The minutes of GaDangme International Unity Conference at Greensboro. North Carolina. August 29th to August 30th, 2008. Theme: “Reclaiming Our Heritage” The Prelude to Greensboro Conference. GaDangmebii, the study of world history tells us that unity,good organization and hard work are what differentiate great,powerful from the weak and the poor ones.
The weak are compelled to serve,sometimes the weaks ask to put themselves under the dominion of the strong ones. GaDangmebii this how things have gone throughout history and this is the way it will go in the future.
What a tragedy it will be if GaDangmebii become subordinate to other ethnic groups in Accra,but if GaDagangmebii fail to organize themselves,is sure to happen as we continue to fight among our selves and keep our eyes off the prize.
GaDangmebii we are losing of Accra,Osu,La,Teshie,Nugua and Tema and as if we haven't already. Brothers and sisters just go to your neiborhood and check who own the commercial establishments and then check the backgrounds of the servants and workers in minial positions,You will be amazed at the numbers of GaDangmebii in such positions.
As this becomes clear and obvious,other ethnic groups are getting bolder and opening disdaning our rich culture. These are nornal human sentiments against the socially and economically weak, this is a weakup call for GaDangmebii to be aggressive and unit to regain our respectability in the eyes of others.
The above message as a backdrop of GaDangmebii fate in Ghana,aroused delegates from Minnesota, Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina,Houston,New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Washington DC, Virginia and United kingdom.Nii Yartey was present to cover the conference world wide.
MINUTES OF THE GADANGME
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE HELD ON
MAY 23, 2009 AT LITHIA SPRING, GEORGIA.
1.0 ATTENDANCE
1.1 Name of states: Designation/Representation
1. Atlanta, Georgia
2. Raleigh, North Carolina
3. Denver, Colorado
4. Philadelphia, PA.
5. New York
6. New Jersey
7. Virginia
8. Florida
9. Worcester, MA.
10. Toronto
11. Wyoming
2.0 OPENING
The proceedings commenced with the pouring of traditional libation by Nii Aku Danso at 10am, after which Rev. Dr. Victor Nartey offered a prayer, and the song "Mawu Agbo" was rendered in exhortation.
3.0 WELCOME ADDRESS
The Chairperson Mrs. Lydia Petit of the GaDangme Association of Atlanta was introduced and she welcomed all participants to the conference.
4.0 MINUTES OF UNITY CONFERENCE
The interim Secretary of the GaDangme International (GDI), Reginald Nii Ofei Darko, was introduced by the conference moderator Mr. Isaac Nortey. Reginald Darko read the minutes of the Unity Conference held at Greensboro, North Carolina on Aug.29th and 30th 2008,highlights of which were the following observations:
1. that from a close study of world history, unity, good organization and hard
work are the outstanding characteristics which differentiate great, wealthy
and powerful people from the weak and poor ones, and
2. That our people, the GaDangme, must take note of this and apply them
accordingly.
5.0 SOLIDARITY STATEMENTS
The presiding chairman Dr. Ben Doodo invited delegates of member states associations attending to offer comments. Statements were made by the following,
expressing their solidarity with the GDI and support for its ideals:
1. The newly formed GaDangme Association of Colorado at Denver, commending and congratulating the GaDangme International (GDI) on their efforts to unite GaDangmebii.
2. The GaDangme Association of New Jersey, expressing gratitude to the
GaDangme Association of Atlanta for hosting the conference. The message
was read by Mr. Eddie Mettle.
3. The GaDangme Weku Kpee of North Carolina, at Raleigh, while expressing their support for the work of the GDI, would want regular communication from the GaDangme International (GDI). Dr. Nii Kpakpa Quartey read the message.
4. Dr. Sam Quartey, speaking on behalf of the GaDangme Foundation of Philadelphia, thanked the GDI for all their efforts and recommended the formation of an Alliance with the African-American community.
5. The Interim Assistant Secretary of the GDI and a member of the GaDangme Association of Toronto, Canada, Eugene Kotey expressed the sentiment that they wanted to see some concrete decisions and actions taken by this conference.
6. Other a rmations of support were from:
• Nii Aku Danso, from Wyoming representing GaDangme Assoc. of Wyoming.
• Nii Yartey, a host of GFM Radio from London said GaDangmebii in Europe were encouraged to learn that the GDI was now united. He added that they were mainly prevented by conflicting schedules from making an appearance at this conference and promised that they would be present when the GDI meets next year.
