Odwira Festival in Toronto

EMBRACE PEACE AND HEALTHY DIALOGUE FOR THE PROSPERITY OF OUR HOMELAND-

Hon. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, the Eastern Regional Minister who is also the National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress, remarked that the celebration of Odwira in Ghana and the Diaspora is not only for merry making but an occasion to remind us of our cultural heritage but more significantly, a period to reflect and purge ourselves of negative tendencies to build a better future.


The Regional Minister who delivered an address during the 20th Anniversary of the Okuapeman Cultural Association of Ontario and the celebration of the Odwira Festival held at Luna Ballroom in Toronto, Canada recently advised Ghanaians to eschew all tendencies of disunity because this attitude breaches peace, hinders good neighbourliness and retards progress. He therefore entreated Ghanaians in the Diaspora to remain united and focused to enable them plan collectively to help Ghana and said: “We should not allow differences of opinion or diversities of thought to separate us from our fellows or be the cause of dispute, hatred and strife. Rather, let us search diligently for peace and engage in healthy dialogue that will lead to development, progress and prosperity of our homeland.”


Hon. Ampofo reminded Ghanaians that the theme for the occasion which is “the role of Ghanaians in the Diaspora in the development of our homeland Ghana” was appropriate and timely because the socio-economic problems that confront the nation required the collective effort of all residing in Ghana and in the Diaspora. He therefore urged Diasporans to take advantage of the favourable investment opportunities in Ghana to invest in areas such as Agro business, health, education and also return home with their professional and technical knowledge to build the country. Touching on the state of the economy, the Minister revealed that the economy was in a deplorable state when His Excellency, Professor John Evans Atta Mills was sworn in as President and said, ”Since January 2009, our Government has been working hard to fix it using all available means and resources. The country is going through hard times and I want to make clear here in Canada that the Government shares the concerns of the vast majority of Ghanaians who are concerned about the future. As a government which believes in the principle of social democracy, we will do everything possible to stem the tide so that the poor and the vulnerable are ameliorated.”


On good governance, Hon. Ampofo stressed that the NDC government was in power to lead, serve and promote of rule of law and human rights but not to embark on any “political vendetta” as being trumpeted in some circles.

Hon. Ofosu-Ampofo reiterated the government’s stand on the discovery of oil and gas and stressed that the proceeds from oil and gas will be judiciously used for the benefit of all Ghanaians. He assured Ghanaians that the discovery of oil will be a “blessing” but not a curse as experienced in some countries.


He advised Ghanaians to be law abiding and remain focused in order to realize their objectives for leaving the shores of Ghana.


The Celebration was attended by Hon. Dan Botwe from NPP, member and Sister Associations from the United States of America and Europe. Many Ghanaian Chiefs including Nana Sasraku also known as Dr. La-Kumi and Queens in Toronto, various community groups and leaders and public officials from Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels also attended the function.


PIC: from the archives