GHANAFEST: A Clarion Call

CHICAGO:- Ghanafest is the biggest event outside Ghana. It is the single most important occasion for Ghanaians in Chicago. For 20 years, throngs of people have converged on the South Side of Chicago for this gregarious gathering. For onlookers, this once a year occasion has been a curious if not a wonderful experience whereby people of all races in a show of solidarity attend to witness the beautiful Ghanaian culture. On this last Saturday of every July, everyone becomes a Ghanaian. People travel from all over America for this day. International visitors also mark this day as one never to miss.

For those unfamiliar with Ghanafest, the Ghana National Council, the umbrella organization for all Chicago Associations, organizes it. The durbar-like ceremony gives Ghanaians a chance to display their tradition. From the procession of Chiefs to the dancing by the youth; from the vending of Ghanaian dishes to various collector African items, this experience ushers in a pride of self consciousness just as St. Patrick’s Day does for the Irish. On this day, one has the prospect of meeting long lost friends. Ghanaian mus ic flows in abundance, traditional dancing becomes cheeriness, and t he optimizing of interpersonal relations become realized.

Past events have featured prominent people in the likes of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Chicago Mayor’s Assistant Chuck Bowen, Former G hanaian President Jerry Rawlings, MP Mr. S. K. Boafo, Ambassadors Al an Kyerematen and Francis Poku, former presidential candidates Dr. P aa Kwesi Nduom, Dr. Edward Mahama, and the list goes on.

As Ghanaians, we know what is good for us in terms of maintaining our cultures back home or abroad contrary to what we say and do. Identity is one of the few possessions we have while living here in America or elsewhere in the world. Where we make our living, there is our home. Other immigrants are proud of their culture and so should we. As long as there is migration, our young and old ones, regardless of their situations back home, if chance permits, will continue to leave the hinterland to search for ‘gold’ elsewhere particularly here in America where they accept everyone with open ar ms yet the path to riches is tougher than the hide of an elephant. N evertheless, in life, there is nothing wrong with taking a chance fo r we know not what tomorrow may bring.

Once we leave the motherland and migrate to the US, we become first generation migrants and it is part of our responsibilities to seek to maintain our heritage, which we cannot change anyway. Most of us are destined to get married, and multiply yielding to second and third generations. In short, a planted seed keeps growing. Different strokes for different folks; others are certain to abandon the culture along the way for diverse reasons. Be it affluence, faith, stress, religion, frustration, tree hugging, lack of progress, or whatever. Nevertheless, on this last Saturday of every July in Chicago, many people, in spite of their dispositions or situations do come to honor this cultural extravaganza. However, do we know the facts and logistics behind orchestrating an event of that magnitude?

For Ghanafest to take place as it has for the past 20 years, the executives go through painstaking measures. Apart from seeking for the easier-said-than done sponsorship, which is the lifeline of the festival, organizers, have continued to be physically dependent and instrumental in setting up the venue from as early as 5:00 a.m. to the duration of the function which closes at 10:00 p.m.

“Ever since I have been Chairman, the budgetary constraints have re ached immense proportions and we are always running in the red,” say s current President Henry John Assabil. “Initially, the City of Chic ago, along with other guarantors like Western Union and MoneyGram sp onsored the event. This year, there are no sponsors whatsoever and w e are relying on the community at large for their support,” he adde d.

Past executives Clement Timpo, Reuben Hadzide and Assabil have dug into their own pockets along the way to subsidize. Other members of the Council are still waiting for the specter of reimbursement.

“According to the figures for last year, the expenses tallied $23,00 0 with sponsors. This year, the budget is up to $25,000 and there ar e no sponsors. The Chicago Park District is asking for $5435 for the use of the park. In order to curtail some of the expenses and to ma ke this year’s event productive, the Ghana National Council is under standably seeking to charge a fee of $5. There is no charge for chil dren under 12. Please be conforming and present your child’s identif ication if the situation asks for it,” Assabil said. Vendors fees ar e $300 for corporate and $100 for merchants.

There should not be uproar over this change. Events such as the Taste of Chicago, Chicago Fest, African/Caribbean Festival of Life, and The African Festival of the Arts as well as numerous traditional functions all charge admission fees despite their plentiful sponsors. Just spending $5, a year to present, display and maintain our culture seems fair. The knowledge we leave for our descendants surely is better than riches. The naysayers may call their games; however, it is the birthright for some to see to it that Ghanafest continues to survive. Unless you call out, who will open the door? For more information, check the Council’s website at www.ghananationalcouncil.o rg.