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GUB CHAIRMAN'S 2017 END OF YEAR ADDRESS
Honourable Vice Chairman, Distinguished Members of the Executive Committee, Distinguished Representatives of Sister Organisations, Unions and Associations, Invited Guests, Valued Members, Our Dear Children, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. Good Evening.
First and foremost, permit me to acknowledge the presence of very special people who have decided to spare some time out of their very busy schedules to partake in our annual affair tonight.
According to Alan Cohen, ‘appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts’. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our hard-working trustees and the Executive of the Union, who have always put their time and resources at the disposal of the Union and its members. They work really hard behind the scenes to ensure that the Union continues to grow and fulfils all the legal requirements of the charities commission and other statutory bodies.
Thanks to you all members of the union for your constant support, loyalty and sustained commitment to the course of GUB. We would not be where we are today if you had not kept faith with us.
I think we all deserve a round of applause!
Honourable Vice Chairman, Distinguished Members of the Executive Committee, Distinguished Representatives of Sister Organisations, Unions and Associations, Invited Guests, Valued Members, Our Dear Children, Ladies and Gentlemen, a year ago we all gathered in Mapa Hall to celebrate a successful year and tonight we are here at The Park Suite. Thanks to God, almighty, for His countenance and also for guiding us through yet another eventful and successful year. The year 2017 has had its own challenges but together we have weathered the storm and we are moving on from strength to strength.
We started the year together but it is not everyone that is here to see this day. Sadly, our member; Mr Herbert Yao Modey Wuver was called to eternal glory. As we gather as a union without him for the first time since his departure, may I crave your indulgence to pay him homage.
Herbert will forever be remembered for his frankness. He always had something to say, and that was what exactly happened each time he attended meetings. He never avoided saying what many would consider ‘controversial’. At meetings Herbert always had a huge bunch of keys on lanyard around his neck and noises made by the keys announced his entrance before his face actually emerged. Usually, at party times, the keys were replaced by his camera with which he took so many pictures, most of which we are yet to see. His wealth of experiences in Pan-Africanism and charity work meant, more often than not, immensely valuable to him.
At National Events, he was always accompanied by his drums ensemble or the special horn suitable for the occasion. Every Mayor of this city or any special dignitary invited to any of our functions would have had Herbert welcomed them to their seats with the brassy, low frequency sound of his traditional African horn.
But now, who is left to tell the Pan-African stories? Who will beat the drums?
So sadly, the sound from the horn is fading... and the silence is deafening.
How are the mighty fallen!
As a sign of respect and in his remembrance may I humbly ask that we all stand to observe a moment of silence in his memory and all others who are no longer with us……..
(May his soul rest in perfect peace)
Achievement (2017)
Honourable Vice Chairman, Distinguished Members of the Executive Committee, Distinguished Representatives of Sister Organisations, Unions and Associations, Invited Guests, Valued Members, Our Dear Children, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This year a number of our young ones successfully completed their GCSE ordinary and advanced levels respectively and are all in further education. As has always been our tradition, we sponsored them for a meal and cinema in appreciation for their hard work and for making our communities proud.
In July, this year the GUB lead by the chairman presented Ghanaian culture to the pupils of Clifton School in York as part of their annual international day celebration.
Also, Ghana Union Bradford was very instrumental in the formation of Regional Council of Ghana Unions Yorkshire and Humberside (RCGUYH). Our chairman was elected as the chair of the Regional council.
GUB also played a very supporting role in the planning of inauguration ceremony of Association of Ghanaians in High Wycombe 22nd July 2017.
GUB is currently a participant in a PhD research in which the main researcher is investigating into the impact of the remittances of Ghanaian Associations in diaspora make to Ghana on the development of the country. Our “soccer for change project” in the Gomoa district in the central region of Ghana is the focus of this research.
At the end of 2016 our active membership stood at 81 and in 2017 we welcomed a total of 12 new members.
Welfare and well-being
Our welfare committee members have made successful visitations to members who gave birth, were indisposed or were bereaved. We were also involved in the celebration of members’ birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.
