control taxes, citizens have a moral obligation to play their civic duty. Third, leakage presents a unique cost mainly to developing societies mired in insecurity, poor infrastructure and corruption. They are additional costs people incur say to establish and run businesses, secure and maintain jobs, protect themselves and obtain services. It is what corruption and wastage cost us. High leakages lead to higher costs and prices which escalate poverty. For SMEs, bribes have to be paid for permits, goods are stolen, staff are connected but less productive, power and security need back up and transport costs are high, amongst other challenges. For citizens, bribes have to be paid to procure goods and sercont'd on pg. 40
MAGS MECHANICAL Plumbing & Heating Specializing: Service Preventative Maintenance Boilers Furnace Plumbing DHW Re'circ Pumps Sump Pumps Cold Water Booster Pumps Cleaning of DHW Storage Tanks Garage exhaust fans garage heaters Kitchen/bathroom Exhaust, Etc.
Good Rate, Excellent Service Call Magnus Manso
Tel: 905-796-6575
Licence Boiler/FurnaceTechnician 1
Cell: 416-712-1052
6699 Falconer Drive #41 Mississauga, Ont., L5N 2E3 P.O. Box 323, Station 'A' Etobicoke, Ont. M9C 4V3
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
33
Children Ministry visit Parliament Hill in Ottawa By Jonathan Annobil, Ottawa
The Children Ministry of Living Word Assembly of God Church paid a visit to Parliament Hill, Ottawa during the March Break. The group made up of children and adults made the trip on Tuesday 12 March, 2013. The group were hosted by the office of MP Judy Sgro. They toured the Parliament buildings including the Senate Chambers, Library, Peace Tower with a breath- taking view of the City of Ottawa. The tour guides took the children throughChildren being lectured by the tour guide at Parliament Hill a short history of Canada with emphasis on when the building was erected, explanation of the animals and the stained glasses adorning the buildings. From there the group continued to the Museum of Civilization in Gatineau on the Quebec side of Ottawa and the Children’s Museum also in Gatineau. Artifacts depicting the history of Canada from the early settlers to the present were on display.
In front of Eternal Flame, Ottawa
At the Peace Tower, Parliament Hill Some of the participants
Group picture with Officials from Judy Sgro's Office, Ottawa, MP for York West, Ontario and Host
Children being lectured by the tour guide at Parliament Hill
Handlers
Group picture of participants
Lunch Time at Pizza Pizza, Ottawa At the Children's Museum
Children being lectured by the tour guide at the Museum
Arrival at the Parliament Hill, Ottawa
Some of the participants
In front of the Canadian Museum of Civilization
34
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Kwahuman Association of Ontario celebrtes Easter The event took place at the Apostles' Continuation Church Hall on Belfield on Saturday March 30, 2013. As part of the celebration Best dress Kaba Queen was crowned as well as Azonto champion
Presenting price toWhitley and Ashley Owusu Ansah winner of Azonto dance
Past and present Executives
Akora Obeng, president presenting a gift to Clementine Quaye, winner of Best Dress Kaba
Best Dress Kaba contestants
Azonta ciontestants
Benedicta Affainie re-affirms her Catholic Faith By Staff Reporter, Toronto
Renewing her Catholic faith at St. Patrick’s Church on Saturday March 30, 2013, Benedicta Affainie is surrounded by friends and family after receiving the blessed sacraments officiated by Fr. Santo Arrigo. Benedicta reinforces the transformative power of faith and its ability to ground your spirit irrespective of your beliefs and life journey. She states that “nurturing your full development and expression of humanity warrants careful attention to the bigger questions. I felt the need to authenticate my values by understanding the nuances and mystery of my faith." She is grateful for the presence of her sponsors Rev Joseph Owusu-Afriyie of St. Andrew’s Church, Cousin Ms. Frances Antwi-Amponsah of St. Andrew’s Church and supportive family and friends.
Benedicta being baptised Benedicta Affainie
Benedicta with those who were also baptised
Benedicta Affainie (r) with family and friends
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
35
Independance celebration in Toronto
H.E. Vallis Akyianu, Ghana'Commisioner
MoneyGram Booth
Prayer by Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare-Kusi From left: Justice & Mrs. Barnes, Mr. Kodjo Mawutor, H.E. & Akyianu
From left: Rev. Frank Adu, Apos. Fredrick Agyemang, Rev. Isaac Takyi De-Graft, Rev. James Quainoo, Very Rev. Emmanuel Asare Kusi
Invited Guests
Inspection of Guard of Honour by H.E. Akyianu
Stephen Adjekumhene and Lucy Crentsil, M.C.s
Nana La-Kumi Sasraku and his entourage from Okuapemman Association of Ontario
Nii Kwei Aku V, Ga Mantse and his entourage
Fa Nyame Pathfinders
Mrs. Akyianu Presenting citation to Ethiopian Airlines Country Manager
Nana Anokye Bresiama and Nana Pokua Gyamfi Kumanini, Asantefuohene and hemaa of Asanteman Assoc. of Toronto and some Nananom
Nana Atuahene Karikari and his entourage
The Church of Pentecost Church Choir
Presbyterian Church Choir
36
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Profile of Ms Benie of Benie Boo Style By Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto Ms Benie is a York University graduate with a degree in Labour Studies and Economics. She has held various positions in major financial institutions in Canada including TD Bank and royal bank . Now as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ms. Benie started her own company in 2012 - “BenieBoo Ltd” and currently has a modern Exotic clothing line “BenieBoo Styles. Her particular interests are youth development and self sufficiency as well as economic development in Toronto as w e l l a s i n We s t A f r i c a . BenieBoo Styles is the new number one Modern Exotic Trendy unisex clothing line that has hit the rails of Toronto and the Ghanaian community. It has been one of the fastest growing international trend
setters for the past year due to the quality and affordability of its unique high sorted after African inspired designer wears and accessories. At BenieBoo Styles her business is all about her customers and loyal clients. The label produces 5 major collections every year and has showcased classics and trendy clothes for all seasons, all body types, all ages, all race locally in Canada and soon internationally at the right price variation for your budgets. BenieBoo Styles believe clothes say a lot about us so we strive to give you unique fashionable, affordable & quality clothes made from fun colors and more colors to make you glow -African prints, tribal prints, bohemian looks and the Canadian fabrics. She believes in trade not aid so when you shop with BenieBoo Styles, we also make
sure your dollar counts by creating sustainable income which leads to financial independence through increasing new wages and generating income for manual production workers in Africa Her business also helps the Wise and Solace Foundation pay the school fees of Orphans and underprivileged children in rural communities to furthr their secondary education in Africa. ENJOY FAST, RELIABLE & EXCELLENT SERVICE when You shop 24/7 at www.benieboo.com -NEW ARRIVALS EVERY MONTH TO KEEP YOU ON TREND , get the best in the market and never be caught wearing something hundreds are wearing. Or call 416 732 0902 if you have any question or for an appointment to meet up with the designer for a timely quality custom made outfit and be creative with Your own Style and an exclusive shopping experience at the studio Or shop variety at 73 Kensington market
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
37
Ghana @ 56 Celebration at the Rox
38
The Ghanaian News March 2013
PEOPLE AND PLACES Michelle Gyimah's Baptism and 1st Communion at St. Andrew's Catholic Church on Saturday March 30, 2013
The Eyiah Family at the celebration of Life of their Mother, Madam Aba Yaa in March at Agona Swedru-Wawaase in Ghana Final Thanksgiving Service in Toronto will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Heritage Ghana SDA Church in the Christian Centre (4545 Jane Street) at 11 a.m. All friends and well-wishers are respectfully invited.
Mr. Joseph Kingsley Eyiah and family in Ghana
AGLOW WOMEN’S FELLOWHIP INAUGURATED IN TORONTO By Jonathan Annobil, Toronto
The Embassy Grand Convention Centre on Highway 7 and The Gore in Brampton was the venue for the inauguration of the Toronto Chapter of Aglow Women’s Fellowship in the form of a breakfast meeting. The event was on Saturday March 23rd 2013. Aglow Canada is part of Aglow International which is a transdenominational organization of Christian women and men with more than 4000 local groups in nearly 170 countries. Aglow of Canada provides support, education, training and ministry opportunities to help women worldwide discover their true identity in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit After the opening prayer, Aglow welcome songs were sung followed by the introduction of various churches. Next was the praise and worship
segment followed by a brief history of Aglow and what Aglow members believe in. Testimonies of some of the members were given to show what the Lord had done in their lives since joining Aglow supporting the impact of the collective prayers of its members. The speaker for the event was Rev. Mrs. Florence Obeng of the Grace Fountain Gate Chapel in Edmonton, Alberta. She gave a powerful testimony of how she had been radically changed by Aglow. She testified that the devil had put her through a lot of problems both in her marriage and personal life. With prayers from her fellow prayer partners she persevered. She added that she had gone through a lot of pains but the end results is her position now as a pastor and a happy wife, mother and grandmother
Pastor Florence Obeng Presenting Aglow Bi-laws to Mrs. Leticia Sarfo-Boateng
full of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. There are currently Canadian chapters in Montreal, Edmonton and Vancouver with the latest being Toronto. The MC for the event was Mrs. Grace Oti –Boateng. Mrs. Leticia SarfoBoateng gave the vote of thanks.
Pastor Mrs. Florence Obeng, Main speaker
Mrs Grace OtiBoateng, MC
L: Grace Oti-Boateng, Pastor Florence Obeng, Angelina Apraku, Georgina AppiahKubi Founding Members
Group picture of participants
The Ghanaian News
Greetings from Addis Ababa From Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The City of ‘New Flower’ is full of history and hospitality! Beautifully located on the hillside of Central Ethiopia, Addis Ababa is a calm city which houses the headquarters of the Organization of African Unity (AU) and UN Economic Commission for Africa. Addis Ababa is the capital city of Ethiopia in the eastern horn of Africa. Ethiopia is bordered on the north by the countries of Eritrea and Djibouti; on the south by Kenya; on the east by Somalia; and on the west by Sudan as well as the new nation of South Sudan. I was privileged to have spent a full day in the city during my transit to Ghana with the Ethiopian Airlines on March 13, 2013. My first surprise at this city was to be recorded at the Addis Ababa International Airport! There were numerous Ethiopian Airliners (planes) ready to transport passengers to various countries and
cities in Africa! One could the calls for Nairobi, Malawi, Djibouti, Khartoum, Kilimanjaro and so on. “It was just like Kejetia in Kumasi where many tro-tros are ready for passengers!!!!!” The hotel in Addis Ababa where I lodged that day was very serene and welcoming with what I can describe as ‘professional attendants’. Their services were very good. The area is endowed with very pleasant environment and ‘kind weather’-not too hot, not too cold! My social knowledge about Ethiopia (from the media) had been that of famine and poverty but I got a different impression when I toured the city of Addis Ababa. The tour took me to the central and commercial area of the city where traders were busy going about the day’s business-fruits sellers, shop owners, taxi drivers, city buses; schools were all happily and calmly
March 2013
39
Three Ghanaian Trained Optometrists make Ghana proud By: Heinz Otchere, Waterloo Three Optometrists, Dr. Emmanuel Alabi, Dr. Heinz Otchere and Dr. Afua Oteng-Amoako specializing in various fields on eye health have made Ghana proud by winning various awards at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. The awards were presented at the annual School of Optometry and Vision Science Awards ceremony on March 13th, 2013. Dr. Emmanuel Alabi won the prestigious University of Waterloo Senate Award for academic excellence as well as the University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship Award. Dr. Alabi is specializing in
diseases of the anterior part of the eye and special imaging techniques. Dr. Heinz Otchere won the acclaimed Desmond Fonn Contact Lens Research Award, one of the two first recipients of the award since its establishment, and the University of Wa t e r l o o G r a d u a t e Scholarship Award. His specialty area is in cornea (the transparent layer overlying the black part of the eye) and contact lenses with a subspecialty on keratoconus and complicated cases of the cornea. Harvard University graduate, Dr. Afua Oteng-Amoako, was the second time award winner of the University of Waterloo Graduate Scholarship.
Her specialty area is in retinal blood flow and oxygen saturation with direct implications for the diagnosis of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration affecting the eye.
The three optometrists are currently conducting their research at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
from left: Dr. Heinz Otchere, Dr. Afua Oteng-Amoako and Dr. Emmanuel Alabi.
