Saturday 15 March 2025
Ghana at 68: Ottawa’s Vibrant Celebration of Unity, Entrepreneurship, and Progress
By Ijeoma Ukazu
On a cold evening, March 15th, the Ottawa Ukrainian Banquet and Convention buzzed with excitement as the Ghanaian community gathered to celebrate Ghana’s 68th Independence Day. The air was filled with the smell of Ghanaian cuisine, and the vibrant colours of traditional attire set the stage for a night of cultural pride and unity.
This year’s celebration, themed “Celebrating Entrepreneurship, Empowering Community,” underscored the significant role Ghanaians living abroad play in their homeland’s development. During his keynote address, the Acting Ghana High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency Simon Atieku, highlighted how remittances, investments, skills transfer, and advocacy contribute to shaping Ghana’s future.
Ambassador Atieku proudly announced a major milestone: the signing of the Air Transport Agreement between Ghana and Canada on March 5, 2025, in Montreal. Facilitated by Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization, the Aeronautical Society of Ghana, and the Ministry of Transport, this agreement paves the way for direct air connectivity between the two nations. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Canadian counterparts will enable seamless travel for business, tourism, education, and family engagements.
Additionally, he said, the High Commission in Ottawa has launched a dedicated student desk to provide specialized support for Ghanaian students in Canada. The mission will continue outreach programs across Canadian provinces to facilitate biometric passport registration for community members. Atieku encouraged all Ghanaians abroad to reconnect with their homeland by visiting Ghana.
Reflecting on Ghana’s democratic strength, Atieku acknowledged the peaceful and credible election process of December 2024, which led to the election of President John Dramani Mahama. Atieku said the President, in his inauguration address, had emphasized that Ghana’s independence was not an endpoint but the beginning of a continuous journey toward national development, economic self-sufficiency, and social progress.
Strengthening Community Bonds
Robert Bismark Otoo, President of the Ghana Association Ottawa (GAO), shared the association’s progress over the past year. The GAO has maintained a monthly newsletter that updates over 500 members about community activities. The association also plays a key role in supporting families during bereavement and organizing events such as the annual GhanaFest, which saw record attendance last year.
The GAO President said that GhanaFest 2025 is set for Saturday, July 13th, and promises to be the biggest yet. He urged the community to support and participate in this cultural gathering. The GAO remains a vital resource for Ghanaian international students, newcomers, and community members seeking guidance on immigration, employment, and other services. The association collaborates closely with the High Commission to ensure timely passport and visa services.
In January, the GAO organized a special get-together to honour a Ghanaian, Dr. Wisdom Tettey, who officially began his role as the 17th President and Vice Chancellor of Carleton University and made history as the first Black president at the university. Otoo expressed gratitude to all who continue to support the association’s initiatives.
he said that, as part of its vision for the year, the GAO was committed to mentoring young community members, encouraging educational excellence, and awarding scholarships through the GAO Scholarship Program. The newly formed Ghanaian Students Association of Ottawa aims to address challenges faced by international students and will work closely with the GAO to implement solutions.
Furthermore, the GAO is expanding its seniors’ program, launched last year, by forming a team to visit vulnerable seniors who are unable to attend community events. Additionally, a newly established community women’s group will lead initiatives to foster relationships among Ghanaian women in Canada.
Recognizing Excellence and Entrepreneurship
Hon. Rechie Valdez, Canada’s Minister of Small Business, addressed the gathering via a video message. She acknowledged the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of immigrants and praised Ghanaian entrepreneurs for their contributions to job creation, economic growth, and community development.
“When entrepreneurs succeed, communities thrive,” Valdez stated. She emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs through initiatives such as the Black Entrepreneurship Program, which provides loans of up to $250,000, and the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, offering micro-loans up to $50,000. She also cautioned against political efforts to cut these investments, emphasizing the need to continue uplifting and supporting minority-owned businesses.
The evening’s highlights included a moving spoken word performance by Ms. Philippa Molley from the Church of Pentecost, a cultural display by the Sankofa Cultural Troupe, and an energetic traditional dance performance by the same troupe. The troupe donned traditional Ghanaian attire, their vibrant kente cloths and intricate beadwork shimmering, followed by the energetic beats of drumming, their movements telling stories of Ghana’s rich history and culture.
Several members of the Ghanaian community received awards recognizing their entrepreneurial achievements and academic excellence. Some of the awardees include: Mama Cee Beauty Supply and Salon, Ms. Doris Koduah, Mrs. Phyllis Dadson Bourne, Prof. Zack Iboudo, Mr. Kofi Obeng, Mrs. Eduji Ofori Obeng, Mr. Calvin Owusu Bequin, Maame Serwaa Ahima Ahima, Onua Bakery and Café, Ms. Josephine Okrah, Mr. and Mrs. Mintah, Mr. Kwame Fenning Fenning, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kwodwo Sakyi and Mary Appiah Sakyi, Tadihomes, and Nana’s Beauty Saloon and Supplies.
As the celebration concluded, the resounding message was one of unity, progress, and reflection. The Ghanaian community in Ottawa reaffirmed its dedication to Ghana’s growth while strengthening its presence in Canada. The evening was not just a celebration of Ghana’s past but a commitment to a shared vision of empowerment and continued success.
