By courtesy of Ghana Association of New South Wales Australia, the newly appointed Ghana Consul general Mr. Kofi Osei with jurisdiction in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania hosted a Christmas party for all Ghanaians in Sydney on the 25th December 2002 at the Serbian Orthodox Hall. This was his first public meeting with the Ghanaian community in Sydney, Australia.

The function began with the Ghana youth cultural group ushering in the Consul General and his wife Mrs. Liba Osei, and accompanied by all the identifiable Ghanaian group leaders. The groups represented were Akwapiman, Okwawuman, Asafo, Ga Group, Mfante Mboa Kuw, Amansie Adansi, Presby Church, Living Word Center, All Nations Church, Asanteman, Ewe Norvisi, Kroye Kuo, NPP, Sekyereman, Northern brothers, Brong Ahafo Association, Odehie and Okyeman.

In his keynote address, the Consul general stressed on the need for all Ghanaians to be united. He appealed to the community leaders, churches and all Ghanaians to try and resolve their differences by peaceful means and thereby save the community and country (Ghana) from destruction.

As he puts it ?God knows that we in the Ghanaian Community are sick and tired of the bickering, divisiveness, backstabbing, fabrications and destruction of our own kind.?

He therefore urged all to have vested interest in peace and unity.

He also called on all skilled Ghanaians to provide the consulate with their CV?s to be placed on the Ghana skill data bank for easy access by the government. He encouraged all Ghanaians to provide their services and serve on the consulate sub-committees such as Trade, Transport and Communication, Housing, Agriculture, Roads, Forestry and Mines, Technology, Health, Tourism and Education.

He concluded by saying ?As we say farewell to the closing year, let us hope that 2003 will bring with it peace and unity amongst Ghanaians and better understanding between us?.

In response Mr. Isaac Osei Kumah a prominent person in the community on behalf of all Ghanaians congratulated the Consul general Mr. Kofi Osei as the first Ghanaian to be appointed to the position, and pledged the support of the community in the discharge of his duties.

Other highlights of the evening included an African fashion parade by the Asafo group, a cultural dancing by the Ghana Youth cultural group, drumming and dancing by the Karifi group and presents to the kids by Santa Claus.

Certificates of recognition were also awarded to outstanding Ghanaians for the year 2002. Among them were Nana Ama Amaniampong as Volunteer of the year, for her dedication to the youth cultural group as leader, sacrifice of her time and provision of catering services at community functions.

The seniors? award went to Mrs. Mary Gibbons (the first Ghanaian to migrate to Australia) for her active participation in the Youth Cultural Group?s activities.

Dr. Eric Sekyere an executive member of Ghana Association of New South Wales who introduced Santa Claus reminded the gathering of what Christmas was all about. Christmas he said, was about caring, giving and above all LOVE.