GHANA AKWAABA FESTIVAL/GHANAFEST

After much planning, the GCAO and the youth of Ghanaian Canadian Multicultural Community Center (GCMCC) have given us a festival to look forward to every year. The maiden Ghanaian Akwaaba Festival, also identified by others as Ghana Fest Toronto took place on August 18^th 2012 at the Earl Bales Park. The event overall was deemed a success by the organizers considering the difficulties they overcame.  The Ghana Akwaaba Festival started later than the appointed time; however, the event took shape as the day progressed.  Members of the general public were entreated to BBQ, food and drinks at the park, there was a nursing tent set up to address people’s health questions, provide blood pressure monitoring and blood sugar checks.

The amphitheater seating about 500 plus audiences was filled with the sounds and rhythm of Ghanaian drums and music. A colorful parade of chiefs and their entourage added luster to the event. The general public and Nananom were entertained by various acts by highlife musicians, hip life singers, Azonto dancers, Adowa dancers etc., the masters of ceremony were Richmond and Douglas who were backed by the able D.J’s Bunny and D.J Obolo of Sound Masters.  On the musical line up were, Kobena Acquah –Harrison, Prince Young, J.J, Burnz, Cali, and I AM BIC, Poetic Virus, Lizzie (South African Musician), Empress Aisha (poet), Pentecost choir and Bobi Ansah Sisters who entertained and wowed the crowd with their unique sounds.

The key note address was by Togbe Zonyira (Fred Tay); who highlighted the role of chieftaincy within the Ghanaian community and the state. In his address, he acknowledged importance of chiefs and their relevancy in our lives and our roots as Africans and Ghanaians. Thus the different chiefs’ parade in their royal’s regalia added color and shed light on Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. The traditional Adowa dancers and Southern Volta drummers and dancers added luster to the program highlighting Ghana’s cultural musical strength.

The planning committee of the Ghana Akwaaba Festival  which consisted of Richmond Bonsu (Afro Entertainment) , Mark Berko , Wofa Yaw, Aunty Rita, Aisha, Hardness, Mr. Doudu, Larry Kutuadu,  Bernice and Bernadette,  appreciate the general public reception to the maiden festival.  A great many thanks to the police foundation and the Ghana consulate for their support. The committee plans on a bigger and collaborative festival for all Ghanaians and the general public next year at the same place.

 

By Bernadette Poku