To Presbyterian University College And Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital.
…..At its 10th annual mid-year delegates meeting held at Atlanta.
Okuapemman Association of USA and Canada(OKUSACA), a non-profit benevolent Organization, comprising of citizens of Akuapem and Asuogya descent held its 10th Annual Mid-year National Delegates meeting at Atlanta, Georgia during the weekend of the Memorial Day Holidays (from May 24th-26th, 2013). The delegates deliberated on a number of key issues including donations of Twelve (12) Computers and its accessories worth about $6,500.00 to the Presbyterian University College at Akropong Akuapem. Each of the 12 affiliated chapters or Sponsoring Organizations of the Umbrella Association (OKUSACA) provided one (1) computer at a cost of $500.00.

In the accompanying picture, the President of the New York Chapter, Mr. Ernest Atta Amoyaw, on behalf of OKUSACA, is seen presenting samples of the Computers to the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Right Reverend Professor Emmanuel Martey. Mr. Amoyaw emphasized that this donation is to supplement the efforts of the Presbyterian Church and the Government of Ghana in providing quality and Technological education to the Ghanaian Youth.

In a short response, the Moderator expressed his personal appreciation to OKUSACA and on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, acknowledged the importance of Ghanaians in the Diaspora to the economic, social and Technological needs of Ghana. He called for a strong collaboration between our philanthropic Diasporas and Non-governmental Organizations in Ghana and appealed to other Ethnic groups, especially in Europe and other parts of the world for the establishment of such organizations to emulate the gestures shown by their counterparts in North America.

At a different presentation ceremony, as shown in the attached picture, the Atlanta Chapter of the Umbrella Organization has also presented over 600 Bed sheets and a number of Baby Dresses to the Management of Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital at Mampong Akuapem for use by patients at the hospital. This presentation was performed in Ghana by Mr. Maxwell Baffoe- Bonnie and Nana Akua Adobea (Nkosuohemaa of Aburi Kuronti), both members of the Atlanta Chapter. Receiving the items on behalf of the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, Mrs. Divine Nartey, the Hospital Administrator, expressed her appreciation and acknowledgement of these items and extended their gratitude to the Executives of OKUSACA for their immense assistance given to the Hospital and promised that these items would be used in the appropriate manner to the benefit of patients who visit the hospital.

Last year at OKUSACA 27th Anniversary celebration of Odwira/Ohum festival at Washington DC, Okuapemman Cultural Association of Ontario, Canada, an affiliated member of OKUSACA, presented an initial cash donation of $2,000.00 to Hon. George Opare Addo, M.C.E. of Akropong-Akuapem, as a response to his earlier request for assistance at his District, to start the construction of classroom block at Bolokofi, where underprivileged pupils are attending classes under tree shelters and other hazardous conditions. Hon. Opare Addo promised that government will supplement the efforts of OKUSACA and will ensure that this money will be put to good use for the benefit of the entire district. Furthermore, the delegates from Minnesota Chapter of OKUSACA, led by their President, Mr. Daniel Ofori-Som, informed the delegates at the meeting that his Chapter has raised an amount of $2,000.00 at a fund-raising event at Minnesota, to assist small-scale vibrant business women begin a pilot project at Akuapem to help improve the living conditions of mothers.

At the meeting, the executives also resolved that our compatriots abroad be encouraged to put our resources together in the various disciplines and seek the assistance of Ghanaian Missions abroad to facilitate our efforts of exportations to Ghana. To this, the delegates strongly appealed to our Missions abroad to be more proactive and motivate the efforts of Diaspora donors. More often than not, clearing of goods at our Harbor at Tema has not been without hindrances and frustrations and this has killed the quest of many Ghanaians in the Diaspora to support the country’s development with numerous resources at our disposal abroad.

In conclusion, the night event marking the commemoration of the 2nd Anniversary of the coronation of Okuapehene of Atlanta, Odeneho Ayeh Yirenkyi, was a delight to watch; display of Ghanaian culture at its best. Nananom were dancing to the drumming of Fontonfrom and Adowa music, showcasing the beauty and the richness of our culture. The crowd was entertained with traditional Ghanaian music with the Youth displaying their skills in “Azonto” body dancing. Delegates and invited guests were served with sumptuous home-made food which preceded the special appeal for Funds towards the Chapter’s development projects and the hosting of the 29th Annual Odwira/Ohum festival of OKUSACA scheduled for Atlanta in September, 2014.