An Afternoon with 2 Ghanaian writers.
Mark your calendars for an special afternoon with two critically praised debut novelists and a brilliant musician : Nana Ekua Brew Hammond, author of POWDER NECKLACE (Atria Books April 2010), Ayesha Harruna Attah, author of HARMATTAN RAIN (Per Ankh), and George Francois, on acoustic piano.
Up South, Inc promotes contemporary storytelling — in all forms, music, dance, literature and art, — and advances the idea that each 
form of expressions exists in dynamic relationship to the other. Join us on a Sunday afternoon for performances, dialogue and fellowship with three emerging talents who demonstrate that we are a classical people still producing classical art.
When Sunday, April 11, 2010
Where 6 West 121st Street, between Malcolm X Boulevard/Lenox Avenue and Mt. Morris Park West, New York City
(seating capacity 50 people, open seating)
Subway: 2 or 3 train to 125th Street, walk South 4 blocks down Lenox Ave and turn left on 121st Street.
Admission: $5.00
*drinks will be served
* Up South logo merchandise, books and delicious food will be sold
Performances and dialogue 3 – 4: 30pm
Closing reception/book signing 4:30 – 5pm
For more information about the featured writers and artists go to: www.upsouth.org
Up South, Inc is a not-for-profit organization
310 Convent Avenue, Ste 2A
bluemedia@aol.com
Thank you.
Malaika Adero,
Director and founder
Delta Air Lines Launches Atlanta to Accra Nonstop services with Special Summer Fares
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
CONTACT: Delta Corporate Communications
+44 208 867 6295
Delta Air Lines Celebrates Launch of Atlanta-to-Accra Nonstop Service with Special Summer Vacation Fares
ATLANTA, March 15, 2010 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) today announced introductory fares from all Delta domestic markets for travel to Accra, Ghana via the world’s largest airline hub at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Delta’s nonstop flight from Atlanta to Accra, which begins June 1, will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
For travel between June 1 and Aug. 28, Delta is now offering a special leisure fare from Atlanta to Accra for $799* each-way if ticketed or purchased before March 31, 2010. This fare has a minimum Saturday night stay and a maximum stay of one month. *Additional taxes, fees, restrictions and baggage charges may apply. See below for details.
“These special fares provide a great opportunity for customers all across the U.S. to travel to Accra and reunite with friends and family this summer,” said Bobby Bryan, Delta’s commercial manager for West and East Africa. “As the leading U.S. airline to Ghana for more than three years, we’re delighted to be adding a second nonstop service, boosting travel and tourism between our two nations.”
In addition to nonstop service to Atlanta, Delta offers flights four times weekly between Accra and its hub at New York-JFK. These flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Delta flights between Accra and Atlanta and New York are available for booking online at delta.com or via authorized travel agents.
Delta Air Lines serves more than 160 million customers each year. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 367 destinations in 66 countries on six continents. Delta employs more than 70,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry’s leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France KLM. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 16,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline’s service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world’s largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and review flight status at delta.com.
