A Taste Of Ghana - Launch Of The G-Wag Cookbook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Public Relations Officer

Ghanaian Women’s Association of GA, Inc.

Tel: 641 715 3900 (Ext 48982)

E-mail: info@ghanawomen.org

12/31/09

Ghanaian Women’s Association of GA (G-WAG) Year-end Fundraiser Atlanta, Georgia – Community leaders, members of the academic community, business leaders and G-WAG members came together for the “Taste of Ghana” fundraiser hosted by the Ghanaian Women’s Association of Georgia, Inc. (G-WAG) on Saturday, December 19th at the Great Hall of St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, GA. The event was attended by over 150 people from various backgrounds representing the diverse and international mix of the Atlanta community, and marked the launch of the G-WAG Cookbook – a collection of over 130 Ghanaian and international recipes.

Against a backdrop of charming festive decor, and buffet tables replete with exotic dishes from the various regions of Ghana, elegantly attired guests chatted and excitedly witnessed the unveiling of the cookbook by Evelyn Davis and Agnes Hayfron Barnor, Vice President of the Association.

In an introductory statement prior to the unveiling,, Mrs. Dinah Quaicoe, Chairperson of the Fund Raising Committee remarked, “We have embarked on this project, not only to raise funds to support the Association’s philanthropic efforts, but also to bring visibility to the cultural aspects of Ghanaian life and to promote our goal of cultural education among the youth in the Diaspora.” She continued, “The G-WAG Cookbook is our way of documenting our countless recipes for the benefit of our children and their children, and we hope that in the spirit of the season, you will support our efforts by purchasing copies.” She acknowledged and thanked recipe contributors for their input, and Top Notch Eventz, LLC for the design of the cover pages of the book.

Many guests purchased copies of the cookbook as gifts for friends and family. They also participated in the auction of African artifacts which were donated by members of the Association. The proceeds from the sale of the books as well as the auction will be used to ship half a container load of clothing, medical supplies and educational materials to orphanages and healthcare centers in needy communities in Ghana. In her welcome address, the association’s president, Mrs. Pearl Aidoo appealed to guests and members alike to support G-WAG on its journey to do “something about something”. She added, “We cannot, as citizens of a developing country, always sit and wait for others to solve our problems. If we care enough or are driven enough by the clear need to lend a helping hand, we are each capable of contributing to a cause and making a difference.” She especially encouraged the Association’s members to emulate our host country (USA) and adopt a culture of philanthropy, volunteering and community organizing to effect positive change within our own communities back home. She reiterated G-WAG’s commitment to using our skills to serve society, setting a bold agenda for raising awareness of social issues within our communities and devoting more resources and efforts into enabling the community to become more engaged. She concluded by inviting more women to join G-WAG and appealed for donations for the ongoing Clothing Drive.

The distinguished guest list included; Nana Gyetuah Achampong, Asantehene of Georgia, Evans Adika, a prominent Attorney and Immigration Consultant, as well as the President of the Ghana Council of Georgia, Mr. Ben Aye-Addo. Also in attendance were; Shahara Ruth, an African American playwright and CEO of Goldfire Productions; Dr. Mike Okeke, CEO of African Treasures TV and Ebony Pages; Amanda Hill, President of the African Federation Inc.; Tedonzong Tchoutezo of the African Association of Georgia; and Veronica Oladeji, Editor-in-Chief of Apinke Magazine. Guests embarked on a culinary adventure by sampling the wide variety of exotic dishes on display, and also danced to some favorite highlife tunes. They were treated to a series of authentic cultural dance performances by Charles Addison. The highlight of the event by all accounts was a fashion show by the G-WAG Youth. Children aged 3 to 17 years modeled the latest in African couture to the delight of our guests.

The event was organized by members of the Planning & Programming Committee. It is one of several events which the Association has hosted since its April 2008 inauguration to create a more visible and vibrant Ghanaian community. G-WAG is committed to the active and sustained engagement of Ghanaians as well as other interested parties in the Atlanta Metro area by increasing opportunities for dialogue and exchange. “This event showcased the best of Ghanaian culture and gave our non-Ghanaian guests a real taste of our legendary Ghanaian hospitality,” said Mrs. Jayne Deku, Chairperson of the Planning & Programming Committee. “The success of the event can be attributed to the thoughtful incorporation of the different cultural elements in the program that tied in with the overall theme “A Taste of Ghana”, and the participation of a community that recognizes our interdependence and continues to support us. We are delighted that our guests have had a positive experience.”

Copies of the G-WAG Cookbook are available online via the Association’s website or by calling Mrs. Dinah Quaicoe (Fundraising Committee Chairperson) on 404 886 2652. For updates on future events or to view pictures of this event, visit http://ghanawomen.org/gallery.html or e-mail info@ghanawomen.org