International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant for ex Ivorian Leader’s wife

The International Criminal Court ICC in The Hague has issued an arrest warrant for Simone Gbagbo, the wife of ex Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo. She will be on record for being the first female to have been arrested by the International Criminal Court. The pre-Trial Chamber (I) of the International Criminal Court decided to unseal the warrant of arrest issued against Simone Gbagbo for four charges of crimes against humanity. The court stated that Mrs. Gbagbo is responsible within the meaning of article 25(3)(a) of the Rome Statute for the crimes against humanity of murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, other inhumane acts and persecution allegedly committed in the territory of Ivory Coastd during the period between 16 December 2010 and 12 April 2011. This was the period in the Ivorian elections which saw the defeat of the then incumbent Laurent Gbagbo but refused to accept defeat which many analysts believed is due to the influence of his wife. An estimated number of 3,000 people died during the five months period Mr. Gbagbo refused to accept defeat to Mr. Ouattara in the post election violence which was widely divided between the north and the south of the country. Mr. Gbagbo is already waiting for trial at The Hague since transferred from Ivory Coast last year to face prosecution on similar charges. In the arrest document copied to the Ivorian Government, The ICC stated that it had decided to make public the warrant of arrest for Mrs. Gbagbo on four charges of crimes against humanity, which was initially issued in February. ``She was responsible for the crimes against humanity of murder, rape and other forms of sexual violence, other inhumane acts and persecution" allegedly committed in Ivory Coast between 16 December 2010 and 12 April 2011, the statement said. "Ms Gbagbo was ideologically and professionally very close to her husband, Mr. Gbagbo. She participated in all the meetings during the relevant period. Although unelected, she behaved as the alter ego of her husband, exercising power and taking state decisions," the statement added. The warrant further accused her of participating in the planning and orchestration of the violence, in which members of ethnic and religious groups seen as likely to support Mr. Gbagbo's rival, Alassane Ouattara, were targeted.

Rebels sized Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid condemnation from the United Nation and sanctions threats

The March 23 rebels movement, popularly known as the M 23 rebels movement have sized the eastern town of Goma from Government Forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This development has triggered widespread concerns about the humanitarian situation in the region which is divided by armed conflict, widespread displacement and attacks on civilians. The United Nations were due to asses the situation on last week Sunday but was forced to cancel it as a result of the security situation in the North Kivu Province - of which Goma is the capital. Residents told local reporters that rebel spokesman Vianney Kazarama announced that they should carry on with their normal activities, saying the M 23 was there for their security. He also said he provided his own phone number and that of his two intelligence officers for citizens to call if they had any concerns and urged Government force to give up and report themselves to M 23. "We can see the M23 patrolling the main road that runs through our neighborhood, It’s a relief that the fighting ended quite quickly , but we're worried about the possibility of a counter attack by Government forces’’ some residents told reporters. United Nations Security Council backs calls for sanctions against M 23 Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has moved swiftly to convey emergency meeting with leaders from Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. Uganda and Rwanda have both been accused by UN expert group of backing the M 23 rebels a case which triggered Rwanda threatened to sue the United Nations. France was reported to have stated that the members of the Security Council strongly condemned the rebel seizure of Goma and asked Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to look into reports that external support had greatly increased the rebels' military capability. The United Nations therefore agreed to sanctions the rebels group but many people are confused as what the sanction is going to be as the leader of the rebel group is already under sanction by the United States of America.

The Gulf Of Guinea set to construct $700m Methanol Plant in West Africa

The Gulf of Guinea Oil Exploration Limited GGOEX has outlined plans to construct the largest West African methanol plant in Nigeria specifically in 2015, for the price of 109 billion naira ($700 million). The plant will have a production capacity of 850,000 metric tonnes of Methanol per year, with the cost of the project to be debt-equity financed by International Financial Corporation (IFC) as well as fund syndication from local banks. The project will be the debut commercial-scale employment of the Mitsubishi Methanol Process (MMP) process in Methanol production technologies in West Africa, and would be located at the Gas Industrial park in Delta State, the oil-rich region of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Gulf of Guinea Oil Exploration Company is currently processing a Due Diligence Assessment with the Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria GACN for an approval of the construction and environmental sustainability of the project according to reports from Nigeria. Emmanuel Ejemurua, co-coordinator for the methanol project, disclosed that the global demand for methanol was growing at around 4 percent annually and that the GGOEX project is intended to manufacture and export methanol to meet this demand, thereby enhancing the monetization of Nigeria’s huge gas reserves. “The Delta Methanol Plant is ideally located to supply its major export markets in Europe and expectations are high that it will produce a competitive product, bring added value to society and further contribute to industrial growth in Nigeria,”Mr. Ejemurua said. The Gulf Guinea Oil Exploration is a Nigerian Integrated Energy Company incorporated in 2011, positioned to engage in the exploration, development and production of Oil & Gas reserves in established and emerging frontiers in the Gulf of Guinea.

