Hon Richard Turkson and Former Gov Gen of Canada

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Dr. Richard Turkson is dead. He died Wednesday morning after a short illness.
Dr. Turkson had only days ago played host to President John Mills who paid a four day official visit to Canada.

Profile of Dr Richard Turkson
Dr. Richard B. Turkson was from 1990 to 1993 Africa Regional Director of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) whose headquarters is located in London, UK. In November 1993, he was reassigned to the newly-created post of IPPF Legal Consultant (Africa), a position he held until July 1995.
He has been Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Ghana, Legon; Visiting Professor, Temple University Law School, Philadelphia, USA; Commonwealth Secretariat Technical Expert attached to the Department of Law, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius; Member of the General Legal Council, the statutory body charged with the function of regulating the legal profession in Ghana; National President, Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, and Member of the National Census Technical Advisory Committee (2000 Population and Housing Census).
He has led several Ghana Government delegations to meetings of the UNFPA Executive Board (1998-2000) and the UN Commission on Population and Development (2002 and 2003). He also actively participated as a member of Ghana Government delegations to The Hague Forum (1999); the ICPD + 5 Review (New York, 1999); the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS (2001), and the ICPD + 10 Review (New York, 2004).
He has been a member of the Ghana Bar for a long time and has practised extensively in the Courts of Ghana as Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor of the Supreme Court. He was Vice-Chairman-cum-Rapporteur of the 35th Session of the UN Commission on Population and Development (2002-2003).
Before his appointment as High Commissioner, he was on retirement from the Public Service of Ghana and consulting for non-governmental organizations such as IPPF Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya, IPAS Africa Alliance Office, Nairobi, Kenya, African Population Advisory Council, Nairobi, Kenya.

His broad areas of interest include the following:
gender and human rights, particularly promotion and protection of sexual and reproductive rights at the national and international levels
the critical role of African parliamentarians and other law-making institutions in promulgating relevant laws affecting sexual and reproductive health and rights.

His publications and conference presentations include:
The Family Planning Movement in Africa: the Pathway to Recognition;
Reproductive Rights within the Context of Current International Human Rights Instruments;
The History of Family Planning in West Africa: 1964 – 2004 and Legal and Policy Barriers to Family Planning in Swaziland, Zambia, Senegal and Burkina Faso (edited by Turkson and published by IPPF as a tool for advocacy at the NGO Forum preceding the historic Beijing Conference in 1995).
Amongst Dr. Turkson’s expectations as High Commissioner for Ghana are the following:
To work together with his compatriots resident in Canada and interested Canadians to generally empower our women, particularly those in the rural areas, to eliminate or alleviate poverty and all those factors which hinder development.

This should go a long way in achieving the Millennium Development Goals;
To search for meaningful opportunities for investment by Canadian partners in the oil and mining sectors;
To search for similar opportunities in value-added agro-processing and access to Canadian markets for Ghanaian non-traditional exports.

31 outstanding individuals were honoured for their contributions to the Ghanaian community in Canada, our motherland Ghana and the Canadian society as a whole. The guest speaker was Mr. Arkoh-Forson, presently, a vice-principal at Dunbarton High School in Pickering, Ontario, who was a Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Award recipient for Excellence in Education in 2008. Dr. Isaac Odame, a nationally and internationally recognized expert on sickle cell disease who works with Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) Toronto, and Dr. Okraku a dentist, were honoured in the Professional Excellence category. Mrs. Anna Aidoo, a motivational speaker and host of “the Anna Aidoo Show”, Noah Boakye Yiadom who in 2001 received the Governor General’s Award for volunteer service, Ms. Bernice Adjei, nurse and teacher, who has been active in the community for over 20 years, Richard Boakye (Abrantie) host of Vibes Afrique and Co-host of Talking Drums show at CHRY 105.5 Fm Radio in Toronto, Mrs. Pascalle Tanty Soga, vice president of the Ghanaian Association of Ottawa, who also has been active in Ottawa for over 20 years, Johnson Osei (Yaw John), a social worker in Vancouver, BC. whose contributions to the cultural life of Ghanaian communities across Canada has also been immense and Ms. Alberta Lawson of Ottawa, Ontario, a senior banking officer at Bank of Nova Scotia, who has continued to serve her community since immigrating from Ghana in 2003 were honoured for Community Service.

Mr. and Mrs. Mireku Asare of Afrocan Direct Import Inc. of Brampton, Ontario, Ms. Vida Mentu of God’s Glory Grocery in Calgary and Paul Nsiah of Six Star Auto Mechanic were offered awards in Community Business. Nii Okai Robertson who has recorded 10 albums clinched the Hi-Life Music award as Isaac Wilson also known as “Minister Ike” whose album was among the top 10 in Ghana (2009 & 2010), Seth Boateng and Evelyn Antwi from Toronto, jointly bagged the Gospel Music award. Nana Amoako Gyampah, Sumankwaahene who has been a true exponent of Ghanaian Culture was given the Cultural Promotion award . Sumankwaahene electrified the whole hall with his antics as he tried to ward off the evil spirits in the room with his whisk, “bodua”. Miss. Stephanie Atuahene, who has gained admission to University of Toronto’s (U of T) prestigious business school, Rotman Commerce with a President’s Entrance scholarship, Mrs. Linda Okrah Boateng who graduated form Loma Linda University of Medicine in California USA with a degree in medicine, Kofi Opoku-Amoah, matriculate from Ottawa University in 2010 with the degree honours Bachelors of Science with a specialization in Biochemistry, Miss. Ida Maise Famiyeh, 21 year old Pharmacy Program student of U of T who organized activities for minority high school students to pursue higher education and is involved in many organizations at U of T were also honoured for their academic excellence.