Group picture of students and professors
cont'd on pg. 47
Olympic inspiration reaches girls through education initiative Olympian, 10-time national Wrestling champion Ohenewa Akuffo joins chorus of female athletes working to help young women reach full potential through sport activities surrounding International Women’s Day on March 8th. “I’m thankful for any opportunity to address
To d a y, O l y m p i a n , Commonwealth gold medallist, 2010 World silver medallist and 10time national wrestling champion Ohenewa Akuffo (Brampton, ON) shared her inspirational stories about her determination to achieve
her potential with girls and young women from across Canada during an interactive conference delivered by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Plan Canada’s Because I Am A Girl. The initiative is put in place to coincide with
so many young girls and women who want to make a difference in their own lives -- in Canada and around the world,” said Akuffo. “As an
Olympian, I’m especially excited to share how much sport has positively impacted my own life. I’m proud to have the chance to show more
Ohenewa with some students
young women how it can positively impact theirs.” Akuffo is just one of an cont'd on pg. 67
40
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Poverty Eradication : cont'd from pg. 32 The Elusive Dream vice. In well managed societies, such costs are minimal. Leakages cannot be avoided and thus rank just below taxes in necessity. People would rather sacrifice savings or quality of life to pay for them. They eat into what would have been saved and re-invested. Governments greatly control leakages although the moral compass of society plays a role too. Fourth, costs of living are what we all easily identify like the cost of food, shelter, security, utili-
ties, health services and education, among others. The amount we pay for these is a function of many factors. For a start, the public goods that the government provides matters. If it provides good infrastructure, security and basic services, what the individuals have to pay on top of taxes reduces. Simply put, if corruption is eliminated, mothers accorded good healthcare and my nieces given good education, I will save and re-invest more. Of course it costs more to provide more and what smart governments do is to tax progressively and supplement direct taxes with investment income and indirect taxes like VAT, sales tax and tolls. These ‘pay-asyou-consume� taxes are voluntary in a way but their benefits spread to more people. Governments also use grants and cheaper borrowed funds from say the Bretton Woods Institutions, development banks, friendly nations, organizations and partners up with the private sector to lower the costs of basic services and develop infrastructure. The more government does here translates into savings by the citizens who have to pay the residual costs. The hand of government in these costs is far reaching. If goods and services are imported, it determines the excise and custom duty, other levies and leakages, all of which are passed to consumers. For locally produced goods, the incentives that governments provide and the taxes they levy determine their final prices. Governments can regulate prices or subsidize some goods and services. If the cost of living is high, more people sink into poverty. Conversely, if it is low,
Ghanaian & Nigerian Cuisine Bringing back the flavor from Mama's kitchen to you Bring friends and family for Lady May's kitchen for all you can eat & take home. Let Us Cater For You * For Your Small Gathering * For Your Small Monthly Meetings
* We Can Host Up to 40 People * We Can Host Your Members
BUSINESS HOURS Monday By orders only Tuesday-Friday 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Saturday-Sunday 11:30 am - 8:00 am
7007 Islington Avenue, Unit 16, Woodbridge, Ontario, L4L 4G5
more people are lifted out of poverty. The government can raise a tide that lifts all boats (citizens). Finally, savings or wealth is what remains from income after paying for all these. It is the future cushion against poverty. Ballpark figures show an average American can save 25% of income, a Briton 15% and a Kenyan 5%. However, I must caution that individual preferences are vital. Some people are extravagant, others measured and yet others frugal. Personal preferences affect what you save and the productivity of your savings. We can squander, protect or invest savings. BRICS nations partly use frugality to overcome poverty, China has invested its savings into a fortune and Eastern Europe is squandering its wealth back into poverty. It is therefore clear that the best way to eradicate poverty is to develop jobs, skills and the investment climate so as to enhance incomes and at the same time minimize taxes, leakages and costs of living, while providing welfare to the most vulnerable. All these greatly depend on the actions of the government, and right there are the priority entry points for any responsible government to tackle poverty. By Morrison A. Muleri FCCA, PhD The author mmuleri@ yahoo.com is a chartered accountant and holds a PhD in development effectiveness besides other qualifications. He works for a leading development organization in Washington DC. The views expressed here are entirely his own. African Executive
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
41
Frankly Speaking Daylight Robbery and Looting of Ghana Continues Unabated By: Michael Baffoe, Winnipeg, MB
Here we go again: the naked and shameless robbery of Ghanaians and looting of the nation’s coffers by their so-called political leaders continue unabated!!!. Time and time again Ghanaians have been hit with scandals upon scandals on the open looting of the nation’s resources by the political leaders of the country and their accomplices which go on with impunity and always go unpunished. Apart from the looting that occurred during various military regimes by reckless gun-toting soldiers who were ready to kill if anyone stood in their way, the Ghanaian nation has been hit time and time again with news and evidence of the pillaging of the country’s resources since the return of “constitutional” rule in 1993. A few examples: When the first Parliament of the 4th Republic took power in January 1993, all the 200 members of Parliament were given cash advances of twentyfive thousand US Dollars each which were tagged as “loans” to purchase their own private cars. This, Ghanaians were told, was to ease their transportation problems to enable them commute from their governmentprovided bungalows in Accra and Sakumono Estates near the suburb of Nugua to “work” in Parliament in Accra. On top of these MPs who were appointed Ministers and Deputy Ministers had access to free government supplied chauffeur-driven cars with free supply of gasoline. These also took the car “loans”. By the end of the term of office of that Parliament in
1996, none of the MPs who took these loans had repaid even a quarter of the amount advanced to them as car “loans”. On the assumption of office of the “new” Parliament in January 1997 after the November 1996 elections, the MPs again voted themselves another thirty-five thousand dollars cash advance also tagged as “car loans” when those that took the first “loans” in 1997 had not repaid them. The justification? This was a “new” Parliament but with the same old crooks. Next on the looting agenda of the MPs? Another election in the year 2000 and a “new” Parliament took office in January 2001. This third Parliament of the 4th Republic also voted itself another car “loan”, this time forty-thousand US Dollars. And the fourth Parliament of the Fourth Republic which took power in January 2005 after the December 2004 elections also voted to grant themselves another car “loan” of fortythousand dollars each. Come to think about it: Most of these MPs have been in the Parliament since1993 up till 2004 and they have taken car “loans” with the opening
of each Parliament after every election. None of them has ever fully paid back the car “loans” but they continue to take more. The few that got defeated in various elections took off with their cars purchased with public money tagged as “loans” for which they had absolutely no intention of paying back. In effect these were fat welfare cheques that these MPs wrote for themselves with no oversight from the Ghanaian public. It is also significant to note that when it came to writing those welfare cheques (“loans”) to themselves, there were no opposition parties or opposition MPs. They all acted in unison and complete agreement. It was “Menua, menua” Nyebro, Nyebro”. It was a game of “Yonko do, biako ye” (loving ourselves in unity of purpose)…And that unity of purpose was the open and sinful looting of the nation’s coffers. Ghanaians know that all kinds of looting have gone on in Parliament and by public officials with nobody complaining. Then came the government of the late Uncle John Evans Attah Mills. The politicians convinced Uncle Attah that their pay and living conditions were not enough. Uncle Attahj, as weak as he was, agreed. He decided to help them loot the nation’s coffers but with a colour of dignity and due process so he set up a Commission to look into the working conditions and remunerations of MPs, Ministers, the President a n d Vi c e p r e s i d e n t .
Knowledge Kitchen & Home Improvement Inc. Quality Custom Design.....Without the guess work. RENOVATE YOUR KITCHEN OR BATHROOM OR BASEMENT WITH CUSTOM CABINETS
* Very Affordable Prices * Traditional To Contemporary Designs * In-House Design Services Available
Call Isaac @ 647-283-5171 Fax: 647-435-8797 Email: isaac@knowledgekitchen.com 1-81 Brisbane Road, North York, Ontario, M3J 2K3
The report of this Commission which was presented to then Vice president and current President John Dramani Mahama made some very shocking and ridiculous recommendations. It recommended that MPs be paid a monthly whooping allowance of seven thousand US dollars (not Ghanaian Cedis), the pay of Ministers was pegged around nine thousand to eleven thousand while those of the President and Vice President were in the range of twelve to thirteen thousand US dollars!!! Every Ghanaian should be asking this simple question: what does a Ghanaian Member of Parliament do to deserve to be paid seven thousand US dollars a month? This is on top of the fact that ALL of them have free accommodation, garden boys, cooks, watchmen etc etc. Those that get to be appointed as Ministers, Deputy Ministers, errand boys of the President and boot-lickers get extra bigger houses, extra free chauffeurdriven limousines and free gasoline on top of the ridiculous pay structures. All these are in addition to the free welfare cheques they have taken over the years packaged as car “loans” which they haven’t cared to pay back.
Atta died, pretended that he was “surprised” by the recommendations of these hefty pay scales. He asked that the MPs reviewed them down. They treated his pretensions with the deserved contemptuous disregard because they saw through his hypocrisy. He was one of them when the pay scales were discussed and approved, but turning round to pretend that he did not “agree” with it amounted to total hypocrisy. So in effect Ghanaian MPs get to be paid these hefty pay scales. It did not end there. The recommendations included the paying of what was termed as “exgratia” allowances to the same MPs. These heavy ex-gratia allowances plus the new pay scales received no opposition from any MP. They were in it together. And they have all been paid!!! Over the past couple of weeks, there has been
When these new ridiculous pay scales were announced there were no opposition or government MPs. They were all Nyebro, Nyebro. It was again “Yonko do, Biako ye”. When some feeble public outcry over these pay scales broke out, the then Vice President, then acting as President when Uncle
some public protest over this new round of open looting of the nation’s coffers with payment of these so-called ex-gratia allowances. There has been pressure from the media and some section of the Ghanaian public for the government to first disclose how much these stealing MPs have been paid. The government has steadfastly refused. The Director of Public Affairs in Parliament, Jones Kugblenu has said that even though the payment of the former Members of Parliament’s ex-gratia has become a matter of public discussion, he cannot disclose the full amount used in the payment. “Per our standing orders, if something is discussed at closed sitting, I will not be in the position to comment on it… once I know the law, I don’t have to go against it. If members want to disclose it, that is not my problem, they can cont'd on pg. 47
Cynthia High Tech Videos Quality Video Productions * Weddings * Special Occasions * Christenings * Sporting Events * Birthdays * Anniversaries * Anniversaries * Seminars * And Much More
Cell: 647-898-1892
L.D.K. HEATING & AIR CONDITION * Sales
* Installation
* Service of Heating/Cooling Boilers * Furnances
* Sump Pump
* Water Heater
* Exhaust Fan
* Air Conditioning Call Yaw Obeng @ 416-816-9657
Tel/Fax:
905-230-0153
42
The Ghanaian News March 2013
CANADIAN IMMIGRATION SERVICES Immigration Specialists For all your Immigration Needs, we provide professional, affordable and efficient service: Contact: Robin Edoh, B.A., M.A., Cert. Reg. Law, CCIC, FCIC Former Staff of Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Member: Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC) Member: Canadian Association of Practicing ImmigratioN Consultants (CAPIC) Fellow: Canadian Migration Institute (CMI) Areas of Practice Include: Refugee Claims Judicial Reviews of rejected Refugee Claims Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Applications Family Sponsorships Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) Cases Detention Reviews and Deportation Cases Business Class Sponsorships such as Investor, Entrepreneurs, Provincial Nominee, Self-Employed Persons, Farm Workers, Skilled Workers, Family Class Sponsorships, Work Permits, etc. Contact Office: 1110 Finch Avenue West, Suite 220, Toronto, ON M3J 2T2 Tel: 416-203-2002, Fax: 416-203-1881, Email: robin_cia@bellnet.ca, Website: www.metros.ca/cis
JAK LEGAL CONSULTANCY Professionals specialized in the following areas of practice: Immigration Law Other Practice Areas * Family Class Sponsorships * Uncontested Divorce * Sponsorship appeals * Small Claims Court Matters * Refugee Claims * Landlord and Tenant Matters * Humanitarian Applications * Power of Attorney * Invitation Letters * Agreements and Wills * Visa extensions * Bankruptcy Consultation * Work and Study Permits James A. Kwaateng, B.A. (Hons); LLB (Hons); CCIC Legal consultant; Commissioner of Oaths
Tel. (416) 743-2758 Fax: (416) 743-7027 168A Oakdale Rd., Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario, M3N 2S5.
The Law Office of
Dorothea Dadson LL.B LL.M DO YOU NEED...
Legal Aid A Divorce Accepted, Custody Access Surprisingly Affordable Child Support Rates! A Separation Agreement, Adoption, Division of Assets Are You Buying or Selling Your Home
Call Us @ 416-385-8104 1648 Victoria Park Avenue, Suite 202 (Victoria Park/Eglinton)
BANSAH & ASSOCIATES Immigration Counsel Areas of Specialization: Immigration Hearings Foreign Sponsorship & Appeals Applications from inside Canada Humanitarian & Compassionate Cases Detention Reviews & Deportation Order Cases Visa Extensions Federal Skilled Worker Applications Family Class Sponsorships Student Visa Provincial Nominee Program. Contact: Edward Bansah B.A (Hons), CCIC, FCMI Cert. Mig. & Ref Studies Member: Canadian Society of Immigration Consultants
Tel: 416-785-0522 Toll Free: 1-800-849-1089 Fax: 416-782-8563 1111 Albion Road, Unit 207, Toronto, ON, M9V 1A9
Ghanaian G i News TV Coming Soon
The Ghanaian News
OHENE ANDOH & ASSOCIATES - Est. 1991 Immigration Counsel
Olivia Akpari
43
B.A. LL.B
Barrister & Solicitor
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
We Specialize In: * Immigration Hearings * Immigration Appeals * Refugee Claims/Hearings * Detention Reviews and Deportation Order Cases * Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) cases
March 2013
* In-Canada Sponsorship Applications * Overseas Sponsorship Applications * Humanitarian & Compassionate Applications (H & C) * Visa Extensions * Work and Study permits Applications
Contact
Ohene K. Andoh B.A. (Hons. ), Cert. Reg. Law, Cert (A.D.R.) Tel: 416-748-8266 Fax: 416-748-5637 2365 finch avenue west, suite 208, (at weston road) toronto, ontario, m9m 2w8
Olivia Akpari
Tel: 905-565-0059 Fax: 905-565-0559
LITIGATION SERVICES * Motor Vehicle Accidents * Slip and Falls * Long-Term Disability Claims * Short-Term Disability Claims * Wills * No-Charge Initial Consultation 7025 Tomken Rd. #204, Mississauga, Ontario, L5S 1R6
NETWORK LEGAL SERVICES * Accident Claims * Small Claims
* Name Changes * WSIB * Immigration
416-742-3345 Fax: 416-742-2253 Email: deniseeboycee@yahoo.ca 2357 Finch Ave. W., # 209, Toronto, Ont., M9M 2W8
Ghanaian News TV Coming Soon MEDIATION FASTER THAN COURT AFFORDABLE - BEST RESULTS HUMAN RIGHTS AND WORKPLACE DISPUTE RESOLUTION Are You Being Discriminated Against In Your Workplace, In Services, Contracts, Housing Or For Any Other Reason Because Of Your Race, Colour, Place Of Origin, Ethnic Origin, Age, Or Receipt Of Public Assistance Etc. Contact Us For A 30-Minute Free Assessment Session -------------------------------------------GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED AFFORDABLE DIVORCE AND SEPARATION MEDIATION Are You Separated Or Divorced And Still Have Issues To Resolve With Your Ex Regarding Child Custody and Access Arrangements Child Support, Spousal Support, Division Of Property? Are You In Need Of A Parenting Plan To Help You Manage Issues Related To Separation And Divorce? We Offer Free Intake And Related Assessments Followed By Up To Six (6) Hours Of Mediation On An Affordable Government-Subsidized Fee Basis CONTACT THE EXPERTS AT SIS ASSOCIATES WE GET YOU THE BEST RESULTS AT REASONABLE COST
TELE/FAX: 416-628-4091 EMAIL: sisa@rogers.com
Marie Wafo Fonou Barrister-Solicitor-Notary Public B.A, LL.B., D.E.S.
* Criminal Law * Immigration * Family Law Bilingual Lawyer (English & French
Tel: 416-997-1908 Email: m@wafolawoffice.ca
Marie Fonou 600-1000 Finch Ave. W., Toronto, Ont., M3J 2V5
44
The Ghanaian News March 2013
View Point
Community Concerns
Posting Secondary School and Disabled Students
ACCEPTING YOUR CHILD’S SPECIAL NEEDS: DON’T RUN AWAY FROM THE DIAGNOSIS
How to utilize Disability Support/ Program in Universities and Colleges By Golda Abena Quayson
If you or your child has disability, including a learning disability, mental illness and/or chronic illness, the transition to post-secondary education can pose unique challenges. Most PostSecondary institutions have Offices for Disability Services. These are in place to support students who were identified from primary schools and high schools with learning disabilities, severe and mild learning habits. Some students suffer from some form of medical conditions and that impair their learning. For example; psychological, emotional, physical development, environmental/social pressures are all factors that contribute to these conditions. As early as grade one or later in your child’s school years, a teacher might request your child to be assessed and probably placed in this category. Don’t shun that request. Do a follow up on it.
might be available to you.
the teen/young adult’s previous high school before making the big decision and transition.
