The Ghana Embassy in Washington DC. under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency; Dr. Kwame Bawuah- Edusei, Ghana's Ambassador to the US in cooperation with Ghanaians and businesses recently organized an elaborate evening of remembrance and honor for the first US delegates to Ghana's independence day celebration on March 6,1957. The delegation was led by Vice President Richard Nixon, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressmen Charles Diggs and Adam Clayton Powell III, Ambassador Ralph Bunche, Civil Rights Activist, A. Phillip Randolph, education leader, Horace Mann Bond, and Publishing Magnate John Johnson. The colorful occasion which brought business executives from all over US, Congressmen, women and strategic personalities in Washington together was one of a kind.

Ghana presented posthumous awards and were represented by the following;
Former President Richard Nixon - Award was received on his behalf by Raynard Jackson, Member of the Board, The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace Foundation.
Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. - His daughter, Elder Bernice King received the award
Adam Clayton Powell III - His grandson, Adam Clayton Powell IV received the award
John H. Johnson, Publishing magnate of Ebony magazine - His daughter, Linda Johnson Rice could not attend but sent her congratulatory message which was shown on the giant screen. The award was received by a Washington DC representative of Ebony Magazine
Ralph Bunche Jr - His son, Ralph J. Bunche Jr. received the award. He came all the way from London, UK to attend.
Horace Mann Bond - His grandson, Councilman Michael Julian Bond received the award
Congressman Charles Diggs. Jr - Six family members represented and received the award
A. Phillip Randolph - Ms Clayola Brown, President of A. Philip Randolph Institute of Howard University received the award.
W. E. B. Dubois - The NAACP Washington Chairperson received the award

Eariler, Dr. Bawuah-Edusei had welcomed dignitaries. In his remarks he articulated the reason behind the occasion and ended with a glorious speech. Mrs Irene Addo, Deputy Ambassador introduced the MC; Ms Andrea Roane, the well renowned veteran newscaster who also celebrated her 25th year with WUSA 9 recently. (Such a monumental achievement). Currently, she is the co-anchor of 9 NEWS/WUSA/CBS. The MC facilitated a wonderful evening of education and networking.

The dignitaries from Ghana present at the gala were; Hon. Nana Akuffo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, (He offered an inspiring andenriching speech). Hon. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister of Water Resources, Work & Housing and Member of Parliament for New Juabeng North, Hon. Oboshie Sai-Coffie, Deputy Minister for Information and National Orientation and Hon. Frema Opare-Osei, Deputy Minister for Manpower, Youth and Employment and MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon.

The evening provided a unique opportunity for Ghana to express our appreciation to the government and people of United States - This was well received.

Mrs Martha Pobee, Head of Chancery offered the vote of thanks.

The Embassy of Ghana under Ambassador Dr. Bawuah-Edusei worked very hard for a successful evening and they should accept our kudos. The dignitaries followed up the next day with an Energy workshop, Stay tuned.

Powerful remarks worth comparing:
Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah - "Ghana Your Beloved Country is free forever" - 6th March 1957
Elder Bernice King - "Free at last, Free last thank God Almighty, Ghana is free at last" - April 24th, 2007