Ghanafest@Chicago is today!

Chicago Ghanaian Community Showcases Cultural Extravaganza At Ghanafest 2006

CHICAGO, IL - July 20th, 2006. The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago invites all of Chicago land to enjoy its annual festival of arts and culture, GhanaFest 2006, on July 29th.

This marks the 18th year of the festival, which draws over 20,000 spectators each summer. GhanaFest is a display of ten ethnic cultures from all the regions of the country. This exposition showcases a parade of chiefs and queen mothers resplendent in rich Kente colors and gold ornaments, led by their chief linguists and elders under large colorful umbrellas.

Among the expected dignitaries at this years festival will be His Excellency Flt. Lt. J.J. Rawlings, former president of the Republic of Ghana as guest speaker and honorary Guest and Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture, Mr. Samuel K . Boafo.

Other attractions include traditional thanksgiving ceremonies, traditional cultural drumming and dancing and youth performances, a taste of Ghanaian cuisine, and a featuring of the best in Ghanaian musical talents. GhanaFest is a spectacle not to be missed by anyone.
The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago, an organization made of eleven affiliate Associations, produces GhanaFest 2006. These affiliates are the Asanteman Association, the Brong Ahafo Association, Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Fante Benevolent Society, Ghana Northern Union, Ghana Chicago Club, HASKE Society, Kwahu United Association, Okuapeman Association, Okyeman Association and Ghana Chicago Club. The organizations are registered non-profit organizations with 501(c) 3 status. Its main aim is to promote the Ghanaian culture and educate the
Ghanaian/American youth about the Ghanaian culture. The Ghanaian immigrant population in Chicago and its metropolis is about 25,000 strong. The Ghana National Council is the unifying force of this culturally and politically potent community.
GhanaFest 2006 promises to surpass even the success of previous years, with 25,000 expected to be in attendance. The festival is to be held on from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, July 29th at the Historic Washington Park on the South Side of Chicago, close to the United States Armory and the DuSable Museum of African Arts and Culture.
The president of the Ghana National Council, Reuben Hadzide, describes GhanaFest in this way: “If you have never visited Ghana, Ghana is being brought to your doorstep. This is a must see event. Think of what you might miss if you have never visited Ghana and you are not at the park to witness firsthand a splendid cultural show that had the Mayor of Chicago, Mr. Richard Daley and Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Fritz Kwabena Poku. exclaim "wow, this is a great festival" This year promises to be an auspicious one for building connections between Chicago and her sister city, Accra, the capital of Ghana.
The festival is a Ghanaian cultural extravaganza including procession of chiefs and queens, a taste of delicious Ghanaian cuisine, taste of Ghana, and African Arts and Craft.
For information or to view footage of previous years’ GhanaFest, visit http://www.ghananationalcouncil.org/ghanafest2006.htm.

• Media: Accreditation is required to cover the event, contact Reuben Hadzide 773-905-8096 or email hododioho@aol.com

• Sponsors: City of Chicago, Moneygram, Fifth Third Bank, Annaka Enterprise and MetLife.

• Contact: Mr. Reuben Hadzide

• Company Name/Address: Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago
  4433 North Ravenswood Avenue Chicago, IL 60640
  Telephone Number: 773-905-8096
  Fax Number: 773-561-5603
  Email: Hododiooho@aol.com
  Web Site Address: www.ghananationalcouncil.org