In asking for help, we need to understand that it also comes with personal responsibilities. Be aware of your responsibilities and prepare before you require the support. If you or your young adult need educational accommodations or if someone you know needs help accessing any resources on campus or in the community you should identify yourself to them as a student with a disability to the staff at the Office of Students with Disabilities and they In some cases your will direct you or help child may not be getting you how to go about it. the proper learning foundation or might Here are some tips on display some weaknesses r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s f o r and might be identified students with disabilities w i t h s o m e l e a r n i n g and how to use the support disabilities. You need system in the institutions: to step in here as a Arrange educational parent and work with accommodations, that your child’s teachers and is by acquiring letters your child to find out from your doctor and solutions to the existing the office of disability problem and put the and providing them to child on the right track. the instructor. This will If it is a medical condition help the student to have you may need help or extra time to complete to modify the exiting exams and assignments. way of learning before It also teaches you how they enter into post- to use assistive devices secondary institutions. and technology, if you require them. It helps O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , you to develop a learning when your teens or your strategy and plan as well young adults enter post- as to you register for secondary institutions classes and what you can with identified disability, handle. It also connects there is the support you with other valuable system set in place in resources on campus, such most of the recognized as writing workshops, colleges and universities, tutoring services or local to help them to succeed. support organizations However in colleges that might benefit you. and universities your It helps you access nonchild (who is classified educational supports, as an adult in this case) such as attendant care have to learn to have to if you so require. It advocate for themselves makes your transition to ensure they get the to college or university supports they need. This smoother by introducing includes: Understanding you to the school and the your disability, knowing office for students with and being able to explain disabilities at a summer your needs to get the orientations where they proper support, providing provide information documentation to support about accessibility of your condition, either labs, classrooms and the from a doctor or from types of supports that
To set up educational accommodations, you must provide documentation regarding your disability. Check with the staff at the disability services office to find out what type of documentation you should provide. Some of the documents you may be asked for include: Medical documentation from a physician confirming your disability. An audiology/ or recorded report from a qualified practitioner/ doctor or psychological assessment from a qualified practitioner diagnosing a learning d i s a b i l i t y. M e d i c a l documentation from a qualified practitioner diagnosing a mental health illness or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) The good news is that, Canadian government has make provisions to support students with disabilities. The federal and provincial governments have special tax credits for disabled Canadians that can mean additional tax refunds of up to $40,000. Did you know that most Canadians will, at some point in their lifetime, be eligible for disability tax credits? Did you also know that most Canadians do not access disability tax credits in their lifetime because they did not know they were eligible, relied on their accountant or doctor to get disability tax credits for them or incorrectly completed the required paperwork? There are sources of extra financial help for disabled students which include: Disabled Students’ Allowances, Support Fund Disability Living Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance. These are paid on top of the standard student finance package. You may want to find out from the student financial office in the school you are attending when applying for (OSAP) as well as finding out at Revenue C a n a d a ’s w e b s i t e . All these are put in place to make our students with various forms of disabilities to make these challenging transitions a successful one with the support of all these available resources.
Doris Osei Bonsu, Crisis Counselor, Toronto
From the time a couple discovers they are going to have a baby, they begin to dream about the baby’s future and how his/her birth will impact the family. Perhaps the parents’ hopes and dreams are not as obvious as hoping their son or daughter will become a doctor or a lawyer, but the hopes and dreams are there. Many parents never think that there is a possibility that their baby will have a birth defect. Unless there has been some indication that the pregnancy is not going well or there is a family history of birth defects, parents assume that their baby will be healthy … ten fingers, ten toes … a happy, healthy bundle of joy. Although parents hear about babies with congenital defects, it seems like something that cannot happen to their family. When they learn that their baby has a birth defect, a number of emotions and reactions can follow. Much research has been done on parents’ reactions to the news of a child’s disability, and most special educators agree that each parent reacts differently. Some parents react with doubt or disbelief … surely it cannot happen to their child. Some parents become depressed. Some experience guilt, feeling that they must be to blame. Others become angry, believing that their child’s disability must be someone else’s fault. Reactions and feelings can be mixed and can change over time. Hopefully, the parents will accept their child’s condition, and with acceptance comes the ability to address the child’s needs realistically. It’s not the end of the world. Accepting your child’s special is the first step to getting help. What do we mean by “Special Needs”? “Special Needs” is an umbrella underneath which a staggering array of diagnoses can be wedged. Children with special needs may range from mild learning disabilities or profound cognitive impairment; food allergies or terminal illness; developmental delays that catch up quickly or remain entrenched; occasional panic attacks or serious psychiatric problems. The designation is useful for getting needed services, setting appropriate goals, and gaining understanding for a child and stressed family. Sometimes as parents we know something’s just not right. You know it in your head, your heart, and the pit of your stomach. Your child isn’t developing like other kids. But you’re afraid that giving a name to your fears and putting a label on your child will make things real that you’d love to believe are imaginary. How do you find the strength to move from suspicion to certainty? And even after a diagnosis is given, how can you accept that this is your child’s fate? Seeking a diagnosis for a child is one of the hardest things that parents can do. It means putting aside dreams of one kind of life for your child and setting off down another path. But fear and denial don’t help your child. Getting the proper diagnosis and treatment does. As you set out to help your child, keep these five things in mind: Your child is still your child. The things you love about him or her remain the same. There were still be moments of joy and calm and silliness and general uneventful family life. You may learn to treasure those more. Every kind of special need brings with it its own particular stresses and tragedies and struggles and frustrations, but rarely is it every minute of every day, every bit of your child’s being. Your child is still
your child. And this is just part of life. Labels are not the enemy. None of us likes to think of our precious child as just another bowl of alphabet soup. Labels can seem scary or limiting, defining our loved one by their dis- and not their ability. But a label can also help you to get services for your child, therapy, insurance coverage, and the right school placement, tolerance for behaviors, understanding and support. A label is just another tool for getting your child the help he or she needs. You are not alone. The internet has made it possible to network with parents and organizations across the country and around the world. Online you can find support groups, forums where experts will answer your questions, sites filled with information about your child’s diagnosis, announcements of gatherings and conferences, and other resources that can help you become part of a community of people who know just what you’re going through. Every child is different. Kids develop at their own pace, they respond uniquely to therapies or medications or treatments, they follow their own path. Don’t assume that because you’ve heard sad stories about children like yours, your family’s story will be sad, too. And don’t assume that because one thing doesn’t work, nothing will. Your child is a unique individual, and although a diagnosis may provide a useful template, it’s not the whole picture. There’s always hope. Life for people with disabilities has improved enormously over the last century, and there’s no reason to believe that progress won’t continue. Medical breakthroughs are made every day. New therapies are constantly being developed. Different educational techniques bring undreamed of results. Tests are becoming more sensitive and medications more targeted. And sometimes love and a strong will can perform miracles. G i v e Yo u r s e l f a B r e a k It is critical to be kind to yourself. You will be dealing with feelings of disappointment and guilt, or that you are being punished for your actions. The truth is that having a child with a special need does not happen as a punishment. Parents do not have a baby with a disability because they are bad people. Parents often worry that they could have prevented their baby’s disability. Despite their reading books and magazines and following advice about diet and other critical issues of pregnancy, things can go wrong. Sometimes parents blame each other. It is natural to feel responsible, but most often there is nothing that could have been done differently. Some disabilities are the result of complications during pregnancy or birth. Some happen for unknown reasons. You may need to forgive yourself and your spouse — even though there is nothing really to forgive. In a small percentage of cases, a disability happens because of genetic conditions unknown to the parents. Talk with your doctor about the possible causes of your baby’s condition. Seek his advice or the advice of a doctor who specializes in genetic counseling to see if there is a similar risk with future children. Seek the facts about your child’s condition. Talk about your feelings with your spouse, and take time to heal. Try to accept that life is often unfair, and turn your combined efforts toward your child. He/she will needs both of you to get along and reach his/her highest potential.
The Ghanaian News
Ask The Doctor
March 2013
45
Lifestyle
By: David Yaw Twum-Barima, MD, MSc, FRCPC
This column is devoted to answering your questions on health and discusions of diseases which are common among the African Canadians.
What is Heart Burn In this issue we will discuss a common condition that most of us experience from time to time. In most cases heart burn is not serious but as you can see it can lead to complications in come cases. Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, just behind your breastbone. Heartburn pain is often worse when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and over-thecounter medications. More frequent heartburn that interferes with your daily routine may be a symptom of something more serious that requires help from a doctor. Symptoms of heartburn include: A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over
When to see a doctor Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as difficulty breathing or jaw or arm pain. Chest pain may be a symptom of a heart attack C
a
u
s
e
s
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. Normally when you swallow, your lower esophageal sphincter — a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes to allow
food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again. However, if the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn. The acid backup is worse when you’re bent over or lying down. certain foods and drinks can trigger heartburn in some people, including: alcohol, black pepper 9such as (“shito or hot pepper stew”), coffee, fatty food, fried food and vinegar among others. Heartburn that occurs frequently and interferes with your routine is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD treatment may require prescription medications and, occasionally, surgery or other procedures. GERD can also cause serious complications. See your doctor if your heartburn becomes more frequent or no longer responds to over-the-counter medications. Your doctor can determine if your heartburn is likely to
be a symptom of GERD. Treatments
and
drugs
Many over-the-counter medications are available to relieve the pain of heartburn. Options include: * Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, Gelusil, Rolaids and Tums, may provide quick relief. * If these over the counter medications do not relief your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe other medications including: * Medications to reduce acid production. Called H-2-receptor blockers, these medications include cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), nizatidine (Axid AR) or ranitidine (Zantac ). H-2-receptor blockers don’t act as quickly
as antacids, but they provide longer relief. * Medications that control acid and heal the esophagus. Proton pump inhibitors block acid production and allow time for damaged esophageal tissue to heal. Proton pump inhibitors available over-the-counter include lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR) and omeprazole (Prilosec OTC). * As in all cases if your symptoms are worrisome and going away, it is better to see your doctor. 1. Heart burn. American Gastroenterological Society. http://www. gastro.org/wmspage. cfm?parm1=848. Accessed April 17, 2009. 2. Ferri FF. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2009: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby
Elsevier; 2009:1232. 3. Eat right to avoid heartburn. American Dietetic Association. h t t p : / / w w w. e a t r i g h t . org/cps/rde/xchg/ada/ hs.xsl/home_18578_ ENU_HTML.htm. Accessed April 23, 2009. 4. Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2006:115. 5. Lee RA. Anxiety. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www. mdconsult.com/das/ book/body/1333033237/0/1494/0.html. Accessed April 23, 2009.
Being Your Own Boss: “It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone cont'd from pg. 28
costs implications for the following items:
capital availability given about 5.0% bad debt
- Renting and Office furniture, computers and other appliances that will be required.
C. When all these costs estimates and completed, one is left with the challenge of translating these numbers into a coherent business plan and then a consideration for funding. Potential source of funding are: using your own savings, unsecured loans i.e. contributions from families & friends, small business funding program of Canada grants, or from institutional loans, e.g. banks or venture capitalist. Small business funding program of Canada grants are available to those start ups with detailed documentation of research and market based analysis.
- Plant and machinery if producing physical products from a raw material inputs. - Raw materials and consumables, transportation, repairs & maintenance. - Value added costs for transforming input materials into finished good - For services operations, costs for developing clientele, knowledge required to deliver services should be quantified in dollars terms, and how to break into established market or competition are some of the key success factors for start ups. Insurances, administrative expenses for supplies and stationeries. - Staff salaries, wages and benefits. - Miscellaneous and about 20% on the above costs for contingencies.Estimate sales proceeds, being mindful of seasonality in revenue inflow if any, and working
The above list looks somehow long or daunting and not for the faint hearted. All that I am trying to put across is, starting a new venture should not be taken lightly. There is the need for detailed and in-depth planning, organization, a desire to succeed and a passion to be original or innovate. A casual approach to begin a business will not do. A line of business must be chosen depending on one’s strength, ability or liking, talent and the art of leveraging the talents of others to achieve
profitable end results. I will conclude this by quoting Dr. Mensa Otabil of International Central Gospel Church, who stated, the pleasure of achievement, fulfillment brings real worth. He further defined REAL W O RT H a s b e i n g absolutely Reliable in your desire and vision; supported by your Expertise in a chosen field; and with ample Ambition; and a practice to be Logical in your thinking; Wise and wellmannered; with stress on Originality; and your organizational skill, being Righteous; and with emphasis on Thinking power (constructive and creative manner) and above all being Humble, one will be able to create real worth. Talents abound in our community and with careful considerations, planning, can do attitude; we should be able to harness these talents and translate into thriving businesses which will set the pace for others to follow the good works. Over to you my dear reader!. B y E d d i e Tw u m a s i Smith Bsc(Hons) Chem. Eng, MBA,CGA,CPA Email: eddiesmith77@ g m a i l . c o m
46
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Jesus Is The Answer Salon 2475 Finch Ave. W., Toronto, Ont., M9M 2G1
Specialized In: All Types Of Hair Cuts And Designs Gladys
416-569-2453 Doris Beauty Supply &
Bella Beauty Supplies & African Fashion
KAKS Beauty Supplies
All kinds of hair products
UP to 5-10 - 15-20 & 25% OFF On Every Purchase, Your One Stop Shop for all Your Beauty Care Products
We Also Braid & Weave Hair * 100% Human Hair * Weaves Extensions * Full Wig * Afro Wig * Face * Body Lotion * Lace * Holland Wax Prints * Duku * Shoes * Hand Bags Half Wig * Pony Tails * Braids
Visit us at 1660 Kingston Road, Unit 2,
Visit Us At (The Gore Centre) 8920 Hwy 50, Unit 5B, Brampton (Ebenezer/Hwy 50 near Food Basics)
Pickering, Ont., L1V 5R2
Tel: 905-913-0066 / 416-660-6373
4502 Kingston Road, Scarborough, Ont. Tel: 416-283-8303 Fax: 416-283-6590
Tel: 905-683-9163
Barber Service On Premises
Beck & APS Beauty Supply
Clothing
Your One Stop Shop Dealers In: Human Hair
* Italian Shoes * European Suits * Jewelleries * Perfumes * Watches * Lace
* Synthetic Hair * Like Human Hair * African Textiles * Italian Shoes * Ladies Bags * Plus Size Jeans * Wigs * Many More...
Tel: 416-916-6675
Hours of Operation:
2507 Finch Avenue W. (Milvan Plaza) Finch/Milvan, Toronto, Ont. M9M 2G1
J & I BEAUTY SUPPLY Tel: 416-740-1859 NEW LOCATION 1172 Albion Road, Etobicoke Next Plaza to Tim Horton's (Albion/Islington)
Specializing In: * Hair Relaxing * Braids * Weaves * Cornrows TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU
A. & A. HAIR DESIGN Business Hours Mon.-Wed. Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
10.00am 9.00am 8.00am 6.30pm 8.00am
First The Ghanaian News 416916-3700
(Islington/Rexdale Blvd. behind Cash Money)
Specialized In All Types of Hair Cuts and Designs Call Mike cell 416-854-2906 saloon 416-749-2906
Tel: 416-241-7418
2111 Jane Street, (Beside India Africa)
Multiple Mix Inc. Queen of Queens Beauty * African Wax Prints Fabrics Supplies * Beauty Supplies * Lace * Fashion Jewelry
* Clothing * Shoes
100% Human Hair * Wigs * Weaves * Extensions * Body Lotion * Lace * Duku *Holland Dumas * Shoes * Hand Bags and much more
Call Awura Abena 416244-8666 / 647833-4419
The Best Products & Hair Care You Can Find
380 Bovaird Drive 1707 Jane Street
Call Us
2 Rexdale Blvd.
- 7.00pm - 9.00pm - 5.00pm - 11.30pm - 7.00pm
416-445-4446 Scarborough, Ont. M1R 4C3
MIKE Hair Cut
Expert Styling * Weaving, African Braiding * Hair Cutting
Call: Elizabeth
113 Ellesmere Rd.,
Monday to Friday 10 am to 8 pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm Call Christine @ 416-240-8388 2111 Jane Street #5, Toronto, Ont.
