The Phoenix Africa - November 2022

DESTINATION: GHANA

not dissatisfied with the delivery and attention to detail of the entire staff on hand at Movenpick, in particular Valentine Sena, their Meetings and Events Executive.

We could not have asked for a more accommodating establishment, for our Be Bold! Conference on the 29th September, and the Gala Dinner and Awards on the night of the 30th September.

We also had invited special guests and our team staying at the hotel, who enjoyed a luxurious and more than comfortable stay.

Nana Addo Dankwa AkufoAddo visited London to unveil the launch of Destination: Ghana, where he once again invited the world to visit The Gateway.

While this was marketed as a hassle free, covid-unhindered process, this was unfortunately far from the truth.

EDITORS NOTE

Welcome to “The Phoenix Africa” an exclusive FREE quality Newspaper for the people and business community of Africa.

The Phoenix Africa is a fresh and vibrant publication bringing quality content to the masses. The first free newspaper to be published in Africa by Africans. Leading the way and setting trends.

This is a sister publication to the successful “The Phoenix Newspaper UK” which has stayed true to its focus in providing a regular mix of Positive and Informative articles with an honest and unbiased viewpoint that have a direct connection to its growing readership of 8million worldwide.

This newspaper is birthed from a positive perspective with the intent of showcasing the true state of events ranging from three cardinal perspectives, which are places, events and people.

These promote culture, discovering of talents, and achievers, (traditional, political, career, and academics).

Events - drawn from three main perspectives, festival, carnival and shows, as well as personal celebrations, birthdays, weddings, graduations and more.

Places - what are the reasons behind the attraction of people, of which invariably people will take advantage of in creating business opportunities thereby addressing the issue of poverty eradication.

The Phoenix Newspaper decided to stage its 10th Anniversary in Ghana this year, we knew that we would face certain challenges.

However, with faith, determination and the will to win, we were optimistic of a positive outcome.

The people of Ghana were generally very welcoming and accommodating, and the Mampong connections in Ghana that the newspaper already enjoyed, dating back to 1997 with its previous title, 'The Enterprise' made navigating this new space a lot easier, especially thanks to

WhenHRH Ohene Nana Agyemang Nyamekye Amlak Aduana Hene of Kwakye Dida Nsuta Ashanti.

Choosing a venue that would reflect the standard of the venue

The Phoenix Newspaper regularly used for its annual awards in the UK, The Internatinal Convention Centre, was a difficult task until we discovered Movenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra.

Perfectly positioned in the capital city of Accra, and truly a 5-star offering, in it's location, vibrancy, professionalism, hospitality, once they found it, Movenpick was the obvious choice.

They felt that the people of Ghana deserved the best, and were

From the warm and welcoming greetings from the doormen and porters, to the chefs and the culinary masterpieces they created, the stay at the hotel was top tier.

Thanks must go to the chef also, for upgrading the fish option to salmon, to give a more accommodating selection to suit every palate.

It's true what they say about the spiritual aspect (if you are that way inclined) of entering Africa for the first time. It truly felt like a homecoming, and you felt the need to kiss the ground upon your arrival.

A remarkable proudness coupled with a sense of belonging enshrined this connecting of communities, with the aim of enspiring the next generation.

AKWAABA!

In July of this year, President

From confusion over vaccination and visa requirements, to testing and screening on arrival, there were far more barriers to entry than we were lead to believe, and a lot of people who had intended to visit Ghana for the event were unable to do so, after parting with their hard earned cash for flights and accommodation.

It would be prudent for the embassy to consider updating their sites to allow a more user friendly accessibility so that those who are interesting in taking up the invitation to return, will have an easier and more streamlined visit.

That being said, upon arrival in Ghana, we were welcomed with open arms. One of the things that we weren't expecting was the juxtaposition of high humidity, decent temperatures and torrential rain, although it was desperately needed!

Ghana was a fantastic experience, and we can't wait to return, look out next year for the Phoenix Africa Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation!

The Phoenix Newspaper is renowned as the “voice of the people” truthful and professional journalism, in depth reports and interviews, facts and not fiction, presented in a bright and refreshing publication that attracts and captivates its audience.

Now these exciting developments are coming to the people of Africa in this Exclusive Free Newspaper & Online Publication.

Working with the people and communities of Africa, starting in Ghana, which is seen as the Gateway, The Phoenix Africa will be connecting with senior government departments and embracing the leaders of major business enterprises, we will be bringing something for everyone, in this new and exclusive publication providing a platform for the Role Models that the next generation will aspire to be.

Building upon our success “Phoenix Africa” will contain exclusive news and developments from across the continent of Africa and the world, bringing detailed and authoritative reports and reviews of matters that reflect and affect both the lifestyle and prosperity of the African people.

People - discovering of individuals who stand out in their area of work .

Discovering of, and the empowerment of young talented youth and showcasing them to the world as well as older people who are achievers especially in the traditional institutions.

This is a platform that will create employment for many young people who aspire to be within this type of industry.

It will invariably give them the chance to write their own narrative to reflect a more inclusive attitude when representing themselves, their culture and their people.

It is important to note that we do NOT report sensationalised news, only uplifting and nonbiased apolitical journalism.

Welcome to The Phoenix Africa, your one stop shop of everything positive.

Finally, may I give my warmest thanks to the children of St Peter's Lutheran Church and School, who were absolutely phenomenal on the night, serenading everyone with the utmost professionalism, from their entrance to their exit, they were the pinnacle of perfection.

We hope they all continue to rise like Phoenixes.

Phoenix

www.thephoenixafrica.com

Disclaimer

companies featured

Phoenix Africa do not necessarily

the views of or endorsement by Phoenix Africa or TPN Media.

l

Valentine Sena & Paul Harrison

l Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin, Editor In Chief, The Phoenix Africa

A Special Message From Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh, And Our Partners For The Be Bold! Conference, The Nishkam Centre

TheGala Dinner was a delight to attend.

