14th Annual convention of CEANA

Ho, Volta Region, Ghana -- The 14th Annual convention of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America was held at Ho in Ghana from July 27th through August 5th 2007. The theme for this year's convention was "Educational Development in Eweland: Focusing on Infrastructure Development". In the spirit of the theme, the Council performed communal labor to help build a 3-unit classroom complex for the Togbe Kiti Agodoa Junior Secondary School in Sovie in the Kpandu district; and sod-cutting ceremonies for a new classroom block for Tanyigbe Primary School near Ho.

The convention kicked off with the arrival of delegates from North America and Europe on Friday, July 27th, 2007, and a press conference held immediately at the Landing Restaurant at the Kotoka International Airport. After the press conference, participants left for Ho.

The ten day convention was a mixture of work and tourism as delegates were treated to some of the most exciting tourist attractions as well as local hospitality for which the region is noted. From sightseeing tours to the spectacular Wli Waterfalls, or the Kente weavers at Kpetoe, to the historic home of the Ewes in Notsie in Togo, delegates were elated at the chance to experience culture from a more organic and educational perspective.

The official opening ceremony of the convention took place on Tuesday July 31, 2007 at the Ho Polytechnic Auditorium where a cross section of dignitaries from the region, including the Regional Minister; Hon. Kofi Dzamesi and Hon. Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd), Minister of Health were in attendance. Others in attendance are Hon Elizabeth Ohene, Minister of State, Hon Albert Zigah, MP (Ketu South), Hon. Joe Gidisu MP (Central Tongu), Togbigah Gabusu VI, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Howusu XII, Dufia of Ho Dome and Awafiaga of Asogli, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Okudjeto, and a host of other divisional chiefs and Queen mothers as well as entrepreneurs, businessmen and women and the general public.

In his welcome address, the Volta Regional Minister, Kofi Dzamesi, reiterated the relevance of the convention's theme as he feels that it underscores the undeniable importance of the region as regards its contribution to national development. He stated that Volta Region is noted for her impressive supply of reliable manpower, whether skilled, academic, or professional which are necessary vehicles for national development.

The Minister of Health, Major Courage Quashigah (Rtd) in his brief remarks to the delegates touched on the new health paradigm and noted that health professional in the country should incorporate alternative healing into their discipline. He further took CEANA to task revisit the educational proposal he presented at the 12th Convention in Toronto where he challenged the council to initiate the "Best Teacher Award" to boost morale of teachers and subsequently the academic performance of students as well as raising the level of competitiveness among the schools in the region.

Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia and President of the Asogli State also commended CEANA on its initiatives and commitment to better the lot of the people in the region, particularly the students, such as providing classrooms in needed communities, and scholarships to needy students. He also entreated CEANA to delve into income generating or investment activities in the country in general and the region in particular so as to improve the lot of people in the region.

Delegates then went to work at the Sovie project site where work on the three (3) unit classroom block is underway but due to the rains, the project did not reach any appreciable level. There was enthusiasm and commitment on the part of both CEANA and residents of Sovie to see the project through and with enough materials already on site, it is anticipated that the project will be completed as soon as the rains subside.

The next day, delegates attended the sod cutting ceremony for the Tanyigbe Primary School project. The occasion was marked by a colorful durbar, well attended by the chiefs and people of Tanyigbe to show their appreciation to CEANA for having identified their community as one of the CEANA adopted projects. Their appreciation was visibly manifested in the way the group was received and the warm luncheon provided in the chief's residence.

On what can be dubbed a homecoming event of sorts, Togbe Fiti, Paramount Chief of Aflao traditional area, on Friday, August 3rd, led delegates to Togbe Agorkorli V in Notsie, Togo, to experience at first hand the migratory history of the Ewe people. After a detailed recounting of the history by Togbe Agorkoli, delegates were shown around what was once the court of the then Togbe Agorkoli, and parts of the proverbial wall from which the Ewes escaped Notsie. Archeological excavations have made the preservation of these relics possible and there are steps being taken to build a museaum of the migration of the Ewes. Later in the day, the chiefs and people of Agortime Kpetoe invited delegates as special guests at their mini "Avormeza" durbar. They were delighted to have CEANA in their midst, and commended CEANA on her efforts to work for the betterment of the region. After taking the delegates through the kente weaving exhibition parlor, the festivities continued amidst drumming and dancing until the close of the durbar around 7 pm, when CEANA delegates were treated to a sumptuous local dinner.

The highlight of the convention was the fundraising dinner dance held on Saturday, August 4th, at the VAG Hall. Intermittent power outages and below capacity standby generators threaten to derail what was otherwise a well attended event. In spite of these unforeseen circumstances, the event went on well and delegates as well as participants can attest to.

Sunday August 5th started quite early with an excursion to the Keta Sea Defense and Fort Prezenstein. This was climaxed with an interdenominational church service officiated by Monsignor Kpeglo followed by a spectacular picnic/durbar of Chiefs at the Lorne Beach Resort at Tegbi. Various cultural troupes from Atiavi, Tegbi and Keta were on hand to give a riveting and breadth-taking performance that kept the audience attentive at all times. The merriment, drumming and dancing continued past 8:00 pm before delegates boarded their buses back to Ho.

Coming out of the convention were three (3) working committees set up to explore the most fitting approaches to be adopted in advancing the cause of CEANA. First is the STAR program which seeks to raise funds to undertake projects by encouraging the STAR system currently in place where contributing members and friends of CEANA are awarded stars based on the amount contributed.

The second committee is the Education committee which is charged with identifying ways in which CEANA can improve upon its education outreach and human capital development efforts in the region. Since education is one of the main objectives of CEANA, this group is all the more important if any meaningful contribution to the lives of the youth is to be encouraged.

Finally, the Economic Development committee is charged with finding ways in which CEANA can leverage resources to provide sustainable development programs that will benefit the people in Eweland. The main idea is to find ways such as investment, entrepreneurial undertakings and other revenue generating avenues through which CEANA can generate funds to undertake its numerous projects.

In summary, the convention was a success, judging from the hospitality of the people on the ground, and response from people across the globe. With the exception of the technical and logistical difficulties encountered during the dinner dance, all other scheduled events were a huge success. CEANA wishes to thank all well wishers and sympathizers for their support, advice and most importantly, their confidence in CEANA's efforts to provide a better future for our brothers and sisters back at home.

The next CEANA Convention will be held in Dallas in August/September 2008. The summarized proceedings of the 10-day CEANA 2007 Convention in Ho Ghana are available on DVD at $10. Those interested in particular events can also purchase those DVDs at $5.00 per event. To obtain copies, write to the CEANA Secretariat at: CEANA Secretariat, P.O. Box 1189 Bronx, NY 10451.