The first congress of the Association of Shia Citizens and Affiliates of North America (ASCANA) held in Chicago, Illinois was a success! On the weekend of July 30, 2011, members of ASCANA from Ghana and United States gathered at Chicago, Illinois for the first congress – ASCANA 2011- since its formation in May, 2009. The occasion was to bring together all natives of Shia (near Ho) in the Volta Region of Ghana, in the spirit of friendship, share ideas for the support of each other and development of the village and have fun. Many of the Shia Citizens who were part of the event agreed that, the congress provided an atmosphere of friendship and family reunion, getting to know each other and have lots of fun. Many have waited for this opportunity since they entered the US and urged the leaders to make the event a biennial convention. The massive participation by spouses, children, fiancés, and friends of ASCANA added a lot of flavor to the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Simon Addo Ocloo, expressed his profound gratitude to all members who travelled to Chicago to attend the event. In his welcome address he noted that the main aims of the Association, is are to know and support each other in the diaspora and help with development projects in Shia. The association unanimously agreed to help Shia in several projects related to education and health and will also continue to identify areas that need help in the town in order to contribute. The Saturday morning business session was rounded up with a unanimous agreement that current executives be maintained for another term because of their outstanding leadership. The executives are, Chairman - Mr. Simon Addo Ocloo, Secretary - Mr. Jerome Sumah, Treasurer - Mr. Prosper Kemeh, Organizer - Mr. Blaise Anthony Hometorwu.

The convention was pinnacled with a BBQ picnic on Sunday, July 31, 2011, at Mr. & Mrs. Hometorwu's residence. This socializing event gave members another opportunity to have a personal interaction with friends of ASCANA and family members. The kids were not left out of the fun. Members of the association treated themselves to all kinds of Ghanaian dishes as well as danced to Ghanaian songs.

The 2nd Congress will be held in 2013 at Worcester, MA / Hamden, CT. See you at ASCANA 2013!