The Italian city, Parma, would be set agog come Saturday, July 14, as Ghanaians resident in the city celebrate Ghana’s 50th year of Independence. The one-day Festival being hosted by the Ghana Nationals Association in Parma at Campo Palestra in Mezzani Inferiore, on the outskirt of the city, would start at 10a.m and go beyond 12midnight with a series of activities.

Ghanaians in Italy have since the beginning of the year been celebrating Ghana’s Golden Jubilee in distinctive fashion with activities which is portraying Ghana’s rich culture abroad. Their communities in cities of Rome, Vicenza, Verona, Modena and Reggio Emilia among others have held splendid display of the country’s culture in drumming and dancing and costume.

Speaking to Ghanaweb, the President of the Parma Association, Adu Sarkodie, said the July 14 event in Parma will show case an extravagant festival under which there will be Ghanaian cuisine, durbar of chiefs and people of Ghana, traditional drumming and dancing, costume, fashion show and a night of musical entertainment. “We are bent on carrying a big message about Ghana to Italians and other nationals here,” says the Parma Association President.

An estimated 1,500 participants including Ghanaians from other cities in the north of Italy are expected to grace the function under which Ghana’s celebrated artistes Ofori Amponsah, Kofi Nti, Maa Afia and ace comedian Bob Okala would perform.

The city of Parma is noted for music and art apart from its world known companies of Parmalat for milk and fruit juice products, Barilla for pasta and the famous cheese –‘ parmigiano’. Ghana’s soccer hero, Stephen Appiah was an icon here within the community when playing for Parma AC.

Sponsors of the event, City Council of Parma (Comune di Parma), Comune di Mezzani, Parmalat Company and Ghanaian enterprises in Parma - Work & Happiness, Asafred African Shop, Embaro Fisheries - will all be represented. Parmalat Director of Public Relation, Agostino Magnaghi, pointed out the occasion of Ghana’s Anniversary has presented an opportunity for the Company to establish its products in Ghana. He said Parmalat will provide free fruit juice drinks to participants and will use the Ghana@50 in Parma as the first step in going to Ghana. He mentioned the Company will establish a working relation with the Ghana Nationals Association in Parma in getting its products to Ghana.

Among dignitaries expected to be present will include Hon. Jonathan Bartels-Kodwo - Minister in charge of Consular Affairs at the Ghana Embassy in Rome, the Mayor of Mezzani and officials of the City Council in Parma. The local TV Station (TV Parma) and newspaper (Gazetta di Parma) will give a comprehensive coverage of the event.