In The Spotlight
The contribution of people living abroad to their home communities is powerful, and Apeguso has just seen a shining example of that. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. Ezzedin Moussa and Mrs. Elizabeth Keller, the Apeguso Presbyterian Junior High School (JHS) in the Asuogyaman District of Ghana’s Eastern Region has been renovated, giving students and teachers a renewed sense of hope.
A School with a Proud History
Apeguso Presbyterian JHS was set up in 1950 as a small middle school with only five students. Over time it grew into a Junior Secondary School, and later into the Junior High School it is today, now running two streams. For many years, the school was among the best in the area, often leading the Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) results.
Currently, the school has 11 teachers and 98 students. But like many schools in rural Ghana, it has faced challenges such as limited funds and old buildings. That is why the support from the diaspora has made such a big difference.
The Power of Giving Back
The renovation is more than just fixing walls and roofs; it shows what happens when people abroad come together to support their communities back home. A safe and welcoming school environment helps children learn better, encourages teachers to do more, and gives parents confidence to keep their children in school.
By leading this project, Mr. Moussa and Mrs. Keller have not only improved the school building but also lifted the spirits of the whole community. The students now know their future matters and that their community believes in them.
A Lasting Impact
The changes at Apeguso JHS will benefit the entire community for years to come. A better school means more opportunities for children, stronger community pride, and a brighter future for everyone.
On behalf of the school, we want to thank Mr. Moussa and Mrs. Keller for their kindness and dedication. Their generosity has gone beyond providing a nicer building; it has created new hope and inspiration.
Looking Ahead
The story of Apeguso JHS is a reminder of how much the diaspora can do when they come together. Many schools and communities in Ghana still face challenges, but with unity and support, real change is possible. The renovation of Apeguso JHS is just the beginning, showing that when hearts and hands work together across borders, communities grow stronger and nations move forward.
“A renovated school is not just a gift—it is a responsibility. If we want our children to learn in dignity, then we must care for what we have. Let us fix the small things before they become big problems. Together, with a spirit of maintenance, we can keep Apeguso JHS shining for generations to come.”
By Desmond John Beddy
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Following the launch of TopAfric’s school construction initiative in Hlihadzi, located in the Afram Plains of Ghana’s Eastern Region, the team has gained a clearer understanding of both the urgent needs and the practical challenges on the ground.
Hlihadzi’s remote location continues to shape every aspect of the project. Ideally, construction blocks would be moulded locally to reduce costs. However, sand a basic material for block production is scarce in the area. With no road connectivity to the area, the team must purchase blocks from Kotoso and transport them by boat across the water. This process significantly increases both logistical complexity and expenses.
Transport remains one of the biggest obstacles. Every bag of cement, every tool, and every block must be carefully coordinated and shipped across the river. Weather conditions, boat availability, and fuel costs all affect delivery schedules and overall project costs.
Based on current indicators, completing the Hlihadzi school project will likely present serious financial challenges. Rising transport costs, material sourcing difficulties, and the remote setting place additional strain on the budget. TopAfric is therefore intensifying efforts to secure further funding and partnerships to ensure the successful completion of the school.
Despite these obstacles, the determination of TopAfric remain strong. Local residents continue to offer support through labour and cooperation. The Hlihadzi school project is more than a construction effort. It is an investment in the future of a community that has long been isolated.
TopAfric has officially started a new and important project today, 5 February 2026, in the Afram Plains of Ghana. The project aims to build a school to support children and families in the area. The school will be located in Hlihadzi.
The remoteness of the area is very clear. Although the distance is only about 141 km, the journey can take more than 24 hours. Desmond could not find any alternative access routes on Google, which shows how difficult it is to reach the community.
To begin this journey, Desmond and his team left Afienya, near Accra, very early at 3:00 am on Wednesday, 4 February 2026. The journey has been long and demanding. By 3:45 pm, the team was crossing the river from Adowso to Ekyiamenfrom, where they planned to rest before continuing to Hlihadzi the next day.
