“Africa Times” to hit the news stands in North Carolina

The maiden edition of “Africa Times”, a tabloid newspaper is set to hit the news stands in the city of Charlotte- North Carolina (USA) by the close of the third week of January 2008. The paper which is the brainchild of members of Brong Ahafo Association (BAA) a union of citizens of the region resident in the city of Charlotte will focus on the promotion of the socio-cultural practices of the Brong Ahafo Region and values of the people of Africa which are not projected by the western media. The newspaper will also feature positive stories and developments of Africans in the diaspora which go unreported. These hints were disclosed to the author by Kwesi Mensah Munufie, a co-editor of the paper in an exclusive interview. He added that the paper will be published monthly and it will be distributed free of charge.

According to the source the association has assembled a credible team to constitute the editorial board of the newspapers. Some of the names that were mentioned include Okyere Bonnah as the Editor; Kwesi Mensah Munufie is serving as a co-editor, Kwame Amanfoh is in charge of sports, Appiah Kingsley is for Religious Affairs; the advert and sales manager position is to be handled by Kofi Danso Kaakyire and Kwadwo Mensah is the circulation manager. Besides, “…a host of folks in and around North Carolina have pledged their support by way of submitting stories and also to ensuring that the credible nature that they envisioned for the newspaper is attained” Kwesi Mensah Munufi added.

In tracing the history of the Brong Ahafo Association, Kwesi Mensah Munufie attributed it to the goodwill and vision of Kwame Amanfoh, an eye specialist and the proprietor of Sahara African Market in Charlotte , whose desire it was to see all the citizens of the Brong Ahafo region come together as one under a unifying union. In view of the above the association was officially given birth in late 2005 with the aim of building that brotherly and sisterly amongst them, and to assist each other during times of need. The association also has the aim of contributing their quota to the development of the Brong Ahafo region through donations to educational institutions, hospitals and orphanages. With a humble beginning of eight members the union can now boast of membership running to 50.

The current executives are Kaakyire Danso- Chairman; Kwame Amanfoh-Vice Chairman; Kwadwo Mensah –Secretary; Elizabeth Asamoah Boadi as the Treasurer and Kwesi Mensah Munufie -Organizer.

Other members are Charles Kofi Amponsah, James Marfo, Georgina Agyemang, Regina Owoahene, Grace Boakye, Janet Duker, Lisa Asante, Ama Marfo, Theresa Baidoo, Emelia Appiah, Francis Munufie, Yaw Asabre, and Margaret Amanfoh.