Distinguished guests, dignitaries, and His Royal Highness Nana Agyemekye Amlak Aduana Hene of Kwakye were welcomed with much enthusiasm by drummers, dancers, and traditional entourage.

A wonderful sight for all to experience and enjoy. Even more heart-warming was the appreciation of the entry of Dida Nsuta Ashanti, the Queen Mother and the ladies in her entourage.

They were shown such deference and respect – a reminder to us all of the importance of our parents.

We were treated to such beautiful music and songs with thought-provoking lyrics. The children from St Peter’s

Lutheran Church and School sang ‘Something inside so Strong’ and ‘Lean on me’ with such enthusiasm and great gusto.

We were moved by their perfect renditions of both songs – such an impressive performance from the children.

We were treated to a short film that showed the achievements of the Phoenix Newspaper across the World as they go from strength to strength in building relationships and partnerships – all for the advancement of communities that are in need.

A shining example of keeping positivity and optimism at the fore front of all you do. Smiling in the face of adversity as you keep on trying despite the setbacks. Their strength and determination has helped them become a real

positive force – one that will surely be seen and felt across Africa very soon indeed.

The awards ceremony recognised some of the hardworking individuals that are going above and beyond to help others through education, industry, and community matters.

The thank you speeches conveyed such humility and modesty that you knew the right people had been chosen to receive the accolades. Such inspiring individuals that you felt proud to be sitting amongst them and sharing their special evening with them.

A huge thank you must be said to Marcia McLauchlin for inviting myself and GNNSJ Team to Africa, the continent of my birth. It has been an honour

to visit Ghana – a very warmhearted nation with a rich-legacy and the first country to achieve its independence from colonial rule.

It has since flourished and become one of the peaceful nations in Africa – a huge achievement given its multitude of people with over fifty spoken languages.

I would also like to thank Dr Haruna and Professor John Azumah of the Sanneh Institute without whose support and collaboration our trip would not have been the huge success it has been.

May we all be inspired to search our traditions for those practices that bring the mind, body, heart and soul into synch, to establish a wholesome, lasting peace within the self and others.

l

Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh

Back in 1997, a King was crowned in the Ashanti region of Ghana. This was a unique story that hit the front pages of most national newspapers at the time, along with extensive coverage on the BBC and other major news platforms.

For the first time people were given the opportunity to understand the different traditions around the culture, rulers and ancestors in Africa.

HRH Ohene Nana Agyemang Nyamekye Amlak Aduana Hene of Kwakye Dida Nsuta Ashanti as he was crowned, was originally living in the UK, having moved here from Jamaica, before learning of his African Ashanti roots during a trip to Ghana.

Nana Amlak was first featured in the now defunct Enterprise Newspaper, coverage which we have continued in The Phoenix Newspaper, leading to Amlak becoming an Ambassador for Phoenix Africa.

“I’ve been on this journey for more than 20 years in 1997 from when I first came to Ghana on the 2nd May 1997.

“The Phoenix featured me at that time, and Dr Marcia has helped with building a school in my town, as well as building a community football team and helping the elders too. The Elders gave her the name Ama Agyemang.”

We have worked with Ghanaians for the past 25 years, providing positive editorial content in order to preserve and enhance the true beauty of Africa, its people and its culture.

In our 10th year, it is fitting for us to demonstrate the importance of reconnecting with your ancestry.

Since the Year of Return, Ghana 2019,

an initiative by President Nana Akufo-Addo to encourage African diasporans to come to Africa (specifically Ghana) to settle and invest in the continent, there has been a large influx of people from the diaspora flooding into the continent and especially Ghana.

“The Elders told us the story of the Gate of No Return, when our people were stolen and taken away from Africa and put to work for the colonialist empire, but we thank god that we are now returning.

“Now we live in a world that respects human rights, which allows us to be here today.

“It’s not been an easy journey, but we have survived this far. 2 years ago my ancestors have told me to come home. The President brought in the Year of Return, inviting home all people, with free visas to all Jamaicans, and straight flights are now available too. We’re coming together slowly. I’m happy to be here in Mampong.

“We in Jamaica see ourselves close with Ghana, even the food we eat, the weather and climate, I’d say Ghana is ‘Giant Jamaica’.

“I’ve now got a responsibility to the people in the diaspora as well as to my people in Africa.

“If I’m abroad, I represent the people of Africa in the highest way, and if I’m here in Africa, I represent the people of the diaspora in the highest way.

“It’s time to come home, Ghana is a peaceful country, and it’s time to return to our roots and rebuild.”

THE GHANA CONNECTION

As a Commonwealth newspaper, which has been endorsed twice by His Imperial Majesty, HRH The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, once when Founder/Editor In Chief, Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc travelled to Nigeria with the intention of meeting this powerful leader of the Yoruba people worldwide, where she was welcomed by all the elders and Phoenix Newspaper was prayed for and

blessed by the spiritual gatekeepers of Ile Ife.

He confirmed this endorsement again when he attended The Phoenix Newspapers 7th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards in Birmingham, after he met with Birmingham City University, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and other leaders of the city, where he reiterated that the trusted link between Africa and the UK was through Dr Marcia and The Phoenix Newspaper.

He made a point of saying that Africa is in need of positive upliftment and he was proud to endorse the work that we do.

“I am also a High Chief in Nigeria, in Ile Ife, where they call it the Cradle of the Yoruba Race.

“I am an Ambassador of The Phoenix Newspaper, and have been working with Dr Marcia for a very long time, because it is a newspaper that wants to bring people together.

“Mampong means ‘The Stone That Broke The Axe’, and I’m trying to teach people about their culture and language, when I bring people here.”

