CITY OF MOUNT VERNON MOURNS ATTA MILLS

Mount Vernon,NY.   Ernest D. Davis,Mayor of the city  of Mount Vernon in 

Westchester county, New York has on behalf of the people of the city of Mount Vernon expressed shock and surprise at the untimely passing of Ghana's President, John Evans Atta Mills.

 "It came as a shock and surprise to  hear news of the sudden passing of President John Atta Mills. The City of Mount Vernon Joins the world in mourning the loss of such a great leader". In a statement, the mayor said prior to the President's Passing, plans were being finalized for Mount Vernon to host a Ghana/New York Expo in order to boost trade relations with Ghana. 

"Although we mourn the President Passing, we must continue to pursue, for the benefit of the people. those objective that spur  economic growth and opportunity". said Mayor Davis. 

He asked for God's guidance and strength for Mrs Mills,his son,the entire Mills family ,the new president , the people of Ghana and for peace to prevail in these trying moments  Ghana is passing through.

The Mayor also used the same  platform to invite Ghanaian Business men and women to participate in the trade expo.

"I would like to formally invite Ghanaian Business men and women to participate in the Ghana,New York  Expo 2012 scheduled for September 14 to September 18,2012 in the City Hall Plaza in Mount Vernon,New York,USA.We have planned four days of activities and  that will not only offer trade  opportunity ,but will foster greater understanding between the various cultures  residing in the city"

Source:Ekow Shalders,ABS NEWS,USA

US Condemns atrocities in Mali, supports displaced persons

Washington DC:President of the United States has authorized the use of up to $10million  from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to help the unexpected and urgent refugee and migration needs of the people of Mali.

The west African nation has seen  increased political chaos and tension since the  overthrow of  democratically elected government of Amadou Toumani Toure ,which received a lot of international condemnation.The coup has compounded Mali's internal security issues with the Tuareg rebels which began fighting in the early 1990's over land and cultural rights  in the north of Mali,using the absence of a legitimate government to advance their agenda and pushing deeper south of the country.Reports indicate that the situation has led to the internal displacement of 155,000 Malians and almost 230,000 of them fleeing to Algeria,Burkina Faso ,Mauritania and Niger.In a statement ,US National Security Council spokesman,Tommy Vietor said'' the Obama administration is deeply concerned about the Malian situation and has called on all parties  to support the restoration of democratically elected civilian governance in Mali as soon as possible and specifically asking the interim government to issue its road- map for elections without delay,so preparations can be in earnest"

The statement admonished the military-led National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy (CNRD) to refrain from any interference in political matters and strongly condemned the attacks against civilians in northern Mali,as well as the reported destruction and looting of religious ,historical and cultural sites in Timbuktu.It added that the rebel group in the north should renounce any connection with terrorist groups and enter into legitimate political negotiations,urging all parties  to ensure neutral,impartial and unhindered humanitarian access to all population in northern Mali.

The Obama administration the statement said is solidly behind  leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in its mediation efforts and will continue to consult with ECOWAS and other regional stakeholders on the best way to facilitate the political transition and restore peace and security across Mali.   

Source:ABS NEWS ,USA

Nigerian Fugitive Returned to Houston to Face Charges

HOUSTON— June 27-  Godwin Chiedo Nzeocha, 45, a naturalized United States citizen 

originally from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been returned to the United States to stand trial in a $45 million health care fraud case.

Nzeocha was charged October 19, 2009 with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, 39 counts of health care fraud, three counts of mail fraud, and three counts of money laundering in relation to his role in the City Nursing Services of Texas Inc. health care fraud conspiracy.

Agents were unable to arrest Nzeocha after he was charged in 2009. He was later arrested in Nigeria and arrived back in Houston Wednesday. He is expected to make an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate George C. Hanks, Jr., at which time the United States will request he remain in federal custody pending further criminal proceedings.

According to the indictment, Nzeocha signed patient file documents as the provider of physical therapy services he was not qualified to provide and, according to evidence provided during trial of his alleged co-conspirators, which were not, in fact, provided to Medicare beneficiaries. The indictment also alleges Nzeocha handed out cash payments to recruiters who brought Medicare beneficiaries to City Nursing and to Medicare beneficiaries in return for signatures on blank patient treatment forms.

To date, five people have been convicted in this massive health care fraud conspiracy, including City Nursing’s owner, Umawa Oke Imo, who is now serving 27 years in prison.

Nzeocha faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and money laundering charges, upon conviction. A conviction for mail fraud carries an additional maximum punishment of up to 20 years in prison.

Source:EKOW SHALDERS,IDPF/ABS NEWS,USA.

