Chicago, IL, January 28, 2017 -- The year, 2017 marks the 60th anniversary of Ghana's independence from the British Empire and the first African nation, South of the Sahara, to win its independence from colonial rule. In celebration, the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC), its Affiliates, the Council of Ghanaian Churches and the Ghanaian Professionals of North America, have planned a week of extraordinary events to commemorate this moment in history. The celebrations start from March 4 through March 12, 2017. Members of the Chicago Ghanaian, African and other communities are invited to join in the festivities and activities marking the momentous event!

The theme of the celebrations is: “Ghana: 60 years of Spirit of Unity and leadership in Africa; what it means to our nation and the future.
The joyous week of celebrations will launch at a Town Hall meeting on January 28th, 2017 at the Lakeshore Hotel, formerly Ramada Inn, 4900 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago Il 60615. The meeting is designed for the new GNC Executives to meet with Elders and leaders of the Ghanaian Community and brainstorm for solutions to issues affecting the community.

The Health and wellness fair at the African International House, 6200 South Drexel, Chicago IL 60615 will jump start the celebrations. Members of the community are invited to participate. Experienced Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals will be available to provide vital health screenings and teaching on selected health topics geared towards known health problems in our community. The event starts at 9:00 am to 12:30 pm on March 4, 2017. Please contact Nana Yaa Ampofo (Asst. publicity secretary, GNC) @ 630-301-9233 or Eunice Cromwell (Business Manager, GNC) @ 773-526-9493 for more information.

In the evening of March 4th will be a live concert by Mr. Eazi at the Harold Washington cultural center. 4701 South King Drive, Chicago Illinois. Gate opens at 5pm

Friday, March 10, 2017, is labeled sip and paint party (SPP) at 345 Art Gallery, located at 345 N Kedzie, Chicago IL 60612. Up and coming Ghanaian artist, Osei Agyeman-Badu, whose artwork is featured at the famous Chicago Museum of Art and Science Industry, will be in attendance. He will lead participants in painting celebrated Ghanaian art images while sipping on champagne and listening to Ghanaian music playing in the background. The event starts at 7 pm. Attendees will have something to paint and take home! The fee for participating is $25.
The climax of the celebrations is an Independence Dinner Dance scheduled on March 11, 2017, at the luxurious Chateau Del Mar, 8301 West 95th Street, Hickory Hills, Illinois, 60457. Prayers and libation will open this elegant evening, followed by a moving speech, live cultural performances, music by esteemed trumpeter Mr. Kofi Cromwell and some of the best D.J’s in the Chicagoland area. All this entertainment is sure to make this celebration one of a kind. A four-course meal with an open bar is nicely packaged at the affordable price of $75.00 per person. Attendees will have the opportunity to hit the ballroom dance floor to display their skills into the early morning hours, ending at 1:00 a.m. The event starts at 7:00 pm prompt. For ticket information, please call the GNC organizing secretary, Nana Kwame Frimpong at 847-401-1145.

The following day, March 12, a non-denominational Thanksgiving Service will bring together people of Christian, Muslim, and other faiths. Prayers and sermons focused on the history of empowerment, peace, and visions for the future will be offered by the Council of Ghanaian Churches, accompanied by scintillating gospel music that will stir the soul. We will give thanks for sixty years in praise and worship. The service begins at 3:00 pm and ends at 5:00 pm, followed by refreshments. The location for the service will be Ghanaian Community Church, 5500 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago Illinois 60616. This event is free and open to the public.

The Executives, planning committee of Ghana@60 in Chicago has directed that Ghanaians and friends of Ghana should fly the Ghana Flag in their homes, cars, offices and workplaces from March 4 through March 12, 2017. They should also tell their families, friends, and co-workers the relevance of Ghana’s independence to the freedom of other African countries and the black race across the globe, especially how Ghana’s independence galvanized the civil rights movement in the United States.