NEWS AND FEATURES

FROM CAR WASH TO A MILLION DOLLAR CROONER, Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. wins America’s Got Talent 2011

2011-09-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, CA. -----It was all tears of joy for LandauMurphy Jr. , on Wednesday when the hostof America’s Got Talent Nick Canon announced to anxiousaudience that he has won the milliondollar prize for this year’s competition. T

Murphy Jr. from Logan, West Virginia who not long ago waswashing cars is now a millionaire, courtesy America’s Got Talent .He also has aLas Vegas headline contract .He thanked Americans for believing in him andgiving him the opportunity to what he has worked so hard for since childhood. ”Ihave worked my butt so hard for this and I thank Americans for given me thisopportunity”

His victory brings to the fore the prediction of one of the judges,Howie Mendel, that his life will never be the same! This was after the he hadperformed during the audition to the surprise of all.

The smooth singer will headline at Caesars Palace in October2011

Source: Ekow Shalders (IDPF, USA)

Large Marijuana Grow Operation on U.S. Forest Land Eradicated One Man Arrested and Four Others Sought; Will Face Federal Drug Charges

2011-08-10T18:43:00.000-07:00

MADISON, WI—John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that a large marijuana grow operation located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Ashland County, Wis., was eradicated today. One individual was arrested at the scene, and four others are at large. The marijuana grow involved thousands of plants over a several-acre area approximately 25 miles northwest of Park Falls, Wis. Law enforcement was alerted to its presence by a tip from a hunter in November 2010.
Approximately 175 federal, state, and local law enforcement agents were involved in today’s operation, which involved the removal of the marijuana plants and the processing of the site for evidence. An evaluation of the scene indicated that the grow operation has been active for some time. The site included a campsite for individuals who cultivated the grow operation. Loaded firearms were found at the campsite.
Law enforcement officials are asking any members of the public who see suspicious individuals in the area to contact the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office at 1- 715- 685-7640.
Any individuals who are arrested in connection with this grow operation will be charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with manufacturing marijuana.
“Unfortunately, there are criminals who take advantage of the remote and heavily wooded nature of our national forests to cultivate marijuana on a large-scale basis. Visitors to U.S. forest land who come upon marijuana grow operations should leave the area immediately and report their observations to law enforcement authorities,” United States Attorney Vaudreuil said.
The investigation of this matter is being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation; Ashland County Sheriff’s Department; Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Forest Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources; Northwest Area Crime Unit (comprised of Sawyer, Douglas and Washburn County Sheriffs’ Departments and Superior Police Department); U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission. The prosecution of the case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
FILED BY:EKOW SHALDERS,INSTITUTE FOR DEMOCRACY AND PRESS FREEDOM

Facebook Fake Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography

2011-08-05T10:55:00.000-07:00

OKLAHOMA CITY—DANIEL LESLIE MOONEYHAM, 32, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, pled guilty today to receipt of child pornography depicting a 15-year-old boy, announced Sanford C. Coats, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.
According to court records, Mooneyham, using a fake Facebook profile, pretended to be an attractive 18-year-old blonde female named “Terri Smith.” Posing as Terri Smith, Mooneyham would send Facebook “friend” requests to teenage boys, some of whom he knew through church youth group and a youth camp. After establishing a Facebook “friendship” with teenage posing as Terri Smith, Mooneyham would solicit nude pictures in exchange for sexually explicit photos of Terri Smith. Mooneyham would direct them to text or e-mail their nude pictures to a Yahoo! e-mail account that he had created for his Terri Smith Facebook profile. Mooneyham received nude pictures via e-mail from at least three minors. The pictures of Terri Smith that Mooneyham sent the boys depicted an unknown female that Mooneyham had found on the Internet. During the investigation, Mooneyham, posing as Terri Smith, also solicited a sexually explicit photo from an undercover FBI agent who was posing as a 15-year-old boy on Facebook.
The FBI arrested Mooneyham on July 14, 2011, a few days before he was scheduled to return to an Oklahoma youth camp with a church youth group. Mooneyham is currently in federal custody. United States District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti will sentence Mooneyham in approximately 90 days. He faces not less than five years and up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, the flagship program in the Department of Justice’s National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, and was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale.

Filed By:Ekow Shalders
IDPF USA

PRESIDENT NANA AKUFFO ADDO AYEKOO

2011-07-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

It is not yet January 2013 but one need not to be a Bob Shrum, James Carville, Karl Rove or a Ben Ephson to ably configure who will be the President of our dear nation Ghana, come January 2013. The writing is on the wall, President John Evans Atta Mills is done and Ghana will welcome Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo as the next President of the Republic.

The issue of whether President Mills has been a good leader or a bad one will be judged by posterity but for now, Nana Addo deserves all the commendation for sticking around, managing the perceived rift between himself and former President Kuffuor well, bringing and keeping together the Elephant fraternity and more importantly for carefully energizing the base of the party to a historic proportion.

It is obvious that just like President Mills; Nana owes former President Rawlings for bringing this close to the Presidency. One may call it a cat fight, a circus or a joke but the effect of the internal wrangling of the National Democratic Congress of which former President Rawlings is the founder and President Mills the leader has already cost them the 2012 general elections.

SIGNS OF THE TIME

The perception among many ordinary Ghanaians is that President Mills is not in charge and he is actually a spent force. This started as a New Patriotic Party propaganda but was made more popular by the President’s own party faithfuls most especially former President Rawlings, Dr. Spio Garbrah , Kofi Adams and more recently Honorable Teye Nyaunu.

Perception wins elections that is the reason why all over the world, Politicians spend millions to craft messages and embark on all sorts of electioneering campaign gimmicks. The harm done to the Presidency of Mils in the hearts and minds of the average Ghanaian as a result of the ongoing slugfest in the National Democratic Congress is catastrophic and irreparable, perhaps the ingenuity of Edward Bernays of blessed memory could have help this President if he happened to be alive today.

Besides perception, experts describe momentum as what actually gets people out to vote on Election Day and the candidate or the party who has the best of that always wins. The National Democratic Congress is now a wailing party and momentum is always found at the door step of vibrant candidates and energized party base which is direct opposite of the National Democratic Congress situation.

Momentum is the frenzy that engulfs party faithfuls at the mere mention of party slogans or even on seeing party paraphernalia. This effect exist where charismatic leadership marries perceived policy acceptance by die hard party members; But President Mills is blessed with something else which is definitely not called charisma and his policies and leadership style is also partly to blame for the current in fighting in the party which means that quiet a section of the party membership are not enthused.

