GHANA CAN BE BETTER WITHOUT KONADU AND J J RAWLINGS

Ghana's John Jerry Rawlings: The first head of state to carry out executions under military rule


In developed countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, France, etc, political leaders' priority is to make things better for the masses. 


Their wish is to serve the people and make things better for them in a way that the people will acknowledge them as good politicians, but in Africa, the story is quite different.

Ninety-nine percent of African politicians are inspired into politics by corruption without any plan to improve the welfare of the people. 

The idea or plan to loot the state, empty the government coffers, enrich themselves, feed and put their families into better institutions and positions, with stolen money banked at Swiss banks, are the main priorities on the agendas.

The corrupt African head of state has no sympathy, emotions, and does not know what suffering is because they are well fed with their families. To be in power for the rest of their lives, some become dictators, and others try to create a one-party state to avoid the attack of opposition.

The typical examples of such men are Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Hosni Mubarak of Egypt (already stepped down after political chaos in his country), Muammar Gaddafi of Libya (yet to step down), and many others.

The desire of Ghana's former lady, Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, to contest against President John Evans Atta Mills as the presidential candidate of the ruling National Democratic Congress(NDC) in the year 2012, on every ground, doesn't make sense. 

What do Konadu and her husband want in Ghana politics, after all, the crimes her husband committed in the political history of Ghana to fulfill his dreams as head of state?

Why must Konadu even try to do such a thing against Atta Mills when both are members of the same party? There are so many raw materials in Ghana to satisfy the needs of everyone, but never enough to satisfy the greed of Konadu and her family. 

I know that academically, Ghanaians are very intelligent people, but if any Ghanaian could cast a vote to make this woman the president of Ghana, then there will be room for people to question the integrity and intelligence of Ghanaians.

This is the time for every Ghanaian to be particularly aware that Konadu Rawlings' desire to contest as president of Ghana is not to do anything better for Ghanaians but greed. 

Ghanaians must continue to support President Atta Mills' government to make the NDC and other political parties strong, and shouldn't allow the greed of the Rawlings family to collapse the party.

BELGIUM TO ASSIST BURUNDI IN IT'S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

A farmer in Burundi 



Belgium is to assist the Burundi government in developing the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for its people to the tune of 5 million euros over the next five years. 


The financial support of the former colonial power is mainly aimed at increasing agricultural production and improving access to social services, according to information received from the Belgian embassy in Bujumbura. 

Under the financing program, the problems of the land disputes, the development of marshy areas, the introduction of farmers' association, education, and the provision of potable water will be taken care of. More than 80 percent of the court cases in Burundi are said to be linked to land conflicts.

In another development, Belgium will increase its financial aid to Mali, with the submission of over 4.5 billion CFA francs. Belgium also promised to participate in co-financing with the European Union to the tune of one billion CFA francs, in the socio-economic development, through the regional assemblies of Kigali, Gao, and Timbuktu. 

For over two decades, Belgium's development aid to Mali has gone from a mere governmental co-operation program of 16. billion CFA francs, for the period 1993 to 1998, to 32.4 billion CFA francs between the year 2009 to 2012.

Professor Colin Humphrey's great biblical discovery over "THE LAST SUPPER"

The last supper



Christians have long celebrated Jesus Christ's Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, but new research released Monday claims to show it took place on the Wednesday before the crucifixion.


Professor Colin Humphreys, a scientist at the University of Cambridge, believes it is all due to a calendar mix-up -- and asserts his findings strengthen the case for finally introducing a fixed date for Easter.

Humphreys uses a combination of biblical, historical, and astronomical research to try to pinpoint the precise nature and timing of Jesus's final meal with his disciples before his death.

Researchers have long been puzzled by an apparent inconsistency in the Bible.

While Matthew, Mark, and Luke all say the Last Supper coincided with the start of the Jewish festival of Passover, John claims it took place before Passover.