In Sports category, Jamie Adjetey-Nelson who represented Canada at the XIX Commonwealth games in 2010 and won gold in the decathlon event, Miss. Sandra Amoah who also won Athlete of the year award for 4 years in a row, an honour roll student with an over 80% average for 4 years, and Master Nathan Kyeame who won the Canadian U16 300m in 35.87 at the New Legion Canadian Youth Championship in Ottawa last August 2011 were honoured. DJ Akwasi Adjei, the first promoter to bring renowned Ghanaian artists for live performances to Canada was given the Entertainment award. Rocco Kusi Achampong who contested Toronto’s 2010 mayoral position as the youngest candidate, who also runs his own law firm on Bay street, Miss. Linda Arhin, Director, Business Development Personnel, Canadian Western Bank, and Julius Nyarko currently a senior financial analyst, Public Finance at Dominion Bond Rating Service (DBRS) Ltd., a credit rating agency where he rates corporate credits in the public sector were also honoured in the Young Professional Excellence category. Francis Kwadwo Owusu Jnr., Benjamin Asuako and Michael Boamah were given the Young Talent award.

The Christ Redeemer Church Pastor-in-charge Pastor Eric Amoah gave the opening prayer after Mr. Joe Kingsley Eyiah’s introductory remarks for the night. Mr. Emmanuel Ayiku, Publisher /Editor of the Ghanaian News, thanked all who attended the event including all the sponsors for making the night a success. The MCs for the event were Mr. Kweku T. Ackaah-Boafo a lawyer by profession, and Ms. Lucy Crentsil a Ghanaian Gospel Artist and Assistant PRO of Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario based in Toronto. In attendance to grace the occasion were Nana Adu Agyei Bonsafo III, Nsuta Omanhene, Nana Atuahene Karikari I, Nana Anokye Bresiamah, Toronto Asantefuohene, Nana Pokua Gyamfi Kumanini, Toronto Asantefuohemaa. Their entourage added colour and pageantry to the event with their colourful traditional customes. Consul General of Ghana in Toronto-Kwadjo Mawutor, Toronto-based lawyers Jason Schwarz, Anthony Stephen Benjamin also a Toronto Lawyer and Bishop Bob Tacky of World Impact Church, as well as a representative of the York Regional Police were also present. The Consul General in his brief greetings during the occasion admonished all Ghanaians to strive for excellency in all they do within the confines of the laws of the land wherever they reside. Nsuta Omanhene, Nana Adu Agyei Bonsafo III urged Ghanaians to educate their children very well and be law abiding citizens. He added that the honouring of the achievers was a good one. Mr. Kwadjo Mawutor also brought greetings from the government of Ghana and Ghana High Commission. Goodwill messages from The Right Hon. David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Hon. Margarett Best, Minister of Health and Sports Promotion, Eric Jolliffe York Regional Police Chief.

The event was sponsored in part by the following: Peel-Toronto Personnel Management, Jodal Health Care, Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Gloryland Shipping, Moneygram International Inc., Lakeside Estate Ghana, Afrocan Family Foods, Arrow Truck Sales, Police Foundation Department, CLP Fish, Central Market, Queen of Queen’s Beauty Supplies, Sam Auto, Six Star Motors, VMO Promotion Pays, John Anati, Anthony Stephen Benjamin, World Impact Church, Toronto Ghanaian Seventh Day Adventist Church, All Nations Full Gospel church, Ghanaian Presbyterian Church, Ghanaian Congregation St. John’s Anglican Church, Christ Redeemer Church, Bethel Prayer Ministry International, Jason Swartz, Canada College,

The national anthems of both Ghana and Canada were sang by Ms. Lucy Crentsil the co-host at the beginning of the event. Nii Okai Robertson also entertained the audience with authentic Ghanaian hi-life music. The Ghanaian News once again is saying a big thank you to all.

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Source: Ghanaweb and The Ghanaian News Canada

The City of London police said that Adoboli, British educated and of Ghanaian descent, remains in custody at Bishopsgate police station and will appear at City of London magistrates court later on Friday.

“At 12.56hrs the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charging of Kweku Adoboli, from Bethnal Green. City of London police has since charged the 31-year-old with fraud by abuse of position and false accounting. He remains in police custody and is due to appear at City of London magistrates this afternoon,” the police said.

The forced added that the investigation is ongoing and officers continue to work in “close collaboration” with the Financial Services Authority, the Serious Fraud Office and the CPS.

He is understood to have hired Kingsley Napley, the firm of lawyers that represented Nick Leeson when his £800m rogue trading caused the collapse of Barings in 1995. There was no immediate response from the firm of lawyers.

