Last Saturday, Ghanaians in the SF/Bay Area joined Ghanaians across the world to celebrate the 47th Independence Day. The day was started by picnic/potluck organized by the Ghanaian community in the SF/Bay Area. The picnic/potluck was well attended by Ghanaians and friends of Ghana. Barbecue, Kenkey and Shito, Jollof Rice, Salad, Drinks, Hotdogs, and other foods were served to all attendees.

The men entertained themselves with football and Volleyball whilst the women played Ampe and Ludu. Oware and Dame was also part of the entertainment.

The event started around 1p.m. with everyone getting the seasoned chicken (thanks to the ladies) on the barbecue grill. By 2:30 p.m. the chicken were ready. Prayers were said to thank God for making Ghana a peaceful country and helping our leaders to use their wisdom for good governance. Around 4:30 p.m., the park was filled with Ghanaians with their families and friends. Everyone was surprised to see the number of people that came to the event because the planning was short.

At 5:00 p.m., Kwabena Nketiah-Sakyi, one of the organizers of the event and also NPP Youth Organizer in the North America, made an announcement and thank everyone for making the event a successful one. He stressed on unity, support, and community development of Ghanaians in the SF/Bay Area. Mr. Kwabena Obah, Mr. Maurice Brenyah, Mr. Attah-Boakye Yiadom, Mr. Kiwwie George also made statements in support of coming together as one community in the SF/Bay Area.

At 10 p.m., Ghanaian youth flocked into 1200 Lakeshore Drive in the middle of Oakland for after party. They partied all night long curtsy of Eno Appiah-Minkah.

A special thanks to the following people: Maame Faustina Frimpong, Maame Adwoa Durowah, Ms. Angela Nketiah, Ms. Sharon Ohene-Nyako, Eno Appiah-Minka, Benetta Appiah-Minka, Rita Akyeaw, Vanessa Marfo (Nana Boanya), Mr. Nicky Nketiah, Kofi Frimpong, Mr. & Obah, Mr. Maurice Brenyah, Kwaku Berkoh, Kwaku Barnie, Patrick Gyamfi, Kwadwo Arhin, Sam Ohene-Nyako, Kwadwo Boateng, Mr. David Mahama, Mr. Michael Darko, Mr. Thomas Owusu-Akyeaw, Mr. Joshua Adarkwah, Attah-Boakye Yiadom and the DJ?s. We appreciate your contributions.

Again, thanks for making the 2004 Independence Day celebration a successful one.