Ghanaians have been called to reignite our sense of patriotism and eschew perceptions of mediocrity as we work to surmount the challenges we face as a country. This was part of a speech presented by the President of the Ghana Association of Madison (GhAMa), Richardson Addai-Mununkum at Ghana’s 58th Independence Anniversary Celebration in Madison, Wisconsin (USA). Mr. Addai-Mununkum reminded the gathering that the Independence Anniversary celebration should be a time to reflect on the sacrifices of our forefathers to reinvigorate us to work towards the economic liberation of the African continent.

The well-attended event attracted the entire African community in Madison and the surrounding towns, Professors of the University of Wisconsin-Madison as well as other professionals in the Madison area. With performances by Kidd Blaze, Madison’s best dancer of Ghanaian heritage and Kofi Ananse (A ‘96), a hiplife Artiste from Chicago, he Eagle Heights Community Center was electrified and it was harder for people to stay in their seats than to get up and dance to great music.

The Guest of Honor, Ms. Linda Y Vakunta, co-director of Project 1808 and a co-DJ of a Pan African Show on local radio, was full of praise for Ghanaians both home and abroad. She recounted her experiences in Ghana and praised Ghanaians for the hospitality, cultural heritage, great food and authentic music. The occasion was used to honor and confer on her, an official Ghanaian name - Adwoa Yeboaa Vakunta.

The occasion was also used to award distinguished community members: Matilda Botchwey and Joe Cann for their meritorious services to the Ghanaian community in Madison. With sumptuous Ghanaian meals served, attendees were treated to rhythmic Highlife/Hiplife/AfroPop music by DJ Lyrics & DJ Easy as they danced the night away. For members of GhAMa, the countdown is already on for Ghana @ 59.

See pictures of the colorful event at www.ghamanet.com