Ghanaian born Swedish resident, Joe Frans, launched his election campaign for the Swedish parliament today. If elected, the 38 year-old will be the first black African in the Swedish parliament. Already his campaign is the talk of the town.

Joe Frans was born in Takoradi, and raised in Cape Coast. He attended Adisadel Collage before moving to Sweden to study communication and sociology. He is currently the communications director to the vice mayor of the city of Stockholm. He started his career in Sweden as producer of the TV programme "Sweden Today" and went on to became a special advisor to the ministry of public administration before going on to the city hall, where he was named political adviser to the vice mayor.

“In 28 days, we will see if I succeed in my bid. I will bring to parliament the case of the marginalized, the poor and the need for our societies to invest in our kids. I will promote international cooperation and make sure the fight against malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS stays on the agenda.” He said

The elections will be held on the 15 September. Yesterday, he met the Muslim community in Stockholm under the leadership of Imam Tal and the national Imam of Gambia, who is on a visit to Stockholm. On Sunday 18 August he will attend a special Swedish-African inter-denominational service in Stockholm.

For more information on his campaign, check his homepage www.joefrans.nu.

Photo: Joe Frans with Swedish Prime minister His Excellency Goran Persson