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GHANA’S GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION IN REGGIO EMILIA

By JANLILYN MENSAH (Italy)
Diaspora (Italy) GHANAS GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION IN REGGIO EMILIA
JUN 29, 2007 LISTEN

It is a year of Jubilee, a Golden Jubilee for Ghanaians; and it was a Day of a Golden Jubilee Celebration for the Ghana Nationals in the Italian Province of Reggio Emilia, when they celebrated a day they have been looking forward to seeing at the Gardens of Buco di Magico.

His Excellency, Mr. Charles Adjei Amoama, in his white laced shirt and a “kente” cloth wrapped around him and over his left shoulder signifying his patriotism joined in the celebration, together with other special guests who honoured their invitation was Signore Mirto Basoli, General Secretary of CGIL in RE, Signora Margaret Savoli, a Member of the Secretariat Staff in CISL, Signore Ricco Paolo, President of Buco di Magico and also Signore Dante Bigliardi, The President of Filef a man who has been of great assistance to Ghanaians and other African Immigrants in the past.

Anthems of the two collaborating countries were played and sung when three wonderful Ghanaian Children represented each country with its National Flag and another Flag signifying Peace. The audience were clearly enchanted after Madam Evelyn Sarpong had led them through the musical version of Ghana's National Pledge, “I Promise on my Honour”.

At the sound of the “fontomfrom”, echoing great traditional musical sounds in the ears of all attendants, the Chieftain of the Ghanaian Community in Reggio Emilia, Nana Owusu Sarpong and a representative of the Kumawuhene, Oheneba Nana Kwaku Duah and their people, dressed in full regalia, led by talented “adowa” dancers, danced their way to the stage, giving the programme a traditional taste.

The vigorous hardworking spirit that our indefatigable leaders strived very hard with, to attain independence for the land of our birth, still runs in the blood of every Ghanaian and this was testified in every single speech delivered by the special invitees. Each delivered speech praised Ghanaians without not forgetting to mention how hardworking and responsible we are.

In acknowledgements to the various sources of assistances which supported the occasion, Signore Dante Bigliardi was honoured with a certificate by His Excellency, The Ambassador, for great assistance to Ghanaian Immigrants to Italy some years back. Mr. Fiifi Yamoah, Patron of the Ghana Nationals Association in Reggio Emilia, Miss Lena Manu, an influential youth organiser , Mr. Joseph Walker, who has been of a great assistance to Ghanaians in terms of immigration laws, Mr. Ebo Smith, a former Black Star Player, and the various musical groups who participated on the Gospel Night were honoured with certificates.

In his speech Mr. Hastings Osei Anokye, President of the Ghana Nationals Association in Reggio Emilia, gave highlights on how Ghana, being the first African nation to attain independence paved the way for other African countries to free themselves from colonial rule. He also commemorated the personalities who led Ghana in gaining freedom, saying, “These men popularly known as the BIG SIX were indefatigable in their zeal to realize the vision of independence, freedom and justice for our dear nation, and for this we shall ever be grateful”.
Mr. Samuel Offei, before delivering a mastereful performance of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on the 6th of March, 1957, educated his fellow youths and reminded the old of the historic life and achievements of this celebrated hero.

In an address by His Excellency, Mr. Joseph Agyei-Amoama, he mentioned how some Italian companies had helped in the development of Ghana since independence.
“Ghanaians are peaceful, hardworking and serious about integration”, this was answer by the Mayor of Reggio-Emilia to a question of “How do you find Ghanaians?”, asked by His Excellency the Ambassador. He encouraged Ghanaians to partnership with foreigners and establish medium and small enterprises in Ghana to create employment and also in order to provide a successful resolution to the problem of young Ghanaians emigrating their country to seek greener pastures, now that the government has created a good business atmosphere. “Walk out with shoulders high and chests out, because Ghana is in the ascendancy”, he said and edged Ghanaians to unite and form a great Association because together we stand, divided we fall.

Mr. Osei Bonsu briefed the audience on the history of Ghana and concluded in saying, “Ghana is moving forward and we must put in our best for the progression for Mother Ghana”.

Song ministration by Sister Mary Osei and a fashion show, showcasing the different designs sewn with the African cloth and the cat-walking skills of the teens made the occasion more exciting. Some youngsters also exhibited their talents in a dance performance. Mr. Charles Obeng, popularly known as “water-ho” created endless laughs after cracking couple of jokes.

The enthusiastic attendants who were anxious to knowing what was in store for them, were much pleased with what they call real entertainment when the occasion ended with an open dance floor.

In an interview with the Ambassador, he encouraged the Executives of the Ghana Nationals Association to hold on to their vision for the Association and edge Ghanaians to unite.

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