*Terms and Conditions: Fare shown available at delta.com. Tickets cost $20 more if purchased from Delta over the phone, $35 more at a Delta ticket counter or ticket office, and these amounts are nonrefundable. Tickets are non-transferable. Seats are limited. Tickets: Fare shown is each-way. Round-trip purchase is required. Tickets must be purchased 72 hours after reservations are made, but no later than March 22, 2010.Travel Period: Travel may begin on or after June 1 through August 28, 2010 and must be completed by September 28, 2010; Blackout Dates: None Fare Validity: Fares are valid in the Economy (Coach) cabin Delta Air Lines flights only. Minimum Stay: Saturday night. Maximum Stay: 1 month or September 28, 2010, whichever is earlier. Cancellations/Refunds/Changes: Tickets are nonrefundable except in accordance with Delta’s cancellation policy. Fees may apply for downgrades/reissues and itinerary changes. Contact a Delta agent or visit delta.com for details. Taxes/Fees: Federal Excise tax of $3.70, Passenger Facility Charge(s) of up to $4.50, and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $2.50 for each flight segment are not included. For travel to/from Hawaii/Alaska, U.S. International Air Transportation Tax of up to $16.20 is not included. International fares do not include U.S. International Air Transportation Tax of up to $32.20 and U.S. and foreign user, inspection, security or other similarly based charges, fees or taxes of up to $299 depending on itinerary. Taxes and fees must be paid when the ticket is purchased. Baggage Charges: For travel within the United States/PR/U.S. Virgin Islands and to/from Canada, $23 USD/CAD* fee for 1 checked bag and $32 USD/CAD* fee for second checked bag when bags are prepaid during online check-in at delta.com. There is a $2 USD/CAD surcharge for the first bag, $3 USD/CAD for the second bag, when checking in via ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside. For all other travel, no fee for 2 checked bags (50 USD/CAD/EUR fee for travel to/from Europe for second checked bag when bags are prepaid during online check-in at delta.com, 55 USD/CAD/EUR fee for second bag when checking in via ticket counter, kiosk, or curbside) and 200 USD/CAD/EUR fee for third checked bag. Allowances are subject to size/weight limits. Contact a Delta agent for details. SkyMiles Partner Offers: Partner offers subject to the terms and conditions of each individual offer. Partners subject to change. All SkyMiles program rules apply. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/memberguide. Miscellaneous: Fares, taxes, fees, rules, and offers are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. ©2010 Delta Air Lines, Inc.
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NCOGA PRESENTS 2009 ANNUAL PICNIC, FAMILY DAY AND CONCERT
The National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA) welcomes fellow Ghanaians, Africans and friends of Ghana to its annual picnic, family Day and
Concert at the beautiful Roy Wilkins Park in Jamaica, Queens on Saturday, August 1, 2009.
This year’s sponsored picnic is an exhibition with a makeup theme of Sports and Cultural expo. There will be a performance by a surprise guest artist from Ghana at the park. There will also be various activities, such as a volley Ball tournament, a tug of war competition just to name a few. Awards would be presented to the winners. Doctors on the Hudson and Ghanaian Nurses Association would also be on hand to provide various types of health screening. Additionally, there would be Ghanaian Cultural Extravaganza, a taste of Ghana combined with traditional drumming and youth performances!
It will be great! Make August 1st a get-away to camaraderie with friends. Plan ahead for this day as a day of opportunity to mingle and exchange greetings with past school mates and friends you have not seen for a very, very long time.
Don’t think of missing this year’s event! The phones of the organizers are buzzing with calls from all over the world because, New York always hosts the mother of all picnics!
Anyone interested in sponsoring this year’s picnic should call 347-489-5007 for further details.
NCOGA HOSTS REOWNED SINGER JIMMY CLIFF AT GHANA’S 52ND INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION
The National Council of Ghanaian Associations in NY (NCOGA) celebrated Ghana’s 52nd Independence anniversary in style at the Armenian Church Hall on Saturday, 7th March 2009.
This formal banquet was a fundraiser for scholarships for youth who have excelled academically and are going on to further their education in colleges here in the US. In addition, awards of recognition were given to outstanding individuals and organizations whose life and work have served to advance the interest of Ghana and Africa.
The banquet attracted an array of distinguished individuals and dignitaries, including Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, Ghana’s Ambassador to the UN; Deputy Ambassador Genevieve Tsegah, outgoing Consul General Obeng Gyan Busia, Councilwoman Helen Diane Foster of the 16th District in the Bronx, Nana Anane Amponsah, New York Asantefuohene, Nana Abena Manu, NY Asantefuohemaa and Togbe Setranah, of United Volta Association. The crowd was entertained by the renowned gospel musician Professor Kofi Abraham and the popular Nigerian comedian “Away, Away”.