Ghana: Ghana-turkey export promotion ends successful with much improvement

Accra/NationalTurk The Ghana-Turkey export promotion products exhibition has come to a successful end at the International Conference Centre in the capital Accra. The two-day event started on the 14th-to the 16 of November, 2012 The event which was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Turkey and supported by the Miridyen International Fair Organization saw wide range of made in Turkey goods being exhibited. The goods include beverages, food processing machines, agricultural products, cosmetics products wood cutting machines, power and telecom cables, automobile, printing machines and many other products for Ghanaians to buy. The Chief Executive Officer of Miridyen International Fair Organization Alper Cekic told the NationalTurk that the event has seen a significant improvement this year with sales and patronage of the products increased. He also urged Ghanaians to continue to patronize goods made in Turkey since goods from elsewhere especially those from the Chinese market cannot march that of Turkey in terms of quality wise. ``our products are quality, durable and affordable, you cannot compare ours to the Chinese products, we hope to continue to give the Ghanaians market the best of our products from Turkey so that we can all grow together to the next level’’ Mr. Cekic added. Some of the people who spoke to the NationalTurk after the fair expressed their delight on the goods they saw at the fair. Those include business owners and individuals who have come to see things for themselves at the Conference Centre. `` I am happy to have had the opportunity of seeing these goods, I never imagined I could see products like these made in Turkey and being displayed here for us, this is my first time that I am attending this fair and I will continue to participate in subsequent event because I am impressed with what I saw’’ Mr. Richard Owusu a business owner told the NationalTurk. The fair started 5 years back with the events being held on a yearly basis but this years’ event has quite improved those who have participated before confessed. The two countries affirmed their commitment to increase their trade base from 290 million USD TO 1 billion USD in 2011 and event like this will help speed up their expectations in the trade industry for both countries. Issaka Adams/NationalTurk Africa News

Investment: Starwood Incorporation to increase Africa investment with 10 new hotels

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide incorporation has announced plans to strengthen its position in Africa by adding 10 new hotels in the next three years as its investment strategies in the hospitality industry on the Continent, Starwood is an international reservation company currently operating 38 hotels in 15 African countries, including: Algeria, Cameroon, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia and Uganda. By 2015, Starwood plans to have nearly 50 hotels in Africa with new hotels confirmed to open in Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Senegal and Mauritius. The company already has an existing 38 hotels, representing more than 10,000 rooms under its Sheraton and Le Méridien brands but it is aiming to increase its Africa investment by nearly 30 percent while adding more than 4,200 guest rooms to the continent. Many business analysts believed that this is a step in right direction as it is going to create employment opportunities for the local people on the various locations where these hotels will be added. “From a vastly improving infrastructure, major investments from China, rapid economic growth, rising personal incomes and a growing middle class – we are seeing exciting changes that are driving the African future and we intend to be a part of it,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development & Acquisition, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and boasts the second-largest economy on the continent, presenting tremendous opportunities for the country to play a key role in our African expansion. With investor-friendly policies in place and on-going economic growth, Nigeria epitomizes the economic ascent of Africa as a development destination,” Mr. Turner added. In addition to the new hotels in the pipeline, Starwood will re-open three of its African hotels in the next 12 months. The Grand Mauritian, which will re-open next year after a major renovation, the Sheraton Cairo following a major renovation as part of Sheraton’s global brand enhancement strategy and the Four Points by Sheraton Tripoli, which closed last year due to the political instability in Libya. Starwood is also looking into entering the key emerging countries like Angola, the Ivory Coast and Ghana in the long time plan to invest more in the continent.

Kinshasa: United Nations report finds arbitrary killings by Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The United Nations Human Right Investigation groups have accused various rebels group in the Democratic Republic of Congo of carrying out arbitrary killings against civilians in the eastern part of the volatile country.

The UN Human Rights Office said most of the victims were hacked to death with machetes while scores of others were burnt alive in their homes while they were sleeping in more than 75 rebels attack incidents recorded by the UN Human Rights Office.

"Investigators found that the victims were often those least able to flee the attacks, largely children and the elderly," the UN Human Rights Office said in a statement.

The investigators conducted more than 160 interviews with victims and witnesses during six missions and prompted the UN human rights chief to call for the immediate solution to the problem as it is likely to continue if not checked.

In the news release, the UN Rights Office also warned that the actual number of atrocities could be "considerably greater" because security restraints prevented the investigators from being able to confirm "many more" reports of human rights violations.

"The figures noted in the report reflect cases documented in only some parts of Masisi over a relatively limited period of time, and are thus far from presenting a comprehensive overview of the human rights situation throughout eastern DRC," it said added in the news released.

                  Rebels activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Various rebels groups have stepped up their activities in the region with the leading among them being the M 23 rebels’ movement group.

Early this year, M 23 rebel fighters managed to defeat the national army of the Democratic of Congo who were then pursuing the rebels and the army fled leaving their supplies behind.

Rebels’ activities in the region can therefore be said to be very active since the rebels have much grounds making security very volatile in the region.

Various reports by the UN experts group on rebels’ activities have sparked a serious wrangling between the UN and countries such as the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda in recent times

But this time, the report did not accuse any of these countries but blamed the rebels and many see it as a step in right direction from the United Nations.

Issaka Adams/NationalTurk Africa News

Technology in Africa: Huawei Technologies expects 30 percent growth in Africa in the next 3 years.