Once again, with the credibility and foundation that The Phoenix Newspaper has laid down across Africa, linking the diaspora with the motherland, as the UK's only Commonwealth newspaper, this year is time to celebrate our unity and strength during Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee year, and her firm connections with her Commonwealth.

l Ashanti Hene Opuku Ware 11 meeting Aduana Hene Nana Agyemang Nyamekye Amlak

l The Phoenix Africa Team meeting HRH Ohene Nana Agyemang Nyamekye Amlak Aduana Hene of Kwakye Dida Nsuta Ashanti

l Nana Akouko, Nana Amlak, Ohemaa (Gueen Mother) & Nana Amponsah in Kyebi Nsuta Ashanti, June 1997

A

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE NAYIRI

TheNayiri - Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga is the King and Overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom and President of the North East Regional House of Chiefs who has over 45 paramount Chiefs and over hundred Divisional Chiefs and several Sub- Divisional and Sub- Chiefs under his enskinning authority and the only king in Ghana who has his traditional control outside the boundaries of Ghana.

Thus, this means he has two Paramount chiefs in Burkina Faso and one in Tongo who are all under his enskinning Authority and also have a over nine Paramount chiefs in the Upper East Region but are all under his enskinning authority and all pay allegiance to him.

One May ask why he controls places outside his Region and Country? It is very important to know that, traditional boundaries transcend administrative boundaries and hence why he controls all those areas.

However, many other tribes or groups in the North pay homage to him or fall under his reign. The Nayiri is well respected and well loved by all in the Kingdom and outside.

The Vice -President of Ghana was raised and mentored by the Nayiri The VP is considered as his own and of course a son of the Mamprusis.

The Phoenix Newspaper recognises the amazing life and achievements of The Nayiri - Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga, and honoured him with the Humanitarian Award at the 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards in Accra, Ghana.

What Does The Right To Return Look Like Or Ought To Look Like In Ghana?

By Yaw Owusu Akyeaw

InSeptember of 2019, 34 African Descendants journeyed to Northern Ghana to see our Grand Father, the 110 year old Nayiri, Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Sheriga. It was an unforgettable experience to see a rare, humble and one of the last Great Chiefs of Ghana.

He stated with a sparkle in his eye that, “I never thought I would see the day when my children would come home. What is it that you want”?

The answer was simple for us. We wanted to stop being treated as Foreigners in the land of our Ancestors who were sold off into slavery by our Brothers and Sisters.

In January, 2019, a landmark year - 400 years of the African Enslavement period or the so called slave trade, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo Addo announced to the African Diaspora and to the entire world that Ghana would welcome us Home as family or as “Kit and Kin”, in his own words.

Upon arrival and even before we land, African descendants are treated more like ATM-ers, not like family members.

We are required to obtain a tourist or visitor’s visa paying up to $150 US/UK/Canada or the equivalency in your country of departure.

We were invited to Return Home to Ghana to visit, re-claim our “Roots”, reside and invest in the development of the country. However, it will cost you and your family. The longer you stay the more you pay!

We are permitted to Return for 60 - 90 days. If you go over the time limit, Ghana Immigration policy stipulates a penalty fee to “Kit and Kin “.

You will need to pay for a Non - Citizenship ID card for $120 or the Ghana cedi equivalent above local Forex exchange rates.

You must pay $1000 to obtain a work permit and even then you are restricted in the type of work you can do as a Non – Ghanaian.

If you want to conduct a second business you have to obtain a second work permit for another $1000.

If you want to do business, you are required by Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) to pay $500,000 in capital investment in cash or kind.

These are a few examples in policy and practice that we face as Repatriates or people looking to reconnect with our African heritage.

Now, let us go back to the North.

The Nayiri declared that as for his children who have Returned home, it is the people’s duty to feed, clothe, house and protect us. In fact, he insisted that if we came

back to the North to resettle, no one can force us to go back to the West. We are his children and thus we belong here.

To address his own question: What is that we want (as Black people who have Returned home from the African Diaspora)?

The Nayiri provided the answer. He immediately consulted his Chiefs and within 2 weeks, we were offered land for our resettlement and for economic development. Furthermore, he stated that if the land given was not sufficient, he would give us more land.

The Nayiri used his influence to advocate for our Right To Return. In 4 weeks, after we met him, the African Diaspora community was called in for interviews for Ghana Citizenship.

On November 27, 2019, 126 African Descendants born in the West, received our Citizenship Rights back. The place was an atmosphere of euphoria with jubilation at the Presidential Jubilee House.

With our citizenship rights restored, we felt truly welcomed …. Akwaaba at last, 400 years later!

The Right to Return declaration as expressed and implemented from Naa Bohugu Mahima Abdulai Sheriga resonated well in our African hearts and soul. His motivation appeared to be different from our experience at Ghana immigration, GIPC and the “African Diaspora Bank for Ghana.” Oh, there isn’t one? There might as well be! Ching, Ching!

There are organisations that are set up to handle the return of people from the Diaspora based in Ghana. The problem seems to be a total disconnection from the message that is being put out in the manifesto, compared to the actual implementation of the scheme. These organisations are heavily funded by government in Ghana and across Africa, and we would hope that they will be regularly monitored to ascertain the transparency of the scheme, and organisations involved. This is a very serious matter and should not be taken lightly, especially when Ghana’s President is openly advertising the Right To Return in ‘Destination Ghana’.

• The Nayiri’s father (centre) with Kwame Nkrumah - the first Prime Minister and President of Ghana

BE BOLD! CONFERENCE

Aroyal

procession, led by HRH Ohene Nana Agyemang Nyamekye Amlak Aduana Hene of Kwakye Dida Nsuta Ashanti, preceded an eventful, though-provoking prelude to The Phoenix Newspaper 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards Show, which came under the theme of ‘Be Bold! Conference’. It was also time for the unveiling of the ‘bold’ Phoenix Africa!

