The Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., H.E. Jane Gasu Aheto has commended the GaDangme Association in the United States for its commitment to preserving Ghanaian culture and promoting the welfare of Ghanaians abroad as the group marked its 40th anniversary.
Speaking on behalf of Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S., H.E. Victor Emmanuel Smith, at the anniversary celebration, Ms. Aheto conveyed the Ambassador’s congratulations to the GaDangme community for its sustained efforts in uniting Ghanaians and projecting the country’s image in the United States. Ambassador Smith could not attend the event as he was accompanying the presidential delegation at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Ms. Aheto emphasized that milestones such as the 40th anniversary offer an opportunity to reflect on successes and challenges while charting a course for a prosperous future. She assured the gathering that the Embassy remained committed to working closely with the GaDangme Association and other Ghanaian groups in the U.S. to promote the interests of citizens.
Touching on national developments, she highlighted the Government of Ghana’s Reset Agenda under President John Dramani Mahama, which focuses on restoring economic stability, improving the investment climate, and pursuing a transformative 24-hour economy to accelerate growth and create jobs for the youth. She noted that the theme of the celebration, “Celebrating 40 years: Ready to Rebuild, Restore, Revitalize our Culture and Heritage”, resonated with the government’s vision of reinforcing Ghana’s heritage as a foundation for socioeconomic development.
Ms. Aheto further recalled President Mahama’s role as the African Union’s Champion for Reparations, stressing that his leadership on reparative justice would help address the lingering effects of colonialism and globalization while revitalizing African traditions and identity.
She also welcomed the recent restoration of Ghana’s multiple-entry visa facility of up to five years, cautioning Ghanaians in the diaspora to use the privilege responsibly to avoid adverse consequences.
The Deputy Head of Mission praised the GaDangme Association’s role in the formation of the Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA), noting that its contributions had helped unify Ghanaians of diverse ethnic backgrounds in the U.S.
She concluded by assuring the community of the Embassy’s continued support and revealed that Ambassador Smith would soon outline his vision and objectives during his tenure through an upcoming engagement with Ghanaians in the U.S
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