Perhaps, this problem could have been easily solved by former President Rawlings, if it was that Rawlings of 2008, the Rawlings who was the very symbol of the National Democratic Congress, I mean the Rawlings we ho party faithful regarded as the heart and soul of the party; Unfortunately for President Mills, Jerry Rawlings of today is so bruised and battered that he has lost that command and control that characterized his person. The electricity and excitement that Rawlings used to pour on the party is gone and the party and President Mills have lost an energizing force as a result. The National Democratic Congress is struggling to find its rhythm and momentum but unfortunately for Mills, 2012 is just around the corner and it’s simply impossible to build another character like Rawlings of yester- years within this time frame.

During the last elections (2008) the people of Central Region made a huge difference to give Professor Mills the presidential throne.

What is the situation in the region now? The very fishermen who rallied behind the professor and voted massively for him and his NDC are totally disappointed. The Central Regional factor will definitely come to play in 2012 and what will be the fate of the Mills-Mahama pair and the National Democratic Congress? Mills receiving such a massive endorsement by party delegates at their national delegates congress is not an indication that all is well and will go on to win the coming election sweat-lessly.

The true reflection of what happened at the NDC congress is that 95%of those who endorsed Professor Mills were people who relied on him for their bread and butter (NOKOFIO NI ABAAYE /KAKRAA NIPA BE DI) and are not prepared to change the status quo.

WHAT NANA ADDO SHOULD DO

Nana Akuffo Addo should keep on doing what he is currently doing. He should listen more and more and stick to his message and allow the National Democratic Congress to continue fighting amongst themselves.

Nana should avoid overly trying to defend himself from the rumor that he is a drug user because it only helps to keep that conversation alive in the media and subtly affects his image and person negatively. He should also avoid such viral comments as “all die be die” because his party has enough vigour and vim to carry them through election 2012 and such comments only help boost President Mills perceived image as a humble and peace loving person. From all indications,it is Nana’s election to lose, it is only a matter of time for Nana to become our President and Ghanaians are eagerly waiting for election 2012 to repudiate this president’s policies and lackluster leadership style.

HOW PRESIDENT MILLS WILL BE REMEMBERED

As a leader, President Mills will be remembered for his ability to break the jinx around former President Rawlings in the Ghanaian body politic. He will also be remembered for his controversial “ Dzi wo Fie asem” ( Mind your own business) approach he employed in helping to solve the Ivorian crisis after their last disputed elections.

Ghanaians will also remember him as the “Asomdweehene” who perhaps should have been a clergyman. Fair thee well President Mills, Ayekoo Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo, the next President of our dear nation, Ghana.

KOJO AMPAH SAHARA,

PRESIDENT,

AFRICA CULTURAL EXCHANGE

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK.

LEADING MEMBER-AFRICA PEOPLES ALLIANCE,

GENERAL SECRETARY –ASANTEMAN ASSOCIATION-NEW YORK

OBAMA CONGRATULATES GOODLUCK

2011-05-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

OBAMA CONGRATULATES GOODLUCK JONATHAN, COMMENDS NIGERIANS FOR THEIR RESOLVE AND PATIENCE.

WASHINGTON DC- MAY 4 -The President of the United states Barrack Obama Wednesday called President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria to congratulate him on his election victory and also commended the people of Nigeria for their resolve and patience during last month historic presidential ,legislation and gubernatorial election.

The success of the election was a testament to Nigerian voters who waited in long lines, stayed to watch their votes counted and were determined that these elections marked a new chapter in Nigerian history he said .President Obama gave credit to the Independent Nation Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Youth Service corps (NYSC )and Nigeria’s vibrant civil society, for their role in ensuring that the final results reflected the will of their people.

He however condemned the post election violence that followed the April 16 Presidential election, calling it deplorable, even though majority of Nigerians cast their ballots free from intimidation and coercion. Barack Obama admonished Nigerians to reject violence, as it has no place in a democratic society. Democracy, however neither begins nor ends with elections, now is the time for Nigeria’s leaders and its people to come together and blind the future that they deserve, a multiparty democracy that addresses the aspiration of all Nigerians, especially its youth, who did so much to make the recent elections a success at who will define the nation’s future.

As Africa’s most populous county, Nigeria can show what is possible when people of different parties, ethnicities and faith backgrounds come together seek peace, provide for their families, and give their children a better future, I look forward to strengthening our partnership with Nigeria so that this and future sensations of Nigerians can live in peace, democracy and prosperity. Barack Obama.

Source: Ekow Shalders.

INSTITUTE FOR DEMOCRACY AND PRESS FREEDOM.

NO MAN OR WOMAN, BORN OF A WOMAN CAN ALTER YOUR DESTINY.

2011-01-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

My friends, the universe may be vast, but it can also be a wonderfully interconnective place .Nobody can alter your God given destiny. What God has spoken concerning your life, must surely manifest to his glory. No matter how long it takes, no matter what the powers that “be.” do to you and your destiny.

Folks, what God has ordained for your life will come to pass like the “WHIRLWIND”. That is where people will begin to question whether or not it is you they are seeing.

My friends, the last time I had an encounter with God and I think I have to share it with you. No matter what your religious inclinations are, you know something about Governor Joseph and his brothers. You have heard of his dreams and how he was envied by his own blood brothers. How he was subjected to ridicule and frustrations, how they had wanted to kill him, just because they wanted to alter his destiny.

Eventually they succeeded in selling him into slavery, thinking they had gotten a “touch-down” in their bid to change their brother’s destiny. God, who knew what he had in store for Sir Joseph, lifted him from DISGRACE unto GRACE. Even in slavery, God’s spoken word concerning Joseph’s life manifested. He became a governor and the first minister of food and agriculture in Egypt.

Through this, his brothers, his parents and the entire descendants of father Abraham at the time were saved from hunger and starvation. This fulfilled a long awaited spoken word on the destiny of Joseph. You might be facing similar situation or going through a lot of difficulties, talebearers are frustrating you, they are saying all sort of things about you to your bosses .You have lost your bearings in life, your job is lost, your position and all the goodies that life represents are gone. To you, there is no light at the end of the tunnel. You have tried everything humanly possible just to make things happen .Yet there seem to be no end in sight. Nothing seems to be working for you. Whatever you hold seems to be falling apart. You are being swallowed by debts and all sort of financial storms. Are you about to give up? Have you given up? Are you planning to commit suicide and saying that life is not fair? Or are you saying that God is not fair? Folks, God’s plans for you are so special and spectacular, as even your enemies think they are sending you into bondage and trying to ex-communicate you from society, God is preparing a very great throne for you. He is making a way where there seem to be no way for you. You will definitely be counting your blessings and naming them one by one.

