Ghanaian News - December 2013 Edition

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Vol. 17 No. 12

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Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year The World Says Canada's Ethnic Media Farewell to one of holds Training Seminars its Greatest Hero Madiba Mandela By: Alice Namu

By. Dr. Michael Baffoe

had been secretly preparing for his departure for many months.

Mandela was 44 years old when he was sent to prison where he spent 27 years under very inhuman conditions until he was released on February 11, 1990. By the time he passed away on December 5, 2013, he had been out of jail for 23 years, almost as long as he was in jail.

The Late Madiba Foe ten days in December, the whole world stood still as the greatest moral and authoritative icon of the 21st century, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, former President of South Africa passed away and was laid to rest.

Mandela, the freedom fighter who for over thirty years was the face of the struggle against apartheid, the greatest evil any group of human being can unleash on another group of human beings in the 20th century, died on Thursday December 5, 2013.

His death was expected anytime throughout the year 2013 as his health deteriorated. In fact it had been rumoured that he had been on life support for most part of the six months prior to his death. His country, South Africa,

Mandela’s achievements as the one that freed Black South Africa from the evil apartheid system has been widely told. What is important to remember is the part he played with his unmatched moral authority in the years immediately after his release to prevent a nasty bloodbath that could have literally burned the country we know today as a democratic South Africa.

So many political and economic players jumped into the ring after apartheid ended with Mandela’s release. All of them were jostling violently and desperately for vantage positions to reap benefits in post-apartheid South Africa.

There was bitter fighting between the African National Congress, M a n d e l a ’s p a r t y t h a t h a d spearheaded the freedom struggle and the Inkatha Party led by tribal Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi who were supported by the white

cont'd on pg. 28

The National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada, (NEPMCC) held a professional development conference and training seminars at Seneca’s Markham campus from December 6 th and 8 th,, 2013. The three-day event aimed at giving ethnic media professionals in Canada the skills to grow their various media outlets. It was attended by more than 200 journalists. The seminars were funded by the Ministry of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, and TD Financial Group. There

From left: Tom Saras, Roberto Hausman, Tony Ruprecht, Ramzey Saad

were fifteen training seminars that ranged from effective

business networking to the Canadian legal structures cont'd on pg. 12

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

The Ghanaian News

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Ford named Canada’s Newsmaker of the Year TORONTO -- Few could have predicted that Canada’s moment in the global spotlight this year would be courtesy of a cracksmoking, “drunkenstupor” mayor who uses graphic sexual language on live television.

Rob Ford was a one-man news cycle, as he met each wave of allegations Mayor Rob Ford of bad behaviour with wild counteramous (infamous?) a l l e g a t i o n s , m i x e d W h e n F o r d e n d e d fmayor in the world,” with a few gaffes and a months of denials with said Scott Metcalfe, the sprinkling of apologies. a surprise crack cocaine news director at Toronto admission he handled it radio station 680News.

It is for these reasons by stressing it was in one and more that editors of his “drunken stupors.” “ J u s t a s k D a v i d and news directors Jay Leno, Jon a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y He dealt with allegations Letterman, Stewart, Stephen selected Ford as Canada’s that he made aggressively Seth Meyers, Colbert, Conan Newsmaker of the Year. sexual comments to a O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, former female staffer The headline-grabbing, by making more crude Jimmy Fallon, etc.” sound bite-generating r e m a r k s a b o u t o r a l I t ’s n o t a s t h o u g h Toronto mayor received sex on live TV, saying previous years have been 63 per cent of the votes h e g o t “ m o r e t h a n devoid of Rob Ford news. in the annual survey of enough to eat at home.” the country’s newsrooms where past scandals

by The Canadian Press. Ford handled a heated But involved reading a council meeting to strip and using S o m e o f t h o s e w h o him of his powers by newspaper a c e l l p h o n behind voted said they wanted getting into a shouting the wheel, ethis to pick Chris Hadfield, match with citizens, then police say staffers year told who received 16 per running into and knocking them the mayor drove cent of the votes thanks down a female councillor. drunk, one time nearly to his inspirational time as commander of He responded to the hitting one of them. the International Space final vote with equal Where in previous years Station. But most felt there aplomb, comparing it to police were called to was no choice but Ford. the invasion of Kuwait. Ford’s home for domestic -- and he once “We loved that Alice S u c h i s t h e c u r r e n t incidents called police when a Munro won the Nobel b e n c h m a r k o f F o r d comedian approached Prize. We were amazed scandals that a defamation him on his driveway -- this w h e n C h r i s t y C l a r k lawsuit, a sexual assault year the mayor himself won the B.C. election. accusation and a 1999 was a target of a monthsTheresa Spence definitely arrest in Florida for l o n g i n v e s t i g a t i o n . made waves as did Nigel DUI and pot possession Wright in the PMO,” now fall far short of this What police found came said Adrienne Tanner, year ’s admissions of out in a stunning series of the deputy editor of smoking crack cocaine court document releases t h e Va n c o u v e r S u n . and buying illegal drugs, containing allegations alleged associations “But really no one tops with gang members and not proven in court.

Rob Ford’s antics of the claims of drunk driving. E x - s t a f f e r s p a i n t e d past year, which went from picture of an often outrageous to ludicrous to But what really took Ford aerratic man, by turns illpitiful. He’s the hands- from mere polarizing tempered weepy, and down winner for bad local politician to the one who and they newsmaker of the year. heights of global infamy w a s a n a l csuspected oholic.

No one else comes close.” was American media’s infatuation with the story. police listened to G r a v e l y s e r i o u s So saturated with Ford was As wiretaps a gang allegations lie at the heart the coverage down south i n v e s t i gduring a t i o n , they of what sparked myriad that TV personalities took overheard discussions Ford controversies, but at to using the shorthand about delivering drugs each turn his bombastic, “ t h e c r a c k - s m o k i n g t o t h e m a y o r a n d c o n f r o n t a t i o n a l , m a y o r o f To r o n t o . ” possibly blackmailing unfiltered nature fanned with compromising the flames and ensured “In 2013, Rob Ford him images, police allege. the near-constant stream was probably the most of shocking news.

During a conversation in March, investigators heard two men talking about plans to sell a tape and quoting Ford as saying “I’ll give you 5,000 and a car,” police allege. Investigators believe a video appearing to show Ford smoking crack cocaine was f i l m e d i n F e b r u a r y.

with three of them, one of whom was later shot and killed, taken outside a suspected crack house was the result of a chance meeting. He denies the home is a crack house.

him -- is his weight and he is now regularly working out. His newfound energy was on display when he went on a dancing tear set to live music at a recent council meeting.

Ford also denies he is an alcoholic, but says he has nevertheless stopped drinking.

The mayor has not fully addressed the alleged ties to gang members, only saying that a photo of him

Ford’s chief of staff and spokesman did not respond to requests from The Canadian Press for an interview with the mayor.

He insists his only problem -- aside from Since the first Newsmaker a political, police and of the Year poll back media conspiracy against cont'd on pg. 16

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EDITORIAL

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.

Letters to the Editor We encourage your feedback and value your comments. Please feel free to write to us. keep letters to a maximum of 200 words, include your full name, Telephone # and mailing address with all correspondence.

Address your letters to the Editor The Ghanaian News 2256 Sheppard Ave. Suite 202 Toronto, Ont. M9M 1L7 Tel: 416-916-3700 or 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

Holistic approach needed for Community Center Project Another initiative has been launched in Toronto towards the elusive dream of a Community Center. While applauding the noble and passionate initiatives of the organizers of the latest initiative towards this project, we also hasten to make a few observations about the approach towards this project.

As the whole community knows, this is not the first time an initiative of such nature has been launched towards achieving the one single dream of a community center. Most of the earlier initiatives either failed or stalled because of a number of issues. We applaud the passion and determination of the current organizers for this project and we would like to offer the following as our modest contribution towards the long road to this goal of a community center.

As the lead organizer of this latest initiative, Agnes Summers noted in her speech to the gathering, this initiative should not be seen as the individual project of Agnes Summers or any single individual. It should be embraced by the whole community. Yes, it should be embraced by the whole community, but this is where the problem starts. The “whole” community has never supported this project initiative, not because they do not believe in its worth, but the simple fact is that there are so many competing interests in the community that mitigate against the progress of this initiative. There are the countless number of town village, ethnic, old boys and school organizations within the community that need to be mobilized. And there are the almighty church groups and organizations with large following that need to be mobilized as well. The reasons for their non-participation should be researched and addressed in order to get them actively involved.

We strongly suggest that an integral part of these organizing efforts towards the realization of this dream project should be geared towards mobilizing the active and unflinching support of ALL the groups mentioned above. This requires shrewd community organizing skills and strategies. Majority of our community members should be encouraged to feel ownership of this project. The center should be seen and regarded as the nerve center of the community if its realized.Parochial interests must be set aside so that all the identifiable associations, organizations and churches in our community could be brought to the table to appoint a committee to plan and implement the initiative with the blessings of the ‘whole’ community.

The greatest stumbling block is money. To this end, a shrewd and strategic plan for mobilizing financial support also needs to be designed. First, the planning committee must be mandated to cost how much money would be needed to build or purchase the center and over what period of time.

The services to be run at the center must be taken into consideration. This is a million or multimillion dollar project which requires more than modest contributions from individual community members. It will require big capital donations and capital mobilization and we need to also think through strategies for such capital mobilization.

Second, we need to get trustees from our community who would serve as backbone for this initiative as we revisit the community center issues. Other communities, like the Jamaican, succeeded with their community center initiatives by going that route.

We urge the current organizers of this initiative to take the above suggestions seriously and reassess the strategies for achieving this dream. The Ghanaian community in GTA certainly needs a rallying center and the time to get involved is now!!

Opinion/ Commentary Commendable Collaborative Efforts to Halt the Armed Conflict in Central African Republic

By Kwabena Akuoko,Anti-socia Not again, and not another genocidal occurrence on African soil was my initial thought as the ongoing armed conflict in the Central African Republic or CAR intensified and began to make headlines a few short months ago.

Genocidal slaughters do not occur in vacuum. Such unprecedented human violence towards others slowly begins as a result of years of mistrust and lack of understandings, mutual respect and tolerance between different communities or groups. Reflecting on the current violent clashes in the CAR only brings to mind one of the darkest moments in our continent’s history at the tail end of the last century.

S o m e appropriately two decades ago in Rwanda, close to one million lives perished in one of the worst genocidal mass slaughters in modern history. Emanating from old rivalries between the two main ethnic groups in that country, the genocide was mainly directed towards the Tutsis by the Hutus. It would appear that we have led our guards down and the threat of genocide is not a thing of the past exclusive to the 1994 Tutsis and Hutus conflict, it is ever present today in another part of Africa.

Various wellsourced reports indicate that history may likely repeat itself in Africa again without well coordinated intervention in CAR’s crisis because that country is at the verge of genocide. With sectarian undercurrents, two different ethnic/ religious groups are at each other’s throat in quest for political control over the poverty-stricken former French colony. As a result of the worrying situation in its former African protectorate, the French government recently dispatched 1600 strong military personnel to CAR to help defuse the problem for fear of disintegrating into yet another genocidal crisis.

What initially commenced as a minor struggle for political power between Muslim and Christian factions has now degenerated into a full blown civil war with unmistakable sectarian character, which experts contend has the

hallmarks of genocide.

The conflict intensified between September and November with both sides guilty of committing atrocities against innocent people. Specific cases in point relate to the atrocities committed by Seleka Muslims, and also those committed by the Christian led combatants known as anti-Balaka or anti-machete groups.

This self-inflicted and senseless violence had persisted despite mediation attempts by the country’s religious authorities’ efforts to restore peace in the troubled African nation.

Characteristic of most genocidal episodes, ethnic and religious leaders fanned the flames of ethnic or sectarian sentiments to further polarize the population.

As a result, the UN S e c r e t a r y - G e n e r a l ’s special advisers who critically analysed the crisis situation earlier on promptly sounded the dreadful genocidal alarm bells and called for immediate intervention.

The security situation obviously remains volatile as African leaders and their international partners work hard in response to the rapidly growing violence, in order to avert yet another widespread genocidal occurrence on our continent. Prompt intervention is welcomed because the country’s vulnerable population groups are currently displaced. The number of internally displaced persons is said to be skyrocketing by the day.

United Nations data purports that over 200,000 citizens were displaced between June and August alone and not mention the increasing widespread of all sorts of human rights violations. These abuses include, but not limited to the all too familiar use of child soldiers by both factions of the conflict, indiscriminate use of rape of women and girls as psychological weapon, torture, extrajudicial killings coupled with forced disappearances.

It is in this context that those familiar with genocidal occurrences rightly and promptly called for comprehensive intervention to deescalate the conflict. The necessity for immediate intercession before it

manifests into a full blown genocidal episode was, and still is indisputable.

Along with the United Nations’ own analysis, the imminent risk of genocide in CAR is also seen through the same lens by the French government. Similarly, the African Union, the United States of America and a select number of Western countries have expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating situation in the CAR. To this end, the United Nations and the Obama administration’s lack of hesitation, unlike the previous situation in Rwanda, to join French President Hollande’s call for action in CAR is certainly in order, and highly commendable.

The consensus among Paris, Washington, the United Nations ’ Security Council and the African Union is that without a doubt, the security situation in CAR presents an important test of international solidarity and responsibility to stop the atrocities and prevent the likelihood of genocide. The Security Council and its partners deserve commendation for doing something about the crisis. The view is that having watched the crisis for several months from a distance, the rest of the world has realized that there could be no more wait and see attitude such as the one associated with the Rwanda’s occurrence.

The partnership between the United Nations, the African Union, French and the United States governments to intervene in the crisis in CAR is a clear indication that the international community learned important lesson from the dispassionate and unenthusiastic attitude towards the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Efforts for intervention in CAR are greatly praiseworthy.

The intercession will end human suffering because it is focused towards averting potential genocide and also saving CAR from becoming a failed state. Given the huge human cost associated with genocide, the international community has demonstrated that it has a moral responsibility to act to restore peace and normalcy in Central African Republic.

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

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December 2013

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Supreme Court strikes down Canada’s Sherry Brydson: Canada’s richest prostitution laws Head of Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies calls decision ‘a sad day’ The Supreme Court of Canada has struck down the country’s anti-prostitution laws in a unanimous decision, and given Parliament one year to come up with new legislation — should it choose to do so.

Dominatrix Terri-Jean Bedford, right, and sex workers advocate Valerie Scott brought the case against Canada’s prostitution laws.

(Darren Calabrese/Canadian Press)

In striking down laws prohibiting brothels, living on the avails of prostitution and communicating in public with clients, the top court ruled Friday that the laws were overbroad and grossly disproportionate.

The women in the case had argued that the laws prevented them from safely conducting their business as sex-trade workers, arguing that hiring bodyguards and drivers, and being able to work in private homes or talk with potential clients in public were important to their safety.

The top court agreed with an Ontario court ruling that overturned the laws.

Reaction The Ontario Court of Appeal had upheld the law against communicating in public, but sided with the lower court in overturning the provisions against living off the avails and keeping a common bawdy house or brothel.

SCOC Bawdy House Challenge

was

swift.

“It’s a sad day that we’ve now had confirmed that it’s OK to buy and sell women and girls in this country.

I think generations to come — our daughters, their granddaughters and on — will look back and say, ‘What

woman you’ve never heard of

were they thinking?,’” said Kim Pate, executive director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies.

“To say that [prostitution] is a choice when you’re talking about the women we work with is to say that in fact it’s OK to just exploit them,” Pate said.

“We’ve never seen men criminalized for buying and selling women and girls. We’ve always seen women criminalized for selling themselves. We absolutely object to the criminalization of women. Our position would not interfere with those women who truly have made their choices.”

Lebovitch said she was “shocked” and happy at the ruling, that women who work in the sex trade won’t have to risk their lives any longer. CBC News

Sherry Brydson Sherry Brydson is pictured in a handout photo.

Until this morning, Sherry Brydson was just a very rich woman content to live her life out of the public spotlight and far away from the media glare that made her fortune.

Now, she is known as the wealthiest woman in Canada, worth an estimated $6.5 billion, according to Bloomberg.

All that cherished anonymity is long gone.

A quick Internet search will now take you to aerial images of her mansion in Victoria, B.C. and to stories of her various philanthropic endeavours.

What you won’t find is much information about Brydson’s personal life. She has clearly learned a trick or two over the years about how to stay under the radar. Basic facts such as her age, marital status or whether she has children all remain a closely-guarded secret.

“Most people don’t know she exists,” Trevor Cole, a writer who has covered the family told Bloomberg. “People who read the paper know the name Thomson and know that they are rich people, but beyond that they have no sense of them.”

Here’s what we can tell you about this remarkably wealthy woman: • Sherry Brydson is the granddaughter of Roy Thomson, the first Baron of Fleet Street and the family force behind a media empire that today includes the Globe and Mail and Thomson Reuters.

• The Thomson family was listed as the richest family in Canada in 2012 by Canadian Business magazine, with a combined family fortune of $20.1 billion.

• Brydson herself owns a 23 per cent stake in Woodbridge Co., the firm that manages the family assets, according to Bloomberg.

• She also has her fingers in various entrepreneurial endeavours, including a turboprop manufacturer in B.C., Ontario’s Moose FM radio network, and a hotel developer in Nova Scotia.

In 2009, Brydson donated $5 million to the YWCA Toronto in memory of her mother, Irma Thomson Brydson, who died in 1966. The money, one of the largest gifts to a service organization in Canada, went towards the construction of an affordable housing project for women and children.

A supporter of the arts, Brydson later held a fundraiser for the same cause at her Elmwood Spa in Toronto featuring the art work of painter Charles Pachter.

“Sherry Brydson believes that wellbeing comes from a balance of incont'd on pg. 12

10

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Provinces brought their deficits on themselves, not Ottawa, Harper says Prime Minister Stephen Harper is refusing to take the blame for budget deficits in the country’s provinces, saying Ottawa will not hike its financial transfers to make up for the bad economic choices of other governments.

In a year-end interview with the French-language TVA network, Mr. Harper said federal transfers to the provinces have increased by more than 50 per cent since his government took power in 2006. He pointed out that

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Prime Minister Stephen Harper the increase in Ontario came in at 60 per cent.

Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa says his federal counterpart Jim Flaherty used stall tactics to ensure changes to the Canada Pension Plan were not discussed at a meeting of finance m i n i s t e r s M o n d a y.

Mr. Harper’s comments came as Ontario is angry with recent changes to the formula governing federal transfers, which have left the province facing a $640-million shortfall. In recent weeks, the Quebec government has also announced a two-year delay in its plan to return to a balanced budget.

“Some provinces have made choices that have placed them in a bad financial position, but it’s not because of Ottawa, where we have refused to increase taxes and

have placed strict limits justify an unelected on our expenditures,” legislative chamber.”

M r. H a r p e r s a i d .

Mr. Harper blamed his The Prime Minister said government’s minority it is not his job to “tell status from 2006 to provinces what to do,” 2011, as well as the but he made it clear c u r r e n t o p p o s i t i o n that he has no plans to from the provinces in come to the rescue of his the courts, for setbacks provincial counterparts. in the government’s plans to reform the “I can tell you that institution to this point. the financial state of the provinces is their On planned changes r e s p o n s i b i l i t y. T h e to the mail service in federal government has Canada, Mr. Harper provided a record amount offered his support for of transfers, and one can’t plans by Canada Post explain a bad financial to increase the price of situation in a province by stamps and end door-toa lack of transfers from door delivery across the the federal government,” country. He explained M r . H a r p e r s a i d . that his residence in Calgary is served by a M r . H a r p e r a l s o community mail box. confirmed his intentions to either abolish or reform “The Crown corporation the Senate, which was is a business, and it must engulfed in scandal most have a balanced budget of the year. He said the over the long term,” he controversy has left said. “If taxpayers use him feeling “betrayed, these services, these disappointed and angry,” services will be there, but while adding it is not if they don’t want these the prime minister ’s types of services, Canada j o b t o “ d i s c u s s h i s Post must make changes.” emotions,” but to take appropriate action. M r. H a r p e r a l s o conducted a year-end “If reform is not possible, interview with Global we will have to abolish the News, which will become Senate,” he said. “In the public later on Thursday.

21st century, one cannot The Globe and Mail

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The Ghanaian News

December 2013

11

The Rise Of Political Rage And Insurgency Have Causes

THERE IS AN EMPTINESS in Ghana right now and that can’t be filled by non-stop individuals striving for material gain and politicians striving for prepaid elections. The leaders’ response to the citizens’ needs is a metaphor for what’s ailing Ghana.

In fact, lack of opportunities, corruption , tribalism and unequal distribution of our resources have been the case in Ghana for quite a long time ,making it a sort

of tradition for the major part of the population; especially the youths.

Not only do we have evergrowing gap between wealthy minority and the rest of the nation; but also have declining mobility, as it becomes harder and harder for the poor Ghanaians to move up on the socio-economic ladder.

There is also clearly a large reservoir of public dissatisfaction with the direction that our government is leading us---regardless of what the pollsters say---and

it runs across political, educational and socioeconomic spectra. When the Powers That Be started defining a person’s value by the value of his properties, Ghana’s future

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is on life- support system.

We don’t have to be polite or align our views with lousy and do-nothing political parties when it comes to dealing with the craziness and the craps we’re seeing in the Ghanaian political and socio-economic arenas, r i g h t n o w. A r e y o u getting mad enough yet?

Even if you get mad at me for saying this, you can’t pretend like the craziness doesn’t happen a bit too much. Before you get into the tired diatribe about this being some kind of an assault on politicians and the Ghanaian leadership; you have to remember that we’re living in a country full of wealth.

A country of boundless possibilities, a country made of people decidedly committed to democratic ideals, a country with the potential for spectacular human achievement, a country with enough selfimposed and economic exiles who are yearning to come home and help build the country .But, we find ourselves ruled politically, economically and culturally) by ‘Kleptocrats’(a ruling class of people characterized by the practice of stealing) I know, it’s POLITICALLY INCORRECT to have conversation about the youth’s unemployment, underemployment, what’s necessary to save the youth ,protect our depredated environment and river bodies, save mother Ghana and perhaps reduce the unnecessary number of Ghanaian self-imposed exiles; who are languishing in foreign countries.

