Bringing You News, Interviews And Washington Mission

Akasanoma
January—July, 2013
Bringing You News, Interviews And
Washington Mission Activities
Independence Day Celebration
-Celebrating 56 years
G
hana is commit-
ted and determined to
continue in the building
of “a Better Ghana” for
all its citizens irrespective of gender, social status or political affiliation.
The importance of
Ghanaians to live in
harmony for a “Better
Ghana” agenda can only
be achieved through
continued efforts of
unity and oneness.
Ambassador Daniel
Ohene Agyekum assured
prospective investors
that Ghana continues to
be politically stable and
economically sound environment for investments in Africa. A recent article that ranked
Ghana as one of the
fastest growing economies in the world was
cited to affirm that
claim.
He expressed hopes
for a continued and
stronger bond of friendship between Ghana
and the United States.
Ambassador Agyekum made this speech to
several hundreds who gathered at the EmbasPAGE 10 AKASANOMA
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sy of Ghana in celebration of Ghana’s 56th
Independence Anniversary on March 6th,
2013, despite the inclement weather of
snow, sleet and rain
that caused Federal
Government and school
closings in the Washington DC Area.
A representative from
the U.S. Government,
Ambassador Donald
Teitelbaum, Deputy Assistant Secretary of
State for African Affairs, stated that the
bond between Ghana
and the US stems from
the commonality of respect for human rights,
the rule of law and
commitment to
democracy.
He conveyed fraternal
greetings and best
wishes from the government and people of
the United States to the
government and people
of Ghana in celebrating
56 years of Independence.
He further extended the U.S government’s
congratulations to Ghana for successfully
completing its sixth presidential and parliamentary elections.
COGA Washington Elects New Officials
2013-2014
The new leaders of the
Council of Ghanaian Association (COGA) were
advised to carry out the
association`s mission
and objectives to attract
more members in the all
-inclusive nation building efforts in Ghana.
The executives of the
association met early
this year to elect new
leaders for the 20132014 tenure of office.
Results of the elections revealed the new
chairperson as Mrs.
Margaret Tabiri who replaced Mr. Adolf Afful,
who served two consecutive terms as Chairman. The other elected
officials were Mr. Henry
Adu, vice chairman, Mr.
Francis Addai, Secre-
tary, Mrs. Alberta Stephens, Assistant Secretary, Mr. Julius Caesar,
Tresurer, Mr. Yaw OtenAgipong and Mrs.
Rowina Moses-Wadie as
Public Relations Officer.
The election was held
at the Ghana Embassy
auditorium and was
supervised by Mr. Gil
Quartey who served in
the capacity of electoral
commissioner and assisted by Mrs. Vanessa Mensah-Adu and Mr. Kadwo
Boateng both officials of
the Ghana Embassy.
It is the hope of the
Embassy to see the association live long in promoting unity among
member and encourage
their youth to become
patriotic citizens of
Ghana.
AKASANOMA
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3
Ghanaians Doing Amazing Things
Selasi The “African Kid”
A
Ghanaian-born, Atlanta
cated myself to perfecting my
craft ever since. I grew up in Accra, Dzorwulu to be precise. My
mom was Ghanaian/Nigerian
and my dad is from the Volta region in Ghana.
based artist, music producer and
songwriter, Selasi aka “The African Kid” who is a featured cast
member on The Kandi Factory
and has appeared on The Real
How did you get started in the
Housewives of Atlanta, two popuMusic Industry? I started in the
lar shows which air in America
music industry as a producer
on Bravo TV Network is our spotand engineer working on other
light for the month July.
artist projects. When I wasn't in
Selasi has made great strides
studio session engineering, mixin the American music industry
ing, or producing for other artproducing and engineering songs
ists, I worked on my own music.
for notables like Idris Elba, Kandi
Burruss, Trey Songz, Bobby ValThere must be a story behind
entino, Akon and more. He reyour rise in the Music Industry
cently released his own music,
here in the States particularly,
Shades Of Grey, which melds
Atlanta. Tell us about your
African, Caribbean and American
journey from Ghana to “Real
music into a style that MTV
Housewives of Atlanta” I had an
World has described as "a fluent
album out before I came to the
blend of hip-life, pop, and reggae”
US, so when my parents agreed
citing Selasi as “the first artist to
to send me here to further my
truly and seamlessly merge all three styles."