We have successfully held the first GUB day on 29th of July this year. On that day, there was a bounce castle for the kids, Ghanaian traditional games such as Ampee, draft, playing cards, counters, and skipping rope. Those present on the day would testify that the chairman was the proud winning of the counters and the Ampee competitions. Let us give it up for the chairman…….
We have also organised a day family trip to Scarborough beach in August. This offers less privilege families in our communities the opportunity to visit this important place of interest. The trip was heavily subsidised single handedly by the GUB after unsuccessful grant application.
The association was also able to raise an amount of £1,700.00 through member donation towards the final funeral rites of the late Herbert Wuver. The money has been sent to the family head (Mr. Austin Wuver) back Home in Ghana through Western Union Money Transfer in November, 2017.
Significant financial events
The association was able to raise an amount of £300.00 through member contribution, in aid of a needy student from the University of Development Studies (UDS), Ghana, through a Bradford-based philanthropist, Christine Ketchen in March, 2017
The ‘Chairman’s Special Fund’ for an incubator has yielded £165.70. You all might have made a pound donation or more in support of this fund at the gate, but if for some reason you have not done so the opportunity is still there for you to learn support.
Honourable Vice Chairman, Distinguished Members of the Executive Committee, Distinguished Representatives of Sister Organisations, Unions and Associations, Invited Guests, Valued Members, Our Dear Children, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Before I resume my seat, I would like to encourage us all with the wise saying of the late Nelson Mandela, as we match on and cross over into the year 2018 “Our human compassion binds us to one another – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a very prosperous, fulfilling and healthy new year.
SECRETARY OF GUB - BEN TETTEH, JOINS IN THE INAUGURATION OF GHANAIAN ASSOCIATION IN HIGH WYCOMBE
The GUB received an invitation from the Ghanaian Association in High Wycombe (GAHW) for their inauguration. Ben Tetteh was nominated to attend the event on 22nd July 2017 in High Wycombe some four hours journey down south. Ben was nominated mainly because of his involvement in assisting the GAHW in their planning processes for the inauguration. The GAHW Executive had earlier on got in touch with Ben through our website for his input, and especially to seek advice on how they could build a strong and lasting association similar to ours.Since then the Chair and Secretary of the GAHW had maintained constant communication with Ben. Ben had been talking them through the best approach to their pending inauguration and pointing them to the right sources and authorities for their inauguration.
The GUB official traveled on the day of the inauguration to High Wycombe and was warmly received by the Secretary of GAHW Ms El Freda Ahlijah - who was also the designated person to receive all the Special Guests on the program. The other invited Special Guests for the event were the Mayor of High Wycombe Cllr. Brian Pearse, Representative from the Ghana High Commission Mr Emmanuel Bebaako-Mensah, The Vice Chair of the National Council of Ghana Union and also the Chair of the Ghana Union London, Mr Emmanuel Quayson. Others were the Wycombe Methodist Rev Minister and the immediate past Chairman of the GAHW..
In his speech, the Chair of the GAHW Mr John Debra-Darko acknowledged the presence and input of the Executive of GUB in their organisation and thanked Ben Tetteh specifically for helping out in their planning and also with the building of their website, Before the actual inauguration, the Mayor and the Representative from the High commission also spoke. The Mayor thanked the members for inviting him and added that this had been the best meeting he had ever attended since assuming office. On his part, the Rep from the High Commission iterated the processes his office is going through to roll our the mobile bio-metric passports to Ghanaians in the various regions of the UK.
The swearing in of the GAHW executives and the inauguration was carried out by the Vice Chair of the NCGU. After swearing the officers into office, Mr Quayson, encouraged them to remain resolute and keep on with the good work there had started.
Mr Ben Tetteh, who assisted Mr Quayson in the swearing-in on his part urged the Association leaders to be selfless and commit to the course they have chosen. He emphasised the need for unity and asked the leaders to always focus on their members as their core strength. Ben further advised on how to improve membership and growth. He encouraged them not to restrict their activities to members only rather their provision of care of duty and leadership should encompass all Ghanaians within their catchment area. .Finally the Secretary of Bradford expressed his desire for the two organisations to continue to work closely together in their efforts to improve the quality of lives for their collective membership.