Adoboli was charged after more than 24 hours in Bishopsgate Police Station following his arrest at 3.30am on Thursday morning. His employers tipped off the police at 1am on Thursday after learning about his trading activities on the so-called Delta One desk in the heart of the third floor dealing room in UBS’s headquarters in Liverpool Street.

The Swiss bank is expected to reveal more information about this alleged activities later on Friday.

His registration with the Financial Services Authority was switched to “inactive” on Friday at the request of UBS, indicating that he is no longer working in that role.

There are now expectations that the Swiss bank will scale back its investment banking operation in the City, potentially causing thousands of job cuts among the 6,000 City-based workforce.

The statement said the Ghana Ambassador to China, Mrs Helen Mamle Kofi represented by Mr. Akwasi A. Agyare, Deputy Head of Mission told the students that the theme was timely, especially after the successful and fruitful state visit by Prof John Evans Atta Mills in September 2010. It said the visit further strengthened the bilateral relations that existed between Ghana and China and created a focal point of meaningful collaboration between the two countries. It said Mr Agyare urged the students to see themselves as effective cultural ambassadors of Ghana in China and that NUGS-China could partner and complement the Embassy’s efforts in promoting tourism.

Mr Agyare promised the NUGS-China of the Embassy’s support to complement their goal of strengthening the relations between the two countries and also explore avenues and keep the flag of Ghana flying high in China. It said Mr Samuel Kwadwo Frimpong, the outgoing President of NUGS-China, requested the embassy to create a special fund to assist students who genuinely needed financial help.

He also requested the embassy to employ a staff, who would be sole responsible for students’ affairs, since there were over one thousand Ghanaian students in China and day in and out more trooped in with a lot of challenges. It said Mr Frimpong encouraged the students to take advantage of every opportunity that came their way, since China is one of the fastest growing economies in the world today with lots of opportunities. He asked his colleagues to be law abiding and avoid involving themselves in things that could cause their academic career and future. The statement said Mr Victor Ganyoame, the new President of NUGS-China thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and promised to continue with the good work.

He also asked the Embassy to help to deal with the issue of fraudulent agents, who deceived students in the name of getting them jobs but the victims end up stranded on their arrival in China. It said Mr James Asare Tano, the Chairman of the Ghanaian community in China, who acted as the Chairman of the occasion, also promised the support of the Ghanaian community to the students. The three-day congress was held in Changsha, the capital of Hunan Provence from 3rd to 5th August and was sponsored by Zoomlion Company Limited Ghana with the support of Prime Products International Limited.

Former Ghanaian-American Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate, “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, “Kwame Mayor”, (who is lobbying African-American Community and Political leaders to adopt Homowo, Odwira and Adae Festivals as part of African-American Cultural Festivals in USA), has said that Homowo Festival should be an occasion to feed the World’s hungry and poor People.

“Homowo-USA Festival should be a day for all American People, regardless of race and color, to feed the hungry and donate items to the poor, explained the Pro-American and Pan-Africanist Politician, dubbed “America’s Mandela”.

“Odwira-USA Festival should become the “Thanks-Giving Day” (on African-Americans Calender) — and a day for “Community Purification” of Neighborhoods of defilement and a period of Peace and Exchange of Gifts”.

“Adae-USA Festival should become the day for African-Americans to (re-connect to Africa, the Motherland).

“Akwasidae-USA Festival, or the “Grand Adae Festival”, which will be celebrated on the last Sunday of every Month at every Church or every African-American Church in USA, should be (a day set aside to pray for the entire Community and Neighborhoods, and to pray for the entire Nation), explained the Executive Director of African-Americans / African Cultural Festival.

According to the Festival Organizers, (African-American / African Market Festivals), will be celebrated alongside the Odwira, Adae and Homowo Festivals, every year.

Pleading to Ghanaians around the World to put partisan Politics aside, for the Supreme interest of the Nation, the leader of Ghanaians Abroad Coalition (GAC) — “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, “Kwame Mayor”, noted that the increasing celebration of Ghanaian festivals abroad, could put the Nation on the ‘International Cultural Map’.

Explaining to African-American Audience that Homowo festival is celebrated by the Ga People of Ghana, Pan-Africanist Politician, “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, popularly known by Ghanaians around the World as “Kwame Mayor” — Great Grandson of Asante Adonteng Puduo War Generals, whose very biological Great Grand-Fathers from Bamang, the “Twin Kente Village” of Bonwire in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, led Ashantis’ Glorious wars against Colonialism and Imperialism of “Our White Brothers and Sisters” — has publicly disclosed that African-Americans, who want to (adopt) Homowo-USA, as “Feed the Poor Festival”; Odwira-USA, as “African-Americans’ Thanks-Giving and Community Purification Festival”, Adae-USA as “African-Americans Re-Connection to their Ancestors’ Festival”, and Akwasidae-USA as Special Day to pray for the entire Community and Country”, — will join Ghanaians at a Special Homowo Festival being organized by Ga-Adangbe Association of Southern California, on September 3, 2011, at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Ontario, California, USA, from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

Meanwhile, calling it a “Financial Bonanza” for the West African Country of Ghana, a Non-Profit Organization, Ghana-USA Chamber of Commerce, which is attracting Tourists and Investors to help in the Nation’s development efforts, has publicly announced its first “Annual Pilgrimage to Ghana” project, especially, for Ghanaians in the diaspora — and African-Americans who would like to set foot on the Land of their Ancestors, at least once in their life time.