Humphreys has concluded in a new book, "The Mystery Of The Last Supper", that Jesus -- along with Matthew, Mark, and Luke -- may have been using a different calendar than John.

"Whatever you think about the Bible, the fact is that Jewish people would never mistake the Passover meal for another meal, so for the Gospels to contradict themselves in this regard is really hard to understand," Humphreys said.

"Many biblical scholars say that, for this reason, you can't trust the Gospels at all. But if we use science and the Gospels hand in hand, we can actually prove that there was no contradiction."

In Humphreys' theory, Jesus went by an old-fashioned Jewish calendar rather than the official lunar calendar, which was in widespread use at the time of his death and is still in use today.

This would put the Passover meal -- and the Last Supper -- on Wednesday, explaining how such a large number of events took place between the meal and the crucifixion.

It would follow that Jesus' arrest, interrogation, and separate trials did not all take place in the space of one night but in fact occurred over a longer period.

Humphreys believes a date could, therefore, be ascribed to Easter in our modern solar calendar, and working on the basis that the crucifixion took place on April 3, Easter Day would be on April 5.

ITALY LAUNCHES NOBEL PRIZE CAMPAIGN FOR AFRICAN WOMEN

Maathai: The first African woman in Kenya to earn a doctorate, the 64-year-old biologist gained international recognition in 1977 when she founded the Green Belt


To gain international recognition for African Women in both daily life, social and political activities, Italian cooperation, an integral part of Italy's foreign policy, has announced it is working with over thirty local authorities and hundreds of personalities from Italian and international cultural and entertainment and the civil society on a campaign to promote the candidacy of African women for the Nobel Peace Prize.



The cooperation is called the "NOPPAW" (Nobel Peace Prize for African Women) campaign. The exercise is sponsored by Solidarita' e Cooperazione Cipsi and ChiAma I'Africa with the support of the Italian foreign ministry. The cooperation aims to organize many events around the country to promote African women's growing role across the African continent.

"African women are the continent's compelling leaders, both in daily life, social and political activities," said Guido Barbera, president of Solidarietà e Cooperazione Cipsi, in a statement released by the Italian foreign ministry. 

Africa stands on their feet, female entrepreneurs, politicians, promoters of rights, health, peace, and co-existence; it is impossible to imagine the future of Africa without picturing the many ordinary women who carry the weight of this land every day, taking on its tragedies and bearing its hope," Barbera added.

According to the ministry, initiatives will be taken over the coming months, following the campaign's re-launch on International Women's Day, on March 8, 2011, in various regions of Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, and other African countries. 

The implementation plans will officially be presented to the European Parliament in Brussels on May 23, 2011, by the Italian Foreign Ministry, with numerous activities throughout the year.

LIBYA: GHOSTS OF LOCKERBIE AIR DISASTER SEEK REVENGE ON GHADAFI

Pan Am Flight 103



Almost over three decades, after the Pan Am Flight 103 was blown over Lockerbie, a small town in Scotland, killing 243 passengers, 16 crew aboard and 11 on the ground, in the worst terrorist act planned by the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Ghadafi, it seemed finally the ghosts of the victims are now seeking their revenge on the man who had escaped punishment for a very long time.


The Lockerbie air disaster sparked a lot of controversy over who was responsible. In July 1988, six months before the Lockerbie bombing, the US shot down an Iranian Airbus, killing 290 passengers on board. 

The Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini vowed he would take bitter revenge. An explosive was planted inside a radio-cassette player with a timer, triggered by air pressure. The remains of the radio cassette player were found among the wreckage.

Despite this amazing evidence, further investigation revealed that Gaddafi was the man behind this deadly act. The explosives were actually carried out by Abdelbaset al-Megrahi at the orders of Gaddafi, but Gaddafi denied every allegation, including the one behind the bombing. 

International pressure on Gaddafi and the fear of being attacked by coalition forces made him quickly accept the responsibility for the Lockerbie air disaster.

