Thirty Ghanaians receive community service awards

Thirty (30) Ghanaians drawn from all walks of life have received awards in appreciation of their selfless contributions towards the development of their communities in the UK.

The event which was organised by the Ghana Union, London, under the auspices of the Ghana High Commission, coincided with the 42nd anniversary of Ghana’s Republican status.

Among those who received special awards included Rev. Ben Tetteh, Founding Chairman of the Ghana Union, London, Mr Kofi Amoah, Chairman of Abuakwa Susubiribi association; Mr Thomas Addaquaye - Chairman of Oguaa Akoto Kuw, Dr Ashie Okpoti, who heads the La Kpe community association and Nana Twitwi Akwa, former Chairman of Asanteman, UK.

Those present at the well-attended event, the first to be held in London included, H.E. Mr Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, who was the guest speaker; Mr Kwabena Baah-Duodu, Deputy High Commissioner; Mr Peter Yankey, Minister/Welfare and Consular; Mr Fritz Andoh, Minister-Counsellor/Information, Mr Ima Plahar, Chairman of Ghana Union, London, Mr Roger Allotey, Manager, Ghana Airways, Europe; and a number of Ghanaian chiefs living in the London metropolis.

In his keynote address, H.E. Mr Isaac Osei reminded Ghanaians of the significance of Ghana’s republican status and urged all Ghanaians to defend the good name of the country by acts which are consistent with the laws of their adopted country. He said that the nation was paying dearly for some monumental mistakes committed by past governments. To redress the situation, he said there was the need for Ghanaians to realise that the development of the country rested on their shoulders, and called on them to translate their professed love for the country into practical deeds.

H.E. Mr Osei, said there was the need for Ghana to take and implement difficult measures in order not to worsen the nation’s problems and mortgage the future of our offspring.

H.E. Mr Osei called for patience and understanding of all Ghanaians in the nation’s drive for the reconstruction of the country. He noted that “with the political stability prevailing in the country, coupled with the effective political leadership President Kufuor is providing, the future of the country is bright”.

He praised Ghanaians in the UK for their determination and altrusm, and noted with pride the immense contributions they were making towards the improvement of the lives of their compatriots back home.

He hoped that the award winners would not rest on their oars but would be encouraged by this recognition to propel them to greater heights in the future.

Mr Roger Allotey recounted events leading to the present predicament of the Ghana Airways and added that despite the gloomy picture, the airline, as an entity, was still viable.

He urged Ghanaians not to feel discouraged but to continue to patronise the airline. He added that by remaining steadfast with the airline, they would be contributing towards its viability and growth as Africa’s most reliable and friendly airline.

The Chairman of Ghana Union, Mr Plahar stated that the recognition of Ghanaians who sacrificed their time for the service of their communities and render selfless assignments without reward was crucial to the creation of a vibrant and strong community.

Mr Plahar was optimistic that the ceremony would bring all the community groups together under the umbrella of the union and subsequently create a corps of volunteers who would assist in helping the Ghana Union deliver better services to the community.