The National Council of Ghanaian Associations in NY (NCOGA) celebrated Ghana's 51st Independence anniversary in style at the New York Sheraton Hotel on Saturday, 8th March. The anniversary celebration, which doubled as a fundraising event on behalf of the flood victims in Northern Ghana brought together many dignitaries, including Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, Ghana's Ambassador to the UN; Obeng Gyan Busia, Consul General, Nana Anane Amponsah, New York Asantefuohene, Nana Abena Manu, NY Asantefuohemaa and Togbe Setranah, of United Volta Association. The crowd was entertained by the renowned gospel musician Professor Kofi Abraham, and the popular Nigerian comedian "Away, Away". In his congratulatory message, His Excellency, Leslie Christian reminded participants that this year's anniversary, coming soon after the Golden Jubilee presents another opportunity for Ghanaians to celebrate their achievements and sustain the unity collectively nurtured and forged since the birth of our dear nation. He congratulated NCOGA for remaining faithful to the charge of uniting Ghanaians under one umbrella. He reiterated his satisfaction that the award dinner was being held to raise funds to assist victims of the September/November 2007 floods in the Northern Ghana; an undertaking that undoubtedly deserves commendation and our collective support. Highlights of the evening included; an award ceremony, where a diverse group of outstanding individuals were recognized. The Recipients were; George Ntim, Founder and President of African Development Foundation, Inc., an organization that provides health, education and recreational resources to African youth. He was honored for Youth and Sports Development. The Outstanding Educator Award was presented to Dr. A. Zachary Yamba, currently the longest serving president in New Jersey's higher education system. Dr. Yamba was appointed the 5th President of Essex County College in May 1980. The Outstanding Humanitarian Award was presented to Dean R, Hirsch, President and CEO of World Vision International, heading a global partnership committed to serving the needs of the world's poor. Dr. Kwame Aniapam Boafo, was also honored for his achievement in the field of Medicine. Currently a Consulting Perinatologist with the Mercy OB/GYN PC and Associate Director of the Maternal-Fetal Assessment Center at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, Bronx, NY. He is a fellow of the American College of OB/GYN and a Foundation Fellow of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons. Two young men were also presented with awards in academic excellence. Benson Buah was awarded the Youth Achievement Award. Benson was the salutatorian during his Grade 8 graduation, with an average score of 4.0 excelling in Social Sciences, Math and Science. He was accepted into Brooklyn Tech, one of the prestigious high schools for science in NY state, at the age of 13. Mohammed Latifu, known as "little old me in a big world", also received the Youth Achievement Award. Mohammed is a Ghanaian high school student chosen to be an honorary ambassador to Australia. Awards were also given to former representatives of NCOGA for their service to the community at large. The evening also presented the occasion to introduce the new executives of NCOGA. In what turned out to be a first, both the newly elected Executive Secretary General, Ivy Rose Quarshie and her deputy, Hajia Ramatu Ahmed are both women, an unprecedented occurrence in the history of this powerhouse organization. For more information on the new executives, log on to www.ncoga.org The outgoing Executive Secretary General of NCOGA, Alhaji Mardah gave the vote of thanks on behalf of NCOGA, extending his sincere appreciation to all who came out to join in the celebration of our beloved country's independence anniversary. Sincere thanks to all sponsors who supported sponsors namely Moneygram International, Western Union, VIGO, Delta Airlines, Marriott Marquis Hotels, the African Development Foundation, Ambassadorway Travel, Prestige Travel., Dr. Yao Kaledzi, Dr. Yaw Ntiri, Andrews Aklassou and Co. P.C., Trinity Travel, and the Law offices of Akpalu and Associates. Music was provided by the legendary New York DJ, Katabo Soundz