Do not give up! Your miracle is just on the way. If God in his infinite mercy and grace, can forgive me, and deliver me from my enemies, to fulfill my destiny. Then he can do likewise for you. My God whom I serve shall supply you all your needs according to his riches in glory.

Cast your cares and burden unto him who is able, his name is JESUS. He is always at hand to give you rest .Remember that what is written is written. Your detractors will always try to derail you, but always let God arise and his enemies will be scattered! AMEN

You are blessed .God will make you more honorable he will make you so great.

Source: Ekow Shalders (I.D.P.F USA)

January 22, 2011

U.S. & China: Building a Positive, Cooperative, and Comprehensive Relationship

2011-01-20T12:45:00.000-08:00

White House,Washington DC----January 19 ----During the state visit of President Hu Jintao to Washington, D.C., President Obama and President Hu highlighted specific means to cooperate on a variety of global and bilateral challenges, including the following:

Center of Excellence on Nuclear Security

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Chairman Chen Qiufa of the China Atomic Energy Authority signed a government-to-government agreement establishing a Center of Excellence in China to promote effective nuclear security and safeguards. During the historic Nuclear Security Summit in Washington in April of 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed to establish a “Center of Excellence” on nuclear security to help support the global effort to secure vulnerable nuclear material around the world. This agreement paves the way for DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Defense to work with our partners in China to develop a center that will provide a central site for training in all aspects of nuclear security. It will serve as a forum for exchanging technical information, sharing best practices, developing training courses, and promoting technical collaborations that will enhance nuclear security in China and throughout Asia. It will also help meet the training needs for China’s expanding nuclear sector and promote nuclear security best practices throughout the region.

Cooperation on Climate Change, Clean Energy and the Environment

President Obama and President Hu applauded efforts to implement the provisions of the Cancun agreements that build on the Copenhagen Accord; welcomed enhanced cooperation on clean energy and announced joint work plans for the newly established research consortia under the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center in building efficiency, clean coal, and clean vehicles; signed an agreement with the Chinese Academy of Sciences to promote cooperation in a range of energy, biological, and environmental sciences; started negotiations on a U.S.-China Eco-City Initiative to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy into city design and operation in our two countries; signed a statement of intent to share data on electric vehicle demonstrations in Los Angeles and Shanghai; and announced two new EcoPartnerships on energy efficiency and clean electricity.

Science and Technology Cooperation

The United States and China extended the U.S.-China Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology, one of the longest standing agreements between our two countries. Since it was first signed in 1979, the agreement has fostered exchanges to advance cooperative research in a diverse array of fields, including fisheries, earth and atmospheric sciences, basic research in physics and chemistry, a variety of energy-related areas, agriculture, civil industrial technology, geology, health, and disaster research.

Education

First Lady Michelle Obama hosted an event at Howard University to highlight educational exchanges between our two countries and announce progress on the 100,000 Strong Initiative. President Obama launched the initiative in November 2009 to reach the goal of encouraging 100,000 American students to study in China.

Health

To promote collaboration between our two countries on health issues, the United States and China announced their intention to establish a public private partnership on healthcare. Working collaboratively with the private sector, the Partnership will support jointly agreed upon activities, including a Healthcare Professional Personnel Exchange Program, studies, consultancies, training, pilot projects, and related project development.

Subnational Cooperation and Dialogue

To build dialogue and cooperation at the subnational level, the United States and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the establishment of a U.S.-China Governors Forum. Convened by the National Governors Association and the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the forum will serve as a platform to promote peer-to-peer exchanges between U.S. Governors and Chinese provincial Party Secretaries and Governors on topics of mutual concern such as trade and investment, energy and the environment, tourism, and education.

Customs Training Center

As part of our shared commitment to preventing nuclear smuggling, Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel Poneman and Vice Minister Sun Yibiao of the General Administration of China Customs will sign a memorandum of understanding that paves the way for the establishment of a radiation detection training center in Qinhuangdao, China. Under the agreement, the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration will provide radiation detection equipment and support the development of training materials for use at the Qinhuangdao Training Center. The radiation detection training facility at the Qinhuangdao Training Center will be the first of its kind in the region.

Chinese Garden

The United States and China intend to work together to construct a Classical Chinese Garden on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. The garden will be a venue for cultural events to enhance the traditional friendship between our two peoples.

Source:Ekow Shalders (INSTITUTE FOR DEMOCRACY AND PRESS FREEDOM,USA)

OBAMA APPLAUDS THE PEOPLE OF TUNISIA

2011-01-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

The president of the United States has applauded the courage and dignity of the Tunisian people and condemned and deplored the use of violence against citizens peacefully voicing their opinion .
These were contained in a statement from the White House on the situation in Tunisia.

In the statement ,Mr Obama said"The United States stands with the entire international community in bearing witness to this brave and determined struggle for the universal rights. We must all uphold and we will long remember the images of the Tunisian people seeking to make their voices heard."

The statement released on Friday, urged all parties to maintain calm and avoid violence ,with a call on the Tunisian government to respect human rights and to hold free and fair elections in the future that reflects the will and aspirations of the Tunisian people and give life to the principle of democracy in it's own way,grounded in the traditions of it's own people.

The almost 24 year regime of authoritarian president,El Abidine Ben Ali came crushing through a wide range of protest nicknamed the Jasmine Revolution after the national flower.He has since fled the North African country.

Mr Ben Ali who came to power in 1987 through a bloodless coup that toppled the 31 year regime of Tunisia's first president Habib Bourguiba ,who established a strict one-party state, Has been accused of wide spread corruption,insensitivity and increased unemployment in the mainly Muslim country.The Jasmine Revolution saw government forces firing tear-gas to disperse gathering and also using force to send crowd away.Meanwhile the prime minister has taken over the affairs of the country.

Source:Ekow Shalders (I.D.P.F ,USA)

OBAMA URGES LAURENT GBAGBO TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RESPECT ELECTION RESULTS

2010-12-04T11:49:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON DC,December-3--------------United States President, Barrack Obama has urged parties involved in the Ivorian electoral crisis including incumbent president,Laurent Gbagbo to acknowledge and respect the results and allow Cote d' Ivoire to move forward towards a peaceful and democratic future,leaving long years of conflict and missed opportunities in the past.

In a statement ,Mr Obama said "I congratulate Alassane Outtara on his victory in Cote d' Ivoire 's November 28 elections.The Independent Electoral Commission ,credible and accredited observers,and the United Nations have all confirmed this result and attested to its credibility"

He indicated that the International Community will hold those who act to thwart the democratic process and the will of the electorate accountable for their actions.

