NPP-Canada Winnipeg Chapter Inaugurated

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Canada branch formally launched its Winnipeg Chapter on August 25, 2018 at the Epiphany Lutheran Church, 200 Dalhousie Drive, Winnipeg, Canada. The program began at 8:00 p.m. with a fully-packed audience from the great elephant party. The occasion was graced by the special guest of honor, Mr. Kwame Abrefa (Chairman, NPP-Canada) and supported by Mr. Samuel Asirifi, (National Organizer, NPP- Canada).

The event commenced with a rousing welcome by the Master of Ceremony, Mr. Paul Agyemang-Duah, who introduced the special guests and acknowledged key members of the Ghana community in Winnipeg who were present. Following an open prayer from Mr. Ronald Gyawu, the Organizing Secretary for NPP Winnipeg Chapter, Dr. Osei Bonsu, the Chairman for the Chapter delivered his welcome address. In his speech, Dr. Osei Bonsu emphasized the important traditions of the NPP as a political party and recounted special events that occurred prior, during, and after the 1992 elections in Ghana. As a founding member of the NPP, he indicated his admiration for the role the party has played in Ghana’s development in the Fourth Republic and challenged the current NPP government to do better for its citizens for a prosperous future.

Mr. Samuel Asirifi gave a brief history of the NPP as a political party and its vision through the Danquah-Busia-Dombo tradition. He touted the achievements of the current NPP government in delivering its promises thus far, including implementing the party’s flagship Free SHS policy, implementing the paperless system at Ghana’s ports, construction of railway lines, the fight against illegal mining ‘galamsey’, among others. Mr. Asirifi highlighted that NPP Canada was the first external branch to be established in the diaspora; thus, providing leadership to other patriots living abroad. He encouraged members to join efforts together and build the current government’s goal of Ghana beyond Aid project.

On his keynote address, the National Chairman of NPP Canada Branch, Mr. Kwame Abrefa, expressed his profound gratitude to the Ghanaian community in Winnipeg for forming the NPP Winnipeg chapter. He was delighted to see the young, vibrant, and energetic youth who are willing to serve the party and their homeland Ghana. Chairman Abrefa, as he is affectionately called, reiterated the role of external branches in coordinating the activities of the party in the diaspora and supporting the government’s efforts in delivering on its promises to Ghanaians. He announced the scheduled Diaspora International Conference to be hosted by Canada in May 2019. He gave a snapshot of the structure of the NPP Chapters in Canada and how they are connected in their reporting responsibilities.

The executives who were sworn-in include:
1. Chairman - Dr. Kwabena Osei Bonsu
2. Vice Chairman - Dr. Michael Baffoe
3. General Secretary - Anderson Assuah
4. Deputy General Secretary - Albert Boakye
5. Women’s Organizer - Jennifer Ofori Akuamoah

6. Organizing Secretary - Ronald Gyawu
7. Deputy Organizing Secretary- Gabriel Darko
8. Treasurer - Prince Amankona
The newly-formed NPP Winnipeg chapter was formally launched by Mr. Abrefa. The eight (8) executive members took the oath of allegiance to the party and were subsequently sworn in for a four-year term to steer the affairs of the chapter. Mr. Abrefa charged the executive members to diligently execute their duties and carry out activities to increase the membership drive of the chapter.

The Winnipeg chapter chairman, Dr. Osei Bonsu, in his address after being formally sworn-in, affirmed the chapter’s commitment to work hard for the Canada branch and the party as a whole. He expressed gratitude to everyone who graced the occasion and urged all Ghanaians to support President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo in his efforts to develop Ghana. He acknowledged all volunteers who helped in making the inauguration a success.

Mrs. Jennifer Ofori Akuamoah, the Womens’ Organizer for NPP Winnipeg Chapter, gave the vote of thanks, and a closing prayer was said by Mr. Paul Agyemang-Duah. Congratulations, NPP Winnipeg Chapter!