Newcastle make striker Ba capture

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STATEMENT BY NANA KONADU AGYEMAN-RAWLINGS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 20TH INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD – THURSDAY JUNE 16, 2011 Today marks the 20th anniversary of the International Day of the African Child, a day originally set aside by the Organisation of African Unity, now the African Union, to honour the memory of hundreds of school children from Soweto who were shot protesting against the poor quality of education by the then Apartheid regime in South Africa.

Demba Ba Ba scored twice on his full debut for West Ham

Newcastle United have completed the signing of Senegal striker Demba Ba from West Ham.

The 26-year-old, who scored seven goals in 13 outings for the Hammers in the second half of the 2010-11 campaign, has joined on a three-year deal.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew said: “Demba made a great impression at West Ham last season and is a great signing for the club.

“He has pace, excellent technical ability, is good in the air.”

Pardew had made his intention to sign a striker clear this summer in his bid to fill the void left following Andy Carroll’s £35m move to Liverpool in January.

The Magpies boss added: “And, it goes without saying, Demba has the ability to consistently find the back of the net.

“Moreover he has a great passion to play for Newcastle United.”

Ba’s move to Tyneside has taken place despite concerns over a knee injury which resulted in Stoke pulling out of a deal to sign him before West Ham drafted him in.

The former Hoffenheim forward’s goals could not save the Hammers from relegation from the Premier League last season and he is understood to have moved on because of a release clause in the three-year contract he signed with the Upton Park outfit in January.

Ba’s move to St James’s Park comes a day after midfielder Kevin Nolan made the move in the opposite direction to Upton Park.

His arrival also provides Pardew with his second signing of the summer following the capture of France international midfielder Yohan Cabaye earlier this month.

“Everything has been sorted out and now I’m happy because I can start to focus on playing and scoring goals for Newcastle,” said Ba.

“This is a great club and a very good team so to sign here was an easy choice to make.

“I have spoken to winger Hatem Ben Arfa about the club and he told me how happy he is here and how big Newcastle are so I’m really happy and I can’t wait to start playing.

“I know a lot of famous strikers have played here before and I will do my best to win games for the club.”

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Newcastle make striker Ba capture