On March 16, 2007, nature, in a winter-like fury buried the whole of North Eastern United States in a snow storm. Airports were closed and flights cancelled. The Spring-like temperature plummeted and the winter chill returned with a vengeance. Nevertheless, the snowy weather could not dampen the enthusiasm and determination of Ghanaians in New England (Hartford, Springfield and Worcester) areas from welcoming their Ambassador to their states and celebrating Ghana’s 50th Independence in a grand style.
In the midst of the winter storm, the Chairman of Ghana @ 50 Planning Committee, Mr. G. Kingsley Boakye sent the following terse message to the TV Stations in Connecticut “Ghana @ 50 breakfast meeting for potential investors and Ghana’s Ambassador to the USA is cancelled due to the inclement weather”. The breakfast meeting was scheduled for March 16, 2007. While the planners were anticipating about 25 investors to attend due to the St. Patrick’s parade on the same day, sources from Sheraton Hotel, the venue for the meeting, was preparing for up to over 40 participants based on phone responses to the hotel.
The breakfast meeting was cancelled because the Ambassador and his Trade attaché’s flights to Hartford were cancelled as a result of bad weather. Undaunted, the Planning Committee continued working. On 3/17/07, the Embassy called to confirm the flights of the Ambassador and his Trade attaché to Hartford later in the evening. A high powered group of respected Community leaders led by the astute political organizer, Nana Kwaku Agyei Yeboah went to the airport to meet the Ambassador and his wife. The rest of the group consisted of Nana Yaw Kwarkye, the Managing Director of Kotoko International Foods, Inc., Nana Okoda Darkoh I, Akim Kusi Gyasehene, Okyeame Kwabena Anim, Mr. Eugene Ofori, Mr. Kenny Adom and Mr. Kenneth Ampofo Asiamah.
On arrival, the Ambassador’s wife was presented a bouquet of flowers from the community by Ms. Megan Anim, the Ambassador and his wife were transported
to their hotel. Later in the evening, the Ambassador in a convoy with police escort was driven to the Mount Carmel Banquet Hall in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Ambassador, wearing a Colorful Kente specially woven with the colors of Ghana’s national flag, Red, Gold and Green with Black Stars studded, and his entourage were ushered into the packed banquet hall by traditional dancers. With the master drummer, Nii Boye and his troupe at the drums, the dancers displayed unique and intricate dance steps to the admiration of His Excellency and the audience.
The celebration that has been described as one of the best organized Ghana @ 50 celebration in the United States to date, and admittedly one of the best organized functions in New England, began with a soulful rendition of both the national anthems of Ghana and the USA byMiss Abena Sarfo- Mensah that drew thunderous applause from the audience. Nana Owusu Gyapah led the group in prayer on behalf of Rev. Fr. Savino Gyimah, Chaplain of Ghanaian Catholic Ministry. The Reverend Father later joined the function. Opanin Appiah Kubi offered the ancestral libation, and as usual displayed his linguistic skills in the Twi language.
The masters of ceremony, Nana Adanse Bonnah and Mr. Eugene Ofori did a superb job by handling a night filled with guest artists and a line-up of political leaders in Connecticut by adroitly rotating political speeches with music and cultural interludes. DJ Katabo from New York was at his best that night. He played songs that took the audience on a sentimental journey from the time of Independence to the present. The old timers as well as hip-hop lovers had a night that will long be remembered as one of the best in New England.
After dinner, His Excellency, Dr. Kwame Bawuah Edusei was presented with citations from the Governor of Connecticut, Her Excellency M. Jodi Rell, The Mayor of East Hartford, Melody Currey, The US Congressman, John B. Larson of the First District, CT., and Representative Kenneth Brown presented his Excellency with citation from the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus from Connecticut General Assembly.
After the presentations, Nana Agyei Yeboah, Vice Chairman of NPP USA gave an eloquent and spirited introduction of His Excellency, Dr. Kwame Bawuah Edusei that brought the audience to their feet to give the His Excellency and his Wife a standing
ovation. DR. Bawuah-Edusei delivered a message from His Excellency John Agyekum Kuffour, President of Ghana to Ghanaians and friends of Ghana. The message was well received with enthusiastic applause.
Mr. Amoh-Konadu and Dr. Yaw Nsiah coordinated the Question and Answer session of the program. The Ambassador in an answer to a question clearly articulated what he termed the “Ghana Renaissance” and advised Ghanaians in the Diaspora and potential investors to take advantage of the favorable investment opportunities in Ghana to invest in the country. Ambassador Bawuah-Edusei pointed out that at this phase of globalization; the term “brain drain” is fast becoming anachronistic. He emphasized on “brain circulation” resulting in brain gain, if properly managed. He gave examples of developing countries that have benefited from this.
As the evening progressed, His Excellency and the audience continued to be entertained by guest artists like Papa Shee, lady Talata and the local boy Kwasi Parker.
Nana Agyei Yeboah on behalf of the NPP New England chapter presented the Ambassador with a plaque for his dynamism and dedicated service to Ghana.
The Ghanaian Community celebrated and welcomed the Ambassador to Connecticut and Massachusetts. Traditional chiefs, resplendent in rich kente and adorned with gold graced the occasion. Prominent among them were Nana Okoda Darko I, Akim-Kusi Gyasehene and Nana Mensah Aboagye, Kumawu Apagyahene. The Ewe Association also performed gracefully to entertain the Ambassador. Respected community leaders like Mr. Kwaku Agyei Kensah of CT, Nana Akosua Takyiaw and Nana Akua Afriyie from Springfield MA, were all there to grace the occasion. Representatives of Sankofa Radio, Mr. Kofi Korsah and Aluta were also present.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Yaw Nsiah summed it up succinctly when he said “this is the best we have ever had in New England”
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