The Politician, affectionately called “America’s Mandela”, added that a delegation of some Hollywood Stars, led by “Rising African-American Super-Star” — Actor Elijah Rock of wwwElijahRock.Net and YouTube : ElijahRock / Media, who has appeared in some Movies with legendary Denzel Washington, and acted in the Movie “Here Comes the Boom”, which was produced and directed by Ghanaian Beauty Queen, Ms. Gifty Adu-Darko — and moreover, (Actor Elijah Rock), who recently acted in another Movie “Three Blind Saints” to be premiered on October 12, 2011 — has expressed interest to connect to Africa, especially Ghana someday for film projects.

Participants of the “Annual African-Americans / Ghanaians Abroad Pilgrimige to Ghana are expected to visit such places of attraction as : Cape Coast Castle, Dubois Centre, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Presidential House — “Gold House”; National Museum, Manhyia Palace, the “Twin-Kente weaving Villages” of Bonwire and Bamang; the Village of Amaape, Accra Cultural Centre, Lake Bosomtwe, Aburi Gardens, Mole National Park, Paga Crocodile Pond, Adonteng Puduo Royal House at Bamang, Ashanti Region — (the Historic and Mysterious Birth Place of “Kwame Mayor” — the first Ghanaian-American to run for a public office in the history of United States of America, since America gained its Indeendence from Great Britain in 1776); Busia Beach Resort, Kakum National Park, Boti Falls, Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, Nzulezu, Butterfly Sanctuary, Cultural Centre at “Osei-Krom”– Kumasi, the Volta Lake, Akosombo Dam, Statutes, etc.

The Ghana-USA Chamber of Commerce is located at 65 Pine Avenue, Suite 716, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA; Telephone (+562) 489-4010

American People, especially African-Americans, have also been publicly advised to adopt the Cultural Dances of Ghanaians, such as the Cultural Dances of the Northern People of Ghana, Volta Region such as Agbadza Cultural Dance and Akan / Asante Adowa Cultural Dance to exercise the Body, Soul and Mind, said “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Mayor.

“Homowo Festival, which originated from the Ga People of Ghana), kicks-off from August 16, 2011, to September 4, 2011″, the Pan-Africanist Politician noted.

“Also, the new African-American Odwira Festival — “Community Purification”, (which originated from the Akan People of Ghana, and celebrated especially by Akropong-Akuapems), kicks-off September 24 to October 2, 2011″.

“Finally, the new African-American Adae Festival — (“African-Americans’ Commitment to the Creator, God Almighty, and Re-Connecting to Mother Africa”), which originated from the Akan People of Ghana, and celebrated especially by Ashantis, in a Grand style as “Akwasidae”, that is, (Sunday’s Adae Festival) — every six weeks, kicks-off January 16 to February 5, 2012, in Los Angeles, California, at the Famous Leimert. Park, on Crenshaw and 43rd Street”, the Patriotic Politician said.

In the [Akan] tradition, every Male Child born on Saturday is called Kwame, and Omnipotent God or God Almighty is referred to as “Otweaduapon Kwame”.

Organizers explained (further), that African-Americans, Caribbeans and other Blacks in the Diaspora will celebrate the three of Ghana’s popular Homowo, Odwira and Adae Festivals — (annually), across USA, in order to purify Communities and Society of defilement; pray ad fast for Community and Country, make peace in the family and neighborhoods, invite friends, family and neighbours for dinner, re-connect to “Mother Africa”, recognize African-American Community, Political, Civil Rights and Religious leaders, as well as Celebreties, Achievers and Role Models.

(Cultural Performances and Dancing; Drumming, Fashion Shows, African-American and African Music and Movies, and African / African-American Markets will highlight the annual celebration of the three Festivals, across USA.).

Native American Chiefs, Elders and their People are expected to participate in the annual African-American / African Festivals, in their Rich Traditional Regalia, (as a matter of “Cultural Diplomacy”), and there will be African-American / African Cultural Native Dance Competition every year, when the festivals are celebrated.

In what could easily put Ghana’s Cultural Heritage on the “Cultural Map” of United States of America and the International Community, which could attract probably, tens of thousands of Tourists to visit Ghana — former Ghanaian-American Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate, “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, popularly known as “Kwame Mayor”, a “People’s Politician and People’s Cultural Ambassador” in his own right, has publicly invited the Kings and Queen-Mothers of Ashantis, Gas, Akuapems and Akyems, and other Ghanaian Kings and Queen-Mothers throughout the Country : Northern Region, Volta Region, Brong- Ahafo Region, Upper-East, Upper-West Regions, Eastern Region, Western Region, Central Region, etc, etc, to ride in Palanquins in their regalia, amid pomp and pageantry to the cheers of American People through the principal streetrs of USA — as African-Americans / Africans and other Blacks in the Diaspora, prepare to celebrate three of Ghana’s popular Festivals : Homowo, Odwira and Adae, in the United States of America.