(in the Freshco/Swiss Chalet Plaza, 1 block West of Kennedy Rd. N)
(Jane/Lawrence -opposite Laura Meat beside Dollar Joint)
All Star Beauty Supplies Tel: 416-438-8171 All Synthetic Weave * Ponytails * 100% Human Hair and Many More * Get Your Hair Braided at Affordable Prices 2357 Eglington Ave. E., Scarborough, Ont. (Kennedy/Eglington)
Call Sister Vic
905-487-2515 (Bus)
Afro Beauty Supplies 00% Human Hair
Relaxers Braids Gels
SPECIAL MOVING SALE RATE AS LOW AS WIGS - $15.00 Quality Products and Everyday Special
Tel: 416-244-3337 Fax: 416-244-3471 Sheridan Mall - Lower Level (near Winners)
1700 Wilson Ave. # 76 Downsview, Ont.
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
47
Resizing Ghana’s Public Sector By: Kwaku A. Danso, USA Ghana’s President’s John Mahama’s announced policy to reduce executive spending is most laudable and welcome news. It takes a tough man to do this kind of selfexamination and we are glad President Mahama plans to take this bold step. However it should not stop at the executive. We believe that the whole government machinery needs to be trimmed down at least by 50%. No matter what happens at the end of the Supreme Court verdict, current President Mahama would have left a mark with some of his recent decisions, if the nuts and bolts of implementation are put in place. There is a popular saying that man only lives once. Whether this is true or not, the saying depicts the urgency of time in life to do the best we can, since nobody can predict the future. For a nation to reach a point where almost 60% of their employees work for government, and yet Government-owned enterprises have all failed and closed down, while others are sold for dirt cheap, and public service delivery is very poor, is a shame for Ghana! Ghana has lost all the investment our first government after independence put in factories to produce the very items we consume. Ghana was producing sugar, salt, flour, soap, cutlasses, matches, plastics, metal, building materials, electronics and pharmaceuticals. What kind of people are we if we cannot even produce what we eat and allow factories already paid for to go belly up! Our shipping lines, airlines, public buses were all mismanaged! And yet
colonial days? For God’s sake, can we make it mandatory that our MPs and elected officials make have town-hall meetings with their constituents every quarter so that hopefully our people will realize the essence of government and share their feelings and pain with their elected officials.
Ghana has some well educated people around the world as well as some savvy businessmen and women able to survive and compete globally. Our telephone company was managed by the Malaysians, then the Norwegians, and now finally sold to Vodafone for $900 million. Can anybody say Vodafone has done better except make good profit for themselves, and mostly in the cellular phone business! Internet connectivity is sold at three times the price consumers pay in say the USA and yet about a tenth the download and upload speed and very unreliable! One cannot blame Vo d a f o n e . D u e t o corruption and abuse of power by executives, no Ghana state enterprise was allowed to run without interference. Singapore run state-owned enterprises for years, and still have a state airline that is one of the most efficient airlines. Obviously there is nothing wrong with Ghana, as others can do well. What then is wrong with Ghanaians, especially when they get to public office? Are we that devoid of love for nation or we still think government is an external entity as our uncles thought in the
www.3Dflatbed.com
It is hoped that the current President will confront the reality and cut out the fake reports provided by some segments of the public sector, and fire some people who are not performing! No organization survives without discipline and Ghana needs discipline. The public sector could do better with half the employees it has now. Government belly is simply too fat! This is not just the executive but the Judiciary that is so slow and non-performing, and the legislators who seem to have no agenda to accomplish laws and policies within any time frame. One effective organizational management structure is the “profit center” method. Ghana can perform better if we allow every department to become like a profit unit. In other words let say the Ministry of Agriculture justify what new food products they are coming out for the private sector to buy into and market globally. A call to the Crop Research Institute last week showed that they only conduct research on local products like Mangoes and oranges. There is no research on any of the high priced fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, blackberries, plums, peaches, grapes, brocolli, cauliflower, cabbages, tomatoes, and a myriad of crops that can be sold locally and globally to help Ghana’s GDP. Let the CSIR, CRI and the Ministry justify their existence or cut employees back as much as possible! This applies to all Ministries. Let the Ministry of Roads and Highways for example justify how many kilometers of road
CEEKTEX INT'L LTD. House of Quality African Textiles * Wholesale & Retail
242 Eddystone, North York, Ont. * Kente * Meba Wo Aborokyire * Real Dutch Wax * Swiss Voile * Georgette Lace * Osikani/Prestige * Small Wax
* Bazin * Dew Drop * Seer Sucker * Woodine * Kupion * Java * Scarves/Lining
* Gede Scarves * Georgia * Debo * Handkerchiefs * Towels * Bedsheets
Call C.K. or Francisca
647-835-1627 / 647-349-1629 Email: ceek29@yahoo.ca
they have constructed in the year, how much tolls they have collected, and how much they have paid their employees compared to their output. If they cannot balance and justify it publicly with numbers, it means they are over-bloated. Nobody should be expected to work overseas and bring a car home to pay 45-200% duties and taxes to support anybody in Ghana. And in Ghana nobody is expected to work and pay taxes to
support non-performing public sector employees. Some of these at the Ministries don’t even feel they owe the public any explanation. During this water and electricity crisis in the last ten years, one would have expected the Managing Directors of these companies to face the public and explain their plans; but instead they send sweettalking PR men and women who may not know much except talk. We wish the President all the best and simply
suggest that he makes hay whiles the sun shines, as the British say. Let him put in place all policies he had envisioned, and let the ball roll!! Let the chips fall where they will fall! Kwaku A. Danso, M.Eng., P h D ( O rg a n i z a t i o n & Management/Leadership) Livermore, California, USA & East Legon-Accra, Ghana Tel. 925-292-8042 (USA PST) President - Ghana Leadership Union (NGO), ModeratorGLU and GLF Forums.
Daylight Robbery and Looting of Ghana Continues Unabated cont'd from pg. 41 go ahead,” he explained. Citi news’ Parliamentary Correspondent, Richard Sky said his investigations revealed that each MP will be receiving about 2 billion old Ghana cedis or GHC200, 000. “Each former member of parliament will be going home with much as a little over 2 billion old Ghana cedis.” Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News, Mr. Kugblenu further explained that a “committee currently chaired by Professor Ewurama Addy consults with all stakeholders; not just parliamentarians, look at their job descriptions and conditions of service and
make recommendations to the President; who after his own consultations, forwards the salaries of MPs to the house.” So, does that justify this stealing exercise??? All these monies are being paid against the background of the lack of stable electricity and water supply in the country. This is against the background of teachers and University lecturers and administrators going on strike over nonpayment of basic salaries and allowances. This is against the background of the ruling party looting the nation’s coffers and sharing it with their friends and cronies under questionable circumstances packaged
as “judgment debts”. And the President pretends that everything is fine? This nation called Ghana and its people have passed the branch road to even Divine intervention. I do not believe there is anything that will save Ghana despite the words of our national anthem…. God bless our homeland Ghana…And make our nation great and strong…” Where is God’s blessing? Where is our strength to resist oppressor’s rule with all our will and might forevermore??? I pause here for an answer which I know will never come in my lifetime on this wretched Earth.
Greetings from Addis Ababa cont'd from pg. 39
performing their various duties. People I met in the streets were very receptive and respectful. Other places I visited in the city included the AU Headquarters, Emperor Haile Salissie University and the Ethiopian National Museum which houses the fossilized skeleton
of Dinkinesh, or Lucy, the Australopitheane discovered in the area in the 1970s. At the Emperor Haile Selassie University, I was privileged to visit the museum inside which included the original abode of Emperor Haile Selassie, called the “Lion of Judah,” (see picture
attached). He lived as an Emperor indeed! As I left Addis Ababa for Accra the following day, I wished I could have a little long in that city called, ‘New Flower’! I now carry high respect for the federal government and people of Ethiopia.
Yityish Aynaw: First black Miss Israel will go to the ball cont'd from pg. 27 one of the most influential people in the world, the head of such an important state, would invite someone like me to attend such an important event. It has only just now sunk in and I can understand t h a t i t ’s h a p p e n i n g . “It is a great honour not just for me, but the other people that I represent.” Ay n a w s a y s s h e hopes her victory will “achieve the acceptance of everyone in Israel”. Ethiopians often complain about discrimination when it comes to jobs, education and housing. There were even allegations last year that some new
Ethiopian immigrants have been given contraceptive injections against their will. Aynaw’s victory “was very important for all Israeli society”, says Penina Tamanu-Shata, one of two Ethiopian Israelis currently serving as a member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. “Her victory is great for us because it shows that the most beautiful woman is black and that people accept difference. Yityish won, but Israeli society also won. Her victory made a statement. She showed there are no limits.” Tamanu-Shata says the
fact that the contest was shown on prime-time television was important as most Israelis encounter the Ethiopian community - just 120,000 strong through the media. “Sometimes the discrimination is under the surface. Most Israelis say they love the Ethiopian community, but there are still problems,” she says. “I think the situation is getting better, but we still have a lot of work to do.” Yi t y i s h Ay n a w w a s interviewed on the BBC World Service programme Newshour. BBC News
48
The Ghanaian News March 2013
SIX STAR MOTORS 1406 Martin Grove Rd (Martin Grove/Rexdale)
Used Generator Sale
Specializing In: Air Conditioning Service Tune-ups, Brakes, Mufflers, General Repairs Service to all imports
Call
Call Us First The Ghanaian News 4176-916-3700 STANDFAST AUTO INC. Certification - Imports & Domestic Vehicles
Paul Nsiah, Manager Tel: 416-746-3275
416 646-0495
* TUNE-UPS * MUFFLERS* BRAKES * OIL CHANGE
FREE INSPECTION
Tel: 905-738-4504 Fax: 905-738-4504 30 Freshway Dr., Unit B5, Concord, Ont. (Jane & Highway 7)
Tuffour
Dynamic Auto Repairs Auto Repairs For All Makes and Models
Auto Repair Shop
Business Hours Monday - Friday - 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm
Obeng
Tel: 905-463-9835 Cell: 647-225-4223 Fax: 905-463-9836 227 Advance Blvd., Unit 18 & 19 Brampton, Ont.
Tel: 416-743-6119 172 Torkork Drive Unit 4A
37 Brydon Drive, Etobicoke, Ont.
AKAN AUTO SERVICE CENTRE Joe Akrofi Tel: (416) 748-2864 Oil Lube, Grease, brakes, Tune-Ups Electronic Ignition, Fuel Injection, etc 35 Taber Rd. #3, Rexdale, Ont.
M.S.B. Driving School Ministry Approved Course Provider
Out of City Road Test * Do Your 'G' Road Test Without Driving On Any of The 400 Highways * We Offer New And Nervous Drivers Until They Pass Their Road Test Contract (some conditions may apply) * Attend Our Classroom 25 hrs. Session To Get Your Certificate for Insurance Discount
B. B.'S AUTO Inc. Complete general repairs to all foreign & domestic cars, Body and Custom painting Contact: Bismarck Bright or Nick Bright
Tel: (416)745-5690 Fax: (416)745-1514 16 Taber Road, Etobicoke, Ont.
GENERAL REPAIR ON ALL MAKE & MODELS
Call Yusuf Serbeh (Akwasi)
Tel: 416-627-1100
Tel: (416)743-6969
Peaceful Driving School
66 Milvan Dr. Units 6& 7, North York, Ont. Guaranteed Job Satisfaction YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS !!!
Solomon Adjei-Yeboah
Tel: 416-888-4922 Cell: 416-457-7791 (Study to show yourself approved... 2 Tim 2:15)
230 Eddystone Avenue, Suite 203, North York, Ontario
Sammy Lartey
647-428-6837 172 Toryork Dr. Unit 4A North York, Ont.
DANIEL'S Driving School
Best Driving School In Canada Government Approved course provider (Certificate to reduce your insurance by 40% discount)
* Rust *Minor Repairs and Painting
Sam Auto Service Domestic & Import Contact: Sam
15 John Street, Suite #1 (Weston/Lawrence)
Sam Auto Body Repairs
MTO Approved Course Provider Quality Driving Instructions At An Amazingly Low Cost
Sponsored by CAA, Get one year free membership up to 40% discount on Insurance
Area of operation: Brampton, Mississauga and Etobicoke Daniel O. Oduro Kotoko
For Registration, please call:
416-568-1795
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
49
Easter celebration at Assemblies of God Churches in Toronto
By Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto
The Assemblies of God Churches in Toronto again came together in a Joint Service to happily celebrate this year’s Easter Convention. It is the 6 th conservative year that the church with five branches in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has come together in a joint service. The 4-day Easter Convention was held at Living Word Assembly of God Church, 139 Millwick Drive, North York from Thursday March 28 to Sunday March 31st. The theme for this cont'd on pg. 67
Rev. Paul Dsane delivering his sermon with pastors in the background with interpreter Deacon Oppong Kyekyeku
Pastors' wives
Rev. Dr. Paul Henry Dsane (c) with Pastors and wives
Rev. Dr. Paul Dsane preaching his sermon with interpreter Deacon Prince Donkor
Deacons
Youth Choir
Ministration
Children Ministry with Pastor Love Cobbina and Deaconness Victoria Mintah
Congregation
Ushers
Joint Church Choir
Congregation
Congregation
50
The Ghanaian News March 2013
The Church of Pentecost Canada GTA 2013 Easter Convention March 28-31, 2013. Theme "Weep Not" Rev. 5:5 under the chairmanship of Apostle Dr. Owusu Bediako (National Head)
By Jonathan Annobil, Toronto
Apostle Emmanuel Owusu Bediako
Pastors and Elders
Rev. James Quainoo delivering his sermon
Pastor's wives and Deaconnesses
PIWC Choir
Pastors and Elders
Congregation Deaconnesses
Deacons and Elders Praises Times
Children Choir
Congregation
Church Choir
Congregation
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
51
Ghana Methodist Church of Toronto celebrated Easter
with Christ is risen (Matthew 24:6) as the theme on Sunday March 31,2013 By Jonathan Annobil, Toronto
Very Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare Kusi and Eric Somuah, Society Steward
Church Choir Christ Little Band
Men's Fellowship
Susanna Wesley
Cross section of congregation
Singing Band
Girls' Fellowship and Women's Fellowship
"Christ victory over death" (taken from John 20:1-18) was the theme for the Easter celebrations at the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church on Sunday March 31, 2013 By Jonathan Annobil, Toronto
Women's Fellowship
Rev. Frank Adu delivering his sermon
Mrs. Elizabeth Adu-Gyamfi and Mrs. Roseline La-Kumi
Singing Band
Cross Section of congregation
Church Choir
Men's Fellowship
Cross Section of congregation
52
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Canadian Corporation produces pure potassium carbonate (potash) in Ghana By Emmanuel Ayiku, Toronto A Canadian based company, Organic Potash Corporation (“OPC”) with its Head Office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada is involved in the production and transferring of organic waste materials, mainly cocoa husk into a potassium carbonate (Potash) in Ghana. Organic Potash Corporation, produces 99% plus pure potassium carbonate (potash) and the purity of the company’s potassium carbonate allows the corporation to target multiple industries including the Pharmaceutical and Food industries. The Corporation’s shares trade on the Canadian National Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “OPC”. The Board of Directors of the Corporation includes a Ghanaian, Mr. Augustus Tanoh who is the Executive VicePresident of the Corporation. Others are: H e a t h e r We l n e r / President, CEO & Director, Don Cordon/ NonExecutive Director , Michael Galloro/Non-
Executive Director, Jayson Schwarz/NonExecutive Director, and Wally Rudensky NonExecutive Director Augustus Tanoh was recently in Toronto for the meeting and granted an exclusive interview with The Ghanaian News. Mr. Tanoh said he was excited about the corporation’s initiative to establish the unique processing plant which is the first ever in the world to produce potassium from organic source being cocoa husk. He said that traditionally, potassium is mined which contains some arsenic and heavy metals and cannot be compared to the organic potassium his Corporation will be producing. He said Organic Potash Corporation’s potassium carbonate is traded on purity above 99%. It all started with a visit to Ghana, by Jayson Schwarz and Heather Welner following the election in January, 2009, to meet the President and Cabinet and visit their dear friend Mr. Tanoh. During their discussion,
the issue of employment for women in the agricultural sector in Ghana came up as well as requests to find something to do with the waste cocoa husks. It is all in the timing and Mr Tanoh came upon a newspaper article announcing Dr. M. Woode’s technological invention, a process of producing potassium carbonate from cocoa husk. Dr. M. Woode is an Expect and Lecturer in the Field of Chemical Engineering and has over 20 years’ experience in advanced Chemical Technology development. This is how they seized the initiative to launch this project. After meetings and negotiations Jayson Schwarz and Dr. Woode patented the technology and licensed it to OPC. Mr. Tanoh said the project is in two stages. The first stage is to complete the prototype plant in Tema and to begin commercial production to produce 300 tons a month before June, 2013. The second stage will be to build the main production plant at Takoradi that will be capable of producing over Forty thousand tons of pure potassium carbonate per year. Pure potassium Carbonate that
L: Jayson Schwarz, Heather Welner, Augustus Tanoh is comparable, sells from $1500 to over $2000 per tonne.
do more investments.
