Diaspora News of Friday, 11 September 2009

Source: "G-WAG Pages"

Ghanaian Women's Association of Georgia Launches a Free Business Directory

Atlanta, GA - August 2009: Against a backdrop of tasteful African art decor, soft jazzy highlife music, and buffet tables set with exotic dishes, conversation, excitement, and easy interaction flowed amongst the invited guests attending the launch of the very first and one of its kind "G-WAG Business Pages" - a free directory for the African community in Georgia. After several months of intense campaigning, data collection, and fundraising, G-WAG Pages was unveiled on Saturday August 22nd at a cocktail reception attended by about 50 invited guests and G-WAG members .

Kudos to Mrs. Agnes Hayfron Barnor, Vice-President of G-WAG, and Mrs. Valerie Kyiamah both of the Business Development Committee who worked tirelessly to make this happen with the support of members of the Fund-raising Committee. The intense and time-consuming schedule implemented to meet this goal was no easy task but thanks to the team's efforts and commitment, the production and launching of the G-WAG Business Pages was a resounding success. The program began at 4pm and after about an hour of cocktails and networking, it was time for the unveiling. The room bustled with excitement as Mrs. Agnes Hayfron Barnor welcomed the guests and prepared to unveil the Business Directory. Mrs. Hayfron Barnor in her address, talked about the uniqueness of the business pages and the potential it has to allow the Ghanaian community to engage and thrive which is one of G-WAG's goals. According to her, this project was also about the community coming together and taking pride in the services that it offers. By exposing the various businesses, the directory invites patronage from both within the Ghanaian community and outside. She emphasized that the success of the Business Directory as a useful tool lay mainly in its use by the community. The unveiling ceremony which was performed by Mrs. Valerie Kyiamah and Mr. Richard Cofie (an advertiser from Cofie Architects) was greeted with a hearty round of applause.

One of the highlights of the evening was the address given by the guest speaker Mrs. Anne Ofori visiting from Ghana. In her address, Mrs. Ofori gave an insightful and inspiring account of some of the critical areas of charitable needs in Ghana, and gave first-hand examples of some of the situations in Ghana that needed a lot of help and would benefit from the support of an organization such as G-WAG. She complimented and congratulated the Association for its hard work and vision, and pledged her support in Ghana anytime G-WAG called upon her. Her address spurred the Association on in its quest to raise money and pursue its goal of making a difference and changing lives.

The excitement and energy of the guests transferred to the enthusiastic participation in a fundraiser auction of the first ten copies hosted by Mrs. Pearl Aidoo, President of the Association and Mrs. Diana Quaicoe the Association's acting Treasurer. The audience's appreciation of the Business Directory and support for the Association's agenda for charitable projects was reflected in the substantial amount raised from the auction. The success of the evening was the sum of many parts played by the advertisers who supported the project financially, the hard work of the organizers who made it happen, by the community that has embraced G-WAG, and members who believe in our goals. Our sincerest gratitude to all of you as it is our hope that you share in the success of this endeavor.

G-WAG Pages is a free annual publication of business listings for the African community in Georgia. Copies can be found in Tropical Grocery Stores and Churches throughout Metro-Atlanta. For more information about the Association, visit www.ghanawomen.org

To view photo highlights of the event, please click on the link below. http://www.ghanawomen.org/news.html

To find out how you can join or support our cause please contact us at www.ghanawomen.org or call our Public Relations Team at: 641 715 3900 Ext. 4898