The essence of the socalled democracy –our power to control decisions t h a t a ff e c t u s - - - h a s steadily and quietly been hijacked by “political and corporate thieves” .They have collected up our democratic powers piece by piece, hoarding them in the privacy of their own fiefdoms. These elites (fully abetted by the governmental elites they have bought) now effectively control the decisions that affect WE the people—everything from public –spending priorities to environmental degradations, from deforestation to accident –prone roads, to who gets elected in every election circle.

These have taken place not by pure chance, but through deliberate filching and the filching now has reached the level of wholesale looting. As a result, we can no longer avoid this reality in front of us: The elites have made off a slow-motion coup; radically wrenching Ghana’s power balance from the ordinary to the thieves in high places.

So as you gather around dinner tables this coming holiday season, think about the conversations you’ll

have in the presence of the youth of the nation. When they walk away from the tables, what will they learn from you? Yes, you have the power to influence the next generation leaders, so please don’t take it for granted and waste this precious opportunity because something has gone terribly wrong in this country for too long.

Speaking of the youth, I wonder when the government or the entire nation is going to stanch much of the bleeding caused by decades –long erosion of jobs for our youth and young population!

The point is when overt poverty becomes overbearing for the youth, and the number of selfappointed “pot –holes contractors” on our accident –prone roads has increased, then some of us have to seek for answers from the highest places. In fact, this generation has taken a huge hit from economic crises and bad policies of our governments.

As bad as things have been for the older Ghanaians for the past years, nobody has it on the chin quite as bad as the young Ghanaians; between ages 19-30, who are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed, and broke, with low expectations. These people are less trusting of the government than any group in Ghana.

Who can blame them for feeling disconnected with our political system? In fact, there is no reason to expect their problems to get any better over the years because the politicians’ results have not matched with their rhetoric in terms of direct funding for apprenticeship or poverty alleviating programs they have been trumpeting every day.

In terms of basic demographics, the future belongs to this group of people because they are young. Unfortunately, they will inherit the degraded environment and polluted water bodies their elders made for them.

With no fault of their own, they will inherit a nation choked up with plastic bags; a nation without viable trees or reliable road network. Now, how do you feel when you go to bed at night knowing very well that you’re part of the problems?

In terms of political seismographic, the future belongs to leaders and political parties who not only see the importance of investing in our young people, but who think that it’s the government’s job to create and encourage b u s i n e s s - f r i e n d l y, germinating ideas and ecology in order to give the young Ghanaians the reasons to dream BIG; with truck –load of

aspirations and the desire to work and grow old on their mother land. To those who are throwing stones around a glass house, they have to remember that the unemployed youth can’t afford to spend money to fuel the local economy and an idle hand is deadly.

As a boy growing up in my small town of Asuom back in the days, I was taught the unifying moral concepts of hardworking, belonging to something larger than one’s bank account, the idea of caring, sharing, and participating for the public’s good.

At least, I was made to understand that we don’t stride for the material gain, but for the spiritual satisfaction, building communities and reap the deeper richness of the common goal. The idea of belonging to something larger than our own egos and bank accounts was something we all knew then. So what happened?

What went wrong?

Why the plights of our youth and the ordinary Ghanaians don’t seem to worry our policies makers and MPs anymore?

Think about it: The Parliament, Democracy and Development. Do these three words fit together in your mind?

Look, Ghana is a nation of nurses; office workers, taxi -drivers, school-teachers, pharmacies, shopkeepers, truck –drivers, Mokolawomen, middle managers, cleaning people, electricians , masons, carpenters, struggling artists and everybody else--how many of our ilk are sitting in the Parliament House today? The great majority of Ghanaians make less than Ghc 200.00 a month. Half make under Ghc 100.00.How many MPS come from such modest backgrounds?

Today’s MP list is made up of Lawyers, business executives, formal political operatives and professional kleptocrats; who are literally stealing our country from us and gambling with our fragile and infant democracy .

There is a need to find long-term solutions to these problems and fix our political and socioeconomical leaking faucet before things begin to fall apart. This is not just paw-wow sound-bite to show case one’s political agenda or disdainfulness towards politicians, but a wake-up call for those who have ears to hear.

Until we meet here again next year please stay strong, take care of your mind, be blessed and educated.

From Kwaku Adu-Gyamfi.

A s u o m . *The author is a social commentator and the founder of the Adu-Gyamfi foundation for Disadvantaged youth of Asuom in kwaebibirem District.

12

The Ghanaian News December 2013

FOCUS Lessons from the Season

bY Joe Kingsley Eyiah, OCT, Brookview Middle School, Toronto-Canada “To Every Thing There Is a Season……….”

Speaking at my school Holiday Concert on December 18, 2013 I drew the attention of my audience to an unfortunate situation that I noticed in my classroom a few days ago. My students had decided to pair themselves up for exchange of gifts in the spirit of the Christmas season. They used balloting for the pairing! To my disbelief, some students refused to accept their pairs during the balloting!

Why? They did not like those students they had picked. How unfortunate!! This spirit goes against what Christmas stands for!

I personally do not believe that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was born in December which is snow time in Bethlehem (note that the shepherds could not be out there in the field at that time) yet the birth of Christ if is celebrated almost the world-over whenever with love, joy, giving and peace unto humankind then it is the best time to reflect on the life and work of Christ for the world.

However, Christmas is increasingly being defined by shallow materialism, and proliferate spending

which, is gradually overshadowing the lessons associated with why Christ was born to the world.

The Good Book says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die;.. a time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:18. Whether you believe it or not, there is one MAN whose birth and death are widely celebrated throughout the world.

Around the world during this time we remember and celebrate the birth of the Son of Man called Jesus Christ, hence the naming of this season-CHRISTmas!

It is said, “Christians must keep CHRIST in CHRISTmas.” What does Christmas mean to you, especially if you are Christian?

Back to my classroom!

I had given a Visual Art assignment to all

my Grade 8 students (about 167) to design seasonal greeting cards as the calendar year was drawing to a close.

The success criteria for the work included clear but brief message for one of the following seasons: Eid, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, a n d D i w a l i . To m y surprise, all the students designed greeting cards for Christmas. That’s the season! However, the common message was, ‘Happy Holiday’.

Lessons of Love, Peace, Joy & Giving The Bible talks about a child who was to be born and that He would deliver mankind from the bondage of sin. That He would be called Prince of Peace, King of Kings- IMMANUEL, meaning ‘God with Us’! (Luke 2:1-20).

‘For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son (Christ)….’ The greatest lesson associated with CHRISTmas is LOVE accompanied

by GIVING. Truly, the Christmas season sees a lot of GIVING but is it motivated by LOVE? Unfortunately, many give to show that they have not because they love. The true story of a blind man and his pet (guide dog for many years) which gripped people of Toronto to give this month could not fall short of love. The blind man had unfortunately slipped unto the train tracks while waiting for the train at a subway station. His pet and best friend, the dog named ‘Orlando’ spontaneously jumped on top of him when it saw a train approaching.

They laid still in the middle of the tracks for the train to pass over them. The blind man sustained few bruises but his friend, Orlando, was not hurt! While at the hospital, the blind man kept asking about the condition of his pet-friend which, he was to give up for adoption soon because he no longer had enough money to keep it. Such a wonderful friendship was to be broken no sooner than later! However, their ‘unfortunate’ story moved the hearts of many to give over $80,000 to the blind man to retain his friend, Orlando! What a joy!

The season of Christmas is a time of giving and giving brings joy. Where is the joy in some parts of the world as we celebrate Christmas?

There is no peace in places like Syria, the new nation of South Sudan and Central African Republic where thousands of human beings including even children who should be singing at this time, ‘joy to the world’ are being massacred!

Unfortunately, the world is constantly sacrificing the lessons of Love, Peace, Joy and Giving associated with the birth of Christ on the altar of commercialization of CHRISTmas. The burning question is: when will this change?

Let’s learn the lessons of love, peace, joy and giving that the birth of Christ teaches us!!

To all my readers, I wish you Happy Eid! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanza! Happy Diwali!

MERRY CHRISTMAS A N D H A P P Y NEW YEAR!!!!!

Mahama: Gov’t will cut coat according to size in 2014 President John Mahama says his government is working hard to ensure the Ghanaian economy does not spiral out of gear in 2014.

Mr Mahama says the national economy can be likened to a family setting where it is imprudent and problematic to leave above one’s income.

“As a nation, we must also live like a family. If you are spending more than your mother and father are earning, then there is a problem. They will go into debt and eventually people will send them to court and the judge will ask that they bring them”.

also be ready to pay their taxes to help government balance its budget for infrastructural development.

Addressing staff at the former seat of government, the castle, at this year’s annual party for presidential workers, Mr Mahama said: “As a nation, we have to balance our expenditure with our income and that is why our citizens must pay their taxes”.

He added that: “…If you import items into the country and they levy taxes, don’t try and dodge duty and smuggle the goods into the country so that government can get the needed revenue to build the schools and hospitals and deliver on the other obligations that government have”. Radioxyzonline.com

Sherry Brydson: According to him, as the government strives to Canada’s richest improve the state of the economy, Ghanaians must woman you’ve never Canada's Ethnic Media holds Training Seminars heard of cont'd from pg. 1

cont'd from pg. 9 ner and outer beauty, as well as living within a healthy environment and society,” according to a media release issued in connection with the event.

intended to be passed from generation to generation. The way they were taken was one of the biggest mistakes that was ever made, and has been repaid,” Brydson told the Globe In 2006, Brydson and and Mail at the time. cousin David Thomson paid $5.7 million for a According to Bloomcollection of sacred Tsim- berg’s ranking, Brydson shian native artworks af- is the third richest person ter the Royal BC Museum in Canada, behind her in Victoria was denied a cousin, David, head of grant to buy the pieces. Thomson Corp. and owner of the Winnipeg Jet’s The pair later funded a hockey team. Legendary national tour to show B.C. business baron, Jimt h e w o r k s p u b l i c l y. my Pattison, won top title.

“These treasures were

Yahoo News

media professionals should adhere to. Industry leaders brought together by the National Ethnic press and media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) an d S en eca C o ll eg e led these seminars.

The event lauded the diversity and strength of the ethnic press, and validated their work.

Participants shared their experiences and exchanged ideas on how to keep their media outlets alive. The most common challenge faced by most ethnic media outlets is the financial difficulty of

keeping their respective outlets going. Although “Canada’s Other Voice” continues to experience challenges in penetrating the mainstream media market, they do have a competitive advantage.

Many ethnic media outlets have influence over their communities. All public figures in attendance were in agreement that there is an undisputed demand for journalists covering community-based news.

The overwhelming message during the three-day conference is that the voice of Canada’s multicultural

community is critical to the growth of our nation.

As part of the seminar, the annual ethnic press end of year gala dinner was held on Saturday December 7 th where those who contributed to the success of the seminar were honoured.

Hon. Chris Alexander, Minister for Citizenship and Immigration, Honourables Jim Karygiannis, Andrew Cash, and Olivia Chow were in attendance.

MPPs Todd Smith and

Michael Chan as well as the Mayor of Markham, Frank Scarpitti also graced the occasion.

Other public figures in attendance were Andrea Howarth leader of the provincial NDP, Barbara Hall, Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

The MCs for the gala were former MPP Tony Ruprecht and Roberto H a u s m a n D i r e c t o r, Police Foundations Department of Canadian Law Enforcement Training College.

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

13

LEGAL MATTERS

If the law is an ass here are 5 ways to protect yours.

By Bode Odetoyinto, Mississauga Rule number one - Shut up.

1. S m a l l Business loans

Rule number two - Do not forget rule number one.

You have set up your limited liability business.

Business is good. You now want to take the business to the next level. But you need a loan. Banks want to rent money to you or your business. But they are risk averse. They understand that recovering loans from a relatively new business may be challenging. What most banks do if they agree to loan money to a newer corporation is require you to be the guarantor of the loan. In other words, if the business fails the bank can elect to come after you or the business or both.

Rule number three- If perchance you forget rules number one and two, I hope you can find a sympathetic Lawyer who will box your ears until you remember the first two rules.

The only safe thing – Do NOT guaranty any loan you do not want t o r e s p o n s i b l e f o r.

2. Criminal Law: Arrest: What to do upon arrest.

A knock on your door from the Police or an “invitation” to “chat at the Police station” is an ass biting moment. Recognize that any statement you make to a Policeman can and will be used in evidence against you in

recollection of important facts when you are getting coverage never ends well.

4. Contract Law:

court. If you are arrested, this is no time for trying to convince your “arrestor” that he has the wrong man.

It is probably safer to save your pleas for a Judge.

Are you worried the Policeman will be upset if you refuse to talk to him? Remember this.

Just because you refuse to talk to him until you have spoken to your favourite defence Lawyer does not mean you are guilty of anything. Make the phone call. It’s your right. Once you connect, your Lawyer will advise you to find a big padlock, apply it to your lips, then throw away the key.

Don’t worry about finding the key. Every defence Lawyer has a master key to unlock your lips.

So what do you do when faced with this ass biting moment? I have three simple rules.

3. Insurance Law: Offence is the best form of defence. As you acquire assets, sometimes a “bull’s eye” appears on your back. To avoid “problems” consider asset preservation and business continuity strategies such as purchasing appropriate insurance policies.

Consider insurance policies for overseas medical cover, disability insurance, life and critical illness insurance etc. They protect your down side.

Here is what to remember though. An insurance contract requires both the Policy buyer and Insurance Company to act honestly toward each other. Not to mislead or withhold critical information from one another. It’s a contract of utmost good faith. Selective

We enter into contracts every single day. Most contracts are verbal. Some sealed with a handshake like gentlemen. I personally like the belt and braces approach. I like inking to seal thinking.

Sorry friends of the earth.

Dead trees with two or more signatures can save a lot of future headaches.

Unless a party can prove that at the time he was not of full mental capacity, or was full of local moonshine, a Judge will likely interpret the contract in the manner it was obviously intended.

So next time you want to buy a business, hire

a contractor, sell or buy an asset, sign a lease, rent an apartment etc, ink that contract in plain simple English.

5. WILLS WILLS W I L L S : What happens if a person dies without a will? In Ontario, that person’s estate will be distributed according to Ontario’s intestate succession law. Without a will, the government dictates what happens to your hard earned money and assets! Not your wife.

Not your children. The government decides!

Passing on happens to 100% of us. Why not “take care of business” when one is able to?

Creating a will (even

a will kit from staples) is better than no will at all. It ensures that those “interesting people” who rear their ugly heads after you have departed and harass your family, will have no legal force behind them. A well crafted will may ensure that your true beneficiaries receive the product of your hard work. Don’t put off this critical ass saving step.

The above piece is meant to amuse, challenge and educate you. It is not legal advice. Please seek legal advice from your own Lawyer before entering into any legal relationship.

Bode Odetoyinbo is a Partner at Odetoyinbo’s LLP - Lawyer4me. You can consult Odetoyinbo’s LLP at 905-487-6333. www.lawyer4me.com

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14

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Court rules against police Open letter to Tony Clement practice in note-taking case from MP Judy Sgro regarding changes to Canada Post

OTTAWA -- Allowing police officers under investigation by watchdogs to consult with lawyers before preparing their notes is an “anathema” to transparency and public trust in that process, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled Thursday.

The high court ruling, by a margin of 6-3, pitted officers against the families of two men shot dead by Ontario’s provincial police in separate incidents in 2009.

The ruling offers clarity to the regulations that govern the Ontario’s Special Investigations Unit, which investigates violent incidents involving police officers.

“First, consultation with counsel at the note-making stage is antithetical to the dominant purpose of the legislative scheme because it risks eroding the public confidence that the SIU process was meant to foster,” wrote Justice Michael Moldaver for the majority.

“A reasonable member of the public would naturally question whether counsel’s assistance at the note-making stage is sought by officers to help them fulfil their duties as police officers, or if it is instead sought, in their self-interest, to protect themselves and their colleagues from the potential liability of an adverse SIU investigation.”

Lawyer Julian Falconer represented the families of Doug Minty, 59, and Levi Schaeffer, 30, who

were shot and killed

by Ontario Provincial Police officers in separate incidents in June 2009. He said the ruling is a victory for the families, but the cycle of police using guns on emotionally disturbed people must be broken.

“There is a recognition, a historical recognition, that the police use of lethal force, when they take the lives of mentally disabled men such as in this case, when they take the steps they do, it has a profound impact on our social fabric,” Falconer said after the ruling was issued.

“For that their price, their responsibility, is to be undeniably and absolutely accountable and it is sad that these families had to bear the burden, the task, of getting this job done. It shouldn’t have fallen to them.”

The “indispensable foundation” for the significant authority entrusted to police is public trust, and that trust can be tested when a member of the community is killed at the hands of a police officer, Moldaver wrote.

“The SIU is charged with the delicate task of determining independently and transparently what happened and why, in the hope of providing the community with answers,” he wrote.

“Permitting police officers to consult with counsel before their notes are prepared is an anathema to the very transparency that the legislative

scheme aims to promote.”

The families spent the past four years arguing that having a lawyer approve the notes that end up in police memo books is unacceptable. Ruth Schaeffer said she spent her life savings on the case.

“It’s a significant and necessary step on the way to ensuring accountability from the public servants in Ontario who have the most extraordinary powers,” she said.

Evelyn Minty said it has been a long, hard road, but she and her family did it for Doug and for “future families who need honest reports wrote up by the police.”

There isn’t a day that goes by that she doesn’t think of her son, she said.

“I must admit I’ve had help from my family,” Minty said, choking up. “I’ve had help from my friends and when the going gets bad, I cry. Nobody knows.

Sometimes at night in the dark of night.”

Police argued they have the right to talk to a lawyer of their choosing before finalizing their notes.

Three Supreme Court justices dissented, arguing that everyone has the right to consult with a lawyer.

“This freedom reflects the importance of the societal role of lawyers in a country governed by the rule of law and it should not be eliminated in the absence of clear legislative intent,” they wrote.

The Canadian Press

TTC rolls out articulated buses on 7 Bathurst route A decade after they were last in service, an articulated or “bendy” bus returned to Toronto’s streets Friday as part of the TTC’s effort to increase capacity on a handful of high demand routes.

The first bus went into service on the 7 Bathurst route but the TTC is planning to operate 153 of the accordion-like transit vehicles on seven routes by January 2015.

The TTC purchased the clean diesel, low-floor buses for $143.7 million.

With a maximum capacity of 112 passengers, the 18-metre (60-foot) buses can accommodate 45 per cent more riders than a standard 12-metre (40-foot) bus.

The TTC is promising more reliable service and it says the new buses will have lower operating costs because they can carry more passengers with fewer vehicles, meaning fewer drivers will be needed once all the buses are in service.

In addition to 7

Bathurst, the three-door buses will operate on the following routes: 29 Dufferin – January 2014 36 Finch West – Spring 2014 63 Ossington – Summer 2014 6 Bay – Summer 2014 85 Sheppard East – Fall 2014 53 Steeles Express – Fall 2014 The TTC previously used articulated buses from 1987 to 2003. CP24

H o n .

T o n y Clement, P.C., M.P. President of the Treasury Board House of Commons 278 Confederation B u i l d i n g Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

of mail every month.

Dear Minister Clement, I am writing to bring you attention to the recent five-point plan announced by Canada Post on December 11th, 2013. The plan includes a significant increase in the cost of stamps that is planned to come into effect on April 1st, 2014.

If Canada Post’s proposal receives Treasury Board approval the price of an individual stamp will increase to $1.00. That is a $0.37 increase and will mean that stamp prices have gone up 100% since 2005. In the recent past whenever the government has published stamp price increases in the Canada Gazette the “Business and consumer impact” section has been left essentially blank save for describing Canada as a place with

a “harsh climate.”

While the Cabinet may have believe that those past increases were small enough to have had zero impact on businesses or consumers I must point out that what Canada Post is proposing here is a very large increase. A serious impact study, conducted through the small business lens, must be undertaken.

Mail remains the primary method of sending and receiving payment for many small businesses.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses 40% of small businesses send at least 50 pieces

I believe that small businesses are the economic engine of this country. As you know they are already being paying significantly higher Employment Insurance premiums thanks to several recent increases. They are also being asked to continue to pay higher premiums than are necessary over the next few years because the government plans to use that tax revenue in its attempts to eliminate the deficit it created six years ago.

Given that your government is already asking so much of small business owners I feel that they are more than owed a very thorough, public and transparent consultation process before Treasury Board approves Canada’s Posts price increase proposal.

I look forward to your reply.

S i n c e r e l y , Hon. Judy A. Sgro, MP Liberal Industry and Small Business Critic

Streamlining the Passport Process for Canadians Abroad In addition, the list of guarantor occupations will be consistent for all Canadian passport applicants, wherever they may be outside Canada. If you prefer to choose a guarantor from When the improvements the list of occupations take effect on December below, they do not need 9 , 2 0 1 3 , C a n a d i a n s to be Canadian citizens. living and working The new universal outside Canada will have the option of guarantor list will choosing as a guarantor: c o n s i s t o f t h e ·an adult with a valid following occupations, or recently expired f o u n d a r o u n d t h medical doctor; Canadian passport · dean/head of (less than a year); or · a m e m b e r o f a n university or college; dentist; expanded list of a · judge; variety of occupations · lawyer/notary; (listed below). · · notary public; pharmacist; “Canada is continuing · police officer; to make the passport · signing officer of a application process more · efficient and streamlined bank or trust company or for Canadians living of a financial institution abroad,” said Alexander. that offers a full range “As of December 9, 2013, of banking services if you are applying for a (cash withdrawals, Canadian passport abroad, deposits, savings); and f i n d i n g a g u a r a n t o r veterinarian. will be much simpler.” Tr a v e l e r s m a y a l s o consult Travel.gc.ca, where Canadians can Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander announced improvements to passport services for Canadians living and working outside Canada.

find the information they need to travel or live abroad safely and to make informed decisions.

Canada now issues ePassports, which are considered the gold standard for travel documents worldwide.

A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians who want to travel abroad. As always, the Passport Canada Program strives to strike the best possible balance between security, service and cost.