Gaddafi agreed to pay compensation of 2.7 million dollars to the families of the 270 victims. An agreement that would enable each victim to receive as much as 10 million dollars. The question is, why did Gaddafi finally accept responsibility for something he had previously denied? 

To make matters worse, the release of Abdelbaset al Megrahi, the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing, caused a lot of provocations and demonstrations worldwide. The family of the victims thought the man should have been kept behind bars for life. The United States of America even called it a "miscarriage of justice".

Coalition forces are now trying to topple Gaddafi since he has refused to step down by the demands of the Libyans. In his effort to convince his people and hold on to power, Gaddafi called the West and  America rats and cockroaches and urged the Libyans to fight them for the sake of their precious oil, which the West and America want so much. 

Unfortunately, he has forgotten that his involvement in the Lockerbie air disaster has also generated more hatred for him than for a very long time. The West and the United States of America have been looking for the best punishment to suit him, and now this is the time.

It's unfortunate for the Gaddafi regime that no amount of compensation paid to the family of the victims of the air disaster could help him. The victims' ghosts are seeking their sweet revenge, and I think the spirits of the dead would never sleep peacefully in their graves until Gaddafi is overthrown.

PAUL GASCOIGNE IS THE RIGHT MAN TO HELP VICTIMS OF ALCOHOLISM

Paul Gascoigne: A great footballer who couldn't free himself from alcohol



If Britain needs to educate the youth and alcoholics against alcoholism, then Paul Gascoigne would be the best person to do this job. Experience is the best teacher, they say. Paul has been in alcoholism before and is now out of it. 


He has therefore acquired a certain experience that he could use to help other people who alcoholism is gradually being their toll on them.


I quote "I could drink a bottle of whiskey, but give me six cans and I will be drunk. It was getting too much for me. I was trying to fill my days doing my dad's garden or things for my mum, playing football on the street with my nephews." 

That is an emotional speech of once one of the best Britain's, or probably the world's, best footballers, Paul Gascoigne. At his highest peak, this great footballer's only problem was alcohol.

Paul Gascoigne couldn't leave alcohol alone, even though he knew alcohol and sports can't work together. Paul is quite happy about his present life after kicking alcohol. 

Paul Gascoigne's great moments on the field


He has just completed a three-month course at a Bournemouth center. The course has brought his awareness of an understanding of how alcohol can destroy one's life.

Even though alcohol ruined the career of Paul Gascoigne prematurely, he still has a lot to do to help people who are trying to fight against alcoholism without success. 

Paul, I know that you can do it. Happy to see you once again in the news with the best solution for your life.

HOSNI MUBARAK'S KINGDOM FALLEN IN A DISGRACEFUL MANNER

Hosni Mubarak's kingdom came to an end after his own people rejected him.



If a soothsayer had warned Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, that his own people would one day revolt against him, I am sure that he wouldn't have admitted it. 


Because of Mubarak, he needs no dream or vision to see the future, or afraid of any forthcoming political chaos in his country. After all, for over three decades, he had kept the Egyptians under his control without any fear of his losing his throne.

Mubarak, like many of the African leaders, created a one-party state to dominate and dictate to the people in a grand style, with corruption and a flamboyant lifestyle. 

As a president, Hosni Mubarak survived many assassination attempts on his life, but he couldn't escape the wrath of the Egyptians, who demanded his resignation in one of the biggest demonstrations in the history of Egypt.

According to an Arabic news site, the "Akhbar al-Arab", Gamal Mubarak, the 47-year-old son of Hosni Mubarak, together with his family, including Suzanne, 69,  Mubarak's wife, fled with a private jet to London to occupy a villa already bought by the corrupt Hosni Mubarak at 9 million dollars (6.5 million euros). 

Mubarak's family arrived in London with 97 suitcases. Corruption is always associated with African leaders. They deposit large sums of money at foreign banks while the common people suffer in poverty.

