GPNA tournament: Chicago’s Asante Kotoko beats Hearts of Oak to win trophy

The 4th annual Ghanaian Professionals of North America, GPNA, Barbecue and Soccer tournament came off at the Jackson Park, 6100 S. Stony Island in Chicago Illinois.

The event normally attracts the youth in the Ghanaian community here in Chicago.

This year, the founder and President, Davidson Zigah announced that the GPNA will form branches across the United States. He appealed to members of the group and the community for their unflinching support. The theme of the event was unity, support and succeed.

A minute’s silence was held in memory of Juby Fiadzigbe, who passed away earlier this year.

The main functions of the GPNA is to provide a positive platform for investment, aid, educate, and mentor one another. They also provide a platform for its members to achieve success in fields such as business, academic works, investment and financial, health, immigration, job search etc.

The President of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago, Mr. Paa Kwasi Sam thanked the group for their contribution to the Ghana National Council and the Ghanaian community in Chicago in general.

The President of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Oliver Kamanzi encouraged members of the GNPA to be active participants. He also requested members to join the chamber and used the opportunity to invite members of the GNPA and the Ghanaian community to attend the upcoming African Youth Entrepreneurship summit at the University of Chicago, from July 11 through July 12 2018.

Mr. Illiasu Tamanja, member of the GNC praise the GPNA for the role they play in the community. He encouraged the members to work hard in support of each other.

Chicago’s Asante Kotoko emerged 4-2 winners of the soccer tournament after 120 minutes of dueling game. Both teams were tied at 2-2 at 90 minutes but the Porcupine lads hit the back of the net twice during the extra time to win the bragging rights of the day. Captain of the side, Mr. Yaw Amofa Peprah, received the beautiful trophy on behalf of the team from Davidson Zigah.

The Hearts of Oak players would however not be daunted as they lightened the park with the song “ Arose, arose arose, be quite and don’t be silly, we are the famous Hearts of Oak, we never say die” Kelvin Baah (Black Jesus), of Hearts of Oak was adjudged the best player of the Soccer tournament.