Meanwhile despite all the international outcry,over the run-off which many thought would unify the once peaceful haven of Africa,Mr Gbagbo has been sworn in for a new term.

Source:EKOW MENSAH-SHALDERS-I.D.P.F-USA

FLORIDA GAY ADOPTION BATTLE RAGES ON

2010-10-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

BROWARD-FLA-Pressure is being mounted on Florida's Attorney General, Bill McCollum to appeal a court decision that ruled as unconstitutional a ban on gay adoption. The pressure came from a group led by Rev.Dr.O'Neal Dozier of the Worldwide Christian Center on Thursday (October 14, 2010) in Ft Lauderdale Florida.

Their reaction was in response to a Florida court of appeal Striking down the last State Statue expressly banning all homosexual parents from adopting children. The group is strongly pushing for the Department of Children and families (DCF) and the State's Attorney General to appeal before the October, 22nd deadline. Speaking to reporters during the protest Rev.Dr. O'Neal Dozier said "Children deserve to grow in desiring mates of the opposite sex not the same sex, God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve." At the time of filling this report it was not clear if the DCF or the Attorney General will appeal the court's decision.

Others told this reporter after the protest that the issue could play a role in the mid-term elections and politicians are being careful with their comments on the issue. Some also hailed the court's decision, calling it a victory for the Obama administration in its effort to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", policy in the military, and the passing of the Employment Non-discrimination Act.

In the United States of America, only Six (6) States have laws that expressly prohibit discrimination against gay and lesbian adoption. (Massachusetts, Nevada, California, New Jersey, New York and Maryland). The Florida court of appeals' decision now decreases the number of States that restricts the adoption by Same-Sex couples to three (3)-Nebraska, Michigan and Mississippi.

This 33-year-old law in Florida's statues will be expunged if nobody appeals the September ruling or if the State loses the appeal

SOURCE:EKOW SHALDERS

GYAN CAUSED US A LOT OF TROUBLE,USA COACH.

2010-06-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

RUSTENBURG,SOUTH AFRICA. Are the bookmakers always right?During the start of the 2010 FIFA World cup in South Africa,bookmakers did not see hope in TEAM GHANA(BLACK STARS)The shining stars of Africa have proved a lot of people wrong including the connoisseurs who termed the match between Ghana and the United States of America(USA)as the payback time match in favor of the "Yankee Boys".Ghana ,the only surviving African team in the tournament which is being held for the first time on the continent's soil however ended otherwise.

in the 2006 edition of the World Cup competition held in Germany ,and which Ghana qualified for the first time ,saw Ghana sending the Yankees packing home early in the group stages by beating them 2-1.
The story is the same in this 2010 competition .The only difference is that the 2-1 win over the Uncle Sam boys did not occur at the group stages.
Many Americans felt that this time there was noway a country like Ghana which is the size of Oregon should be given the opportunity be it tactically or otherwise to humiliate almighty USA.Never again they said.
Back in 2006 it was coach Bruce Arena and the "Obama 11" had fought hard to put that humiliation behind them.
With Bob Bradley now as the head coach of the USA national team,all arsenals are being amassed both technically and individual strengths to show the Black stars of Ghana that Uncle SAM it is!
Before Saturday's big match here in Rustenburg ,White House press secretary,Robbert Gibbs issued a statement saying "President Obama and President Mills are eagerly anticipating the world cup between the United States and Ghana this afternoon,they reaffirmed the strong ties between the people of our two countries,including our shared passion on the soccer field,and have agreed that when they next meet they will exchange team jerseys in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that they look forward to seeing on the playing field today".

All indications were that the Americans were really burnt on finishing their unfinished business with the Ghanaians and the Ghanaians were also burnt on holding the flag of Africa high and keep the flame of Africa burning.

From the blast of the whistle of Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium,the Black stars piled the needed pressure on the USA making nonsense of the American midfield and forcing them to giveaway most of the balls.Ghana eventually took the lead through Kevin Prince Boateng which the Yankees equalized after halftime.Both teams battled it out till the game went into extra time .
The Stars of Ghana made it 2-1 courtesy Asamoah Gyan's goal to end proceedings .Ghana again sending USA packing.
In a post match interview here with ESPN,Bob Bradley US coach said"Ghana was a good team and we did not get the job done.Certainly Gyan(Asamoah Gyan)caused us a lot of trouble,physically he is a real handfull and at the end of the day that took care of things".
Will Team Ghana continue to hold high the flag of Ghana?Will Ghana again make history by going to the finals in the name of Africa?
Ghana should play the theme song of the world cup in their camp to let it motivate and spur them on.

YOU ARE A GOOD SOLDIER
CHOOSING YOUR BATTLES
PICK YOURSELF UP
AND DUST YOURSELF OFF
AND BACK-ON THE SADDLE
YOU 'RE ON THE FRONTLINE
EVERYONE IS WATCHING

YOU KNOW IT'S SERIOUS
WE'RE GETTING CLOSER
THE PRESSURE IS ON
YOU FEEL IT
BUT YOU'VE GOT IT ALL
BELIEVE IT
WHEN YOU FALL GET UP
TODAY'S YOUR DAY
I FEEL IT,YOU PAVE THE WAY BELIEVE IT
IF YOU GET DOWN
GET UP
THIS TIME IS FOR AFRICA
TSAMINA MINA
WAKA WAKA
TSAMINA MINA ZANGALEWA

LONG LIVE GHANA!LONG LIVE AFRICA
The OMUNTU SPIRIT IS ON!

Story by:Ekow Shalders

FEDRAL BEAURAU OF INVESTIGATIONS (FBI) RELEASES IC3 2009 Annual Report on Internet Crime

2010-03-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

IC3 2009 Annual Report on Internet Crime Released

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), today released the 2009 annual report about fraudulent activity on the Internet.

Online crime complaints increased substantially once again last year, according to the report. The IC3 received a total of 336,655 complaints, a 22.3 percent increase from 2008. The total loss linked to online fraud was $559.7 million; this is up from $265 million in 2008.

Year	Complaints Received	Dollar Loss
2009	336,655	$559.7 million
2008	275,284	$265 million
2007	206,884	$239.09 million
2006	207,492	$198.44 million
2005	231,493	$183.12 million

Although the complaints consisted of a variety of fraud types, advanced fee scams that fraudulently used the FBI’s name ranked number one (16.6 percent). Non-delivery of merchandise and/or payment was the second most reported offense (11.9 percent).

