Ghanaians in Greater Cincinnati, OH, have line up series of activities to mark Ghana’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations for a whole year, to be in line with the announcement made by the National Planning Committee in Accra, Ghana, last week. On March 3, 2007, marked Ghana’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations with an inter-denominational church service at the Newlife Outreach Church, Springdale, Cincinnati. The inter-denominational church service was organized by the Ghanaian Association of Greater Cincinnati (GAGC).

Bishop Osei-Poku of Alpha and Omega Church delivered the sermon. Dressed in a white traditional Adinkra cloth, Bishop Osei-Poku urged Ghanaians to be thankful to the services of their fellow Ghanaians who lost their life fighting for the independence of the country from Great Britain. He praised Ghanaians for embracing the Christian religion.

On March 10, 2007, they continued the Golden Jubilee Celebrations with a banquet. The guest of honor, Mrs. Irene Addo, Deputy Head of Mission, Ghana Embassy, Washington DC gave the keynote address. In her speech, Mrs. Irene Addo reminded Ghanaians in the packed hall to be thankful to all those who fought to bring independence to Ghana on March 6, 1957. She hinted that Ghana became independent on that day because of the collective work of all Ghanaians and not just a few people. She therefore urged all Ghanaians to continue to work hard to improve the image of Ghana both at home and abroad.

The activities for the evening included a fashion show, re-enactment of the main events that led to the final granting of independence to Ghana on March 6, 1957 by Great Britain, social, cultural, political and economic presentations on Ghana. “Sankofo” a local cultural group provided “Adowa,” “Kpanlogo,” and “Aguaja” music for the occasion.