The world is rapidly changing. Even the Arab world wants democracy, though some don't agree with the USA. Power belongs to the people as well; this is what African leaders must know. 

What has happened to Hosni Mubarak is an experience that one-party state leaders should learn from. This is also a warning to corrupt leaders. 

Whatever one sows in life, exactly what one shall reap. Disgrace will always await them at the end of the tunnel, as Hosni Mubarak.

Judge Ian Trigger, Ignore The Chief Justice And Do Your Job

Judge Ian Trigger spoke the truth

In the course of duty as a judge or lawyer, many are those who come under attack within the judicial premises. 

In my opinion, there was nothing wrong when Judge Ian Trigger spoke against Britain's lax immigration policy in 2009, which the chief justice found a bitter pill to swallow. 

Judge Trigger, you have spoken the truth, nothing but the truth.

There is a problem in Britain. The ministers and members of parliament speak about it daily, yet the problems continue to exist because in their opinion, "Word speaks louder than action." 

There is never a solution to a problem if an action is not taken. I need to remind them.

For example, there are so many crimes in Britain. It is not because there is no job, but most people are lazy. I quote Judge Trigger, "People say there are no jobs around, but why are immigrants flooding in and working hard? 

They are just dirty jobs, and the people don't want to do them." Despite this statement, Judge Trigger feels tied or handicapped to deliver the right punishment for a criminal, because of the way he was attacked by the Chief Justice in 2009.

Instead of working hard to revive the ailing economy of Britain, many choose to indulge in crime. At the moment, Britain is the leading country in Europe, with teenage pregnancy and alcoholism. 

David Cameron has a big responsibility on his shoulders if he wants to make Britain a crime-free and healthy country.

SUICIDE, IS THAT THE ONLY OPTION TO ESCAPE LIFE TURMOILS?

Depression often leads to suicide, but you can overcome those suicidal tendencies.



In response to extreme life problems, such as poverty, emotional pain, marriage problems, child abuse, debt, poor health, emotional upset, terrible living conditions, mental disorders, injury, chronic disease, and a lot of others, many choose to take their own life. 

Unfortunately, the people seemed not to value life any longer and would rather resort to this act that the scriptures speak against in the Holy Bible.

I have never met any suicide victim before because it's only a few who survive when quickly saved. But one day I met a beautiful mother of two nice daughters in Antwerp, at the central library, and we became friends. 

During our conversation, she told me the stupid thing she did when she was seventeen. She jumped over a bridge and fell onto a highway to end her life, but no vehicle ran over her.

As I look at her, I know that she was saved because the Lord wants her to survive to tell others not to attempt suicide during emotional stress or any other problem. 

Then I asked her if she has faith in God. She shuddered negatively but said she believes there is a certain spirit that guides us. I said Yes! That unseen spirit that guides us is the Lord, Jesus, the unseen guest.

In fact, suicide is an evil thing to do. I feel sorry for those who take other people's lives by their own request when gravely ill. The wounds suicide leaves in the lives of those left behind are often deep and long-lasting. 

Many people underestimate the Bible. But that Holy Book is powerful in healing a tormented mind than the doctor's prescription.

Pray without ceasing in the time of distress and see the miraculous result afterward. Life is beautiful and precious, so we mustn't waste it.

BELGIUM IN GOOD SHAPE AS ECONOMY IMPROVES

The port of Antwerp

Despite the bank crisis in 2008 and the severe global economic recession in 2009, Belgium's economy has improved rapidly as ever thought.

The economy recovered by two percent against last year, when the crisis was at its peak, and hopefully, 37,000 jobs will be created this year. What are the reasons that improved the economy at a very fast rate?

The export played a very significant role in Tonsin Belgium's economic growth in 2010.

 Belgium's goods leave the harbor daily to most of the European countries, including the United States of America, thereby generating much capital to sustain the economy.

