The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago, GNC, informed Ghana Home Page that the most splendid African cultural festival in the Diaspora, Ghanafest is slated on July 29 2006 at the historic Washington Park, 5600 and Payne Drive, one block West of the Dusable Museum, in Chicago. The festival starts at 1 P.M prompt this year and ends at 10 P.M.
According to the Public Relations officer of the GNC, Ms. Marian Issakka, dignitaries who have confirmed to attend the festival includes the former president of Ghana, Mr. Jerry John Rawlings. The GNC is working hard to get a high powered government of Ghana delegation also to attend the festival. She also informed Ghana Home Page that security at this year’s festival will be tight.
“The guest of honor believe me, will speak strictly to the theme of the festival this year, that is, “ Ghana Our Heritage” He will use the speech to unite Ghanaians in the Diaspora, believe me” said Mr. Kutor, an official of the GNC.
For the first time, Ghanafest, a twenty two thousand dollars event, is copyrighted. Members of the community who want to cover the event must therefore call Dr. Mark Kutame at 773-805-1145 or email to mkutame@csu.edu or to anomantu@msn.com for accreditation .The main festival grounds will be restricted to the press , organizers, performers and others with valid accreditation. Videotaping or still cameras will not be allowed on the main festival grounds to non-accredited person or persons.
Ms. Issakka concluded by saying that for the first time, Voice of America and BBC has expressed interest to cover this great festival.
On the other hand, the Vice-President and Treasurer of the GNC, Mr. John Assabill clarified rumors that the GNC receives large monetary sponsorship from the city of Chicago. He stated that the City of Chicago sponsored Ghanafest 2004 and 2005 with one thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ($1250.00) each year. “Like last year, the Chicago Park District is demanding five thousand dollars as park usage fees from the GNC, and we do not have that kind money to pay” Mr. Assabill lamented.
Meanwhile the Business manager of the GNC, Mr. Cobby Boahene stated that live Band and D.J music will be provided alongside cultural troupes in Chicago and from Ghana. Live hip-pop musicians will be there to entertain the expected 25,000 crowd.
The festival itself will show case the African harvest scene and a taste of Ghana and African arts and craft.