The multi-faith Conference began, by welcoming Professor John Azumah, Executive Director of the Sannah Institute, in Ghana, who talked of the advance of the country – on a worldwide basis – as more and more people are turning to the country, for many reasons.

Within his speech, he said: “As one of the first countries – south of the Sahara region - to gain independence from our former colonial masters, we are also one of the leading west African countries blessed with on-going peace, in the region – something that we don’t take for granted. We take pride in being so uniquely multireligious”, he went on, “and as such, there is no better place in west Africa”.

An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church and associate professor of World Christianity and Islam, Prof. Azumah is one of the leaders in Islam and Christian–Muslim relations and he is currently working on research in the area of World Christianity and Islam.

Following this, was the introduction of the ‘Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation’ by its director, Dr Josef Boehel, a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, UK, who talked about his vision “is that the process of forgiving is vital if healing and reconciliation are to take place, as part of our collective efforts to seek justice, harmony and sustainable peace.

“Fostering and practising forgiveness,” he continued, “has the power to transform memories and deep-seated responses to legacies of injustice, conflict and war. It can liberate people from being imprisoned in their pasts and long ingrained mental and emotional conditions.

“Faith and spiritual traditions guide and inspire us to awaken the best of our human potential,

by practising compassion, mercy, kindness, love, forgiveness and reconciliation, and to positively reshape our destinies. We, people, mindful of our shared humanity, commit to practise and nurture forgiveness and reconciliation, to foster healing, harmony, justice and sustainable peace in our world”.

His presence, which was live screened, pre-empted a panel, which included Sheik Anyawo Shaibu, who is the spokesperson for the National Chief Imam of the Republic of Ghana, the Head at the Department for the Study of Religion at the University of Ghana, Professor Rose Mary Amengo-Atego, Ambassador Mussie Hailu of the United Religions initiative, Global Peace Foundation and the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Reverend Dr Cyril G.K. Fayosa.

The theme, ‘Building Towards Peaceful Communication’, highlighting the challenges faced on ground level and the relevant steps to take to solve the issues, and what’s working well? And what is not?

The panel went on to discuss the ‘Peace Charter for Forgiveness and Reconciliation’ and its worldwide movement of people seeking forgiveness, reconciliation, justice and sustainable peace – as well as being aware of the oneness of our human family.

This, before the focus turned on to what mechanisms were needed to address whether enough have been, and will be, done to address the significant issues and move forward.

After facing a barrage of questions from the floor, and allaying queries and doubts, and adhering to the collective drive forward, for Ghana, Africa, and indeed, the world-at-large, a

second panel discussion – ‘The Primacy of Forgiveness and Reconciliation for Peacebuilding in Africa’ – included the chair of the National Peace Council, Rev, Dr Ernest Adu Gyamfi, academic Hajia Fatima Sulamanu, who is a National Trustee at the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Ghana, Prof. John Azumah and Bhai Sahib Mohinder Singh Ji, chair of the Guru Nanak Nishkam Sevak Jatha, in Birmingham, Co. President of the Gandhi Foundation, the Hon. Ela Gandhi, who is the granddaughter of Mahatma (Gandhi) gave a recorded message, which was a continuation of the anti-colonialist and political ethicist message once lauded by her grandfather.

She highlighted the idea of mobilising communities – in all aspects for an easy transformation for forgiveness and reconciliation, to facilitate change in others.

“The biggest challenge,” she said, “would be to convince others that change is the only way forward.”. the panel then went on to discuss ‘The Primacy of Forgiveness and Reconciliation for Peace in Africa’ which, as one point, was the role of women in society as a whole.

“One thing is vitally important,” said one speaker from the floor, “and that is -regardless of sex, faith, or age, it’s about bringing people together. If we really want to make a change, we must engage with young people if we want to make a change for the future. So, please, let’s engage with the children.”

That was the perfect pre-cursor for the main reason for our being there, the unveiling of ‘Phoenix Africa’ which took place after group photos were taken for the morning session, and breaking for lunch which was compliments of The Phoenix Newspaper for all delegates.

The afternoon session was moderated by Alistair Soyode, and began with the unveiling of The Phoenix Africa by the team, led by one of the leading team members, Bernard Kwakye. He would then present it to the audience, who, themselves, could not wait to be part of what promises to be a very bright future.

This draws on the sentiment of the message of the morning to engage with the youth of today, giving them a platform and a voice to write their own narrative.

It was after then that one of our specially invited guests, Commander RJ Walters, defence adviser to Accra & Non-Resident Attaché Adidjan, Lome and Cotonou, facilitated by Honorary Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin and Wing Commander Howard Leader of the Royal Auxilliary Air Force in the UK, entered on stage and spoke of Ghana and the Commonwealth.

The country’s role, moving forward, was laid bare for the country - in particular and west Africa, in general, the highlight of the message here.

“How are we perceived in this area?” Cdr Walters asked. “I think that the UK is seen as a trusted partner”, he said. “Like training Ghanaian officers at training schools in the UK.

“Moving forward,” he went on, “is that we want to see Ghanaian officers trained here, in Ghana, so that African solutions can be made for African problems. So, we want to train Ghanaian officers in Ghana, and likewise others similarly in nations in and around the region, and beyond.” A message that was endorsed on by host, RAF Media Reserves’ Cpl Jonathan Sarabadu, representing The Phoenix Newspaper.

“Whatever it is,” CEO of BEN TV Alistair Soyode, said, “there’s

always dignity and integrity in culture.” It was then that Stephen Osle-Ameche of Green Tropics International Group, Ghana, and Hotel Chocolat Plc, UK, who introduced the ‘Working in Partnership to Promote Gentle Farming and other ForwardThinking Initiatives in The Cocoa Sector’, to join a new panel.

“I represent a group”, Stephen said, “that is known in Ghana as the Green Tropics International Group. As part of the biodiversity, they create specialized chocolate and, for the past 20 years, have had funds provided to take on and train young people - in their Gentle Farming Scheme, for them to then take on and develop their own businesses.

