A celebration of Tottenham and London's Ghanaian community

It was a night to be remembered by many Ghanaians who thronged the banquet facility – Porticullis House - of the House of Commons.

They did justice to the invitation – perhaps, an opportunity for all those who haven’t stepped foot on the premises.

The blend of typical Ghanaian attires spoke volumes. Exotic and colourful kente cloths and other national dresses were in full view.

Themed, “A Celebration of Tottenham and London’s Ghanaian Community”, the evening drew important personalities very dear to the hearts of Ghanaians in the London metropolis.

The young but energetic Member of Parliament for Tottenham, David Lammy, H.E. Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commission to the UK, Hon. Paul Boateng, first black, member of the British Cabinet, Ms. Clare Short, Secretary for the International Development, Mr. Kwabena Baah-Duodu, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Martin Quansah, (Minister/Political and Economic) and Mr. F. Fritz Andoh, Minister Counsellor (Information).

Also present were Dr. Konotey Ahulu, a celebrated international authority on Sickle Cell disease, Dr. Emmanuel Akuffo, a Psychiatric Consultant of immense prowess and an array of chiefs and queen mothers resplendent in their regalia.

David Lammy thanked Ghanaians resident in the constituency for their contributions in the recent election for the vacant seat in Tottenham.

Judging from his facial expression, it would appear he would, for years to come, continue to rely on Ghanaians in his political sojourn.

High Commissioner Osei used the occasion to call on his compatriots to continue to respect the laws of the United Kingdom, a point which went down well. So also was his appeal to the community in North London to continue to support their young M.P.

He pointed out that “the progress made by Paul Boateng and David Lammy showed that with dedication and hard work, a black person is capable of breaking through the glass ceiling”.

Hon. Paul Boateng’s declaration that Ghanaians were making enormous contributions to the development of the United Kingdom was well received. He also acknowledged the level of progress being made by Ghanaians in economic and social sectors of the nation.

“Ghana is showing the way in terms of good governance, adherence to the rule of law and social justice”, he said.

Touching the hearts of many Ghanaians present was the acknowledgement by Ms. Clare Short, Secretary for International Development of the gradual and orderly transformation currently taken place in Ghana for the future generations.

Bishop Dr. Frimpong-Manson, recently consecrated Free Standing Bishop of North London, who was mandated to issue of invitations for the event, deserves a pat for his choice of invitees to the evening. Bishop Frimpong-Manson’s pledge that Ghanaians in the area would continue to support the M.P, is worth noting.