Mr. Tanoh is advising Ghanaians in Diaspora to investigate the opportunities that this project offers and invest in it. Saying that Ghanaians in Diaspora invest heavily in transfers, they can also look into this as another area of opportunity to
The impact of this project to the betterment of Ghana is profound. Every cocoa farmer in the country will be able to realise a crop they never had. They will not be stuck relying on 2 harvests per year but rather they can sell the cocoa husk ash to OPC when cont'd on pg. 63
Easter celebration of Mid-Volta Association of Ontario By Staff Reporter, Toronto
T h e M i d - Vo l t a Association of Ontario held its 10th Annual Easter celebrations on Easter Saturday at the Royal Legion Hall, Etobicoke. The Association is a non-profit friendship organization of people who hailed from, or are connected to the MidVolta area in Ghana. The primary goal is to provide an environment for friendship and association for people from this area of the Volta Region, and to offer the opportunity to exhibit and experience the Ghanaian subculture that is unique to this area. The Association
has, over the years, supported many good causes in Ghana, helping schools and hospitals. Togbui Zonyira IV (aka Fred Tay), Chairman of the occasion spoke of the need for us to cherish the rich cultural heritage of the Ewe people and teach it to our children. He lamented how a lot of educated folks overlook their own languages but are quick to identify with, and speak other languages, even in settings where it is the right thing to do. He emphasized that Ewe organizations should work together
to promote and project the traditional rulers among them. He urged all to consider setting up a community cultural centre for our people. The Ghana Consul General of Toronto, Mr. Kodjo Mawutor, was the guest of honor. He called for unity among us as the strength of every organization depends on it. Touching on the cultural heritage, Mr. Mawutor traced the history of Bremen missionaries who were pioneers in bringing Christianity to parts of the Volta Region and how the cont'd on pg. 60
President - Mr. Larry Kutuadu (middle in smock)– left to rightMs Stella Aniawu – Financial Secretary Mr. Bernhard Akplu – Vice President Mrs. Mary Dzifa Agbley – Entertainment CoordinatorMrs. Anastasia Akradie – Ex OfficioMrs. Mercy Fiado-Kwawu – Ass. Entertainment Co-ordinator Mr. John Anati – Ass. Information Officer Ms Favour Adu – Ex Officio Ms. Josephine Gbediame-Afrane – Ass. Secretary Ms. Belinda Bugadam – P.R.O
Mr. Kodjo Mawutor, Consul General giving his address
Borborbor” dance
Togbui Zonyira IV with members of the Organization
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
53
Cita Beauty Home beauty products, foods, clothing
NEW LOCATION: 3334-32 STREET NE (HORIZON AUTO CENTRE) INTERSECTION OF 32 AVENUE AND 32 STREET NE OUR PHONE AND FAX NUMBERS REMAIN THE SAME,
PHONE: (403)568-7602 FAX: (403) 568-7603 CITA, YOUR LAST STOP FOR YOUR BEAUTY SUPPLIES AND AFRICAN FOODS
3UHVHQWV
7KH $QQXDO .HQWH 6KRZ 'DQFH &RPH DQG H[SHULHQFH *KDQD·V FXOWXUH DQG KHULWDJH LQ LW·V WUDGLWLRQDO FRORXUIXO FORWK
^ ãçÙ ù͕ ç¦çÝã ϯÙ ͕ ϮϬϭϯ Μ ϲ͗ϯϬÖ͘Ã͘ DĂƌůďŽƌŽƵŐŚ WĂƌŬ ŽŵŵƵŶŝƚLJ ,Ăůů ϲϬϮϭ DĂĚŝŐĂŶ ƌŝǀĞ E
ĚǀĂŶĐĞ ƚ ƚŚĞ ŐĂƚĞ
)HDWXULQJ ƵůƚƵƌĂů ĂŶĐŝŶŐ Θ ŝƐƉůĂLJƐ <ĞŶƚĞ &ĂƐŚŝŽŶ ŽŵƉĞƟƟŽŶ ƌŽǁŶŝŶŐ ŽĨ ŶĞǁ <ĞŶƚĞ <ŝŶŐ Θ YƵĞĞŶ
/RWV RI SUL]HV WR EH ZRQ
Ù®Ä»Ý Ι Ù ¥Ù Ý«Ã ÄãÝ ÊÄ Ý ½ )RU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ SOHDVH FRQWDFW <ǁĞƐŝ zĞďŽĂŚ͗ ŬǁĂƐŝ ŐLJĞŬƵŵ͗ ŝĂŶĂ ĚƵͲ ŽĂŚĞŶ͗ DĂŐŵĂ͗
ϰϬϯͲϳϳϭͲϮϭϲϲ ϰϬϯͲϯϴϳͲϮϲϵϴ ϰϬϯͲϰϱϱͲϬϰϴϭ ϰϬϯͲϯϴϯͲϮϲϰϰ
'- »ó Ý® ¦ù »çÃ
54
The Ghanaian News March 2013
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
55
56
The Ghanaian News March 2013
The 5th Anniversary Dinner and Dance of the Alpha Ladies Club Ottawa ”
By Phil Baddoo, Ottawa
“Membership of The Ghanaian Alpha Ladies Club comprises Ghanaian and other ladies affiliated to Ghanaians through marriage or other relationships who are resident in Ottawa, Canada and its environs. The Alpha Ladies Club was formed in August 2007 with the objective of providing a platform for socialising and networking amongst its members, their families and the Ghanaian community. The Mission statement
of the Ottawa Alpha Ladies Club is to help various charity groups back home in Ghana, and members of the club (is an “emotional reconstruction” of “home” ). The members of the Club belief that life is essentially characterised by relationships. No human being can live a fulfilling life without relating to others, be it family, friends, colleagues and the larger Ghanaian Community in Ottawa.”
Group picture members
Ghanaian- Canadian Association of Calgary (GCAC) Celebrates Ghana 56 Independence Day cont'd from pg. 1
group of Calgary, led by Margaret Osei Boateng and Diana Adu Boahen, entertained the crowd with cultural dance, (Adowa) a drama and Fashion show. Deacon Sammy Acquah of Ghana Pentecostal church, graced the occasion with a very powerful gospel song. The key note speakers were the MLA of Calgary East, Mr. M. Moe Amery, and Constable Jeff Munday
of African Affairs. Some of the special guests were Mr. Tony Lambert, the president of Action Committee of Black Affairs and Pastors and elders of the Ghanaian Churches. The celebration was well organized, and its been rated as one of the best independence celebrated
so far in Calgary. The association is calling on all Ghanaians in Calgary to come and help to up lift the Good name of our motherland Ghana.
For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
57
CLASSIFIED ClassicVideos/Photos * Weddings *Birthdays *Christenings *Portraits Albert Aikins
Tel: 416-244-3465 Cell: 416-278-9674 15 Lexington Ave, Unit 4, Etobicoke, Ont. M9V
Master Jay Soundz (The Computer Man) We Do Best, But Charge Low "Wompe oyi na wope den"
Nyarkoh Plumbing For All Your Plumbing Needs Call Robert Nyarkoh 416-731-1679
New Home & Renovation All Repairs * Plugged Toilet * Plugged Drains
Isaac Best Photos Inc. Specialize In Weddings: * Christenings * Outdoorings * Parties * Funerals * Private pictures
Call for all Your D.J. Services
Tel: 905-497-7418 Cell: 416-939-1515
Nana Ebrey Video Production & Barber Shop Super Quality Videos Specializing in: Video coverage: Weddings, Outdooring, General Events, Birthday parties, Broadcasting Videos,
Tel: 416-614-8144 Cell: 416-890-5515
Immigration Sponsorship Pardon * Waiver Divorce Name Change Start with
Learn & Earn Get Diploma In
PSW / MOA Accounting & Payroll
$1500 + Tax
$300 + Court Fees
ABM College (415)913-4700
Lawyer Assisted
416-973-7433
705 Lawrence Ave. W.
One Love Entertainment Brings Your The Best Music In the 21st Century
DJ Services At: * Weddings * Engagements * Outdoorings * Funerals * Birthdays .. etc. Prince Adom 416-451-9518-cell
647-343-6923 - Res
princadom@yahoo.com
Action Navigator Video Certified Electrician * Light fixtures * Switches Productions * Plugs * Panel Box * Upgrade * SPECIAL EVENT VIDEO COVERAGE FOR ALL OCCASIONS QUALITY D.V VIDEO COVERAGE BIRTHDAYS, WEDDINGS, FUNERALS, OUTDOORINGS, ANNIVERSARIES PARTIES ETC.
ONE STEP AHEAD IN QUALITY TWO STEPS BEHIND IN PRICE
Nana's Barber Shop
Pot Lights etc. Call Simon Ahenkora Adarkwa Electrician
647-834-2499
saaa@live.ca
Super Hair Cuts & Designs Call Nana Ebrey
416-244-2838 416-825-3413 21 Pioneer Ave., North York
CALL : ACTION NAVIGATOR (JOE) 647-760-0988 / 416-616-6070 3 Knightbridge, Brampton, Ont., L6T 3X3
African Caribbean Grocery Store for Sale Good location in African Community Good Parking Call Mary @ 647-748-6059
The D.J.’s 911 Soundz
“We Are The Best Among The Rest In Toronto” We cover All occasions and gatherings. We offer the best rate in GTA
Contact Us Today For Your Appointment DJ Emmanuel Osei-Tutu 416-450-6156 DJ (Fine Bee) Charles Addo 905-550-9004 DJ Joseph Osei-Tutu 647-887-5858
58
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Gloryland Shipping Enterprise Inc. Seko Shipping & Freight Forwarding Inc. Commercial & Personal
Express Shipping Service to GHANA * Honest & Dependable * Low Rates * Customes Clearances *Pick-up & Delivery * Clear customs! Guaranteed delivery! We do all the work for you! For Easy, Reliable FAST Service Call Atuahene Tel: 416-398-0881 Fax: 416-398-0887 Cell: 416-725-3971 4480 Chesswood Drive, #7, Toronto, Ont., M3J 2B9
Hi-Tech Shipping
Bailing Of Used Clothes * Wholesale Food Distribution * Yam * Gari * Rice * Accra Kenkey * Canned Food * Dry Fish * Koobi and Many More We ship Cars, Trucks, Electrical Appliances, Computers, Clothing, Barrels, Personal Effects and many more Call Nana Djan
Tel: 647-895-1315, 416-913-1986, E-mail: anacas2008@hotmail.com
52 Carrier Drive, #8 (Hwy 27 & Carrier)
BLACK STAR FAST SHIPPING INC.
Freight Forwarders & Consolidators
Freight Forwarding
69 Millwick Drive, Unit 2, Toronto, Ont. M9L 1Y5
We ship to all African Countries. We are the cheapest, Fastest and most reliable agents in town. We have been in successful business for twenty years. We also have certified containers for sale: 40' H.C. from $2600 * 20' Container from $2000.00
Call Kobby or Nana Ababio
Tel: 416-744-2300 / 416-640-2310
Shipping To Ghana Abidjan & Cotonou & West Africa Cars, Furniture, Containers, Commercial Cargo Call Santino
Tel: 905-676-1233 Fax: 905-676-8800 Email: santino@atlanticandpacific.com 1750 Courtneypark Drive Unit #5, Mississauga, Ont, Canada L5T 1W1
Shipping to Africa?
Call Globex Enterprises
Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Sierra Leone Plus others Call us for the best rates to any African destination!! Professional services guaranteed
@ 416-897-2083 website:www.globexfreight.ca
Tawiah
The Most Reliable Way to Ship Overseas! Fast, Reasonable and VERY Great Competitive Rates! We Ship Trucks to Cars, Personal Items, Building materials, Used Clothes and Electronics. Also Deep Freezers and other.