“For every acre of land they produce, we will give them 450 high-grade cocoas, as part of the ‘Young Farmers Support Scheme, which is free of charge. So, when cocoa is removed from the land, we would see that the land is replenished”.

"That is just one of the many engagement initiatives that makes Green Tropics International Group, Ghana, and Hotel Chocolat Plc, UK, so uniquely special, when it comes to engagement – at all levels."

Khori Hyde was last to speak at the Conference. A Chief Diaspora Representative at real estate development and management group, Moorland Development, in Jamaica, he spoke from the heart when he said: “Boy Ghana, when I looked out of the plane window, I said ‘bwoy, I’m home.

“I grew up in Jamaica, but to be part of this homeland… WOW!

“I came here to talk about Moorland Development, but I want to talk about ‘peace of mind’, because when you have peace of mind, we Caribbeans are healing. And I am evidence of that reconciliation. We in the Caribbean were disconnected, centuries ago. We are now healing, as part of our reconciliation process.

“I am proud to be part of this great gathering of great African leaders, and African kings and queens –my brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, great grandfathers and great grandmothers. I’m proud to be here (in Ghana) to be part of The Phoenix Newspaper’s 10th Anniversary celebrations

“At Moorland Development we believe in developing communities and we believe in ‘strength in affinity’. All which is inspired by nature. Moorland is offering you a ‘home-from-home’.

“In this room,” he went on, “we are one love, with one heart… so, let’s just get together and feel alright!" as he emotionally burst into a rendition of 'One Love' by the late great Bob Marley. Which, for all who took up this once-in-a-lifetime African adventure, was the least we all felt!

l Bhai Sahib Ji

l Commander RJ Walters

l Alistair Soyode

l Khori Hyde

l Dr Alex Akwaeze

Peace Charter For Forgiveness And Reconciliation

THE ACCRA DECLARATION

Itwas Destination: Ghana as The Phoenix Newspaper marked ten glorious years of being the only internationally read positive, informative, and objective publication.

And, to mark this auspicious occasion, it was time for the great and the good, from home and abroad, to gather – in Accra!

The continent was calling for a piece of The Phoenix action, and they got it –in splendour and abundance. This, for the team, it proved a dream coup – for everyone who witnessed this marvel, it was, without doubt, an unbelievable celebration – for the TPN Media team, as a whole and its creator, Air Commodore Dr Marcia McLaughlin F.Birm.Soc, in particular.

Now an established fixture on

the UK’s annual Awards calendar, and Birmingham’s International Convention Centre’s No.1 Awards event, Air Commodore Dr Marcia (our truly fearless leader) saw fit to have this, our 10th Anniversary, celebrated at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, in Ghana’s capital city, concluding on her promise made in 1997 to the Chief in the Mampong Region of the Ashanti to provide for Ghana.

In the presence of some of Africa’s leading Kings and Queens, Spiritual Leaders and other renowned dignitaries, from the continent and further afield, this, in many ways, was the ultimate destination – for the ultimate Awards Show.

“This was a fantastic evening where we recognise some of the wonderful people from across Africa,” Dr Marcia said in a special speech, “and we also proudly give away specially diamond cut glass batons to everyone who has done remarkable service for their community.

“We also give a special tribute to the Nayiri, one of our greatest rulers, who has done so much for his community and thank all the African Kings, Queens, and Spiritual Leaders

Thank you, too, also went out to the Guru Nanak Nishkam

Sewak Jatha, in Birmingham, especially its Spiritual Leader and Chair, Bhai Sahib Bhai Dr Mohinder Singh. They visited Ghana to use it as a platform to launch their ‘Peace Charter’ initiative – a charter for peace and reconciliation.

Dr Marcia also gave great thanks to St. Peter’s Lutheran School, in Accra –“an amazing bunch of young people,” she said, “who showed that when young people get together, they are a joy. (More was to come from St. Peter’s).

“Take this opportunity to embrace Phoenix Africa and thank you, Ghana”, she finished off saying, “for accepting our invite”, before her chosen song; ‘My Special Prayer‘, sung by Percy Sledge, enhanced the spirit that led the Conference.

And after Nishkam Civic Engagement and Partnerships Director, Amrick Singh Ubhi expressed the honour for the Nishkam Centre to be invited to be part of this memorable trip – with the blessing of a present Bhai Sahib Jiand highlighting the Nishkam’s worldwide brand he invited their dedicated volunteers on stage, whose performance was the perfect prelude to what followed.

“Quite the most fantastic group of young people you have ever seen in your life,” RAF Media Reserves, Cpl. Jonathan Sarabadu who was representing The Phoenix Newspaper, said, as he introduced St. Peter’s Lutheran School to the stage at the 5-Star venue which was perfect for them.

And, boy, he was so right as their version of Labi Siffre’s ‘Something

l Alistair Soyode, CEO of BEN TV

l

RAF Media Reserves, Cpl onathan Sarabadu

l Chef Kano with Jonathan Sarabadu and Khori Hyde

l Roland Joseph Tetteh and his daughter

l Khori Hyde with Paul Harrison and Alistair Soyode

Inside So Strong’, followed by their rendition of the Bill Withers classic, ‘Lean On Me.’

To say ‘tears flowed’ after that was an understatement, to say the least.

To see those young, impressionable children perform on stage, in front of a packed room, you’d feel that they were intimidated by that. Not in the slightest! They all took it in their collective strides and received a standing ovation for their efforts.

And, not finishing there, the young boys and girls couldn’t leave the stage until they received special Phoenix gifts – for just being very special young people.

Ghana’s future is bright. No mistake there. And that was just the beginning.