To receive updates when new information is added to our Web site, you can: Follow Passport C a n a d a o n Tw i t t e r.

Subscribe to our Facebook page.

Visit our YouTube channel.

Add our RSS feeds.

For further information please Minister’s Office Citizenship and Immigration Canada

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

15

Canadian news networks must be offered to all cable and satellite subscribers, CRTC says OTTAWA -- Cable and satellite companies will be required to give their consumers the option of subscribing to Sun News Network and every other Canadian news channel, starting next spring.

Thursday’s announcement by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission sets a midMarch deadline for cable and satellite companies to offer all Canadian news services either in bundles or a la carte.

“Canadian news services are an important part of our democracy,” CRTC chair Jean-Pierre Blais said in a statement. “ Wi t h t h e r u l e s w e are announcing today, Canadians, as citizens, will have access to the news services that are of interest to them and will therefore have an opportunity to be exposed to a variety of opinions on matters of public concern.”

The CRTC previously rejected Sun News Network’s bid for a

guaranteed spot on basic cable and satellite services -- known as “mandatory carriage.”

Such a designation would have forced cable and satellite companies to carry the network on all basic digital and analog services.

However, in rejecting the Sun News bid, the CRTC acknowledged there are significant obstacles facing newly launched news services trying to compete against established networks such as CBC News Network and CTV News Channel.

The CRTC also said at the time that it would review the framework for national news services in the same category as Sun News, including CBC News Network and CTV News Channel.

Some had suggested a “must-offer” designation -- which would only require cable and satellite companies to make it available to their customers to subscribe if they chose to do so -- might

be a suitable compromise for Sun News Network.

But network executive K o r y Te n e y c k e , t h e former director of communications to Prime Minister Stephen Harper who helped launch Sun News, said earlier this year that a “must-offer” designation would not suffice to save the channel, which lost $17 million last year.

“Let us be very clear: a ‘must-offer’ licence would not have a meaningful impact on the current trajectory of Sun News and would inevitably lead to the closure of the station,” Teneycke told the CRTC during a hearing in May.

per month from Frenchlanguage markets -subscribing to basic cable if it received a mandatorycarriage designation.

It also argued current agreements -- allowing the channel to be offered in only 40 per cent of Canadian homes -- are inadequate.

It also said these distribution agreements were affecting their ability to raise

advertising revenues.

Quebecor asked the CRTC to grant Sun News Network mandatory carriage through the end of 2017, meaning that cable and satellite companies would be required to carry it on all basic digital and analog services during that time.

It also asked for better channel placement.

Quebecor argued this

would allow the network to increase its viewership in the way its main Canadian competitors -- the 24-hour news networks operated

by CBC and CTV -- did for many years.

“We don’t begrudge our competitors in any way, we simply want the same rules that they enjoyed -- at least for the next five years,” Quebecor wrote in its filings to the CRTC. The Canadian Press

“Let me repeat: a ‘mustoffer ’ licence would be a death sentence.”

A Quebecor spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Earlier this year, Sun News Network told the CRTC it would earn 18 cents a month from every household in English Canada -- and nine cents

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

IMMIGRATION AND SOCIAL ISSUES By: James A. Kwaateng, B.A. (Hons), LLB (Hons)

sponsorship of parents and grandparents and dependent children Proposed Changes to The surge in the number of applications to sponsor parents and grandparents and the resultant 165,000-strong backlog of parent and grandparent applicants necessitated a temporary pause of up to 24 months on the acceptance of new sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents effective November 5, 2011. To minimize the impact of the long wait times, the backlog and the resultant temporary pause on the acceptance of new sponsorship applications in the parent and grandparent category, the Government introduced the “Parent and Grandparent Super Visa”.

It is not an overstatement to say that the Super Visa program has been successful. Over 1,000 Super Visas are issued each month and the approval rate remains at about 86 percent. In view of this huge success, the Super Visa is set to become a permanent program. It should however be noted that the Super Visa is never the same as sponsorship.

sponsorship for parents and grandparents ends, the Government has come up with what it calls an “Action Plan for Faster Family Reunification” The extent to which this plan benefits the sponsors and the sponsored relatives is questionable.

Under the proposed plan, the minimum necessary income for sponsoring parents and grandparents will increase by 30 percent. This 30 percent addition to the minimum necessary income will not affect the Super Visa program. The Super Visa program would continue to use the minimum necessary income to determine eligibility.

The proposed plan will also increase the period for demonstrating the minimum necessary income from one year to three years. Thus, sponsors will be required Before the 24-month to demonstrate that they tem p o r a r y p a u s e o n meet the new income the acceptance of new threshold for the three

consecutive tax years prior to submitting the sponsorship application.

This, as opposed to 12 months that used to be the case, will assure the Government that sponsors have income stability and the financial means to provide for the basic needs of the sponsored parents and grandparents.

This assurance is further enhanced by a proposal that evidence of income for eligibility purposes will also be confined to Canada Revenue Agency notices of assessment. It is believed this policy will result in less time being spent on verifying eligibility based on income.

Also under the new plan, sponsorship undertaking period for parents and grandparents is to be extended from 10 to 20 years. This means sponsors and co-signers (if applicable) will be responsible for repaying any supplementary health care costs or provincial social assistance benefits paid to the parent and grandparent and their accompanying family members for 20 years, and not 10 years.

While this does not benefit the sponsor and the sponsored relative, it is

Ford named Canada’sNewsmaker cont'd from pg. 5 of the Year i n 1 946, politicia ns have dominated the list.

Other figures who garnered newsmaker votes this year include: a trio of embattled senators and Colette RoyLaroche, the mayor of Lac-Megantic, Que., each with seven per cent of the votes, as well as Rehtaeh Parsons, a bullied teen who committed suicide and Prime Minister S t e p h e n H a r p e r.

The votes do not necessarily come with a positive connotation, and in recent years Newsmakers of the Ye a r h a v e i n c l u d e d murderers and a scandal-beset RCMP. Ford’s selection is a rare blend of the political with the salacious.

Sandy Heimlich-Hall, the assistant news director of CFJC-TV in Kamloops, B.C., described him as a “slowmotion train wreck.”

But despite all his personal and professional implosions -- he’s lost most of his powers, most of his staff, his radio show, a TV show, most of his council allies, his beloved high school football team and any measure of privacy he may have previously enjoyed -Ford is still standing.

All along he has positioned himself as a man of the people, rather than a politician, and is guided by a “very powerful sense of victimhood,” said Ryerson University politics professor Myer Siemiatycki.

“It helps him a lot that he navigates a world of constant blunders by thinking that he’s a victim of the dark forces of others,” Siemiatycki said. “That’s very helpful to a person who selfdestructs on a fairly regular occasion.”

Siemiatycki says Ford’s “single-minded selfpromotion” as a defender of the taxpayers allows some people to overlook or forgive his many transgressions. Local polls show little change in his approval rating since before the crack video scandal broke in May. As Ford has already declared his intention to run for re-election in October 2014, some news editors wondered if the next chapter of the Ford saga is yet to come.

“Rob Ford was repeatedly ‘the’ story that stopped you in your tracks,” said Phil Andrews, the managing editor of the Guelph Mercury.

“Just when you felt there could be no further fuel for the Ford story fire, it seemed he provided another splash of kerosene. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The Canadian Press

presumed the lengthened sponsorship undertaking will protect Canadian taxpayers by compelling the sponsors to shoulder financial responsibilities associated with the care and upkeep of their sponsored aged parents and grandparents and their accompanying dependent children. The government might have found this necessary because it has been established that few parents and grandparents engage in paid employment, and the few who do only make an average income of $15, 696.00 per year.

It is further proposed that maximum age of dependent children should be reduced from 22 to 18

years and under for all immigration programs, including the Parent and Grandparent program.

The only individuals, who will enjoy exceptions regardless of age, will be those who are financially dependent on their parents due to a mental or physical disability.

We should however not lose sight of the fact that those individuals who are supposed to have the exceptions could also be medically inadmissible.

It may be worth weighing the benefits and disadvantages of the Super Visa against those of the regular single visitor visa, regular multipleentry visa and actual sponsorship applications

filed on behalf of parents and grandparents before a decision on filing the application is made. I strongly advise future sponsors or persons who intend to apply for Super Visas for their parents or grandparents to contact a specialist in Immigration Law for some discussion prior to filing such applications.

James A. Kwaateng, is an Immigration Law practitioner with offices located at 168A Oakdale Road, Suite 4, Toronto, Ontario. For thorough discussion of your immigration and related social and legal issues, contact him at telephone number (416) 743-2758.

5 secrets of Parliament Hill Even those who work every day on Parliament Hill don’t know all of these secrets More than 325,000 people tour Parliament Hill in Ottawa every year, but most don’t get to go behind the scenes in one of the country’s most important buildings.

From secret doors to the Speaker’s Scotch, CBC News offers up nine things you probably don’t know about Parliament Hill — in a two-part series.

Canadians turn their clocks back an hour in the fall, Labonté goes in at 2 a.m., stops the Peace Tower clock for an hour, re-sets other clocks around Parliament Hill, and starts up the Peace Tower clock when 2 a.m. hits for the second time.

1. One man controls time on Parliament Hill

2. The flame in the middle of the lawn isn’t eternal — but coins thrown into the fountain fund research

Public Works employee Robert Labonté is responsible for many of the most prominent elements on Parliament Hill, but the most visible may be the Peace Tower clock.

Peace Tower clock interior Controlled from a small room inside the tower, Labonté sets the big clock using a pilot clock that simulates the same time. The pilot clock is locked, with only three or four people holding a key for it, he said.

“I can tell from here what the Peace Tower clock is reading. I can move them at the same time. So when I change the hour, I’m actually looking at this and not outside,” he told CBC News.

Public Works sets the clock by the National Research Council official Canadian time and, twice a year, it’s Labonté’s job to change the time.

Because the clock was built in 1927, the mechanism won’t allow it to turn backwards.

So, when most other

“It is 1927 design. We can’t turn back time.

We can stop it, but we can’t go back in time. So you’ll never see the dials go backwards,” he said.

Many people refer to the Centennial Flame as an eternal flame — but the flame is turned off four times a year for a thorough cleaning of the fountain.

Centennial Flame cleaning Public Works employees every week collect the coins thrown into the fountain around the flame, and the House of Commons human resources committee uses the $4,000 to $5,000 collected every year to fund research into disabilities.

The 2013 award, according to the parliamentary website, went to Sara Carleton for her research looking at Olympian Clara Hughes and how she has affected the way Canadians think about mental health disorders. Hughes helps to raise awareness about depression.

3. There’s a secret door in Tom Mulcair’s office The leader of the Official Opposition gets an

elaborate office on the fourth floor of Centre Block, just above the Prime Minister’s Office, that includes a fireplace and detailed frescoes depicting soldiers in battle.

T h e o ff i c e a l s o h a s what may be Centre Block’s only secret door.

Identical wood panels decorate the wall on either side of the fireplace, but one actually sits on hidden hinges.

“This panel on this side here,” Mulcair told CBC News, pointing to the panel to the left of the fireplace, “is actually a secret door.”

The door opens into the next office, occupied

by Mulcair’s executive assistant, George Smith.

“The legend is that [former prime minister William Lyon] Mackenzie King, especially in the day when there wasn’t a lot of security, people used to just wander in and when there were people out there he didn’t want to see, there was another door and he could sneak out the back way,” Mulcair said.

4. Animals abound in Centre Block While Centre Block is a Gothic building, House curator David Monaghan says that style of architecture can be light and whimsical as well as dark.

“The selection of subjects in the building, for a Parliament, is not always political,” he said in cont'd on pg. 30

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

17

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

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The Ghanaian News

December 2013

19

20

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Scrap daily minimum wage Recipe - Labour expert for this special season

As African people, when it comes to food, we all about aroma and taste.

Here are some simple ways to dazzle your turkey with both, taste and aroma this Christmas.

1 medium turkey Half a cup of water One bush of thyme ¼ hand full of Pimentos One table spoon full of clove 1 whole white onion One branch of fresh ginger or 2 tea spoon of ginger powder 1 table spoon of cayenne pepper / 2 table spoon of paprika 2 table spoon of salt 1 teaspoon of brown sugar Chop a whole branch of celeries into cubs, chop 5 potatoes into cups and mix them together Blend all spices together for mixture; add your water to get liquid form.

Set aside some of the blended seasoning to add to the mixed potatoes and celeries to fill the turkey.

Wash the turkey down and stuff with your mixture of potatoes and celery.

Rub the exterior down with your mixture of seasons.

Prep…covers the turkey with a foil paper and let is marinate in the fridge for one hour.

Baking solution; Place the turkey in the oven and bake for at least, or until meat is to your liking. Baste frequently, for nice and slow bake with a deep penetration of your seasoning.

Note: there are many ways to give your turkey a face lift this year, what we just prepared brighten your kitchen and sings melodies of Africa.

Your guest will keep coming back for more Tips: For more colorful and spicy turkey, add 1 spoon of chili pepper and red wine.

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Labour Consultant, Ben Arthur has advocated the scrapping of the daily minimum wage policy to ensure efficiency and productivity. According to Mr. Arthur, paying workers daily for no work done is counter productive. He suggests the introduction of the “hourly minimum wage” which is more efficient in terms of performance appraisal.

the burden of the public workforce on the wage bill,” Franklin Cudjoe stated.

This he said will lead to attitudinal change on the part of workers. “If you miss an hour of work, you miss your pay,” he stated while speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM Monday. He was commenting on the resignation of IMANI-Ghana Boss, Franklin Cudjoe from the Government’s Committee on the Sustainability of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP).

“What we are missing in this country is that we have failed as a nation to match remuneration with productivity...nobody is supposed to take a pay which is not matched with productivity,” he said.

The 16-member taskforce was formed at the end of the labour forum held in Ho in the Volta region in August to among others, find solutions to the various issues confronting labour front. Mr. Cudjoe’s resignation follows an order from the Ministry of Finance for the committee to suspend its work until further notice.

It is unclear why the order was given but the Founding President and CEO of policy think tank IMANI-Ghana cited in a “public announcement” Sunday December 22, that; “It may be possible that the Finance Ministry is concerned about compensation, possible retrenchment and unemployment that may result from the sub-committee’s work.

However, we had our work cut out as we were guided by the Subvented Agencies Act, Act 706 and in particular by the urgency of reducing the wage bill.

“I consider this intervention as needless; a usurpation of the authority of the Ministry of Employment Labour Relations, will crucially affect the successful completion of the subcommittee’s work and ultimately delay the much needed reforms to reduce

But Mr. Ben Arthur considers the directive as connoting that the state sees workers to be more of a “liability than an asset”. “We [government] do not have to give any impression to workers as if they are not important.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Committee, Paul Victor Obeng has rebuffed suggestions that the Finance Ministry has interfered with the work of the committee. Mr. Obeng says he is unaware of any frustration the committee was encountering.

According to him, the Finance Ministry’s intervention will not hamper the committee’s work. Mr. P.V Obeng told host of the Show, Bernard Nasara Saibu that; “I will not be able to tell if they [members of the committee] have been facing frustrations or facing any interference...until I am told by them”.

He however applauded the committee for work done so far including the suggestion for some state agencies to be weaned off government support. “The issue of weaning some public institutions that have the capacity to live on their own was one of the issues that came out of the [Ho] conference...and free the pressure ...on public finances.

“Any contribution that reduces the [total] burden on public sector wage bill, will be contributory to the attainment of this goal,” he said.

M y J o y o n l i n e C o m m e n t s : This article has 2 comments, give your comment

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December 2013

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Ottawa’s October deficit rings in at $2.5 billion

OTTAWA _ The federal government ran a deficit of $2.5 bil- sources was offset by lower revl i o n i n O c t o b e r, u n c h a n g e d enue from corporate taxes and GST. from the same month last year.

Meanwhile, the federal governThe monthly fiscal monitor says ment’s program spending increased the federal government’s reve- by $100 million in October, while nue slipped by $100 million, public debt charges fell $200 million.

It says increased revenue from For the fiscal year so far, the defipersonal income tax and other cit stood at $13.2 billion, compared with a deficit of $11.9 billion at the same time last year.

However, excluding the Alberta flood and the government’s sale of General Motors stock, the deficit for the April-to-October period this year would have been $11.1 billion.

Revenues over the six-months were up $4.1 billion, while program spending was up $5.4 billion. Public debt charges were down $42 million.

The Canadian Press

24

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Lakeside Estates launches urban planning project

Lakeside Estates Limited has launched an urban planning project to provide safe, organised and enjoyable home and work life experience for all residents in the estate.

Recently, some of the largest concerns of urban planning has been about building locations, zoning, transportation and how a town or city should look, and the new urban project takes into

consideration all those concerns.

Launching the project at a ceremony in Accra, the Managing Director of Lakeside Estates, Mr Prince Joseph Ayiku, said the location of a building, coupled with the designing of certain areas of a town or city for special purposes like residential zones, commercial areas and industrial sections, was important in urban planning.

He said Lakeside Estates had zoned its new development, taking into consideration underlying principles in urban planning, and that had made Lakeside Estates a unique and beautiful place to own a property.

According to MrAyiku, ensuring that there are enough roads and highways, as well as easy-to-access public transportation,

is also a priority in the estate’s urban planning project as its roads are well designed, functional and provides easy access to all its developments.

The managing director indicated that in order for law enforcement agencies such as the Fire Service and the police to be effective and punctual, security stations would be centrally located and scattered throughout the area.

He said since the health of a population remained key in the development of every nation, the Lakeside Estates had built a pharmacy shop to support the health needs of residents, and surrounding communities. Ghanaweb The company also used the occasion to officially open the Lakeside Estates community shops which operate on a total space of 121.83m and houses a pharmacy and provision shop managed by Oaklex Pharmacy and the Lakeside Holding Company.

The Procurement and Administrative Manager of Lakeside Estate, Mr Sampson Obeng, said the rationale behind the opening of the shops was to provide residents with a good location where basic day-today consumables and pharmaceutical products could be accessed. “The building is beside a commercial bus stop and future water station. We have ample parking spaces for eight vehicles, professional property management, separate Electricity Company of Ghana metres and water tanks,� he said.

According to Mr Obeng, the management of Lakeside Estates planned to expand the facility into a two-storey building to create space for more shop owners.

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2100 Finch Avenue, W., Suite 310 Located Inside Norfinch Medical Building.

Directly opposite Humber River Hospital-Finch site

26

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Central Market

INDIA AFRICA

We Carry All Your Tropical Grocery Items

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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

For all your Ghanaian and Nigerian Groceries Produce, Meat, Fish etc..

We are open 7 Days a week.

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Under New Management Specializing In African and Caribbean Food & Hair Products

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Listen to Ghanaian News Radio Sunday 5:30 pm on 1040 AM

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

Op-ed: Building resilient communities Canada’s communities are nearing a crossroads.

We have more technology at our fingertips; the ability to move information, goods and people faster; and an increasingly educated population reaching further and higher than ever before.

Some are induced by nature. The June flooding in Alberta left 100,000 stranded, $1.7 billion in insured damage and governments scrambling to address worst-case scenarios.

Other challenges come from external forces. The people of Lac-Mégantic are still recovering and rebuilding after the July tanker explosion.

Unfortunately, the challenges we face are moving at the same speed.

Even when we think we’ve seen it all, we encounter new tests of our resiliency.

Changes in the global economy produce new opportunities on one

hand, while creating financial pressures and demographic changes on the other. It’s not uncommon for community needs and expectations to increase in a time of fiscal restraint.

The downturn in the fishery sector has had devastating effects on Atlantic communities over the past 15 years.

And, no matter how prosperous, no community is immune to the troubles of poverty, addiction and homelessness.

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Asafo Market

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Surviving isn’t enough. leveraging of assets and Thriving is the goal. resources. And it takes the vision to anticipate Just like generations the possibilities, long before us, we hope before a crisis hits or an for a better future and opportunity passes by. are ready to do what it takes to get there. The universities and community foundations It’s time to leverage our our organizations represources in new and resent do much to build innovative ways, tak- this kind of resiliency and ing community knowl- foster this kind of vision. edge to a higher level to create social change. For example, the Community Development Facing these challenges Institute at the Univertakes resiliency, econom- sity of Northern Britic diversification and the ish Columbia is helping

27

the City of Kitimat prepare for the opportunities and challenges of a new smelter project.

An influx of construction workers, while welcome, may add pressures to housing, rental accommodations and the local price of goods. The institute is helping the community with planning and early engagement to help define its future.

The community could advocate, for example, cont'd on pg 58

BANTAMA Supermarket Quality Products from Africa & Caribbean

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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 (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

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Call Rita or George

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Guranteed Lowest Prices on All African Foods Videos and CDs

Cosmetics Tel: 416-286-0516

28

The Ghanaian News December 2013

BUSINESS

You can pay off your mortgage and credit card debts sooner than you think By: Ken Ntiamoa, MBABIA Insolvency Counsellor

If you already own a home and carry a mortgage or you have credit card bills, you already know what I am talking about. Those debts never seem to go away.

Not too long ago, people took mortgages that would be amortized over 40 years. The new law now makes it 25 years.

If you pay the minimum monthly payment on a $10,000 credit card without borrowing back, it would take you 10 years to finish paying it off.

By the time you finish paying a $240,000 mortgage over a period of 25 years would have paid at least double what you borrowed ie $480,000 depending upon the interest rate you got. If you can pay it off in 10 years or less, you can save a lot in interest. In fact, many financial advisors advise that you should not even attempt saving money if you have credit card debt and carry a mortgage.

- C a n a d i a n Ti r e MasterCard $2,500 interest rate – 10% - Bank of Montreal Line of Credit - $5,000 interest rate – 8%

But, there is a way to pay off mortgage loans and credit card balances in less than 10 years after incurring them.

You must be disciplined and follow strict rules.

There are programmes available to assist you, if you are disciplined enough to follow them.

The programme which follows a mathematical algorithm can get a bit complicated, especially if you have a mortgage, car loan, many credit card loans and lines of credit.