The speeches were interlaced with numerous Ghanaian cultural dances to the admiration of the Mayor and other nationals present. The GAHW Kiddies also performed recitals representing each of the 10 regions of Ghana.
CHAIR’S END OF YEAR ADDRESS- 2016 (GCB NOW GUB)
We would like to acknowledge the presence of our brothers and sisters from Ghana Union Leeds, Ghana Austria Union Leeds, Ghana Union Hull, Ghana Union Sheffield, Nigerian Association Bradford, invited guests, our future leaders (children), our valued members, ladies and gentlemen.
Despite the difficulties and what life has thrown at us this year in the 12 months including cash flow limitations, health challenges, loss of love ones, etc. we have made it to the end of the year 2016. There would never be another 2016. Even if it does,it will not be during our time on this earth.
This year we, as a community, have bonded together than ever before. We have faced more challenges this year than any other year but as always we supported one another and made the necessary sacrifices.
The major achievements in 2016.
· In June this year our young members participated in the annual football tournament dubbed Leeds African Cup of Nations (LACoN 2016). They got to the quarter finals.
· This year Bradford, together with Leeds, Sheffield, and Hull formed the Regional Council of Ghana Unions Yorkshire and Humberside. An umbrella body of all Ghana unions within our region and this is in line with the National Council of Ghana Unions requirements.
· We elected our new executive committee members for two year term
· Last, but by no mean the least, we got our registration finalised with Charity Commission.
As I mentioned earlier, I would like to express the Executive’s appreciation to you all for your support, commitment, and resources in bringing the community this far.
We are stronger together and also we have more reasons to be tougher than those that seek to divide us.
It is more blessed to give than to receive; the good book says so we thank you all for your support. I hope everyone in this room remember or have heard of the poor widow in the Bible. It is said because she gave, she was replenished until she has no more empty vessels to contain the oil. Let us reach out to one another. Let your neighbours burden be your burden too.
Looking forward to 2017.
Together with the Executive and the welfare team, we have some exciting activities planned already for 2017. Our year planner will be circulated soon to all.
· We will be celebrating Ghana’s 60th Independence on 11th March 2017.
· We will be having a family picnic on a day we are calling GUB Day to celebration our 7thAnniverday. This will be on 29th July 2017 but will be an annual event.
· There will be a trip on 12thAugust to Scarborough.
· And many more exciting events and meetings planned.
Re-launch of the Union
The end of this year marks a new chapter in the journey of the Ghana Community Bradford (GCB as we know it). l am pleased and excited to announce to you all that on 23 November 2016 the GCB registration was finalised. During the final stages, to satisfy the Charity Commission, the Executive had to hold emergency meetings to deliberate on some of the demands and changes that needed to be done to get our registration complete. The major change we had to consider was our name - GHANAIAN COMMUNITY IN BRADFORD. The Charity Commission would not accept our registration under this name and therefore we had to consider a different name.
The Executive came up with the name GHANA UNION BRADFORD (GUB) which was accepted by the Charity Commission. Therefore from today your association is known as GHANA UNION BRADFORD (GUB). That is the name recognised by the Charities Commission on their register of charities. Our charity registration number is 1170324 . To go with the new name, we have also adopted a new logo which you will see shortly.
I take this opportunity to say thank you to Mr Clive Whitaker of Community and Voluntary Services Bradford (CVS) for his support during our registration process.
And thanks to all of you, we are going into the New Year with strength, to build on our accomplishments and to consolidate our position in Bradford and the UK as large.
“More than 450 years before the birth of Christ, Confucius said: ‘What I hear, I forget; what I see, I remember; what I do, I understand.’
Let’s do it together. We’ve heard what we have to do. We’ve seen what we need to do. Now is the time to do it, and, together, we can do it.”