As the team moves closer to the project site, the challenges ahead are becoming more visible. Transporting construction materials and tools to such a remote area will not be easy. For this reason, TopAfric is exploring all possible means of transportation to ensure the school can be built successfully.
On their return journey via the same route, from Hlihadzi through Ekyiamenfrom to Adowso then Nkawkaw and back to Accra, the team plans to assess other possible and more effective ways to transport materials to the project site.
Despite these challenges, TopAfric remains fully committed to this mission. This project marks an important step towards improving education and creating better opportunities for children in the Afram Plains.
Empowering Tomorrow's Craftsmen
In a world where collaboration often leads to extraordinary achievements, the partnership between TopAfric, the organizers of the African Youth Education Awards (AYEA), and the Hamburg Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer) is nothing short of remarkable.
This alliance promises to bring forth a myriad of opportunities and benefits for young Africans seeking to explore the world of craftsmanship and trades. The joint participation in the AYEA 2023 event on Saturday, 4th November 2023, at the Chambers of Commerce in Hamburg is a testament to their shared vision.
AYEA's core objective is to celebrate the educational accomplishments of young African individuals in Germany. By partnering with the Hamburg Chamber of Crafts, AYEA extends its support and recognition to a wider array of talents, especially those venturing into the world of craftsmanship. This collaboration will unlock opportunities for young individuals who aspire to pursue vocational training and technical education. It provides them with a platform to showcase their talents and skills, opening doors to fulfilling careers.
The Hamburg Chamber of Crafts has a rich legacy of promoting vocational training and skill development. By joining forces, TopAfric and the Handwerkskammer can empower young Africans in Germany with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in various crafts and trades. This empowerment is not only about enhancing their employability but also about nurturing their self-confidence and self-sufficiency. Craftsmanship offers the chance for individuals to hone their abilities and craft a successful future.
The field of craftsmanship is not immune to change; it evolves with time and technological advancements. By collaborating, AYEA and the Handwerkskammer can encourage innovation and the adoption of modern techniques within the African community. This partnership offers young talents the opportunity to explore, adapt, and contribute to innovative developments in craftsmanship. It positions them as agents of progress in the evolving world of trades.
The beauty of this partnership lies in its ability to champion inclusivity and diversity within the craft sector. It paves the way for African youth in Germany to explore vocational and technical professions without prejudice. By embracing diversity, this collaboration enriches the craft community with fresh perspectives, ideas, and approaches. It serves as a testament to the fact that talent knows no boundaries.
Vocational education and technical professions often face challenges in attracting young talents. Many individuals are unaware of the promising career opportunities that lie within the craft sector. The collaboration between AYEA and the Hamburg Chamber of Crafts acts as a bridge. It bridges the information gap and aids young Africans in making informed choices regarding their educational and career paths.
Partnering with an esteemed institution like the Hamburg Chamber of Crafts widens the horizons for AYEA. It opens doors to a broader network of professionals, mentors, and potential employers. This expanded network is a treasure trove of opportunities for African youth, providing mentorship, internships, and job openings. The alliance strengthens the support system for young talents.
AYEA's emphasis on education aligns seamlessly with the Handwerkskammer's dedication to vocational training. By working in tandem, both organizations contribute to the long-term sustainability of educational programs and support systems for African youth in Germany. This commitment to sustainability ensures that young individuals have continuous access to resources, knowledge, and guidance on their journey.
The collaborative participation of TopAfric and the Hamburg Chamber of Crafts in AYEA creates awareness within the African community about the significance of vocational and technical education. It underscores the importance of craftsmanship and its role in fostering self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and economic sustainability. By shedding light on these opportunities, it encourages more young individuals to explore and embrace the world of trades.