Now, it was time to eat. And, without doubt, if it’s hospitality you’re looking for, the 5-star Mövenpick Hotel had it in spades, as the food laid on, and the staff on-hand made this night very, very special for all concerned – especially us at The Phoenix Newspaper!

But it was onto the Awards, which, with great anticipation, was as follows:

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Nana Kweku Agyemang Leadership and Empowerment Award

Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings Educational Excellence Award Ben Amoako Community Engagement Award Nana Tangme Ababio Mamano International Excellence Award Alistair Soyode Business of the Year Dr Kwadwo Safo Kantanka

Editor’s Award ‘King’ Chef Kano Charity of the Year Rev. Dr Sam Ato Bentil

Lifetime Achievement Award

Humanitarian Award

One of the attractions was when Nana Tangme Ababio Mamano came to receive her Community Engagement Award for her work in the Kumasi Ashanti region, she created quite the spectacle with drums and dancing from her seat to the stage.

It was then left to Paul Harrison, who, having emphasized his call to always continue to “support one another,” then led the continuation of the presentations - by this time, The Phoenix Newspaper Baton Awards, which would then bring to a close what was an overwhelmingly awe-inspiring 10th Anniversary Dinner & Gala Awards presentation and Conference, the likes of which WILL live in the memories of all in Ghana, all who were present, and all of us here at The Phoenix Newspaper!

Whilst it was an incredibly immense honour and pleasure to be able to be a part of what took place at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, to celebrate The Phoenix Newspaper’s 10th Anniversary and to launch Phoenix Africa, this truly was all that was hoped for and expected, plus much, much more! See you next year!

The Phoenix Newspaper would like to thank our Partners, The Nishkam Centre

for their contribution towards this event.

We are grateful that they chose us, and our 10th Anniversary as the platform to launch the Peace Charter in Africa.

We would like to thank our sponsors Victoria Mutual, for their vision and sponsorship of the Be Bold! Conference.

And special recognition goes out to Roland Joseph Tetteh, Content Editor of Phoenix Africa, who has stood by Dr Marcia since 1997 through all of her endeavours.

Also to Dr Alex Akwaeze, whose dedication, determination and desire to make change in his country of Nigeria and has given 8 years of service to this mission.

To Bernard Kwakye, Operations Manager Ghana for Phoenix Africa, and his team, Rhoda Adjowa Ampeaw and Michael Edem Attivor, for their dedication to deliver positivity to Ghana over the last 4 years.

None of this would be possible without a very important 'glue' - our Head of Production and Technical Affairs, Mr Daniel Riley, alongside Mr Steven Williams, Content Editor for The Phoenix Newspaper UK, and Mr Mark Dwayne for Social Media Marketing and Advertising.

Finally, we would like to thank Cpl Jonathan Sarabadu for taking up the challenge of hosting both events, Mr Alistair Soyode for facilitating and moderating the afternoon session of the conference, and Mr Paul Harrison for his expertise in Public Relations and handling our dignitaries and Royal guests.

Nana Prof Susubribi Krobea Balfour Asante

Naa Bohugu Mahami Abdulai Shiriga

l HRH Nana Amlak with Chef Kano

The SUSTAINABILITY Story Of

Thename and taste on the lips of growing numbers of chocolate lovers across the world is that of Hotel Chocolat, a British company working closely with growers in St Lucia and now in Ghana to produce, arguably, one of the finest range of chocolate products on the planet.

But the Hotel Chocolat brand is not just about presenting a fine quality product, it is about using that opportunity to improve the lives of growers and develop new farming practises which are kinder to the environment and promote bio-diversity.

This approach has resulted in nothing less than a revolution in British chocolate and has caught the imaginations of a world of chocolate devotees.

It’s all thanks to the vision of two highly principled entrepreneurs, Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris who set out simply to make chocolate exciting again.

Chocolate eaters got their very first taste of Hotel Chocolat’s products when the first shop

opened in London in 2004.

Today customers can shop in 140 stores as well as cafes, restaurants, outlets and factory stores. There are more than 40 Hotel Chocolat stores in Japan and fans of chocolate can even holiday in the Hotel Chocolat luxury ecohotel on its working cacao farm in the Caribbean.

This is impressive growth by any business standard, but it is underpinned by three defining principles enshrined in every aspect of the business: Originality, Authenticity and Ethics.

Original because Hotel Chocolat is on a constant quest to be fresh, creative and innovative and always one surprising step ahead, taking inspiration from their cacao farms’ lush rainforest surroundings and classic British desserts and tipples.

Authentic because, as growers with direct links to cacao farmers in the Caribbean and now in Ghana, Hotel Chocolat has an intricate understanding of how to turn quality cacao beans into their irresistible products.

Ethical because the company recognises that its hard working

customers have earned the right to excellent chocolate and that too many of the world’s farmers are working too hard to produce cheap cacao.

Hotel Chocolat is on a mission to bring the world’s love of chocolate back to the farmers who make it possible by ensuring that its farmers receive a fairer share of the rewards and the tools and expertise they need to grow exceptional cacao.

The result of applying these principles can be seen in the end chocolate products, in the lives of growers and in incremental improvements to the environment.

WHAT MAKES HOTEL CHOCOLAT DIFFERENT?

From the beginning Hotel Chocolat has challenged convention and broken the chocolate “rules”.

Ten years ago, when Easter egg producers were making their egg shells as thin as possible, Hotel Chocolat opted to go for “ridiculously thick” shells resulting in a snappable “feast”

which caused an instant sensation. When the world was wedded to bars of chocolate being produced in square bit-sized pieces, Hotel Chocolat literally broke the mould and introduced their now iconic Giant Slab, inspired by the shape of the molten chocolate when poured onto the cool marble of the chocolatier’s table.

Such has been the Hotel Chocolat devotion to quality at every step from farm to customer that the company has created the world’s first “single-cote” chocolate to distinguish fine chocolate in much the same way that fine wines can be traced to individual vineyards and harvests, putting Hotel Chocolat products in a unique position.

