With vibrant dedication and commitment, the new executive of the Ghana Friendship Association of Edmonton organized a very successful evening on March 12, 2005 to mark the 48th Independence Anniversary Celebration of Ghana.

The new executives of the Association were inaugurated on 31 December 2004. The new officers are:

? Keli Tamaklo, MBA ? President

? John Hagan ? Vice President

? Connel Acolatse ? Social Director

? Esther Tweneboa ? Treasurer

? Frank Wireko ? Secretary

? Sam Amedjo ? Public Relations Director

Following an energetic cultural performance by the Isokan Drumming Group, the evening started with a powerful prayer and an introduction by the MC ? Rev. Nicholas Ameyaw, That was followed with the pouring of libation by Dr. Kwesi Amenutekaa.

Shortly after the Canadian and Ghanaian National Anthems, H.E Mr. Samuel Odoi Sykes, the Ghana High Commissioner to Canada gave a wonderful speech advising Ghanaians on unity and working hard to build Ghana.

Dr. John Akabutu, the Consular General was presented with an outstanding award by the President of the GFAE, Mr. Keli Tamaklo. Dr. John Akabutu was honored by the GFAE for having been selected by the province of Alberta, and the city of Edmonton for being ?one of the 100 greatest Edmontonians of the century?.

Following the cutting of the birthday cake by Mr. Sam Lartey and H.E. Mr. Samuel Odoi Sykes, the Wadjo Cultural Group feverishly entertained the crowd. Thereafter, the huge crowd was entertained with great music of highlife by the African Beat Sounds and DJ. Ike.

Our sincere thanks go to our patrons, the various clubs within the association, and everyone who made the occasion a success.