Ghanaians living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) converged in their numbers at Queen’s Park, the Provincial Legislature of Ontario, to witness the raising of Ghana’s flag. It was hoisted on Friday, 8th March 2019 in celebration of Ghana’s 62nd Independence Anniversary. The event was hosted by the Consulate General of Ghana in collaboration with the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO) under the theme “celebrating peace and unity.” It was attended by a cross section of community leaders and members as well as some members of the diplomatic corps and others. Amongst the diplomatic corps were representatives from UAE, St. Kitts and Nevis, Malaysia, and Russia. A representative from Canada Border Services Agency also graced the occasion.
Hon. Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources also attended the flag raising ceremony. Nananom and the Consulate staff as well as some of the community members were all decked in their colorful kente costumes portraying the beautiful Ghanaian culture.
After the observance of protocol by the MC, Mr. Alexander Ben-Acquaah, Consul/Minister Counsellor of the Ghana Consulate, Rev. Kenneth Korsah of the Ghanaian Anglican Church of Toronto was called upon to give the opening prayer. Thereafter, the Ghana flag was hoisted by the Consul General Mr. Thomas Seshie accompanied by the singing of Ghana’s national anthem by two young sisters from Hamilton Page and Ava Kyere followed by Canada’s national anthem.
Congratulatory remarks were given by Hon. Chris Clover, NDP MPP for Spadina-Fort York who later presented a citation to Mr. Thomas Seshie. Hon. Mitzie Hunter, Liberal MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood also wished well for Ghana and spoke about the year of return happening in Ghana now.
The Ghana Consul General in Toronto, Mr. Thomas Seshie recounted the historical events on Ghana since its Independence when it played and continue to play leading roles in the quest for the emancipation of the Black race, and indeed all oppressed people. Our first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, has said, “the Independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked to the total liberation of Africa”. It is, therefore, the vision of the people and government of Ghana to promote and stand for democracy and good governance in all parts of the world.
After the speech of Consul General Seshie, Mrs. Christy Nuamah, President of Ga-Dangbe Association of Toronto led in the singing of the Traditional Anthem “Yen Ara Asase Ni”.
In a Congratulatory message submitted to the Consulate earlier, Premier Doug Ford acknowledged the significant presence of members of the Ghanaian community within the Mosaic that make up Ontario.