Now finally, i would want us all to raise a glass - to us, to our families and a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year 2017 to come."
God bless Ghana Union Bradford.
ANNETTE VISITS GOMOA ON BEHALF OF THE GUB
A member of the GCB, Annette France on her trip to Ghana had visited the children of Gomoa. Over the past years the GCB has been supporting the children of Gomoa through the Assemblyman Hon. Ernest. GCB has helped shipped several dozens of football kits to the district for a football program run by the Assemblyman.
On her recent private visit to Ghana, Annette went to Gomoa to see for herself the impact GCB's contribution have had on the children and youth of Gomoa.
Annette (immediate left) and Partner Mark (right) with a football team
G.C.B Celebrates Ghana@55
The Ghanaian Community in Bradford (GCB) held a celebration of Ghana's 55th independence anniversary at the MIRAGE in Bradford. Among the dignities to grace the occasion were Ghana's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Prof. Kwaku Danso -Boafo and the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Mrs Naveeda Ikram. The event was held from 5:30pm on Saturday, March 10, 2012.
The chairman of GCB, Mr. Wisdom Sateklah, was the first to speak. He traced the history of the association which was founded less than two years ago. He also enumerated events the GCB have participated in and their achievements thus far. The association awarded certificates to all members who helped planed the anniversary. Two other members – Ms Ernestina Matanawui and Benjamin Tetteh were awarded certificates for 'Outstanding Dedication to the Association'.
After an interlude of Ghanaian traditional dance, the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Mrs Ikram was next to speak. She was full of praise for the GCB and said she was very proud of them for helping in the success story of Bradford. Being the first British-Asian female Major of the City, she likened her success to that of the GCB and asked them to knock on her door for any assistance they would need with the organisation of their activities. She also thanked them for being law abiding members of the Bradford community.
The Lord Mayor and the High Commissioner both danced to different traditional songs in response to an invitation by the professional performer of the night - Leticia Pardie. It was of a pleasant surprised to witness how quickly the Lord Mayor got hold on the intricate foot movements of the Kpanlogo dance which she performed to near perfection. The High Commissioner on the other hand was no novice to the Adowa dance and as such needed to tutoring. He masterfully delivered the dance with pump and splendour to the admiration of mostly the female guests.
The theme for the celebration was “THE MIDDLE INCOME GHANA:THREATS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF THE SOCIO-POLITICAL LANDSCAPE”. The High Commissioner, Prof. Danso -Boafo was the main guest speaker and used the opportunity to recount events that led to the attainment of Ghana's independence. The country, he said 'has come a long way since then with her achievements in democratic transition, consolidation, and economic engineering'.
He continue by noting that 55 years ago, Ghana became the leader in the struggle for liberation, independence, and unity on the African continent. Today, the country is still an oasis of peace, the shining black star and a beacon of hope for all Africans.
He touted the government's prudent economic measures, saying it has made Ghana one of the fastest growing economies in the world and gave the assurance that Prof. Mills' will continue to uphold the constitution and implement effective economic policies.
Prof Danso-Boafo urged all Ghanaians in the diaspora, and especially the GCB members to take advantage of the growing Ghanaian economy by investing in Ghana.
He commended the Ghanaian Community for being the best Ghanaian Community in the United Kingdom for the year 2011 and urged them to work harder in the years ahead.
The celebration continued to the early hours of Sunday with food, more music and dance.
GUBA AWARDS WINNER FOR BEST GHANAIAN ASSOCIATION IN UK FOR 2011
The GHANAIAN COMMUNITY in BRADFORD (GCB) has been voted the 'Best Ghanaian Association'in the UK by the public. The Chairman, Wisdom and a seven man team that travelled to London received the award on behalf of the GCB. The event was organised by the Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) on SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2011 at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel, London, SE1 7TJ, 7pm.
GUBA celebrates Ghanaian individuals, collectives and businesses that have excelled in the United Kingdom; the Best Ghanaian Association category is in recognition of the positive development of Ghanaian associations operating within the UK.
