Gatsby Gala Report

THE GATSBY GALA

Fictional characters do serve the purpose of their creation; but some live longer than anticipated. In a highly sophisticated social world, it is quite sobering to concur the absurdity of reliving the ancient days. Pompous panto moths, civilization and political historians would rant all day about how greatly fortunate this generation is, compared to the colonial and pre-industrial era. In spite of this, they do admit that like a diamond in a trough, some moments in history are worth reliving. And for the 2019/2020 GHABSA administration, American author, F. Scott Fitzgeralds fictional character, Jay Gatsby in the 1925 iconic book, The Great Gatsby was a perfect way to start.

A GATSBY TINGE

The Gatsby Gala was an Awards and Dinner Night, designed by GHABSA to honour notable students and gift the outgoing level 400s a memorable send off. Inevitably, the event was hosted in the only magnificent edifice that overlooks the almost 99.3 hectare property of the University of Ghana - The Great Hall. Unlike anything, the Great Hall was transformed from the antique scholarly feel to an opulent, stylish arena primed to host the gala. Bright lighting, white chiavari chairs, hi-top cocktail and banquet tables were just right to give a warm and intimate experience to the hall. Guests were sure to be secretly amused of the elegance the diligent Organizing Committee (GHABSA) sought to attain.

This opulent event also featured various cocktail and silver wares, a range of centerpieces and decor as well as an enviable red-carpet, soon to be sashayed by a relatively few. The versatile spacing was adorned with fashion-minded modesty. Fresh students, sophomores, level 300s, the graduating class and dignitaries were beautifully clad in tuxedos, skater clothing, turtle-necked sleeves and an assortment of sleek tailored outfits. The Gatsby Gala was indeed to be, a night of pomp and pageantry.

MODEST PROCEEDINGS

Slated for the 26th of May 2019, the Awards and Dinner Night commenced at 7:20 pm, realizing an attendance of about two hundred and ninety guests. The event was started off with a thunderous introduction from Masters of Ceremony, Gervin Delali (Veep of GHABSA, 2017) and Tracy Kpodo. These adept moderators were artful and innovative in their craft thereby perpetuating the air of pizzazz that greeted the ambience. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Osbourne Quaye (GHABSA Patron) who iterated the purpose of the occasion; that is, to honour notable students and gift the outgoing level 400s a memorable send off. He further acknowledged Dr Lydia Mosi (Departmental Head, GHABSA), Hon. Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie (MP, Ablekuma North), Dr Jonathan Adjimani & Dr Aikins (Faculty members) as well as Mr Isaac Anokye and Mr Peter Danso (Reps for MP of Ayawaso West) as the dignitaries present. Before departing the red carpet, he expressed appreciation for the use of the educational colossus- The Great Hall, as host of the event.

Not long thereafter, students were treated to an exquisite performance by Peter Ayeh (a sophomore), stage named Kojo Guitar. The dexterity with which he stroked the strings of the guitar to produce melodious acoustic rhythms accompanied by his deep soothing voice sent the audience going haywire. Clearly, the event just turned a notch higher! Handover address from the outgoing GHABSA administration, was delivered by its own president, Mr Emmanuel Adade. In this solemn speech, he expressed appreciation to the Biochemistry Department and the student body for their support and created a nostalgic atmosphere as he enumerated noteworthy accomplishments of this office. These included an unforgettable GHABSA Congress at Navrongo, inception of Meet the Family, Yearbook development, customized Course Outline for BCMB students, GHABSA Cleanup Exercise among others. And now as an insignia of a democratic society, was ready to hand over to the 2019/2020 GHABSA administration. The handover ceremony was conducted by Mr Osbourne Quaye, where members of the new administration were gingerly sworn into office. The mantle was thus handed to the 2019/2020 GHABSA president, Mr Kwame Asiedu. Even though it was devoid of horse parades, royal pump and pageantry, the presence of the British Queen or perhaps a Buckingham Palace that grace the event of The Royal Guard Change, it was a modest GHABSA administration handover of much less than 15 minutes.

In between mussels of tasty succulent dishes, local cocktails, camaraderie and frisky audio mixes from the turntables of the Disc Jockey, the audience awaited eagerly the awards session that would climax the event. Dignitaries availed themselves to a handover of these certificates. Of the plethora of awards handed out that night, here are some few notable awardees:

§ Frank Obeng Addae (Course Rep for 2019 sophomores); was adjudged MALE STUDENT OF THE YEAR, MOST HARD WORKING, MOST INFLUENTIAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR for level 200.

§ Samuel Mensah Baffoe (Head of Pathways); was adjudged MALE STUDENT OF THE YEAR, MOST INFLUENTIAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR for level 300

§ Sandra Samponmaah Sackey (Assistant Welfare Secretary); was adjudged MOST COMMITTED GHABSA MEMBER for level 200

§ Emmanuella Sangber-Dery was adjudged MOST COMMITTED GHABSA MEMBER for level 300

§ Bridget Gyamena was adjudged MOST COMMITTED GHABSA MEMBER for level 400

§ Kwame Asiedu was adjudged MOST COMMITTED GHABSA MEMBER for level Masters of Phil.

Hon. Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie was pleased to deliver a concise speech to the graduating class. She encouraged them in the pursuit of their careers, congratulated them on their success so far attained and left them with packets of invaluable admonition. The Head of Department, Dr Lydia Mosi dedicated a round large rich cake, decorated with frosty icy vanilla almond with sparkly clear crystal sprinkles. It was a site to behold as the emotional graduating class hurdled around her, other dignitaries and the lovely cake at the foot of the slightly elevated stairway – soon to be mounted in receipt of their certificates – for a memorable picture.

The Great Gatsby: A Picturesque Conclusion

It was indeed an exceptional honour to be present at the Gatsby Gala. Remember Fitzgerald's fictional character, Jay Gatsby? He was a millionaire with quixotic passion and obsession for former debutante Daisy Buchanan. Now, if Gatsby were ever to have a dinner, he surely was to wine and dance with her. After all, it was a Gatsby Gala! So, as glamorous Biochemists took to the dance floor in pairs, one was left wondering if writer Scott Fitzgerald entitled his iconic novel, The Great Gatsby with hope that a Gatsby Gala would take place, one day in a Great Hall.