34 Ghanaian-Canadians Honored in Toronto

The Banquet & Convention Centre at 65 Claireport Crescent, Etobicoke, Toronto-Ontario was the scene of excitement and celebration of excellence when 34 deserving members of the Ghanaian-Canadian community in Canada were honored at a glittering event. This was the 12th edition of the Ghanaian-Canadian Achievements Awards Night.

The night started with a sumptuous dinner after which the hosts of the event, Dr. Michael Baffoe and Yvonne Fosu Adomako Kuffuor were introduced by Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Assistant Editor of the Ghanaian News. Prayers were offered by Pastor Ebow Bonnie, a retired Minister of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ghana. Renditions of the Ghanaian and Canadian national anthems were done by Ms. Lucy Crentsil, who was also herself a recipient an award in the Gospel Music category.

Emmanuel Ayiku, the Publisher/Editor of the Ghanaian News in his welcome address, stressed the fact that, “excellence comes in many forms and knows no boundaries, of race, age, belief or perception”. “Humanity”, he continued “is capable of great things and everyday we are all amazed to see the lengths to which people will go to achieve their dreams, to better themselves and others and to make positive impacts in their communities and the world around them.”. He used the opportunity to thank the community and sponsors of the event for their continuous support since the inception of the Awards by the Ghanaian News Team twelve years ago. However, he regretted the apathy among some quarters of our community and implored all to put their efforts together to build a stronger community. Ghana’s Consul General in Toronto, Kodjo Mawutor read greetings on behalf of the High Commissioner-Designate to Canada, H.E. Samuel Valis-Akyianu. His Excellency Valis-Akyianu used the occasion to remind Ghanaians in Diaspora of the upcoming general elections in Ghana. He asked all to pray for peaceful elections. He said, “Our country has earned an enviable reputation in Africa and indeed the world at large for her commitment to free, fair and orderly elections and we all have a duty in ensuring that this reputation is solidly protected.”

The guest speaker for the function was Dr. Martin La- Kumi, a Dental Surgeon in Toronto and Okuapemanhene of Toronto. He proudly congratulated the Ghanaian News for instituting such a program to honor Ghanaian-Canadians, and community groups domiciled in Canada for their special contributions. He praised the award recipients for their exemplary contributions to the Ghanaian community (even as far back as to motherland, Ghana) and Canada as a whole and encouraged them to keep up with the good works as they continue to be high achievers.

Earlier, goodwill messages sent from the following dignitaries were acknowledged; Hon Stephen Harper, PM of Canada, Hon Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario, Hon. Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner, Hon Judy Sgro, MP, York West, Hon Jim Karygiannis, MP, Scarborough-Agincourt, Hon Mario Sergio, MPP, York West, Mayor Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto, Mayor Maurizio Bevilaqua, Mayor of Vaughan, Chief William Blair, Toronto police Chief, Chief Eric Jolliffe, Police Chief of York Region and Councilor Vincent Crisanti, Ward 1, Etobicoke North. The following dignitaries were there to personally deliver their messages: Hon Jean Augustine, Fairness Commissioner; Hon. Judy Sgro, MPP York West; Hon Jim Karygiannis, MP Scarborough- Agincourt; Deputy Mayor of Vaughan Regional Councilor Gino Rosati.; Chief Eric Jolliffe, York Region Police Chief; Vincent Crisanti, Ward 1 Etobicoke North Councilor; and Roberto Hausman, President of Police Foundation. Mrs. Evelyn Quist recited a poem specially written and dedicated to “excellence”, the theme of the event.

The thirty-four recipients were honored in 14 categories, namely, Politics, Religion, National Honor, Technical Innovation Community Service, Business, Cultural Promotion, Gospel Music, Academic, Sports, Professional Excellence, Entertainment, Young Talent and Contribution to Music.

Superintendent Patience Quaye of the Police Ghana Service, who is also the head of the Anti-Human Traffic Unit, was acknowledged as a special guest. Supt. Quaye was one of few hardworking dignitaries’ who were acknowledged by President Obama when he visited Ghana in 2009.

There was intermittent cultural display by Agartha, a well-known traditional dancer based in Toronto during the program.

The major sponsors of the event were Ethiopian Airlines and Astra Qom. The other sponsors were Immunotec, Arrow Truck Sales, Bishop Bob Tackie (sponsor of the trophies), Danipa Shanga Law Office, Jason Schwartz and All Saints University, Royal Dental Care, Lakeside Estate, Volta Dental Clinics, All Nations University, Tree of Life Employment.

Source: Ghanaian News Canada