A simple explanation that I can give is as follows: Let us say you have the following debts: - CIBC Visa $1,000 interest rate 15%

The idea would be to tackle the small balances f i r s t . Yo u p a y t h e minimum required on The Canadian Tire and Bank of Montreal debts and you put all excess funds left at the end of the month against the $1,000 CIBC Visa until you pay it off. Once that is paid off, you move to the $2,500 Canadian Tire debt until that is also paid off. As you pay off each loan, more funds become available from your budget to pay off other debts quicker.

If you need further information about mortgage or debt problems, contact Ken Ntiamoa, MBA BIA Insolvency Counsellor Mortgage Broker (416-398-1877 ext 201)

The World Says Farewell to one of its Greatest Hero Madiba Mandela

cont'd from pg. 1

apartheid police. Right wing white Afrikaners who could not live with the idea of a potential Black President and Black government also joined in the killing spree.

Many of Mandela’s own people in the ANC were urging and pressurizing him to go to war against the white extremists and the Inkatha fighters, while his opponents were daring him.

This is where the real greatness of Madiba Mandela begins – any person in Mandela’s position at the time, having endured brutalities at the hands of the white Afrikaners for that long period of time and watching him either kill or engineer the killings of his people would have done just one thing-revenge!!.

But Mandela did not. He decided his most powerful weapon was made of peace, magnanimity, pragmatism and reconciliation. South Africa has remained stable and moving along today only due to the strategy of one single man, Nelson Mandela, in the post-apartheid years.

His mantra was “the

oppressor must be liberated just as the oppressed”.

The fact that on his death, almost the whole worldthose that openly and actively supported the apartheid regime to brutalize the Black Africans, those that stood on the sidelines and those that actively supported the anti-apartheid struggle-all came together to sing, praise, mourn and adore him, speaks to the greatness of this man. No individual of this century has brought almost the whole world together on his death as Mandela did.

No world leader has been so widely quoted as Mandela has been. There has never been any leader and any prisoner in world history who has counted so many of his former enemies and former jailers among his friends as Mandela did.

There may never be any such human being of Mandela’s stature in our lifetime and the centuries to come. Madiba Mandela was greater than his enemies. He was greater than the leaders

of the world who openly and covertly supported the evil apartheid regime of those dreadful times. He outlasted five South African leaders of the apartheid regime that brutalized and dehumanized Black South Africans.

Ta t a M a d i b a N e l s o n Rolihlahla Mandela is gone from this earth. He will forever be remembered not for the four years that he was President of South Africa.

He will be remembered for his humility, his integrity, his magnanimity to forgive the evil-doers and his singular ability to keep post-apartheid South Africa together.

These are the hallmarks of a great man. Are the present crops of African leaders paying heed to the lessons that Madiba has taught the world? For the moment the answer is no, but we hope that some of our current African leaders will begin to think of at least one simple lesson from the Mandela curriculum, that of honestly which seems to be in very short supply in the African leadership of today.

Black Owned Businesses: Obstacles and Challenges It is important that blacks/Africans begin to rally to support and enhance business opportunities for their own who are experienced and qualified. In Africa, black businesses are shunned foreign corporation, and in US America, it is more like pulling a tooth with tooth pick. Mr. Richardson’s expose below is a tip of the iceberg and can help form dialogues across the oceans how to enhance black/African owned businesses. The notion that ‘no prophet is recognized in his homeland was invented for blacks.’ Those who keep succeeding recognize their own and make sure they only give others what they are unable to get from their own.

I have had enough insult to my intellect!

Regardless to; “Qualifications,” “Certifications,” “Professional Licenses,” “Experience,” and “Expertise,” it is an insult to my intellect to be asked to: * Come do forensics and design for a water treatment facility in Oklahoma City (OKC); then to be told we only select those we are comfortable with * Come design urban streets in Tulsa; then to be told I am a thief to ask to be paid for work done * Come solicit Department of Transportation (DOT) projects; then find DOT, etal, has a horrible record of working with folk who look like me * Come solicit United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects; then find the DOD, et al, has a more horrible record than DOT working with folk who look like me * Come design and build power facilities in Nigeria; then to be told you got to be an “investor” * Come design and build power facilities in South Africa; then to be told you want to take and not give * Come let me help you find projects; then find the last time projects were found for someone who looked like me was 30-years ago * Come master plan, design and build a port city in Ghana; then find your Ghanaian government signed MOU means nothing * Come design and build a hospital, a road, housing, and infrastructure in Libya; then be told to wait three or four years * Come learn how to write a FIVE PAGE Letter of Interest by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT); then be told we did not use the right “buzz words “ * Come save Langston University facilities from flooding and collapse; then be told your work is of NO value * Come design roads and bridges for TXDOT; then be told most of the work is being done by a Spanish firm for the next 52 YEARS So could there be something common to all the struggle just to be provided the opportunity to practice a well-honed craft? It is a ridiculous to find it harder to get the work than to do the work.

But fair equitable outcomes appear to have burst with the housing bubble and resulted with postings on every street corner: “Blacks Need Not Apply.”

Oh, you say how could this be true in 2013!?! I say to you; the truth is the

truth no matter how ugly and inconvenient! Have you talked to that clean cut waiter at Red Lobster? Most likely he is a multiple degreed “LI-FO” (last in, first out) Black from a high tech firm.

Outside of singing, dancing and playing ball the Black culture is seen, perceived and believed to be a collective ‘we’ that’s inherently intellectually inferior to White culture and as such naturally shuns intellectual curiosity in exchange for the lazy “comfort” of hand-made Gods! Unfortunately, this is a deep seeded perception and belief held by most Whites and many Blacks and it’s a belief always denied when placed on center stage in the public square of racial discourse.

Outside of the bling and materialistic addictions of Black athletes, many black people strive to attend White sanctioned, name brand, colleges and universities to study their majors of choice squarely based on the promise of future pecuniary benefits as touted by white capitalism’s systems of economic deprivation and inequality. So when Black architects, engineers and scientist show up on the avenues and boulevards of Global Business and A&E mainstreams that went to school, because they were genuinely interested in spending a lifetime thoroughly understanding how stuff works and are fully capable and qualified to perform at demonstrable intellectual levels to build stuff that works, they are routinely, disingenuously engaged for the sole purpose of being summarily marginalized and dismissed by the same Global Business and A&E mainstreams.

Firms like HPTS have 40, 50, 60 and 70 year old Black academics, architects, engineers, scientist, designers, marketers and constructors with industry tested and proven skills and capabilities that continue to be summarily marginalized and dismissed by the same Global Business and A&E mainstreams, because White people are believed to possess superior, intellectual capabilities when it comes to thoroughly understanding how stuff works and how to build stuff that works.

Over the last 9 years, HPTS has expended mind boggling time and treasure having its professional persona disrespected and its intellect insulted

by Blacks and Whites alike who don’t know how stuff works and don’t know how to build stuff that works. However, they are very addicted to bling and materialism they are willing participants in the White capitalism’s systems of economic deprivation and inequality, to the degree that they are complicit in the marginalization and dismissal of genuinely capable Black businesses and entrepreneurs that can facilitate the kind of positive changes that are desperately needed throughout the Black diaspora.

By Charles A. Richardson, P.E. Program Manager, High Plains Technical Services, Inc. http://www.hptsinc.com/ The African Executive

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

29

TALKING FINANCES

SMART Financial Targets By: Gabriel Quayson, Toronto A s t h e N e w Ye a r approaches, many among us will set new goals or make resolutions for the upcoming year. The intended achievement or change will range from losing weight to making more money. The methods of goal setting will range from just wishing for it, to outlining details on paper with a plan. Not everyone will achieve the desired objective by this time next year This article will provide some guidelines by usage of the SMART acronym in goal setting, specifically, financial goal setting.

I came across the concept of smart goal setting during my years at University many years ago. I liked the word SMART and its affiliation with goals (over coming an obstacle, affecting inner change or achieving/

acquiring something).

This SMART acronym is often used as a guideline for effective goal setting.

It’s not the only way, as I later came to realize, but SMART goal setting has many advantages.

The SMART acronym has various meanings, and the initials stand for: S

=

Specific

M

=

Measurable

A R

=

Achievable

=

Realistic

T = Ti m e - s e n s i t i v e S p e c i f i c For a goal to be effective it should be described as specifically as possible.

Being specific is putting as much details as the goal setter can come up with.

A goal of saving more

NEW ERA MART LTD.

money next year is not specific enough. A goal of saving $30,000.00 by this next year is specific.

A goal of making more money next year is not specific, but a goal of making $30,000.00 above a current salary is specific.

In real life, two unemployed college graduates set a goal of securing employment.

They both think about finding employment.

Graduate “A” sets a goal of looking for work today. Graduate “B” sets a goal of looking for employment in the financial district, since his diploma is in finance. He elaborates on his goal by getting a list of all banks, investment companies and insurance companies in his area. Graduate “B” carried out his goal further by visiting and dropping

off resumes at 5 banks, 5 investment companies and 5 insurance companies daily. Both of these graduates are excellent bas ketball players and they live in a large apartment complex with many hoops and daily games. At the beginning of the week, they were both challenged to a Basketball game.

Graduate “A” stayed and played all day, while Graduate “B” went to 15 locations to drop off resumes and did some networking as he had specified in his goal. Two weeks later Graduate “B” is working as an “Investment Analyst” and Graduate “A” is still playing basketball and talking about how there are no jobs.

The beauty of a specific goal is that, it forces you to take action and to be focused on what you are trying to achieve. If you deviate from your objective, the specificity of your goals will force you back on the appropriate path. You cannot play games or hang-out all day when you know you have

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to go to 15 places, no matter how enjoyable that activity might be.

by seeing the vision?

If both of these are not present, revisit your goal.

M e a s u r a b l e

Realistic: Do you have the knowledge, skill set, and competency to reach your goal? If your goal involves weight loss, do you know all you should know about nutrition, calorie content, and metabolism to achieve your goal? If not, perhaps your first goal should be to gather this information.

E ff e c t i v e g o a l s a r e measurable, which means, you can give it a number. In reference to the saving more money objective next year vrs saving 30,000.00 by the end of next year the latter has a measurable number to let you know whether you are on target or not.

Obviously, goals such as saving, making money or losing weight are measurable, whereas being more generous, being a better parent, and working harder at your job are not measurable as stated. If your goal is in an area like the latter, such as being a better parent, identify some aspects of better parenting that are measurable. Perhaps spending 30 minutes each day playing with your child in his/her preferred activity is measurable A c h i e v a b l e There’s an art to goalsetting that revolves a r o u n d t h e g o a l ’s difficulty. A goal that is too easy is not energizing.

A goal that is too difficult seems hopeless. Both too easy and too difficult are goal setting no-no’s. Set the level of challenge somewhere in-between.

A good way to decide that a goal is achievable but challenging is to visualize yourself reaching the goal. Can you see yourself there? Are you energized

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Time Sensitive: Setting a deadline provides necessary positive tension to give you the energy to get on with it. The time frame you select should be realistic. Losing twenty pounds in twenty weeks is realistic, whereas losing it in five weeks is not only unrealistic but unhealthy.

The SMART technique of goal setting is especially useful in business due to its measurability process for performance appraisal. You can apply it to your personal life or businesses. A goal without the SMART concept is like a leaf in the wind.

It could end up at any place. If you don’t know where you are going, where ever you end up is the right place whether in scarcity or abundance.

For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News

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30

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Press Release

Making the world a better place has never been easier Western Union and World Vision Canada use Instagram and text messages to make giving simple According to research from the Ipsos Canadian Inter@ctive Reid Report, 70 percent of Canadians use their smartphone to take photos. And more often than not they will post these pictures on different social networks for friends and family to see. For most Canadians these acts have become a habit. Now there’s a way to make these habits more meaningful to children in need here at home and around the world.

Western Union customers are familiar with the concept of giving to others. Many regularly use the money transfer service to support family and friends they’re separated from while they work abroad.

This holiday season, Western Union has teamed up with World Vision Canada for their Send for Better campaign, in which people are invited take a picture inspired by “what makes the world better”, and upload their photo on Instagram with #sendforbetter. Western Union customers can also participate by sending a qualifying Western Union money transfer and texting “WU” with the last four digits of their MTCN (Money Transfer Control Number) to 88898.

We s t e r n U n i o n w i l l donate CAD$1 to World Vision Canada for every

5 secrets of Parliament Hill cont'd from pg. 16 the building’s main hall, known as the rotunda or Confederation Hall.

Owl carving on Parliament Hill

The ebony represents the tar that would have been used to seal a ship’s floor, Mulcair told CBC News from inside his fourth-floor office.

An owl is carved into the stone decorating an archway in Centre Block on Parliament Hill. (Laura Payton/CBC)

5. An enormous portrait of Sir John A. Macdonald hangs in the PMO

“A recurring theme in the building is Canadian flora and fauna. You see pictures of owls and snow geese and fish. It’s not exactly terribly serious when you think about it: that you have a place where kings and prime ministers walk through [and it] is adorned with fish and fowl,” Monaghan said, pointing out that the animals, including beavers and bears, are even frolicking.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper ’s office has little other than some chairs and an imposing desk, leaving one item to dominate the decor: a portrait of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister — a Conservative.

The main entrance, one floor above the visitor entrance and used by parliamentary staff and journalists, is filled with architectural detail. One Monaghan loves to point out starts from the central column in the hall.

Green and white marble are arranged as a compass rose (the design on the compass face), with a wavy green strip circling the rotunda. A straight green circle encompasses the wavy one.

Centre Block marble floor

qualifying consumerto-consumer Western Union Money Transfer® transaction and associated text or post sent during the promotional period, up to a maximum of CAD$25,000. The donation supports World Vision Canada initiatives that help end child poverty in Canada and improve education programs in global communities.

“The generosity of our customers knows no bounds and Western Union wants to extend our own generosity to help children abroad and in our own back yards,” says Joycelyn David, Western Union Canada marketing and product director. “Instagram and text messages have become such prevalent forms of social media and communication respectively – we’re excited about integrating this form of giving

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into Canadians’ everyday lives.”

“It’s the easiest ‘donation’ I’ve ever made,” says Mary Abada, a regular Western Union customer.

“I take lots of pictures every day and it made me happy to know that one would make an actual difference to a child in need in the form of the $1 donation from Western Union.”

“A text message and a photo might not mean much to us here in Canada, just like we don’t consider $1 as being able to buy much, but these small things can make a big difference for kids around the world who have very little,” Abada adds. “Our efforts, $1 at a time, do add up; collectively it can make positive change happen.” Learn how you can make a difference.

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For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416 916-3700

“​ When you look at it, it’s just a lovely pattern and most individuals don’t realize much about it,” Monaghan said.

“The wavy line represents the ocean on the floor. The circle represents the earth ... [Parliament]’s the point at which we find direction, not only in the building but also for the country,” he said.

It fits with the architect’s idea of Parliament as the ship of state, he added. The floors in the offices of the House and Senate speakers, the prime minister, the Official Opposition leader and the House of Commons all have teak floors with ebony inlay, copying the teak used on great ships.

When Google Streetview was allowed into Harper’s office, it was just as tidy as when press secretary Carl Vallée showed CBC News around. A Beatles mug sits on the desk and photos of Harper with his family hang on the wall that would be to his right when he’s seated at the desk. ​The office was kept by Conservative leaders from 1924 until 1963, lending it special meaning to Harper, Vallée said. “ H e ’s p e r s o n a l i z e d i t , ” Va l l é e said, pointing to the row of family photos along one wall.

“But it speaks to the history of Parliament. So he comes in and he can appreciate where he works. And this is the mandate that he received from Canadians, [so] he can come here and work hard for them. And it serves as a great reminder of the privilege and the honour that he has to work here.”

In a statement, Harper said Centre Block is an important part of Canada’s rich history. “ F r o m o ff i c i a l v i s i t s t o d a i l y parliamentary duties, my office reminds me of the effort and dedication of all those who have walked the halls of Parliament Hill before me and who have contributed to making Canada into the strong, beautiful country we know today,” Harper said. CBC News

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The Ghanaian News

December 2013

31

Community Information

Clement King Jr. laid to rest The sadden unexpected death of Clement Nester King Jr. on Wednesday December 4th 2013 at his residence in London is announced.

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.

He was buried on Saturday December 14, 2013 in St. Peter’s cemetery, London Ontario The late Clement King Jr.

Toronto Ghanaian Community Loses Another Mom as ‘Auntie Aggie’ Dies at 71

The Late Mad. Agnes Dansowaa

( MUGA-GHANA FIRST )

The Official mouthpiece Ghanaians Abroad

Clement 26 years, is survived by father Clement King Sr. and mother Maggie Wilson-King both of London Ontario and sister Tatiana King of Toronto, nephews and nieces.

By Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Brampton

Movement of United Ghanaians Abroad

The Ghanaian community is once again shocked with another death of its own as the year 2013 is in the final days! The death is reported of Madam Agnes Dansowaa, popularly known as ‘Auntie Aggie’ at the Brampton Civic Hospital on December 21, 2013 after a brief illness. She was 71 years old.

Madam Agne Dansowaa who came to Toronto on June 21, 2005 was born at Bonwire and bred at Kokoben all in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

She was the sweet mother of Vida Adu-Gyamfi and Dorcas Prempeh; and the mother-in-law of Ken Adu-Gyamfi as well as Elder Gordon Prempeh (all residents of Brampton, near Toronto) Auntie Aggie left behind 6 grandchildren. Her funeral. will be held at Ghanaian Presbyterian Church in Toronto on Saturday, December 28, 2013, from 5pm to 11pm

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

The

Youth Journal

MOVING FORWARD WITH OUR YOUTH THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY

Mandela Understood the Needs and Challenges of Young People

By Kwabena Akuoko, MSW, RSW,, Toronto

Nelson Mandela is no longer with us, but his cherished memory lingers. He was a freedom fighter, human rights activist, politician and statesman who rose above politics and united people of all races. His profound influence on humanity and interest in the welfare of young people transcended African boarders. Aside from demonstrating to the world that injustice can be overcome with justice, Mandela also dedicated significant part of his career to improving the welfare of young people.

He proved to be a great pillar and significant source of inspiration for the younger generations of all people of African descent. The late leader stood the test of the time and was indeed an unmatched role model to children and youth across African boundaries.

His dedication to improving the plight of children is reflected in his strong conviction that “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children”.

Mandela truly believed in the broad idea that today’s young people are the future. He particularly took note of this view during his post-presidency years and principally focused on multiple humanitarian endeavours aimed at improving children’s plight across the globe. Therefore, as we continue to mourn his passing, celebrate his life and accomplishments, it is not out of place in my view to pay tribute to the late great leader by reflecting on what he did for young people in Africa.

Nelson Mandela inspired and challenged us all to put the collective interests of our compatriots above all other considerations. Throughout his lifetime struggles and career, he never lost sight of the universal concept of the best interests of children and youth.

His fight for racial equality, peace and harmony among people of different class, racial and cultural backgrounds included eradicating child poverty and child exploitation. It was not by accident that both locally and internationally, the late anti-Apartheid icon connected well with young people. He remained their biggest advocate till the very end.

His special touch with young people literally earned him the reputation as the “Father of the Nation”, not just for South Africa, but the entire Africa.

Mandela’s passing incontestably brings an end to an era. He has deservedly earned the enviable stature as a hero of all time from the purview of young people across our continent and beyond.

Young people’s perception about Mr. Mandela reflects President Obama’s tribute to the late leader as “the last great liberator of the 20th century”.

Perhaps one of Mr. Mandela’s grandest humanitarian gestures for young people was donating a third of his presidential salary to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. His postpresidency years in which he exclusively focused on the well being of children and youth epitomized Mr. Mandela’s strong advocacy roles for that population

group. He spearheaded the establishment of this special Fund, one of the three he founded with the goal of working to change the way society treats children and youth.

Evidently, Mandela has been, and will remain an inspiration for many of those involved in the humanitarian work that focuses on the plight of young people worldwide. The International President of the World Vision, Kevin Jenkins in his tribute to the Mr. Mandela said it better by stating that “Mandela was probably the greatest leader of our age, a tireless, fearless advocate for the needs of some of the most vulnerable in our world, particularly children”. Mandela’s dedication to the fight against child poverty in particular and poverty in general was captured in a speech he delivered at London’s Trafalgar Square in a campaign against poverty rally in June 2004. He said, “Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings”. Beyond the larger task of dismantling oppression and reconciling previously oppressed and the oppressors in post-Apartheid South Africa, Mandela concentrated his energy on charitable work that sought to improve children’s welfare.

I want to conclude my tribute to the late great son of Africa by highlighting his last advocacy work, which immensely benefited vulnerable African children and youth.

He courageously talked about the devastation associated with HIV/ AIDS and its impact on millions of African children orphaned by the disease. Mandela was the first African leader to openly lead the fight against the epidemic on the international stage by calling for a renewed fight to challenge the stigma and taboo surrounding the dreadful disease.

Similarly, armed with his unparalleled moral authority, Mandela successfully lobbied Western countries and big pharmaceutical companies to make anti-retroviral drugs available for HIV/AIDS’ victims in Africa. The late leader was incisively aware of the immense benefits of these drugs to HIV/AIDS’ victims and, he strongly advocated for the drugs to be freely made available to African families and elsewhere afflicted by the disease.

Lastly, Mandela encouraged young people to discuss their concerns about the epidemic so that they can make informed decisions, which will help prevent its spread. It is worth underscoring that with the demise of Madiba Nelson Mandela, the world has lost a great moral leader, statesman, humanitarian and an advocate who cleverly identified with, and understood young people’s many-sided needs and challenges.

Mandela was a great son of Africa whose lifelong struggles and career immensely benefited the continent’s young people.

The Ghanaian News online Check it out www. ghanaiannews.ca

North America storms spell cold, dark Christmas for many How can it be Arctic cold in Montreal and T-shirt weather a meteorological stone’s throw away, in Central Park?

Hundreds of thousands of households in Canada and the northern US are facing a Christmas without electricity after a severe ice storm on Sunday.

About 400,000 customers in eastern Canada and 280,000 in the US state of Michigan had no power as of Monday.

In Toronto, a utility has said power will be restored for most residents by Thursday, but that some may not have electricity until the weekend.

The city has opened several warming centres across the city.

Temperatures as low as -15C (5F) are expected in southern Canada over the next few days.

