Columbus (OH) marks Ghana’s 49th Independence

The Ghana Council of Columbus (OH), under the auspices of the Ghana Embassy in the US, brought Ghanaians and friends of Ghana in and around the Central Ohio area together to commemorate Ghana's 49th year of independence from the British.

His Excellency Fritz K. Poku, Ghana's Ambassador to the US was the special guest of honor.

As part of the 4-day celebration, the Ambassador met with Mayor Michael Coleman and officials of the City of Columbus, Governor Bob Taft and officials of the State of Ohio. He paid a working visit to the Ohio State University, where he met with the Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the President as well with faculty. He also met with members of the Ghanaian clergy, as well as participate in a town hall meeting with Ghanaians resident in the city of Columbus.

In these meetings, the Ambassador and his entourage discussed and explored areas of mutual cooperation between Ghana and the respective institutions. A sister city relationship between Kumasi (in the Ashanti Region) and Columbus (OH) was discussed in one of the meetings. Faculty, student and cultural exchanges, among other things were discussed in another.

At the town hall meeting with Ghanaians residents in Columbus (OH), the Ambassador and his aides (Messrs. Rasheed Inusah and Johnson Adasi, Minister Counselor and Minister in Charge of Trade respectively), answered questions regarding recent government legislations, consular services, as well as the state of affairs in Ghana.

At the Bethany Presbyterian Church where he interacted with members of the African-American community as well as Ghanaian professionals, Mr. Fritz Poku espoused the Ghana's success under the leadership of the present administration and emphasized the fact that Ghana is open for business. He also mentioned Ghana's Golden Jubilee Anniversary theme, the Joseph Project, a government initiative aimed at regrouping the talents of Ghanaians and African- Americans spread abroad.

The community's celebration climaxed in durbar* of Chiefs, Queen-mothers, and people of Ghana at the King Arts Complex on Saturday March 11 which celebrated the culture and heritage of Ghana. Amongst the diverse and distinguished audience was Laura Joseph, Director of OSU's Center for African Studies and Nana Aba Kweiba I, Nkosohema of Mozano (alias Ann B. Walker).

Special thanksgiving services were held at the Ghana SDA Church and at the Church of Pentecost, both in Columbus.

The Ghana Council of Columbus (OH) is an apex organization of all ethnic and social groupings of Ghanaians resident in Columbus (OH) aimed at advancing a common national interest. Dr. Padmore Agbemabiese is the Council's president.

*See video highlights from the durbar at the Screening Room at www.roselandmagic.com.