education I took the opportunity to also peruse my
Although all these achievedreams. I worked at a carwash to
Although all these achievements sets Selasi support myself while I was in
ments sets Selasi apart, the
most remarkable of them all is apart, the most remarkable of them all is
school. While working there, I was
his extraordinary patriotism to his extraordinary patriotism to his country introduced to a businessman who
his country of origin and the
of origin and the entire continent of Africa. was starting his own record label.
entire continent of Africa.
He paid his then engineer to teach
Born and bred in Ghana to Ghanaian parents, his
me about audio engineering. My career accelerated
love for his country remains evident through his
from that point.
frequent and proud display of the Ghanaian flag,
paraphernalia, and symbols in most of the TV
You’re a regular feature on the Real Housewives
episodes in which he is featured.
of Atlanta, a cast member on Kandi Burruss’
His video recently began airing on MTV World,
Kandi Factory and your music videos are airing
MTVIggy, ChannelO and the Ghanaian flag is
on MTV, Channel O and others. More or less
featured prominently in the music video as well.
you’re a rising star and have made an impact in
Akasanoma sat down with Selasi in an interview
places where only a few Africans have tread,
to learn more about the man known in music inhowever you seem calmly grounded. What keeps
dustry-wide as The “African Kid” when he paid a
Selasi grounded? I guess it has a lot to do with
courtesy call on the Ambassador at the Ghana
how I was raised. Growing up we always prayed in
Embassy in Washington DC.
the morning as a family before we started our day.
So God and family come first for me.
Tell our reading audience a bit about yourself,
your Ghanaian heritage and where you grew up:
What have you learned since your first appearMy name is Selasi and I'm an artist, producer,
ance on the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and
songwriter and actor with the privilege of doing
how has the “fame” changed or affected your life
what I love "being creative". I first fell in love with
if at all. It takes a lot of hard work to be successful
music in Ghana, where I'm from, and I have dediContinued on page 4
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AKASANOMA
Continued from pg. 3
in this business, and the relationships you build
are worth everything
Kennesaw State University
“Year of Ghana” Conference
F
ocusing on Ghana’s status as a model for demo-
cratic governance, economic growth as well as sustainable development, was the theme for a three-day
conference hosted by Kennesaw State University in
Georgia.
The conference was part of Kennesaw State’s annual year-long study of a country or region of the
world. The 29th edition of this programme is the
“Year of Ghana”
Panel discussions covered a range of topics
including investing in Ghana, healthcare, economic
landscape socio-political change, the role of women
and Ghana’s national security.
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Ohene Agyekum accompanied by Mr. Ebenezer
Adjirakor, Minister at the Trade and
Investment
Section of the Embassy participated in the Conference as panel speakers.
Other participants from Ghana included Messrs.’
George Ayittey, president, Free Africa Foundation,
Kwesi Aning, head of research, and Col. Emmanuel
Kotia, academic programs coordinator, Kofi Annan
International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Larry
Gbevlo-Lartey, national security coordinator,
Republic of Ghana, Kwamina Panford, associate professor of African-American studies, Northeastern University and Daniel S. Papp, president, Kennesaw
State University.
While in Atlanta, Georgia, Ambassador Ohene
Agyekum used the occasion to meet with the Ghana
Council of Georgia and discussed pertinent community issues. He also toured the Medshare facility with
MedShare Vice President Nell Diallo.
MedShare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
improving the environment and healthcare through
the efficient recovery and redistribution of surplus
medical supplies and equipment to underserved
healthcare facilities in developing countries.