The Chinese Technology giant has predicted its revenue and investment growth in the next 3 years in Africa to be up by 30 percent as mobile internet and communication devices penetration expands on the Continent.

This was made known by the Chinese Telecommunications giant in the Venture Africa Business Forum which by far, is the biggest on the Continent when it comes to business reports.

The company based its vision growth predictions on the fact that Africa is already progressed in most other areas in terms of demand expansion, leading Huawei to pick up both interest and expectations especially for East and South African regions which are experiencing the most profound increase in mobile penetration.

President of Huawei Technologies for East and South Africa Li Dafeng told reporters that it is the relatively low penetration of mobile broadband that in particular holds greater potential for the company in terms of African growth.

``Now with Huawei expecting to push penetration through the increasing demand for smart phone devices and other communication devices in the region, we are quite confident that we will grow at the projected rate of 30 percent in the next 3 years in Africa’’ he said.

The telephone equipment producer boasts operations in 25 countries across the African continent, with Mr. Li disclosing 2011 revenue figures for the African operations totaling $3.42 billion, which was increased by 15 percent as compare to the previous year’s results.

               South Africa is the biggest market place for Huawei Technologies in Africa

The Republic of South Africa alone in Africa accounts for 30 per cent of the company’s revenue, and as such will be a focal point for Huawei’s growth strategy over the coming years analysts believe. 

The Government of South Africa is targeting 100 per cent internet penetration in its ICT Vision 2020 – and achievement of this target depending largely on penetration through mobile devices.

Many in South Africa see this as an opportunity for the Government to achieve its vision since Huawei is committed to providing quality and increase their market base in its strongholds in Africa.

Accra: Rescue operation ends officially at the site of collapsed building: 14 dead, 67 rescued

The rescue mission operation at the collapsed Melcom shopping building in the Ghanaian capital, Accra has ended on Sunday evening.

Briefing news men after the operation at the site, the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Officer Colonel M'bawine Atintande said that the number of people found under the debris were 81.

14 people are dead with 67 being rescued alive and sent to different hospitals in the city as a result of lack of space for treatment due to the nature of the injuries they sustained he disclosed.  

“There are no other mortal remains, so we are clearing the debris and we hope that by the close of the day we would have cleared the place up so that investigations will continue,” Colonel Atintande said.

“There is the need for everybody to work together to make sure that we achieve the synergy of our efforts,” he added.

The five-day rescue exercise which began last Wednesday made up of the personnel from the Ghana Armed Force, the Police Service, Ghana National Ambulance Service, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the National Disaster Management Organisation and a team of volunteers from Israel.

                     The collapsed of the shopping mall and responses

The shopping mall collapsed on early last Wednesday morning as workers of the mall were holding a morning devotion before business begins.

But it was later revealed that those who were trapped inside were not only the workers of the mall but some customers as well.

It is unclear how they got entry into the mall when normal working hours was not yet up.

There was tension and debate going on as to who should be blamed for the disaster prompting the questioning of some top members in charge of the management of the city and the owner of the building the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police Service.

The city is relatively calm as people are beginning to forget about the incident and resuming their usual business.

Horror: Cattle Bandits killed 42 policemen as dozens are missing in the Kenyan Provincial District of Samburu

Officials in Kenya have disclosed that about 42 Policemen were ambushed and shot dead while dozens of others are missing.

The gruesome incidents happened in the town of Samburu in the Suguta Valley when the officers were chasing cattle rustlers who have stolen people cattle in the region.

Police officials in the Province declined to comment on the issue maybe due to the nature and it being more of national security issue.

Officials however vowed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book no matter what it takes.

But some of the officers who went to help in retrieving the bodies from the bush and possible search for survivors said they were shocked of what they saw.

"We are shocked at what we saw... bodies of police officers lying all over the ground," a police officer who witnessed the discovery said.

"I have never seen something like this," the officer speaking on condition of anonymity said. "The number of officers killed is now 42 I can confirm to you he added."

Police Spokesman Eric Kiraithe had earlier put the death toll at 31 in his press briefing but 11 more bodies were discovered later in addition.

It is possible that the death toll is likely to rise as some of the police officers are believed to be missing since the incidents.

                           Killers were cattle rustlers Bandits

The officers according to reports were chasing a group of alleged cattle rustlers who have stolen cattle from the region on 30^th October this year.

"They had stolen cattle from the neighboring community in Samburu and failed to return them. That is when the officers decided to pursue them," one anonymous police officer briefed the press on the circumstances of the attack said.

Violence broke in the province when the cattle rustlers allegedly stole some cattle leading to the death of about 13 people and fled the area.

The Policemen decided to persue them to retrieve the cattle to their rightful owners leading to this unfortunate incident.

Cameroon: The Royal Palace of Foumban is one the oldest Palace in Africa

The Royal Palace of Foumban is one of the oldest palace in the history of Africa in ancient times dating back from many centuries back.

The Palace is located in the town of Foumban is the North-East of the Western Regional capital city of Bafoussam in the Republic of Cameroon.

The Royal Palace of Foumban is currently inhabited by the sultan (King), who is the 19th ruler of the Bamoun dynasty which dates back from the 14^th century in history.

