Diaspora News of Monday, 7 March 2016

Source: Joe Kingsley Eyiah, Toronto-Canada

Ghanaians in Toronto celebrate Independence Anniversary

The premises of the Ghanaian Presbyterian Church in Toronto was electrified with singing and prayers for our nation Ghana on Sunday, March 6, 2016 to kick start a week long celebration planned by the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) to mark Ghana's 59th Independence Anniversary in Toronto.

The afternoon started with a prayer from Rev Raymond Baah Abeka. It was followed with the rendition of the national anthems of Ghana and Canada led by the Ghana Methodist Church Brigade Band. Then came the Pathfinders Club of the Toronto Ghanaian S.D.A. Church with their delightful 'March Past antics'!

Hon John Bosco, the Consul General of Ghana in Toronto used the occasion to urge Ghanaians to reflect on how far we have traveled and utilized our freedom won as a nation for 59 years now! He referred to themes for this year's celebrations in both Ghana and Toronto which emphasize unity in development with our youth as the focus and pleaded for unity wherever we are as Ghanaians. Hon Bosco asked parents to keep their children very close and to inculcate Ghanaian cultural values in their young ones 'to keep Ghana alive in them!'

The Ubuntu Dance & Theatre Ensemble, a cultural group comprising Ghanaian children in the Jane/Finch area of Toronto later took the stage and thrilled the gathering with their drumming and dancing as well as poetry recitals.
Those who sang at the program included the Presby Church Choir, Ministers Seth and Kwabena Boateng as well as the Presbyterian Church Band.
Prayers for our nation Ghana were offered by Rev. Drs Asmah and Adu Anane. The program was hosted by Mary Akuamoaboateng, a dynamic youth of the Toronto Ghanaian Community. To God be the glory!