Diaspora News of Sunday, 22 April 2007

Source: mr. cnn/embassy of ghana, washington dc

Pat Thomas Performs at Ghana @ 50 Washington DC Gala

The Ghana @ 50 Washington DC Gala which takes places on Tuesday; April 24, 2007 and starts at Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington DC from 6pm-11pm will have Highlife Legend and the pride of Agona, in the Ashanti Region; Pat Thomas perform live.

The Superstar who once became; Mr. Golden Voice of Africa has over 20 years experience in the music industry. He is known for many songs including the popular; Sika Ye Mogya" and is accredited with over 15 albums.

The high profile event will have dignitaries from Ghana which include; Hon. Nana Akuffo-Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and NEPAD, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South, Hon. Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Minister of Water Resources, Work & Housing and M ember of Parliament for New Juabeng North, Hon. Joseph Kofi Adda, Minister of Energy and MP for Navrongo Central, 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.

*OVERVIEW*

Ghana , which last month celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence, is bringing the festivities to Washington, D.C., where its ambassador, His Excellency Dr. Kwame Edusei, will host a Golden Jubilee Dinner on Tuesday, April 24, 2007.

In recognition of its hard-won freedom, Ghana, the first nation in Sub-Saharan Africa to win its independence, hosted moving and joyful celebrations in March 1957 that attracted dignitaries from around the globe. Among the celebrants was an official US delegation led by Vice President Richard Nixon and which included the 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.

As part of the Washington celebration, Ghana will honor the original members of the US delegation by presenting posthumous awards to their descendents. Among those accepting the awards will be Bernice King; Del. Adam Clayton Powell IV; Linda Johnson Rice; Ralph Bunche Jr.; Michael Julian Bond; and a representative from the A. Philip Randolph Institute.

Ambassador Edusei is pleased and honored to invite Ghana's many Washington-based friends and supporters to the gala event including the African diplomatic corps, members of Congress, members of the Administration, business leaders, advocates for Africa, and celebrities, and many members of the public-at-large. Senior government ministers from Ghana will also attend.

The Jubilee celebrations on March 6th in Ghana were attended by the heads of state of a now fully independent Africa, leaders and royalty from a host of nations from around the world, members of the Congressional Black Caucus, US civil rights leaders, government officials, and the heads of international development agencies.

The Washington Jubilee Dinner, to be held at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, will also showcase Ghana's renowned culture and music. We hope you will join us for a truly unique opportunity to reflect and confirm linkages between a great African country and those who support Africa in the United States.

New media: Please contact Ms. Karen Bryant at US +1 3013581597 Call or at GhanaJubilee@hotmail.com or the Embassy of Ghana at US +1 2026864520 Call (attention Ms. Irene Addo, Deputy Chief of Mission) to request a Press Pass.