For the purpose of full explanation, Odwira-USA Festival purifies African-American Communities; entire Society and Nation of defilement — (a period when no crime is to be committed anywhere, especially in the Neighborhoods — else the gods would be angry !!!), and Adae-USA Festival is a period for African-Americans to dedicate themselves to the Creator, God Almighty, and re-connect themselves to their Roots — “Mother Africa”.

Crime rates in the Nation, especially in the Neighborhoods are expected to drop dramatically during the celebrations of the Homowo-USA, Odwira-USA, and Adae-USA Festivals, since (No) Crime should be committed anywhere in the Country, especially in the Neighborhoods — else the gods will become angry !!!, the organizers said.

U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady, Michelle Obama, the Mayor of the “City of Angeles” — City of Los Angeles, the Governor of California, California Senators, Congressman and Women, State Assembly Members, Members of Congressional Black Caucus, NAACP, ACLU; Political, Community and Religious Leaders and the Nation’s News Media such as Los Angeles Times, Sentinel, LA Watts Times, etc, etc, have all been invited to attend the first African-American / African Homowo, Odwira and Adae Festivals.

Also, Ghana’s President, His Excellency John Evans Atta Mills and his wife, First Lady Naadu Mills; Ghana’s Ambassador to United States of America, His Excellency, Ohene Agyekum and other Government Officials such as Ghana’s Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Ministries of Tourism, Information, Trade, Education, Energy, Local Government, Foreign Affairs, Chieftaincy as well as members of Ghana’s News Media and Online News Media, etc, etc, have all been publicly invited to attend the display of Ghana’s Cultural Festivals in USA.

Local Ghanaian and other African “Community Chiefs and Queens-Mothers”, have also been publicly invited to participate in all the African-American / African Cultural Festivals, to display the richness of their Traditional Regalia, amid riding in Palanquins through the principal streets of USA, to showcase Africa’s Culture and Rich Heritage !!!.

(The highlights of the festivals include : Parade of African-American and African installed or elected Kings / Paramount Chiefs, Divisional Chiefs; Queens and Queen-Mothers through the Principal Streets of USA; Cultural Performances and Dancing; Drumming, Church Services to thank God Almighty for Peace, Protection and Prosperity; Pouring of Libation to Ancestors, Ancestral African gods who served as Intermediaries or Medium to God Almighty; Pouring of Libation to thank and Preserve “Mother Earth”, and Pouring of Libation for People who passed away in the Community; Display of Fashion Shows; Screening of African-American / African Movies, Playing of African-American and Indigenous African Music, and Purchases of Clothes, especially, Traditional African Clothes such as Kente, Kente Mufflers for Kindergarten, Primary, Middle, High School, College and University Graduates; Purchasing of African-American and African Products such as Jewels, Beads, Bangles, Lotion, Soap, and other items at special (“African-American / African Festival Markets”). “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, “Kwame Mayor” hinted that there will be fund-raising at the festivals, to establish the first “Charter Boarding Schools” in USA and Ghana to instil Family Values, train Future Leaders, Scientists, Astranauts, Engineers, Doctors, Nurses, Lawyers, Artists, etc, etc — explaining that his (Model Charter Boarding Schools) could reduce crime and instill discipline.

The Charter Boarding Schools would have Special facilities for Drug Rehabilitation and Counseling.

Fund-raising for Kwame Mayor’s “African / African-Americans Skills Center” will offer Vocational, Technical and Functional Skills and Appretenship to African and African-American Youth to reduce un-employment, said the former Volunteer and Precinct Captain for “Obama for America’s” 2008 Campaign, who has publicly invited President Barack Obama and First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama to the African-American / African Cultural Festivals.

The new African-American Cultural Festivals, which are to be celebrated annually, could once again, vernments in USA, and the African Nation of Ghana — in terms of revenue generation through Tourism and Business / Investment promotion, according to organizers.

Former Ghanaian-American Los Angeles Mayoral Candidate and (aspiring) Presidential Candidate in Ghana — “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, popularly known by Ghanaians around the World as “Kwame Mayor”, (a Pro-American Civil Rights Leader in his own right; Democracy Activist and a Pan-Africanist Politician), publicly introduced the three of Ghana’s popular Akan Festivals — (Odwira and Adae), and Ga Festival — (Homowo), to African-Americans Communities (across USA), or on a National level.

The events have previously been celebrated privately, and / or publicly in certain parts of USA — but (not) at the National level.

“Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, “Kwame Mayor”, the leader of yet to be launched Uhuru People’s Party, (UPP), has amoung its agenda to : achieve total Re-Unification of African-Americans, Caribbeans and other Blacks in the Diaspora — with Africans in the Continent of Africa; acquire Dual-Citizens for African-Americans and other Blacks in the Diaspora in Africa; introduce Bi-Lingual African Languages, such as Asante (Twi) —(one of the World’s easiest Languages to learn, according to Linguists); Swahili, Yoruba, Ibo and Hausa, etc, etc, in American Public Schools — (as the Cultural Right of African-Americans).

