The Chairwoman of the GaDangme Association of Washington DC Metropolitan Area, Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, together with the Elders and the entire membership, extends heartfelt appreciation to all our incredible sponsors, partners, and attendees for joining us in commemorating the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. “Your presence and support made our anniversary truly memorable.”
The Chairwoman expressed profound gratitude to sister associations from Philadelphia, Virginia, Hagerstown, Ohio, New York, GDI–North America, the Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA), and the Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC for their solidarity and participation.
Goldstar Air, the Wings of Ghana and the Belly of America, Krowbw House, Long & Foster Real Estate (Doreen Allotey, Associate Broker), Gaillard Insurance Agency (Allstate), Unique Hairstyle and Cutz, GOSH Travel, G’s Balloons & Events, Auntie Naomi’s Meat Pies & Rolls, Samson Properties, Blessing Medical Consultant, GLAM Sweetz, Afresco Naana International Foods LLC, Wilad Shipping & Trading LLC, Rocket Mortgage, Redeemers Church of Christ, Chike A. Ijeabuonwu LLC (Law Offices), Boadi International Food Wholesale, Ofori Law Firm LLC, Ms. Edith Kitchen, Ebenezer Methodist Church, and Avalar Realty LLC were among the proud sponsors of the 40th Anniversary Celebration. The event was not only a commemoration of legacy but also a celebration of partnership. It provided an opportunity to look back with gratitude, honor the hands that helped build, and acknowledge the hearts that believed in the mission of unity and cultural empowerment.
The celebration marked a monumental chapter in the collective story of resilience, faith, unity, and cultural preservation that has defined the GaDangme Association in the diaspora for four decades. This milestone, which celebrated forty years of heritage and togetherness, was more than an anniversary, it was a living testament to the unwavering commitment of generations who carried the torch of identity and purpose far from their ancestral home. The Association expressed deep humility and gratitude to its many partners, supporters, and friends who have stood by it throughout the journey. These individuals, organizations, and institutions have played indispensable roles in helping the Association grow from modest beginnings into a strong and respected pillar of the Ghanaian diaspora community. Their contributions, whether through financial support, moral encouragement, or active collaboration, have been instrumental in shaping the legacy of the GaDangme Association.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration began with an Open Health Walk and Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Burnt Mills West Park, 10701 Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland. This was followed by donations to the Shelter for Abused Children, the Teshie Orphanage, and the D-Rose Foundation, all in Accra, Ghana. The festivities continued with the Dinner Dance, held on September 27, 2025, at the Holiday Inn, College Park, 10000 Baltimore Avenue, Maryland 20740; the Thanksgiving Service on September 28, 2025, at Ebenezer Methodist Church, 5112 Berwyn Road, College Park, Maryland 20740; and a Cookout in commemoration of the milestone on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Bohrer Park Pavilion, 506 S. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877.
When the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area was founded four decades ago, its visionary founders were driven by a simple yet powerful dream, to create a home away from home for GaDangme people living in the diaspora. They envisioned an organization that would preserve the values, traditions, and languages of the Ga and Dangme ethnic groups, ensuring that these cultural treasures would not fade abroad. However, they also recognized that building such a community would require more than passion; it would demand partnerships, alliances, and a network of supporters who shared their vision.
From the earliest meetings in small community halls and homes, the founders reached out to churches, local organizations, Ghanaian leaders, and sympathetic friends who saw the potential of their cause. Through these relationships, they gained resources, venues, and platforms that enabled the Association to grow and thrive. Those early partnerships laid the foundation for what the Association has become today, a respected and vibrant organization that stands as a beacon of unity for GaDangme people across the United States.
As the Association matured, its partnerships evolved. Over the years, it has established strong ties with Ghanaian embassies and consulates, local governments, churches, schools, and other diaspora organizations. Each collaboration has contributed to a mosaic of support that has strengthened the Association’s foundation. The Embassy of Ghana in Washington DC has often been a key ally, providing not only diplomatic guidance but also cultural legitimacy to the Association’s initiatives. Churches within the Ghanaian and African communities have opened their doors to host events, offer spiritual support, and encourage their members to participate in cultural programs. Local community organizations have partnered with the Association on outreach initiatives, health fairs, educational projects, and social programs designed to uplift both GaDangme people and the broader African diaspora.
These partnerships have enabled the Association to extend its influence beyond cultural preservation to social impact, supporting youth development, empowering women, assisting families, and contributing to community advancement. The 40th Anniversary Celebration served as an opportunity to publicly acknowledge and thank these partners. Without their consistent involvement and goodwill, many of the Association’s accomplishments would not have been possible.
Sponsors who provided financial support have been instrumental in sustaining annual activities, cultural events, and educational programs that define the GaDangme Association’s calendar. Corporate entities, philanthropic organizations, and individual donors who believed in the Association’s mission have helped it to thrive in an environment where community organizations often face challenges. Their support has not only sustained day-to-day operations but also made major events, such as the 40th Anniversary Celebration, possible.
As the Association marked this remarkable milestone, every banner, every decoration, and every guest present at the gala or thanksgiving service stood as a visible testament to the generosity of those who have given their time, money, and effort to keep the GaDangme spirit alive. The 40th Anniversary Celebration was also a reflection of how deeply intertwined the GaDangme Association is with the broader Ghanaian and African communities in the United States.
