Report: Ottawa-Ghanaians

Ghanaians in Ottawa and the Gatineau area, like their siblings in the diaspora, organized an end of year activity to warm up their roots and bring their folks together at Ottawa’s Delta Hotel. The festivity saw Ghanaians and other ethnic groups enjoying Ghanaian warmth and culture. Mr. Benjamin Agbanti, president of the United Ghanaian Association of Ottawa, in formerly welcoming the audience made it clear that, “This is a non-political association with the aim of promoting peace, unity, understanding, and building a bridge of friendship among Ghanaians, Ghanaian Canadians, and friends of Ghana. We are also aiming at assisting fellow Ghanaians in times of need.” The reason for Mr. Agbanti’s statement is that some sections of the Ottawa-Ghanaian community think that large number of the executive members of association are becoming increasingly political. His speech, therefore, aimed at debunking this view.

Having cleared the air, Mr. Agbanti rolled out what the festive moment is all about. “I believe we are here today to have fun, meet old friends, make new friends and to be heard by other communities.” He later thanked those who over the past year have helped in their diverse ways in sustaining the association. “On behalf of the United Ghanaian Association, I would want to take this great opportunity to thank His Excellency Mr. S. Odoi-Sykes, Honorable Charles Adjei-Amoama, Dr. Daniel Osabu-Kle, and Mr. Anokye (Owner of Mama Cee Beauty Supplies) for their excellent contribution and guidance in ensuring that Ghanaian’s get together to promote the name of Ghana and our Ghanaian community. Also, I want to thank my colleagues who worked tirelessly in ensuing that this event becomes a success. I did also like to thank each and everyone for being here tonight to show support for our united approach towards the building of a viable and an effective Ghanaian community.”

Mr. Agbanti then moved to make clear the balance sheet of the association over the past year. “During the year, we had the opportunity to organize an Independence Day party and a Ghanafest picnic, which showcased some cultural displays and a soccer tournament between Ottawa and Montreal in which we won a trophy presented to us by His Excellency Mr. S. Odoi-Sykes. We intend to carry these activities forward to the year 2004. For us to be successful in our endeavor, we need your help and cooperation.”

The guest speaker, Dr. Edward Osei Kodwo Prempeh's, a political scientist and undergraduate adviser at Carleton University, who is currently helping to revamp the Ghana civil service, speech was centered on education and building of the Ottawa-Ghanaian community. Dr. Prempeh, whose specialty is in governance, development and security, and had returned from Ghana recently, spoke about how Ghanaians are contributing to building a good educational system back home. He reminded Ottawa-Ghanaians of the symbol "Sankofa" as a reminder to Ghanaian-Canadians to help in Ghana’s nation-building.

Dr. Sam Kwofie, a dentist, deepened on Dr. Prempeh's speech. He was impressed with the organizers and commended them for revamping the long-sleeping Ottawa-Ghanaian community. Dr. Kwofie was very pleased to see his Ghanaians come together to celebrate their country at end of year festivity.