We reached out to you not only because of your
achievements which are quite significant but
largely for your outstanding patriotism to your
country. You are an “Ambassador” in the way
you represent your country and your continent
within your sphere of influence. In most of the
episodes you proudly “show off” Ghana either in
displaying the flag or wearing a T shirt that says
Ghana and more. Tell me where this pride for
country stems from? I am an African from Ghana
and I'm proud of it. It's nothing to be shy or timid
about. What most people in the U.S. know about
Africa as a whole and Ghana in particular, they got
from TV. We have so much more to offer in terms of
our culture, music, food etc. I also feel that representing Ghana on mainstream television and media
etc. helps further promote Ghana, encourages other
Ghanaians, especially the ones who were born here,
to be proud to be Ghanaian because someone is
raising the flag high
How do you intend to utilize your gift and experience and the notoriety you’ve found in American to impact the music industry in Ghana?
Growing up in Ghana, the schools I went to were
not equipped with musical instruments. I'm currently working on launching an initiative that would
help equip the music department of schools with
instruments so our future generations will have a
solid musical foundation
I saw an interview you gave on the CBS network
television. In that interview I learned of the sad
passing of your mother to brain cancer and for
that we do extend our sincere condolence – How
did that experience change or inspire you on
your journey and is there anything you’re currently doing to raise awareness in Ghana for the
disease? My dream was to retire my mom and I
was unable to fulfill it. It definitely gave me a different perspective on life. It still feels like just yesterday she was here, but I've found solace knowing
that she is in a better place. Beyond sharing how
cancer has directly affected me, I haven't decided
yet how I'll become involved in cancer awareness in
Ghana. I seriously think is absolutely needed.
Thank you Selasi, we wish you all the best. Continue to lift up high your burning desire to make
Ghana proud. My pleasure
Interview by Angeline Addy
AKASANOMA
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Ghanaians In Georgia Celebrate Ghana’s 56th Anniversary
The program was a diverse undertaking with participants
representing continental Africans and Africans from the Diaspora.
speech by Kwame Nkrumah.
Hon. Akua Sena Dansua (Former Ghana Minister
on. Akua Sena Dansua assured Ghanaians in
of Tourism), was one of the guest of honour at this
Atlanta, Georgia that the government of Ghana was
year`s Independence Anniversary celebration. She
aware of the work that is being done by the council.
gave the assurance of Government`s commitments
The Ghana Council of Georgia brought in with
to its citizens in the Diaspora, during her keynote
enthusiasm the evening’s event which began with
address. Ms Dansua was introduced by Ms. Mary
the members of the community dressed to impress.
Naami Nar-nor, Vice President of The Ghana WomThe air was filled with excitement as guests greeted
en’s Association of Georgia.
old familiar faces and waited for the honorees to
The president of the Ghana Council of Georgia,
take their places on the
Ms. Evelyn Davis, instage. The list of invited
“Tonight we are going to network, commemo- formed the audience of the
guest included, Honorable
rate and mark what we hope will be the next council’s commitment to
Akua Sena Dansua and
bringing all of the Diaspophase of pushing our country progressively
Able Mable Thomas
ra together. “Tonight we
(Georgia House District
are going to network, cominto the next millennium.”
56).
memorate and mark what
The program was a diwe hope will be the next phase of pushing our
verse undertaking with participants representing
country progressively into the next millennium.
continental Africans and Africans from the DiaspoEarlier today, we answered your call to bring
ra. The welcome address was given by none other
more information into our community. We witthan Mr. Kweku Dela of Dolsch Radio. Reverend
nessed the joining together of our kindred in the
Edward Osei Tutu of Power and Glory International
Diaspora as we pledged to work together to uplift
Ministry of Georgia gave the opening prayer folthe culture and customs of Ghana. In unison we
lowed by a Libation performed by Nana Adoma
promised to regain our foothold as leaders by creatTwum, President of The Traditional Rulers. Dr. Oral
ing a platform for success here and in Africa as well
Moses of Kennesaw University gave outstanding
as the African Diaspora. This is only the beginning”
renditions of both the United States and Ghana nashe stated.
tional anthems. Opening remarks were given by
Nicholas Fosu, PharmD of Ghana Health ProfesSource: Ghana Council of Georgia
sionals Association of Georgia. Mr. Jared Sawyer of
Jared Sawyer Ministries performed an interpretive
H
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Hershey Company To Buy More Cocoa From Ghana
Hershey Company, established in 1894, has Ghana as its third Cocoa supply
Ambassador Daniel Ohene Agyekum
commended the Hershey Company for
supporting cocoa farmers in Assin Foso
during a recent visit to the company.
