...’ Ghana Parade to Amend?’



The whirlwind of 2010 FIFA World Cup might have passed by swiftly like a monsoon from the very bottom of Africa to every nook and cranny globally. The passion and jubilations, the eerily ‘thorn-sitting’ suspense, vibration of tympanic membranes from the ubiquitous Vuvuzelas; and of course, the stomach churning and heart-fibrillating moments of some teams and certain players; all together transformed into a perfect concoction of unforgettable tournament. But for Ghanaians and in particular our one and only Striker ‘Odomfo-Kumfo’ Asamoah Gyan, the nightmare is indelible; for the drama and manner at which that penalty kick was missed shall perpetually reincarnate in his mind as well as the rest of Ghanaians even if Africa and the rest of the world chose to forget.



However, whilst most of us are stuck at the ‘Denial Phase’ of reality and wish time could retrograde on a lightning speed unfolding events from today to July 2nd, then to the Soccer City Stadium were Gyan will be behind the ball, take a couple of deep breaths and ‘re-zeroed’ his foot to the goal post and fire home that decisive kick to atone for his earlier miss (or mistake if you wish).

Yes, as we yearned for such opportunities to amend certain errors in life and also learn from mistakes committed by others, the National Council of Ghanaian Associations (NCOGA)—the Mother of 13 Associations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut; on August 7th 2010 blatantly demonstrated and confirmed the myth that ‘people usually don’t learn from others mistakes’ as evidenced by their organization of a ill-prepared and poorly patronized Annual Ghanaian Picnic at the Roy Wilkins Park, Queens NY—thereby missing a perfect opportunity to showcase the diverse Ghanaian Cultures and generate enough revenue from the would-be numerous multi-ethnicity Ghanaian fans!



Just as the Stars would have set a permanent record should Gyan had converted the kick, NCOGA was right at the position to sell Ghanaian socio-cultural prowess to the Americans and reconnect the heritage of the diasporas especially the African Americans and our blood-related Caribbeans. It would have been a nicer way for Ghana to say THANK YOU for the prayers and support these people offered us during the world cup. Surely, the gate proceeds and revenues from selling Ghanaian paraphernalia and souvenirs to the would-be expectant crowd would have at least assisted in roofing a classroom block for a school in Ghana; or better still add a little dollar to their intended investment into the purchase of Community Center in New York. Indeed, these would have been possible if they had taken cognizance of the recent hype and positive image of Ghana across the globe; and had been a bit business oriented.

Someone might question ‘how possible?’ Well, I might be a layman to the business industry, but I do know that any bumper sale of a product depends on advertisement of its quality to the general public. Quality, they say, sells quantity! (As claimed Anlo Technical Institute) But an entrepreneur must foremostly sell the quality to the consumers. Ghana has already advertized itself as mentioned earlier, right from our current democratic dispensation culminating to the first visit of the first Black American President of U.S.A, and our recent world cups showcase in Egypt and South Africa respectively. Take it or doubt it; Ghana’s support at the just ended world cup was about 75-80% worldwide being the most supported team at the event. This assertion of mine was evidenced by reactions of many nationals about how Ghana got the exit of the world cup and further affirmed by my two weeks sojourn to a ‘White-domiciled’ suburb in Virginia. Comments and respect earned from the people on seeing my placard beautiful Black T-Shirt with ‘GHANA’ boldly inscribed anteriorly, makes me further love the country of my birth! Three days after my trip to Virginia, I met Edda, a German born blonde woman in her late 50s of age in a grey Toyota Camry at Costco in New Rochelle. I noticed that her Car Seat head-rest covers were of Ghana Flag. I couldn’t help than to approach curiously and asked where she bought them from. ‘A friend bought them for me. Oh I love Ghana. I am travelling there next week. We will go to Akosombo , the Volta Region and other places. My friend speaks Ewe’. She answered in succession. Luckily, she had extra to offer.

My point here is that NCOGA could have capitalized on this chance to advertize the Picnic on TV, Radio and Newspapers which are accessible to these people. This would have decentralized the event from being a ‘Ghanaian Picnic’ to ‘Ghana Supporters Picnic’ of which Ghana-loving people would have attended in their numbers. Rather, and regrettable to say; this has been the worst picnic I had attended in my 6th year of attending such event. Even at the 64 miles Orange County Fair Grounds, Middletown, New York, it takes one about 10-15 minutes to go through the gate. There were abundance of fun and events. Agbadza here, and Kpalongo there. Adowa at North and the Northeners at the southern zone. However at the recent Picnic in the City at 4.00 pm, I could easily count the participants at my finger tips, meanwhile the Park closes at 6:00pm! No any game played, simply because there was none organized. The volleyball net was there just to trap dust and air till it was removed. Yes, Lucky Mensah was on stage, but only sang to a handful of people who could not catalyze and reciprocate his moves as such moves need a crowd to stimulate.



Comparing the previous events to this year, many would have agreed with me that indeed NCOGA had missed the spot kick that matters most as did Asamoah Gyan. However, we could count on the organizers of the pending 2nd Annual Ghana Parade scheduled on 21st August, 2010 at Crotona Park, Bronx NY to ameliorate the situation. The final opportunity (in New York) is in their hands. They should maximize publicity despite their depleted budget to project Ghana further, for the time has come for people to know the difference between Ghana and Guyana (without contempt to the latter).



I believe if we are able to imbibe our cultural values and exhibit our friendliness and peacefulness to the masses, they will accord us the respect we deserve as immigrants regardless of where we find ourselves. We will advertize the nation for tourism. Also, our people might be a bit fortunate in their job search.



Here is a child with a greenstick fracture, and I am highly optimistic that should NCOGA and all stake holders ponder over my suggestions and implement them the next time, we will not only straighten our child’s leg, but will score our own goals without even hoping for a penalty kick.

GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA!



FRANK GOKA, NY

Frango2001@yahoo.com