The 2009 Internet Crime Report details information related to the volume and scope of complaints, complainant and perpetrator characteristics, geographical data, most frequently reported scams and results of IC3 referrals.

“Law enforcement relies on the corporate sector and citizens to report when they encounter on-line suspicious activity so these schemes can be investigated and criminals can be arrested,” stated Peter Trahon, section chief of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Computer users are encouraged to have up-to-date security protection on their devices and evaluate e-mail solicitations they receive with a healthy skepticism—if something seems too good to be true, it likely is.”

NW3C Director Donald Brackman said the report’s findings underscore the threat posed by cyber criminals. “The figures contained in this report indicate that criminals are continuing to take full advantage of the anonymity afforded them by the Internet. They are also developing increasingly sophisticated means of defrauding unsuspecting consumers. Internet crime is evolving in ways we couldn’t have imagined just five years ago.” But Brackman sounded an optimistic tone about the future. “With the public’s continued support, law enforcement will be better able to track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

About IC3

The Internet Crime Complaint Center is a joint operation between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. The IC3 receives, develops, and refers criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism utilized to alert authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local, and international level, the IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet-related crimes.

FILED BY:EKOW SHALDERS

2010-03-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY SET STAGE FOR BIGGEST AFRICAN RENAISSANCE IN USA

2010-02-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK..................All is set for the biggest African Cultural Festival in the Empire State in March 2010.Living by it's Jesuit principles.Fordham University the only Jesuit University in New York and also finding itself in an area which has the largest concentration of African immigrants in the whole of the United States(Bronx)is bringing Africa to the rest of the world in the united States of America,with an annual African week celebration---African Cultural Festival.

The maiden edition is scheduled for March 20 to the 26, 2010 at the RoseHill Campus Bronx New York.Themed Culture and Democracy---"Using Culture as a tool to enhance the growth of Democracy in Africa."The festival aims to showcase Africa's contribution to world democracy and exposing Africa's diverse culture to the world.The brain behind this enterprise is the African Cultural Exchange(ACE) a vibrant student organization of Fordham University.
"We are very much delighted that this event will assemble the best African brains to look at how best our culture as Africans could be used to accelerate democracy in our continent and expose what we have as a people to the outside folks"Mike Moghi,president of African Cultural Exchange.
He stated that so far 90% of the African Embassies and consulates in the United States have given their endorsement of the festival and it's indeed going to be a big success for Africa.

Mr Moghi was very grateful to the university authorities especially the department of African and African-American studies for collaborating with African Cultural Exchange to host the event.
He added that some people feel Africa as a continent has nothing good to offer apart from wars and stories of genocide and other un-presentable issues."Let me tell you,we are good people people and we have very good things to contribute to world development and our continent",All these issues will be address through a public lecture during the event.The festival will bring to the people first hand information from Africa ,by Africans for the whole world.
African cultural Exchange is seeking to demystify Africa.

Touching on the festival,the chairman of the Department of African and African -American studies,Professor Mark Naison explained why his department thought it wise to collaborate with A.C.E to host the biggest African Renaissance in the US.
"The department established in 1969 have always made the teaching of African History and the promotion of African culture a major priority and with the founding of a student club (African Cultural Exchange) dedicated to those goals,we have an opportunity to transform what we teach in our classes into a major effort to show the entire university community and the rest of the world what Africans have contributed to world civilization over the centuries."
He made it clear that currently African immigrants are contributing immensely towards the economic and cultural vitality of New York City.
"We feel we have a very special opportunity and a special responsibility to showcase African culture on our campus and the whole of New York State .This maiden edition ,we have invited a cultural troupe from Ghana,the Twereampong cultural troupe will be doing a live performance and Fordham University is looking forward to welcoming thousands of people from all walks of life and around the world to witness the maiden event of this annual festival.

The official media launch for the event is on February 22 2010 at the Flom Auditorium ,RoseHill campus,Fordham University New York at 2:30 pm.

SOURCE:EKOW SHALDERS

TRANSCRIPT: Ambassador Yates Roundtable with Ghanaian Journalists - US AFRICOM News

2010-02-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

TRANSCRIPT: Ambassador Yates Roundtable with Ghanaian Journalists - US AFRICOM News

Bill Clinton hospitalized in New York

2010-02-11T15:22:00.000-08:00

Bill Clinton hospitalized in New York
By Scott Butterworth, Philip Rucker and William Branigin and Filed By Ekow Mensah-Shalders
NEW YORK…………… Former president Bill Clinton has been admitted to a hospital in New York City after suffering from chest pain and received two stents in one of his coronary arteries, his office said Thursday afternoon.
In a statement, Douglas Band, a longtime aide to the 63-year-old former president, said Clinton "was admitted to the Columbia Campus of New York Presbyterian Hospital after feeling discomfort in his chest.
"Following a visit to his cardiologist, he underwent a procedure to place two stents in one of his coronary arteries. President Clinton is in good spirits, and will continue to focus on the work of his Foundation and Haiti's relief and long-term recovery efforts," Band added.
A stent is a small mesh tube inserted into a narrowed or weakened artery to support it.
Clinton's wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, met Thursday afternoon with President Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner. She "is now headed to New York City," a State Department official said Thursday afternoon. "If we have anything to add beyond that, we will, including any changes to her schedule in the coming days."
She is scheduled to leave Friday for a diplomatic trip to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
In 2004, Clinton underwent emergency heart bypass surgery at Columbia Presbyterian. Doctors then found four major blood vessels that supply oxygen to Clinton's heart were blocked, some by as much as 90 percent.
That surgery was scheduled on short notice after Clinton had experienced prolonged chest pains and shortness of breath. Tests found that his coronary arteries were clogged.
With a family history of heart disease, plus high cholesterol and high blood pressure, Clinton had three major risk factors for a heart attack. In addition, he was known to smoke cigars and indulge in fast food during his presidency.
Before the bypass surgery, Clinton's level of LDL, or "bad," cholesterol had been measured at 114. During his last physical in the White House, his bad cholesterol was at 177. Doctors now recommend that number be less than 70.
After the surgery, Clinton blamed his heart problems in part on a genetic predisposition to heart disease on his mother's side of the family. But he also acknowledged that he "may have done some damage in those years when I was too careless about what I ate."
In March 2005, Clinton underwent a follow-up operation, to remove scar tissue and fluid from his chest cavity that resulted from the bypass surgery.
ABC News quoted an unnamed official as saying that Bill Clinton's current ailment seemed more like "discomfort...something wasn't right," rather than a health "crisis."
A friend of the former president told ABC that Clinton had been suffering from a cold and had been worn out from his recent trip to Haiti. He is the United Nations' special envoy for Haiti and, in recent weeks, has been helping lead the public campaign for donations to help that country recover from its devastating earthquake
Filed by :Ekow Mensah-Shalders

EXCERPTS OF PRESIDENT OBAMA's STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

2010-01-27T18:20:00.000-08:00

Washington DC......".We face big and difficult challenges. And what the American people hope – what they deserve – is for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to work through our differences; to overcome the numbing weight of our politics. For while the people who sent us here have different backgrounds and different stories and different beliefs, the anxieties they face are the same. The aspirations they hold are shared. A job that pays the bill. A chance to get ahead. Most of all, the ability to give their children a better life." President Barrack Obama.

