On the evening of September 9, 2023, Toronto’s Viceroy Banquet Hall was alive with the spirit of celebration and recognition.
The 20th Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards honoured 30 individuals and groups from the Ghanaian-Canadian community, acknowledging their significant contributions to both the local community in Canada and their homeland, Ghana.
The event, which drew a crowd of nearly 400 attendees, kicked off with renditions of the Canadian and Ghanaian national anthems by Priscilla Addo, also known as SILLLA in the music industry.
Emmanuel Ayiku, the Publisher/Editor of the Ghanaian News and head of the event organizing team extended a warm welcome to all attendees. He expressed his gratitude to everyone present, including long-standing partners and new friends who had come to celebrate the occasion.
Mr Ayiku praised the award recipients for their commitment to excellence, stating that their dedication serves as an inspiration for all Canadians, particularly those of Ghanaian descent. He also expressed his appreciation to the Awards Planning and Selection Committee and all sponsors for making the event possible.
Hon. Anselm Sowah, the Ghana High Commissioner to Canada, commended Ghanaian News for its consistency with the awards and its resilience to continue even after COVID in his goodwill message.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Dr. David Firang, Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work at Trent University, Ontario, Canada. Speaking on the theme ‘Promoting Excellence and Better Future for the Ghanaian Community’, Dr Firang encouraged Ghanaians residing in Canada to establish a robust social support network to foster a brighter future. He expressed optimism that Ghanaians in Canada could transition from vulnerability to empowerment by sticking together and providing each other with necessary support.
The award ceremony then commenced with nominees receiving awards in various categories:
Professional Excellence
- Dr De-Lawrence Lamptey
- Maame De-Heer
- Dorothea Dadson
- Juanita De-Souza-Huletey
- Liz Okai
Social Brand Ambassador
- Kwame Anane Frempong
Innovation
- Francis Adu-Donkor
Professional Service
- Louisa Boachie-Freeman
- Sonia Kyei Mensah Addo
Religion/ Outreach
- Rev. Dr. Albert Osae-Akonnor
Community Person of The Year
- Felicia Oppong Botchway
Special Award
- Justice Kweku Tawiah Ackaah-Boafo
Lifetime Award
- Agnes Summers (Makola)
- Dr. Nana Sasraku La-Kumi
Community Service
- Juliet Opoku
- Ajoa Ayeko (Eve A. Labi)
- Nana Yaa Yeboaah (Bernadette Mary Poku)
- Collins Yaw Kyere
- Raymond Paul Ansah
- Janet Dankwa
Special Community Engagement
- Association of Ghanaian Canadian Law Enforcement Officers
Heritage
- Nii Tawiah Okurajah Koney
Academic
- Mohammed Abdulai
- Shamima Nyamekye
Community Business
- Afro Continental Restaurant
Entrepreneur
- Irene Norgah
Sports
- Jeremy Aibi
Music
- Priscilla Addo (SILLLA)
Media
- Nana Yaa Konadu Berima Tweneboa Kodua
Music/Entertainment
- Abubakar (D-Flex) Alhassan
The evening concluded with joyous celebrations as awardees took photos with friends and family and danced to highlife tunes selected by the DJ.
Attendees interviewed after the event expressed hope for receiving awards at next year’s ceremony in 2024 and congratulated the organizers on a well-executed event.
Click below to view and download pictures from the awards event:
Source: Ebenezer Amankwah