At least 11 deaths have been blamed on the storm system in North America, five of them in accidents on icecovered Canadian roads. ‘ Tr u l y c a t a s t r o p h i c ’ A n es timated 1 0 - 3 0 mm of ice built up on trees and other surfaces in the greater Toronto area during the storm.

Sheets of ice fell from buildings and moving vehicles, Canadian TV channel CBC said.

Torontonians are used to snow, but an ice storm is something different and dangerous. Virtually every tree branch and twig is encased

in ice. Many streets are blocked by fallen branches and festooned with yellow safety tape where live power lines have come down.

Trams are running again, now overhead cables have been cleared of ice, but subway services are disrupted. Flights in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal have been delayed, if not cancelled altogether, at one of the busiest times of the year. Pedestrians are walking mainly in the road, avoiding pavements as slippery as skating rinks. On main roads traffic is moving, albeit with delays where traffic lights are not working because of power cuts.

power in wider Ontario as well as about 50,000 in Quebec and 6,000 more in New Brunswick.

Earlier, Toronto Hydro’s chief executive officer Anthony Haines said it was “truly a catastrophic ice storm that we have had here, probably one of the worst we’ve ever had”.

Officials warned high winds on Monday could bring down more branches and power lines.

Flights were delayed or cancelled due to the storm in the US and Canada at one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

I n N e w Yo r k ’s S t L a w r e n c e C o u n t y, almost two inches The utility Toronto Hydro ( 5 1 m m ) o f i c e h a d says it could be up to 72 accumulated on Sunday. hours before electricity is fully restored - well More than 400,000 people after Christmas Day. were also left without The city has opened power in the northern warming centres for U S af ter th e s to r m. those without power, but many face a cold, dark Snow and ice are causing and disrupted Christmas. severe disruption to parts of Canada and the US Via Rail warned customers t r a v e l l i n g b e t w e e n About 280,000 were Toronto and Montreal, still without power in Ottawa and New York to Michigan, including expect delays on Monday. 8 0 , 0 0 0 i n D e t r o i t .

To r o n t o M a y o r R o b Ford resisted declaring a state of emergency, but said getting electricity to hospitals and community housing should be a priority.

Efforts to reconnect power continued through the night and Toronto Hydro said it was able to restore electricity to about 85,000 customers in the Toronto area.

Another 100,000 customers were without

A spokesman for one of the Michigan electricity firms told the Detroit Free Press it could be the end of the week before power is restored.

The US National Weather Service warned “another round of snow and ice” was expected for New England on Monday.

Parts of Maine are expected to see as much as half an inch of ice.

For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

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African Communities in Manitoba Launch Mandela Bursary Fund

From Staff Reporter, Winnipeg, MB The African Communities in Manitoba have launched an Educational Bursary Fund in honour of Nelson Mandela.

This was announced at the funeral and vigil celebrations in honour of the late South African President ‘Madiba’ Nelson Mandela in Winnipeg on Sunday December 15. The award will be given every year

to a post-secondary student whose life and works exemplify the ideals and moral codes espoused by the late African hero and icon.

Dr. Michael Baffoe, of the University of Manitoba who announced the launch of the Bursary on behalf of the African Communities of Manitoba (ACOMI) said that the African communities

in Manitoba hope to “create another Mandela if we can”. He appealed to the communities, government departments and private organizations to contribute generously to make the fund a reality and sustainable.

The Mayor of Winnipeg, Mr. Sam Katz who was a special guest at the event commended

the African Communities for this noble and worthwhile initiative.

Anyone wishing to donate or pledge a contribution to the Nelson Mandela Educational Bursary Fund of Manitoba should contact the ACOMI Secretariat at 204-221-6696.

Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over twenty dollars.

Dr. Michael Baffoe, launches the Mandela Educational Bursary Fund

Manitoba African Communities Pay Tribute to Mandela

From: Staff Reporter, Winnipeg, MB

A large number of people from all walks of life, including a large section of people from the various African Communities in Manitoba, braced a frigid minus 26 degrees weather to join a community celebration of the life of the late former South African President, Madiba Nelson Former South African antiMandela who passed City of Winnipeg Citizens Margaret Yeboah, Vice Presiapartheid campaigner and Equity Committee Cooraway on December 5 dent of the Ghanaian Union now Winnipeg resident, Strini a n d w a s b u r i e d o n dinator, Dr. Kwabena Osei of Manitoba pays tribute Reddy pays tribute Bonsu pays tribute December 15, 2013.

Ace Drummer Evans Coffie pays glowing tribute to Madiba The celebrations d u b b e d Vi g i l a n d Celebrations for Madiba featured a number of performances including some of Manitoba African communities’ ace Cultural Drummers, Evans Coffie from Ghana and KbFujumelody from Nigeria. The Ghanaian Community Choir entertained the celebrants to some high-energy mix of cultural and Christian tunes. Video clips and photo slides of the late A Section of the large audience at the Madiba celebration African Icon were shown throughout the program.

“We love you Madiba”, the African community women chant Various tributes were paid by members of the African communities including the youth.

The Master of Ceremonies for the program, Dr. Michael Baffoe of the University of Manitoba indicated that the celebrations were not about mourning the passing of this great man.

It was about celebrating and reflecting on his life, a life well-lived, not only for himself, his family, friends and cronies, like Drummer Kb Fujumelody and his Mother Tunes dishing out their rhythms cont'd on pg. 47

The Ghanaian Community Group digs it out in celebration of Madiba

Titi Tijani leads the OKIN Cultural Group in a celebratory performance

A section of the African Women celebrate Madiba

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

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Season's Greetings from The Ghanaian News Team

Mr. Emmanuel Ayiku Publisher/Editor

Ms. Golda Quayson Columnist

Rev. Dr. Samnuel Kissieadoo Columnist

Mr. Joseph Kingsley Eyiah Contributing Editor

Dr. Michael Baffoe Contributing Editor

Mr. Kwabena Akuoko Columnist

Rev. Joseph OseiAmoah Columnist

Dr. Kwaku Danso Writer

Augustine Boahen Distributor Calgary

Mrs. Comfort Ayiku Director of Operations

Dr. David Yaw Twum Barima Columnist

Mr. Jonathan Annobil Community Reporter

Mrs. Doris Osei Bonsu Columnist

Mr. Gabriel Quayson Columnist

Mr. James A. Kwaateng Columnist

Isaac Ebo Afenyi Distributor Montreal

Dr. George Ansong & Staff Royal Dental Care During the Holiday Season more than ever, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible.

And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely.

Thank You and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season and a Happy New Year Dr. George Ansong, Dorcas, Giselle, Tahany, Linda, Lily, Agnes, Minerva, Jennifer, Isioma & Christine

ROYAL DENTAL CARE

Merry Christmas

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

Community

y in pictures

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

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Appreciation Day for the Very Rev De-Graft Semie Obiri The Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, Toronto under the stewardship of Mr. Kofi Asampong and Mrs. Agnes Donkor organized a very befitting appreciation day for their Minister, the Very Rev. DeGraft Semie Obiri and his family. The Liturgist was Mr. Seth OpokuAgyemang, the first Circuit Lay Movement Council Chairman and the Preacher was the Rev Fr Gabriel OpokuWare, the Priest of the Ghanaian Anglican Church,Toronto.

The

event was held on Sunday December 8, 2013.

The Special Guests were the Nana Anokye, the Asantefohene of Toronto and his entourage, Mr Samuel Donkoh, Mrs Harriet Aikins-Mensah, the President and VicePresident of the Mfantseman Association in Toronto and other members.

Mr. Frimpong and Md. Diana Frimpong, who represented the family and the Kwofies of the Ghana Methodist Church, Toronto. The Service to the glory of God witnessed a lot of prayers for

the Minister, his Family, the Ghanaian Community, Ghana and Canada .

The Very Rev De-Graft Semie Obiri and his Family and the Church express

Rev. Fr. Gabriel Opoku-Ware

Group picture of Very Rev. Semie Obiri (center) and Asantefuohene and his entourage

their deepest appreciation to God for the success of the Program and to all who supported the events in kind and cash.

Very Rev. De-Graft Semie Obiri

Very Rev. Semie Obiri family and family

Mfantseman Association of Toronto

Two Canada presents Christmas celebration at Thistletown Community Center

Two Canada on Saturday December 21st 2013 organised a community Christmas celebration. It was held at the Thistletown Community Center, 925 Albion Road to benefit Ernestine's Women's Shelter. Councillor Vincent Crisanti and Trustee John Hastings participated in the event Councilor Vincent Crisanti with some Award recipients

Organizers, Volunteers and some Award Recipients

Kids having fun

Santa with Award Recipients

Parents and kids

Parents and kids

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

THE COST OF DEATH By: Rev. Dr. Samuel Donkor, Snr. Pastor of All Nations Full Gospel Church.

Sermon Preached at Rev. Isaac and Cecilia Achempongs' Funeral

Text: Psalms 116:15 “Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His saints” I n t r o d u c t i o n How can the death of a saint or God’s Child be precious in His sight?

How can the tragic deaths of Pastor Isaac Acheampong and his wife Cecilia be precious in God’s sight?

To unveil the meaning of this text as we grapple with the deaths of Pastor Isaac and Cecilia, we shall look at the other translations of this passage.

1. “Costly in the eyes of Yahweh is death for His men of loving-kindness,” J.B.Rotherham.

2. “ The death of His faithful servant is an important consideration with the Lord”. The Psalm for Today (R.K.Harison).

3. “His loved ones are very precious to Him and He does not lightly let them die.” The Living Bible (Kenneth Taylor).

The word “Precious” connotes something of great price. It is defined

by Webster’s Dictionary (Ninth New Collegiate Edition States) as: a) Of great value or high price. b) Highly esteemed and cherished.

The word “Precious” simply means costly: a) Costly; that is, commanding a high price especially because of intrinsic worth. b) Made or done at a heavy expense or sacrifice.

God does not take the death of His children lightly. It is precious in His sight! In the Hebrew or Aramaic the verse suggests that the death of a saint is valuable to Him. “Valuable in the sight of the Lord is the death of the saints.”

THE COST OF THEIR DEATHS We all know that precious things are costly, costly things are valuable and valuable things are rare.

Pastor Isaac and Cecilia were not carbon copies of other people, they were each made original. They were specially and wonderfully made by God; unique and not common.

There are no other persons on earth like them.

Each was one of a kind, not replaceable- hence their intrinsic value.

You can have many Isaacs but none could be like Pastor Isaac! You can have many Cecilias but none could come close to being like Cecilia. These two individuals were made original therefore they cannot be duplicated or replicated. They were and are Precious, Costly, Valuable and Irreplaceable.

“Costly in the sight of God is the death of His Rev. Dr. Samuel Donkor preaching at the funeral saints”, Costly in the sight of God is the death of cause, he can no lonPastor Isaac and Cecilia. * You go to All Na- ger give God thanks. line is the family. “Can a woman forget her nursing tions University in Kochild, and not have comWhy is it costly when foridua, Ghana and you * Cecilia’s death you lose something pre- will see the Sky Audi- has also caused God passion on the son of her womb”? Isa 49:15. Who cious or valuable? It is torium where we have something precious! because of the worth our convocations which i. Who will prepare com- will take care of these of that thing, especially was also erected by Pas- munion for the Saints? beautiful children? Who something that cannot be tor Isaac. Now, who ii. Who will help the will ensure that David, replaced. Even God feels will build another one children at the Nursery? Phoebe and Deborah eat the loss of a saint, when for the University as en- Her death has cost God every day? Who can take care of them like Cecilia he/she passes away, how rolment grows and the something valuable! does? NO NOT ONE! much more we mortals! need for such facilities become more apparent? * Their deaths have Yes we may try, and we have to do our best for the This is the reason we cost the commu- children, but only God’s are gathered here to- * His witness as a saint, nity immensely! grace will sufficiently night…. to grieve and his counselling min- i.

Who will fix equip us for this task. mourn the loss of Pas- istry, his prayers and your basement? Cecilia’s death is very tor Isaac and Cecilia. preaching that helped ii. Who will build costly to her children.

This is such a great loss! so many people have your kitchen? Who will be a father to ceased! His death has iii. Who will renovate Money How does the death of a cost God and His church your houses and offices? the children? cannot replace the loss of Saint cost God so much? something valuable. a father, neither can empI will explain to you.

ABC Company, you have ty words and promises fill 1.

Cost to God * His witness is silence, lost a good worker in CeIt cost God in more ways he cannot testify of God’s cilia, her death has cost the vacuum created by the than we can ever imagine. goodness neither can he you something valuable. absence of a father. Only God can help us to be sufLet me give you examples. encourage anyone! All * Pastor Isaac built the that is no more, hence Their tragic deaths have ficient for these things. pulpit of All Nations the Bible asks this per- not only cost God and the What about the rest of Church. From that Pul- tinent question of God; church but also the com- family; What about Cecipit God’s Word has been “shall YOUR loving- munity and family dearly. lia’s brothers and sisters, what about Pastor Isaac’s preached to countless kindness be declared in thousands, both in the the grave or YOUR faith- 2. Cost to family brothers and sisters, what city and by television. fulness in the place of Apart from God who has about their parents, cousTwo weeks before his destruction”? Psa. 88:11. lost the most, the next in ins, nieces and nephtragic accident, I visited his showroom and he God knows that the mouth had made four beautiful of Pastor Isaac is sealed pulpits. Now, who is go- forever among the living to supply pastors and ing and his voice cannot churches with pulpits? give Him Praise. Therefore, no more can Pas* You go to our church tor Isaac dance in praise and as you step into nor give thanks to God. foyer, all that you see “For in death there is no is his handiwork, now remembrance of you; in who will build God’s the grave who will give churches? Pastor`s Isaac you thanks?” Psalm 6:5 death has cost God and His church something. His death is costly in the sight of God be-

ews, uncles and aunts?

Surely, the death of a saint is costly to God, His church, the family and more so the children!

God has given us a promise in Psalm 146:9 “The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down “.

David, Phoebe, Deborah, Grace and George the road ahead looks dark, yet the Lord shall be your helper. He will never forsake you, abandon you, nor forget you. Hold on to Him because if you have God you have everything. The church is there to support you and all the people here came on account of you. Family and friends are all here to comfort and to assure you of their support; financial support, goodwill and good wishes.

Thank you all for coming C o n c l u s i o n : Friends, I am so thankful you came to show your respect for Pastor Isaac and Cecilia.

Death is real. Death is certain for all. The only uncertain thing about death is the time of its occurrence for each person.

“And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement” Hebrews 9:27. Death is unavoidable, inescapable, some die in the womb, some infants die after birth, some die during their infancy, and others die as youth and adolescence. Others too die in adulthood and in old age.

Death can come at any time, but the question is; Are you ready?

Do you know JESUS as Lord?

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

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Frankly Speaking Presidential and Ministerial Report Card, Mahama Style By: Michael Baffoe, Winnipeg, MB

January 7, 2014 will be the first anniversary of the full assumption of office of John Dramani Mahama as the fully-elected President of the Republic of Ghana. That will be the first full year of his full mandate given by the people of Ghana from the December 2012 general elections in Ghana. But wait a minute: I think this guy has been the luckiest person to assume the Presidency of Ghana in recent memory. He has had a lot of background preparation prior to his election in December 2012. He was the Vice President of the Republic under the late President John Evans Atta Mills from January 2009 till July 2012 when President Mills passed away. He then assumed the full Presidency in mid-July 2012 till his election in December 2012. In these circumstances therefore, Ghanaians expected that John Mahama had completed enough Presidential kindergarten and preparatory courses and credit hours to hit the ground running.

Having being sworn in on January 7, 2013, albeit under a cloud because the legitimacy of the election was under legal challenge, President Mahama had no excuse under-performing or not delivering what he was elected to do. He and his government and party officials spent about six months complaining that the election petition filed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) challenging the legitimacy of his election slowed him down and contributed to his non-performance in the first eight months of his Presidency. I must point out very forcefully that, this was a very lame and dumb excuse. The NPP leaders who challenged the legitimacy of President Mahama’s election are very smart as well as very patriotic people. They could have filed a writ or motion for perpetual injunction restraining Mahama from being sworn in as president until the outcome of the election petition as happens in many countries. They spared

for which they were given a mandate by Ghanaians in December 2012 or they are simply cooking up excuses for their abysmal performances and ultimate failure.

the country the tragedy of being plunged into a stalemate and standstill.

They decided that they were only challenging the legitimacy of the presidential election and that any action taken by Mahama as President will not be challenged. This was a noble gesture and Mahama was therefore NOT constrained in any way from performing his duties as President.

However, what Ghanaians have been subjected over the past twelve months has been a do-nothingpresidency and do-little government who are only interested in blaming their non-performance and incompetence on the then on-going election petition, and others but themselves.

The government and presidency have spent most of their time insulting the NPP for derailing the Ghanaian economy with the election petition. Nothing can be so blatantly further from the truth. The truth of the matter, as has been proved in the period after the election petition is that President Mahama and his government are either not up to the task

So many things have come to the fore which proves the above theories.

This is a government, flowing from the previous one, manned by the same party and a bunch of shadowy crooks from 2009 who seem more interested in how much of state resources they can steal under all kinds of guises. Since 2009 till date, the President Mills/ Mahama governments have cooked up very criminal schemes for duping the nation that one is left wondering whether the people that man these governments have any conscience and the welfare of the people that elected them at heart.

The most gargantuan of these criminal schemes is the invention of something called “judgement debts” under which some real and/or imaginary “companies”, both local and foreign are encouraged to sue the government for nonpayment of contracts executed. We all know how slow the Ghanaian justice system runs.

Cases of such business / commercial nature can run for years before they are decided. However the NDC governments have managed to find “judges” who can fasttrack such “judgement debt” cases within two weeks, give judgements

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and hi presto!!, the judgement payments are approved and paid out all within a month.

Most of these judgment debts have later been found to be fraud. They in clu d e a w h o o p in g $US43 million paid to Alfred Agbesi Woyome, a financier of the ruling NDC party, an Euro89 million paid to Construction Pioneers, some to Isotofon of Spain etc. etc. Some very patriotic Ghanaians, including the NDC g o v e r n m e n t ’s o w n former Attorney General and Minister of Justice have challenged the legitimacy of these socalled judgement debts to the highest court of the land and proved that these schemes have all been nothing but gargantuan fraud on the nation. Yet, the government soldiers on with more and more of such fraudulent schemes.

We can then pose the question: what has the election petition got to do with cooking schemes to dupe the nation?

From “judgement debts”, these crooks turned their attention to other gargantuan schemes.

Under the noble guise of creating employment opportunities for the youth of the country, an organization called Ghana Youth Enterprise and Employment Development Authority (GYEEDA) was created.

True to its normal pattern, the government had no intention of using the

nation’s resources for the stated objectives of GYEEDA. Millions of Ghana Cedis were paid out to organizations and private companies closely allied with the NDC government and President Mahama to perform certain contracts on behalf of GYEEDA. In the process, no employment, enterprise or whatever was created for Ghanaian youth.

Millions and millions of Cedis were doled out to these individuals and organizations (and we suspect, with kickbacks to government and NDC party officials). The nation has again being duped of millions of Ghana Cedis.

The public outcry against these gargantuan frauds under GYEEDA was so loud that President Mahama set up a Commission to probe the GYEEDA affair. Like the “judgement debts” saga, it has been proved by the President’s own Commission that these agencies and companies have indeed stolen huge amounts of money from the nation. The president has promised to retrieve these monies, but how is he going to do it when the people involved are close party members who may have used some of the stolen money to finance the President and party’s election?

And they may have also doled out “commissions” on these stolen monies to government and party people?

The situation is sickening to the bone. It feels sad to be Ghanaian, to be a citizen or even an admirer of a country where its government can steal the nation’s resources with impunity while the majority of its people wallop in abject poverty. And when the situation becomes too hot to handle, the President and his government turn round and again blame their non-performance on an election petition filed by the opposition NPP earlier into their mandate.

The President has now come up with another ploy. He has initiated a “performance review” of his Ministers promising to make public the report card of his Ministers from this review. The people of Ghana have not been made aware of the indicators and yardstick of this so-called performance review but they are expected to accept what ever report card the President produces on the performance of his Ministerial team. Another gargantuan fraud?

The people of Ghana have their own indicators on the performance of President Mahama and his team.

And at the appropriate time, I believe in December 2016, they will release their own report card on the President and his government, not a terminal report card according to John Dramani Mahama couched in the secret corridors of the Flagstaff House in Accra.

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Hudak asks Santa for a spring election TORONTO -- Ontario Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak has only one thing on his Christmas wish list: a spring election, and it’ll be up to the New Democrats to decide if he will get what he’s hoping for.

“I think we need change in the province,” Hudak said in a year-end interview.

“Santa Claus lives at the North Pole, that makes him a Canadian citizen, and maybe an honorary citizen of the province of Ontario, so hopefully he’s on side with that.”

Less than a year after being sworn-in as premier, Kathleen Wynne is in no rush for a general election, and said she wants to keep the 10-yearold Liberal government alive for a while yet.

“I’m going to continue to work to make the minority Parliament function,” said Wynne. “We’ve passed 13 or 14 pieces of legislation, which nobody thought we were going to be able to do, so I’m going to continue to do my job, and when it’s time for an election we’ll all be clear about that.”

The New Democrats kept the minority Liberals alive by striking deals for significant changes in the provincial budget each of the last two years,

but the party is concerned by what it sees as government foot dragging on promises to cut auto insurance rates by 15 per cent and create a financial accountability office.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said she plans to consult voters before the legislature resumes Feb. 21 to see if the party should stop propping up the minority government.

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the government to make in the two budgets, and get a sense of whether people feel those commitments are being fulfilled,” she said. “I’m going to take my cues from them going forward.”

The Tories want the NDP to stop supporting the Liberals and keeping them in power.

“Half the job losses in our province, half of the gas plants’ scandal, they should be on the back of the NDP for propping this government up over and over again,” said Hudak.

to enhance the CPP to virtually double benefits.

They also are considering a recommendation to increase the provincial tax on gasoline by up to 10 cents a litre to raise the billions of dollars needed to fund public transit expansion and help ease gridlock in the Toronto-Hamilton area.