You know what else they share? They share a stubborn resilience in the face of adversity. After one of the most difficult years in our history, they remain busy building cars and teaching kids; starting businesses and going back to school. They are coaching little league and helping their neighbors. As one woman wrote to me, “We are strained but hopeful, struggling but encouraged.”

It is because of this spirit – this great decency and great strength – that I have never been more hopeful about America’s future than I am tonight. Despite our hardships, our union is strong. We do not give up. We do not quit. We don’t allow fear or division to break our spirit. In this new decade, it’s time the American people get a government that matches their decency; that embodies their strength. And tonight, I’d like to talk about how together, we can deliver on that promise.

…

By the time I’m finished speaking tonight, more Americans will have lost their health insurance. Millions will lose it this year. Our deficit will grow. Premiums will go up. Co-pays will go up. Patients will be denied the care they need. Small business owners will continue to drop coverage altogether. I will not walk away from these Americans. And neither should the people in this chamber.

…

Rather than fight the same tired battles that have dominated Washington for decades, it’s time for something new. Let’s try common sense. Let’s invest in our people without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let’s meet our responsibility to the people who sent us here.

To do that, we have to recognize that we face more than a deficit of dollars right now. We face a deficit of trust – deep and corrosive doubts about how Washington works that have been growing for years. To close that credibility gap we must take action on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to end the outsized influence of lobbyists; to do our work openly; and to give our people the government they deserve.

That’s what I came to Washington to do. That’s why – for the first time in history – my Administration posts our White House visitors online. And that’s why we’ve excluded lobbyists from policy-making jobs or seats on federal boards and commissions.

But we cannot stop there. It’s time to require lobbyists to disclose each contact they make on behalf of a client with my Administration or Congress. And it’s time to put strict limits on the contributions that lobbyists give to candidates for federal office. Last week, the Supreme Court reversed a century of law to open the floodgates for special interests – including foreign companies – to spend without limit in our elections. Well I don’t think American elections should be bankrolled by America’s most powerful interests, and worse, by foreign entities. They should be decided by the American people, and that’s why I’m urging Democrats and Republicans to pass a bill that helps to right this wrong.

I’m also calling on Congress to continue down the path of earmark reform. You have trimmed some of this spending and embraced some meaningful change. But restoring the public trust demands more. For example, some members of Congress post some earmark requests online. Tonight, I’m calling on Congress to publish all earmark requests on a single website before there’s a vote so that the American people can see how their money is being spent source: EKOW MENSAH-SHALDERS

State of the Union Address Preview - C-SPAN Video Library

2010-01-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

State of the Union Address Preview - C-SPAN Video Library

Tagged - My Comments

2010-01-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

Tagged - My Comments

PRESIDENT OBAMA ON NATIONAL ANGEL ISLAND DAY 2010

2010-01-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

WASHINGTON DC...........According to the office of the press secretary of the White House,the president of the United states of America ,Barrack Obama has proclaimed January 21 2010 as National Angel Island Day,with a call on Americans to learn more about the history of Angel Island and observe the anniversary with appropriate ceremonies.below is the full text

One hundred years ago, the Angel Island Immigration Station

in San Francisco Bay opened for the first time, and an important

chapter of the American narrative began. It would be written by

those who walked through the station's doors over the next three

decades. From the cities, villages, and farms of their birth,

they journeyed across the Pacific, seeking better lives for

themselves and their children. Many arrived at Angel Island,

weary but hopeful, only to be unjustly confined for months or,

in some cases, years. As we remember their struggle, we honor

all who have been drawn to America by dreams of limitless

opportunity.

Unlike immigrants who marveled at the Statue of Liberty

upon arrival at Ellis Island, those who came to Angel Island

were greeted by an intake facility that was sometimes called the

"Guardian of the Western Gate." Racially prejudiced immigration

laws of the time subjected many to rigorous exams and

interrogations, as well as detention in crowded, unsanitary

barracks. Some expressed themselves by carving poetry and

inscriptions into the walls in their native language -- from

Chinese, Japanese, and Korean to Russian, German, and Urdu.

These etchings remain on Angel Island today as poignant

reminders of the immigrant experience and an unjust time in

our history.

If there is any vindication for the Angel Island immigrants

who endured so many hardships, it is the success achieved by

those who were allowed entry, and the many who, at long last,

gained citizenship. They have contributed immeasurably to

our Nation as leaders in every sector of American life. The

children of Angel Island have seized the opportunities their

ancestors saw from across an ocean. By demonstrating that all

things are possible in America, this vibrant community has

created a beacon of hope for future generations of immigrants.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the

United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in

me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do

more

hereby proclaim January 21, 2010, as National Angel Island Day.

I call upon the people of the United States to learn more about

the history of Angel Island and to observe this anniversary with

appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord

two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States

of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Filed by:Ekow Mensah-Shalders
GLOBALVILLAGE NEWS NETWORK.

TERORISM IS DEVILISH AND UNACCEPTABLE –AFRICAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE.

2010-01-06T17:09:00.001-08:00

TERORISM IS DEVILISH AND UNACCEPTABLE –AFRICAN CULTURAL EXCHANGE.

NEW YORK…………………..In the wake of the abortive terrorist attack on board flight NW235 from Amsterdam Schiphol to Detroit USA on December 25 2009,The African Cultural Exchange(A.C.E) of Fordham University says the act is barbaric and devilish and must be condemned by all well meaning individuals and organizations the world over.

The African Cultural Exchange, An organization that promotes African values and culture says it is appalled by this act of terrorism and condemns it in no uncertain terms.

In a Media release signed by the secretary of the organization, Mr.Kojo Ampah .The A.C.E said “terrorism is a crime against humanity no matter where it is committed and whom it is committed against. It is an act of cowardice, devilish and unacceptable.”