Behind the scenes at the company’s Cambridgeshire head quarters, some of the world’s finest chocolatiers, food technicians and flavorists are always working on new ways of extending the enjoyment of chocolate with innovations like the Supermilk which gives Hotel Chocolat products its unique style, or Nutmilk for their vegan

alternative products.

The innovation goes on always seeking ways to make more of every part of the cacao product and excite a demanding public appetite.

Experience counts for everything and Hotel Chocolat, having paid close attention to every facet of the growing and making of chocolate over the past twenty years, can now claim to be in a truly unique position as a leading industry innovator.

Hotel Chocolat is one of the world’s few chocolate makers to actually grow cocoa, on its beautiful Rabot Estate cacao farm in Saint Lucia and is translating that experience now to growers in Ghana.

Connecting cocoa-growing with luxury chocolate making and retailing gives Hotel Chocolat an in-depth understanding of the factors that impact the final flavour of the chocolate, right from the growing tree.

Centuries ago, the Mayan people revered the potent cocoa bean as a gift from the gods, but somewhere along the way its power has been lost in translation or perhaps in transaction.

As sugar prices have dropped, British chocolate has focused increasingly on sweetness. Today, sugar is 20 times cheaper than cocoa, and a typical bar of milk chocolate contains more than twice as much sugar as cocoa.

Hotel Chocolat has been determined to break that cycle and its mantra has always been ‘More Cocoa, Less Sugar’.

From the outset, the company founders’ principle was that: “Cocoa will always be our number-one ingredient, even in

milk and white chocolate.

“Most of the world’s ‘chocolate’ is laden with sugar – flip over the next bar you see and check. Our house-grade milk chocolates, meanwhile, are 40% and 50% cocoa, and even our white chocolate is 36% cocoa, well above the average”.

This balance of cocoa to sugar is crucial: high levels of sugar dull the flavours of the cocoa itself, denying tasters all those nuanced notes such as citrus, red and yellow fruits, coffee and brownie and masking the quality of the cocoa so that poorer quality beans can be used.

“Hotel Chocolat is also committed to using only real, natural ingredients – nothing artificial, ever. Nature supplies all we need.”

All of this sets the scene for what a growing number of Cacao farmers are pioneering in Ghana where over 97% of Hotel Chocolat’s cacao is now grown.

This agricultural effort now sees Hotel Chocolat working with more than two and half thousand farming partners in Ghana embracing the close involvement of the Green Tropics Group, a key National Government Organisation committed to reversing the recent losses of native forest and habitat.

Operating its “Engaged Ethics” principles which are rooted in Hotel Chocolat’s deep sense of the need for fairness to farmers, customers and future generations, experience of the way in which farmers lives have transformed in Saint Lucia is already beginning to have an effect among the company's growers in Ghana.

Last year Hotel Chocolat

launched its “Gentle Farming” programme: a pioneering initiative that seeks to further enhance the lives of farmers in Ghana.

This programme gives a guarantee that Hotel Chocolat’s farming partners will have a certified Living Income, in return for working with them to ensure that sustainability goals are met, and robust commitments to ethical labour practices are maintained.

Hotel Chocolat is also working with cooperatives and grower schemes in other parts of the world that adhere to these same ethical principles.

Angus Thirwell passionately believes that: “Being ethical is at the heart of everything we do, and it’s been rooted in our brand from the very beginning. We treat workers fairly, tread lightly on the planet, strive to leave things better than we found them and act with a conscience.”

Hotel Chocolat believes that ethical cacao production is a journey, not a destination. Companies that really want to get it right need to continually reflect, re-asses, measure and develop their ethical business practices and learn about the complexities and nuances of each region they work with. These methods are not fixed entities, they grow just like the cacao we all love so much.

That’s why Hotel Chocolat confidently claims that their cacao is ethical, whether in St Lucia or Ghana or in other regions around the world.

And this claim is underwritten by the Hotel Chocolat Cacao Sustainability Charter which is set out like this:

KNOW YOUR FARMER

• Traceability back to exact farm location

• Understanding farmer age and gender as part of our commitment to preventing child labour

Our vision:

Farmers work on a professional and diverse farm, which is self-sustaining

Key achievements:

We’ve appointed an independent agency to interview our farmers to identify what they require, in order to further improve our programmes

PROSPERITY

• Raising incomes to Living In come standards.

• Funding best practice educa tional and Young Farmer pro grammes to encourage cacao farming as a viable career, and sustainably improve farm yields.

• Gentle Farming program (Sep 2021 onwards, Ghana) to fur ther improve climate change resilience and enhance biodi versity.

Our Vision:

Cacao farmers deserve the same respect as growers of fine Syrah and Chardonnay grapes. They are fairly compensated so that they can afford a living income for themselves and their families.

Key achievements:

• Weekly radio shows share farming tips with remote communities

• Guarantee to buy all yields from our farmers.

• Guarantee to pay a premium price per kg significantly above market-rate: Equitable or better than Fair Trade.

COMMUNITY

• Putting the infrastructure in place to support the health and education of our farming

communities

• Child labour prevention

Our Vision:

Robust structures are in place that enable communities and government to continually address the root causes of child labour and

confirmed not adjacent to protected land

• Six nurseries that we fund in Ghana alone have supplied over 100,000 quality tree seedlings this year.

This highly principled holistic approach to business reflects Hotel Chocolat’s genuine concern for not only creating world class chocolate, but for creating a better world, working in a way that is kind to our planet and reversing the trend for destroying our natural environment in pursuit of short term profit.

This is how two cocoa growers in Ghana sum up their early experience of working with Hotel Chocolat:

to be a cocoa farmer, the best one! I started on a piece of land that my mother gave to me. “They took me to Bunso cocoa training institute and taught me a whole lot, not only about cocoa farming but about crops like maize to give shade to the cocoa, so you get a little income from that before getting your main income from the cocoa.