The Palace was renovated and completed in 1917 after which the belongings of previous Sultans were arranged and kept for tourist attraction.

 Foumban city is one of Cameroon's major attractions and an important centre of traditional African art. Some of the major important things found in the palace include a multitude of royal gowns, arms, musical instruments, statues, jewellery, masks and colourful bead-covered thrones carved in the shapes of the men who sat on them and seat of power for the Bamoun people.

There is also the Musée des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun which is not far from the Palace. This extensive collection has exhibits on Bamoun history and art, including cooking implements, musical instruments, pipes, statues, masks, gongs and an ornately carved xylophone.

The road that connects the two museums is the Rue des Artisans, home to sculptors, basket makers, weavers and embroiderers, and one of the best places in Central Africa to buy wood carvings.

Fee charged at the Palace is cheap as it being pegged at $4 per person for one to see these wonderful artifacts from ancient times.

Cameroon is noted on the African Continent of being sound and free for both travelers and tourist who will like to see new things satisfy their curiosity. If you are planning of taking a tour to Cameroon, your ideal destination should be to see these wonderful things in the Palace of the Royals.

Lagos: Nigeria to host international expo in the music industry in Lagos

Nigeria is set to host an international event in the entertainment industry to boost the development of the industry especially in the music industry.

The event is believed to be the first of its kind on the African Continent in the music sector.

The event which is organized by Nimex Nigeria international is schedule to take place on the 28^th-30^th of November, 2012 at the Music Society of Nigeria Center in Lagos.

The expo which is titled ‘Exploiting the Multi Billion Naira Industry in Nigeria’ and will feature stakeholders from every sector of the music/entertainment industry in Nigeria and beyond, for the purpose of music business, entertainment and international interactions.

The Nigeria Music Industry is rated one of the best on the Continent as some of its artist rob shoulders with some international pop stars in America and Europe.

Nimex will bring together hundreds of music, media and technology influencers from around the world and will have in attendance major A&R companies, Music publishers, Recording labels, song writers

The most prominent among them being Monte Malone the Senior Vice President of A and R Worldwide, Ernesto Elias the Manager of Hype Music and Creative Music, Seven Wbster founder and CEO of 7pm management UK and Nick Hauslling Senior Director of Warner Bros Records.

The event will also honor distinguished personalities and organizations in the Nigeria Music Industry who have strived to contribute the growth and maintain the integrity of the industry despite the challenges.

The expo will be used as a platform that will also create rooms for stakeholders from every sector of the global Music industry to interact, identify challenges, proffer solutions, showcase, discover talents and sign on deals with each other in a unique atmosphere.

THE READER'S GUIDE: TURKEY TO HOLD EXHIBITION FAIR IN GHANA

THE READER'S GUIDE: TURKEY TO HOLD EXHIBITION FAIR IN GHANA: The Ghana-Turkey Export Promotion is set to commence the exhibition of wide range of products at the Accra International Conference. The...

THE READER'S GUIDE: THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO GHAN...

THE READER'S GUIDE: THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO GHAN...: The Israeli Government has volunteered to send a team of expert in disaster management and doctors to help in the rescue operation in the ...

TURKEY TO HOLD EXHIBITION FAIR IN GHANA

The Ghana-Turkey Export Promotion is set to commence the exhibition of wide range of products at the Accra International Conference.

The event which will be held from the 14^TH -16^th of November, 2012 is under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Turkey.

The major sponsors of the exhibition event are the Ministry of Economy of Turkey and Miridyen International Fair Organization.

The products to be exhibited include beverages, food processing machines, agricultural products, cosmetics products wood cutting machines, power and telecom cables, automobile, printing machines and many more products.

All these products are purely made in Turkey goods with high durability and quality life span to boost the production sector of the Ghanaian economy.

Trade relations between Ghana and Turkey are seen by many analysts in Ghana as the best since the two countries have a sound bilateral policy in trade and other areas of the economy for their mutual benefit.

The two countries agreed to boost the volume of their trade from 290 million USD TO 1 billion USD in 2011.

The Ghana- Turkish Export Products Exhibition will also give Ghanaians business owners, the government, entrepreneurs and individuals with options to expand their various businesses with products from the fair which comparatively affordable and quality.

The single most important message of the organizers of the fair is come and explore a wide range of products made in Turkey.

Everybody is welcomed to this international fair from all over the world to come and experience the best of wide range of quality, affordable and durable goods from the Republic of Turkey. 

THE ISRAELI GOVERNMENT TO OFFER ASSISTANCE TO GHANA ON THOSE TRAPPED ON A COLLAPSED BUILDING

The Israeli Government has volunteered to send a team of expert in disaster management and doctors to help in the rescue operation in the Ghanaian capital Accra.

Six storey units building collapsed on early Wednesday morning killing at least seven people so far and about fifty people rescued with many still believed to be trapped under the rubbles.

The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Bar-li made this offer on Wednesday and the President of Ghana John Mahama accepted the offer.

The Israeli team will consist of disaster management experts, medical doctors with trauma expertise and rescue specialists. The equipment would include emergency medical equipment, rescue and monitoring equipment.

Israel is believed to have a track record in handling emergencies in times of disaster such as Ghana’s case.

