Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago celebrates 67 Years of Independence in Chicagoland on March 9th

Ghana National Council (GNC) of Metropolitan Chicago and its Affiliates are set to celebrate the 67th anniversary of Ghana’s Independence from the British Empire on Saturday, March 9th, at Ashton Place 341 75th Street Archer Willowbrook, IL, USA from 8:00 PM until 1:00 AM.

Since its inception during the 1960’s —- the Ghana National Council of Chicago has been a culture preserving community educating and displaying the Ghanaian culture across Chicago. GNC has developed to from a student union into a 501(c)3 that aides in the progression of employment, healthcare services, financial literacy, business development, education resources, & cultural exhibitions for not only their community but for the Chicagoland and surrounding suburbs.

The GNC has never forgotten their roots and the opportunities acquired while understanding their responsibility to keep their culture alive. Since 1988, they created one of the longest-reigning cultural festivals in Chicago’s Southside Washington Park (GhanaFest®); which connected Accra & Chicago to become sister cities in 1989.

As Ghana’s 67th year of independence is approaching, we are reminded of the strides that our country is making to better our living experiences. GNC not only serves people within the Chicago community but also the communities back in Ghana. Our associations have provided healthcare services, remodeled educational institutions, nourished families, and expanded employment opportunities. Yet they are not done.

This year’s independence theme is “Progress in Our Diversity”. It is through the diversity of others that we are able to grow as a community. We look at Chicago being a melting pot of cultures all participating in the growth & development of our city. The same can be said in Ghana. We are all from different regions among the country, but the one thing we have is the desire to make life better for all. When one comes to realize that, the possibilities are endless on how great our goal can be.

GNC has many programs and events in store for 2024. Upcoming GNC will host a Health Awareness Walk to bring more opportunities for the community to take advantage of the free health services at the Ghanaian Community Health Clinic. Afterwards on July 27th-28th, the 37th Annual GhanaFest® Washington Park from 11a-10p. Stay tuned for our upcoming youth programs and social meetings.

This independence we celebrate the contributions of our forefathers and the sacrifices they made to get us to this point. We celebrate the mothers who gave their strength to provide and guide with what they had. We celebrate the next generations that are taking the wisdom and the opportunities granted to make sure our ancestors dreams come to fruition. This independence we celebrate- “being free to positively better the lives of all’’.

To help celebrate, the GNC has planned an electric spirit week of celebration activities:

Sunday, March 4th: #SacredSunday- encouraging statements, music, & joyous events

Monday, March 5th: #MadeGhanaProud-show off your greatest accomplishments (graduations, business openings, job promotions, family, health miracles, community contributions, etc.)

Tuesday, March 6th: #Happy67thGhanaIndependence- listen to your favorite Ghanaian artists in Hiplife, highlife, traditional, & Afrobeats. Wear Ghana colors or attire, hang your flags from the car, celebrate at work &school. Eat your favorite Ghanaian dishes. Make a video and post your favorite dance or how you’re celebrating. Show your Ghana Pride !!!!

Wednesday, March 8th: #WardrobecategoryGhana- post/wear your favorite Ghanaian outfit/designers. Show your Ghana Elegance

Thursday, March 9th: #TourGhana; virtual tour exploring Ghana via GNC’s social media

Friday, March 10th: #FlashbackFriday -Highlights of the previous Ghana Independence Dinner Dance Celebrations-best dance moves, previous sponsors, past Guests of Honors & awardees.

Saturday, March 11th: GNC’s 67th Ghana Independence Dinner Dance “Progress in Our Diversity” —— The week-long celebration will conclude with a red carpet welcome, a 4-course dinner with an open bar & an electrifying cultural performance by OJAM culture Troupe. To top off the night we will have our Community of Excellence award ceremony—celebrating our community members for the contribution they’ve made in our progress.

Sunday, March 17th: To give thanks for how far we’ve come the following week will be the Independence Thanksgiving Service Sunday, March 10th, at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana- Redemption 741 E. 84th Street Chicago IL at 1:30pm with our theme “The Holy Spirit, Power from the Father” (Acts 1:8)

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.vipsocio.com/event/gnc-67th-ghana-independence-dinner-celebration

Click to purchase tickets Stay Connected with Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago Area:

Facebook: Ghana National Council of Chicago Facebook event page: - https://www.facebook.com/events/699080335628755

Instagram: @ghana_national_council Youtube: @ghananationalcouncil919 Ghana National Council Website: https://gncchicago.org

GNC Business Manager: Abena Ampofo, aampofo2@gmail.com Media Contact:

GNC PRO: Felicia Apprey-Agyare, fapprey@theafricanlife.com #CHIGH67 #GHANAEXCELLENCE #PROGRESSINOURDIVERSITY #GHANAINDEPENDENCE #COMMUNITYMATTERS