Uhuru People’s Party (UPP) also seeks to lobby for African-Americans, Caribbeans and other Blacks in the Diaspora to run for public offices in Africa, especially in the West African Country of Ghana and promote Humane and Democratic Free Market system in Africa, especially, Ghana as an “Engine of Growth and Development”.

The Great Politician, affectionately called “America’s Mandela”, publicly appealed for funds and technical assistance to establish his “Uhuru People’s Party” in Ghana to champion “Common Interests for the sake of developing Mother Africa”. The Ghana’s Presidential Hopeful, “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, “Kwame Mayor”, may enter Guiness Book of Records as the first person to introduce the celebrations of Ghana’s popular Odwira, Adae and Homowo Festivals to African-American Communities in USA. The first African-American (Homowo -USA) Festival, which is an (African-American version of Thanks-Giving !!!), will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 to Sunday, September 4, 2011, at Leimert Park — (Leimert Park Village) — Crenshaw Blvd, and 43rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90008).

Also, the first African-American (Odwira-USA) Festival in USA will be held at Leimert Park in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday, September 24, 2011 to Sunday, October 2, 2011 Furthermore, the first African-American (Adae-USA) Festival will be held at the same venue, Leimert Park, on Monday, January 16, 2012 to Sunday, January 29, 2012. (Attendance is free to the public !!!).

Vendors are expected to call (+562) 489-4010 or email: KwameMayor@Yahoo.Com and make reservations, according to the Founder and Executive Director.

The highlights of the Odwira Festival are as follows :

Performing good deeds to Neighbours and everybody in the Community — (regardless of race and color) : Family Members, Friends, Neighbors, Acquantances, etc; Praying for forgiveness of our sins, Playing Music; Cultural Display of Community Chiefs / Kings and Queens — preferably, in Palanquins, Cultural Drumming and Dancing, Joint African-American / African Market Festivals, Trade Shows, Beauty Contests, Merry-Making, Exchange of Gifts, and inviting People to share meals of Fried Chicken; etc, etc

No Crime should be committed anywhere, especially in the Neighborhoods during the Homowo-USA, Odwira-USA and Adae-USA Festivals — else the gods will be angry !!!, warned the Organizers of the Sacred Festivals, according to the organizers of the Odwira, Adae and Homowo Festivals.

* Source : Uhuru Times

Email: UhuruTimes@Yahoo.Com

(News Signed for Release) : “Osagyefo Dr” Kwame Appiah Boateng, “Kwame Mayor” Telephone (+562) 489-4010 — USA Politician’s Private Email: KwameMayor@Yahoo.Com

He said Ghana would remain peaceful and united before, during and after the elections and called on Ghanaians abroad to return home and contribute to the development of the country.

“Let me assure you that Ghana will not break before, during and after the elections. We will remain united and ready to welcome you to display the skills you have acquired, particularly in the areas of oil and gas,” he said.

Addressing the Ghanaian community in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Wednesday ahead of the AU Summit which was due to officially open on Wednesday, President Mills said: “Your skills are needed back home.”

He acknowledged the challenges confronting the country, but said measures had been put in place by the government to overcome them.

“At the end of our tenure, Ghanaians, based on our good work, will give us another chance,” he added.

He called on the people to tolerate dissenting views since no two persons could think and act alike, and urged them to jaw-jaw, instead of war-war.

The President used the occasion to bemoan the politics of insults and mudslinging. “What do we teach our generation when we disagree with people and use insults to show such disagreements?” he asked.

He thanked the host President for the warm welcome and the facilities he had put at the disposal of the Ghanaian delegation and also lauded the Ghanaian community for the reception accorded the delegation.

On the theme for the summit, which is centred on the youth, President Mills called for proactive action to enable the youth to look into the future with confidence.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni, said the problems confronting the establishment of an Honorary Consul in Bata were being resolved.

He said the President had the vision to empower Ghanaians to engage in shaping the better Ghana agenda.

That, he said, had culminated in the President’s determination to meet the Ghanaian community any time he made a trip outside the country, so that he could take them on board, not only as a foreign policy, but also in fulfillment of the better Ghana agenda.

The Chairman of the Ghanaian community in Malabo, Mr. Samuel Kwabena Ntow, enumerated some of the problems confronting Ghanaians in that country and expressed the hope that the President would help resolve them.

I know of too many different groups, some of who financed the NDC from their hard earned dollars, who returned to Ghana with programs, projects and even investment proposals only to be given the cold rub by the very people including the vice-president who are now telling us to return home to invest or to take up jobs in the oil sector. Is this a joke of some sort or it is just for the lack of anything to occupy our meeting with?

