It was sundown on the 25th October 2007 when St. John the Baptist School brought together about ten Irish bands and the Ghanaian Cultural Troupe under the auspices of the Ghana and Ireland Friendship Association [GIFA].

While the world is getting hot and bothered about Iraq, Afghanistan, etc. St. John the Baptist School is determined to make the situation in the Northern part of Ghana it’s priority. The main objective of the occasion was not only to highlight the deplorable situation in this part of Ghana but also to raise funds as well as the profile of the situation.

The occasion was graced by a large number of students from the school, their parents and the Hospital township. The stage was set, the lights were on and all were set for the occasion. It started with few Irish bands playing typical Irish music before GIFA’s cultural troupe went on stage. The Ghanaian Cultural troupe took their place and their appearance on stage was welcomed by an overwhelming applause from the audience. The teachers, students and their parents began to absorb and take in every second of the wonderful performance of the Ghanaian Cultural Troupe. Undoubtedly, the occasion offered a unique opportunity for the school, the township and the Ghanaian community in Ireland to come together and celebrate the night. It also offered a common ground for Ghanaians and Irish to enjoy good live music, which was definitely an uplifting experience for all present.

In order to advance one of the main components of GIFA’s constitution, which is ‘Integration’, GIFA plans to visit other schools in the Republic of Ireland with the group to acquaint Irish school children with this rich Ghanaian culture.

Frederick Amponsah Secretary Ghana & Ireland Friendship Association