...with Ghanaians in Toronto


The new Ghana Consul General for Toronto, Hon. Joseph Annim has asked Ghanaians in Diaspora to unite their efforts to support the development of our motherland, Ghana. Mr Annim, a career diplomat, who had served Ghana in countries like Germany, Belgium, China, USA etc before been posted to Toronto-Canada in November 2013, was speaking at the celebration of Ghana's 57th Independence Day Anniversary in Toronto on March 8, 2014. The function was organized under auspices of the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) with theme: MOVING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR YOUTH

The occasion was graced with the presence of chiefs, doctors, justices, pastors, teachers as well as businessmen/women in the community.

A grand parade was displayed by the youth of the Toronto Ghanaian SDA Church known as the Fa Nyame Pathfinders who also sang beautifully both the national anthems of Canada and Ghana at the function! Other youth who showcased Ghanaian rich culture during the celebration included Gyamfuwaa's young Adowa Dancers and the Awuraba Papabi group of young girls from the Toronto Ghana Methodist Church.

The keynote speaker was Osabarima Sasraku Dr. La Kumi. He used his address to educate the gathering on the great sacrifice that our forefathers led by Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah made to win freedom from British colonial rule for our then new nation in 1957. He then challenged all Ghanaians to be inspired by the spirit of our forefathers to sacrifice to develop our nation Ghana wherever we are!

Mr Emmanuel Duodu, the Executive Secretary of GCAO, made a passionate appeal to the chiefs, pastors and associations in the Toronto Ghanaian community to come together to furnish a resource centre for our youth! Space has already been donated by the Apostles Continuation Church.

The issue of acquiring a community centre for the Ghanaian community in Toronto was also brought to the fore in the goodwill message from the chiefs at the function. Other goodwill messages came from Justice Barnes of Ontario Superior Court, retired Justice of the Peace Dogbe, Dr. Awafo and Dr. Tay (medical practitioners) who were all present at the function.

Prayers for the nation Ghana and the Ghanaian communities around the world were offered by Rev Obiri and Rev Kusi of the Ghanaian Clergy Association of Toronto A cake was cut by the dignitaries present to crown the celebration of the 57th Independence Anniversary of our motherland, Ghana in Toronto!

The MCs for the occasion were Joe Kingsley Eyiah and Lucy Crenstil, both staff of the Ghanaian News

Picture: Cutting of the cake at Ghana's 57th Independence Anniversary celebration in Toronto-Canada