BART DE WEAVER AT FLEMISH JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION END OF YEAR MEETING

The mayor of Antwerp, Bart De Wever, and the writer Joel Savage


Saturday, December 4, 2010,  the Flemish Journalists Association held its end-of-year conference at the venue NOVOTEL in Antwerp. 


Present at the conference were various journalists representing different media, including Mr. Bart De Weaver, the president of N-VA, a Flemish Party that strives for independent Flanders in a United Europe.

The conference was officially opened by Mr. Walter Van Den Branden, the current chairman of the Vlaamse Journalisten Vereniging. 

Key members of the association, including the head of the recognition commission, discussed the management and analysis of financial condition and results of operations at the conference. 

The role of journalists in this new environment and the many sacrifices journalists around the world make to do their job well were also discussed.

Members who have been within the association in the past 25 years were rewarded with gifts presented by the chairman for their hard work and dedication to keep the association growing from strength to strength. 

One of such members is the well-known cartoonist Mr. Bob Vincke.

Bart De Weaver's appearance at the meeting generated many questions from some of the members. He patiently answered every question. 

Some of the members had the opportunity to take photographs with him. The meeting finally came to an end after a buffet and drinks for the members.

CONINCKPLEIN IN ANTWERP, STILL DRUG PEDDLING NEIGHBORHOOD

The new library, 'Permerke,', 'Permerke,' has transformed Coninckplein in Antwerp.Antwerp.


Coninckplein, a neighborhood within the municipal zone of 2060 in Antwerp, has been a center of all notorious and nefarious activities in the past. 


Just an hour's investigation and survey of the area on Saturday, November 20, 2010, revealed that the place has increased in its criminal activities more than ever.

Drug peddlers, criminals, scavengers, alcoholics, and thieves have chosen Coninckplein as their haven or paradise. 

Unfortunately, the modern library built a few years ago to transform the place is not yielding any good results for the continually terrorized neighborhood.

Junkies, alcoholics, the homeless, homeless, and criminals in possession of stolen items and fake jewels interrupt decent people and pedestrians with their fake ornaments, ornaments, forcing them to buy. 

People who are not interested in buying stolen items and fake ornaments can't even secure their freedom easily. It can take them minutes to break free from the frustrated criminals.

Coninckplein has been a center of concern for every administration of the past and present of elected mayors of Antwerp. Unfortunately, nothing has been achieved so far. 

One thing I have observed so far is that any time the police in Antwerp set up a "Police Mobile Office" at the place, the activities of the criminals and drug peddling dwindle or subside. They only resurface when the police move away.

As a matter of fact, another issue causing more problems within the vicinity is the sale of alcohol by many cafes and alcohol shops in the area. 

Coninckplein is under such a state that the mayor of Antwerp, Patrick Janssens, should realize that he has a big responsibility to make the place safe, hanging on his shoulders.

Antwerp needs citizen action for neighborhood safety. A community strategy must be enforced to improve the quality of life. Coninckplein really needs a facelift. Facelift. 

If necessary, necessary, all the alcohol and cafes brewing crime and drug peddling in the area must be permanently shut down.

SUU KYI FREE AT LONG LAST

Suu Kyi


World leaders hailed the release of Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from years of house arrest Saturday, but warned the country's junta not to restrict her, even as a senior government official insisted she was "completely free". This is history in Burma, as the military junta bows to democracy.


Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi holds a bouquet of flowers as she appears at the gate of her house in Rangoon. World leaders have hailed the release of Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi from years of house arrest but warned the military junta not to restrict her in other ways and called for all political prisoners to be freed.

US President Barack Obama said that "while the Burmese regime has gone to extraordinary lengths to isolate and silence Aung San Suu Kyi, she has continued her brave fight for democracy, peace, and change in Burma."

"She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world," said Obama in a statement, using the country's former name.

While the United States welcomed Suu Kyi's release, it was "time for the Burmese regime to release all political prisoners," added Obama, in Japan for a regional summit, echoing sentiments aired by other world figures.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace laureate, "an inspiration" to the world, a UN spokesman said.

