NCOGA HOSTS REOWNED SINGER JIMMY CLIFF AT GHANA’S 52ND INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

The National Council of Ghanaian Associations in NY (NCOGA) celebrated Ghana’s 52nd Independence anniversary in style at the Armenian Church Hall on Saturday, 7th March 2009.

This formal banquet was a fundraiser for scholarships for youth who have excelled academically and are going on to further their education in colleges here in the US. In addition, awards of recognition were given to outstanding individuals and organizations whose life and work have served to advance the interest of Ghana and Africa.

The banquet attracted an array of distinguished individuals and dignitaries, including Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, Ghana’s Ambassador to the UN; Deputy Ambassador Genevieve Tsegah, outgoing Consul General Obeng Gyan Busia, Councilwoman Helen Diane Foster of the 16th District in the Bronx, 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 Ghanaians have good reason to celebrate this year’s anniversary, because it came on the hills of the peaceful transfer of power from President Kuffour to President John Evans Atta Mills. 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 for NCOGA’s scholarship program and noted that undertaking such task undoubtedly deserves commendation and our collective support.

Highlights of the evening include Jimmy Cliff wowing the crowd with a rendition of some of his previous hits. The four youth who were awarded scholarships for academic excellence are: Elorm Yador and Michele Adobea Agyakwah who have been admitted to Penn State University; Vasa Amponsah who will be attending the University of Buffalo and Gany Sita who is admitted to St. John’s University.

A diverse group of outstanding individuals within the community were recognized also recognized. Charley Taylor was honored for his humanitarian efforts, generosity, contributions and support for NCOGA’s initiatives. Also honored was STAR100, a young Ghanaian adult’s network group, dedicated to assisting different causes both in Ghana and here in the USA. Each year the group identifies a cause and organizes fundraising to support it. The group was honored for the selfless dedication and community service.

Also honored was the former Executive Secretary General of NCOGA, Alhaji Mardah; former representatives of NCOGA and other individuals from their respective associations for their dedication to service to the community at large.

Sincere thanks to all sponsors who supported us: Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian and his staff of the Ghana Mission, Western Union, the African Development Foundation, Ambassadorway Travel, Prestige Travel, Internal Travel Exchange, Mr. Tony Brobbey, Dr. Yao Kaledzi, Dr. Yaw Ntiri, Dr. Anukware Ketosugbo, Dr. Benjamin Dodoo, Awal Mohammed of Africa American Grill, Dr. Samuel Akuoku of Laurelton Medical, Dr. Samuel Mensah, 3G Media Inc., Calapaz Fabrics, Trinity Travel, and the Law offices of Akpalu and Associates.

Music was provided by the legendary New York DJ, Katabo Soundz.

The DVD of the event will be available for purchase soon. Those interested in obtaining the DVD should send an email to contact@ncoga.org.

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Click on the link below to see some pictures of the event.

http://picasaweb.google.com/ncoga.ny

Source: NCOGA Secretariat< — >