Ghanaian Women's Association of Georgia

- An Auspicious Inaugural Celebration

Atlanta, Georgia - May 2008 --- G-WAG has done it again!! Community Leaders, Tribal Chiefs, Queen Mothers, Business Leaders, Religious Leaders and members of the general public came together on April 12th at the Chattahoochee Technical College Conference Center, not only to celebrate the inauguration of the Association but also to experience the importance of engaging the community in the process of positive change. The well-attended ceremony was an opportunity to bring visibility to the goals of the Organization and for its members to reaffirm their commitment to the cause.

After an hour of guests busily and excitedly mingling during the cocktail reception in the Conference Center’s atrium, the inauguration ceremony was officially opened with the Ghana and the USA national anthems. The outgoing Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, Mrs. Agnes Hayfron Barnor, delivered a strong welcome message in which she reminded Ghanaians and the world at large about the G-WAG mission and vision of promoting entrepreneurship in women, giving back to the community and creating cultural awareness in our children in the diaspora. She further appealed to Ghanaian women to tap into their hidden wealth of knowledge, talents and skills as their contribution to serving our community. According to her, “We each can contribute to the development of our community one way or the other. Let us not waste our special talents, skills and ideas, but rather let us all come together and direct our strengths in this positive direction we’re headed”. She continued, “your support and participation is what it takes…let’s begin to imagine the possibilities of making a difference one family at time.” It is based on these beliefs and the potential benefits of such great ideas to both members and the community that these women have come together.

In her keynote speech, Jan Porubsky, Founder of Orphan’s Cry International, reiterated that the Organization’s action plan calls for effecting change not merely in words but mostly in action, activity and positive engagement. In her speech, she presented a documentary of projects that her organization had embarked on in Ghana, and gave an insight into the impact that our little contributions can make in the lives of under-privileged children.

During the course of the event, the Founder of G-WAG and Editor of the GoldStar Herald, Mr. Bright Boateng together with members of the Organizing Committee were given special awards for their efforts in making G-WAG a reality. Members of the Inauguration Planning Team were also given special recognition for coordinating a flawless event. Bright Boateng then introduced the newly elected G-WAG officers to the community. They are: President - Pearl Aidoo, Vice-President - Agnes Hayfron Barnor, Secretary – Nana High. Also presented were: Public Relations Officer - Adiza Harruna and Treasurer – Judith Koranteng Ntifo.

Highlights of the event were spectacular cultural performances by the Authentic African Cultural Troupe (The AACT). They entertained guests to two of Ghana's popular dances:- Adowa and Kete as the audience reacted with several rounds of applause. Guests were also treated to some of Ghana's best cuisine and music amidst full walled projectors depicting nostalgic images of Ghana.

The event came to a close with remarks by the incoming President Mrs. Pearl Aidoo. In Mrs. Aidoo’s speech, she clearly stated that “An Association is only as strong as its members. We are counting on each member and our community to support us in the building, growth and success of G-WAG. We will work towards creating a visible and vibrant community by being active participants rather than onlookers, and agree to constructively disagree, but not disengage.”

The Ghanaian Women's Association of Georgia came about as a result of a few women coming together whose passion for positive change within the community far supercedes the basic idea of an improved life style. As these women’s passion grew stronger, their vision got bigger. The word went out very quickly about the need for change and the idea that when a woman is empowered, she is able to invest her knowledge and resources in her children, her family and eventually, her community. Today G-WAG boasts of 40 active members. The Association is here to work together, to build a stronger community and to affect the world with positive change, a few steps at a time.

Judging by the positive feedback received from guests, the event was a huge success and on behalf of the Association, Dinah Quaicoe, MC for the evening acknowledged the Association’s members for their support and sponsors for their generous contributions and keen interest in G-WAG’s efforts.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Adiza Harruna
Public Relations Officer
Tel: 641 715 3900 Ext. 48982
Email: info@ghanawomen.org ---- For more information visit: www.ghanawomen.org