He said it is important
to know the background and the needs
of the people you trade
with to enable you
make inputs into the
development of their
lives and community.
Ambassador
Agyekum made this
observation during a
familiarization tour of
the Hershey Company’s factory in Pennsylvania. He also suggested and advised
them to explore other
avenues of modernization when it comes to
pre-harvesting of the
crop.
Hershey Company,
established in 1894,
has Ghana as its third
Cocoa supply country.
Mr. John P. Bilbrey,
President and Chief
Executive officer of the
Hershey Company outlined the programs
rolled out to support Cocoa Farmers in the
Assin Fosu community.
One major achievement by the Hershey
Company he said, is the training of the Cocoa farmers to improve their farms by introducing modern farming and agricultural
techniques, through the “Learn to Grow’,
program.
“Cocoa Link” is another program
launched in Ghana in 2011 with the Ghana
Cocoa Board and the World Cocoa
Foundation, to give out vital information
to the cocoa farmers. Through this
program, more than 400,000 SMS messages have been provided at no cost to
27,800 farmers in more than 500
communities. More
than 35 percent of
women use the
“Cocoa Link” program
which is also designed to close the
gap between the
female farmers and
their male counterparts as they meet to
discuss information
sent online.
Hersey Company
also has an educational program with a
school in Assin Fosu
connected with Hershey Milton School in
Pennsylvania, USA.
It is the expectation
of Hershey Company
to get steady increase
of cocoa production
and supply from
Ghana.
In his closing
remarks, Ambassador
Daniel Ohene
Agyekum expressed the hope that the cordial relationship between Hershey Company and Ghana would enhance in the
modernization of pre-planting and harvesting of more quality cocoa beans from
Ghana.
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Embassy Open House
Passport DC 2013
O
ver 60 embassies participated in the sixth
annual “Passport DC/Cultural Tourism” event
organized by Cultural Tourism DC. The annual event gives residents in the DC Metro area a
unique opportunity to explore the presence of
the many cultures represented by neighboring
embassies as they open their doors to the
public all day.
The Embassy of Ghana was lively with various activities during this year`s Open House
Embassy Tour as throngs of people poured in
to the Chancery to experience and explore
Ghana’s rich, intriguing and vast culture as
well as to sample scrumptious Ghanaian cuisines.
Guests were greeted to an aroma of food and
the sight of an array of Ghanaian cuisines and
pastries which only a few were able to resist.
The program of activities for the day included an exhibition of Ghanaian artifacts such as
unique carvings, paintings; display various
silk thread art pieces, kente fabrics, musical
instruments and many more as Embassy staff
stood by to answer questions.
The crowd enjoyed and participated in exhilarating cultural performances given by Kwame
Ansah Brew a renowned cultural performer,
dancer and historian whose performances has
won the hearts of the audience the last couple
of years.
In the children’s corner the staff also provided face and hand paintings of the Ghanaian
flag and adinkra symbols as requested by the
Children.
A blend of Embassies coming together under
the auspices of Cultural Tourism DC made the
District of Columbia a global city for the day.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Mrs. Edith Hazel, Deputy Chief of Mission
Mrs. Vanessa Mensah-Adu. Head of Information & Public Affairs Dept.
Ms. Angeline Addy, Higher Executive Officer ( Information & Public Affairs) Dept.
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Ghanaian Exchange Students Visit Washington
The Kenndy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program is an innovative high school exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State.
A
mbassador Ohene
Agyekum applauded
the Ghanaian high
school students for
successfully completing their year in the
United States without
incident and hoped
that they benefited
from the exchange
program during a visit
by approximately forty
students, who were
departing the United
States after a year’s
participation in the
Kennedy-Lugar Youth
Exchange Study Program.
He encouraged
them to extract the
good things they
learned during their
time in the U.S. and
apply it to their lives
and in their communities in Ghana.
The Kenndy-Lugar
Youth Exchange and
Study Program is an
innovative high school
exchange program
funded by the U.S.