Israel is reportedly to have helped in similar operations in Asia and Europe in disaster management.

                                     Rescue operation still ongoing
 Field Engineers Regiment from the Ghana Army, the Police Service and the National Disaster Management Organization worked throughout the night in an effort to rescue those believed to be still under the building.

It is very difficult to determine when the recue operation will be over as the situation is becoming more complex now in the capital.

The operation team at the site now is working hard to save the remaining possible life still believed to be trapped and with assistance from Israel, it is expected to speed up the rescue process.

President Mahama promised to prosecute anybody whose negligence led to the disaster.

President John Dramani Mahama promised to hold anybody accountable for the disaster if investigations reveal that it was through the negligence of somebody holding public office.

Tensions are rising high in the capital as the city mayor said in a radio interview that he is sure the collapsed building does not has a permit.

People reacted angrily to this statement from the mayor and demanded that an investigation should be launch into the matter.

Ghana has a building permit laws but in most cases, these laws are not properly enforced leading to some of this incident.

People were devastated with the news and some gathered to pray for God’s intervention to avert such disasters in the country.

SOUTHERN AFRICA: REGIONAL BLOC UNHAPPY WITH CHINA AND VIETNAM HANDLING OF POACHING LAWS

The Governments of southern African has voiced their disappointment in China and Vietnam for not doing enough to stop poaching in the region.

They registered this protest in a workshop organized by the Southern Africa Wildlife Conservation which was attended by quite a number of countries in the region.

Southern Africa is noted for its vibrant wildlife and natural conservation of animals such as elephants.

Poaching is the illegal taking of wild plants or animals which include local and international wildlife conservation.

Kenya and the Republic of South Africa accused the two countries (China and Vietnam) of being reluctant to enact strict laws to stop their citizens from purchasing elephant tusks and rhino horns from Africa.

Poaching of elephant tusk is common in southern Africa countries where they have a quite significant number of the species.

But Kenya and RSA believes that the two countries are helping in these illegal activities by buying the tusk from individuals.

 Kenya Wildlife Service senior assistant director Patrick Omondi disclosed that efforts to engage the Chinese and Vietnamese Government to enact strict laws to prevent the purchase is not successful.

"There are always delays in prosecution. The justice system is too low and there is no consistency in law," added Hector Magome, the executive managing member of Conservation Services in South Africa. "Some poachers are fined very little in certain regions of the country and others fined highly in other regions."

The participants also pushed for tougher sanctions against those who are found in engaging in this activity and encouraged more public education in their respective countries.

MALAWI SUSPEND HOMOSEXUAL LAWS

Malawian Justice Minister Ralph Kasambara has disclosed that laws criminalizing same sex sexual conduct in the country are suspended pending a decision on whether or not to repeal them is a historic step in the fight against discrimination in the country.

He further stated that he wants a public debate before the laws are laid before Parliament to decide whether to keep it or not.

 Criminalization of individuals on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity violates Malawi’s obligations under treaties it has ratified.

These include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Malawian Constitution.

Theses laws obligate Malawi to respect and protect freedom from discrimination, freedom of conscience, expression and right to privacy Mr. Kasambara stated in addition. 
              

                                      Amnesty International happy about the move

Meanwhile, Amnesty International welcomed the move from the Malawian Government encouraging the Government to protect fundamental human rights.

“Amnesty International welcomes Minister Kasambara’s statement and hopes it serves as the first step towards ending discrimination and persecution based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in Malawi,” said Noel Kututwa, Amnesty International’s southern Africa director.

“We urge the government not to lose momentum on this basic human rights issue and to ensure the full repeal of these discriminatory and hate-filled laws,” said Noel Kututwa. 

He stressed further that Criminalization of individuals on the basis of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity violates Malawi’s obligations under treaties it has ratified, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Malawian Constitution.

Amnesty International is encouraging the Malawian Government to conform to these treaties in order protects its citizens from discrimination, freedom of conscience, expression and right to privacy.

                                          The Malawi Penalty Code

Sections 153 and 156 respectively of Malawi’s Penal Code criminalize same sex sexual conduct between men and those convicted face up to 14 years imprisonment, with or without corporal punishment.

Section 137A of Malawi’s Penal Code also criminalizes “indecent practices between females,” with anyone found guilty liable to a prison term of five years. 

Many believe this issue is going to be difficult to deal by the Parliamentarians as there so many contradictions regarding this issue.

In 2010, two persons were sentenced to 14 years imprisonment in Malawi on charges related to same sex sexual conduct but they were later pardoned following international condemnation.

AFRICAN UNION APPROVES ELECTION OBSERVER MISSION IN 3 WEST AFRICAN NATIONS

The African Union has officially approved the mandate of a team of the African Union Election Observer Mission to 3 West African nations who are due to hold elections this year.

Sierra Leone will hold its elections on 17 November 2012 while Burkina Faso will hold its own on 2^nd December 2012 and Ghana will be the last as election takes place on the 7^th of December 2012.

The Commission, through its Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit of the Department of Political Affairs, has concluded plans as mandated by the Commission for the deployment of the AU-EOM to the above mentioned countries on the following slated dates.

