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 include an award ceremony, where a diverse group of outstanding individuals were recognized. Recipients include 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 youth were presented 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.

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.

As a prelude to Ghana’s 50th Independence anniversary next year, NCOGA once again, put on a great show during the 49th Independence Anniversary in the Langston Hughes Auditorium at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture on Saturday March 4, 2006. The elegance and success of the evening has been seen by all as a good precursor to the golden jubilee next year.

The festivities began with prayers from a cross section of the religious entities in Ghana. Traditional libation was poured by Nii Akotwer Glover, a High Priest of the Ga Tribe. He invoked the ancestors to safeguard the audience at the event, and also help Ghana overcome adversity. He then called on the spirits to help unify the young nation. Imam Baba Gambo, the Chief Imam of Yankasa Association followed with Islamic prayers, and Reverend Darko, the Chairman of the Ghana Council of Pastors with Christian prayers.

Ms. Helen Diane Foster, New York City Council member for the 16th District in the Bronx, arguably the district with the largest Ghanaian population in the city thanked NCOGA for the invitation, and intimated that although she had never visited Ghana, she had heard enough to make her feel like she knows our Country. She added that her father, who accompanied her to the event, had known Kwame Nkrumah, the architect of Ghana’s Independence, during his days in Harlem, and that her mother had attended his funeral. She reiterated her office’s open door policy, and asked Ghanaians not to hesitate to come to her for help. She then presented a New York City Council proclamation honoring the Council for its efforts in helping Ghanaians.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the movie “Freedom Forever” which highlighted the events leading up to the Independence Day. It should be noted that last year, the Council presented “The Rise of Nationalism – Ghana”, another film which detailed the struggle to Independence. “Freedom Forever” could be viewed as the sequel.

It was clearly one of the most enjoyable moments during the celebration.

After the film, the United Volta Cultural Group, led by Mr. Mikoku, delighted the audience with spectacular “agbadza” and “Borborbor” dance. This was followed by a speech by Mr. Luther Gatling, the President of 100 Black Men, and also the founder of Budget and Credit Counseling Service, popularly known as BUCCS. He called on the Ghanaian community to seek alliances with the African American community, because, according to him, when Black people unite, no force in the world could challenge them.

In continuing with the tradition of showcasing the rich and diverse Ghanaian culture, the Ghanaian Association of Westchester Youth Cultural Group, delighted the audience with some “adowa” dance, representing the Akan culture.

Dr. Rashida Ismaili Abubakar, a retired professor living in Harlem, who helped the Council to secure the Schomburg for the event, thanked the Council for putting together a successful event. She stated that the event surpassed her expectations, and she called on the Council to continue to excel. She also asked Africans to do their best to ensure that children in Africa do not go hungry.

Dr. Vivian Windley, speaking on behalf of the Schomburg, thanked NCOGA for bringing the celebration back to Harlem. She recalled the importance of the Pan African Movement led by Dr.W.E.B. DuBois, George Padmore, Marcus Garvey, and Kwame Nkrumah, to name a few, in helping Ghana achieve her independence. Ironically, the same architect, Max Bond, who designed the new wing of the Schomburg, also designed the Library at the University of Ghana, Legon, at the behest of Kwame Nkrumah. Thus, Harlem and the Schomburg have significant ties to Ghana. The keynote speaker, His Excellency Obeng Gyan Busia, the Consul General of Ghana to the United States, praised NCOGA for organizing such a great event and called on Ghanaians to strive to get the best that America has to offer, so that they can go back and contribute to the development of Ghana.

NCOGA would like to thank the following for their sponsorship; Emirates Airline, who donated two tickets for auction, Moneygram, Schwartz Pharma. We thank Dr. Dodoo, George Ntim of Marriot Marquis Hotel, Shekem ur Shekem, King of the Ausar Auset Society, his Queen and the members of his society. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the press such as Kenton Kirby of The Caribbean Life, Donovan Gopie, The Amsterdam News, WKCR 89.9 FM, Dondoweb and Dondo Magazine, Mr. Hamilton of the Pan-African Foundation, Mr. Willie Walker of The Harlem State Building, Mr. Leslie Wyche from 100 Black Men, The Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Dr Ketosugbo, Lance P. Ogiste, Special Counsel to the Brooklyn District Attorney, Marlene Melton of the Nubian Women Circle, Siddique Wai of the African Union Congress, Dr. Abaynesh Asrat, as well as all the other dignitaries.

Special thanks to the members of NCOGA, the performers Adehye Cultural Group, United Volta Cultural Group, and Westchester Youth Cultural Group, Nii Akotwer Glover, Imam Baba Gambo, Reverend Darko, Oko Nyarko, Tafa, The Schomburg, Damond Haynes and Diane Alleyne, both of the Schomburg, Olivia who sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and Anita Baidoo whi performed Ghana’s National anthem. We also extend many thanks to the Ghanaian community for their support and we hope to have a bigger and better celebration next year when Ghana turns fifty years old.