Department of State.
Over the years hundreds of Ghanaian and
American students
have participated in
the Exchange Program.
The students, who
studied in various
disciplines for a year
in the United States,
were hosted by American families where
they shared the lives
and culture of these
families as well as
volunteered in their
respective communities.
During an interactive time of discussions, the departing
students shared with
the Ambassador and
staff how they intend
to incorporate their
positive experiences
in their communities
and schools in Ghana. Majority of them
were especially impressed and inspired
with the level of
volunteerism in the
United States and
were eager to return
home and contribute
by setting up volunteer groups in their
own communities.
Also visiting with
the group were six
American finalists of
the 2013-2014
Exchange students
who were in Washington prior to their
departure to Ghana.
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Maj-Gen Sprynczynatyk Visits Embassy
T
he North Dakota
National Guard (NDNG)
and the Ghana Armed
Forces have a rich bilateral relationship which
aims at enhancing the
capacity of Ghana to
mitigate, prepare for
and respond to disasters.
In an effort to further
strengthen the relationship
between the two countries, the Adjutant General of the North Dakota
National Guard, Major
General David Sprynczynatyk paid a day’s working visit to the Defence
Section of the Embassy
of Ghana in Washington
on May 18, 2013.
The Major General was
accompanied by
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AKASANOMA
Maj Brock G Larson, the
Director of State Partnership Program and other
staff of the NDNG. Maj
Gen Sprynczynatyk and
his entourage were met
on arrival by the Defence, Military, Naval and
Air Attache (DMNAA),
Brig-Gen George
Amamoo.
The delegation used
the occasion to pay a
courtesy call on the
Ambassador, HE Daniel
Ohene Agyekum before
proceeding to the office
of the DMNAA for a close
-door meeting. In addition to Ghana Armed
Forces, the NDNG support the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) with
capacity building assistance training.
Ghanaian Unity Picnic
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Summer Relaxation in Virginia
A relaxing atmosphere with a soccer tournament, games, culture, music, dancing
and good traditional food is a perfect gathering for a healthy community life.
Over 450 Ghanaian family and friends
gathered at the Fort Hunt Park at Alexandria, Virginia to participate in the sixteenth
annual Ghanaian Unity Picnic. The event
organized by the Council of Ghanaian
Association of Washington DC., was first
organized in 1998 as part of the effort to
bring together Ghanaian family and friends
in the Washington Metropolitan area to
form a stronger bonds of unity.
This year’s side attraction was a soccer
tournament between two Ghanaian soccer
groups, Virginia Black Starts and Washington Internationals. The score for the
tournament was 3-1, favouring the Washington Nationals.
Better luck to Virginia Black Stars, we
watch out for you next year for a stronger
competition.
AKASANOMA
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Pittsburg Young Adults Perform At Embassy
Afro-American Music
Institute Boys Choir
(AAMI) was encouraged
to pursue their dreams
in the field of music or
whatever field they preferred. “Goals and
dreams can be achieved
through hard work and
determination.” Ambassador Ohene Agyekum
told the thirty-member
boys group from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania who
in a recent tour of the Washington DC area,
stopped at the Embassy of Ghana where they
performed for the Ambassador and staff.
While at the Embassy, the group gave an
exhilarating performance with a rendition of
songs from their repertoire in acapella style.
The group, was also
commended for their
great performance admitting that it took
time, dedication and
practice to give such an
outstanding performance.
The boys’ choir was
accompanied by Ms.
Tilman, the AAMI
founders, Dr. James,
Pamela Johnson and a documentary film crew
from WQED Television in Pittsburgh who traveled with the boys in an effort to film a
documentary on their journey and achievements.
Moslem Leader Pay Courtesy Call on Ambassador
While attending a conference organized by the U.S.
Department of State, a six-member delegation from
Accra led by Chief Imam, Dr. Sheikh Osmanu Nuhu
Sharubutu paid a courtesy call to the Ambassador
Daniel Ohene Agyekum and Deputy Chief of Mission,
Mrs. Edith Hazel at Chancery.
