Ghanaian Canadian Community Center Project: A Community In Need

The Ghanaian Canadian Community Center project was launched at Luna Ballroom on December 15th 2013. The launch had been planned and advertised since august 2013. Present at Sundays launching were a handful of Ghanaians.

The organizers chose Luna Ballroom located at intersection of Jane Street and Wilson Ave., to be in the main hub that Ghanaians live. These areas are also known to be high crime areas. Rather most of those in attendance were from, Oshawa's, Ajax, Vaughn, Mississauga. Areas where Ghanaians are known to live in their numbers include the ChalkFarm, Driftwood, Trethway and Falstaff. The Toronto metro housing corridor, it is at these locales that many of Ghanaian perpetuated crimes and or have died by violence.

In attendance were special invited guest and supporters of the Ghanaian Canadian Community Center project, some of the executives of the Ghanaian Canadian association of Ontario, Hon. Sullivan Member of Parliament for York- Weston, RCMP Constable Charles Obeng, and Constable Amartei, Toronto police officer Felix Konadu.

Addressing those present at the event, Hon. Sullivan MP. York –Weston acknowledged that the city needs more community centers. There is also a need to dialogue with the city and the federal government. Stephen Harper, has set aside funding for crime prevention and since the main objective aside from teaching culture is also helping to mitigate and prevent crime led activities and life styles among the youth at risk.

Although he applauded the efforts of the organizers, he also noted the shame it reflects on the community that such an important event was met with a dismal attendance. Hon. Sullivan made it known that he cannot make promises; however, he will do his best to assist the Ghanaian Canadian community on how to organize this project. He also noted his admiration of the Ghanaian Canadian Mounties present at the event.

The keynote address was given Mrs. Agnes Summers (Makola). As known to the community, she did not mince words when given the opportunity. Most Ghanaian attitudes are known to all, and the fact that matters of community importance that they have complained about for over twenty years have still not found a champion is a shame. She called on all Ghanaians, young and old, rich and poor to be part of this project.

Addressing the community, Maame Makola wants the Ghanaian Canadian community to categorically know that, the community center is not for Makola, the community center is for the Ghanaian community. If Ghanaians do not build this community center as other communities such as (Somalian, Jamaican, etc) have gathered to build theirs, then the government and investors will be approached to this effect.

The Asantehene of Toronto Nana Anokye and his Nananom also commented on the attitudes of Ghanaians towards such an important community project. Nana Anokye stated that it is sad that Ghanaian's do not show for such events. He pointed out that children want to learn about their culture, their country and maintain a sense of belonging when the elders of the community are no longer. Thereby encouraging the organisers to keep faith and work towards this project and that they will support however best they can even if there is a need to go from church to church to fundraise for this project.

RCMP Constable C. Obeng encouraged the Ghanaian Canadian youth to consider a rewarding career in the law enforcement agency while Aunty Theresa, a nurse consultant with Princess Margaret Hospital offered her support and mentorship to any youth interested in the nursing profession. Both speakers noted the chance it gives people to effect change within their independent and various communities; above all, saving ourselves and our community when we build this community center.

Sincere appreciation to Mrs. Elizabeth Berko for her unwavering support, Akwasi Adjei, executives of the GCAO, Mr. Godfred Nyamekye, Aisha Addo, Emmanuel Oppong, Richmond Bonsu, Bernadette Mary Poku, Debbie Donkor and the many others that have supported and continue to support.