NCOGA Keeps Independence Flame Burning in New York

…… pays tribute to the late Dr. Benjamin Dodoo

We celebrate so that our generation and generations to come shall never forget, marginalize or trivialize the personalities, the events, the sacrifices and the promise embodied in the independence that was taken on March 6, 1957 from the iron grasp of a conscience-less traveler seeking riches and adventure. This is why Ghanaians everywhere and indeed those of us residing in places such as the New York- New Jersey-Connecticut tri-state area of the United States celebrate each anniversary with pomp and pageantry. Led by the National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA) Ghanaians in the area have done this religiously every March every year since 1986.

And the beat goes on again this year! It goes on in grand style at a dinner dance scheduled for Saturday March 9, 2013 at the grand ball room of the exquisite Maestro Catering Hall located at 1703 Bronxdale Avenue in the Bronx from 9 p.m. till 3 a.m.

Ghana's Permanent Ambassador to the UN, His Excellency Ken Kanda is slated to address a teeming crowd Ghanaians and friends of Ghana expected to number in the hundreds. There will be the yearly scholarship awards ceremony, at which time deserving Ghanaian youngsters heading for college in the Fall will be rewarded and recognized.

A special feature of the night (undoubtedly slotted in to tickle the nostalgic fancy of the independence generation) is the "Looking Back Thru Music and Dance" item on the program. This is the point where the music and dance will take patrons back to the 50's and early 60's when the Black Star was rising and the Osagyefo was leading the charge much to the discomfort of those who would rather have us, Africans, draw water and hew wood till kingdom come!

On a rather tragic note, the event will be dedicated to the memory of Dr Benjamin Dodoo, Chairman of the NCOGA Board of Directors who passed away on February 19, 2013 after a very brief illness. Dr. Dodoo was also the Life Patron of the Ga Adangme Kpee and several organizations in the area. He was a very famous and highly accomplished physician whose benevolence, humility, well informed knowledge of Ghanaian history and traditions made him into a highly respected patriarch and benefactor of the Ghanaian community in the United States and beyond. He was a true patriot

Dr Dodoo, third from left, in a group pose with Ambassador Ken Kanda, Ghana’s Permanent representative to the UN (4th left). Others are, from left, Mr. Samuel Sowah, NCOGA President, Haji Mohammed Toure, Ms Adelaide Sackeyfio, Mr. Kwaku Amoyaw, all NCOGA executives and Mr. G. Ofori Anor, Executive Secretary General of NCOGA