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. 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 G.N.C is non-political and non-profit organization with a 501(c) 3 status with the Internal Revenue Department. 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 at the Hyde Park neighborhood 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 exclaimed “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

Security: This year, there will be areas cordoned off for security reasons. We appeal to all visitors to enjoy the festival and obey the strict security measures that will be in place.

Music: There will be a host of talented Musicians to entertain the crowd as usual. There will be a professional cultural troupe from Cincinnati, Chicago’s own grown Adowa and Borborbor groups, new sensations Papa Sheen and Rap on Music shows etc.

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

Logging: Email to ladyjo_events@yahoo.com.

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