Both the PCs and NDP vow to block any new taxes or fees to fund t r a n s i t , b u t Wy n n e believes voters know action must be taken now or future generations will look back in anger Wynne could test the at what wasn’t done. electoral waters before next spring’s provincial “You can pick one piece budget, which will be of the plan and say: a confidence vote, by ‘Well that’s really hard to calling byelections in campaign on,”’ she said, N i a g a r a F a l l s a n d “but I know that people Thornhill. She must call need transit, they want the Niagara vote by the investment in transit.” end of March, and all three parties are putting The Tories want to make big efforts into what had union membership and been a Liberal riding. dues voluntary with The Toronto riding of so-called right-to-work T h o r n h i l l h a d b e e n legislation, which the Conservative, and is seen Liberals and NDP say as a two-way race between means the right-to-workthe Tories and Liberals. for-less, and is an attack on organized labour.

The Liberals want t o i n t r o d u c e a n “The Great Lakes Ontario Pension Plan, (U.S.) states that have which would require modernized their labour increased contributions laws are eating our lunch,” from employers and c o m p l a i n e d H u d a k . w o r k e r s , a f t e r t h e y “They’re taking our jobs, failed to convince the cont'd on pg. 58 federal government

44

The Ghanaian News December 2013

View Point

Community Concerns

Concepts to Ponder on during the Holidays

Ways to Relieve Stress this Holiday Season

By Golda Abena Quayson

Reflecting on practical words/ actions and challenges we encounter during the year and life experiences we learned.

As the year draws to a close and another draws near, we often sit back and ponder as well as reflect on things we should have done, those that we should not have done, things that we were happy about and some things that we were not so happy about. We often have to deal with gains and losses that affected us emotionally and physically. But in all, our life’s journey continues and we must look at the brighter side of it and strive to do well in the coming year. There are some things we can never do away with and somehow we have to deal with. Our experiences and expectations are usually centered around certain concepts, expressions and words which shape our life experiences. These are some of them: Health and Hope: they say if you don’t have your health, you’ve got very little to live for. Health as a metaphor also works for all sorts of other areas outside of the realm of mental and physical wellness, such as relationships and work/ businesses. In this realm, we need to reflect on the following in the realm of health and see if we can make changes or keep to what we do: Boost, Cure, Energize, Flush, Food, Exercise and Vibrant. Does any of these affect you, or can you relate to any of them?

Hope: Likewise, if you don’t have hope, life seems bleak indeed. Hope is defined as the “expectation of something good”.

The desire to believe that things will be better in the future is a primary motivator for action, recently exemplified as a core theme of the Barack Obama campaign for U.S. President. Again, we have to put ourselves in a position of anticipating, or looking forward to energize ourselves through life with these concepts and attitudes: Bright, Destiny, empower, overcome, Not giving-up, Undo or Sankofa.

Now think about concepts like Anger and Frustration. What do they do for/ to us? Let’s face it; a lot of people are pissed off about a lot of things/ Empathizing with that anger while simultaneously engaging it is very powerful. You don’t provoke anger for anger’s sake though; you do it to create identification with your solution that ends the anger and moves people to a more positive emotional state. In this realm consider these concepts as well to question yourself. Arrogant, Cruel, Greed, Hate, and Unscrupulous.

Tapping into the Frustration, you are emotionally hurting going through dissatisfaction. Frustration stems from the inability to solve a problem. If you have a real solution, identifying with the frustration first intensifies the immediate desire for that solution. Consider these concepts here: Had enough? Never again, Pointless, Temporary fixes, and Tired.

What about dealing with Betrayal and Revenge? The word betrayal itself is a powerful emotional trigger word. As a theme, it is at the heart of Shakespeare’s most powerful works, and runs repeatedly though current headlines regarding countries, politicians, economies, families, Wall Street, Companies, and so on. Everyone that has experienced life’s roller coaster may at times feel cheated, and want to do something about that. These concepts may come to your mind from time to time: Burned, Conspiracy, Unfaithfulness, Fleece, and Swindle.

The concept of Revenge centers around a desire that results from betrayal, and it’s so powerful because revenge connotes action.

The action you want people to take, however, is more along the lines of “living well is the best revenge,” not something ugly or destructive. Most of the time, revenge is an evil behavior and at the end the person loses. These concepts/actions may come to you: Avenge, Payback, Reclaim, Turn the tables, and Vindication. But hei, as I have already said, “living well is the best revenge”. Do not waste your energy on it.

Concepts like Forbidden and Powerless: Consider banning books to prevent exposure to the ideas in them. This is a stupid strategy. In a nutshell, we want what we can’t have (or what we’re told we shouldn’t have), and respond favorably to a solution or promise that we can now have it. Think about these concepts: Banned, Controversial, Exposed, Insider and Taboo. Again, it is important to have discipline in our lives, which does not mean we are weak, but we should understand that some things are not for us, not just because we want it.

Powerlessness is frustration taken to the extreme, and we’ve all felt it at one point or other in our lives. Beyond that which is forbidden, we feel a solution is literally unattainable. Beyond anger, we feel intense resentment. The ability to empathize with and empower those who feel this way makes you a hero. You may struggle with these feelings: Agony, Floundering, Helpless, Paralyzed and Surrender. Do not give up. It is all part of life’s experiences.

Finally, consider Passion and Urgency.

When your audience is passionate about what you have to say or sell, there’s no need to convince them of need, and it is all about want. Beyond attaining the objects of our desire, we love to experience excitement along the way.

So don’t take passion for granted; enhance it! Think about these words and create room for it in your life to make it happen. Be Blissful, Delightful, and Jubilant, Rave, Laughter and Thrilled.

It’s not enough to make someone want to do something. You’ve often got to get them to take immediate action if they’re to take action at all. A sense of urgency is an emotional response that can range from fear of loss to unbridled enthusiasm, and one way or another you’ve got to create it. At the same time, be responsible in your task, and take care of what has been entrusted upon you. Be mindful and do what you need to do before you forget. Beat deadlines, things/time limited, Seize opportunities, and use it while it is fresh in your mind.

Doris Osei Bonsu, Crisis Counselor, Toronto Sure, we all love the Christmas season, but just not everything about it! For this year, we should aim and hope to cut the crazy out of Christmas; to trim the celebration back to one that is sustainable and calm. The question therefore is, just how do you do less during the Christmas holiday season and enjoy it more?

If you’re aiming to simplify Christmas, take time to ponder ways to cut stress, save money and tame over thetop traditions. Setting simplicity strategies in place early will keep you from being swept up in the holiday madness. Get armed!

I was chatting with a group of mothers of young children the other day. They already were feeling anxious about the holiday events that are being scheduled.

In addition, they were worried about different family members they should buy presents for.

Finally one commented, “I just want to get through it. I want it to be over!”

We can all identify with this stressful mood about the Christmas holidays in some way. It is indeed a sad commentary on our culture and on our lifestyles. What is meant to be a season of celebration has today become a season of stress. What can we do to alleviate some of these stressors and recapture a sense of the true spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas before they arrive? You may need to ask yourself: “If I don’t do this, what will happen?”

In conclusion the Power of the Right Concepts/Words always encourages and does wonder in people’s lives. It is understandable, non-judgmental, believing, assurance and healing.

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is determined by the level of emotional identification that word prompts. In other words, the right emotion triggers the right concepts. Take the same The following are some basic message to all new heights. t i p s t h a t w i l l h e l p : Don’t settle for lightning bugs on a clear summer night when you could be shooting for the stars. These are few concepts and words to ponder on during the holidays. Be kind to one another, and always remember to choose encouraging words and not words that dump the spirit. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. God bless you all.

Lower your expectations.

The media often creates a vision of the holidays as a time of warm family relationships, children happily giving and receiving, and, of course snow falling everywhere.

Some of the events and issues such as Kids fighting over toys, a dad who isn’t there, estranged relatives, a schedule way too full, an unexpected e m e rg e n c y, a n d t h e lack of funds are rarely captured or portrayed by the media. It is so easy for us to become swept up in what we think it should look like as opposed to the reality. And we tend to think we are the only ones—surely no one else’s life is like mine!

easier to set boundaries before the commitments start to pile up.

We can also simply reduce our own traditions.

Do you really need to decorate your house because all the other neighbors are decorating?

Do you have to give gifts to every family member?

For example, my husband and I have agreed not to give gifts to every family member; but to give to the few that we believe are in need whether it be family members or friends. You can easily draw up the names. We have also educated our children since they were young on the importance of Christmas so they do not expect presents we We n e e d t o d e f i n e cannot afford from us. expectations for this coming season. Again, you can call family Brainstorm with your and friends on Christmas h u s b a n d o r c l o s e Day instead of sending girlfriend. Ask yourself cards. Online greeting what you can do to obey cards are also easy, the great commandments inexpensive and fun to (love God, and love your send. You thus avoid the neighbor) during this queues at the post office! season. How can you It simplifies gift giving lower your expectations and saves money too. on relationships and g r a n t g r a c e i n s t e a d 3. Determine what you o f s u c c u m b i n g t o can delete or postpone. disappointment? How can You may have a tradition you prepare your children throwing a party on every to understand the real December 24th night. But meaning of this season? do you really need to do it at this time? Why Simplyfy your lifestyle. not postpone it until the I have found that one end of January when life of the leading causes of is not so packed? You stress is the fact that we will relieve stress and try to do too much these enjoy it more. If you have days. We live in a culture friends that gather to do that screams, “The more a Christmas event every the better!” And yet often year, why not postpone less is definitely better. this gathering this year Instead of watching until a date in the winter? your calendar fill up, go Look at what you have ahead now and block out done in the past and be personal time, couple courageous and eliminate times, and family times. one or two things you Then when that really usually do and instead nice invitation comes declare a family night along, have the courage at home alone. It helps to say, “I’m sorry we to remember that every have a conflict, I already time you say, “yes” to have other plans” It is far something, you should say “no” to something.

For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700 / 416-88-9161

The Ghanaian News

Ask The Doctor

December 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.

Cellphones and cancer: What’s the risk?

Is there any link between cellphones and cancer?

The possible connection between cellphones and cancer is controversial.

Many years’ worth of studies on cellphones and cancer have yielded conflicting results.

Currently, there’s no consensus about the degree of cancer risk — if any — posed by cell phone use.

The primary concern with cellphones and cancer seems to be the development of brain tumors associated with cell phone use. Some research suggests a slight increase in the rate of brain tumors since the 1970s, but cellphones weren’t in use during the 1970s. Instead, the subtle increases are more likely related to other factors — such as increased

found no evidence of a link between cellphones and brain tumors.

access to medical care and improvements in diagnostic imaging.

So what have researchers learned about cellphones and cancer?

H e r e ’s a n o v e r v i e w of various studies: •

In one study that followed more than 420,000 cellphone users over a 20-year period, researchers

•

Another study found an association between cellphones and cancer of the salivary glands.

However, only a s mall nu mber o f study participants had malignant tumors.

•

Another recent study suggested a possible increased risk of glioma — a specific type of brain tumor — for the heaviest cellphone users, but no increase in brain tumor risk overall.

After evaluating several studies on the possibility of a connection between cellphones and glioma

and a noncancerous brain tumor known as acoustic neuroma, members of the International Agency for Research on Cancer — part of the World Health Organization — agreed that there’s limited evidence that cellphone radiation i s a c a n c e r- c a u s i n g agent (carcinogenic).

As a result, the group classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to people.

studies can’t tell the entire story. It often takes many years between the use of a new cancer-causing agent — such as tobacco — and the observation of an increase in cancer rates. At this point, it’s possible that too little time has passed to detect an increase in cancer rates directly attributable to cellphone use.

The bottom line? For now, no one knows if cellphones are capable of causing cancer. Although Still, a series of recent long-term studies are

ongoing, to date there’s no convincing evidence that cellphone use increases the risk of cancer. If you’re concerned about the possible link between cellphones and cancer, consider limiting your use of cellphones — or use a speaker or handsfree device that places the cellphone antenna, which is typically in the cellphone itself, away from your head.

Reference: Modified from Mayo Clinic Housecall, Nov 2013

Apple-a-day call for all over-50s

If everyone over the age of 50 ate an apple a day, 8,500 deaths from heart attacks and strokes could be avoided every year in the UK, say researchers.

By their calculations, if adults of all ages could manage to eat an extra portion of fruit or veg a day, as many as 11,000 vascular deaths could be averted each year.

Apples would give a similar boost to cardiovascular health as medicines, such as statins, yet carry none of the side-effects, the University of Oxford researchers say in the BMJ.

Nutritional composition of an apple

They base their assumptions on modelling, not direct scientific study.

• Monosaturates: 0.01g

Any fruit should work, but getting people to comply could be challenging.

It just shows how effective small changes in diet can be, and that both drugs and healthier living can make a real difference in preventing heart disease and stroke.”

Dr Adam BriggsLead researcher More than two-thirds of adults do not eat the recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day, population surveys suggest.

And although nine in 10 of us do manage to eat at least one portion a day, Dr Adam Briggs and colleagues, from the British Heart Foundation Health Promotion Research Group at Oxford University, say we would all benefit from eating more.

• E n e r g y : 3 5 . 4 k c a l • F a t :

0 . 0 9 g

• Saturated fat: 0.02g • Polyunsaturates: 0.05g • Cholesterol: 0.00mg • F i b r e :

1.39g

• S a l t :

0.00g The Victorian mantra of “an apple a day” to keep the doctor away is particularly important for the over-50s, who are at increased risk of vascular diseases, say the researchers.

They analysed the effect on the most common causes of vascular mortality - heart attacks and strokes - of prescribing either a statin a day, which lowers cholesterol, or an apple a day to people over 50.

Assuming at least seven in every 10 complied with the advice, statin drugs could save 9,400 lives and an apple a day 8,500 lives a year, they calculate.

The data their work rests on comprises a

large body of medical trials and observations involving hundreds of thousands of patients.

Dr Briggs said: “The Victorians had it about right when they came up with their brilliantly clear and simple public health advice, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ “It just shows how effective small changes in diet can be, and that both drugs and healthier living can make a real difference in preventing heart disease and stroke.

“While no-one currently prescribed statins should replace them for apples, we could all benefit from simply eating more fruit.”

Dr Peter Coleman, of the Stroke Association, said everyone stood to benefit from eating a balanced diet.

“Apples have long been known as a natural source of antioxidants and chemical compounds called flavanoids, all of which are good for our health and wellbeing.

“This study shows that, as part of a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, a daily apple could help to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. “

By Michelle RobertsHealth editor, BBC News online

46

The Ghanaian News December 2013

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Supreme Court ruling forces prostitution policy front on Harper for 2014 O T TAWA - - C a l l i t t h e w o r l d ’s o l d e s t legislative headache.

scheme before the old laws are unenforceable.

A Conservative government that hoped to restore its fortunes in 2014 by talking about pipelines, international trade and victims of crime now will have to deal with the world’s oldest profession.

While sex workers cheered at the Supreme Court in the hopes the unanimous court judgment ultimately leads to the decriminalization of prostitution, there seems little prospect of that under a government led by Prime Minister S t e p h e n H a r p e r.

The Supreme Court of Canada effectively gutted Canada’s prostitution laws by finding this week that legislation against street soliciting, living on the avails

and keeping a brothel was unconstitutional.

Related Stories Supreme Court strikes down Canada’s anti-prostitution laws The court gave Parliament one year to come up with a new legislative

“We view prostitution as bad for society and we view its effects as particularly harmful for our communities and women, and particularly

Manitoba African Communities Pay Tribute to Mandela cont'd from pg. 33 “Madiba”, his ancestral clan name ; “Khulu”, meaning the “Great One”; “Dalibhunga”, which means “creator or founder of the council”, or “convenor of the dialogue”.

Representing the City of Winnipeg was its Mayor, Mr. Sam Katz.

Mayor Katz expressed the hope that all humanity would take inspiration

from the life of Mandela especially his humility and virtue of reconciliation.

He commended the African communities of Manitoba for setting up a Bursary Fund in honour of Madiba Mandela and hoped that people will contribute generously to make it a success.

Also in attendance was Hon. Flor Macelino, Minister

for vulnerable women, and we will continue to oppose prostitution in Canada,” Harper said in March 2012 after the Ontario Court of Appeal set in motion Friday’s decision by striking down parts of the federal law.

The prime minister has steered clear of social conservative lightning rods during his eight years in power, allowing a free parliamentary vote that affirmed same-sex marriage in 2006 and firmly opposing any reopening of the abortion debate, despite repeated

efforts from within his o f s e x a n d h u m a n own Conservative caucus. t r a f f i c k i n g m a r k e t s through criminalizing It’s worth noting that the purchase of sex as for same-sex marriage well as any third party and abortion, the courts attempting to profit from -- not politicians -- led the purchase of sex.” the way to the current status quo in Canada. Justice Minister Peter MacKay issued a However allowing statement Friday federal prostitution laws saying the government simply to lapse does not would be “exploring appear to be an option. all possible options to ensure the criminal law Just last month, the continues to address the Conservative party policy significant harms that convention in Calgary flow from prostitution ...” adopted a resolution stating it “shall develop H e r i t a g e M i n i s t e r a Canada-specific plan Shelley Glover, a former to target the purchasers cont'd on pg. 60

for Multiculturalism and Literacy who represented the Premier and Government of Manitoba. Hon. Macelino expressed her honour and delight to be part of such an important celebration.

She recounted the contributions and support of Manitobans in years past to the anti-apartheid struggle.

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

3rd Anniversary celebration of Our Saviour Chrismatic Church

By Staff Reporter Our Savior Charismatic Ministry, under the able leadership of Prophet Dr. Oliver Julius was founded in Etobicoke, Canada on December 15th 2010.

The celebration was held at the Church of Pentecost, 2256 Sheppard Avenue West .It was held on Sunday December 14, 2013. The Ministry is for all denominations and nations, our guide is the word of God, fol-

lowing in the footsteps of the Rock, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, His Blessed Son, our Redeemer and the Holy Spirit through whom Mary lives have been imparted positively and miraculously throughout the world. Our ministry has branches in New Zealand, Germany, South Africa, France and Nigeria.

Prophet Dr. Oliver Julius

Cross section of the cross Pastor conducting the choir

Congregation

Church Choir

Congregation

Congregation

Pastor with the cross section of the church

End-of-year Christmas Party of Mfantseman Association of Toronto at Tangiers

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

51

Christmas Gospel Explosion with O.J. at The Apostles' Continuation Church Saturday 14 December 2013

Apostle Anokye-Manu (center) Rev. Yeboah (left) O..J

Anima

Jennifer

O.J on stage

Monica B. Agyemang

Congregation

Ralph Debrah

Doris Osei

Congregation

Sup[prters

Congregation

The Alpostles' Continuation Church Church

The Alpostles' Continuation Church Church

52

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Community in pictures Montreal

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

Community in pictures Calgary

53

54

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Funeral rites of Joel Kofi Ankrah at The Apostles Continuation Church Banquet Hall Saturday December 21, 2013 Nene Kabu Asante (5th from right) with Chief mourners

Nene Kabu Asante and family members

Kofi Darko cousin

Ga-Adangbe Association of Toronto

Rev. Douglas Owusu Ansah Ga-Mantse greeting family members

Mourners

Mourners

Delegation from Praise Temple of Christ Int'l

Mourners

Rev. & Mrs. Nana Amoakohene and Rev. Dr. Antoh

Mourners

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

Celebration of life of Joseph Neequaye at The Apostles' Continuation Church Banquet Hall Saturday December 14, 2013

55

Widow Mary Saah (4th from left), children and Chief mourners

La Assocation of Toronto

Okuapemman Cultural Association of Ontario

Ga-Adangbe Association of Toronto

Widow and children acknowledging those who came to mourn Neequaye

Ga-Adangbe Association of Toronto

Asanteman Association of Toronto

Edmund Brown, MC

Purolator Staff

Agartha traditional dancer The Chief Mourners greeting the chiefs

Ga-Mantse dancing

Ablekuma Association

Titus and Ralph giving eulogy for their Dad

56

The Ghanaian News December 2013

Ghanaian Canadian Community Center Project

By: Bernadette Mary Poku Another iniative for a Ghanaian Canadian Community Center project for Toronto was launched at Luna Ballroom in Toronto on December 15th 2013. The launch had been planned and advertised since august 2013. Only a handful of Ghanaians were present at Sunday’s launching. Luna Ballroom was chosen for the launch because of its location as the intersection of Jane Street and Wilson Avenue regarded as the main hub of the Ghanaians community. However most of those in attendance were from the surburbs of Oshawa, Ajax, Vaughn, and Mississauga.

In attendance were special invited guests and supporters of the community center initiative project like some of the executives of the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario, Hon. Sullivan, and Member of Parliament for YorkWeston,RCMPConstableCharlesObeng, and Constable Amertei, 32 Division Toronto Police Officer, Felix Konadu.

Addressing those present at the event, Hon. Sullivan MP. York –Weston acknowledged that the city needs more community centers. There is also a need to dialogue with the city and the federal government. He mentioned that Stephen Harper,s government has set aside funding for crime prevention and since the main objective of the project aside from teaching culture is also helping to mitigate and prevent crime and help the youth at risk , this should be an important fit. Although he applauded the efforts of the organizers, he also noted the shame it reflects on the community that such important

event was met with a dismal attendance.

Hon. Sullivan stated that he cannot make promises but he will do his best to assist on how to organize this project. He also noted his admiration of the Ghanaian Canadian Mounties present at he event.

The keynote address was given Mrs Agnes Summers (Makola) who did not mince words when given the opportunity.

She deplored the Ghanaian community attitudes of complaining about a lack of a community center for over twenty years but still do npot want to get involved.

This, she pointed out, is a shame. She called on all Ghanaians, young and old, rich and poor to be part of this project.

The Asantehene of Toronto Nana Anokye and his Nananom also commented on the attitudes of Ghanaians towards such an important community event. Nana encouraged the organisers to keep faith and work towards this event and that they will support it any way they could.

Project Executives

Also speaking at the event, RCMP Constable C. Obeng encouraged the Ghanaian Canadian youth to consider a rewarding career in the law enforcement agency while Aunty Theresa, a nurse consultant offered her support and mentorships to any youth interested in the nursing profession. the many others that have supported and continue to support.