The team going to Sierra Leone will arrive in the capital Freetown on the 11^th of November to the 24^th of November 2012.

Ouagadougou will welcome their team on the 24^th of November to the 7^th of December to monitor the process in Burkina Faso.

Ghana, a relatively calm and widely regarded as a beacon of democracy in Africa will see the African Union Election Observer Mission in Accra on the 7^th of December till the 14^th of December, 2012.

The African Union will have to extend the observers mission if voting in this countries did not produce a first round victory and a second round is needed.

Ghana is case study of this as it is synonymous of second round voting as a result of no candidate obtaining the required 50% mandated by the constitution on three occasions.

There were 3 rounds of voting in Ghana in the elections held in 2008 in Ghana before John Atta Mills won and became president then.

The AU-EOM draws its mandate from various African Union instruments and most importantly the: - AU Guidelines on African Union Election Observation and Monitoring Missions, 2002 - The OUA/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, 2002 - African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, 1981 and - African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), 2007.

The Observer Mission consist of former Heads of States, Ambassadors, members of election management bodies and other selected and trained observers from civil society organizations in Africa. The composition of each mission draws from the different region of Africa and comprises forty 40 observers to each of the respective countries.

They will remain in Constance interactions with the headquarters in Addis Ababa and will finalized their mission with a comprehensive report on the election they observed in respective mandated country.

SEAN PAUL TO PERFORM LIVE IN UGANDA FOR THE THIRD TIME

 Famous Jamaican pop star Sean Paul will be performing live in his third-time visit to the Ugandan capital Kampala in a concert slated for November 9 at the cricket oval, in a Club beer-sponsored event.

Sean Paul made this known at a recent Jamaican concert in Washington DC in the United States at Fillmore Silver Spring.

His fans in Kampala are extremely happy with this announcement by the singer himself.

The dancehall icon whose Got 2 Love U single hit a record 100 million views on YouTube worldwide, is said to be the most popular Jamaican singer now, since the single upstaged Bob Marley's classics, No Woman No Cry and One Love that held onto the top spot for a while.

Sean Paul and Shaggy, whose 1990s hit single Angel, are the only Jamaican artistes to ever cross the 50 million mark on YouTube.

And before Sean Paul can even fully loosen up in his latest piece of success, another single off the same album ``She Doesn't Mind’’ is closing in on the 100 million views mark.

The song's video currently stands at a staggering 95 million views. And the audio and video hits combined currently stand at 150 million world wide.

All visitors and tourists around the world who want to experience this life time experience should speed up preparation since the deadline for the event is fast approaching.

Uganda invites you to come and take part in this exciting concert in a very calm and conducive environment.

was s� e q e � � (X� ted to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member which many believed made Rwanda revised its initial decision on the legal suit.

Uganda did not go for a legal battle, but decided to pull its troops from all UN backed peacekeeping operations over the report prompting this urgent respond from the United Nations.

Many people on the continent are now confused as to the mandate of these so-called UN expert groups working for the world body since virtually all the reports they issues is met with the strongest protest and the UN seems not have a clear picture on how these reports are issued.

UNITED NATIONS BACKS UGANDA

The United Nations has distanced itself from a recent report claiming that Uganda is supporting the M 23 rebel movement in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.

This responds from the United Nations comes after Uganda threatened to pull out its peacekeeping forces from Somalia and all regional countries where it is currently undertaking peacekeeping operations.

It is unclear now whether Uganda will go ahead to pull its forces from the peacekeeping operations with this latest statement from the World governing body.

UN security Chief Ambassador H.S Puri said views expressed by independent expert group does not reflect on that of the United Nations.

He lauded Uganda’s efforts in peacekeeping in Somalia and other countries when he met with ICT minister, Ruhakana Rugunda in the capital Kigali and encouraged Uganda not to withdraw its forces since it contribute immensely to the peace of the world.

But many analysts say it as a way of getting Uganda to remain in the peacekeeping areas since countries are reluctant to volunteer troops for such ventures.

                                 The UN expert groups reports

In recent months, a team of UN experts group have been studying and analyzing trends in Africa with reports and recommendation to various governments and the UN.

It started in Ghana when the group accused the Ghanaian government of harboring mercenaries to overthrow the Ivorian government in Ivory Coast and continue to other parts of Africa.

The latest being Rwanda and Uganda who were on separate report accused of supporting the M 23 rebel movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda threatened to sue the UN over the report but was subsequently elected to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member which many believed made Rwanda revised its initial decision on the legal suit.

Uganda did not go for a legal battle, but decided to pull its troops from all UN backed peacekeeping operations over the report prompting this urgent respond from the United Nations.

Many people on the continent are now confused as to the mandate of these so-called UN expert groups working for the world body since virtually all the reports they issues is met with the strongest protest and the UN seems not have a clear picture on how these reports are issued.

PRESIDENT MAHAMA OF GHANA ORDERS REVIEW OF SALARIES OF HIS CABINET

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has directed the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, to withhold authorization of payment of the newly approved salary increment for the executive consisting of his cabinet including himself which see them take home a whooping amount raging from 8,000 to 10,000 US dollars per month. 