The partnership is a transformative step towards empowering young African individuals. It nurtures their aspirations, enhances their skills, and opens doors to fulfilling careers in craftsmanship. This collaboration is a beacon of inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, ensuring that the future generation has the tools and knowledge needed to shape their destinies in a rapidly evolving world.
Desmond John Beddy
Building a new school and borehole is a significant milestone in the development of a community, particularly in areas where access to education and clean water is limited. Adaklu Blidokope, a small village in the Volta Region of Ghana, completed the construction of a six-unit classroom, a store, a teachers' office, and a borehole with the help of TopAfric, a non-governmental organization based in Germany.

For years, the children of Adaklu Blidokope were attending classes under trees or in a dilapidated classroom block that posed risks to their safety and hindered their ability to learn effectively. Recognizing the importance of education in transforming lives and boosting community development, the Adaklu Blidokope community sought assistance from TopAfric to raise funds for the construction of a new school and a borehole.
The completion of the six-unit classroom, store, and teachers' office signifies a new chapter in the lives of the children in the immediate communities. With proper infrastructure, these children can now learn in a safe and conducive environment that promotes effective teaching and learning. The new facilities will also attract qualified teachers who are essential in providing quality education to the students.

In addition to the school building, the construction of a borehole is another significant achievement for the community. Access to clean water is crucial for the well-being and health of the community members. Prior to the borehole's completion, the community relied on open water sources, which were often contaminated and posed serious health risks. The provision of clean water through the borehole will greatly improve the living conditions of the community, reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases and saving precious time previously spent on searching for water.
Unfortunately, the borehole could not yield enough water as anticipated.
The successful completion of the school building and borehole in Adaklu Blidokope is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact that non-governmental organizations can have on transforming communities. It highlights the determination and resilience of the community in their pursuit of a better future for their children.
The partnership between the community and TopAfric exemplifies the significance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by disadvantaged communities. By leveraging resources and expertise from different parts of the world.
Challenges Faced:
Inflation:
The project encountered a significant challenge in the form of inflation, which led to an explosion in the prices of building materials and labour costs. This unexpected surge in costs had a profound impact on the project budget, necessitating careful financial management and adjustment of expenditure priorities.
Work Ethic of Workers:
Another challenge faced during the project was related to the work ethic of the people. Workers often started their tasks late and closed early, displaying a lack of respect for scheduled work hours. This issue not only affected project timelines but also added to the overall project complexities.
Project Delays:
Due to the combined impact of inflation and the inconsistent work ethic of the labour force, the project could not be completed as initially scheduled. Delays in construction timelines presented additional challenges, including increased costs and disruptions in the community's access to the new facilities.
The completion of the school building and borehole not only provides immediate benefits to the community but also holds the promise of a brighter future. Education is a powerful tool that empowers individuals and communities, and access to clean water is essential for health and well-being.
Finally, a million thanks to you…
We could not have done it without your support.
Desmond John Beddy
Neo-colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism is a seminal work by Kwame Nkrumah, the first President of Ghana and a leading figure in the African independence movement. Published in 1965, the book offers a critical analysis of the re-emerging form of imperialism known as neo-colonialism, which perpetuates the dominance of former colonial powers over newly independent African nations through indirect means.
Nkrumah begins by tracing the historical development of imperialism, highlighting how colonial powers exploited and subjugated Africa during the era of direct rule. He then identifies the transition from formal colonialism to neo-colonialism, arguing that the colonizers, unable to maintain direct control over the colonies, devised new strategies to maintain their economic and political influence in Africa.
According to Nkrumah, neo-colonialism involves the establishment of puppet regimes in newly independent states that appear to exercise sovereignty, while in reality, they continue to adhere to the interests of former colonial powers. He argues that these puppet leaders are selected and supported by the colonial powers, enabling them to maintain control over key resources and perpetuate economic exploitation in Africa.