MEDIA ADVISORY

MEDIA ADVISORY

DATE: June 10, 2012

Contact:       Ekow Shalders (Media Relations Officer) idemocracypf@journalist.com

WHO:              Malaika Media Network: Event organizers and Artiste management and Investment promoters. Speakers: Kojo Ampah Sahara, President ,Malaika Media Network, Darius Wobil, (Saint Wobil)Fashion Designer and Business man and Mayor Ernest Davis, City of Mt.Vernon

WHAT:            Media launch of Ghana International Trade and Investment Fair (Ghana /New York Expo 2012)

WHERE:           MOUNT VERNON CITY HALL, 1 ROOSEVELT SQUARE

                             Mount Vernon, New York 10550

WHEN:             June 19 2012:@ 11:30 AM

WHY:               Ghana as a country has proven itself as a beacon of hope and prosperity in Africa as well as the Gateway to the West African sub region. Its peaceful democratic elections and good business climate makes it a great destination for investment and business. Taking all these into account, City of Mt.Vernon,”A CITY THAT BELIEVES” is opening its doors for more than three (300) hundred Ghanaian small and medium scale companies to exhibit their wares at Our Arts on Third Street Festival, Westchester’s premiere art and music festival.

                             This will help spur economic and social development for Ghana, the City of Mount Vernon and State of New York.

                        The Media’s participation is highly needed as it would help make the Expo a success and also whip up the desired interest amongst the public.

JAMAICAN DRUG LORD ,GETS 23 YEARS IN PRISON

(MANHATTAN, NY)  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Wilbert L. Plummer, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Field Division (DEA) announced that CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL COKE, the leader of the Jamaica-based international criminal organization, the “Shower Posse,” also known as the “Presidential Click,” was sentenced today to 23 years in prison. COKE pled guilty on August 31, 2011 to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Robert P. Patterson.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “From his home base in Jamaica, Christopher Coke presided over an international drug and weapons trafficking organization that he controlled through violence and intimidation for nearly two decades; enlisting an army of ‘soldiers’ to do his bidding. With his conviction, he is no longer able to traffick drugs in the U.S., move guns across our border, or terrorize people, and with today’s sentence; he will now spend a very long time in prison for his crimes.”

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Wilbert Plummer stated, “This sentencing shows the tenacity that law enforcement has upheld in order to identify, arrest and prosecute Christopher Coke and those like him who have been ‘untouchable’ criminals.  For years, Coke has overseen cocaine and marijuana distribution as well as illegally traffic in firearms throughout the United States. Through concerted law enforcement efforts he has finally seen the consequences of his actions and has been sentenced to 23 years behind bars.” 

Since the early 1990s, COKE led the Presidential Click, which had members in Jamaica, the United States, and other countries. He was based in the Tivoli Gardens area, a neighborhood in inner-city Kingston, Jamaica, that he controlled. Tivoli Gardens was guarded by a group of gunmen who acted at COKE’s direction. They were armed with illegally trafficked firearms from the United States that COKE imported into Jamaica.

Since 1994, members of the Presidential Click have been involved in drug trafficking in locations throughout the world, including New York City, Miami, and Kingston, Jamaica. At COKE’s direction and on his behalf, members distributed marijuana, cocaine, and crack cocaine and sent him the proceeds. They also supplied COKE with firearms that they obtained in the United States.

 The Presidential Click members relied on COKE to provide them with protection and to assist them in their drug businesses, including resolution of narcotics related disputes. For example, in May 2007, COKE and others agreed to assault a narcotics trafficker in the Bronx, New York, when the trafficker failed to pay a drug debt owed to another member of the Presidential Click. COKE has been designated by the U.S. Department of Justice as a Consolidated Priority Organization Target (“CPOT”). The CPOT list includes the world’s most dangerous narcotics traffickers. COKE was arrested by Jamaican authorities on June 22, 2010, near Kingston, Jamaica, and arrived in the Southern District of New York on June 24, 2010.

In addition to his prison term, COKE, 43, was sentenced to four years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1.5 million in forfeiture.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the DEA’s New York Field Division and Caribbean Division’s Kingston Office. He also thanked the Office of International Affairs in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division for their significant assistance in this case, as well as the U.S. Embassy in Kingston and the Office of the Legal Adviser at the Department of State.

 Source:Ekow Shalders/Joel Shalders(IDPF/ABS,USA)

THE KING OF ASHANTI TO LIGHT UP BRONX

The King of Ashanti (Ghana) will dispatch a high powered delegation to Bronx, New York in the United State of America, as part of the coronation of Nana Okokyeredom Acheampong-Tieku, Asantefouhene of New York.

 Sources  close to the imperial palace (Manhyia) said, the King who attaches great importance to the culture and well-being of the sons and daughters of the golden stool  has  selected his traditional foreign Affairs Minister, the paramount chief of Tepa Traditional area as the leader of the delegation.

