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17.11.2009 Diaspora (Germany)

Union of Ghanaian Associations in Germany (UGAG) National Conference on Saturday

By kwaku appiah
UGAG Elections in Worms 004UGAG Elections in Worms 004
17.11.2009 LISTEN

The Union of Ghanaian Associations in Germany (UGAG)held its second National Representative Council meeting on Saturday November 14th in the religiously historical German town of Worms. The union, which provides a platform to coordinate and consolidate efforts of its local partners had a tall programme full of highlights.

It also attracted a lot of dignitaries as well as media personnel. The Ghana Embassy was represented by the new head of Consular Affairs, Mr George De Souza and Mr John C. Amoah, first secretary at the Consular Section. In his address Mr De Souza urged the members to uphold the unity that has brought them this far citing thr European Union as an example. He urged all to unite behind the leadership of Ugag so as to enable them perform. The doors of the Embassy, he said, will always remain open to all at all times.

The Union also used the meeting to reflect upon the success of the Ghana Cultural festival held in August in Cologne as well as various programmes aimed at helping people of Ghanaian descent to integrate into German society.

Another major highlight was a presentation by two officers from Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC). Dr Peter Ankrah and Mr Emmanuel Osei who flew in from Ghana specially for this meeting, informed members on investments possibilities in Ghana as well as incentives and regulations on them. They also answered several questions on taxation, capital, available infrastructure etc.

The high point of the meeting came as the members were called to elect a new executive and other board members of Ugag for the next two year term.

The keenly contested polls ended with Mr Alfred Aganah(Worms) as National President with Mr James Commey-Bortsie (Saarbrucken) as Vice – President. Mr William Nketia (Cologne) took the role of General Secretary whilst Mr Kwaku Amponsem (Mannheim-Ludwigshafen) and Mr Daniel Dake (Stuttgart) retained the positions of Organising secretary and Finance secretary respectively.

The outgoing National President Mr Ato Annobil (Cologne), congratulated the new executives and urged them to strive to sustain the aims and objectives of the union. Mr. Alfred Aganah, the President-elect called on the few who have managed, despite immense difficulties, to keep UGAG running, never to relent but to keep going. “I am very grateful for your efforts and commitments. Do not be deterred by those who only sit back and criticize you for spending your time and energy for the sake of others. Shun them and work yet harder”. He stressed.

In attendance, were Unions from Landshut, Munich, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Saarland, Mannheim and Ludwigshafen, Worms, Darmstadt, Cologne and Krefeld.

submitted by kwaku appiah
Development / Accra / Ghana / Africa / Modernghana.com

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