"The secretary-general expects that no further restrictions will be placed on her, and he urges the Burma authorities to build on today's action by releasing all remaining political prisoners," said the spokesman.

"France will be extremely attentive to the conditions in which Madame Aung San Suu Kyi enjoys her refund liberty," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in a statement issued by the Elysee Palace.

Any "restrictions on her freedom of movement and expression would constitute a new unacceptable denial of her rights," he said.

But a senior Burmese official said no conditions were tied to Suu Kyi's release. "She is completely free -- there are no conditions at all," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

British Prime Minister David Cameron called her release "long overdue", branding her detention for 15 of the last 21 years a "travesty, designed only to silence the voice of the Burmese people."

"Aung San Suu Kyi is an inspiration for all of us who believe in freedom of speech, democracy, and human rights," he said. "Freedom is Aung San Suu Kyi's right. The Burmese regime must now uphold it."

Britain is the former colonial power in Burma, which achieved its independence as Burma in 1948, and Suu Kyi's late husband was British.

Desmond Tutu, chair of the group of retired senior statesmen known as The Elders, called Suu Kyi "a global symbol of moral courage" and said her release "offers hope to the people of Burma."

For his part, Surin Pitsuwan, secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes Burma, told AFP he was "very, very relieved" at the news.

Pitsuwan said he hoped Suu Kyi would be able to play a role in bringing national reconciliation, while the Japanese government urged Burma to take "further positive measures."

In Brussels, European Commission head Jose Manuel Barroso called for Suu Kyi to be granted "unrestricted freedom of movement and speech" so she could "participate fully in her country's political process." He echoed the call for the release of political prisoners.

Similar reactions came from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the governments of Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, Austria, Bulgaria, and South Africa.

In Geneva, United Nations Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay called Suu Kyi's release "a positive signal" by Burma authorities and said she could "make a major contribution" in the transition to democracy and national reconciliation.

"I urge the authorities of Burma to now release the other 2,200 political prisoners as a clear sign that the new government intends to respect human rights and forge a new future for the country," Pillay said.

China, one of Burma's closest allies and a mainstay for the junta through trade ties, arms sales, and using its veto on the UN Security Council against sanctions, had no immediate reaction.

But the official Xinhua news agency, reporting her release, did describe Suu Kyi as "a noted political figure."

Rights group Amnesty International said Suu Kyi's release was not a "concession" by the regime and should not take attention away from other prisoners of conscience being held in "deplorable conditions".

Meanwhile, New York-based Human Rights Watch called the junta's move a "cynical ploy" to deflect criticism of its recent election.

"If the military government is serious about increasing political space after the elections, then it will release all political prisoners immediately and unconditionally," said HRW official Elaine Pearson.

FEMALE CIRCUMCISION IS BARBARISM

Dangerous implements used for female circumcision in Africa


Oppression and discrimination against women have become major concerns in many parts of the world, including Africa. 


Many women have become subject to all kinds of horrible situations, ranging from rape, sexual harassment, and physical battering to psychological abuse.

In some parts of Africa and Asia, men hold the view that "as a husband, to that woman," they have the right to beat up their wives any time they wish to do so. The ignorant idea that girls are not as important as boys views women as sexual objects rather than industrious, hard-working people.

An outdated practice going on in Africa, which has caused many health hazards to women, is female circumcision. In the Republic of Sierra Leone, an ethnic group calling itself "The Bondo Society" still carries this practice. 

Why female circumcision? The idea behind this barbarous act, which has caused so much misery and sickness to thousands of women across Africa, is to "help" the woman to be faithful and stay with only her husband.

Female circumcision is practiced in 26 countries across Africa, and the significance behind this act is totally meaningless and not beneficial to women in any way. Women are not going to be tied down by this outdated tradition. The world must fight against this wicked act. It's totally inhuman.