GHANAFEST SA 2016, Another Resounding Success

GHANAFEST SA 2016, which commenced on Saturday, 17th September, 2016, with a colourful display of Ghanaian traditional cultural performances, alongside a trade show of apparel, artifacts, made-in-Ghana products, drumming, dancing, and rhythmic musical talents, came to an end on Monday, 19th September, 2016, with a two-day well-stocked business exhibition of Ghanaian textile and garments, Ghanaian processed and canned foods, unique hand woven traditional cloth, bags, slippers, alcoholic beverages, chocolates etc, as well as ready-to-be worn off the rack Ghanaian designed apparel, which were brought in by business operators from Ghana.

Welcoming the large crowd to the event on Saturday, 17th September, 2016, at the Magnolia Dell Park, His Excellency Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to South Africa recalled the virtues and vision of our Great African Leader and First President of the Republic of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as well as his revolutionary leadership in Africa and Ghana in particular, a vision of one united Africa, which the GHANAFEST SA celebration epitomised.

In this connection, H.E. Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi explained that GHANAFEST SA is captured in the context of the bilateral relationship established between Ghana and South Africa which dates back to 25th May 1994, when formal Diplomatic relations was established. The two countries have since then maintained and deepened the diplomatic, political and economic relations underpinned by the signing and implementation of a number of Memoranda of Understandings and Agreements covering various sectors of our development agenda.

In support of the commendable efforts of the Ghana High Commission in deepening the bonds of friendship between the two countries, a Goodwill message was delivered by Ambassador Ganga Tsengiwe, Chief Director/West Africa, of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), on behalf of the Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Honourable Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. He mentioned that as a pioneer of the decolonization process on the African continent, Ghana served as an inspiration and support for South Africa during the latter’s struggles. Touching on the African Union’s Agenda 2063, he noted that it provides a roadmap that covers all aspects of African life, as is demonstrated by Ghanafest SA, so that national, regional and continental plans become part of a united effort for Africa’s development.

Also present at the event was South Africa’s High Commissioner to Ghana, H. E. Ms.  Lulama Mary-Theresa Xingwana, other Ambassadors accredited to the Republic of South Africa, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Chief Executives of Corporate bodies, among others.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), participated in the event by running a Health Awareness Programme for the general public.

As promised, the Ghanaian all-female live band, “Les Femmes”, was on point with musical entertainment that lured the crowd to the dance floor. There was also cultural performances by the Konkomba Association of Ghana in South Africa, the Drum Image Ghanaian cultural group, and South Africa’s African Child Dancers.

It was fun-filled, entertainment and educational activities all the way.

High Commission of Ghana in Pretoria, South Africa