“I get excited to see my cocoa plants produce a good yield. Compared with what my grandparents were doing it’s far better than the old days because if you follow the procedure you produce a whole lot of good yields and you will earn more income than our grandparents did.

“I use this income to take care of my kids. The cocoa farming gave me money to pay their school fees and for me to feed them.

adapt best practice to prevent it

Key achievements:

• Over 2,500 medical treatments at the medical centre in Osuben that we funded.

• 6 boreholes providing clean water for farming communities in 2019 and 2020.

• Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation scheme operating in Ghana

• Gentle Farming Charter (Sep 2021 onwards, Ghana) to level up existing strategies and provide even greater community support, including total eradication of child labour.

ENVIRONMENT

• Encouraging and facilitating tree planting

• Ensuring no deforestation

• Shade-growing and biodiversity incentivised and measured.

• Farms GPS-mapped to help monitor the above commitments

Our Vision: Farmers’ land is free from deforestation, and farming practice is environmentally friendly, including crop diversification and to mitigate climate change impacts. This is continually monitored and adapted in accordance with the latest best practice.

Key achievements:

• Farmers commit to zero deforestation in return for premium price

• All farms GPS-mapped and

Sophia: “My children are the main reason why I am cultivating cocoa. I started my cocoa farm 20 years ago. I am 45 years old. I couldn’t attend school, so I decided to farm cocoa so that I can take good care of my children.

“Now that I have found out about the programme premium, I’m so excited. The group has really helped me a lot because accessing loans to expand or manage my farm is now easy. I used to weed the farm myself because I didn’t have enough to hire extra hands.

“I always pay the loans back when I sell my cocoa beans. I am really happy to hear that we the cocoa farmers are going to enjoy this new payment - now I can take really good care of myself and my children.”

Monica: “I like chocolate, when I was a kid my mother used to buy it for me. I was listening to the radio one day and they wanted young ladies and gents to be in cocoa farming, and said if you are interested, you should come and pick up a form.

“My grandma used to be a cocoa farmer so I decided

“Now my first son is to join the Air Force in the near future and the little girl wants to be a nurse so I am praying for her too, and my little boy wants to be a soldier. So I am praying that everything will go on by God’s will."

• Peter Harris, Co-Founder and Development Director of Hotel Chocolat

• Sophia, one of Hotel Chocolat’s cocoa growers in Ghana

• Monica, a cocoa grower in Ghana for Hotel Chocolat

• Angus Thirlwell, Co-Founder and CEO of Hotel Chocolat

QATAR'S FIFA WORLD CUP BREAKING NEW GROUNDS IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

The

FIFA 2022 World Cup is only days away and, as per almost every tournament previously, the 'usual suspects' are there again - as favourites for winning the thing, with 5-times winners, Brazil, leading many a poll as the time most likely to lift the gold trophy.

Followed by holders, France, England are also up there - as third favourites in Qatar, whilst South Anerican giants, Argentina are slightly ahead of European World Cup stalwarts, Spain and Germany. Runnig from November 20, this will be the 22nd edition of the ultimate international football competition.

But it will, however, be the very first time that FIFA is taking the competition to the Middle East, with Qatay this very first nation to be host there.

In another brave step by the world governing body to break away from what used to be seen as a 'EuropeanAmerica' stronghold, FIFA's efforts to make it a truly 'world' World Cup must be - in the wholecommended. Furthermore, there is yet another 'first', in the coming weeks as Stephanie Frappart makes groundbreaking history as one of three women to referees to officiate in the World Cup in its's 92 years. It will not be the first time for French national, Frappart, to referee

a 'high-level, high-octane football match. In 2019, she took charge of UEFA Super Cup Final between Chelsea and Liverpool and, that year, also refereed the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final between the USA & the Netherlands.

The other two female FIFA Qatar World Cup officials are Japanese national, Yoshimi Yamashita and Rwandan native, Salima Mukansanga. And the historymaking continues as the hosts, Qatar, will have its first referee in the tournament’s history, as Abdulrahman Al-Jassim will be taking his place, as one of the 36 referees to take part in one of sport's greatest ever occasions.

WOMEN’S WORLD ATHLETE OF THE YEAR 2022 SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

Jamaican

sprinters ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson are among the 10 nominees for World Athletics' Women's Athlete of the Year award.

World 400m champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas and Kenya's 1500m world champion Faith Kipyegon are also on the list.

Five athletes will be shortlisted in November before the winner is announced in December. Jamaican sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah won last year's award.

It has been a stand-out year for 35-year-old Fraser-Pryce, who won a record fifth women's 100m world title and ran the fourthfastest women's 100m in history when she clocked 10.62 seconds. Her compatriot Jackson is the world 200m champion and ran a world-leading 21.45secs to move to second on the all-time list.

The USA’s' Sydney McLaughlin, shortlisted for last year's award, is also in contention after breaking the world 400m hurdles record with 51.41secs at the US Championships and further improving the world record to 50.68 to win the world title.

Nigeria's Tobi Amusan, who is the world 100m hurdles champion, also made the cut along with Venezuelan triple jumper Yulimar Rojas, who was on the shortlist last year but has since improved her world record to 15.74m at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade.

World shot put champion Chase

Ealey, world 20km and 35km race walk champion Kimberly Garcia and world indoor high jump champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh are also on the list of nominees.

The Women's Athlete of the Year longlist are: Tobi Amusan (Nigeria), Sydney McLaughlin

and Chase Ealey (USA), ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson (Jamaica), Kimberly Garcia (Peru), Faith Kipyegon (Kenya), Yaroslava Mahuchikh (Ukraine), Yulimar Rojas (Venezuela) and Shaunae MillerUibo (Bahamas).