In his congratulatory message, His Excellency, Leslie Christian reminded participants that Ghanaians have good reason to celebrate this year’s anniversary, because it came on the hills of the peaceful transfer of power from President Kuffour to President John Evans Atta Mills. He congratulated NCOGA for remaining faithful to the charge of uniting Ghanaians under one umbrella. He reiterated his satisfaction that the award dinner was being held to raise funds for NCOGA’s scholarship program and noted that undertaking such task undoubtedly deserves commendation and our collective support.
Highlights of the evening include Jimmy Cliff wowing the crowd with a rendition of some of his previous hits. The four youth who were awarded scholarships for academic excellence are: Elorm Yador and Michele Adobea Agyakwah who have been admitted to Penn State University; Vasa Amponsah who will be attending the University of Buffalo and Gany Sita who is admitted to St. John’s University.
A diverse group of outstanding individuals within the community were recognized also recognized. Charley Taylor was honored for his humanitarian efforts, generosity, contributions and support for NCOGA’s initiatives. Also honored was STAR100, a young Ghanaian adult’s network group, dedicated to assisting different causes both in Ghana and here in the USA. Each year the group identifies a cause and organizes fundraising to support it. The group was honored for the selfless dedication and community service.
Also honored was the former Executive Secretary General of NCOGA, Alhaji Mardah; former representatives of NCOGA and other individuals from their respective associations for their dedication to service to the community at large.
Sincere thanks to all sponsors who supported us: Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian and his staff of the Ghana Mission, Western Union, the African Development Foundation, Ambassadorway Travel, Prestige Travel, Internal Travel Exchange, Mr. Tony Brobbey, Dr. Yao Kaledzi, Dr. Yaw Ntiri, Dr. Anukware Ketosugbo, Dr. Benjamin Dodoo, Awal Mohammed of Africa American Grill, Dr. Samuel Akuoku of Laurelton Medical, Dr. Samuel Mensah, 3G Media Inc., Calapaz Fabrics, Trinity Travel, and the Law offices of Akpalu and Associates.
Music was provided by the legendary New York DJ, Katabo Soundz.
The DVD of the event will be available for purchase soon. Those interested in obtaining the DVD should send an email to contact@ncoga.org.
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Click on the link below to see some pictures of the event.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ncoga.ny
Source: NCOGA Secretariat< — >
2009 Ghana’s 52nd Independence Dance
2009 Ghana’s 52nd Independence Dance to be held at Armenia Hall, please see flyer below:
Joshua “Hitter” Clottey, IBF WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION ROCKS NY Picnic 2008
New York — The mother of all picnics, the New York picnic, has shown its mettle once again on Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the beautiful Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut. An overall success, judging from comments from participants to the NCOGA office, organizers of this year?s picnic, family Day, Health and Educational Expo were proud to agree that the picnic was a great success and a window through which to showcase the diverse Ghanaian cultures, and the collective harmony that is characteristic of Ghana. The cultural extravaganza was climaxed by Okyerema Asante?s artistic one man drumming; quite an extraordinary performance.
This year?s picnic featured an exposition on sports, culture, health and education. There were various competitive activities such as volleyball, tug of war, and soccer. Various State Universities and institutions of higher learning were on hand to provide admission and financial aid information. Doctors on the Hudson and Ghanaian Nurses Association were also on hand to provide free health screening to all.
The change of venue to the Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, Connecticut drew a larger crowd with diverse group of people from all walks of life than last year. A crew of Adepa Radio was on hand to cover the celebrations live.
Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, the permanent representative to the UN and Joesph Ngminebayihi, the Deputy Consul General of New York, Dr. Anukware Ketowusugbo, Dr. Benjamin Dodoo, Awadada Togbe Awusi II of Anlo State and other dignitaries were there to grace the occasion.