The organizers appeal to all community members for support towards this initiative. Remember, in order to build a strong community, everyone must GET INVOLVED!!!

Executives and invited guests

Executives and invited guests

Cultural dancing

Cultural dancing

Cultural dancing

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

57

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cont'd from pg. 27

Op-ed: Building resilient communities

clusion of new amenities that will encourage permanent employees to live in-town once construction is completed.

Community Foundations Canada’s partnership with True Sport Foundation zeroes in on engaging people close to home through sport. Successful outcomes include a low-income neighbourhood in Winnipeg that has engaged the entire community in developing local recreation and sport activities.

In a similar vein, The Victoria Foundation is investing in the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence’s physical literacy program to combat childhood obesity and inactivity. The program could be applied anywhere.

These are good examples of universities and community foundations taking fresh approaches to building healthy communities.

But we know we can do more by coming together – not just with each other, but also with other community and educational organizations and government. We know the difference partnerships make.

There are compelling examples of making a real difference through collaboration.

Working with the Windsor-Essex Community Housing Corporation, students and professors from the University of Windsor’s faculty of nursing and social work have been helping improve living conditions and reduce crime at low-income housing complexes.

The award-winning project has been lauded by the Community-Campus

Partnerships for Health for making, “significant contributions to community resilience, neighbourhood revitalization and civic engagement.”

Universities, communities and nonprofit community groups collaborate on more than $1 billion worth of research every year, particularly in the health field. Canada’s Heart and Stroke Foundation has made a multi-year $300 million commitment to university research aimed at saving more lives, faster.

Still,

we

can

do

more.

We are calling for a cultural shift in how we address community needs, how we

prepare for the unexpected and how we pursue opportunities. Collaborations and partnerships must be standard operating procedure from the earliest stages of new ideas and initiatives for building community resiliency and prosperity.

for a strong future with increased community engagement and shared values.

Strengthening collaborative efforts – not just between universities and community organizations but also with government and industry, will make all the difference.

This November, many of Canada’s universities opened their doors to show- That’s how we’ll build more resilcase how community partnerships are ient, creative, responsible and prosimproving the lives of all Canadians. perous communities, from coast to coast to coast. And strong comThe annual, national Open Doors, Open munities mean a strong Canada.

Knowledge campaign at universities across the country is sparking new Ian Bird is the President of Community dialogues on what we can achieve to- Foundations of Canada. gether. As the country nears its 150th Paul Davidson is the President of the birthday, we can start setting the stage Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

Hudak asks Santa for a spring election cont'd from pg 43 and that means the foundation of the middle class and the manufacturing sector is eroding in Ontario.”

The Liberals must be held accountable for the $1.1 billion spent to cancel two gas plants, the OPP investigation of deleted emails into the projects, a second police investigation into the Ornge air ambulance service, the $9.3 million paid to Ornge CEO Chris Mazza and exorbitant salaries at provincial energy agencies, said Horwath.

“I don’t see any evidence that Ms. Wynne has done anything to engender a great deal of confidence from Ontarians in terms of her capacity to turn the ship around,” said Horwath. “It might be a

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Wynne has apologized for the way the gas plants were handled -- something former premier Dalton McGuinty refused to do -- and said the government learned “painful lessons” from the projects. She also promised legislation to put hard caps on compensation packages for public sector executives.

“I’m not going to suggest that it’s all been easy and I’m not going to pretend that there haven’t been very, very difficult moments,” said Wynne.

“But it is well worth it to be able to change the way we do business in government and put in place a much

better and more transparent process.”

Hudak has been itching for another election since the Tories blew a big lead in the polls heading into the October 2011 campaign, in which the Liberals were re-elected to a third term but reduced to a minority government. He’s trying to counter criticism that he just doesn’t connect with Ontario voters.

“I’m holding back on the Hudak-mania, don’t want it running wild across the province or getting in the way of our plans and policies,” joked Hudak. “But people aren’t going to be deciding on who will be a nicer leader, who’s going to win a popularity contest. They want somebody with a turnaround plan for the province.” The Canadian Press

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

STOP THE HIGH CHARGES OF IMPORT DUTIES ON PERSONAL My fellow Ghanaians, my fellow travelers who are scattered around the world, ARISE and let the leaders of Ghana hear your voice.

We a r e G h a n a i a n travelers like yourselves, and we want to draw your attention to a problem in our country Ghana, which has been going on for a very long time, but now it has become worse.

We a r e c a l l i n g a l l Ghanaians living outside Ghana to add their voices for this noble crusade.

Sign-in with your name, the country of residence, your phone number, your e-mail address, and your testimony no obligation.

motorway) is falling apart.

The leaders dont have any program for the people of Ghana or what so ever.

Everything in the country has been by the people, especially those outside the country like yourself.

Our financial contribution to the country is more than $10M PER WEEK (CASH).

We are the back bone of the economy of our dear country (Ghana).

Yet our leaders (NPP or NDC) have zero support for Ghanaians abroad, they still slap us with very, very high chargers of IMPORT DUTY on our personal vehicles and goods.

BECAUSE WE WILL BE SILENT NO MORE.

We are trying to create jobs, whiles the leaders are killing jobs. Yet, we pay so much on vehicles sent home by Ghanaians living outside Ghana.

The problem is about the high cost of vehicles duty, or clearing duty, or import duty, that we have to pay at Tema and Takoradi harbor.

Why is it that the duty is so high? Where is all the money going to? When the country had and is still receiving grants from the developed countries?

There is no welfare system in Ghana, there are no public parks in Ghana, the bridges and roads are deteriorating.

The only high way (Tema

These vehicles spent few days at the port, and still we pay VERY heavy import chargers and duties.

How can someone pay (GHC10,000.00) which is almost $10,000.00 AMERICAN MONEY or more on A a single personal vehicle?

W

H

Y

?

What is the reason?

The sad part is that, if you are not able to pay such a ridiculous amount, the next thing you see is that, your vehicle will be on the street, being driven by someone else.

This means that, your vehicle has been auctioned out below the high cost of the duty they were asking for. The question is this, why does it cost so much to get your own property from the port as a citizen of Ghana?

NO LOGICALANSWER. My fellow Ghanaians, Ladies and gentlemen, the time is now, join in with your brothers and sisters and speak up, send us your testimony.

Tell a friend, bring it up at your local meeting, in your churches, at parties

Supreme Court ruling forces prostitution Lakeside Estates launches urban planning project

and everywhere possible cont'd from pg. 47 and forward this news to Winnipeg cop, said she your friends and families. has dealt with sex workers and that “on a personal Let us arise with one voice note, I worry about them and change this policy for and I look forward to our ourselves and our children. government providing some options to continue to protect them.”

Thank you and G O D B l e s s Y o u . “Our objective would PS: If the leaders want us to invest at home, then they should remove the high cost of duty on goods and on cars that we send home NOWWWW. CALL ME OR SEND ME YOUR MESSAGE ..Apostle Kwame Wiafe Bediako.

Canada)001-416-951-1302// 001-604-799-5855 or USA...001-347-726-4160. or email.... yesumo2004@ yahoo.com Sign the petition at.. www.

Change.org [From: APOSTLE KWAME WIAFE BEDIAKO] (

be to ensure Canada avoids a situation where vulnerable women are easily exploited and that’s our concern,” chimed in Social Development Minister Jason Kenney.

All the talk of protecting sex workers came after the court ruled the current laws are unconstitutional because they actively endanger people in the trade.

Both the judgment itself and MacKay’s statement in response referred to the complexity of the issue.

If indeed the government is starting from scratch, widespread public consultations and the drafting of new laws is a big challenge for the next 12 months.

M i k e Wa l l a c e , t h e Conservative chairman of the House of Commons justice committee, said the only matter currently on the committee agenda for the New Year is clauseby-clause examination of a contraband tobacco bill.

A promised Victim’s Bill of Rights is in the pipeline but has not yet been scheduled into the committee agenda.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if sometime in the spring there would be some sort of legislation in House, go through second reading, and get to us (at committee) either late spring or early summer,” Wallace told The Canadian Press. “It’s a possibility, if we move on it.”

Under that scenario, legislation could get to the Senate and receive Royal Assent next fall.

Don Hutchinson, vice president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, confirmed his group has already made proposals to the government.

“And yes, there have been conversations with the Justice Department and with others in the government of Canada,” Hutchinson said Friday.

The evangelical group is looking at what is called the Nordic model, in which the heaviest criminal sanctions are aimed at pimps and johns, not sex workers. The group shares that perspective with Kim Pate of the Elizabeth Fry Society, among others.

It’s not the hidden agenda Harper’s harshest critiques have long claimed he harbours, but it’s also not an issue that’s been at the top of any Conservative election platform.

Finding common ground between tough-on-crime Conservative supporters and longtime government policy critics such as Pate may be the unexpected silver lining in the Supreme Court ruling.

Alan Young, the Osgoode Hall law professor who argued the case at the Supreme Court, said he’s no fan of “Stephen Harper’s track record on criminal justice issues” -- but then added a caveat that Harper himself could probably endorse.

“I would prefer if another prime minister and another party were to look at this issue,” said Young. “But you play the cards you’ve been dealt.”

The Canadian Press

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

61

Let's Think Family - By Rev. Dr. Samuel Kisseadoo PEACE, JOY, AND HOPE AT CHRISTMAS With all the upheavals and turmoil in the world today, how much peace do we have to be able to enjoy the Christmas of December 2008?? If your fear of the world’s present and future economy, inability to overcome your financial problems, inability to marry, or have a good marriage, have children, get healed of a troubling sickness, resolve a political issue, deal with an enemy, obtain the help you need at school or on the job, or experience a successful business or fruitful ministry, etc., puts you in a state of mind or position that prevents you from enjoying this Christmas, then the question is: should your condition dictate your celebration of Christmas and its significance, or the occasion is rather given to you freely by God in order to bring back to you the peace and joy that you have lost or have been craving for? We can explore several reasons for Christmas and be encouraged to enjoy the occasion, but I wish to enumerate 8 of them.

1) Christmas is about Easter.

What do I mean? Christ was born in order shed His precious Blood and die for us. Jesus died to wash our sins in His Blood, and redeem us (buy us back from the slave market of sin). Anyone without a true understanding of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ will also not really understand Christmas, no matter how he or she tries to celebrate the occasion. People who dislike Christmas do not really understand or appreciate the Redemption plan of God, and do not understand why we should take one day in the year to celebrate the birth of the Savior. Whether Jesus was born on 25th December or not is not the issue. It is a day chosen by those who love God and understand what Jesus has done for them, to specially honor the Lord, and proclaim His salvation plan to the whole world. In fact, any true Believer should see it an annual opportunity to spread God’s good news around, rather than the politics some

people try to play with the occasion by putting forward all kinds of meaningless and unreasonable arguments about the celebration.

2) Christmas is about God’s favor and blessings. When the archangel Gabriel was sent to Mary, he must have dashed down to earth with excitement to give her the message about the birth of Christ. The first utterance from his lips to Mary was “Hail, you are highly favored (God’s favor), the Lord is with you (God’s Presence); blessed are you amo n g w o men ( G o d ’s blessings)!” (Luke 1: 28).

God’s chief messenger was excited about the favor (approval and grace) of God upon the life of Mary.

Why don’t you and I seek after God’s favor as our primary goal in 2009? God’s favor must go with His divine Presence, and will ultimately be accompanied

by His blessings upon your life. If Mary had all these 3 essential qualities before she became the wife of Joseph, why shouldn’t the woman you are going to marry have these 3 qualities in her life as well? The man, who is going to be the Head of the woman, should had the favor, Presence, and blessings of God upon his life first, in order to qualify to marry such a lady specially prepared by God for him. If the man is wishy-washy, and is merely looking for a partner to satisfy himself selfishly, he will not have any godly and moral standards that are high enough to look for a woman with God’s favor upon her, and will not even recognize or appreciate the qualities when they are presented to him in the woman.

3) Christmas is about marriage and family life.

God’s salvation plan was made manifest through the family of Joseph and Mary.

Anyone with a contorted view of real marriage and family life will also hate or misunderstand Christmas.

Marriage is the highest ordained institution of God for ONE MAN and ONE WOMAN. It is Adam and Eve, and NOT Adam and Steve, Jennifer and Stacy, or Araba and Ekua.

Mary and Joseph gave us a true example of a pure relationship leading to marriage. The bride-tobe (Mary) kept herself pure as a virgin for her future husband. Even after their engagement, which was a kind of traditional marriage (similar to the traditional marriage or customary marriage in some cultures like Africa etc.), they did NOT have any sexual intercourse because the marriage had not been finally blessed by God (Mathew 1: 18). We need to be careful and ensure that we do not hinder the Hand and power of God’s holiness that must follow us into our marriages and bless our family life, by disobedience and refusal to do what is right in the eyes of God. For true Christians anything they have must be sanctified

by God before they can use it meaningfully. The first thing God did for the first couple (Adam and Eve) was to bless them in His Presence (Genesis 1:28). That is why we even sanctify the day with scriptures and prayer in the morning before we use the day to do anything.

If we do not allow God to be in charge of affairs this way, then the Hand of God will not follow us in the things we do. Joseph and Mary believed in complete obedience and not partial obedience like the case of Moses who tragically lost His only chance of entering the Promised Land that he so much toiled for. We are told that “Joseph her husband, being a just (righteous man), was not willing to disgrace Mary publicly, and was contemplating on how to put her away (divorce her) quietly. If people found out that Mary was pregnant and thought she had committed adultery, she would be

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stoned to death! By the way, if we (people of today) were in the Old Testament days we would see many dead bodies (especially dead men) in our streets each morning after the horrible adulteries that take place each night (and in the day too) these days! We would stone people until all the stones in our neighborhoods get finished! Anyway, we learn from Joseph that one sign of a just and righteous husband (or man) is one that loves his wife (or fiancée) so much that it will hurt him to disgrace his wife or fiancée publicly. Men and husbands, can we use this standard to test our righteousness now and in the future?

4) Christmas is about God’s love and forgiveness. God manifested His ultimate love by giving us His only Son Jesus at Christmas.

The good news is that no matter our past sins and mistakes, and whatever our condition at this moment, God still loves us, and is ever ready to forgive and forget the past, provided we acknowledge our ignorance, pride, disobedience, sins, and weaknesses, and truly repent. Although we are the ones that committed horrible sins against God, He chose to come down to us in our miserable situation, dialogue with us, and save us out of our sins. “Come NOW, and let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1: 18).

God’s love and forgiveness are unconditional, and we must learn to do the same for others.

5) Christmas is about peace, joy, and hope. We have peace with God (by accepting His offer of Christ to deal with our sins, guilt, and diseases), which is automatically followed by the Joy of The Lord when we continue in obedience by making Jesus both Savior and Lord (absolute Master) of our lives (Romans 5: 1).

God must be pleased with us before we can experience his true peace. When Jesus was born the Angels sang: “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill to men (WITH WHOM HE IS PLEASED)” (Luke 2: 14). Many people walk around today with little or no peace in their minds and hearts! The solution is in a life that is yielded to the Lordship of the Christ of Christmas, and using His word to control your mind, emotions, attitudes, choices, and actions. God came down to give us hope for a better future and a final hope for Heaven.

6) Christmas is about giving.

It is often said that your giving will always give you away (i.e. will reveal who you really are). Apart of God giving us His only Son, the Wise men (Magi) also gave the baby Jesus three important gifts (Luke 2:112). They gave gifts to Jesus that had value and meaning.

Their gifts constituted an

interesting mixture of 3 items, and we learn that: i) The timing was right.

Timing gives meaning to your gift, and determines the extent of its value as well. ii) The gifts were precious and significant.

Gold signifies the Royalty of Jesus, Frankincense signifies His Divinity (Leviticus 2:1-2, 15-16), and Myrrh signifies His Humanity (and death). Myrrh was crushed before the sweet-smelling oil was extracted. Jesus was crushed (bruised) for our iniquities (Isaiah 53: 5).

When the scent of myrrh gets into your dress, it is difficult to get it out; the Lord Jesus is like that in our lives. iii) The motivation of their gifts was right.

They had good motives for their giving. Your motivation gives importance and value to your gift as well. Do you check your true motives before you give your gifts to people?

7) Christmas is about miracles. The greatest miracle in the history of the universe happened when a baby was directly placed in the womb of a young virgin, developed to full term, and born naturally.

Wow! That baby was God Himself (God the Son) who humbled Himself to become flesh, and came down to the earth to live among men.

Do you notice that every miracle on earth has a natural component? Whatever supernatural occurrence God has graciously allowed to experience or whatever special gift He had given you

by His divine power, there is a part God does not play. If God heals you, then you are responsible to play your part by walking and using your healed legs productively.

Never expect God to do any particular thing for you, that He expects you to obtain through obedience. That might be the problem you are facing now (but you may not even be aware of it), after The Lord worked in His own special way (usually as an answer to prayer) by healing you, providing you with a fiancée, giving you a spouse and children or nice family, giving you good friends, providing you with a job or house, blessing you with wealth or valuable property, opening the door for you to obtain admission or scholarship, enabling you to have good education, giving you a position or promotion, causing your bills to be paid or finances to improve, providing you with the much-needed visa to travel or immigration papers to live where you are, and enabling you to establish a good church or ministry. Instead of submitting what God gave you to His Lordship in order for him to give you the wisdom to handle His gifts and miracles, you “become a possessor of the Holy Spirit” instead of the Holy Spirit possessing you. When that happens, then what should give you joy will rather give you unhappiness (at Christmas, in your marriage, as a single person

hoping to marry some day, in your home, as a leader or boss, at school, on the job, in your business, as an immigrant overseas, in your church and ministry etc.).

I have come to learn that when you (the proud self in man) control any gift or blessing you have from God (intelligence, education, beauty, achievements, m a r r i a g e , f a m i l y, sexuality, business, money, opportunities, position, talents, abilities, etc.), then whatever is supposed to give you contentment, joy, and peace, will rather give you pain instead, and can even become a thorn in the flesh.

8) Christmas is about believing and acting quickly.

When the Shepherds heard the message from the Angles that Jesus was born, they were not told to go and see Jesus, and behave towards the baby in a particular way.

They believed what they heard, and decided (used their sanctified common sense) to “go to Bethlehem and see this thing which the Lord has made known to them” (Luke 2: 15). They did not merely discuss to do a good thing and then end there. “They came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2: 16).

They acted quickly without delay when they knew God had given them His word.

Now let us confess: How many times did you and I kept delaying until we forgot to do something important in 2008 or some other time? Are we going to improve upon that in 2009 and beyond?

LIFE CONSISTS OF CHOICES WE MAKE E A C H D A Y. O U R CHOICES SHAPE OUR CHARACTER, AND CONTROL OUR BLESSINGS, AND THEREFORE DETERMINE OUR DESTINY. GOD HAS A PLAN FOR EACH OF US, BUT HE WILL NEVER FORCE THE PLAN OR HIS WILL UPON US, OR HOLD OUR HANDS AND DRAG US LIKE ROBOTS TO OUR DESTINY. IF HE COMPELS US AGAINST OUR WILL, THEN WE CANNOT WORSHIP AND SERVE HIM IN LOVE. HE SIMPLY GIVES US HIS WORD TO GUIDE US TO OUR BLESSINGS AND DESTINY, AS WE LISTEN, D E C I D E T O O B E Y, AND ACT QUICKLY. HIS PEACE IN OUR HEARTS (ACTIVATED

BY HIS WORD THAT WE M E D I TAT E O N ) W I L L A LWAY S ENABLE US TO KNOW IF WE ARE REALLY FOLLOWING HIS WORD AND DIRECTION (Colossians 3:15, 16).

Attacks on Christmas and Family Life These are days (Last Days) when the forces of evil and darkness are desperately trying to attack anything holy and godly.

The ferocious attack on family life has escalated to the point where there is

cont'd on pg. 66

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PLACES OF WORSHIP DIRECTORY

The Ghanaian News December 2013

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

Meeting Schedule

invites you to worship with us

Apostle F.Y. Agyemang (Area Supt. Canada-Wide)

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 MONTREAL ASSEMBLY Elder Gilbert Agyei: 514-900-8412 (res.), 613-552-6779 (cell) 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

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

Tel: 416-242-7950 Fax: 416-242-8573 Church Activities

Pastor in Charge

Rev. Milton Offei

The Superintendent Minister-In-Charge

Sunday School: Church Service: Sunday Evening: Wednesday Bible Studies: Friday Prayer Meeting:

10a.m. -11:00a.m.

11a.m. - 1:30p.m.

7p.m. - 8:30p.m.

7p.m. - 8:30p.m.

7p.m. - 9:00p.m.

Toronto Society

Very Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Asare-Kusi

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

(Kipling/Rexdale)

Jesus Is Coming Ministry 46 Panorama Court, Apt 911, Buss 5379 (Kipling/Finch)

Pastor: Millicent El-Elyon El-Shaddai

Tel: 647-247-2930

Email: jesusiscomingministry@hotmail.com

Worship Time Sunday Service: 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Thursday Morning Prayer Meeting

10:00 a.m. - 12 noon All Night Prayer Meeting - Last Friday of every month - 7:30 p.m. to 10-:00 p.m.

We invite you to worship with us if don't have a church. Come as you are, all people, nations, tribes and tongues to meet the Master Jesus Christ and be change by His Love. All are cordially welcome

The Ghanaian News

FOOD FOR LIFE

December 2013

63

Bringing the Gospel to our Community By: Rev. Joseph Osei-Amoah THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:67 NKJV)

Recently I visited one of the major supermarkets and I saw banners hanging all over the place with the inscription, “Merry Christmas”. I was surprised, because for the past two years, that familiar Christmas greetings had been virtually replaced with, “Happy Holiday”.

Christmas is a popular occasion worldwide. Of course different people have different focus for the celebration.

For the commercial o rg a n i z a t i o n s , i t i s an opportunity to sell merchandize associated with the occasion. For the average worker, the extended break from work with full salary makes it a welcome festivity. To the believer in Christ, Christmas speaks of the fact that Christ has defeated death, “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is

swallowed up in victory.”

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” (1 Cor. 15:54-55 NKJV) We celebrate Christmas with this promise from the Lord Jesus, “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.”

