By Paul Kweku Awortwi-Mensah

Ghanaians in Worcester, Massachusetts, have planned an elaborate program to celebrate Ghana’s 60th Independence anniversary.

On March 6, 2017, there will be a flag raising ceremony at the forecourt of Worcester City Hall at 4:00pm. On March 11, 2017, there will be a showcase of Ghanaian culture including singing of patriotic songs , and cutting of Ghana @ 60 anniversary cake at the SDA Church Hall at 4:000pm.

In attendance will be major political and business dignitaries such as Karyn Polito, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Congressman Jim McGovern, Tim Murray who is a former Lieutenant Governor and currently the Chief Executive Officer of Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Mayor of Worcester, Joe Petty, Senator Michael Moore, Representative Dan Donahue, Representative Mary Keefe, Hon. Khrystian King, Hon. Gary Rosen and Hon. Candy Carlson. Chiefs representing various Ghanaian communities in Worcester, as well as leaders and members of Ghanaian community churches, societies, groups and organizations will also attend this ceremony, which has been endorsed by the State of Massachussetts.

Speaking in an interview on New Vision Radio’s News Review program in Worcester, Ken Asafo-Adjei, Chairman of the African Council of Massachusetts, told the host , Paul Kweku Awortwi-Mensah, that the occasion will be used to demonstrate the cultural identity of Ghanaians in the diaspora, and Ghana’s independence narrative.

“ We are also using this event to promote investment opportunities in Ghana” , Asafo-Adjei added.

Dr. Daniel Ato Aidoo, research and policy analyst, who also spoke on the same segment of the News Review Program stated that Ghanaians in the diaspora should actively participate in Ghana’s democratic process by contributing to the success of the Akufo-Addo presidency.

According to Dr. Aidoo, research shows that Worcester is the city with the largest concentration of Ghanaians in the United States of America according to the US Census Bureau, and it behooves them to capitalize on their numerical strength to promote Ghana.

He said the once again celebration of Ghana’s independence is to re-ignite a new spirit that will put the country on a high pedestal, and admonished Ghanaians in the diaspora to engage officialdom through investment proposals that will also help to stabilize the country’s economy.

Dr. Aidoo said Ghana has had its share of a checkered political history since independence due to various coup d’états, emphasizing that as a country “we have been able to re-launch a functional democratic process that can provide economic salvation and hope to our people”.

Dr. Aidoo reiterated the importance of Ghana @60 celebration, and explained that the occasion will also be used to honor Ghanaian heroes who have contributed to the country’s growth and development. He agreed with the suggestion that “a country that does not honor its heroes is not worth dying for”.

Dr. Aidoo commended the organizers of the event for their insightful and thoughtful approach to recognizing Ghana’s independence struggle and successes, and urged all Ghanaians in Worcester and its environs to participate fully to make Ghana proud.

It would be recalled that on August 4, 2012, the City of Worcester authorities also declared a Remembrance Day for the late Professor John Evans Atta Mills, former President of Ghana who died in office. The city’s full participation in this year’s Ghana @60 celebrations , reaffirms the fruitful relationship between the State of Massachusetts and Ghanaians in Worcester.

Source: Awortwi-Mensah, Paul Kweku. Courtesy: New Vision Radio 103.5FM, Worcester, Massachusetts