Chicagoans Conclude _Ghana@51

....Celebrations With Dinner Dance !
March 8, 2008, Rosemont, IL,: What would have been the crowning jewel of good organizational skills by the present Executives of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC) after a successful Church service a week before, ended with a stain by the inability of the organizers to reserve enough food and sitting for the large crowd that gathered at the Westin Hotel, 6100 N River Road, to celebrate Ghana’s 51 st. Independence Anniversary.

Earlier, 7 p.m was announced for the event to start, but revelers were kept in anxious wait for almost an hour and fifteen minutes before they were finally seated. Hotel attendants were seen hurriedly arranging tables, chairs, cutlery etc., in the luxurious hall for the evening’s event to start.

A litany of other mishaps kept the earnest waiting attendees scratching their heads as to what was going on. First, the 150 plates reserved for such an important celebrations was later noted by the organizers to be totally inadequate for the over 270 people who gathered here to mark the Independence of the first black African country, South of the Sahara, and the lightening rod, that sparked the emancipation of African countries from the shackles of colonialism in the 60’s. Ghana’s Independence also generated a surge and enthusiasm in the Civil Rights movement here in the USA. Ghanaians home and abroad therefore mark their Independence Day with reverence and nostalgia!

The numerous emcees listed to host the event did not help the organizers with their long list of announcement of events in the community and the elaborate but unnecessary overly remarks they made all night long! The Executives must be commended however, for being the first GNC officials to have an open bar and a cocktail during Ghana’s Independence Anniversary celebrations here. Invited Guests to the dinner includes, Mr. Dana V. Starks, Commissioner on Human Relations; Ms. Norma Reyes, Commissioner of Consumer Services; Mr. Arnold Romeo, Director of African Affairs, Commission on Human Relations; Mr. and Mrs. Annang of Annakka Enterprises,Mr. Alie Kabba, Executive Director, United African Organization; and Mr. Zac Iyassu; President of Choice Taxi in Chicago. A family of ten African Americans who recently traced their roots to the Family of Dr. Kofi Abrefa Busia, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Ghana from 1969 to 1972, were recognized at the function. Chiefs, Queen Mothers and elders of the community were also in attendance to grace the occasion. Reverend Canon Mensah prayed for the success and the Lord’s protection of the new leaders of the Ghanaian Community here after Reverend Dr. Quamson had prayed for the success of the function. Alhajie Baba Cisse offered the Moslem prayer. Reverend Dr. Kofi Nonoo swore the New Officers of the GNC into office.

In his short remarks, the keynote speaker of the event, Mr. Dana V. Starks, Commissioner, Commission on Human Relations at the office of the Mayor of Chicago, reminded the gathering that, the Independence of Ghana affected and impacted the Civil Rights movement in the USA. “The Independence of Ghana threw a new wave of enthusiasm in the Civil Rights movement in the USA” Mr. Starks noted, to his proud audience, majority of who were Ghanaians.

The Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich and Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago wish Ghana and Ghanaians in Chicago happy Independence Anniversary celebrations through a proclamation read on their behalf by Mr. Arnold Romeo. The president of the GNC, Mr. John Henry Assabill, cautioned the government of Ghana to be mindful of the influx of Chinese Citizens into the country. “ Currently, Africa is enjoying over $33bn trade with China of which Ghana enjoys a fair share. We do not have any problem with that. However, the only industry the government has no control, i.e. to lay off workers, is petty trading, popularly referred to as “buy and sell.” This sector of the economy has sustained middle to low income Ghanaians for a long time. Now the Chinese are invading this vital area. This is why we in Chicago are advising our government in Ghana to do whatever it takes to preserve this vital area for our people. It is not difficult to do Ghana does not need any bilateral or trilateral agreement to implement.” A “charged” John Henry Asabill told the audience.

The President of the GNC appealed to members of the community to financially support programs of the council since the era of scavenging for sponsors is over with his administration. “The Ghana National Council was founded by the Affiliates and it must be funded by the Affiliates. Although the Affiliates have their individual programs, activities organized by the Council, brings ALL Ghanaians together and that is healthy for our community .Currently, the Council is $20,000.00 in deficit. It is not by frivolity, precipitous or impulsive spending but by reality. Our annual budget stands at over $50,000.00. However, the combined revenue from all Affiliates annually is only $12,000.00.

For example, it costs a minimum of $22,000.00 to host Ghana Fest alone. Fellow Ghanaians, we must put out pockets where our heart is.” A beleaguered Assabill told his audience.

The GNC President implored his fellow Ghanaians who do not belong to any of the Affiliate Associations of the GNC to join one. He concluded by expressing his gratitude to MoneyGram, the main sponsor of the event.

Prior, Mr. George Asiedu, representing MoneyGram International asked members of the community to patronize MoneyGram to enable the Money Transfer giant continue supporting activities in the community. He explained that MoneyGram has comparatively lower transfer fees than their closest competitors in the money transfer business. “ MoneyGram now have branches in almost all districts

in Ghana because of our alliance with Ghana Commercial Bank, and other major Banks in Ghana.” George informed the audience. Other sponsors are African Spectrum and Annakka Enterprise.

Members of the previous executives minus the current president, who was a member of Reuben Hadzide’s cabinet, were awarded with plaques and ribbons for their distinguished service to the Ghanaian Community. A surprised Reuben Hadzide, almost emotional with tears, dedicated his award to the founding fathers and all Past Executives of the GNC and asked the community to support their new leaders. He also asked the “old guards” in the audience to join him in receiving the Award. Some of the founding members and former executives present were Alhajie Baba Cisse, Ms. Patience Adigbli,Dr. Mark Kutame and Mr. Amponsah Yeboah, who is also the current moderator of the council.

The best digital video producers in the Midwest,Naneffe Video productions,773-483-1199 covered the event.

When music finally started for the audience to dance at 1225 AM, upcoming and young D.J’s Bonsu and Reggie established to the audience why they are the hottest in the business these days in Chicago. Their new blend of music and selections kept everyone dancing to the end of this year’s Independence Celebrations in Chicago.

Visit ghananationalcouncil.org for video clips and pictures of the event. Pictures and Video clips will also be featured on Ghana web later.