Asked why Ghanaians fuss and muss about March 6, my man said "so that me, you, our children and generations to come shall never forget, marginalize or trivialize the personalities, the events, the sacrifices and the promise contained in the independence that was taken from a colonist who would rather have us hue wood and draw water in our God-given land".

This is why Ghanaians everywhere including those of us in places such as these United States of America celebrate each anniversary with pomp and pageantry. Once again on Saturday March 7, Ghanaians are enjoined to step away from themselves and their all for a mere six hours; if only to remind themselves of their roots, if only to celebrate achievements (however miniscule) that have attended the times; if only to list their tragedies and failures; if only to observe a moment’s silence in reverential salute to those who have gone on, those who battled the denizens of colonialism to lit freedom’s torch; if only to gaze through the blinding glare of the future and ponder what’s ahead for generations to come and if only to scream at the top of their voices: “country broke, country no broke, ibi our own”! The New York based National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA) ensures that the tradition continues each year almost to the historic day. We have done it every year since 1986 and the beat goes on with unabated enthusiasm. Because New York has the enviable reputation of being the world's capital and also home to the largest concentration of Ghanaians in this part of the world, our events are always huge and glamorous This year event is planned to fit the bill. The date is March 7. The venue is the grand ball room of the glitzy Maestro’s Banquet Hall located in the trendy neighborhoods of the Bronx, 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, prime time 9 p.m. till 3 the next morning.

For a small donation of $75 to pay costs and provide the only source of funding for the Council, patrons will be treated to “Six Hours of Solid Fun and Entertainment!” – a three-course dinner, an open bar, wide range of dance music, life TV/ radio coverage, and a cameo appearance by the popular Ghanaian actress and songstress Mercy Asiedu of Ghana's "Kumawoods". Ms Asiedu will light up the event with some of her latest releases.

We will stroke our patriotic emotions with special renditions of “Yen Ara Asase ni” and “Ghana Unity” songs. You will hear a brief report on the state of the Council and Ghana’s Ambassador to the UN His Excellency Ken Kanda will salute Ghanaians and a new Consul General assigned to the metropolis will also introduced.

Our partners Money Gram, Oman Clinic, Prestige Travel & Tours will raffle / give away gifts and memorable souvenirs including kente cloths.

The Council guarantees two features -- promptness and mucho fun. We will step away from the notorious "Ghana Mean Time" and adhere strictly to posted Greenwich Mean Times -- 9 p.m. start time and 3 a.m. end time. Speeches and ceremonies that tend to dull many a party are being reduced to a minimum. We are taking out tardiness and putting the fun back into what is a people’s event.

Be on time and join take over what is rightfully a Ghanaian day.

You may call 718-690-6873, 347-780-0630 for ticket reservations or purchase yours at the gate. Either way, see you there!

The Secretary General NCOGA Secretariat New York