Ghana@50: Ghanaians In Oslo Prepare

On March 6, 1957, Ghana, our beloved country, became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence and self-rule from colonial rule. This 6th March, 2007, marks the Golden jubilee of the country’s independence. This achievement has since been a source of pride and motivation for the country and her people. It’s therefore not surprising that the Ghana @50 secretariat has as one of its major objectives to: “celebrate and commemorate Ghana’s landmark achievement as the first country in Black Africa to attain independence from colonial rule”

The Association of Ghanaians in Norway-Oslo [AGINO], like all such Associations around the globe, is preparing to have a mammoth celebration of the year’s landmark Independence Anniversary. The Association is working around the clock to attract attention to Ghana’s enviable attainment of independence, 50 years ago, and her achievements and challenges. There have been series of meetings by the Association’s Planning Committee charged with bringing all ideas into reality. The major objectives are the traditional 6th March jamboree, seminars, Ananse storytelling for children and exhibition of arts and culture.

This year’s Golden Jubilee celebration coincides with the election of a new Chairman for the Association. This was successfully done at the just ended General Assembly Meeting on 3rd February. Ms. Amina Mahama [who was also the outgoing vice chairperson] was elected to lead the Association for a 2-year period. Being the first female to occupy the position, she is constitutionally mandated to form the Executive, subject to approval at a General Assembly Meeting. This brings to an end the two successive terms of the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Kobla Agbota. Mr. Agbota assured members of his unflinching commitment to the Association and pledged to continue to work to make the Golden Jubilee celebration a big success.

Unlike the previous Independence Anniversaries, this year’s celebration covers the whole of March. The traditional Independence Merrymaking is scheduled to take place on 10th March 2007 at the Booler Samfunnshus, Oslo. Food will be served free of charge and members will only have to buy drinks. The Ghanaian Women Association in Oslo is charged with organizing the gathering. Members are assured of varieties of food from all the regions Ghana.

The seminars scheduled on the 9th and 30th of March are expected to attract important dignitaries including “Busumuru” Kofi Annan, the celebrated former UN Secretary General, H.E Mrs Maureen Amematekpor, the Ghana Ambassador to Denmark and the Nordic countries, H.E Erik Solheim, the Norwegian Minister of International Development, Prof. Jarle Simensen, Professor emeritus in History – University of Oslo, H.E Ismail Coovadia, South African Ambassador to Norway and Dr. Irene Odotei, Institute of African studies, University of Ghana.

Selected topics for the seminars are: “From slave trade to development aid. The historical bonds between Norway and Ghana” – “The impact of Ghana’s Independence on Africa” – “Colonialism and the fight for independence” – “The developmental Challenges facing African countries, the case of Ghana” – “the Ghanaian women in family and socio-economic sectors” – “Ghana @50, championing Africa’s renaissance: conference on Investment opportunities in Ghana”. The target groups for the seminars are the general public and business organizations in Norway.

The children activities are scheduled to take place on the 17th March. There will be Ananse storytelling, cultural dance, wearing of African masks and paintings. The art exhibition, which will be graced by the participation of Professor Ole Lislerud, a renowned interior designer, will take place between weeks 10 &18.

Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah [Ghana’s first President] declared that Ghana’s independence is meaningless unless it was linked to the total liberation of Africa. In line with this thought by the Founder of the Nation, the Association intends to incorporate all African groups, Associations and individuals in all its activities. Contacts have already been established with cultural groups and resource persons from Nigeria, Tanzania, Senegal and the Gambia.