NCOGA Salute Ghana@50

While Ghanaians from around the world celebrated Ghana @ 50 in style, they had the exposure by being featured on Ghanahomepage/Ghanaweb.com.

Many were wondering how New Yorkers celebrated theirs and why they were not featured. There is a saying that patience is virtue and when one takes his or her time with planning and execution of an event, it leads to a BLOCKBUSTER.

Well Ladies and Gentlemen, those who have been anticipating the coverage of Ghana @ 50 in New York, you really have not been disappointed. It was a Hip-hop Hooray affair filled with pomp, pagentry and pure elegance.

On Saturday, March 10 2007, New Yorkers converged in their numbers at the New York East Ballroom of the Sheraton New York Hotel to salute the Ghana @ 50 celebrations with a tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

It was a memorable occasion which 5 distinguished individuals were honored for their achievements and contributions in the fields of Science and Technology, Education, Humanitarian Work and Community Service.

Those honored include Dr. Victor Lawrence for his contribution in Science and Technology, Dr. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei for his efforts in building a hospital for special surgery and offering surgery for children in Ghana, Dr. Marion Kilson for documenting Ghanaian culture, Dr. Kauze Mtingwa for his contribution in Science Education in Ghana and Ms. Mary E. Singletary for pioneering water wells construction in parts of Ghana.

The festivities began with a welcome address by Dr. Benjamin Dodoo, Chairman of NCOGA Board who acknowledged the hard work of the planning committee for putting together a wonderful pack to capacity Gala event.

The Deputy Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellencey Leslie Christian also spoke on the need for both

Ghanaians and those in the audience to remember the sacrifices of our forebearers and what they have to endure for us to enjoy our current freedom.

Other speakers include; City Council Member, Ms. Helen Diane Foster, who congratulated Ghana on its independence. She added that her father who accompanied her to the event had known Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, during his days in Harlem. Rev. Wendell Foster also thanked the audience for the invitation and urged Ghanaians to be part of the political process to use the strength of their numbers to ensure that their voices and needs are met.

New York State Senator from Westchester County; Honorable Andrea Stewart-Cousins wished Ghana success in another fifty years and noted that she has an open door policy for Ghanaians in Westchester County needing her assistance. In attendance also was; Mayor Davis of Mount Vernon.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the movie chonologically showing events leading to up Ghana's Independence and beyond. Mr. Jude Awei, a Nigerian comedian wooed the crowd with his antics and his marvelous rendition of Michael Jackson's moonwalk. Almost everyone who attended the benefit gala walked away of with some nostalgia and some memories of the night.

In his keynote address, Dr. Sekazi Mtingwa paid a moving tribute to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the BIG 6: Mr. Akuffo Addo, Dr. J. B. Danquah, Mr. William Ofori Atta, Mr. Ako Adjei and Mr. Obetsebi Lamptey for their roles in Ghana's independence. According to him, it is imperative to realize that the rest of the world is moving ahead at an ever swifter pace and that 'The key to Africa's being at the head of the pack is the development of a viable model of political governance, the spread of educational opportunities among the masses, and the creation of a strong scientific and technological base from which to spur African economies'.

He argues that political governance and its stability are of extreme importance because 'all too often we have seen the build-up of civil infrastructures, such as roads and buildings, only to witness their destruction by civil wars".

Dr. Mtingwa reiterated the importance of Science and Technology in the future advancement of the continent and implore us to encourage as many of our youth as possible to pursue careers in Science and Engineering. He cited the impressive works currently underway by Professors Francis Allotey who is leading the charge to establish African Physical Society (AFPS) and Paul Buah-Bassuah, of the University of Cape Coast, who has played a major role in the genesis of the African Laser Centre (ALC).

Citing data on science education, he noted that in 2004, China graduated upwards of 600,000 engineers, India produced up to 350,000, while the U.S. only managed about 70,000. This, according to him, shows that China is poised to assume a leading position on the world economic stage, and as such Africa must rise to the challenge. The African battle-cry of the future should be "Victory through Science and Technology!" Africa must join the other world powers and be a major economic force in the 21st century.

NCOGA would like to thank all those who made the event a success and especially Mr. Kofi Dankwah, Mrs. Pearl Setranah, the staff at Sheraton, the local media namely Africans Abroad, Amandla, SAR FM who provided live coverage via their internet radio, and the rest.

Also the following special recognition for the sponsors for their support: MoneyGram, VIGO, Western Union, North America Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, African Development Foundation, John K. Akpalu & Assoc. P.C. Dr. Anukware Ketosugbo P.C., Andrew Aklassou & CO. P.C., Ambassadorway Travel, Trinity Travel and Marketing, Prestige Tour and Travel, African Grills and Soul Food, Universal Trucking and Shipping & NASTAT Tax and Accounting Services.