CULTURAL NEWS
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Ghanaians celebrate Ghana @50 in Toronto
THE Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) has organized a big dinner and dance in Toronto as part of the activities to mark Ghana’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. Thousands of Ghanaians and friends of Ghana attended the dinner. They included political dignitaries, chiefs, pastors, professionals, the clergy and other nationalities.
The ceremony took place at La Vita Banquet Hall on March 31, 2007 with Dr. Margaret Ivy Amoakohene, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, as the guest speaker. She used the occasion to congratulate all Ghanaians and Africans on Ghana’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary.
The High Commissioner said that the celebration was not only for Ghana but also for the whole of Africa. She explained that March 6, 1957 changed the outlook of our continent and its status and role in the world.
The African on the continent, who for centuries had been violated and subjugated through the Slave Trade, and colonialism, succeeded in breaking the chains of bondage on that memorable day of March 6, 1957.
She praised the first President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his compatriots for working hard to form the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which is now known as the African Union. Dr. Amoakohene urged the youth of Africa to stay at home and to use their energies and their enthusiasm to serve Africa.
Earlier, Prof. George Dei, a past president if GCAO had appealed to Ghanaians in Toronto to contribute towards the acquisition of a community center to be known as Ghana House. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration for Ontario, Mr. Mike Colle, who was present at the dinner, announced his government’s contribution of $20,000 towards the acquisition of the Ghana House.
Mr. David Singh, a Toronto based businessman who supported the banquet donated 50 hospital beds and an AIDS mobile van for testing HIV/AIDS to be sent to Ghana.
The Education Council of the Ghanaian SDA Churches in Toronto was recognized at this function for its effective educational program for the Black Youth in Toronto.
Chiefs in their full regalia and the Ewe Cultural Drummers as well as the guard of honour mounted by the Ghanaian Old Servicemen Association of Toronto added a culture touch to the function. Pat Thomas and a Toronto based band led by Sam Tee performed at the ceremony.
*Source
TIMES WEEKEND - Saturday, June 9, 2007 Page: 13 |