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GHANA’S REQUEST FOR BONDS
OVER SUBSCRIBED BY 120%
By R. Harry Reynolds
Ghana’s desire to raise $1billion from the international capital market to finance key development projects has been oversubscribed by
$1.2billion, representing a 120 per cent increase.
The new sovereign bond will attract 7.857 percent interest to be paid semi- annually. It has a
10 year maturity period and will be used partly
to re-finance maturing domestic debts and international payments to reduce the cost of borrowing. In 2007, Ghana’s first bond fetched
$750million; at an interest rate of 8.5 percent,
which also attracted 10 year maturity period.
An elated Seth Tekper, Finance and Economic
Planning Minister who led a team of experts for
the road show in New York, on July 25, 2013
said that he was very satisfied with the high level
of confidence the international community has
shown in Ghana. The Minister announced that
the bonds would be listed on the Ghana Stock
Exchange and the Irish Stock Exchange. This is
the first listing of a sovereign bond, on the local
Stock Exchange in the Sub-Saharan Africa, he
added.
The 120 percent over subscription of Ghana’s
bonds, the Minister said confirmed a strong
interest in Ghana despite the turbulence in the
global financial market.
Commending Ghana’s lead Managers – Citi
Group and Barclays, the Co-Managers EDC
Stock Brokers and Strategic African Securities
(SAS), her International and Local Legal Counsel,
Cabinet and Parliament, the Minister said the
end results have confirmed that they have all
done a good job.
In terms of fiscal management, Mr. Tekper
pointed out that the current situation will enable
Ghana to assess more market to support the
capital budget on long term basis instead of relying on short term ones . “It shows with proper
planning and packaging, we can finance our capital budgets with longer tenure bonds and
Ghana Mission, New York
intermediate bonds”. On what the money will be
used for, the Finance Minister said “we decided
from day one that this will go to capital projects.
That is the government’s plan and that is what
we intend to do”. Regarding what could have
convinced the international market to show such
level of confidence, the Minister responded that
“the deficit was one of the points the investors
took into account, the strong growth performance
of the economy and the strategic reform. They
made their decision based on that and everybody
agrees that getting such an interest rate (7.8%) at
this point is ok”, adding that “We had over 150
bids”.
Government as part of its debt management
policy in this year’s Budget Statement and Economic Policy indicated its intention to “extend the
maturity profile of the public debt by diversifying
her sources of funding for major infrastructure
projects and for other specified purposes, including the global bond market”.
Mr. Millison Narh, Deputy Governor of the
Bank of Ghana said, it was a great honour for
Ghana to have such an opportunity to appear on
the global market and praised all those whose
hard work and efforts led to the achievement of
this feat.
He hoped that the purpose for which the
bonds have been issued will come to fruition for
the betterment of the country.
To this end, the Deputy Governor indicated
that Ghana’s forward movement will be a source
of reference to other African countries.
Among Ghana’s delegation was Togbe Afede,
XIV, Chief Executive Officer of SAS, officials of
the Bank of Ghana and Ministry of Finance and
Economic Planning.
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PAGE 13
Ghana’s Second Lady gets Support for Maternal, Child
By R. Harry Reynolds
Ghana Mission, New York
An initiative by
Ghana’s Second Lady, Mrs. Matilda
Amissah-Arthur to
support maternal
and child health in
Ghana, has received
a major boost.
This follows
the shipment of a
container full of Medical and Humanitarian supplies to her on
Wednesday, 3rd July,
2013 by Afya Foundation, a New York
based non-profit
Medical Supply Recovery Organization
(MSRO).
The 40-foot
container, include
hospital beds, mattresses, wheel and
transport chairs,
walkers, crutches,
canes, crane neck
exam lights, drape,
ubag, funnel, cups
suction machines
and medicine carts.
Others are dressing
gauze, medical tapes,
needle, bandage, diapers, clamps, pipettes, tube holders,
nebulizer, adaptors,
surgical masks,
gowns and breathing
circuit, urine collector, stethoscopes,
ophthalmoscope,
Otoscope, Centrifuge,
Stretcher, Ward Trolley and Mayo Stand.
