This year, we will be celebrating 25years of Ghanafest on Saturday, July 27th , 2013 at Washington Park, 5600 South Russell Drive, Chicago (the Street east of Martin Luther King Drive/55th Street aka Garfield Blouvard), West of Du Sable Museum and opposite the Swimming Pool. It is the same location as last year’s. For further directions, call 773-636-7013/773-726-1922 or 847-812-3166. The festival will start at 10am and close at 10pm.

The theme for this year is “Recognize the past, look to the future”. Ladies and gentlemen; currently things have changed economically, socially and politically. As such, we have to adjust to a workable system which would bring innovation to funding our programs. We started charging at the gate in fiscal 2009 at $5.00. Currently we have to raise the gate fee to $15.00 in view of the fact that cost of goods and services have risen tremendously.

The Council was heavily sponsoring Ghanafest even though it has no money to support such sponsorship. Figures released show that for 2009 through 2012 Ghanafest, the Council supported this event by 63% of actual cost even though it borrowed to fund the event. This was untenable and needed to be remedied. The increase would help defray cost increase being levied by City and Service providers for the festival. Corporate sponsorship has dried out as well.

The line-up of Special Guests include but not limited to Ghana’s Ambassador to US, Daniel Ohene Agyekum, Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, the great occupant of the “silver” stool in Asante kingdom (Asante Mamponghene), Governor Pat Quinn (who promised to arrive at 2pm), City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, R2Bees Hip Hop group from Ghana, “Kyeiwaa” of Ghana TV fame SuKuumu Cultural Dance ensemble who can do all African cultural dances and other State and Local Politicians etc. There will be “Azonto” village for the kids to dance till they breakdown featuring DJ Bonsu and other Hip Hop artists from Chicago and surrounding areas. The gates will open at 10.00am prompt and end at 10.00pm.

As usual, there would be different African arts and craft cheaply to buy plus a good taste of Ghanaian cuisine. For more details, check on event flyer and at our website: - www.ghananationalcouncil.net. We advise Vendors who would sell Merchandise to click on Forms at our website and to pre-pay to guarantee a good spot. Priority would be given to those who pre-pay.

Hope to see you there.

JOHN HENRY ASSABILL PRESIDENT (GNC)