Even though the unfortunate incident according to the release has placed Africa in a bad light, it believes America will not shut the open doors of opportunities in the face of Africans who mean well. It says some great African leaders like Dr Kwame Nkrumah and a host of others were beneficiaries of the American opportunities and used their studies here to liberate the African continent.

The group believes the energies and intelligence of the suspect Mr.Umar Muttallab could have been channeled into a more positive venture like: Crusading for a better Darfur, spreading the message of deepening democracy in Africa and poverty alleviation rather than committing this stupid and unimaginable crime.

The statement also commended the passenger who helped in over powering the suspect and urged all well meaning people globally to join them in saying NO to TERRORISM.

SUSPECT TERRORIST FOR COURT.

Meanwhile Umar Abdul Muttallab the 23year old terrorist suspect will be in a federal court in Michigan on Friday .Authorities are tight lipped so not to interfere with the case, but are hopeful that he will agree to a plea deal exchange for reduced prison sentence. It is believed the suspect travelled to the United States on a one-way ticket and had no luggage .Sources say he has provided useful information to the FBI in interviews on December25.The day of his arrest, explaining his travels to Yemen and connections to the al-Qaeda group there.

Investigators are finding leads overseas in response to the information the suspect provided.

SOURCE:EKOW SHALDERS

White Americans' majority to end by mid-century - Yahoo! News

2009-12-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

White Americans' majority to end by mid-century - Yahoo! News

Evangelist Oral Roberts dies in Calif. at age 91 - Yahoo! News

2009-12-15T18:55:00.000-08:00

Evangelist Oral Roberts dies in Calif. at age 91 - Yahoo! News

Picture Show: Breach - Picture Show - GOOD

2009-12-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

Picture Show: Breach - Picture Show - GOOD

Money and Death: Funeral Business in Asante, Ghana

2009-12-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

Money and Death: Funeral Business in Asante, Ghana

http://www.africaguide.com/

2009-12-13T12:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.africaguide.com/

The Culture of Efficiency: Technology in Everyday Life

2009-12-12T15:33:00.000-08:00

The Culture of Efficiency: Technology in Everyday Life

http://www.communicationcurrents.com/print.asp?issuepage=171

2009-12-12T15:03:00.000-08:00

http://www.communicationcurrents.com/print.asp?issuepage=171

Federal Bureau of Investigation - The Dallas Division: Department of Justice Press Release

2009-12-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

Federal Bureau of Investigation - The Dallas Division: Department of Justice Press Release

2009-12-10T14:46:00.000-08:00

Federal Bureau of Investigation - The Dallas Division: Department of Justice Press Release

2009-12-10T14:45:00.000-08:00

Federal Bureau of Investigation - The Dallas Division: Department of Justice Press Release

FOOD SUFFICIENCY, KEY TO GHANA'S DEVELOPMENT.

2009-12-08T12:38:00.000-08:00

Springfield-Massachusetts : As Ghana celebrates its hardworking farmers and fishermen,government has been called upon to support farmers and fishermen to produce more food in other for the country to be food sufficient.

In an interview,an Actuarial Scientist :Eric Kwamina Davis;Says the only way the farmers can produce more to meet the country's food needs and make Ghana the center of food supply in Africa is to empower the farmers by curtailing expenditure on food imports(Rice and poultry).

"Government should invest money in the agrarian sector of the economy. This will not only ensure food sufficiency for the nation, it will enhance and improve the living standard of the farmers and fishermen and the bulk of the Ghanaian population". He pointed out. Investment in agriculture should be in the form of seedling, fertilizers, machinery, extension Services and fishing nets. Even though, government is doing well in this direction, it is important for it to ensure accessible feeder roads, marketing, and distribution networks, good storage facilities and food processing factories at appropriate farming zone locations.

"If we are not careful, the importation of agricultural produce into the country will make our farmers jobless and increase their poverty level. Building a house or giving out pick-up vehicles will not solve the problems of our hardworking farmers and fishermen and will not ensure food sufficiency" Mr Davis stated.

He pointed out that even though Ghana's democracy is being hailed by western and African countries, without food sufficiency, Ghana cannot see total development. The leaders whom the citizens elect should take bold policy decision to ensure a better life for all.

He advised politicians to put in place the necessary telecommunications, road infrastructure, effective health care and utility service to the benefit of its citizens and implement effective regulation for the insurance, banks and other financial and non financial establishments.

As an Actuary, he stated that more needs to be done in the area of insurance and pension sectors of the country and ready to assist government in these areas if his expert advice is sought.

He commended the hard working farmers and fishermen of Ghana for sustaining the country to this point in the face of the hardships they go through.

Source: Ekow Mensah-Shalders

REVEALED!!!!! THE FUTURE OF THE BRONX DEPENDS ON AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS.

2009-11-26T14:05:00.000-08:00

BRONX ,NEW YORK...........A study by the BRONX AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY PROJECT(BAAHP) of Fordham University,New York has revealed that African Immigrants in the Bronx are impacting positively on the Bronx economy and the New York state as a whole.

The research revealed how African Immigrants in their quest to integrate in their new found country, take up challenging jobs and establish business's in the Bronx to help the economy.The Bronx by far has the largest concentration of African Immigrants in the whole of the United States of America.By statistics,Ghanaians are the largest of these immigrants in the Bronx."The Ghanaians work so hard,they drive the cabs,work in the hospitals,Nursing Homes and other institutions and services that support the growth of this nation"Dr Naison ,the chief investigator of the project said.

He intimated that the the African Immigrants do all of odd jobs ;But they ensure they give their children the best of education,citing an example of one of his student at Fordham University whose parents lived in the Bronx ,did odd job but gave her quality education and now works with the Federal Reserve.

The African Immigrants are now helping to demystify the Bronx which hitherto was associated with violence and gangsterism,and other forms of unpleasant happening that led to Bronx receiving bad media publicity. "They are helping to shape up the Bronx and I'm excited about this, it will go into the history of the Bronx on the role African immigrant especially Ghanaian played in the direction" said Dr Naison.

The study of African immigrants in the Bronx under the African immigration research of the BAHHP is partly funded by the Carnegie foundation and is under directorship of Dr Jane Kani Edward. "The research intends to document and analyzes the life history of African immigrant, families, housing, race, relations, pattern of immigration, music, art, sports, religion, political and economic and gender issues among others."Dr.Edward.So far,the African Immigration Research of the Bronx African American History Project(BAACHP) has interviewed prominent Ghanaians resident in the Bronx notably among them is krontihene a Ghanaian Hiplife Superstar living in the Bronx.

