Message from the Secretariat

The National Council of Ghanaian Associations has made some significant strides since its inception in 1986. The first decade was spent strengthening the organization, through the tireless efforts of Dr. John Aheto, the then secretary general and a professor at Pace University in New York, and his peers, who were credited with the birth of this thriving organization. As a highly respected member of the community, he enjoyed the support of the entire community and by the time he left office, the Council was well on its way to eminence in the community.

Dr. Maxwell Cobbina who succeeded Dr. Aheto, continued the legacy of his predecessor. Under his leadership, the Council hosted the then President of the Republic of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, one year and hosted the then first lady Nana Agyemang Rawlings also, the next year.

Dr. Samuel Amoako, succeeded Dr. Cobbina as the next secretary general, and concentrated his efforts on strengthening the partnerships and alliances with African-American leaders. During his two-year term, it was common to meet luminaries such as Charles Rangel, the member of Congress from Harlem, and the former Mayor of New York City David Dinkins.

Mr. Kwamena Eshun, became the fourth Secretary-General. Taking a cue from his predecessors, Mr. Eshun devised a strategic initiative for the development of the Ghanaian community. Unfortunately, his tenure was curtailed after he was transferred to North Carolina. Although he continued to play a major role in the council’s affairs, the day-to-day management was thrust into the hands of Mr. Mawuli Agbenu, the Deputy Executive Secretary General.

Mr. Thomas Mensah, succeeded Mr. Eshun regime. Al Haj Mohammed Mardah took over as the ESG in 2004.

Ivy Rose Quarshie, was elected in 2008 to become the first female Executive Secretary General, a postion she held until 2012. The position is now held by G. Ofori Anor with Patrick Gyan as his deputy.

Every last one of the preceding Secretary Generals and their deputies has enjoyed significant support from the rest of their Executive members, the representatives of member associations, and the Ghanaian public at large.

We are hopeful that for our agenda to be carried out successfully, we would need the same level of support our predecessors benefited from. Such ambitious goals as economic empowerment, Ghanaian women’s development, the AIDS crisis in Ghana, and other issues pertinent to the development of Ghana, can be achieved only through a concerted effort. To this end, we are counting on your support to make the council better, and leave this august organization in a better position than we inherited.