GHANAIANS IN NY WELCOME THE OLYMPICS TORCH

Saturday, June 19, 2004 -- The Olympic torch finally hit New York City and went around other boroughs. In a way to show support to the City of New York by welcoming the Olympic torch, the National Council Ghanaian Association, NY invited Ghanaians living in New York to come together and show support by waving the Ghana flag.

The location of this event was; 156th Street & Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY. It was a success to see proud Ghanaians waving their Ghana flags while supporting the passing of Olympic torch.

Around 3pm: Officials from NCOGA gathered with family and friends waiting for the Olympic torch to pass. With a cultural group in attendance, the crowd was entertained with traditional music. And surely by 5:15pm, a fleet of cars led by police escorts came by with camera crew and supporters welcoming the torch.

Later on, the moment we had been waiting for arrived and there was a loud noise as a police motorcade were passing and in the middle were two athletes, a male and female, with the male athlete holding the torch and other athletes behind them acknowledging the support from everyone on the roadside. It was interesting to see that there were also some members of the Hispanic community stationed next to the Ghanaians and everyone was cheering and welcoming the torch.

In attendance for the event were; Mr. Kwasi Agyemang (President of NCOGA), Daasebre Anane Amponsah, NY Asantefuohene also the Vice President of NCOGA, Alhaji Mardah, Executive Secretary General, Ms Rose Ivy Quarshie, Deputy Executive Secretary and other dignitaries including former executives of NCOGA. Members of the media present were; Ghanaweb personality; Mr. Charles Nimmo N-Mensah aka Mr CNN and Mr. Samuel Ansah, President of Dondoweb.

Earlier, Alhaji Mardah has disclosed to Mr. CNN that the purpose of Ghanaians coming out to support the Olympics torch was that if City of New York is selected to host 2012 games, jobs would be created and that would also affect some Ghanaians looking for jobs and that would in turn also help families back home. It also creates the good impression that the Ghanaian community supports the good works of the City of New York and that in turns makes Ghanaians get the assistance needed from the City.

Sincerely, I empathize with Alhaji Mardah and NCOGA. Let's not forget that these comrades did not waste their time on a Saturday afternoon to cheer for a good cause and Mr. CNN commend every Ghanaian who participated. The City of New York has vast resources to help and it is only events like this would encourage funding from the City whenever needed for various projects for Ghanaians in New York.

Alhaji Mardah and NCOGA executives express their sincere gratitude to Ghanaians who participated in making this event a success.