William N. Jalulah
20 August 2008
Bolgatanga — A FOUNDATION, Star Black Foundation International (SBFI), has been launched in Bolgatanga, with the aim of showcasing the potentials of the three regions of the North, to expose the talents and the rich culture of the people.
The launch of the Foundation was characterized by an exhibition of African products, such as locally made necklaces, ear rings, different kinds of leather bags, sandals, hats, shirts and dresses, among others.
Founded in 2005 at Twifo Hemang in the Central Region, by Jomo Hutaa, the main objectives of the foundation include, assisting the repatriation and of unification of people of African descent, assisting the youth to acquire skills and enhance talents, involving the youth in voluntary rural development activities, and training the youth, especially those in the rural areas, to educate people on their civic rights and responsibilities.
Speaking to reporters after the launch, the President of the SBFI, Akua Asantewaah, said many foreigners were now invading Africa, acquiring lands for different purposes, but did not take into consideration the health, education, and welfare, of the rural folks.
Madam Asantewaah expressed worry that what Africans eat, drink and wear, were of foreign origin.
She said it was only proper, and profitable, for Africans to promote their own products, by either eating or using them.
Though the president appreciated the fact that the foreigners made some investment in Africa, she was of the view that what they took away was more than the investment they made.
She said there had never been unification among Africans, since their forefathers took over from their colonial masters, and the lack of this unification among Africans, was the main cause that has paved the way for foreigners to penetrate and extort from the blacks.
Madam Asantewaah called for intensive education, for the new generation to know where they were coming from, their culture and origin, so that they could grow up to develop themselves, and not depend on the Europeans or Americans, who would only use them to achieve their unbridled goals, and after abandon them.
She regretted that most Africans living in the foreign lands, were not united, and some did not even want to be identified as Africans, but would want to westernise themselves. They would not also want to eat their food, wear their clothes, or practice their culture.
She reminded Africans that God did not make mistakes with them, and that they were firstly indigenous people, with a rich culture and first dynasty.
The Founder and Coordinator of the SBFI, Jomo Hutaa, disclosed that the foundation had acquired a five kilometre square land at Papa, in the Kassena-Nankana West district, to put up a repatriation centre, where repatriated Africans could be reoriented through training.
He appealed the government to support the foundation achieve its objectives, for the good of its people, and Africa at large.
Mr. Hutaa attributed the woes of Africans, to the Western World, and the maltreatment they meted out to the blacks.
The Vice-President of the SBFI, Kwesi Amoah, condemned the attitude of Africans towards adulterated foreign foods, such as the white sugar, which he said gives cancer, and urged them to stick to their locally produced and prepared food or drinks, which can help them have healthier and longer lives.
In a speech read for him, the Upper East Regional Minister, Alhassan Samari, lauded the idea of the foundation, with high expectations of its benefits to the people of the three regions of the North.
Mr. Samari implored Ghanaians and other Africans in the Diaspora, that Africa was their home, and urged them to facilitate the unification of their kith and kin in the motherland, Africa.
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This is the best news I've heard for a very long time. As the founder of Marcus Garvey Celebrations in Canada I have been promoting Africa for Africans since 1992.
At the moment our site needs updating, however I would very much like to pledge this site to assisting with informing our people as to what is being proposed by SBFI.
I have only learned of the SBFI yesterday, and will be attending a meeting later today to get more details as to what is being done in Canada, and what needs to be done.
As far as I know there has not been any type of organized effort that mirriors what Marcus Garvey represents, and spend his life promoting.
My babylonian name is Terry Brown - rest assured that I am BLACK. Please visit our site www.marcusgarvey.net
I look forward to your response
Brother T 416 783 1792 www.melodyrockers.com