The GCB formed less than two years ago has already gain the respect and recognition from institutions like the Ghana High Commission, the Bradford Council and the Mayor's Office, other African National associations within the Yorkshire region and numerous NGOs, and now GUBA and the general public. We are so proud of the impact we are making in the lives of Ghanaians in Bradford/Leeds and the surrounding towns and cities.
For more pictures of the Awards night please visit the photo centre. The GCB also released a video to celebrate its nomination. For more information on our vision, objectives and achievements please continue to browse our web pages.
LEEDS AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS 2011 (LACoN 2011)
& GCB FAMILY FUN DAY – LEEDS
The Thomas Danby Sports Centre in Leeds was the venue for this year’s LACoN, itself in its fifth year. The GCB were invited to participate in the one-day all-football event. The Association’s participation began with the team balloting at the same venue on the 25th of May 2011 attended by the interim Chairman and a member of the football team. Registration and participation fee was £30. Sixteen teams were balloted and GCB was tied in Group 4 with Somalia, The Gambia and Manchester (the eventual winners).
The chairman had circulated information to all members regarding this event. This led to considerable enthusiasm expressed by members to participate, particularly, since it offered a much-needed opportunity for an outdoor activity for members. Thus the executive considered that the event be structured around two themes: the focal activity being the football tournament involving a dedicated football team; and a secondary event of funfair for members, mainly parents and children. This was deemed important given that the event coincided with school holidays, thus, allowing parents room for a ‘bargain’ holiday or a family day out. In this regards, the event did not disappoint.
The official GCB contingent assembled at the LIDL supermarket on Manchester Road and was conveyed to the events grounds in Leeds. Departure was at 10.30am, following fifteen minutes delay; but the group arrived in time to witness the opening stages.
The first group match was against Manchester at 12.45 hours to which GCB lost by a goal. This resulted from a technical error when one of the players stepped into the ‘forbidden’ blue circle area and led to a penalty kick against GCB. A similar defensive misunderstanding led to the team conceding another goal in the second clash against The Gambia, equally ending in a loss. With progression from the group stages beyond the bounds of possibility, it was decided that GCB fielded a weaker team against Somalia to offer variety, allow wider participation and encourage open fun. And fun it was.
The remainder of the afternoon session featured entertainment and networking. Thanks to generous food and drinks provided by our members, and the indefatigability of the GCB women wing, GCB became the nerve centre of the event offering free food and drinks to other participants and their families. The grand finale was between holders Cameroun and Manchester which the Manchester team won by a lone goal to clinch the trophy. Each participating team was also given a number of medals. The group departed for Bradford amidst singing (Jama) arriving at approximately 19.35 hours.
To GCB, the event was worthwhile and an eye opener. As would be expected, teams that progressed far in the tournament were known to have considerable amount of training together over long periods. This was evidenced in the flow of their game. Even though GCB footballers were good in their own rights (playing well on 11-a-side pitches), things proved different on the 8-a-side pitch. Having not trained as a team, coupled with the complexity of playing on an Astroturf pitch and knowledge of game specific rules, it was difficult to gel. However, it is paramount that these young footballers are identified now to serve as a core to be built upon for the future. The executive would continue to retain contact with them and establish new links with all who are capable of playing and willing to bring their talents to bear.
But of considerable concern to the executive is the level of commitment members demonstrated. About forty-eight members expressed interest in participating in the event. This led to the executive arranging and hiring a fifty-two seater coach to convey all to the grounds at a cost of £180, monies agreed to be collected at boarding (£5 per head). Payment was advanced from the GCB accounts. However, a very large proportion failed to show up and others opted to go on their private cars. This significantly affected the budget given that it was not possible to rearrange a less capacity coach on the day. Till date, there is a shortfall in the budget (please refer to the table below for transportation cost unit).
Consequently, the executive would wish to apply to the good nature of those who expressed interest at least a fortnight before the event, as well as those who went on their individual cars, to help defray this cost. Clearly, but for their expression of interest to be part of a group trip, a smaller coach would have been hired, or cheaper alternative arrangements made.