• Nii Djase-tse of Asere representing Asere Clan of Accra
• Naa Foowa in the U.K. representing GFM Listeners from UK.
6.0 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
1. Welcome/Gratitude:
In his address, the interim President, Dr. Ben Dodoo, welcomed the Prampram Mankralo who had traveled from Accra, Ghana and all participants at the conference and expressed gratitude especially to the following:
• the Ga Dangme Association of Atlanta for surmounting logistical difficulties and the hard work involved in hosting the conference,
• the GA youth group of Ghana for their contribution towards a democratic change in Ghana,
• the interim Executive Committee members of the GDI, namely Mrs. Pat Nunoo, Messrs Isaac Nortey, Reuben Darku, Eugene Kotey, Reginald Darko and Dr. Sam Quartey for all the time, energy and other resources spent (including teleconferences held) towards the establishment of a strong, united GDI.
2. Health:
Dr. Dodoo expressed the GDI's willingness to contribute towards the health needs of our people back home in Ghana and informed the conference that the following items have been shipped to Ghana under the auspices of the GDI for distribution to clinics:
(a) Eye Glasses, and
(b) Blood-pressure testing
(c) and blood sugar testing equipment.
He then suggested that attention should focus on health care needs in and around the villages and the deprived outskirts of the cities.
3. Education:
The interim President Dr. Ben Dodoo further lamented on the inability of GaDangme children in Ghana to acquire the requisite education to equip them to compete in the economic and job market place of today for lack of adequate funding support.
7.0 ADDRESS BY GUEST SPEAKERS
1. The Guest Speaker, Prof.Martey Dodoo unveiled his vision for the GaDangme people in a power point presentation.He called it "A Simple Plan To Revitalize GaDangme Urban Districts" but one that can used for other urban districts in Ghana.The plan has been successfully used to revitalize various parts of New York city, Regina, Boston, Calgary Philadelphia and Baltimore and hence there is no reason why it should not work in urban Ghana.The objective is to provide decent housing and jobs.
What we have so far:
He stated that South-Eastern Ghana and GaDangmebii are dragging behind and late in economic development.Incemental projects by individual organizations and individuals have not been enough.The old Accra Development Agency ( OACADA) and Ga Mashi Development Agency ( GAMADA) have not been enough.
So what we need is a bold, concerted, united effort by mutiple organizations and mutiple individuals,communities,corporations,government and NGOs, to substantially develop housing, sanitation and jobs to lift the GaDangme communities.
The Revitalisation Plan
Prof. M. Dodoo proprosed a simple but inclusive plan which we summarize below:
A Revitalization Corporation backed by laws to generate dedicated revenue, and public- private funding streams.
Preservation/ renewal/upgrading of historical private and public buildings;
Adequate replacement housing for all including mutiple commercial-residential use conversions to generate income for families.
Protected zones for businesses consciously set up to provide the maximum of decent jobs for local GaDangme residents.
Multiple funding models including credit union, micro-lending, public-private, GaDangmes abroad, external government and foundation donors.
He concluded that the choices are simple. If we delay in revitalizing Accra- we risk an accelerated growth in slums and poverty in Accra. If we revitalize Accra now, we avert poverty, create more tax paying citizens and pump millions of money into the Ghanaian economy.
He stated that millions of Ghanaians yearn for a revitalized capital city, and a quarter of a million indigenous GaDangme may by at risk of extreme poverty. In the names of these millions, and their sake, he asked all to present to join in the struggle and effort to revitalize Accra now.
Dr. D.Ayoka Jasey-Sowa-La, a researcher and author, was also invited to make a presentation and his remarks emphasized:
Unity among the GaDangme.
Respect for one another.
as a bedrocks on which development could be built.
He said the Ga and Dangme people were kith and kin who traveled together from acient Isreal to the shores of Ghana.
He pointed out the need to know our history and teach our children about our past heroes to inspire them.
3. Nene Atsure Benta III, Prampram Mankralo, invited as guest speaker made a compelling presentation to the group. In his remarks he spoke about the preservation of the Ga and Dangme languages, pointing out that, in Accra today, the two languages have almost lost relevance in seeking for jobs, unlike the past especially in the colonial and early indepence era, when for example most Principal Secretaries were of Ga and Dangme extraction. The lack of urgency attached to some issues which affect our collective destiny, such as the work of the Regional House of Chiefs. He cited instances when the House could not meet for lack of quorum. He suggested that GDI members deliberate on these issues when in contact mantsemei (chiefs) bring attention to these issues and discussions with the
The welfare and upkeep of mantsemei (chiefs) after installation is a big issue and the lack of resources is an impediment to good and well meaning and organised leadership, which leads the unscrupulous ones among them to resort to other means of support for their survival. Inadequate education of some chiefs, and chieftaincy litigation contributes immensely to impeding progress.