Linda
Tel: 647-231-4504 or 416-988-1842
415 Oakdale Road., #381, Toronto, Ontario
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
59
Ghanaian News online www.ghanaiannews.ca
CARGO - LINK INTERNATIONAL
MOVE TO NEW LOCATION
For your Reliable Export Services - Shipping Services to Ghana, Nigeria, Clearing & Delivery Services in Ghana
Micangel Global Inc. Shipping and Freight Forwarding SEA * AIR
* LAND
Fast Easy and Reliable Service To All African Countries and Other Worldwide Ports CUSTOM CLEARANCE, PICK-UP, DELIVERY
(Freight Forwarders & Consolidators) Competent Commitment & Excellence
* You don't need to go to the Port * You don't need to see any Agent * Just see a CARGO-LINK Representative in Accra & Kumasi for your Safe & Affordable Shipment * We also do door to door in Accra & Kumasi at very low transportation cost (EXTRA) * We give Bill of Lading too to those who want to clear their own goods Contact: Regina or B'B Manu
Tel: 416-736-1905 416-822-9462 Fax: 416-736-9973 1111 Finch Ave. W., Unit 31, North York
Caleb Shipping Inc (CSI) International Freight Forwarders & Consolidators At CSI, we display excellence. We appreciate customers' shipping problems. Our goal is to ensure customers satisfaction Shipment to African ports and other worldwide destinations, CSI is your container experts. Our rates are very competitive For unique services, call Captain Asare for quotation and any shipping related enquires
Tel: 416-614-1500 / 416-457-1174 4284 Weston Road @ Steeles
www.220v.com We Carry Brand Name 220/50Hz Export Model
USED GENERATOR SALE Household Products Kitchen Appliances Generator
Unlocked GSM Cellphones Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Siemens
Plasma TVs
Used Generator Sale Tel: 416-646-0495
Gas & Electric Stoves
FREEZERS, REFRIGERATORS, WASHERS, DRYERS, AIR CONDITIONERS, VACUUM CLEANERS, TRANSFORMERS Digital tape conversion, fast professional same day service
Freezers
NEW ADDRESS 5707 Steeles Ave. West,Toronto, Ont. M9L 1S7 South East Corner of Steeles and Fenmar / Pine Valley
Tel: 905-461-0083 Fax: 905-461-0084 E-mail: caleb@csi.bidcon.net 2585 Drew Rd, Unit 5, Mississauga, Ont, L4T 1G1
We bale Used Clothing
60
The Ghanaian News March 2013
TALCO XPORT CONTAINER SHIPPING AND AIR CARGO
Easter celebration of Mid-Volta Assoc. of Ont. cont'd from pg. 52
175 Rexdale Blvd Unit # 2 Etobicoke M9W 1P7 WE SHIP TO ALL COUNTRIES OUR RATE IS THE LOWEST ON THE MARKET WE ARE SPECIALISED IN: * SELL OF USED CLOTHING * SELL OF USED TOYS
* BAILING OF USED CLOTHES * SELL OF USED MATTRESSES * AND MUCH MORE
CALL THEO Tel: 416-320-2233 Email:talcoexport@yahoo.com
gospel positively affected our culture. He recalled how his own mother who was a Christian valued her faith very much and used to sing, “He is risen” (Efor hee!) every Easter morning. The work and influence of the missionaries led to the building of schools, and the development of the written form of the
Ewe language, literature and music. A legacy of this is that the Ewe language is still studied in University of Cologne. Mr. Mawutor entreated the older generation to pass on this heritage to the next generation, invest in their lives, and be active agents for the development of their region. Speaking at the function, Mr. Larry Kutuadu, the new President, stressed the importance of Easter. He noted that it is the most important celebration in Christianity, the focus being on God reconciling mankind to Himself through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. He urged all present to seriously consider whether they have personally appropriated the way of salvation that God provided through this great sacrifice. It is not really about a party of eating, drinking, and dancing, but ensuring that one has the blessings of Easter, and lives in it. The President also appealed to the leaders of the two other Ewe Associations who were present, ECCOO and Southern Volta, for closer collaboration to promote the Ewe language and culture, especially to the next generation. Mr. Kutuadu emphasized the need for parents to invest in our children and youth if the association was to continue into the future. He proposed an Educational Assistance program for the youth and expected the details to be discussed in the upcoming general meetings. Finally, he appealed to those who were not yet registered members to commit themselves to the cause so that the association could do greater things for our communities here and in Ghana. The evening was climaxed with dancing of the traditional “Borborbor” dance to gospel tunes. Executives (in picture) President - Mr. Larry Kutuadu (middle in smock) – left to right Ms Stella Aniawu – Financial Secretary M r. B e r n h a r d A k p l u – Vi c e P r e s i d e n t Mrs. Mary Dzifa Agbley – Entertainment C o - o r d i n a t o r Mrs. Anastasia Akradie – Ex Officio Mrs. Mercy Fiado-Kwawu – Ass. Entertainment C o - o r d i n a t o r Mr. John Anati – Ass. Information Officer Ms Favour Adu – Ex Officio Ms. Josephine GbediameAfrane – Ass. Secretary M s . B e l i n d a B u g a d a m – P. R . O Not in picture by reason of travel or other engagement – Mr. Anthony Dogbe – Secretary; Mr. Gabriel Akradie – Treasurer; M r . Ya o T e n g e – Assistant Information Officer; Mrs. Louisa Gladzah – Ass. P.R.O.
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
61
Let's Think Family - By Rev. Dr. Samuel Kisseadoo SOME OF THE TIMELESS LESSONS OF EASTER Although the 2013 Easter celebrations are over, the valuable lessons of Easter are applicable and very relevant all year round. In fact, without the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ at Easter, none of the spiritual, physical, and social activities of mankind would enable us to make real progress and produce everlasting results. Mankind would have no power to deal with sin, bondages of the devil or the flesh, and the fallen nature of man. Our worship could not please God and have any eternal value or true spiritual meaning. All of our courtships, marriages, and other relationships or investments will ever have eternal value, fruits, or rewards. The messages we can derive from Easter are numerous, but I wish to analyze a just a few, and see how we can apply them to our daily living, especially our family life. 1) IMPORTANCE OF MOTHERS IN FULFILLING THE DESTINY OF THEIR CHILDREN --- When God finally decided to come to earth in the form of a human being to save us, He went first to the woman in the marriage (Mary) who was going to become the physical channel for Jesus to enter
the world. “Near the Cross of Jesus was His mother” (St. John 19:25). How and why did His mother stand by the Cross so boldly while even His disciples, including Peter, had run away and hidden because of fear? Where were the brothers and sisters and other family members of Jesus? Only a mother such as Mary would be fully convinced of her Son hanging on that Cross, as to who He really was. Women should know the importance of their exclusive value to families and in society, and allow their convictions to become irreversible regarding their destiny as women and mothers, and the specific destiny plus continual love and care for their children. Any woman, who has spent time to wait upon God in prayer and scripture meditation along with
obedience, should stand firm by her convictions, and engage in courageous, focused, and consistent pursuit of her God-given vision for her singleness (as she waits for God’s timing and choice of the best mate), or her courtship, marriage, children and entire family. No common or unexpected trials or problems (not even crucifixion on a Cross) should deter and disappoint any woman, or deceive and distract her to compromise her godly and principled standards. Men and fathers should understand that specific God-given role of women and mothers who go through those 9 tasking months of pregnancy, excruciating labor, and childcare, in order to give women all the support they need from men, especially husbands and fathers. 2) IMPORTANCE OF I N T I M AT E P A R E N T A L RELATIONS --- Many parents (biological or step-parents) do not have real dependable and intimate relationship with their children. Some children do not even know where their parents are hiding. Sometimes the children also create problems with rebellion, sinful lifestyles, shirking
ONTARIO SERVICES Forwarding Int’L FREIGHT SERVICES TO: LOME TOGO, WEST AFRICA
CARGO SHIPPING: LAND-SEA- AIR WE SHIP CARS, 4X4 JEEPS, PERSONAL EFFECTS, USED CLOTHING, BARRELS, COMPUTERS, MACK TRUCKS, DUMP TRUCKS, FARM EQUIPMENT, TANKERS, GENERATORS etc. Number one Air Freight for Luggage’s, dishwashers, TV, Dryers, Air Conditioners, Mattresses for all West Africa NUMBER ONE COURIER SERVICES: DHL, FEDEX, TNT, UPS and PUROLATOR for around the world: etc Call for quotation for 20ft or 40ft container for the whole world. CALL OR DROP YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS:
TEL: 647 862 4996 FAX 647 342 1903 EMAIL:ontario-services@live.ca Website: www.ontario-services.ca Visit us at 718 Wilson Avenue, Suite 301H, Toronto, Ontario, M3K 1E2
of responsibility, secrecy, and running away from home. Jesus never forgot His mother even in death, and made provision for her upkeep (St. John 19:26, 27). It shows the strong loving relationship between mother and child. If you make time for God to speak with you, and make time to ponder quietly on God’s dealings with you (as Mary did), God will never abandon you, and your child will never forget you, even when he or she is dying. It is also never an excuse to neglect your mother or any parent (or guardian) by using any trials and problems as excuse. Jesus did not use the Cross as excuse to neglect His mother. Are your problems the most severe among your peers in your country or overseas to become tangible excuses for your silence regarding spiritual, social, and physical needs? Even if you are being crucified where you are, you will not be excused by God and man. There is always something you can do. Even a phone call, a sentence of e-mail, a prayer, loving greetings, a card, simple gift etc. can be used by God to cheer someone up, meet a need, and turn a situation around. 3) Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to His disciple John for a purpose. Although John was single, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother into the hands of John. He could not even give His mother to his brothers and sisters (who were then Unbelievers) or to Peter who was married (who was then spiritually unstable and was far away from Jesus, denying Him). John was described as “the disciple Jesus loved” (St. John 13:23), and was very close to the Cross as well during the crucifixion of Jesus. In the same way, the Lord will also entrust precious things into the hands of those who have clearly established a love relationship with Him (not just following Him or observing traditions), and who decide to walk closely with Him, no m a t t e r t h e circumstances. Can you imagine the gossip around town, mixed with some envy and malice in the hearts of some family members and friends when they heard that unmarried disciple John had taken the middleaged woman Mary to his home? Dirty-minded folk would even “wonder what must have been going between them in that house”. Peter was older than John, and is often regarded by many as the leader of the 12 Disciples, but we learn that God could bypass a leader who is not prepared and close enough to the
Lord at a particular time, and rather entrust important things to the younger more faithful member of the group. 4) GOD ALMIGHTY IS THE SOURCE OF ALL GENUINE POWER. These are days when people are seeking after all kinds of power and miracles to satisfy their desires, but the devil also has several of his counterfeit powers in operation. If, during His trial, Jesus declared to Pilate that “he could have no power at all against Him unless power were given him from above” (St. John 19:11), how could any of us expect to receive any form of genuine power from any other source? We s h o u l d a l w a y s carefully check the kind of faith, Biblical source, level of obedience, holy living, honesty, and the private lifestyle of any religious person, prophet, pastor, leader, miracle worker, man or woman of God, and person promising to give us solutions to our spiritual and social problems. Many false prophets and teachers are running around these days with revelations, miraculous signs, prophesies, strange and contorted ideas, unbiblical instructions, weird practices, and gargantuan promises for prosperity, all of which are fake and usually satanic-inspired. Watch out carefully! (5) GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES CLEAR EVIDENCE --God made sure that the women who first went to the tomb of Christ after His resurrection could see the inside of the tomb in order to obtain evidence of His resurrection. God will always ensure that He gives you every opportunity to see anything He really wants you to see. If you miss it, then it is your fault. The women were worried (probably throughout the night) as to who would roll away that huge stone at the entrance of the tomb for them, but when they looked, the stone was already rolled away (Mark 16:3, 4). We are told “the stone was VERY G R E AT ” . D o e s a n y obstacle appear VERY GREAT in your life at anytime? Most of what we are always afraid of (when doing God’s will) never really occurs. Our fears and worries often stem from disobedience, lack of trust in God’s promises, poor p r e p a r a t i o n s , procrastination, pride (lack of humility) that robs us of God’s grace for accomplishments, our i n a b i l i t y t o f o rg i v e ourselves for past offences, and doubts concerning God’s perfect will in specific situations. We waste our minds and emotions in needless worry, fear, anger, and
anxiety, and get ulcers and wrecked nerves from imaginary problems that never materialize. Sometimes we even prophesy the problems into place in our education plans, career pursuits, singleness, dating, waiting for someone to fall in love with us and sincerely marry us, choice of right mate (confused in saying yes to a proposal or selecting one among multiple proposals, or difficulty in choosing one out of many ladies we like). Some of us pronounce negative outcomes that open wide doors of spiritual and human attacks on our courtships, marriages, parenting, in-law relations, ministries, church matters, professions, businesses, investments, acquisition of property, construction and accommodation plans, obtaining travel or immigration documents, safety at new locations, political matters, and national affairs etc. If God has promise to resurrect and give life to anything, He will by all means cause it to finally happen. ”Do not fret – it only causes harm (only leads to evil)” -- Psalm 37:8. Learn to rest your heart, faith, and hopes in God’s love, His divine integrity, and His unfailing promises. 6) I M P O RTA N C E O F PRAYER --- The first thing Jesus did on the cross was to pray. “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). That prayer really stabilized Him. Remember that Jesus was fully human and fully God. Otherwise he could have run into trouble with is endurance capabilities, and reactions towards the vexation thrown at Him with nonsensical mockery by people expected to know God. Out of His 7 phrases on the Cross, at least 4 of them were prayers. Jesus set us the example that the FIRST THING to do when any trouble erupts or any crisis arises is to PRAY. The first thing to do is not to allow panic to grip you (although natural fear will set in), and get on the phone or walk to someone to complain, lean on a confidant, yell for everyone to hear your plight, start blaming people, make yourself miserable and tell everyone in order to canvass for human sympathy instead of God’s comfort etc., and not even to run to your special counselor. TELL GOD FIRST, for Him to be primarily in charge. Distinguish between God-directed and wise support, versus immature or carnal human dependence, or self-pity. Apart from personal prayer, try not to keep special problems or cont'd on pg. 68
62
The Ghanaian News March 2013
PLACES OF WORSHIP DIRECTORY The Apostolic Church Int'l.
Ghana Methodist Churches in Canada ( SOCIETIES UNDER THE GHANA METHODIST CONFERENCE)
The Apostolic Church International (Toronto Assembly) is a Branch of The Apostolic Church in Ghana
Sunday (Worship) 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Wednes: - (Bible Studies) 7:30 p.m. Fri: (Intercessory/Deliverance Prayers) -7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Fri: (Alt.) All Night 10:30 p.m. - 3:00 a.m. Saturday(Alt.) Women's, Men's,Youth Movement Meetings) 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. 1st Saturday of every month Prayer for breakthrough) (Montreal)
9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. TORONTO CENTRAL ASSEMBLY Pastor: 905-791-8190 Cell: 647-218-1052 Church: 416-740-1979 94 Kenhar Drive, Unit 39 & 40, North York, Ont. BRAMPTON ASSEMBLY 270 Rutherford Road, Unit 10 Brampton, Ontario, L6W 3K7 HAMILTON ASSEMBLY 801 King Street East Hamilton, Ontario, L8M 1A8 MONTREAL ASSEMBLY Church 514-279-6565
845 Jean Talon West, Montreal, Quebec, H3N 1S5
HOLY ALPHA & OMEGA CHURCH We invite you to worship with us Church Service: Sunday Worship: 10.00a.m. - 12.30 p.m. Wednesday Bible Studies: 6.00p.m. - 7.30 p.m. Friday Prayer Meeting: 7.00p.m. - 9.00 p.m.
JESUS Loves You
invites you to worship with us
Apostle F.Y. Agyemang (Area Supt. Canada-Wide)
Meeting Schedule
Elder Eric Frimpong - 514-748-1545
The Superintendent Minister-In-Charge
Prophet John Mensah
869 Wilson Avenue, North York, Ont.
Tel: 416-638-5990 / 416-419-6671
EVANGEL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH 1245 Martin Grove Road, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 1L4
Place of Worship: 19 Penn Drive, North York, Ont. (off Finch Av./Milvan)
416-743-4555 (Office) 905-216-2323 (Residence) Day and Time of Worship: Sunday: Bible Class Meeting: 41 10:00 a.m. - 10.30 a.m. Church Service: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Jericho Hour Prayer Meeting 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Friday: Bible Teaching/Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Saturday Organizational Meeting: 6.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m. Sunday Brampton Prayer Meeting 8:00 p.m. Calgary Methodist - 403-603-2864 Edmonton Methodist - 587-336-1223 Ottawa Methodist - 613-823-2291
In Montreal at: Place of Worship: 6870 Rue de Terreborne, Montreal, Que, H4B 1C5
Day and Time of Worship Sunday Divine Service: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Friday Prayer Meetings: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Contact: Rev. Emmanuel Ohene Gyimah - 514-542-0871 SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED FOLLOWING THE TRADITIONAL GHANA METHODIST LITURGY. PLEASE COME AND JOIN US. WE HAVE A PLACE FOR YOU. GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU
CHRIST REDEEMER CHURCH Pastor-in-charge: Pastor Eric Amoah Tel: (416) 748-1242 Cell: (416) 300-9970 Church Services Sunday Service: Bible Study: 10 a.m.-11a.m. Worship Service: 11a.m. - 1p.m. Wednesday: Bible Study 6:30p.m.-7:30p.m. Friday Night Prayer: 8p.m.-10p.m. Pastor Eric Amoah Location: 4 Racine, Unit 9
Pastor in Charge Rev. Milton Offei
(Kipling/Rexdale)
Redemption Faith Church Invites you to worship with us at 1485 ALBION ROAD (Albion/Kipling) Tel: 905-495-1936 Fax: 905-495-1937
Tel: 416-242-7950 Fax: 416-242-8573 Church Activities Sunday School: 10a.m. -11:00a.m. Church Service: 11a.m. - 1:30p.m. Sunday Evening: 7p.m. - 8:30p.m. Wednesday Bible Studies: 7p.m. - 8:30p.m. Friday Prayer Meeting: 7p.m. - 9:00p.m.