Nkrumah explores the various tactics employed by neo-colonial powers to continue their influence. One of the main strategies is economic manipulation, in which multinational corporations from the former colonial powers use their economic power to exploit African resources and maintain control over local industries. Additionally, he discusses the role of foreign aid, arguing that it often serves as a tool for perpetuating dependency, rather than facilitating meaningful development.
Furthermore, Nkrumah highlights the importance of ideological control in neocolonialism. He argues that former colonial powers maintain their influence by promoting ideologies and cultural norms that serve their interests and suppress indigenous African values. This is achieved through the dissemination of educational materials, media control, and the propagation of Western cultural values.
Nkrumah also emphasizes the need for African nations to unite in order to combat neo-colonialism effectively. He argues for the creation of a continental union, emphasizing the importance of pan-Africanism and the necessity of African nations working together to resist foreign dominance. Furthermore, he advocates for the establishment of self-reliant economies and the implementation of socialist policies to drive national development.
In summary, Kwame Nkrumah's book provides a comprehensive analysis of neo-colonialism, outlining the tactics and strategies employed by former colonial powers to maintain control and exploit Africa even after achieving formal independence. He calls for unity among African nations, resistance against foreign influence, and the pursuit of self-reliant development to break free from the constraints of neo-colonialism. Nkrumah's work remains a significant contribution to understanding the ongoing struggles faced by African nations in the post-colonial era.
Desmond John Beddy
https://beddy.de
For the first time in its history, architecture's most prestigious award has been won by an African.
‘It’s not just about my experience and my sympathy, it is about the community who needs a voice at the local assembly, we must therefore do everything necessary to be part of the political dispensation’.
Irene was a guest on the Effiya Ephya Show in the studios of Radio TopAfric. The interview was about the upcoming European and Hamburg district elections ‘Bezirksversammlungswahl’. The elections are taking place on Sunday, 26 May 2019.
Born and bred in Hamburg-Billstedt, Irene Appiah is a mother and works with the Hamburg Ministry of Education ‘Schulbehörde’. The seasonal politician is a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and is of African heritage, born in 1976 to Ghanaian parents.
She is contesting the Hamburg-Mitte local assembly elections and is seeking the assistance and support of the community to make it.
Question: Who can vote?
Irene:
Persons who are 16 years and above.
Persons who are registered in Hamburg-Mitte for at least six months.
Persons who hold an EU and/or German passport.
Question: Do you have what it takes to represent your people?
Irene:
Yes, long before I entered into politics, I have been a community activist, representing my people, helping with complex bureaucratic issues. My background as a solicitor has been very useful. Besides it is no longer about me, but about us. We have the numbers and must therefore use it to our advantage.
If we are able to mobilise our people well, we can make it. I will then be in a better position to help create educational opportunities for children of African heritage, help establish extra classes, continue with the African Community Centre, which we have already started. Remember most of our people are facing accommodation problems; we can help address this properly.
Question: How can one vote for you?
Irene:
The postal voting system ‘Brierfwahl’ is the most ideal and comfortable way of voting, all eligible voters have been sent voting documents. Those who have not received them could apply at their various district assemblies ‘Bezirksamt – Wahldienstelle’. In my case Bezirksamt Hamburg-Mitte.
The documents include two voting sheets
1. Pink sheet, you can locate my name (Irene Appiah) on position six. Please, cross all five positions in front of my name.
2. Yellow sheet, my name (Appiah Irene) is placed at position 10, cross all five boxes for me. I will appreciate it most if people could take advantage of the postal voting.
Question: What should one do on the actual poll date?
Irene:
On Sunday, the polling stations are open from 8.00 am till 18.00. Eligible voters are encouraged to go and cast their votes. As stated earlier, residents of Hamburg-Mitte, which comprises of the following townships:
Billbrook, Billstedt, Borgfelde, Finkenwerder, HafenCity, Hamburg-Altstadt, Hamm, Hammerbrook, Horn, Kleiner Grasbrook, Neustadt, Neuwerk, Rothenburgsort, St. Georg, St. Pauli, Steinwerder, Veddel, Waltershof and Wilhelmsburg, can vote for me.
