Creating awareness for African rich culture.

Zurich—Professor Dr. Yao Gideon Chonia, a social activist, has launched a Swiss “road show” campaign to help create greater awareness of trust and confidence in African cultural heritage, as part of s Ghana’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2007.

The program involves his personal contacts and appeals aimed at enlisting, soliciting and rallying all Ghanaian residents and other “friends of Ghana and Africa,” to actively participate in the forth-coming Ghana’s golden jubilee in 2007 and making others aware of African rich culture.

Speaking at the general emergency meeting of Swiss-based Okwahuman association here, Professor Chonia of the University of Zurich said, the period should be used to also help re- infuse Africa culturally, into the world association of nations, thus making other cultures and tribes understand “our rich cultural heritage and traditions”.

He said Ghana, like other African countries, have got a lot to offer the world, not only in terms of her rich natural resources like gold, iron, silver, oil, but a rich cultural heritage with its inherent high human values and hospitality for all.

He, therefore, appealed to Ghanaians in all walks-of-life to cooperate fully with Ghana Mission officials and contribute their various quotas to ensure success of the program being outlined for the anniversary.

Professor Chonia, also secretary o the Zurich-based Ghana United Association, (GUA) said he has made recommendations to the planning committee responsible for the Ghana program in Swiss to embark on a “talent-hunt” for young Ghanaian artists in the field of music/theatre and various sports discipline, to help involve the Ghanaian youth in the activities marking the 50th anniversary.

The President of the Association, Dr. Abena Adjepong, who just returned from Ghana after assisting personally, the delivery of two ambulances to selected hospitals, said due to shipment delays, the formal presentation had to be re-scheduled to mid-January “I will be going back at my own expense to finish the work”.

She thanked the Ghana’s ministry of health officials and West African Emergency Relief Organization (WARA) for their solid co-operation and assistance.

Earlier, the members had observed a minute silence, on hearing the death of Mr. Kojo Osei, one of the founding members of the association who died at the Zurich Cantonal Hospital, after protracted illness. Late Mr. Osei, 50 left behind a wife and a child.

Meanwhile, Ghana@50 Swiss Resources program released here indicates that Swiss-Basel based Akapoma Band led Mr. Louis Dogbe, a blind artist, which sole is to promote and help the preservation of Ghana highlife and Ghana traditional music and Zurich- based Sir Roberto band (African Highlife and More) will also feature prominently in the program.

Other artists expected to participate in the program will include, Peter Donkor’s African Master Drummers and Universal Choir Fellowship led by Mr. Edward Kwadjo Appau Soloist: Papa Ghartey Solo Pianist and Entertainer; Jennifer Chonia Solo Singer and Entertainer, backed by Chonia Band and Billy Todzo (Master Drummer, Step-Dancer, Entertainer)

Generation II Talents: made up of the Chonias, Rodney on piano Timothy Chonia – Lead Guitar Nathan Chonia – Saxophony, Joseph Chonia – Drums Emily Chonia – Piano, Jessica Provencal – Piano, Jesse Provencal, Bass Guitar Kweku Kpodoh – Ghanaian Raps (kasa hurry), will also perform.