Ghanaian Canadians celebrate excellence

22 outstanding individuals in the Ghanaian community across Canada were the proud recipients of awards at the Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards 2010. Dubbed as a celebration of excellence, this was the 10th edition of annual recognition of individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to the community.

Dr. Ato Sekyi-Otu, Professor Emeritus of York University, Dr. Albert Gyimah, currently the Clinical Director of the Adult Day Treatment Programme in Mental Health of Brampton Civic Hospital and part-time lecturer of University of Ghana Medical School and Pro-Vice President of the All Nations University College, Koforidua, Ghana, and Fred Kufuor Boakye, an Enviromental Consultant were presented with Professional Excellence Awards.

Margaret Adu-Nyarko of Calgary, a health service provider who has demonstrated overall human services to Ghanaians, Calgarians and Canadians as a whole for 17 years and still counting, Andy Kusi-Appiah of Ottawa, a part-time Professor at Carleton University and an active community member for over 18 years, Samuel Kofi Asante of Toronto who received in 2006 outstanding Achievers Awards for voluntarism in Ontario, Stephen Asante Adjekumhene a community activist since 1990, Fred Tay, host of CHRY’s African Sunsplash, Felicia Morris an active member of the Ghanaian and the larger Brampton community, and Gerald Arhin of Montreal who has been an active community activist and a dedicated volunteer work for the benefit of the community were

honoured for outstanding community service.

Beatrice Twumasi, a Calgary based teacher and entrepreneur and John Anati who has been with Real Estate Company Century 21 since 1989, were honoured for pioneering efforts in Community Business. Gospel Music Singer Rachel Sulley with 2 albums to her credit was given the Gospel Music award and Felix Appiah-Korang also bagged the Hip-Hop music Award.

The founders of Families of Today for Tomorrow, Rev. Ben Owusu and Rev. Mrs. Ama Owusu were given the Gospel and Community Outreach for their exceptional outreach work in Ghana.

Michael Dapaah of Trent University and Jessica Acquaye of University of Toronto were honoured for their academic excellence. Ebenezer Adiyiah who designed, developed and taught the Twi language curriculum for more than 3 years with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), and Nana Sarpomah Kumankamah who also has been nurturing and teaching Asante cultural dances to the youth in Quebec were given the Cultural Promotion awards. Quincy Nana Takyi who has featured in over 30 commercials and 5 feature films received the Entertainment Award.

Sam Effah, a 4th year Communication and Culture Student from Calgary and currently the national 100 metre sprint champion of Canada who has done 10.06 seconds s and is the 4th fastest Canadian on record was honoured for his feat in sports.

The special award recipients were Kwasi Kafele who has been traveling and working in Ghana for 16 years and has initiated and led the development of various programming initiatives in Ghana. He has been enstooled as Chief of Youth Development for Manya Krobo as Nene Kwasi Detse I and Constable Ojo Adeniran Tewogbade a Nigerian who has received so many awards due to his tremendous involvement in the community

In attendance to grace the occasion were Hon. Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner, Hon. Jim Karygiannis, MP Scarborough/Agincourt, Hon. Kirsty Duncan, MP Etobicoke North, Dr. Sandra Anthony-Romano, Rocco Achampong, Toronto Mayoral Candidate, Garnett Manning, Brampton City Council, and Mayoral Canadidate for Brampton and the Consul General of Ghana in Toronto, Mr. Kwadwo Mawutor Agbanyo who read a speech on behalf of Dr. Richard Turkson, the Ghana High Commissioner in Canada

Rev. Father Opoku Ware of St. John’s Anglican Church gave the opening prayer after the introductory remarks by Joe Kingsley Eyiah.

The MCs for the memorable night were Awards MC veteran Dr. Michael Baffoe of the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg and Ms Gwyn Matthew Chapman of City TV

The special attraction of the night was the crowning of King and Queen of High-Life Dancing Competition 2010. The Queen was Elaine Lawrence and the Highlife King was Prince Kwadwo Tawiah alias Milo of Sankofa Radio. Prices were given to the winners and 1st and 2nd runners up.

Flexy who had the Hip-Hop Award also entertained the audience and a special one man cultural display by Andrew.

Goodwill messages from the following were read: H.E Dr. Richard B Turkson, Ghana High Commissioner, Hon. Jean Michelle- Governor General of Canada, Hon Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Hon. Jim Karygiannis, MP. Scarborough-Agincourt, Hon. Judy Sgro, MP York West, Hon Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner, David Miller, Mayor of Toronto, Chief La-Barge, Chief of Police, York Region, Chief William Blair, Chief of Toronto,Susan Fennel, Mayor of Brampton,Thomas Saras, President and CEO, NEPMCC.

The National anthems of both Ghana and Canada were sang by Lucy Crentsil.