by Ruth Aman
Saturday 15 July 2023
GhanaFest 2023 was a blast. In the cool summer weather, Ghanaians from all of Ottawa gathered at Brewer Park on July 15th to celebrate their great heritage. With a great selection of foods, music, games, and booths, the event was one that individuals of all ages could enjoy.
The event was hosted by the Ghanaian Association of Ottawa (GAO), an organization that has served Ottawa’s Ghanaian community for several years through various initiatives such as workshops for the youth, developmental projects, and social events such as the ‘GhanaFest’. Taking place every summer, GhanaFest is meant to bring Ottawa’s vibrant and historic Ghanian community together. GAO is a volunteer-driven community headed by President Bismark Otoo, who was at the event welcoming and reuniting with members of the organization. In attendance at the event was Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada His Excellency Anselm Ransford Sowah, and notable Ghanaian figures in Ottawa’s community such as the OCDSB’s Superintendent of Instruction Prince Duah. Those in attendance also included families, couples, church groups and those casually strolling through the park on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Families and guests arrived at the park throughout the day with their lawn chairs and snacks ready to relax in the company of their fellow country mates. Children were well taken care of with the Bouncy house provided by the GAO. And with the aroma of traditional foods rising in the air and classic Ghanaian hits playing in the background, nothing could stop the enjoyment of those at the park.
Displayed throughout the park were booths, food vendors, and shops which sold traditional clothing to those in need of a wardrobe update. The Ghana High Commission had also set up a table in which brochures and booklets were available to those who wanted to learn more about Ghana or wanted to pursue business endeavors. Being served at the table was a traditional malt beverage by the name of Milo, which is made from Ghanaian cocoa.
In the food lineup were fan favorites such as Fried Fish, Waakye, Yam, Jollof Rice, BBQ Chicken, and special drinks such as Zobolo. Other tables served small treats and snacks such as Ghana Meat pie and coconut biscuits. Burgers and chips were also available to keep the BBQ tradition alive. Not only was fresh food being sold but so were packaged foods and spices such as the Ghana Shito sauce made by 233 Flavors.
Walking through the park, one would notice the great and excited faces as people met each other and gave warm and welcoming hugs. For the most part, one would believe that these are simply a people who have known each other for a long time, but truthfully, this was just a sociable community meeting new and unfamiliar faces. One new face was a young woman by the name of Nana. She had recently moved to Ottawa and attended this event specifically in hopes of making new Ghanian friends and keeping her culture alive. To her, this event represented the strength and beauty of her Ghanaian culture. Regardless of where they are, they always come together. She plans to get involved in the GAO and use her strengths and talents to foster a stronger community.
Late into the afternoon, the most exciting portion of the event began: game time. From children to youth to adults, the GAO had planned staple picnic games such as tug-of-war and a sack race. The tug-of-war included rounds with the children alone, with families against each other, and one with just adults. All who were watching cheered violently for their friend/family member during the high-stakes adult round of the tug-of-war. After the group games, the host introduced the concluding event of the night which was the annual soccer game between Team Ghana and Team Uganda. After an action packed and tense game, Ghana took home the victory, uplifting the mood and celebration even more!