A few questions for you John:
i. Has your brother, Ibrahim, finished executing all Ghana’s mining and drilling sector jobs, so the crumbs can drop from the top for us to also make good use of?

ii. Are you aware of the number of groups and individuals who returned home with projects, programs, and investments, but were given the cold rub by your incompetent ministers and others who were supposed to be facilitating these processes to make things easier for them?

iii. How long does it take to create a database of skilled Ghanaians in the diaspora?

iv. Are the bidding processes now streamlined to get the most for Ghanaians without the 10% kickback?

v. Don’t you have geologists and physicists coming out of Ghanaian universities?

vi. Have you found jobs for them?
vii. How do you treat those who return with skills to contribute?

viii. Does your government recognize and reward hard work, competence, and skills?

ix. Does your government not prefer foreigners over local investors?

x. Are Ghanaian jobs no longer for relatives and friends, so every Ghanaian with the right skills could get one?

The election cycle has just begun and certainly you guys are looking for support from the diaspora and wherever you can get it. I do not think that Ghanaians in the diaspora need you to tell them when to come home and invest. If things were being done properly in Ghana, of their own volition they would have returned happily to lend their support to the country’s development. The stories that are coming from the frontlines or from those who dared return are horrifying. At least we are aware of some who have been on that route as many as five times in the last 16 months. It was only a bitter sense of time and resources expended without any tangible results.

I know for a fact that over the last two years, about a 1000 (I mean one thousand) Ghanaians have left the shores of Ghana to seek jobs in the oil industry in Qatar. If those in Ghana are still trooping out to seek opportunities elsewhere, what is the motivation for us to return to a country that has consistently refused to recognize its own? You are sincerely advised to take your story to the marines. While you go around the world on the people’s tax, we return home on our hard earned dollars. Therefore, any single day spent in Ghana is a cost to us.

To any geologists and physicists worth his or her salt, look elsewhere than to return to Ghana under the erroneous impression that your country has found oil. Those managing her affairs are greedy, incompetent, and lack direction. Cronyism, favoritism, and kickbacks are the hallmarks of the administration. Do no waste your precious time. I am working on a list of all those Ghanaians who made the various business trips but have nothing to show for them. If you know of some of the stories, please contact me.

John, please stop this joke and find something meaningful to do for your family and inner circle of friends for that is what it has been. Ghanaians living abroad know better. They hear the cries of their countrymen and that is the first test of what is happening in Ghana.

David Allotey
Silver Spring, Maryland
USA
Davidallotey33@yahoo.com

MINORITY LEADER AT THE HIGH TABLE WITH OTHER PARTY EXECUTIVES

The minority leader in parliament Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, has reminded Ghanaians to take a look at the economic hardships they are going through and compare it to the better living conditions they enjoyed under the New Patriotic Party and make a good judgment come next election.

In other note, he has charged the electorate to make a good decision come 2012 general elections by changing the NDC government by voting massively for the NPP to continue its quality leadership governance from 2013.

Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, was addressing members of the Toronto chapter of the NPP at North Kipling Community Centre when they held a dance and chat event to raise funds to support their mother party back home in Ghana over the weekend.

The minority leader, who doubles as the MP for Suame in the Ashanti Region, stated that Ghanaians need not to suffer from economic hardship at a point where the New Patriotic Party it took over from had set the economic sailing smoothly before leaving office.

However, the economic hardships have come about as a result of the NDC government under the president of Professor John Evans Atta Mills, constricting the economy of the country thereby creating hard living conditions for the ordinary Ghanaian making it important to change it come 2012.

In his own words he said it will be wrong for one to totally say that the government of the NDC[2] under president Mills has not and is not doing anything at all as is currently touring some parts of the country commissioning some projects.

MINORITY LEADER POSE WITH CONSUL GENERAL KODJO MAWUTOR

But he went back to lash the government and the president, by saying but most of the projects he has commissioned and continues to commission were all started by the NPP government under the former president J.A.Kufuor.

“It will be wrong for me or any other person to say the government has not and is not doing anything at all. But as a party which is much concern about the living conditions of the people by providing development projects to their benefits, we feel that the present NDC government should have been able to do far better than what it is doing now” he stated.

Accordingly, there were bold interventions that were taken by former president Kufuor that made the living conditions of the ordinary people better such as the NYEP, NHIS, and construction of roads to link farming communities to regional capitals for transportation of food stuffs.

He noted that since the president took over power, he has not been paying much attention to these bold interventions that were taken by former president Kufuor but turn his attention to commissioning of projects that are not presently benefiting the people in anyway.

Mr. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu,  raised the marks of his political party [NPP] higher as he said that on all fronts, it has indicated to Ghanaians and the world at large that it was better managers of the economy more than the NDC government and that the good people of Ghana should trust the economy into their hands for better handling ones again.

SOME MEMBERS OF THE PARTY OBSERVING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

The law maker revealed that another slogan of the NDC is that the NPP gurus are corrupt but he can raise his hand and bet on his last penny to his constituency that he has not stolen a dime from any kitty.

” They were pointing accusing fingers at us but now see they have built mansions in two years and the government has not won even one case in the law court against the NPP so which party is corrupt?” he quizzed.

Atta Mills has raised the bar higher with double tongue. We must be careful not to say the government is corrupt. But there is empirical evidence that there are series of corruption in the system, the minority leader held.

The Consul General Mr. Kodjo Mawutor, who spoke on behalf of the High Commissioner Dr.Frank Turkson, observed that is due to service to humanity that some people align themselves with political parties and not for their personal interests as some people is making us to believe wrongly.

