Diaspora African Forum Marks 5th Anniversary with Awards

The (AU) Diaspora African Forum (DAF) on Saturday awarded some distinguished members of the community with honours for good service and their contributions to the growth of the forum as part of its 5th anniversary celebration.

At the annual awards dinner to mark the 5th Anniversary of the (AU) Diaspora African Forum (DAF) and the 20th anniversary of PANAFEST and Emancipation Day, H.E. Dr Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission, in her opening remarks described the honourees as men and women whose exemplary lives have impacted the world.

“Some thought we would never see this day when descendant of enslaved Africans would be invited to return home alongside their continental brothers and sisters.” She noted.

Rabbi Kohain Nathanyah Halevi, Executive Secretary of PANAFEST, said it is not a coincidence that the 20th anniversary of PANAFEST is coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the 4th republic.

“The parallel is not by accident, the rebirth of Ghana into a 4th republic was calculated to conclude that the rebuilding of Ghana or any part of Africa will only be successful with the formal inclusion of the Diaspora.”

He said PANAFEST was created as a vehicle to facilitate the “Reuniting of the African Family” and thereby initiating the “Re-Emergence of African Civilisation” or the African Renaissance.

He further called on all members to be supportive of PANAFEST and to contribute to the newly established PANAFEST Endowment Fund to create a viable vehicle to contribute to growing the future of PANAFEST as an institution.

The distinguished personalities who were awarded for their invaluable contribution to the growth of DAF, PANAFEST and the people in diverse ways include Miss Brenda Joyce, Mrs Rosa Whitaker, President/CEO The Whitaker Group, Princess Ocansey, Co-Founder Nekoteck Centre of Excellence, Mr. Samuel Paulos, Founder/Director-Gateway 4 Youth Foundation-Ghana, and Mr. Kwaw Ansah, playwright/Chairman and Executive Producer Of Film Africa Ltd, who received the Living Legend Award.

The AU Diaspora African Forum (DAF) is aimed at promoting interconnectivity between Africa and the Diaspora and to help in the integration process.**