In a press statement that the National Turk saw, President Mahama said he has requested parliament to consider a review of the emoluments approved for the executive arm of government by the legislature since he considered it as too huge. 

President Mahama is a social democrat and will not allow such huge sums of monies to be paid to the cabinet including himself despite being approved by parliament.

President Mahama became president after the death of his predecessor John Atta Mills in July this year which made him president by the provisions of the Ghanaian constitution since he was then the vice president.

He stands election this year on December 7^th and many see him as the favorite to win the election.

 PUBLIC UPROAR ON THE INCREASE OF THE SALARIES OF THE MINISTERS

The approved salary increases for the president and the entire executive arm of government attracted sharp criticisms from a section of the public, including some civil society organizations. 

People on the street of Accra and other major cities in Ghana condemned the increase saying it is ``uncalled for’’.

``In a country where the majority of the people live in an abject poverty, it is not prudent to pay these huge sums of monies to members of your cabinet’’ Ebenezer Okantah Asiedu, a student of the Ghana Institute of Journalism told the national Turk reporter.

The salary increases meant that the President will take home GHS 12,000 (10,000 Dollars) monthly while his deputy takes home GHS 10,500. (8,500 US Dollars)

Ministers and their deputies will have also received salaries ranging from GHS 8,000 and 9,000 if parliament refuses to review the payments.

NIGERIA: HORROR AT NORTH-EASTERN CITY OF MAIDUGURI

Residents of the north-eastern city of Maiduguri told journalists that the army is carrying out shoot and kill tactics in the city without investigation.

This latest revelation comes a day after Amnesty International accused the Nigerian military of extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses in their campaign to curb the activities of Boko Haram against innocent civilians.

One imam told reporters that 11 people had been shot dead by the military in his area including his sons and when he went to the mortuary to collect their bodies, he saw several bodies that were also in the mortuary.

"In my street alone, about 11 youths were shot dead and no-one has given us an explanation about what they did’’ he was quoted as saying.

Many other people in the city also admitted being sent to an open place and screened while those who were picked were immediately gunned down at dawn by the military.

But a military spokesman Sagir Musa in the city told reporters that he was not aware of this alleged killings but did admitted an investigation will be launch to establish the veracity of the incidents.

The city of Maiduguri is the stronghold of Boko Haram, a radical Islamist group who are fighting to impose Sharia Law in northern Nigeria.

Hundreds of people have died through suicide bomb attack blamed on the group since they emerged in 2009 making the city a death trap to residents.

                                The Amnesty International Report

This came a day after Amnesty International released a report on the activities of Boko Haram, accusing the military of extrajudicial killings and human right abuses against civilians.

The report also mentioned Boko Haram of being guilty of atrocities and causing fear and panic in Nigeria.

The military command subsequently denied this report saying they are working within the provision of the law.

Amnesty therefore charged the government to protect citizens in a high level delegation meeting that was held between Amnesty International and the Nigerian Government.

It is unclear what Amnesty will say on this latest development since it has confirmed their earlier report they issued concerning the security situation in the city.

HURRICANE EXPECTED IN NIGERIA AND THE WESTERN COAST OF AFRICA

City authorities of Lagos have issued a stern warning to residents in Lagos to be vigilant following the giant cyclone christened Hurricane Sandy, currently causing havoc in some parts of the United States of America.

About some 7.5million people in the United States are left without electricity following the hurricane.

The Lagos State commissioner for waterfront and infrastructure development, Prince Segun Oniru, who disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos, alerted the residents to a likely effect of the hurricane in the state's coastal areas. There could be a strong surge in the next seven to 14 days, he indicated.

His reason for the warning is the fact that the location of Lagos lies parallel to the South America region which is likely to translate in to ripple effect on the coastal countries in West Africa.

"We want to let residents of Lagos to know what is going on, and what to expect; it is not to create panic. They should be careful around the ocean and lagoon. In the last five to six days, around the Caribbean -- from Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba -- Hurricane Sandy has hit the east coast of America’’ he disclosed.

"Normally, when such happens and the magnitudes if it hits that part of the world, we always have a ripple effect in Lagos and around the West Coast of Africa. Our main concern is Lagos; it is a warning but not to create panic. Lagos lies parallel to the South America part of the world on the map, but Super storm Sandy has hit New York City and the Atlantic and the West part. That part of the world is northern to us, but we need to note that within the next 7 to 14 days, we may get a ripple effect’’ he further elaborated.

"The time frame given is from experience from the past. It's from what we have witnessed here in Lagos particularly when any cyclone hits South America part of the world; because of our proximity to them, the ripple effect happens within 7 to 14 days; it's a trend."

But is unclear whether this could possible affect other West African nations including Ghana. The National Turk had made frantic effort to talk to authorities about possible effect from this hurricane in Accra but city authorities said they do not have any information concerning any effect from the Metrologic department as at now. We will keep on updating our readers on this developing story.

NIGERIA: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL ACCUSES THE NATIONAL SECURITY FORCES OF NOT PROTECTING CITIZENS.

Amnesty International in their latest report has accused the Nigerian Security Forces of carrying out wide spread of crimes and human rights abuses which include enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killings and torture.