The UVA cultural troupe and the Kpalongo group led by Zeek wowed attendees with their non stop drumming throughout the day. The arrival of the boxing champion to the park created pandemonium which led to his being carried around the park amid singing and drumming.
NCOGA would like to thank the following sponsors for their support for this year?s picnic: Delta, Western Union, Moneygram, Vigo and Akwaaba Travel Insurance. Additional sponsors are Ambassadorway Travel, Prestige Travel, International Travel Exchange (ITE), Trinity Travel, Pepsi Cola, Dr. Benjamin Dodoo, Dr. Samuel Mensah (Okyiman Clinic), Lincoln Grill, Comet Properties, Versailes Catering, Inc, Samari Shipping, J.K. Akpalu Law Firm, Dr. Yao Kaledzi (Horizon Medical Center), Sandy EB Associates, Universal trucking and Shipping, and Giftanco Enterprises (Queens).
A big kudos to this year?s organizers for a job job well done!!!
Ghanaians Abroad
From time to time we may feature news from around the world featuring Ghanaians abroad.
Removed Ghanaian dies of cancer
A Ghanaian woman who was removed from a UK hospital and flown home after her visa expired has died.
Ghana to expel female protesters
Ghana is to deport Liberian women refugees arrested for holding naked protests, a minister alleges.
Bush in Africa: Your views
Five people in the countries president Bush is due to visit give their opinions about his Africa tour.
Aids, oil and Africom on Bush tour
The BBC’s Laura Trevelyan assesses what President Bush was hoping to achieve with his six-day African tour.
US ‘is not seeking African bases’
George W Bush says the US is not looking to set up bases in Africa on the latest stop of his African tour.
Bush urges end to Darfur ‘evil’
George W Bush says violence in Darfur must be stopped "once and for all", as he continues his tour of Africa.
Star’s support for cancer woman
Film producer Trudie Styler pledges her support for a campaign to allow a terminally ill woman back to the UK.
Report Release
The National Council of Ghanaian Association in New York organized the launching of a telecommunications report on Ghana at the Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations on September 23, 2005. The report entitled, Telecommunications Market in Ghana: Status and Outlook was developed by Wilkofsky Gruen
Associates, a New York-based economic consulting firm with assistance from Kina Telecom, a value-added telecom firm in Ghana.
The report covers fixed lines, mobile communications, payphones, internet, and equipment and infrastructure market. It projects that the telecommunications spending in Ghana will grow dramatically through 2008, rising to $1.5 billion from $384 million in 2003, a 31.4 percent compound annual increase. In cedis, spending will rise from 3.2 billion in 2003 to 18.8 trillion in 2008, expanding at a 41.0 rate compound annually. The underlying drivers for this growth, according to the report, include the improved management of Ghana Telecommunications, new source of financing and the liberalization of the fixed line market.
The majority of Ghanaians present at the launching event expressed keen interest in investing in their motherland provided they have adequate access to information and data on various sectors enshrined in the telecommunications report. According to Dr. Lawrence of Lucent Technology, the report provides investors with basic market indicators and information that will help them make informed decisions on investing in the telecommunications market.
Mr. Obeng Busia, the Consul-General noted that this was the first time that the Ghana permanent mission to the UN in New York had undertaken a launching event of this kind. Present at the event are Dr. Victor Lawrence, Dr. Dodoo and Mr. Shariff Touray, members of the NCOGA Board of Directors, Alhaji Mohammed Mardah, the ESG of NCOGA, Mr. William Dzokoto, former executive of Lucent Technology and other former and current Council members and also the community leaders.
According to Victor Teppeh, one of the authors of the report and also senior telecom analyst at Kina Telecom, the Ghanaian community in the USA have the creative capabilities to help accelerate investment in the telecommunications industry.
The book is available for purchase by all potential investors. Please contact www.NCOGA.org or the Consulate at Ghana Mission to the UN. Check the Gallery for more photos of the Book launching.
