Maiden edition of "Odehei Awards" launched in Accra

The “Odehei Awards,” initiated by Greater Accra Regional House of Chefs in collaboration with Social GH, a non-governmental organization (NGO), was launched in Accra on Thursday.

It was to kick start the main event scheduled for October to round off the Homowo celebration of Gas, Nmayem of Shai Doku and Asafutufeam Festivals of the Dangbes.

The 2012 edition of Odehei Awards, on the theme: "Coming Together, Recognition, Acknowledgement and Appropriate Rewards," is supposed to bring together Gas and Dangbes.

Nii Teiko Commey, member of the NGO, explained that the “Odehei Awards,” was meant for people who had worked hard to alleviate poverty and misery.

Mr. K. B. Asante, a Statesman and Immediate Past President of Ga Dangbe Council, said though Ga Dangbes had contributed much to national development they were expected to do more and sustain the effort.

He noted that unfortunately, unnecessary bickering had undermined the cohesion of the Ga Dangbe community, and some chiefs expected to be the beacon of unity and progress, were often at the centre of controversies.

Mr. Asante said “Fortunately not all the chiefs are unmindful of their leadership role. The Council has done and continues to do well.”

He appealed to the Wulomeis that in their capacity as leaders of Ga Dangbes, they should ensure that ancient values and traditions were preserved.

Mr. Novalis Gans-Lartey, Programmes Coordinator for the awards, told GNA that the chiefs had been given the mandate to present to the House and the NGO, nominees for the awards.

“We would verify authenticity of the nominations based on the approved criteria before they are finally selected for the award,” he said.

Mr. Gans-Lartey said the deadline for nominations of beneficiaries of the awards, which would be in two categories; the Rising Star, covering people up to 40 years old, and Accomplished Stars, comprising people above 40 years, is September.**