In addition, those in Billstedt can also use the pink sheet to vote for me.
Question: What message do you have for your people?
Irene:
I have been serving and representing the interests of the African community and will continue to do so. We have the numbers; we have the people and the competence to be relevant in Germany. Let’s be politically active and participate in taking decisions that concern us. If we refuse and fail to exercise our voting rights, others will decide for us.
I am confident we won’t allow this opportunity to escape us, go and vote, and vote for me.
One can reach Irene as follows:
t: 040 246989
e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
w: www.spd-hh-mitte.de
f: Irene.appiah.5
Many new laws and legislative changes, affecting employees, the unemployed, families and retirees, came into force on 1 January 2019. The African Courier takes us through some of the most important changes that we should know.
Minimum wage rises
The statutory minimum wage (der gesetzliche Mindestlohn) rises from 8.84 euros to 9.19 euros on 1 January 2019. From 2020, employers will have to pay at least 9.35 euros per hour.
Several industry minimum wages have also risen, for example, in the roofing trade, in the electrical trade, in the building cleaning trade, and in the temporary work and care sectors.
Because a job is subject to social insurance if the earnings limit of 450 euros per month is exceeded, those who want to avoid this would have to reduce the working time accordingly.
More time for filing tax return
From 2019, taxpayers will have two months longer to submit their annual tax return (Abgabe der Steuererklärung). Those who submit their tax returns themselves have time to file their returns for 2018 until 31 July 2019. For taxpayers represented by a tax advisor, the deadline will be extended from the end of the year to the 28th of February of the following year. For example, the tax return for 2018 will then be due latest 28 February 2020.
However, whoever does not submit the tax declaration on time must automatically pay a delay fine.
Higher tax allowance
Income tax is now payable only on an income of more than 9,168 euros (steuerlicher Freibetrag) per year – that is, 168 euros more than in 2018. For jointly assessed couples, the threshold rises to 18,336 euros.
Statutory health insurance for self-employed persons cheaper
For full-time self-employed persons with low incomes, the minimum premium in the statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenkasse) has now been reduced from around 360 euros to about 156 euros per month. The reason: Since 1 January 2019, the minimum assessment basis (Mindestbemessungsgrundlage) for membership in the statutory health insurance for the self-employed has been reduced to 1,038.33 euros (it was 2,284 euro in 2018).
Making calls abroad becomes cheaper
Roaming charges have been history since 2017. Now phone calls and the sending of text messages to other EU countries will become cheaper this year. From mid-May 2019, the price of international calls will be capped at 19 cents per minute. SMS will cost a maximum of six cents.
CHANGES AND NEW LAWS FOR FAMILIES
More child benefit
Child benefit (Kindergeld) will be increased from 1 July 2019. Parents will get 204 euros/per child for the first and second child; 210 euros for the third child; and 235 euros a month for each additional child.
Higher tax deduction for children
The tax exemption for dependent children (Kinderfreibetrag) has been increased, starting from January, to 2490 euros or for both parents to 4980 euros when assessed together.
Child maintenance allowance rises
The alimony payments for children of separated parents (Unterhalt für Trennungskinder) have also been increased. From 1 January 2019, the minimum maintenance allowance payable for children under the age of seven will be 354 instead of the previous 348 euros per month. Seven to twelve-year-olds now get 406 instead of 399 euros. Children from 13 to 18 are entitled to a monthly allowance of 476 euros, it was formerly 467 euros. The minimum allowance for children of full age remains unchanged.
CHANGES FOR THE UNEMPLOYED
Increase in Hartz IV benefit
The standard rates for social assistance and unemployment benefit II (Sozialhilfe und Arbeitslosengeld II) have been increased. Single parents and persons living alone will now receive 424 instead of 416 euros. If you live with another needy person in the same household, you will receive 382 euros instead of 374 euros. The standard rate for children up to five years rises to 245 euros a month, and those from six to 13 years receive 322 instead of 316 euros.
