Nova Southeastern University to host panel discussion on President Obama’s trip to Ghana

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE Fla. —-  Nova Southeastern University will be hosting a thought-provoking panel discussion on Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m. to discuss President Barack Obama’s upcoming trip to Ghana.

Obama will be making his first trip to sub-Saharan Africa by visiting the west African nation of Ghana on July 10 and 11. NSU’s panel discussion will discuss the significance of Obama’s trip, presidential politics, as well as Ghana’s rich history and culture.

The visit will come after Obama travels to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and to Italy for the Group of Eight meetings. In Ghana, Obama will meet with his counterpart, Ghanaian President John Atta Mills to talk about a variety of issues.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said the president and first lady are looking forward to “strengthening the U.S. relationship with one of our most trusted partners in sub-Saharan Africa, and to highlighting the critical role that sound governance and civil society play in promoting lasting development.”

The panel will be moderated by Douglas C. Lyons, senior editorial writer and columnist who covers a variety of state and local topics for the South Florida SunSentinel. He writes about the Florida Legislature and state government agencies. He also writes about culture, health, social services, the environment and race relations in South Florida.

NSU’s panel will include:

• Cyril Blavo, D.O., M.P.H. & TM, professor of public health and pediatrics at NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. A native of Ghana, Blavo is a leader in international health initiatives, with a focus on rural areas in Ghana..

• Tim Dixon, J.D., M.A. a professor of history and legal studies at NSU’s Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences. He is an expert in the field of American government and politics, foreign affairs and global issues.

• Florence Shu-Acquaye, J.D., a professor of law at NSU’s Shepard Broad Law Center. She is an expert in comparative and international business law and has co-authored a book on women and AIDS in Africa.

• John Akiti, M.B.A., also a Ghana native, is a  vice president at Ocean Bank, who is actively involved in international commerce, particularly involving Ghana.

• Queenmother Nana Boatema is an African-American who serves in a leadership capacity in a village in Ghana as Queenmother. She leads humanitarian initiatives in Africa, with a focus on Ghana and water resources.

• Mark Davidheiser, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of conflict resolution and anthropology at NSU’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences. His teaching and research are in the areas of Culture and conflict, Africa, Islam, multiculturalism, among others.

The panel, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the Alvin Sherman Library on Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m. in the Second Floor Gallery.

For more information, please call Dr. Cyril Blavo at 954-937-6764.

Contact:
Andra Liwag, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5309 office, 954-873-8494 cell, andrali@nova.edu

Julie Spechler, NSU Office of Public Affairs
954-262-5348 office, 954-591-3361 cell, julies@nova.edu