The shipment,
which was arranged
by Mrs. AmissahP A G E 1 4 A K AS A N O M A
Arthur to support her maternal health project, is
expected to arrive in Ghana in two months.
The equipment and supplies will be distributed to hospitals and clinics throughout Ghana
as part of efforts by the Second Lady to support
quality access to
health care, especially
by women and children.
Commenting on
the supplies, Ms. Sarah Schuyler, Senior
Operations Manager of
the Afya Foundation
said the supplies were
to support Mrs.
Amissah-Arthur’s project for safe and clean
delivery of infants and
to support the United
Nations Millennium
Development Goal 5,
by reducing maternal
and infant mortality in
the country.
The Afya Foundation collects nolonger needed usable
medical and humanitarian supplies from
hospitals, nursing
homes, corporations
and individuals and
ships them to the developing world to improve quality and access to health care
services.
Since its inception in late 2007, the
Foundation has delivered more than 3 million pounds sterling
worth of medical and
humanitarian supplies
shipped abroad .From
2008 there have been
134 shipments including 92, 40-foot containers around the
globe.
UN SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES YOUTHS
TO DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY
Mr. Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser insisted in his
presentation delivered via teleconference that “this
is where your role as young advocates of change
becomes more relevant than ever as youth is the
most powerful agent for social change in the world.”
By R. Harry Reynolds
Ghana Mission, New York
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
has charged the youth to demand accountability as
they have a major role to play in world affairs.
“Exercise influence as consumers and commentators. Provide momentum through your ideas”, he
said in a video message to the 12th International
Youth Assembly, at the UN Headquarters in New
York on August, 7, 2013
hundreds of youth from across the world have
gathered to find ways to strengthen youth leadership and accelerate the achievement of the antipoverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Under the theme “On the Road to Actions: Moving Beyond the MDGs, post 2015,” the young people are engaged in how to achieve the eight MDG
targets on - poverty alleviation, environmental stability, HIV/AIDS education, gender equality, child
and maternal health, malaria reduction, and a
global partnership for development. The SecretaryGeneral reminded the youths that they were meeting at a momentous times because “You belong to
the largest generation of youth the world has
known”. The challenges are many — for jobs, for
opportunity, for social justice and environmental
sustainability, Mr. Ban Ki-moon noted and alerted
them that “the clock is ticking on the Millennium
Development Goals and much remains to be done.
In this vein, he said the United Nations Member
States were also working hard on a blueprint for a
post-2015 development agenda that will meet the
needs of people and the planet adding that the
World leaders are responsible to ensure your sustainable future.
Recalling the inspiration given by Malala
Yousafzai, at the Youth Take over at the UN last
month, the Secretary-General urged them to “follow
her example to stand for what is right and act on
our convictions”, assuring that “When we work together we can create the future we want”.
On his part, the UN High Representative for the
Alliance of Civilizations, Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser,
pointed out that “It is important to recognize the
importance of harnessing the passion and drive of
this generation of young adults to propel us into a
future of international peace, development and cooperation,”
In this direction he called for an urgent
need to build bridges between diverse cultures,
adding that the youth are crucial to achieve this
goal.
Accra
Expected to be the fastest growing
African city for millionaires
Ghana’s capital Accra is expected to be the
fastest growing major African city for millionaires over the next eight years, according to recent research by UK-based New World Wealth.
Accra’s number of high net worth individuals (HNWI) – with net assets of US$1 million or
more, excluding their primary residences – are
expected grow from 800 in 2012 to 1,500 in
2020.
New World Wealth told How we made it in
Africa that it projects the growth in millionaires
by using a number of variables, including economic growth in country, income distribution
trends and recent HNWI growth trends in the
city or country.
New World Wealth keeps its own HNWI database. “We source most of our names from company and director databases. We also have access to various luxury goods databases with a
focus on prime property, yacht, art and private
jet owners.
The business interests of these individuals
are calculated using listed company holdings.
We then track liquidity and wealth events as
they occur in order to calculate the liquid and
investable holdings of these individuals. Liquidity event tracking also allows us to find
new HNWIs as they emerge,” said New World
Wealth senior analyst Andrew Amoils.
Source: Howwemadeitinafrica.com
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