Changes in Unemployment Benefit I
Previously, jobseekers must have held a job that made contribution to the unemployment insurance scheme for 12 months within the last 24 months prior to filing their application to be qualified to draw Unemployment Benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I). From 1 January 2019, twelve months within the last 30 months are now sufficient to qualify for the benefit
Support for the long-term unemployed
For the long-term unemployed, state-funded jobs are now possible for re-entry into working life. Employers receive money from the state for five years to pay the employee: In the first two, labour costs are paid in full, and then the subsidy goes down by ten percentage points every year. Condition for qualification for the scheme is that the long-term unemployed is older than 25 years and has received Hartz IV for at least six years within seven years.
CHANGES FOR RETIREES
Increase in disability pension benefit
Disability pensioners will receive significantly more benefit if they retire from 2019. The pension (Erwerbsminderungsrente) will now be calculated as if the person concerned had worked until the standard retirement age – not like until now 62 years.
Pensioners pay more tax
Anyone who retires this year has to pay more tax on their pension income. From January 2019, the taxable portion of pension (Steuerpflichtiger Teil der Rente) increases from 76 to 78 percent. Thus, only 22 percent of the first full gross annual pension remains tax-free. This percentage applies only to persons retiring as from 2019.
© The African Courier/Femi Awoniyi
A fire in Helsinki has caused the death of a Ghanaian woman and her three children in the early morning of Friday. It is believed that the 40-year-old mother, known at this moment as Nana Ago and the children were sleeping at the time of the incident. The ages of the children are 8, 7 and 3.
Report from http://yle.fi indicates that a neighbor had called the police after noticing the fire in the early morning of Friday before 3 am. The report says that the Fire and Rescue Services reached the scene eleven minutes after they were called and they were able to extinguish the fire quickly. However, resuscitation attempts to save the lives of the victims failed.
The father and husband of the victims, John Owusu, who is also a board member of the Ghana Union Finland, was at work at the time of the incident. It is believed that the fire started from the sauna in their sixth-floor apartment and that the victims had died out of suffocation.
The police are still investigating the cause of the fire. The fire affected no other apartments in the building.
According to the Financial Secretary of the Union, Kwame Afreh, some executive members of Ghana Union Finland have paid a visit to the bereaved family in Helsinki.
The incident has been a shock to the entire Ghanaian community in Finland and some have already sent words of condolence to the bereaved family through various social media platforms.
In order to give Nana Ago and her kids a befitting Burial while supporting her husband she left behind who lost his family as well as all his belongings in the fire, It would be great if everyone could support the bereaved family in this difficult time by donating .
Simply click here to donate https://www.gofundme.com/8p-burial-of-ghanaian-mum-and-3-kids
Source : http://ghdiaspora.com/2016/12/09/fire-kills-a-ghanaian-mother-and-three-children-in-finland/
Aminata Baldeh, one of The Gambia's finest female singer, has passed away. Sources report that her sudden death occured on thursday, March, 9th, 2017.
The Swedish born Gambian singer has done a lot of collaboration songs with top Gambian musicians including Gibou Bala Gaye, Vypa Skinny Boy fly and many others. She is one of the few female artists who actually released their own album. A true Gambian pride indeed.
Early Thursday, March 9th, 2017, social media was saturated with messages of condolences for Aminata's family. Cause of death is yet to be released. According to Jatou Mbowe, a.k.a ThaBoss chick, she saw Aminata 2 days ago from March 9th, 2017 on a facebook status update.Aminatah Baldeh is a Swedish singer with a Gambian father. She was about 28yrs of age. She sang mostly R&B. Check out her video below.
Our condolences goto the Baldeh family and the entire Gambian community in Germany, Sweden, and all over the world. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