(John 14:19-20 NKJV) He was born a baby as recorded in the gospels of Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 2:1-38 to begin the process of man’s redemption. His death, burial and the resurrection has brought the hope of eternal life to the believer in Christ.

Those of us who have accepted the Son of God as Lord and Savior have passed from eternal death unto life; can look back to the Old Testament promises of God’s Deliverer in Genesis 3:15, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman. And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel;” as a promise fulfilled. When Adam and Eve had their first son, Cain, Eve said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” (Genesis 4:1); apparently she thought Cain was the promised “Seed” of the

woman. Centuries later, Moses speaking of the promised deliverer said, “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear.” (Deuteronomy 18:15 NKJV) Moses was referring to the promised Messiah, a Divine Being far greater than Moses.

Unlike the ordinary prophets with whom the Lord God communicated through visions and dreams, “Then He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the LORD, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream.” (Numbers 12:6 NKJV) “Not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.

I speak with him face to face, even plainly, and not in dark sayings; and he sees the form of the LORD…” (Numbers 12:7-8 NKJV). Moses was the only prophet who had the privilege of speaking face to face with God and saw God’s form. The other Prophet Moses referred to was no other than the coming Messiah whose birthplace was predicted by the Prophet Micah; ““But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”

(Micah 5:2 NKJV) Isaiah speaking by the power of the Spirit of God predicted; “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold,

Peace Light Ministries Senior Pastor & Founder: Rev. Augustine Adu-Anane BRE, M.Th. CPC

Senior Associate Pastor: Rev. Eleanor Adu-Anane BRE, ECE

the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

(Isaiah 7:14 NKJV) The angel Gabriel was sent with the same message to a virgin called Mary engaged to be married to Joseph, “In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, 27 to a virgin named Mary.

She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. 28 Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” 29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 30 “Don’t be frightened, Mary,” the angel told her, “for God has decided to bless you! 31 You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.

And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel

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

not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

(John 14:27NKJV) Christ’s eternal reign will be characterized by peace, health, well-being, prosperity, happiness, and cessation of enmity.

(Ref: footnote, Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishers. Page 974)

The message of Christmas is that the Eternal God of the universe has demonstrated His love for humanity He created in His image by sending His only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty of man’s sin through His death on the cross but was raised from the dead giving us hope that if we sincerely believe in His substitutionary death and resurrection, we are saved from eternal death.

Not even physical death can render this promise ineffective. Read Romans 10:9-10 and follow the instructions. Merry Christmas!

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

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

forever; his Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:2633 NLT) Seven hundred years before it happened, in our text-(Isaiah 9:67) “Isaiah describes a Child born, a Son destined to rule forever upon the throne of David.

His names Wonderful, Counselor express His ability as a political guide and a leader. He is the living Word, full of perfect source of guidance and wisdom.

The Child is also called Mighty God, expressing His divine nature as the All Powerful One; while His title Everlasting Father speaks of Christ’s fatherly care; this is not in conflict with that of the First Person of the Trinity.

He is in perfect union with God the Father therefore the Lord Jesus Christ could say to Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9) As The Prince of Peace, He can impart peace to those who trust in Him; “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you;

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 December 2013

Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church, Toronto 65 Mayall Avenue, Toronto Ontario, M3L 1E7

Tel: 416-614-6110 647-341-7305 Email: gcmuc.org 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 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)

Contact:

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

Etobicoke, Ont., M9w 5S5

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: gcmuc.org

It’s Harvest Time So Reach Out And Make A Difference

It’s A Great Commission!

The Ghanaian News

Lighthouse Assembly of God Church

December 2013

65

Lead Pastor: Isaac Takyi De-Graft SUNDAY: 9:00am-10:00am 10:00am-11:00am 11:00am-1:30pm

Prayers School of the Light Joint Service

Other Weekly Opportunities: Tuesday- (Time with the Holy Spirit) 10:00am-12:30pm (At Church) Wednesday- (Bible Studies) 7:00pm- 9:00pm (On Phone 647 722 5570 Access code 731 297#)

Friday- (Time in His presence) 7:00pm-9:30pm (At Church) Every First Friday is a Special Youth Service 7:00pm-9:30pm (At Church) Every Fourth Friday is Half Night Service 8:30pm-12:30am (At Church)

LOCATION:

42 Steinway Blvd. Unit 1&2

(Hwy 27/Steeles) Toronto, Ontario, M9W 6Y6

Email:

Tel: 416-740-1200 Fax: 416-740-6435

lighthouse@lighthouseag.caWebsite: http:/www/lighthouseag.ca

THE APOSTLES'

Power of Grace Chapel Int'l

CONTINUATION CHURCH INTERNATIONAL (CANADA)

Invites all Christians, Non-Christians and members of the Resurrection Power Tradition to join us worship the Great Jehovah

Place of Worship:

North American Headquarters: 10 Belfield Road Toronto, Ont., M9W 1G1 Tel: 416-247-6629 Fax: 416-247-5308

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

Disciples Revival Church Healing & Deliverance Centre

Apostle Charles Anokye-Manu

Website: www.apostlescontinuation.org

SERVICE TIMES:

Worship Service Bible Studies Service All Night Service Deliverance

- Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday 9:00 p.m.

- Friday 9:30 p.m.

- Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Worship With Us At These Branches In Canada

Toronto

Rev. Dr. Charles Mantey Founder/Senior Pastor

416-614-7771 416-716-9236 Email: cmantey@disciplesrevivalchurch.org www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org

SUNDAY SERVICE - Morning - 10:00 am WEEK DAYS Thursday: Prayer Service 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Friday: Youth Service 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm For deliverance & healing, come to Disciples, a Church that caters to your needs

30 Gordon Mackay Road, North York, ON, M9N 2V6

Montreal Assembly

10 Belfield Road Tel: 416-247-6629

378 Cremazie East Montreal, Quebec, H2P 1E5

Scarborough Assembly 1632 Midland Ave., M1P 1C2 Tel: 416-288-1333

Tel: 514-271-9083

Pastor-In-Charge: John Arhin

Contact: Res: 450-687-4916 Cell: 514-654-6178

Pastor In-Charge: Pastor Ohene Kena Contact: 647-281-5303

Immanuel Assembly of God 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

66

The Ghanaian News December 2013

PEACE, JOY, AND HOPE AT CHRISTMAS cont'd from pg. 61

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)

even now an attack on the family life of Jesus (God) Himself. People in league with the devil, are trying to destroy the sacredness, beauty, significance, power, and meaning of the family life of the Lord for all of us, and our children.

The enemy tries to replace Jesus with Santa Claus, worldly fineries and goods, empty songs that make no reference to Jesus who was the baby that was born, and people chanting “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry CHRISTmas” etc. The Nativity Scene is now a taboo in some localities, and the old-time, powerful, soul-healing, God-inspired Christmas Carols are being banned in many places, especially schools where the young people (the leaders of tomorrow) are being robbed of their God-destined foundations of reverence for things of God. These tender minds and hearts are being deprived the development of a God-fearing spirit, and knowledge about God’s salvation for the bright future that the Almighty intended to establish through them, when we (the adults) are gone into glory.

It is our divine duty today to recognize the danger, pray fervently, take hold of our heritage and position in Christ, live the godly life expected of us, and influence society with the power of God in our lives, starting from our homes.

Are we making time to read the Christmas story in our homes this Christmas, and explain all the implications to our families, especially the young ones at home? Or it is the dress, toy, decoration, gift, cookie, drink, turkey, chicken, pork, and goat meat as usual without the heavenly component? The familiar Christmas trees, lights, and gifts whose meanings are not explained

and benefited from will float around once more. Our giving is therefore only once a year, and selfishness plus abuse or apathy reigns for the rest of the year.

Derive Salvation, Comfort, Strength, and Courage From Christmas For some people, Christmas and the New Year are sad occasions when they remember loved ones who no more, especially if they perished in disaster, or died suddenly. But, that is why we have Christmas. Christ was given to take care of our sorrow, brokenness, and the sinful nature that brought it all on mankind. That is why Christmas, means Easter. It was on the Cross of Calvary that Jesus bore all our sins, pain, and grief. Please make a decision to give your heart to Christ this Christmas, if you have never done so, and experience his forgiveness and peace. If you have backslidden or are merely religious but not truly committed to Christ, then please take the opportunity to renew your commitment to the Savior and Redeemer of your soul. Nobody can predict tomorrow. Please, act now! “He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). The summary of it all is this: “God was in Christ (at Christmas), reconciling the world unto Himself, and not counting their trespasses against them, and has committed unto us (true Believers) the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5: 19).

Be A Promoter Of Peace Be a peacemaker in your home and community with your wife, husband, children, fiancée, in-laws, friends, church members, fellow workers, and neighbors. Practice the forgiveness, tolerance, patience, understanding, m e r c y, a n d l o v e t h a t

Christmas brings to us. Any activity, project, ministry, marriage, relationship, financial undertaking, etc. that does not bring true peace to you and others around you is a questionable one, which is not likely to be directed or approved by God. The peace of Christ in your heart is the final test for God’s will in all matters (Colossians 3:15), and is activated by the Spirit of God through consistent meditation on God’s Word, when the “Word of God dwells richly in your heart” (Colossians 3:16).

This why the Angels sang: “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace and good will to men WITH WHOM HE (GOD) IS PLEASED” (Luke 2:14).

Jesus came to make peace, and preach peace to us, and that is why He is our peace.

There is no other source of true peace for anyone in this world, so we encourage you to give all of your heart and live to the Jesus Christ of Christmas, for Him to pour His blessings into your life, and be able to face the challenging times ahead. Determine to live a more meaningful life that is godly in the coming year, and obtain greater successes and victories.

H AV E A M E R R Y CHRISTMAS, AND A THOUGHTFUL, HAPPY, PROSPEROUS N E W Y E A R !

Rev. Dr.Samuel A. Kisseadoo (Professor of Biology, H a m p t o n U n i v e r s i t y, Hampton, Virginia, USA) Founder and President, Fruitful Ministries International Inc., 6 Red Robin Turn, Hampton, Virginia 23669, USA. Ph 757-7289330 Fax 757-7289335 kisseadoo@msn.com Visit our Website: www. fruitfulministriesint.com

Listen to Ghanaian News Radio 1540 AM and 91.9 FM Rev. Kwaku Asare

For information call: Rev. Kwaku Asare

on CHIN Sundays 5:30 - 6:00 pm News and Announcement

905-654-7364, 905-840-2012, 416-270-6822

416-916-3700

GHANAIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ST. ANDREW’S PARISH

Transformation Centre

2547 KIPLING AVE. TORONTO ONTARIO M9V 3A8

MASS TIMES: 2:00pm – 4:00pm ON THE 1ST AND 3RD SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH.

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

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

Contact: Pastor Isaac K. Bonful Tel: 289-814-5482 Email: transformcentreag@yahoo.ca

"...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Romans 12:2a

Christian Hope Ministry Int'l Invites You All To Come Worship With Us Apostle-in-charge: Apostle Twumasi Ankrah

The Ghanaian News

"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)

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GHANAIAN ANGLICAN CHURCH OF TORONTO 1796 Lawrence Avenue West (Jane & Lawrence) Sunday: Bible Study - 2pm-3:00pm - 3pm-5:00pm Sunday Worship Tuesday: Teaching/Prayer - 7pm-9:00pm Thursday: Prayer Meeting 10:30am-12noon Friday: Prayer Meeting - 7pm-9:00pm Saturday: Group Meetings - 3pm-7:30pm

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

December 2013

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.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Peter Awuah

Worship Celebration Services

Tel: 416-836-9235, 416-667-8637

Sunday Worship Celebration: 10 a.m.

Friday Prayer Meeting / Discipleship Group: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Last Sunday of Every Month: Healing Service

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

Ghanaian Congregation

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

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 December 2013

Around the Ghana Sports Scene

with Jonathan Annobil

Hamburg coach Otto Addo to join Ghana coaching Black Stars finish 2013 on staff at 2014 World Cup 24th in FIFA world ranking

Otto Addo has held talks with Ghana over 2014 World Cup role Onetime Black Stars attacking midfielder Otto Addo could stage a return to the national team for next year’s FIFA World Cup but not on the playing field but in an advisory capacity in the technical team in the run up to the tournament and during the competition in Brazil.

Addo, who featured prominently alongside players like Michael Essien, Richard Kingson, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan in Ghana’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic and 2-0 victory over USA at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, is in contact with Black Stars coach Kwasi Appiah on the possibility of tapping into his vast wealth of knowledge and experience in German football to help the Ghana trainer to plan how to deal with Germany when the two countries clash in a Group G match in Fortaleza.

GFA Communications Director, Ibrahim Sannie Daara, disclosed to the Graphic Sports that Appiah has held preliminary talks with the former Ghana international, who spent his entire playing career in Germany and is currently assistant coach of Bundesliga side, HSV Hamburg.

“I can confirm that coach Kwasi Appiah and Otto Addo had talks recently about the possibility of assisting him for the World Cup but the exact nature of the assistance will be confirmed if Otto Addo

Black Stars ended the year on 24th Ghana ended the year as the 24th best team in the World in the latest CocaCola FIFA world ranking released on Thursday.

is available,” said Daara.

“At this point nothing has been firmed up yet and for the GFA we are aware Addo is under contract, so we want him to discuss it with his employers first for approval and release before we proceed to firm up the deal and decide which areas he would assist the team.”

For the FA spokesman, the move to tap into the former national star’s the deep insight into German football was first initiated by coach appiah, who has also requested to be sent on attachment to some European clubs to share ideas with his compatriots as part of a general career development and preparation for the World Cup. A creative and versatile player in his hey day, Germany-born Addo made 15 appearances for Ghana between 1999 and 2006 and won the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund in 2002 in a career plagued by injuries.

He also featured for such German top flight ides as Hannover 96, FSV Mainz 05 (2005–2007) and Hamburg 2(007-2008).

A UEFA licensed coach, Addo was in charge of the under-19 side of Hamburg where he oversees the grooming of talents for the senior side.

On September 17 this year, the 38-year-old Ghanaian was handed temporal responsibility of the Bundesliga side following the dismissal of Thorsten Fink.

Early in the year the Hamburg youth team coach visited the Black Stars at their Abu Dhabi training base where Appiah and his assistants were preparing the team for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in South Africa.

At the 2006 World Cup, the GFA tapped into the American knowledge and experience of UStrained coach, Robert Sackey, then a coach of Robert Morris College, who served as a scout of national coach Ratomir Dujkovic by providing the Serbian with useful insights and information on the US team which helped Ghana to defeat the Americans 2-1 in a group clash. Graphic Sports

Maidens in tough FIFA World Cup Group the competition by Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria.

The maidens won Bronze at the last edition held in Azerbaijan in 2012.

Italy and Zambia will play the opening match at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in San José, before the hosts Costa Rica take on Venezuela on the same venue on 15 March.

The Black Maidens of Ghana has been paired in a tough group for next year’s FIFA under 17 Women’s World Cup.

in Costa Rica between March and April 2014.

Ghana’s will play North Korea in their opening game of the comGhana will play North Ko- petition before they rea, Germany and Canada take on Germany and in Group B of the compe- Canada in that order. tition which takes place Africa is represented at

Group A: Costa Rica, Venezuela, Italy, Zambia Group B: Ghana, North Korea, Germany, Canada Group C: New Zealand, Paraguay, Spain, Japan Group D: Mexico, China PR, Colombia, Nigeria radioxyzonline.com

The Black Stars remain second on the continent behind Ivory Coast with an accumulated point build-up of 849 as the December edition of the rankings did not bring about any significant changes. Algeria and Nigeria Ghana in that order on the continental ranking table.

Wo r l d c h a m p i o n s , Spain are still number one spot as Germany remain in second with Argentina in third.

A c c o r d i n g t o F I FA , the regional competition of the top 50 since December 2012 has recorded some changes.

CONCACAF (five teams in the top 50, plus 2) and CAF (9, plus 1) has increased slightly at the expense of UEFA (26, minus 1), CONMEBOL (8, minus 1) and the AFC (2, minus 1), while the OFC still does not have any teams in the top 50.

Results of 30 international matches were taken into

account for the current edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

In total in 2013, the results of 918 matches have been taken into account, many of which were friendlies (415) and more than a third of which (347) were qualifying matches for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Ghana soccernet

Canadian women’s soccer team settles for draw with Brazil Canada will play for 3rd place against Scotland on Sunday C a n a d a ’s w o m e n ’s soccer team will play for third place at the Torneio Internacional de Futebol Feminino after a scoreless draw against Brazil on Wednesday.

Canada needed a win in order to make the final, but will instead settle for a match against Scotland o n S u n d a y. B r a z i l meanwhile moves into the final against Chile.

“We’re disappointed because you want to go in and play Brazil again in the final but that’s football,” said Canada’s coach John Herdman.

“We’ve taken four points out of the tournament.

That would have qualified us for the next round of the Women’s World Cup if we were there. It just means

we probably would have had a tough draw next so it’s Scotland again.”

After a quiet first half Canada nearly snatched a late winner despite playing without a player for the final 15 minutes when Lauren Sesselman was sent off for a foul.

Christine Sinclair played a hard ball to Sophie Schmidt, who knocked it onto Diana Matheson in the 87th minute. The midfielder won some space on the right side but she couldn’t get much behind the shot and it was saved.

The chances kept coming as Matheson was played in on the right in stoppage time. She had the option to pass to Schmidt or shoot — she opted to shoot but put it right at the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Matheson provided

Canada with one final chance, playing the ball into Schmidt in the air. The ball was loose just a few yards in front of the goalline but couldn’t get there in time to put the ball in.

Defender Rhian Wilkinson wasn’t impressed with the opposition.

“When they’re interviewed they’re going to say we were really physical and we were dirty,” said Wilkinson.

“I think if you have the benefit of replay or any sort of zoom you’ll see that they were ‘Superman-ing’ out there and 10 for 10 for their dives. They did very well and it’s really frustrating. I thought we kept our heads really well for all the calls that went against us and for all the effort we were putting in.”

The Canadian Press,

For All Your Events Coverage Call The Ghanaian News 416-916-3700 / 416-88-9161

Rigondeaux outpoints Agobeko to keep WBA &WBO bantamweight titles WBA and WBO super bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux retained his titles with a 12-round, unanimous decision over former two-time bantamweight champ Joseph Agbeko at Boardwalk Hall’s Adrian Phillips Ballroom on Saturday night.

Judges Eugene Grant (120-108), Ron McNair (120-108) and Robin Taylor (120-108) all had Rigondeaux winning every round. ”I came to do what I need to do,” Rigondeaux said through an interpreter. ”Every time out there, I try to improve. I’m improving every day. I had no problems in any round.”

Rigondeaux, a native of Cuba now living in Miami, delivered a solid-yet-conservative performance.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist is considered one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters, but draws criticism for his style.

He generated cheers from the crowd in the sixth round by landing five straight powerful left crosses to Agbeko’s

midsection, but otherwise was content to stay on the outside and pepper him with right jabs and left hooks before dancing out of danger.

Agbeko also deserved criticism for the slow pace. Trainer Roger Mayweather urged him to throw punches and take a few chances, but he was content to stay in a defensive shell for most of the bout.

Agbeko averaged only 29 punches per round. ”I felt strong throughout the fight, it was just tough to get to him,” Agbeko said. ”I hurt my right hand early and couldn’t throw it much.

But it was hard to catch him. He’s very fast and he’s got great footwork.”

Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for Cuba, was making his fourth defense of the WBA title he gained by knocking out former champion Rico Ramos in the sixth round on Jan. 20, 2012.

He followe d with a fifth-round TKO over Philadelphia native Teon Kennedy and a 12-round decision over Roberto Marooquin before add-

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

ing the WBO belt with his stunning, 12-round decision over Nonito Donaire last April 13.

Agbeko, a native of Ghana, was a two-time IBF bantamweight champ who made the jump from 118 pounds to 122 for the first time Saturday night.

In the co-feature, middleweight James Kirkland (32-1, 28 KOs), of Austin, Texas, registered a sixth-round TKO over formerly unbeaten prospect Glen Tapia (20-1), of Passaic, N.J. Referee Steve Smoger halted the fight at 38 seconds of the sixth when Kirkland pinned Tapia against the ropes and landed a half dozen unanswered punches.

Tapia was later transported to nearby AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Campus for treatment.

The other top fight on HBO’s ”Boxing After Dark” tripleheader had English middleweight Matthew Macklin (30-5, 20 KOs) earn a 10-round, unanimous decision over Lamar Russ (14-1), of Wilmington, N.C. Associated Press

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The Ghanaian News December 2013

If you are interested in a career in Law Enforcement, You could apply for a $10,000 Scholarship The “Ghanaian News� has two Scholarships available to qualified candidates who are serious about a Law Enforcement career. Training will be provided by the Canadian Law Enforcement Training College.

The Ghanaian News

December 2013

71

Do you want to Experience Dominion Living, having Authority Over the Affairs of LIFE, Just As Adam and His Wife Enjoyed?

Join Pastors Ebow & Hannah Essel at Dominion Miracle Center in Pickering and Toronto Branches. With their Practical and indept Teaching, God will lead you into an Experience of Dominion Living

Contact us at 905-427-8877, 905-706-1360 for our Pickering and Toronto Branches Pickering- 1698 Bayly St. # 2,3.

Intersection Bayly / Brock Rd. Time: 10 am Toronto 268 Eddystone Avenue Time 2pm – 4pm Pastors Ebow & Hannah Essel

GHANAIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND GHANAIAN ANGLICAN CHURCH Invite the Ghanaian Community and the General Public to their End of Year Watch Night Service

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29TH TO TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, 2013 THEME:

"PROCLAIMING THE YEAR OF THE LORD'S FAVOUR" (LUKE 4:19)

Main Speaker: Rev. Fr. Gabriel Opoku-Ware (Ghanaian Anglican Church)

Rev. Fr. Gabriel Opoku-Ware

VENUE: Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, 51 HIGH MEADOW PLACE TIME: Sun. 29th Dec. 8pm-10pm,

Mon. 30th Dec. 7pm - 10pm and Tue 31st Dec 9pm-12.30am

Contact: 647-624-4044, 416-747-0222, 416-407-3161