Very Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare-Kusi
Toronto Society
This is a loving and caring Church that preaches and teaches the whole counsel of God. A place where the word of God is backed by strong anointing to bring Salvation, Healing and Deliverance to all people who believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST Rev. Dr. Stephen Ofori-Darko
CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Sunday Search the Scriptures - 12 noon - 12-45 p.m. Church Service - 12:45 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Fridays - 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Bible Study, Intercession & Deliverance
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
63
FOOD FOR LIFE
Bringing the Gospel to our Community By: Rev. Joseph Osei-Amoah “YOU SHALL RECOVER ALL!” Courtsy: Rev. Dr. Paul Henry Dsane, The Asst. General Superintendent, The Assemblies of God, Ghana Rev. Dr. Dsane the speaker of the just ended Joint Easter Convention of the Assemblies of God churches in Toronto, Canada, is also the Senior Pastor of Grace Pentecostal Assembly of God Church, Affiakuma, Takoradi, Ghana. Time and space will not permit me to share all the messages the Lord sent us through him during the five services of the Convention. I believe his message for the third service entitled, “You shall recover all”, which I selected at random for this column, will be a blessing to whoever reads it. To emphasize the power of the cross and the resurrected Christ, Rev. Dsane added, “The cross of Jesus settled everything”. The atoning death and the resurrection of Jesus which we just celebrated has paved the way for anyone who trusts in Jesus to recover everything the individual has forfeited to the devil. Please note that this is not a word for word transmission of the sermon but has been rendered to retain the original thoughts and statements of Rev. Dsane. The text was taken from 1 Samuel 30: 1-19 NKJV. To c o n s e r v e space, I have included below, the first eight verses of the text: “Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire,
2 and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. 3 So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 5 And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. 6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 7 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 8 So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” Saul the first King of Israel was so jealous of David’s popularity that the King led a whole army in pursuit of him to eliminate him. Feeling unsafe in Israel, David led his men cross the border to find refuge in the land of the Philistines. Achish, King of the Philistines,
allowed David and his men including their wives and children live in the town of Ziklag. One day when David and his men returned home from an expedition, the Amalekites had invaded their town and taken captive the women, children and everyone away without killing anyone but burnt down the town. The captives included all the two wives, sons and daughters of David and those of his men. When they discovered what had happened, David and his men wept so bitterly that they had no more strength to weep. This story demonstrates what the devil, the enemy of our soul, has stolen from us. According to the Lord Jesus; “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV) As you read on, the enemy of our soul might have stolen your job, your husband or wife, finances or peace mind and even the children who are difficult to manage. The natural response is to weep as David and his men did; and you may even get discouraged
Canadian Corporation produces pure potassium carbonate (potash) in Ghana cont'd from pg. 52 the 2 main harvests are complete. The waste on the ground is good for up to 3 years and that too can be burned and sold. Women can do this job and in so doing earn extra income. Mr. Tanoh believes over 4 million people will be touched by this project when it is in full production. OPC hopes that this project will create more jobs for the rural youth and women in the cocoa growing
communities of Ghana. This will contribute in stemming the rural-urban migration and improve the livelihoods of people On her part Mrs. Heather Welner, President and CEO of the Corporation stated: “We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Wo o d e a s s i s t i n g u s in overseeing the construction of the Tema mini processing plant. Having Dr. Woode
onsite has assisted us in minimizing the time required to begin operations and commencing the process of converting agricultural waste into 99%+ pure potassium carbonate. Organic Potash Corporation is a success story of Canadians and Ghanaians working together towards a common goal that is a win win for everyone. .
and overwhelmed by the feeling of hopelessness, but the resurrected Christ is your hope. David would not rest without doing something about his problem. His two wives and all his children were carried away; moreover his men were planning to stone him. What would you do in such a situation? The word of God says, “But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV) When the enemy of your soul places you in a tight corner, while you are no match for him, remember you are not alone; the “Lion of the tribe of Judah” your risen Savior has overcome him. Cry out to Him in prayer. The Lord Jesus promised; “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (John 14:13-14 NKJV). When David prayed, the Lord responded and told him to pursue the Amalekites
and assured him that he would recover everything they had stolen. His next problem was; where to find the enemy? As David and his men rode along the road, they found an Egyptian; a slave of the Amalekites in the bush, who was too weak to continue with his masters and was left to die. After David’s men gave him food and water, he was strong enough to lead them to where the Amalekites had camped. When your problem is such that you do not know where to turn to, as you follow the leading of the Lord, He will certainly direct you. “21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21 NKJV) As you continue in prayer, you can pursue your enemies and overtake them. You can withstand whatever the enemy throws at you, be it bad dream with your prayer. Although
the Lord is on your side, you need to watch out for the so-called friends who get you into trouble, or create problems in your family. Get away from them! After His death and before His resurrection, the Lord Jesus descended into Sheol, the place of the dead, and announced to the spirits of the Old Testament saints that the work of redemption had been completed (Ephesians 4: 8-9). He also took the keys of Hades and Death from the devil. Read what the Apostle John had to say about our victorious Savior; “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (Rev 1:17-19 NKJV) Why not commit your life into the hands of this Great Savior today!
Living Word Assembly of God Church (Affiliated with P.A.O.C.)
139 Millwick Drive Toronto, Ont. (Steeles/Islington) Tel: 416- 741-6285 Fax: 416- 741-0133 Email: livingwordag@bellnet.ca
Church Activities
Senior Pastor: Rev. Joseph Osei-Amoah
Sunday Early Morning Prayer: 8:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Prayer: 10:00 a.m-12 noon Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Friday Prayer 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. (Last Friday of the month “All Night Prayer”): 7:30 p.m.-12 mid-night Youth Service (Fridays): 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Departmental Meeting (Every other Sunday): 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
64
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, Toronto 65 Mayall Avenue, Toronto Ontario, M3L 1E7
Tel: 416-614-6110 647-341-7305 Email: gcmethodist@hotmail.com
Invites all Christians to join us to worship and glorify the Living God
Worship Schedule: Sunday Church Service/Class Meetings: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Friday Prayer Meeting: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Do you desire to experience the power and the presence of God demonstrated in your life? Do you want to experience the marvelous work of God's grace in your life? Then, Bethel Prayer Ministry International would like to invite you to visit their church where the word of God is preached powerfully to release the power of God in your life. Pastor Dennis Awuku COME AND YOU WILL BE BLESSED Senior Pastor
Contact:
Res. 416-740-6963 Church 416-642-0390 Worship Hours: Sunday Service: 9am - 1pm Tuesday 9am - 2 pm Consultation Wednesday: 7pm - 9p.m. Friday: 9pm - 12 pm Saturday (Prayer Warriors) 6pm - 8pm Location: 52 Carrier Drive, Unit 12, (Albion/Hwy 27)
Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5
Very Rev. De-Graft Semie Obiri (Calvary Methodist)
Saturday Auxilliary Minister Youth Musical & Computer Rev. Samuel Victor Mpereh Lessons Fellowship Meetings Choir Practice, Singing Band Practice 647-770-8440
Venue of Worship 65 Mayall Avenue, Toronto (Route: Through Jethro Road or Haymarket Road, off Wilson Ave. between Weston Rd. and Jane St., or walk across bridge from Chalkfarm North)
Tel: 416-614-6110
Bethel Prayer Ministry Int'l
Harvest Christian Church Invites you for a wonderful time with the Lord
Worship Hours Sundays (Mornings) 10 - 12:45pm Wednesday (Bible Study) 7 -8:30 pm Friday (All Night Prayer) 8-10:30pm Rev Moses Sarpong
COME AND EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF THE WORD Join us at 196 Toryork Drive(Corner of Weston/Finch)
Tel: 416-743-2507 Email: gcmethodist@hotmail.com
IT’S HARVEST TIME SO REACH OUT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE
It’s A Great Commission!
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
65
Peace Light Ministries Senior Pastor & Founder: Rev. Augustine Adu-Anane BRE, M.Th. CPC
Senior Associate Pastor: Rev. Eleanor Adu-Anane BRE, ECE
TIME OF WORSHIP Wednesday: Bible Study 7:00 - 9:00 pm Friday: Group Prayer Meeting 8:00 - 11:00 pm Sunday: Christian Education 9:30 am - 10:30 am Sunday Service: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Rev. Augustine Adu-Anane
Tel: 416-839-1662 / 647-892-9412 LOCATION: 100 Penn Drive, Unit #3, North York, Ont. M9L 2A9 Happy are those who work for PEACE, for God will call them His children Mtt: 5:9
Lighthouse Assembly of God Church Senior Pastor: Isaac Takyi De-Graft Exclusive English Service: 8:00am - 10:00am School of the Light: 10:00am - 10:45am Exclusive Ghanaian Service : 10:45am - 1:00am Tuesday(Time with the Holy Spirit) 10:00 am-12:30 pm Wednesday(School of Ministry) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm -Torontonians Thursday(School of Ministry) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm - Bramptonians Friday(Time in His Presence) 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Every First Friday is Special Youth Service 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Every Fouth Friday is Half Night Service: 9:00 pm - 12:30 am
THE APOSTLES' CONTINUATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (CANADA) North American Headquarters: 10 Belfield Road Toronto, Ont., M9W 1G1 Tel: 416-247-6629 Fax: 416-247-5308
NEW LOCATION: 42 Steinway Blvd. Unit 1&2 (Hwy 27/Steeles) Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6Y6
Tel: 416-740-1200 Fax: 416-740-6435 Email:
lighthouse@lighthouseag.caWebsite: http:/www/lighthouseag.ca Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu
Power of Grace Chapel Int'l Invites all Christians, Non-Christians and members of the Resurrection Power Tradition to join us worship the Great Jehovah
Place of Worship:
350 Deerhide Cres, North York, ON Sunday Wednesday Friday
Rev. Joe Bonnah Days And Time of Worship - Divine Worship - 10a.m. - 1p.m.Pastor-in-charge - Bible Studies 7p.m. - 9p.m. - Prayer / Deliverance - 7p.m. - 10p.m.
Contact Lines: Tel: 416-321-2796 (Pastor's Res) 289-981-1547 (Church)
Cell: 647-921-2414
Website: www.apostlescontinuation.org
SERVICE TIMES: Worship Service Bible Studies All Night Service Deliverance
- Sunday 10:30 a.m. - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - Friday 9:30 p.m. - Saturday 4:00 p.m.
Worship With Us At These Branches In Canada
Toronto 10 Belfield Road Tel: 416-247-6629 Scarborough Assembly 1632 Midland Ave., M1P 1C2 Tel: 416-288-1333 Pastor In-Charge: Pastor Ohene Kena Contact: 647-281-5303
Montreal Assembly 378 Cremazie East Montreal, Quebec, H2P 1E5 Tel: 514-271-9083 Pastor-In-Charge: John Arhin
Contact: Res: 450-687-4916 Cell: 514-654-6178
Immanuel Assembly of God Praise Temple of Christ International Church, Scarborough Sunday School: Church Service:
9:30am -10:30am 10:30am - 12 noon
There will be devotion each morning or evening from Monday to Friday on line 6:00 am to 7:00 am or 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Rev. Douglas O. Ansah Pastor-in-charge
Online telephone # 647-722-5570. Access code: 226688# or 124488#
LOCATION Don Montgomery Community Centre 2467 Eglinton Ave. E. Scarborough, Ont., (Kennedy/Eglinton Subway Station) For more info contact:
647-880-4216
Snr. Pastor: Apostle Osei-Bonsu
336 Gary Ray Drive @ Signet Worship Schedule Sunday Worship - 10 am - 12:30 pm Wednesday - Bible Study - 7 pm - 9 pm Friday - Prayer Meeting - 8 pm - 10 pm Second and last Friday of each month All Night Prayer Meeting 8 pm - 12 midnight
For information call: Apostle - 905-487-6658 Emmanuel - 289-400-7626 (cell)
66
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Ghanaian Congregation
GHANAIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
ST. ANDREW’S PARISH 2547 KIPLING AVENUETORONTO ONTARIOM9V 3A8. MASS TIMES: 2:00pm – 4:00pm ON THE 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH. CONTACTS; FR. ALEX OSEI CSSp (Priest-In-Charge) 416-266-6787. FR. ANTHONY ADUSEI CSSp 416-266-6787 REV. MR. JOSEPH OWUSU AFRIYIE 905-970-0824. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DATES FOR OUR MASS SERVICE IN THE MONTH OF APRIL ARE THE 7TH AND THE 21ST.
St. John's Anglican Church VENUE: 2125 WESTON RD., WESTON ONT. Priest-in-charge: Rev. Michelle Childs-Ward , Incumbent 647-234-8229 Rev. Fr. Jojo Eduam Entsiwah, Associate Priest 647-400-7055
Sunday: Bible Study - 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Regular Service: 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Isaac Aborah-Sei Daniel Oteng Evans Ackah Dwomoh Abebrese
-
647-859-9922 647-891-4211 647-403-6385 647-774-0747
Transformation Centre Assembly of God Church, Mississauga Join us on Sundays for worship at: Venue: Meadowvale Community Centre, Mississauga
Address: 6655 Glen Erin Drive Main Intersection: Glen Erin Drive and Aquitaine Avenue Room: Youth and Seniors
Time: 10.00AM-1.00PM Contact: Pastor Isaac K. Bonful Tel: 289-814-5482 Email: transformcentreag@yahoo.ca "...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2a
The Ghanaian News
Easter celebration at Assemblies of God Churches in Toronto cont'd from 49 year’s celebration is “Be ready for the coming of the Lord” Matthew 24:44. The guest speaker for the celebration was Rev. Dr. Paul Henry Dsane, the Assistant Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Ghana, who is also the Senior Pastor of Grace Pentecostal Assembly of God Church, Affiakuma, Takoradi, Ghana. He reminded Christians of
sermon, Rev. Dr. Paul Henry Dsane conveyed a special goodwill message from the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Rev. Dr. Frimpong Manso, wishing the Churches in Canada well. Present at the service were Departmental Leaders, Deacons, Deaconesses and Pastors of the various Assembly of God E a r l i e r b e f o r e h i s Churches in Toronto. what God’s own son Jesus Christ went through and died for our salvation. He said mankind has been set free and by the power of the Blood of Jesus our sins are forgiven. Through the blood of Jesus we have access to God, quoting from Hebrews 4:16. “The cross of Jesus settled everything after His death”, he emphasized
Olympic inspiration reaches girls through education initiative cont'd from pg. 39
ever-increasing number of female Olympians who are using their profile to empower young women and girls a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y. “Both Summer and Winter Olympians act as aspirational figures who persevere to achieve their dreams through sport, physical activity and the Olympic Values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship,” said Canadian Olympic Committee Board Member and educator Martha Deacon.
so many outstanding female role models to inspire the young girls and women of our nation,” said Deacon. “Whether it is International Women’s Day, or any other day of the year, Canada’s Olympians are not only role models for our girls and young women in this country -- they are examples of leadership and excellence to youth all around the world.”