“Otumfou Osei Tutu II, will leave no stone ‘unturned’ to ensure that the pomp and pageantry associated with the unique and enviable culture of the Ashanti Kingdom lights up New York.” said our palace source. The coronation which is scheduled for May 26 and 27 at 1948 Washington Avenue, Bronx, New York and Ghanatta at 2180 Webster Avenue will see the true Ashanti traditional spirit and why the Ashantis were one of the very few African States that strongly resisted European colonization. In an interview, Nana Okokyeredom Acheampong –Tieku was full of praise for the Ashanti king and pledged the unflinching support of the Asanteman Association of United States of America towards the development of the Ashanti Kingdom and Ghana as a whole.”The Asanteman Association will continue to contribute our quota to the Otumfou Educational Fund as well as the Asanteman Development Fund to ensure the speedy development of the Ashanti Kingdom” Nana Tieku said.

He hinted that the Association under his leadership will acquire a center in the Bronx where the great values of Ashanti will be taught and where people from all walks of life would benefit from the true Akan tradition of having respect for the elderly in society. He said “most of the kids who are born and bred here sometimes do not have anything to be thankful for, they really do not know that no matter where they find themselves, their identity should glow for people around them to know and appreciate their uniqueness .I will ensure that the children do not forget about their values, this will help get a lot of them out of trouble”.

 Nana Acheampong-Tieku ,who studied for his Bachelors’ Degree in Accounting at Fordham University and currently pursuing an MBA in Finance, has education as his topmost priority and made it known that the organization has started a drive that will identify brilliant but needy students in the community and assist them in realizing their dream.   Since he was elected as the Asantefouhene of New York, he has made the association very attractive and has restored discipline, this according to him has increased the number of paid up members considerably.

The Asantefouhene of New York also touched on the coming elections in Ghana and opined that elections are the cornerstone of any democracy and the media and politicians have a vital role in ensuring that peace prevails in all the circumstances. He advised politicians to use words that will deepen our democracy and not  plunge Ghana into chaos like what has taken place next door to us.” our journalist and media men should also do us a lot of good by whipping  themselves in line and not  bow to pressure to do the unthinkable”

Source:Ekow Shalders(IDPF/ABS,USA)

City of MT.Vernon to Partner Ghana in Development

MOUNT VERNON,NEW YORK. Mayor of the city of Mt.Vernon,Ernest Davis says ,the city is keen to partner Ghana in its emergence to the world market and development of the country.He was speaking at the official launch of Ghana-New York Expo 2012 which will be hosted by his city.
Mayor Davis pointed out that Ghana is a leader in the West African sub region in terms of democracy and peace and has proven to the world that there is no turning back on these principles of peace,stability and national development.
"Ghana has shown the way in the sub region as truly the gateway to the sub region.This we see from the peaceful electoral transition from one government to the other.My city will do everything possible to associate itself with these achievements and more and support Ghana's quest for growth and business prospects.Mount Vernon is proud to host this important business enterprise ,and must say this is the best place in New York for this special event" Mayor Davis said.
The event which is being organized by Malaika Media Network and other stakeholders, has as its theme,"A better Ghana,A better destination ",will bring together about 300 exhibitors from Ghana's small and medium scale companies to showcase Ghana's rich but untapped economic investment as well as international trade potentials and opportunities.
speaking to the press,Kojo Ampah Sahara,President of Malaika Media Network,was full of praise for the mayor and urged other states and cities to follow the mayor's shinning example.He noted that it's about time Ghanaian industries take advantage of the global network trends to improve on their business effectively and network with their US counterparts for enhanced business growth and opportunities.This according to him will help reduce poverty and empower the people of Ghana by providing more jobs for the people,especially the youth."One cannot overlook the enormous benefits this trade expo will bring to the people of Ghana.If the products are well received and patronized,it will mean a great deal of expansion,which will mean employing more people,thus helping to solve the unemployment situation in Ghana". kojo Ampah.
He did not mince words, when he told members of the media that that Ghana as a country is "pregnant with investment potentials and happy for the emerging giant in Africa to showcase what it has under its sleeves to the rest of the world".
The event is slated for September 24 to 30 ,2012 at the forecourt and streets around the Mt.Vernon city hall.
Exclusively sharing his thoughts on the event ,Mr.Fred Nuamah,founder of Ghana Movie Awards and member of the high powered delegation who attended the launch,could not hide his joy at the opportunity and the fact that it will afford the exhibitors the chance to show the rest of the world that the "best always comes from Ghana"He urged all businesses in Ghana who want to attract international attention and market to jump at this opportunity of a life time to showcase what they have."Mr. Nuamah said the mayor has proven beyond all reasonable doubt that he is a "man worth his salt" ,and praised him for his vision and wisdom.
The delegation to the launch was led by Nana Nyarko-Atta Wirefi XVII, chief of Agona Odobeng.

In his closing remarks,the liaison officer for the mayor's office and the organizers, Nashon Halevi said "Ghana is at a stage in its development where all blacks in the Diaspora with good standing have to come together to push it to the next level" He thanked the Mayor and the City of mount Vernon for the opportunity.


Source:Ekow Shalders(institute for democracy and press freedom,USA)