In a nutshell, the event was successful from GCB perspective. It offered a good insight into outdoor events that the association could take advantage of in the years ahead. It helped foster good relationships with other groups and provided useful networking opportunities with other associations and individuals. The pre and post event arrangements presented an opportunity to establish closer links with Ghanaians, particularly the football team, who would otherwise not have been with us. It is hoped that the association would retain closer links with them for other similar events in the future. LACoN organisers were impressed with the GCB representation at the event in terms of numbers. Ghanaians in Leeds who were at the event continued to express admiration towards the organised nature of GCB. Four Leeds residents submitted their membership application forms and were duly welcomed to the association. They were introduced to the executives and members present.
The next LACoN is scheduled for 9th June 2012. However, it is hoped that other major events will ensue before then (least so the association’s forthcoming elections) and that members would attend in better numbers than current. The executive would wish to express their appreciation to those members who lived up to their commitments and special gratitude to those who sent food items and drinks.
For more pictures of the event, please visit our photo centre.
EMAIL FROM HEAD OF REEMAP COMMENDING GCB
I have being meaning to write to express my profound gratitude for your contribution in making the Leeds African Cup of Nations 2011.
The discipline of your team and community spirit demonstrated by your members was enviable, commendable and something to be emulated by other nations not least mine.
Please pass on my regards to your community members.
Patrick-Spencer Salami
CEO
REEMAP
PRESS RELEASE BY THE ORGANISERS OF LACoN
The Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Community Leeds (NCL) and Planning Committee for the Leeds African Cup of Nations (LACoN) 2011 are pleased to report on another successful event.
The tournament, which took place on 4th June 2011 at the Community Sports Facility of the Leeds City College Thomas Danby Campus, attracted over 500 people from across the City, Bradford, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Lancashire.
This year’s tournament also witnessed the presence of key partners like the East North East Homes Leeds, Awards for All and REEMAP Trading Ltd – a major sponsor and the trading arm of the charity, REEMAP.
The tournament also witnessed a growth in participating countries and teams. LACoN 2011 had 16 teams participating but only one emerged the winner. Unfortunately, it was neither the host country nor the defending champions, Cameroon who were defeated in the final by Manchester Africans.
Manchester Africans is a team made up of people of African descent comprising, Black, Asian and Dual Heritage players who for the last three years have shown promise and consistent improvement.
Speaking after lifting the cup, the Captain of the Manchester Africans, Mr Wale Ajet, said, “This is our 4th year in this tournament and each time we've improved and progressed further and further until this year when we stated from the outset that although last year we lost in the Semis, this year we are going after the trophy”.
Mr Ajet went on to say, “We were however motivated by the words of the Cameroonian team, when they stated, "they only need to turn up to pick up the trophy". It's ironic that we were to meet them in the final. Beating them brings a sense of satisfaction as they've previously knocked us out twice in recent years. They were worthy opponents, as we knew it was going to be a tough game. Once we scored, we knew it was all about defending our lead. What a sweet victory! We look forward to defending it next year! The Manchester Africans team will like to thank NCL and in particularly Sam Leigh for inviting us to the Leeds African Cup of Nations football tournament year after year”.
In closing, Mr Sam Leigh thanked the teams, the sponsors ENE Homes Limited, REEMAP, Awards for All, Mr. Tom Riordan, Leeds City College and all the guests for their tremendous support and stated that he and the planning committee were looking forward to next year with hope that more sponsors will come on board to help the event grow.
More information
1. LACoN 2011 was won by Manchester Africans with 2010 winners, Cameroon coming a close second.
2. The Golden Boots went to Leo Ali of Somalia.
3. Most organised and commended for fair play, were the Bradford Black Stars.
4. Total number of spectators for LACoN 2011 was 516 with 116 young people aged 6 months – 21.
5. The Leeds African Cup of Nations is a football event that attracts a large number of Africans in the City as well as from across the Pennines/Lancaster.