8.0 OTHER MATTERS
1. GADANGME YOUTH: On behalf of the Ga Dangme Youth in Ghana, Nakai Nettey thanked Dr. Ben Dodoo, Dr. Sam Quartey and Mr. Isaac Nortey for their personal contributions towards sustaining the movement. He complained that the GaDangmes are being short-changed in their applications for U.S visa relative to other ethnic groups, even though the consulate is located on their (GaDangme) homeland.
2. REPRESENTATION ON GADANGME COUNCIL: Dr. Ben Dodoo and Mr. Reginald Darko were nominated to represent the GDI on the GaDangme Council in Ghana.
3. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Answering a question on the lost of GaDangme lands, Nii Okai a representative of the Ga Dangme Association of North Carolina at Greensboro explained that, although the chiefs are partly responsible for the sale of lands, the bulk of the GaDangme lands are currently sold by members of land holding families. On lack of information on the GDI throughout the year, the conference was informed that, hopefully, the GDI website would soon be functional. To facilitate easy flow of information among members, conference participants were asked to register their names, postal and e-mail addresses, telephone numbers etc.
4. APPEAL FOR FUNDS TOWARDS EDUCATION: Mr. Nakai Nettey initiated an appeal for funds challenging all concerned GaDangmemei present to contribute $300 each towards the establishment of educational seed fund for GaDangme youth in Ghana. He was enthusiastically supported by Mr. Reginald Darko who explained that if Ga Dangmemei intend to be compete effectively in Ghana, an international fund to service the education initiative is a must. Twenty (20) participants responded with donations. An initial list of contributors is attached as Appendix. The GaDangme International School Aid Project was accordingly launched. Prof. Martey Dodoo was nominated to chair the project. The Prampram Mankralo promised to donate a parcel of land at Prampram for commencement of the project.
5. REAL ESTATE: It was announced that Nii Yartey, the GFM Radio host, together with some business persons have established a real estate company in Accra. Construction will begin at Adjen Kotoku and will use shipping containers which reduces material cost to half of that of conventional houses. Prof. Martey, who has invested in the company, explained the nature the container houses and also gave examples of such houses in the U.S.A and Canada. An invitation was thrown to GDI members to invest in the company.
6. ELECTIONS: Elections to choose the executives to run the GDI were postponed because the constitution was not ready. The Conference was informed that the constitution would be ready for adoption at the GDI Conference scheduled for New York City next year 2010. It was announced in connection with the election of o cers that only associations and individuals who have paid up their yearly dues would be allowed to participate in the election. The Electoral Commissioners were chosen from among the states present at the summit.
NAMES OF COMMISSIONERS:
(a) Kwame Arthur . . . . . . . . . Atlanta
(b) Evelyn Neequaye. . . .Toronto
(c) Gator Okine . . . . . . . . . .New York
(d) Eddie Mettle . . . . . . . . . New Jersey
(e) Daniel Quartey . . . . . . Philadelphia
(f ) Albert Quartey . . . . . . Denver
(g) Robert Laryea . . . . . . Raleigh
9.0 VOTE OF THANKS AND CLOSING
The vote of thanks was offered by Mr. Rueben Darku of Atlanta. GA.
CLOSING: The conference came to a close at about 6.00pm EST.
Closing prayers were offered by Rev. Dr. Alima Mensah.
Recorded by Reginald Darko, Interim Secretary.
Presiding Interim President, Dr. Ben Dodoo.
Names of contributors:
APPENDIX.
1. Nene Atsure Benta III
2. Edward Mettle
3. Daniel Quartey
4. Isaac Nortey
5. Dr.Martey S. Dodoo George
6. Okai Adjetey
7. Mary Dodoo
8. Dr. Sam. Quartey
9. Sammy & Georgina Kortey
10. Ruby and Frank Lartey
11. Eric Quartey
12. Reginald Darko
13. Dr. Jonathan Quartey
14. Joshua Crabbe
15. Robert Laryea
16. Dr. Ernest Alema-Mensah
17. Nakai Nettey
18. Dr. Ben. Dodoo
19. Pat. Nunoo.
More contributors are welcome.