He pleaded with all politicians to serve humanity with respect, humility purposefulness as by so doing all can achieve the needed peace we crave for in our lives saying, “I charge you to discharge your political duties without any anger hatred or misunderstanding because we want peace”.

Earlier in a welcome address, the acting chairman Mr. Alex Baning in absence of the chairman Mr. Augustine Opoku Agyeman, expressed the joy of the chapter since it was the first time it was organizing a fund raising without the presence of the flag bearer.

He was however sad to note that the chapter has always depended on the generosity of the executive committee and a few committed members who could be described as the stalwarts of the chapter.

Mr. Baning regretted to announce that dues paid by members had been woefully inadequate to sustain the chapter as the executives operated upon the sacrificial donations made by these stalwart members.

The acting chairman reminded members that the NPP’s campaign for operation 2012 has started in Ghana and therefore needed the funds of expected 50,000 Canadian Dollars to help the party win and win hands down as both the flag bearer and the parliamentary candidates have all been elected already.

The chapter recognized the good work done by the former chairman McDonald Agbenyo which it awarded accordingly for his excellence in the party’s leadership.

The Toronto janitor and father of four who works seven days a week to make ends meet believed he would one day strike it rich.

“My co-workers would often tease me about my weekly ticket purchase, but I had faith I was going to win, but when it really happened I couldn’t stop crying,” said Addo.

The 50-year-old emigrated from Ghana 20 years ago. He settled first in Montreal and moved to Toronto three years ago.

An employee of a Toronto industrial cleaning firm, Addo said he went into shock after checking his April 15 Lotto Max ticket at a neighbourhood store last Sunday and found he was one of three winners of the $50 million grand prize.

“I immediately went home and lay down for a while to think about it. Then I called a friend to come over, so that I could tell someone,” he said.

Wanting to keep a low profile and not divulge personal details of his life, Addo told lottery officials he did not want publicity.

He said he plans to visit Ghana where he has lots of relatives and he is looking forward to buying his own home and invest his winnings.

His winning ticket was purchased at a Gateway newsstand at Wellington and John Sts. in downtown Toronto.

On behalf of the Executive Board of GaDangme International (GDI-North America), I warmly invite you, and all the members of your Press organization to the 2011 GDI Summit Conference in Washington DC (May 27-29). Visit our website at: www.newgdi.org, often to see what we mean. We update the web content and information at least twice a week.

Our renewed objective is to be inclusive. We want to listen, work with, learn from, and build with everyone who is interested in development of the South Eastern Ghana region. Please see our new “GDI Vision and Mission” statement on the “About Us” page of our website. So there are no restrictions on any person or organization working with us. We work with everyone and we allow you to contribute to the mechanics and structure of how we work together.

You have devoted a lot of your time and resources to your Press programs, and we all owe you a deep gratitude and will like to honor you at the upcoming Summit in DC.

We expect as attendees at this conference: (1) members of many of the GaDangme organizations in North America, (2) members of many of the GaDangme organizations in Europe, (3) a number of representatives of GaDangme youth from Ghana, (4) members of many Ghanaian diaspora organizations in the DC metro area, (5) US representatives of NGOs already working in Ghana, (6) many Press personalities from Europe and North America and other local Diaspora Press personalities, and (7) a large technical group from GBC-TV that is coming to record throughout the 3 days of the conference for a number of special TV magazine shows in Ghana.

If you are coming from outside the DC metro area, we request that your organization support this conference, by making at least one hotel room reservation at the Gaylord National Resort (the conference hotel) using the GDI Group Code “X-GAD11”. See the “GDI Conference Guide” at our website: : www.newgdi.org. Your organization may subsidize your representatives and help pay this hotel rates. It is a worthwhile cause. For reservations call 001 (301) 965-4000. Cut-off date for room reservations is April 29. These hotel room reservations offset the cost of the meeting rooms we will use at the conference, so GDI will owe you and your organization deep gratitude if you reserve at least 1 hotel room and stay at the conference hotel in luxury (far better than crashing with a friend.)

GDI is moving boldly ahead and we need you to stand hand-in-hand with us as we embark on this important endeavor. You have already done a lot so you can’t stop now. Come with your fellow Press and Radio presenters to this year’s Conference to be honored and to contribute to the future of GaDangme.

Please share this invitation with your colleagues in your organization and other relevant organizations we may have missed. We warmly invite all of them to get involved in what we are trying to do for GaDangme, and to come to the Conference if they can. There is a very important role that the Radio presenters, the Press and organizations can play for GaDangme right now. Please, share our enthusiasm and our website www.newgdi.org with your listeners, with your family and friends. Print and take copies of the attached PDF flyer to your colleagues.

I look forward to personally welcome you at the Conference and share ideas with you. Please do not hesitate to call me on my home phone: 001 (715) 502-4338 to discuss your plans, ideas and priorities and the ideas and priorities of your Press program. I will really love to hear from you, and to learn from you, so please call as soon as you can.

With best regards from,

Nii Martey Sam Dodoo

Representing the GDI (NA) Executive

www.newgdi.org