6. Links for Photographs and Video:
Sam Leigh (Event Organiser): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ3Zee30MCA&feature=uploademail
Wale Ajet (Winning Captain): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ6tDN0Mmww&feature=uploademail
Zimbabwe Player: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOM3r_IS3gY&feature=uploademail
Some Photographs: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=inbox&action=read&tid=05e0e337ee474dff974e8c9b74b4bfca#!/media/set/?set=a.2096137211801.129700.1496484161
7. NCL exists to support members of the public who are Nigerian by birth or descent or marriage or naturalisation or adoption in or around Leeds of all ages and enable them to reach their full potential while contributing to health and socio-economic wellbeing in the City
§ NCL became a Registered Charity in May 2009
§ NCL is legally formed to operate as a Charity with charitable aims and objectives including but not limited to the following:
§ Advancement of Education
§ Safe and Cohesive Congregation
§ Enable, Enhance and Advance Healthy Lifestyle
§ Welfare and Multi-Purpose Projects
§ Promotion of Racial Harmony
§ Safeguarding Cultural Heritage
§ Advancement of Enterprise
5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL MATCH
On Saturday 30th April, 2011 the GCB organised a football match for its members at the Bradford College Trinity Green Campus. The one hour fun match which had more minutes of several 'half times' than the total number of actual playing time ended with a somewhat cricket score no body could keep track of as the game went on.
Every single member present participated in one way or the other; playing at one point or spectating; playing on one side of the pitch or the other; officiating or acting as the ball boy.
At the end, members had so much fun they wanted to know immediately when the next game will come on, though they made a plea to the Organiser to allow them a long, very long time to nurse their bones and to recuperate.
Pictures of the game are in the Photo Centre.
GHANA HIGH COMMISSION CONGRATULATES THE GCB
Following the recent celebration of the independence day in Bradford organised by the GCB, a post event report was sent to His Excellency the Ghana High Commissioner, Prof. Kwaku Danso Boafo to make him aware of the association's existence and also the efforts we in the North of the country are putting in to make the good name of Ghana known by all. The report also sought to register our intention of possibly having him in our next year's celebration.
While acknowledging receipt of the comprehensive report, the High Commissioner congratulated the GCB for the great work it is doing. The message added that, they were happy to inform us that 'this is the first invitation recieved by the Mission towards next year's independence anniversary celebrations and has therefore been accepted ceteris paribus'.
The High Commission regretted they were not invited to our 2010 independence celebration. However they wished the association well by concluding that they always 'deem it an honour to support communities with laudable objectives such as yours, and hope that the Bradford association would grow from strength to strength.
GCB JOINS MAYOR AND CITY TO CELEBRATE FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT
The executive members of GCB joined the Lord Mayor and Mayoress of Bradford to celebrate FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT in Bradford city centre. Participating in the same event were Harriet and Fatima who are Ghanaian cocoa farmers flown in from Ghana to promote their products.
In a email to the GCB, after the event, Karen, one of the organisers wrote
"It was so lovely to meet you all last month, and you made Harriet and Fatima's visit to Bradford really special. They were delighted to meet you all, as was I. Thank you for your wonderful support and hospitality over the 3 days of their visit"..
"Please pass on my very grateful thanks to everyone who gave us such a warm welcome, and for the delicious food on Saturday 5th March 2011.. It was a great pleasure to meet you all, and I hope we will stay in touch. I'm counting on you all to spread the word about Divine. It is a unique Fairtrade company and makes such a difference to the cocoa farmers in Ghana. Harriet and Fatima are both ambitious and want to be closely involved with the management of Kuapa Kokoo. I very much hope that they will be able to visit the UK again in the future. I'll definitely let you know if I discover that they are coming over again."
When I get chance, I'll send you more information about what Fairtrade Bradford does and how we fit into the national scheme of Fairtrade towns, cities etc. The Fairtrade Foundation's website, www.fairtrade.org.uk has lots more information."
"In the meantime, I hope you'll tell all the Ghanaians you know that the only chocolate they should buy in future is Divine chocolate. It's a quality product and Fairtrade. Pa Pa Paa!", the email concluded.
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