The U. S. Labor Day holiday is fast approaching, and once again it is time for the sons and daughters of Akuapem and Asuogya to get together and celebrate their annual Odwira/Ohum Festival under the umbrella of the Okuapemman Association of USA and Canada (OKUSACA).
OKUSACA is a non-profit charitable organization registered in both the U. S. (501(c)3 status) and Canada. The Association comprises mainly people of Akuapem and Asuogya descent from the Eastern Region of Ghana; however, it is also open to (and does include) Ghanaians from other parts of the country who identify with the vision/mission of the Association and share its cultural heritage and values.
Traditionally, OKUSACA has used the Odwira/Ohum festival to also commemorate its founding, and this year is no exception: it will mark the Association’s 31st anniversary, along with the 34th anniversary of the founding of the Okuapemman Fekuw of Chicago, IL, which is one of OKUSACA’s ten Chapters across North America and the hosts of this year’s festivities.
This dual anniversary gives additional significance to the 2016 festival, which will be celebrated under the theme “BASIC EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS – KEYS TO A BETTER FUTURE FOR OKUAPEMMAN”, chosen to underscore OKUSACA’s strongly-held belief that basic education is the foundation to individual growth and personal development, which, when combined with awareness of the environment and appreciation of its importance, ultimately lead to community development and improved quality of life for all.
The dates for this week-end of fun and colorful Ghanaian cultural ceremonies (North American-style) are Friday September 2nd through Monday September 5th, 2016, and the venue is The Holiday Inn Mattesson Hotel and Conference Center, 500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Mattesson, IL 60443.
High-lights of the festival include: A durbar of chiefs and dignitaries from around the world in the afternoon on Saturday, September 3, 2016. A special fund-raiser towards the launching of an all-new OKUAPEMMAN DEVELOPMENT FUND. An architectural and historical boat-cruise on Lake Michigan, organized by the Host Chapter. An indoor picnic/day-party with a live band on Sunday afternoon, September 4, 2016 followed by an after party for all the “night owls”.
All Ghanaians and friends of Ghana are cordially invited to make their way to Chicago this Labor Day week-end and come celebrate with us.
For more information, please contact the President of the hosting Chicago Chapter, Mr. Paa Kwasi Sam at 302-609-9907.