The Bronx has a lot of African Immigrant institutions,these include :Houses of worship-churches and mosques,African owned Markets,restaurants,hair salons,Law Firms,movie and music stores,boutiques,community organizations and other social cultural and economic institutions.
It is amazing how the African Performs when giving the conducive platform outside the African continent.What then is our problem back home?
story by:
EKOW MENSAH-SHALDERS
wwwshalders-apotitimati.blogspot.com

AGOGO HENE’S “DAUGHTER” SELLS HER BODY IN THE USA

2009-11-23T19:40:00.000-08:00

AGOGO HENE’S “DAUGHTER” SELLS HER BODY IN THE USA

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA…….23 Nov. Trust me the Ghanaian can do everything and anything for money, just to keep body and soul alive. On the streets of the United State of America specifically Los Angeles, is Afua Owusu Afriyie; Aka Afua the model. A Ghanaian born at Agogo in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and grew up in Germany, who poses Nude to express her artistic feelings. She claims she worked with renowned photographers like, Bruce Talbot, Andre Lavelle, Sita Mae, and a host of others.

She poses for the cameras naked because she feels that is her own form of art. As to how she got into this kind of job, which is culturally not accepted by Ghanaians, seeing it as a despicable act, as far as the Ghanaian woman is concerned. “MY MOTHER ALLOWED HER BODY TO BE USED FOR SEX, I WOULD USE MY BODY BUT IN A DIFFERENT WAY” Afuamodel. She is 26 years and started modeling at the age of 14years as to whether she was modeling in the nude or not you have to figure it out after reading her story. A visit to her website revealed the real work of nudity of this great and proud daughter of Agogo Ashanti Akim. Thus, making her the daughter of the Omahene; Courtesy the Akan tradition, Afua loves Batman Samini a great musician in Ghana whom I also admired. Checking her webpage, Oh my word …………….. THIS IS AFUA’S STORY.

HER STORY

I am the product of passion not love, my life seemed too followed in suit constantly searching to fill that void.
I was born in Africa and raised by my grandmother in a small-impoverished village in Ghana. I remember as a child the feeling of starvation; the feeling of the hot ground on my feet not having shoes to wear until I was eight years of age, the scars on my body tell the story of a complicated existence.

I didn’t know much of my father or mother during my infancy.
My parents left Africa and moved to Europe in the hope of securing a better life; Their relationship did not survive the hardships associated with their struggles as illegal’s in a foreign country. My father left my mother there and returned to Ghana, left to survive on her own with no work documents and little education she used her body to survive.
This is how she came to meet the man who would become my stepfather; and at the age of eight I would leave Ghana and begin a new in Germany.
However, my new life would gradually fall apart as I would come to experience the damaging effects of racism and domestic abuse. And as my physical development out grew my emotional maturity I would gradually become the victim psychological, physical and sexual abuse.

I wandered aimlessly looking for acceptance and what I thought was love, allowing opportunists to capitalize on my naiveté and desperation for affection. I found myself falling into a pattern of bad choices and realized I needed to make some drastic changes in my behavior and surroundings.

I came to the United States with a dream of happiness and living a good life with who I thought at the time was the love of my life, upon arriving I found that happiness fleeting. I was somewhat coerced into marriage with the thoughts of expediting our work papers and citizenship. I found it all to be a lie... and within a few months I would find myself alone in a strange new country, battered and bruised with no source of income. I suddenly realized I had followed in my mother’s footsteps, following my heart, leaving my family behind to try and start a new life somewhere else only to be mistreated, violated and abused.
Left to fend for self with no means of doing so, I was a young woman without a green card or work visa, my resources and friends were limited, I felt betrayed, bitter and angry, but I was unwilling to concede to failure. I; like my mother had to make several hard yet necessary choices to survive.
My mother allowed her body to be used for sex; I would use my body also, but in a different way. I fell into modeling as a means to survive and help my family situation.
My views on sex and nudity are from the standpoint of my European upbringing and my African heritage. I am open enough to admit I enjoy what I do; I find pleasure in being nude and being admired. I enjoy working with talented people to produce visual art, and have posed for and with both amateurs and professionals and on a few occasion have allowed the lines to be blurred between professional conduct, the illusion of art and personal fulfillment.
This is all a part of learning and growth, and although I've made mistakes along the way I can honestly say I'm not ashamed of any of the decisions I have made.
I believe if you are honest with yourself and who you are and express that honesty you should have no regrets... My focus is clear, I'm here in the States and although I've hit more than a few roadblocks, I can still dream, this site will assist in making some of those dreams happen; my dreams are simple.
It is my intent to use this website as a medium to raise awareness, to inspire others, to educate and inform as well as entertain. I hope to generate revenue not only for my own preservation but to assist my family still struggling in Africa. My young relatives, who like me as a child walk without shoes, might feel the pains of huger in their bellies or need something as simple as a doll to play with. Is her story true? How are you going to react to it as a Ghanaian, most unfortunately when she has the Ghana national flag as a background on her www.afuamodel.com

SOURCE: Ekow Mensah-Shalders

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY GOES TWI (CHWEE)

2009-11-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

As from next summer,Fordham University will start teaching Twi at the University's department of African and African-American Studies.

The motivation ,according to the chairman of the department Professor Mark Naison is as a
result of the growing number people who transact business in the Bronx using Twi as the
medium of communication."It is amazing to see people communicating in Twi ,not thousand ;but tens of thousand.The churches ,African shops,African Restaurants and Food Joints just name them"

Fordham University is taking the lead in this area due to it's location and will be the only University in the New York to offer Twi.All is set for the Twi class to take-off during the summer section one class of 2010.Mr.Kojo Ampah Sahara,a Ghanaian studying at the RoseHill campus of Fordham University where the program will be held and leader of the African Cultural Exchange an umbrella organization that promotes African culture and values hinted that the course will be handled by a seasoned Ghanaian professor based in Connecticut ,Ben Hayford.
Twi specifically Ashanti Twi is a language spoken by about 10 million people in Ghana (West Africa).It is one of the three(3) mutually intelligible dialect of the Akan language ,the others being Akuapim Twi and Fante which belong to the Kwa language family. Kwa means a group of African language in the Niger-Congo group spoken from Ivory coast to Nigeria.

In Ghana,Twi is spoken in the Ashanti Region, parts of the Eastern,Western,Central,Volta and BrongAhafo Regions.The university is proud to undertake this enterprise as it will help teachers,social workers and others who will be working in the Bronx communities where Twi is spoken.

It is expected that students from other Universities in New York who are interested can be part of the course which will begin with 40 students.
Once again Ghana will be in the spotlight as the course will also look at the various cultural practices of the Akans.
source:

EKOW MENSAH-SHALDERS