Chicago, March 4 2007 - The week long Ghana@50 celebrations in Chicago was launched at the spacious World Disney Magnet School, 4141 N. Marine Drive in Chicago by the vibrant Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago and the Fellowship of Ghanaian Churches with gospel music and cultural shows.

The event started at 7 PM with George Asiedu who was later joined by Abdul Braimah as stand-in emcees. The duo was just marvelous in their remarks on the performers and their recollection of the history of Ghana’s Independence!

In his remarks, the chairman of the Ghana@50 celebrations in Chicago, Mr. Stephen Somuah thanked members of the community for their show of support by attending the launching ceremony.

Rev. Dr. Paintsil, Pastor and leader of Christ Oasis Ministry in Chicago, prayed for the successful celebrations of Ghana’s 50th birthday at home and abroad.

Nat Awuni, a popular Ghanaian gospel musician , entertained the small crowd at the launching ceremony with a scintillating performance. The Christ Oasis choir and individual performers also put in a hilarious presentation to the joy of attendees.

Highlights of the launching ceremony were a great Adowa dance performance by Afuah Agyeman and Adjoa Yeboah; and a video of the road to independence of Ghana, featuring Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the architect of Ghana’s independence , Pan-Africanists and civil rights leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King.

On Sunday the 4th of March, Ghanaians and friends of Ghana thronged to the small United African Methodist Church at 4754 N Leavitt for a non-denominational church service to commemorate the celebrations. It was the largest gathering in recent memory for a Ghanaian National Celebrations of any kind in Chicago.

Ashantefuohene, Nana Addae Baffour and Ashantefuohemaa Ohemaa Abena Amponsah of Chicago, led a group of Ashanteman royals and their supporters to grace the function. Included in the delegation were Nana Barnie Agyeman, former Sanaahene of the Ashanteman Association, Professor George Asibe Mensah, current Moderator of the Ghana National Council, Mr.Anthony Kwarteng of Oakley construction fame and Betty Agyeman, an elder in the Asanteman Association.

Also in attendance were members of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago, GNC, led by Reuben Hadzide, President,Dr. Mark Kutame, Secretary of the GNC, Cobby Boahene, Business Manager, Asare Boafo, Assistant Business manager and McGeofrey Kutor, Assistant Business Manager.

Sheik Tijani , of the Haske Society got a standing ovation with wonderful rendition of Ghanaian patriotic songs interlaced with words of advice and encouragement .

The Ewe and the United Methodist Church choirs took turns in a marvelous rendition of gospel and patriotic songs to the delight of the attendees.

There were exhilarating drama and songs by the youth of the Church of the Ghanaian community of Chicago and the United African Methodist Church.

In his sermon to the gathering, Reverend Dr. Kofi Noonoo, chairman of the Fellowship of Ghanaian churches in Chicago, asked the congregants to do Good in their spheres of life. He likened any wrong doing to sin and asked members of the Ghanaian community here in Chicago to Unite.

Dr. Mark Kutame reminded the gathering about the other programs lined up for the celebrations. These are; Lectures that reminisces the pre and post independence history of Ghana by Ghanaian professors in the Chicago area at the McCormick Theological Seminary, 5400 S University, on March 9th 2007 from 6 PM to 8 PM. There is also a youth night for the second generation Ghanaian youth at the Orly’s Café, 1660 E.55th St from 8PM to 2 AM with a Grand finale at the Hyatt Regency’s Crystal ballroom , 151 S Wacker from 7 PM to 2 AM. He reiterated the many attractive programs lined up for their enjoyment. " If you enjoyed what happened here today, then you haven't seen anything yet" he teased the audience to find out for themselves on Saturday, March 10 2007 at the Hyatt Regency. The program includes Cultural Performances, dramatisation of the proclamation of Ghana's independence, a 20 man National choir from the University of Michigan and many other seasoned solo performers. All attendees will be given special memorabilia to take home.

Main Sponsors of the program are MoneyGram International, who has purchased exclusivity of all Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago activities for the year 2007, Delta Airlines and GhanaWeb.