Ghanaians in New York/New Jersey Celebrate their Country’s 55th Anniversary
By Nana Asirifi Twereboo and Kwabena Opong
The National Council of Ghanaian Association, (NCOGA) of New York inaugurated its new Executive Secretary General in a colourful ceremony March 3 at the Polish Center, Yonkers. Mr. G. Ofori Anor who succeeds Ms. Ivy Quarshie was sworn in as part of the activities marking the 55th anniversary of Ghana’s independence.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Ofori Anor appealed for unity within and beyond the community and called on to Ghanaians to stop the political blame game. He challenged the community to help bridge the socio-cultural gap between the elders and younger generations and added that it is imperative for the current generation to work together in order to achieve the unfulfilled goals of Ghana’s founding fathers. He promised to strengthen NCOGA’s non-partisan stand with the assurance to work with government of the day.
Some revellers expressed their optimism of the agenda and direction the new leader would take the Council. “If the Council does not flourish in leaps and bounds under this man, the angel Gabriel would have to come down from heaven to lead NCOGA,” one happy, tired attendee commented.
Ofori Anor who is well-known in the Ghanaian community is an educator and journalist.
Across the river in New Jersey, Ghanaians held a dinner/dance to commemorate their country’s 55th anniversary at the Ramada Hotel at the Newark Liberty International Airport. Against a backdrop of political insults and ethnic suspicions in Ghana and the fear of election violence in December this year, Ghanaians in New Jersey celebrated their country’s anniversary inspired mutual respect and national unity without respect to political affiliations.
The highlight of the celebrations was the display of Ghanaian dances and music from an African traditional dance and music troupe from North Texas University led by Professor Alorwoyie, also known as Togbe Ameanyo, and brother of Togbe Egbe of the Novisi Association of New Jersey. Prof. Alorwoyie is a professor of African Music and Dance.
The anniversary also showcased Ghanaian culture with the parade of Ghanaian chiefs and queens. Speaking at the ceremony, Nana Gyensare V, the Piankohene of Akwamu in the Eastern Region of Ghana appealed to Ghanaians both in the Diaspora and at home to refrain from selfishness and work for unity. He observed that so much needs to be done in Ghana to alleviate poverty and disease, but it appears that not much is being done to help. “What kind of legacy are we leaving behind? He asked. “We must strive to achieve our social objectives in order to give our people the future they deserve,” he added. Nana was insistent on his call for selflessness instead of greed, kindness instead of apathy, and proactive and hands on approach to make Ghana a good place to live. He appealed for the removal of all forms of rancour and disunity in the community and in Ghana.
Mr. Kwame Gyan, acting president of the Council for Ghanaian Associations in New Jersey also spoke about the need for peace and unity, saying as Ghanaians “we are all one people with a common destiny.”
Sponsors for the event included Western Union, Ben Manu CPA, Makola, Dr. Rockson, Dr. Baddoo and Amandla Newspaper among a number of companies and individuals in the State.