“The Young Women on the Move conference is a wonderful opportunity for TDSB students to come together to celebrate “In the sport community, International Women’s we are fortunate to have
Day and discuss issues facing girls today,” said Donna Quan, Director of Education, Toronto District School Board. “We’re thrilled that Ohenewa Akuffo was able to participate this year by sharing her inspiring story with our students.” During today’s interactive conference, girls had the opportunity to interact with female students living across Canada and around the world, share ideas and identify with being a girl or women, what barriers they are facing and how they are breaking through them
Canadian Olympic Committee Media Office
Christian Hope Ministry Int'l Invites You All To Come Worship With Us Apostle-in-charge: Apostle Twumasi Ankrah
Tel: 647-344-6726 Cell: 416-200-2453 TIME OF WORSHIP: Sunday 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Tuesday 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Apostle Twumasi Ankrah
VENUE: 1177 Finch Dr. #20, North York "And these signs will follow those who believe, in My Name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues, they will take up serpents, and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them, they will lay hands on the sick , and they will recover. Amen (Mark 16:17)
"COME AND EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF GOD"
Gospel Action Ministry Location: 135 Oakdale Rd. (Back door) Senior Pastor: Rev. Peter Awuah
Tel: 416-836-9235, 416-667-8637
Rev. Peter Awuah
Service Schedule Sunday: Church Service 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Tuesday: Prayer Meeting 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday: Bible/Prayer Meeting 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Last Friday of the month: All Night Prayer Meeting 11:00 pm
March 2013
67
GHANAIAN ANGLICAN CHURCH OF TORONTO 1796 Lawrence Avenue West (Jane & Lawrence) Sunday: Bible Study - 2pm-3:00pm Sunday Worship - 3pm-5:00pm Tuesday: Teaching/Prayer - 7pm-9:00pm Thursday: Prayer Meeting 10:30am-12noon Friday: Prayer Meeting - 7pm-9:00pm Saturday: Group Meetings - 3pm-7:30pm Rev. Fr. Gabriel Opoku Ware Priest-in-charge
Res: 416-901-3932 Cell: 647-624-4044
Bro. Donald Amo (People's Warden) 647-979-9247 Sis. Monica Akrofi(Priest's Warden)416-748-8246 Sis. Beatrice Asare(Secretary) 416-745-8148
Welcome Home Evangelistic Ministries Affiliated with the Evangelical Church In Canada
Snr. Pastor & Founder: Evang. & Prophetess Winnie Manu BRE, M. Div.
Worship Celebration Services Sunday Worship Celebration: 10 a.m. Friday Prayer Meeting / Discipleship Group: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Last Sunday of Every Month: Healing Service
Place of Worship 236 Queen Mary Drive Brampton, ON L7A 3L3
Contact Info: Tel: 647 210 7057 Fax: 905 495 4789 Website: www.whemtoday .org
Email: info@whemtoday.org
Healing Service: Last Sunday of every month at Cheyne Middle School. 236 Queen Mary Dr. Brampton.
Glory Pentecostal Ministry of Toronto Pastor-in-charge: Rev. Rockson Owusu Atwima - 416-708-7742
Invites all Christians and Non-Christians to join us to worship the Almighty God WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Regular Service 11:00 am to 1:30 pm Tuesday Prayer and Healing Service 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday Prayer Night 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
PLACE OF WORSHIP 230 Eddystone Ave., #207, North York, Ont. M3N 1H7 We are more tan our conquerors Romans 8:37 "Come and see the manifestation and the power of the Holy Spirit at work"
Living Praise Ministries Int'l Church We are a diverse group of individuals who come together to build a church based upon a common foundation in Christ Jesus Pastor Sam & Helena Addai Pastor Elvis & Sonia Henry Our Services Friday: 7:30 p.m. Healing and Deliverance Service Sunday: 10:30 a.m. - Intercessory Prayer 10:00 a.m. - Worship Team 12:00 noon - Sunday Sch., children 3-13 yrs. Weekly Spiritual Growth Tuesday: Bible Study, 7:00 p.m. at the church Friday: Youth Ministry, 7:30 p.m. at the church Pastor Sam Addai Friday: Prayer and Revival Service, 7:30 p.m. at the church Tuesday: Anointing Today, 7:30 a.m. on Vision TV (61) First Friday of each month: Midnight Prayer Meetings 11p.m.to1 a.m.
Tel: 613-228-2189, 1-800-973-2189 1877 Merivale Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K2O 1Y8
68
The Ghanaian News March 2013
Around the Ghana Sports Scene
with Jonathan Annobil
Agbeko eyes another world title Newly-crowned IBO bantamweight champion, Joseph King Kong Agbeko, has poured cold water on the prospects of another showdown with his nemesis, Abner Mares, anytime soon. He has also dashed the hopes of Colombian Luis Melendez for a quick rematch after the Ghanaian set his eyes on big money fights in the United States at the super bantamweight division. Moments after annexing the vacant IBO title in the early hours of last Saturday at the Accra Sports Stadium with a unanimous points victory over Melendez, Agbeko told the media he was considering moving up weight to the super bantamweight class where there were a lot of opportunities awaiting him, including a proposed world title fight with Luis Santa Cruz on the F l o y d M a y w e a t h e rRobert Guerrero card on May 4 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Hotel in Las Vegas, USA. Agbeko revealed also the possibility of stepping into the ring soon to fight the winner of the WBA/WBO super bantamweight championship fight between Filipino American, Nonito Donaire, and Guillermo
Ghana rejects Mexico, Japan friendlies Rigondeaux on April 13 in New York, hence his resolve to fight at a higher weight class. “I might move up to the super bantamweight because I’m having a lot of problems making the weight as a bantamweight,” he said. Mares, who handed Agbeko his last two defeats, one of which was a controversial decision and resulted in a rematch two years ago, is not on the Ghanaian’s radar now because the Mexican had moved up weight and is now fighting as a featherweight, a division which is not in the consideration for Agbeko. “I am not thinking about A b n e r M a r e s n o w. Even though Showtime [the American boxing promotions network] has started talking about Agbeko-Mares III, I don’t think I’ll move up to featherweight now. It’s
not on my mind now but definitely in future it will happen,” assured Agbeko who became a world champion for the third time on his 33rd birthday. Explaining why a rematch with Melendez was not in his plans despite a request by the Mexican for another showdown, Agbeko did not hide the fact that monetary considerations weighed heavily in his future plans. “No disrespect for Melendez but I want the big fights in the United States, fights that can generate a lot of money. “I am not running away from him but this time the dream is big and I’m thinking ahead,” said the former twotime IBF bantamweight champion who dedicated last Saturday’s win to the deceased wife of his new trainer, Ofori Asare. Daily Graphic
Ghana hungry for success Muntari Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari has revealed his side are “desperate” to put their Africa Cup of Nations disappointment behind them and beat S u d a n i n S u n d a y ’s World Cup qualifier. The Black Stars lost to Burkina Faso in the semifinals in South Africa and Muntari, who missed the tournament, wants to focus on reaching Brazil. “We’re desperate to get to the World Cup,” Muntari, 28, told BBC Sport. “The match against Sudan will not be easy. But we want to win at all costs.” Ghana were one of the pre-tournament favourites for the Nations Cup but suffered heartbreak when they were beaten on penalties by Burkina Faso. Coach Kwesi Appiah
came in for criticism from some quarters for placing his faith in youth and overlooking established players such as former captain John Mensah and Marseille striker J o r d a n Ay e w, w h i l e Andre Ayew was dropped from the initial squad. But Appiah has stuck with his policy and brought in four new faces, including Arsenal’s on-loan Fulham midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong, to face Sudan. And Muntari believes the players coming through the ranks for Ghana are good enough to help the team get the results they need aim to close the three-point gap on Group D leaders Zambia starting with a win against third-placed Sudan. “What happened in
South Africa is just part of football and that has been put to one side now,” Muntari said. “If we think about making a statement to our fans, we won’t be able to do well. But we will do our best on Sunday and try to make the fans happy. “Our young players are playing in good leagues in Europe and I don’t think they will feel pressure. We just need to train well to be fit and focused the game on Sunday. “The team is young but it is still experienced. Age doesn’t make much difference. The most important thing is that we respect each other, on and off the field and act as a team. That will make us go far.” BBC News
For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700
Footy-ghana.com can exclusively confirm that the Ghana Football Association has decided against accepting invitations from Mexico and Japan to play friendly matches with the Black Stars because of the closeness of the crucial World Cup qualifier against Sudan in Khartoum.
According to our wellplaced sources, Ghana will now camp in Kenya and play against the Harambee Stars in a friendly match on June 1, after which they will move to Sudan four clear days before the crucial game on June 8. Footy-ghana.com had earlier revealed that Mexico had wanted to
play against the Black Stars on June 4 in the USA, whilst Japan had wanted to host the Black Stars around the same time, but proximity with Sudan led to the GFA rejecting the two proposals. After Ghana’s qualifier against Sudan on June 8, the Black Stars will then travel to Maseru to face Lesotho on June 16.
SOME OF THE TIMELESS LESSONS OF EASTER cont'd from pg. 61 emergencies to yourself out of your own pride and secrecy when that situation needs corporate prayer and united support of true Believers and genuine lovers who look out for your welfare. The prayer of Jesus on the cross had its roots in the preparatory prayers in Gethsemane. If you have not prepared yourself with prayer in the morning or prayed before getting to where you are in any situation, then it becomes more difficult to engage in any prayer when problems suddenly confronts you, or if things i n t e n s i f y . Some versions of the Bible tell us in Luke 23:34 that “Jesus was saying Father forgive them, for they know not what they do”, implying that all along while He carried the Cross, and they drove the nails into His hands etc., Jesus was saying that prayer within Himself. That made it easier for him to finally utter it on the Cross at the climax of His suffering, instead of cursing or complaining. I always told my children before they went off to school: “Whenever there is trouble, please do not rush to call me first, but immediately call God first before calling me, even if all you have to do is to call Jesus and shout your p r a y e r a s “JEEEESUUUUS!”. After that then call me. Because if I am there with you and Jesus is not there it is worse, than if I am not with you but Jesus is there with you.” No matter your situation today, Jesus took care of every human need on the cross and declared; “It is finished!” (St. John 19:30). Let us take it all by faith. Your faith must be rooted in God’s word. But first ensure that you have given your heart to Jesus by faith, asked
Him to wash all of your sins in His Blood, and accepted him into your soul as your Savior and Lord. Then grow in Christ by meditating on some s c r i p t u r e d a i l y, accompanied by prayers to God the Father through Christ. If you are already a Christian, then draw closer to the Lord in deeper COMMITMENT with consistent Bible study and fervent P R AY E R S OF FAITH, plus diligent efforts to live in H U M I L I T Y , OBEDIENCE to the end, and HOLINESS, in order to derive all the benefits of God’s grace through w h a t Jesus accomplished for you. This is what Jesus did, and made God exalt Him highly – “He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a Cross” (Phil. 4:5-11). Learn to thank God daily for his mercies and provisions, and develop a heart of gratitude for what you have now, as you patiently wait for the rest of your blessings from the Lord. Beware of ungratefulness, pride, anger, quarrels, grumbling, doubts, envy, j e a l o u s y, w r o n g utterances, gossip, backbiting, spirit of unforgiveness, prejudice, d o u b t s , w o r r y, l u s t , immorality, pornography (and indecent practices especially in secret), wasting of resources, laziness, prayerlessness, selfishness, unnecessary fear, and occult practices. These and other associated habits, become huge barriers to the flow o f G o d ’s g r a c e a n d blessings in your life. May the Blood of Jesus wash us; may His stripes and wounds heal us; may His betrayal and trial take care of our betrayals, disappointments, false
accusations, and misinterpretations; may His Cross infuse hope and joy into us and give us meaning for all of our trials and suffering; may His broken Body mend and heal all of our brokenness; and may His resurrection power give life to all that is dead or trying to die in our lives. ENJOY A FRUITFUL, MEANINGFUL, HAPPY, AND JOYFUL LIFE FOR THE WEEKS AND MONTHS AFTER THE EASTER CELEBRATIONS ARE O V E R ! Obtain more information from Dr. Kisseadoo’s books online from: RedLeadBooks. com by searching with his name. Tune in to JOY 99.7 FM in Accra, Ghana on Saturdays at 5:30 am – 6:00 am (Ghana Time) or US Eastern ST 1:30 am – 2:00 am MarchNovember, and listen to Dr. Kisseadoo’s broadcast “Hope For Your Family”. Access on the Internet using MYJOYONLINE.COM, and click on “Radio”. Contact him in the USA (1-7577289330) for copies of his books, free counseling and prayer. Visit his website: www.fruitfulministriesint. com for essentials that will enrich your life, relationships, and ministry. Use DrSamuel Kisseadoo or RevDr. Kisseadoo to a c c e s s h i s Wa l l o n Facebook. Copyright April 2013 Rev. Dr. Samuel A. Kisseadoo (Professor of Biology, USA. International E v a n g e l i s t . O rd a i n e d & L i c e n s e d M i n i s t e r. Te a c h e r, C o n f e r e n c e Speaker). Founder and President, Fruitful Ministries International Inc. (Evangelistic & Teaching Ministry). 6 Red Robin Turn, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA. Tel.1- 7577289330 E-mail: kisseadoo@msn.com
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
69
Peaelight Ministries Easter Convention 2013 Rev. Augustine Ampratwum-Duah
Rev. & Rev. Mrs. Adu-Anane
Cross of the congregation
Bishop William McGrattan, Auxilliary Bishop of Toronto & Vicar of Ethnic communities celebrates Mass with Ghanaian Catholic Church St. Andrew's Parish Kipling, Sunday March 17, 2013
Bishop McGrattan flanked by Clergy giving his Homily
Bishop McGrattan with Clergy and some Church members
Church Choir Bishop McGrattan, Father Anthony Adusei and Nananom
St Theresa of the Child Jesus
Cross section of congregation
70
The Ghanaian News March 2013
THE HOLY SPIRIT AND YOU 1 Cor. 12:10-14
MAY 10 - 19, 2013 FROM 7 P.M. - 10 P.M.
Saturday, May 18: Praise & Adoration night. (Pulling Down the Walls of Jericho)
The Ghanaian News
March 2013
71
Since 1986 WE TRAVEL THE WORLD TO BRING YOU THE FINEST
DON'T PAY FOR 12 MONTHS Laminate - 12mm = $1.29 Carpet - Living Room & Dining Room = $400 installer Hardwood - Solid Top Grade Oak = #3.99
Tel: 416-740-6183
1180 Martin Grove Road (@ Belfield near Rona) www.firstclassflooring.ca