Amnesty International also blamed Boko Haram for widespread atrocities, including killings, burning down of churches and schools, and attacks against the media as well.

The right group in their New International report on Boko Haram violence in Nigeria called on the Nigerian Government to ensure that citizens are fully protected within the provisions of the law.

`` People in Nigeria are facing human rights violations at the hands of the state security forces mandated with the protection of citizens,  and this need to be addressed as soon as possible’’ the right group said in the report.

The Secretary General of Amnesty International Salil Shetty is expected to hold a crunch meeting with some senior cabinet members of the Nigerian Government.

It is unclear what will be the outcome of this high level purported meeting due to take place later this week.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Security Forces have rejected these claims by the right group saying it is ``unfounded without basis’’.

The Nigerian Army spokesman Col SK Usman told local journalists that the security forces are working within the jurisdiction of the law and will never under any circumstance do what Amnesty International is claiming.

"There is no Nigerian soldier that goes out on the streets to just kill innocent Nigerians, so whatever we do; we always make sure it is done within the ambit of the law." He voiced out to reporters.

LONDON TO HOST AFRICA FILM FESTIVAL

London will host a variety of African rich films festival from 1^st of November to the 10^th of November which will feature 70 African Films, music nights, workshops and Q&As with leading directors from the African continent in film.

 The event is supported by the Royal African Society and London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Film Africa 2012 runs from November 1-11, offering 10 days of 70 African films, leading film-maker Q&As, free professional workshops, and 9 African music nights. The UK's largest annual festival of African cinema and culture is hosted by the Hackney Picturehouse, with screenings also at the BFI Southbank, Rich Mix in Shoreditch, The Ritzy in Brixton, Screen on the Green in Islington, and The South London Gallery.

The event was launched in 2008 and named the London African Film Festival but was rebranded in 2011 and gave it a new name of Film Africa.

The statistics for the African residents in the United Kingdom include: 105,000 Nigerians, 80,000 South Africans, 53,000 Zimbabweans, 44,000 Somalis, 39,000 Ghanaians 25,000 Libyans, 18,000 Mauritians, 15,000 Kenyans, and 12,000 Eritreans. Research shows that the African Diaspora and Black British communities in London identify closely with both their original 'homes' and with London.

The African film industry have seen a significant improvement over the years with the Nigerian movie industry known as the Nollywood being the second largest industry in terms of film produced annually after Bollywood. The Ghanaian movie industry also known as the Ghallywood is also catching up fast with the rest of the world. With this latest development in the film industry in Africa, many are hoping that the event will be a big success to project the image of Africa to the Diaspora in film making.

THE VOLTA RIVER IN GHANA: A PLACE YOU MUST VISIT FOR YOURSELF!

The river Volta is a very important element in the life of Ghanaians. Without it, one may wonder what would have happened in the energy sector of Ghana. Unlike Nigeria, Ghana is able to provide electricity to its major Cities, towns and some villages all by the help of the River Volta although there are some minor sources of energy to support.  What makes Akosombo (where the river is located) unique for tourists is the fact that the world's largest man-made lake which I am describing passes through the town from Burkina Faso, which covers about 8,502 square kilometers (3,283 sq mi), which is 3.6% of Ghana's land area.

The official name of the lake is Lake Volta which was named after Burkina Faso when the country was known as the Upper Volta in colonial days until it gained independence from the French in 1960 and changed from the Upper Volta to Burkina Faso. The reason being that the source of the lake is from Burkina Faso and it was named after the country in colonial days.

This dam provides Hydro-electricity to Ghana and some neighboring countries making it a very strategic point in the country. The basin is characterized by poor soil, generally of Voltaian sandstone. Annual rainfall averages is between 1,000 and 1,140 millimeters. The most widespread vegetation type is savanna, the woodlands of which, depending on local soil and climatic conditions, may contain such trees as Red Ironwood and Shea.

The basin's population, principally farmers, is low in density, especially in the central and northwestern with the plains surrounding it making it a beautiful and exciting scene to watch from any angle.

In contrast with the rest of the region are the Afram Plains, located in the southeastern corner of the basin. Here the terrain is low; averaging 60 to 150 meters in elevation, and annual rainfall is between 1,140 and about 1,400 millimeters. Near the Afram River, much of the surrounding countryside is flooded or swampy during the rainy seasons.

Navigation on the Volta River is most convenient since 1964 when the then Ghanaian president (First president) Dr. Kwame Nkrumah ordered the construction of the dam at Akosombo, for the generation of hydro electric power and serves as a potential source for irrigation in the town and its surrounding villages which is reflected in agricultural mechanization agreement signed in the late 1980s to irrigate the Afram Plains. The lake is navigable from Akosombo through Yeji in the middle of the country; a twenty-four-meter ferry was commissioned in 1989 to link the Afram Plains to the west of the lake with the lower Volta region to the east and to the north of Ghana.  

Major hotels in the town include the Volta Hotel, the Akosombo Continental Hotel and other guest house designed to meet international standards for visitor and tourists.

Do not be worried about your safety since the place is violence free and highly security service available from the Ghana Navy Forces to protect the dam from unscrupulous people and the people living around.

This is a must see scene for you to make your judgement on this spectacular environment in Ghana!