Over the decades, it has become a cultural bridge, linking generations and nations. Its success stories are not isolated but interconnected with those of other Ghanaian associations, African unions, and diaspora networks. Through joint events, collaborative projects, and shared advocacy, the GaDangme Association has played a key role in the broader narrative of African unity in the diaspora. Whether organizing independence celebrations, cultural exhibitions, or charity fundraisers for Ghana, the Association has always thrived on collective action and shared purpose. The 40th Anniversary, therefore, stands as a celebration of collaboration, a recognition that communities flourish when hands join together and hearts align toward common goals.
In honoring its partners and supporters, the GaDangme Association also pays tribute to the silent contributors, the individuals and families who, over the years, have quietly given without seeking recognition. These are the members who volunteered countless hours, prepared food for community gatherings, hosted meetings in their homes, and mentored young people within the community. They are the backbone of the organization, representing the spirit of service that has kept it alive. Many of them are elders now, looking back with pride at what their sacrifices have achieved. Others are the younger generation, inspired by the legacy of commitment they have inherited.
Together, they represent the unbroken chain of support that has sustained the Association for forty years.
The celebration also extended gratitude to the media partners who have helped amplify the Association’s message over the years. Ghanaian radio stations in the diaspora, online platforms, and community newspapers have been vital in promoting events, sharing stories, and connecting the community. Through their coverage, they have ensured that the GaDangme Association’s voice reaches beyond Washington DC, inspiring GaDangme people across North America and beyond. These media partnerships have not only promoted cultural awareness but have also played an essential role in preserving history. Through interviews, documentaries, and articles, they have chronicled the evolution of the Association, ensuring that future generations will have a record of their forebears’ achievements.
Chairwoman Naa Odarkai Lamptey further stated that, at the heart of the 40th Anniversary Celebration was gratitude, a deep acknowledgment that no journey of this magnitude was walked alone. The event was both a reflection of faith and a recognition of human connection. The leadership of the Association, past and present, acknowledges that the organization’s longevity has been made possible through collective effort. Leadership transitions over the years have been marked by continuity rather than division, thanks to a strong network of supporters and advisers who have provided wisdom and stability. Many of these supporters may not hold official titles, but their influence has been felt in the decisions, strategies, and directions that have guided the Association. The 40th Anniversary, therefore, was also a tribute to wisdom, to those who, behind the scenes, offered counsel and encouragement during moments of uncertainty.
The partners celebrated at this milestone included not only organizations but also the families of members who have supported their loved ones’ involvement with patience and pride. Spouses, children, and relatives have often made sacrifices, allowing their family members to devote time and energy to the Association’s work. Their quiet understanding has made it possible for leaders and volunteers to serve wholeheartedly. In this sense, every family connected to the GaDangme Association is a partner in its success story. The anniversary celebration, with all its music, pageantry, and emotion, was also their victory, a moment to acknowledge that their love and encouragement have been part of the unseen foundation on which the Association stands.
As the GaDangme Association reflected on its forty-year journey, the words “Thank You” carried profound meaning. Gratitude to partners and supporters went beyond formal acknowledgment; it was a recognition of shared destiny. The GaDangme people have always believed in the concept of communal strength, the idea that individuals thrive when the community thrives. This philosophy is deeply rooted in their cultural traditions, where cooperation, mutual respect, and reciprocity form the basis of social life. The Association has embodied this value in the diaspora, and its partnerships are the modern expression of that age-old principle. Every organization that collaborated, every donor who contributed, and every friend who attended an event has become part of a living tapestry of solidarity that transcends generations.
At the 40th Anniversary Celebration, the atmosphere of appreciation was palpable. The Association presented tokens of gratitude to key partners, plaques, citations, and awards symbolizing recognition. But beyond these physical gestures, the true essence of gratitude was felt in the words spoken and the emotions shared. Speeches from leaders highlighted milestones achieved through collaboration: educational scholarships funded, cultural festivals hosted, youth empowerment initiatives launched, and community outreach programs executed. Each achievement was tied to a story of partnership, illustrating how collaboration multiplies impact. The stories reminded everyone present that behind every visible success lies a network of supporters who made it possible.
The event not only celebrated the past but also cast a vision for the future. The Association’s leadership expressed a renewed commitment to strengthening partnerships, building new alliances, and expanding its reach. As the world evolves and younger generations of GaDangme descendants grow up in the diaspora, the Association recognizes that its continued relevance will depend on its ability to engage new stakeholders. Educational institutions, youth organizations, and technology-driven platforms will become vital partners in shaping the next phase of growth. The gratitude expressed during the 40th Anniversary is therefore not just a reflection on past collaborations but also an invitation for future ones. It is a statement that the GaDangme Association’s doors remain open to all who share its values of unity, culture, and progress.
The role of faith-based partnerships also deserves recognition. Throughout its existence, the Association has drawn strength from its close relationship with churches and spiritual leaders. Many of its programs have included thanksgiving services, prayer sessions, and spiritual guidance that reflect the deep faith of the GaDangme people. Pastors, priests, and elders have offered their blessings, officiated ceremonies, and provided counsel that has kept the community grounded in moral and spiritual values. At the 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving, religious leaders once again stood alongside the Association, symbolizing the enduring bond between faith and community life. Their presence was a reminder that gratitude is not only expressed to human partners but also to God, whose grace has sustained the Association through every challenge.
As the celebration unfolded, the visual and emotional grandeur of the event mirrored the magnitude of gratitude being expressed. The colors of GaDangme culture, the anniversary cloth, rich fabrics, traditional symbols, and vibrant attire, filled the venue with beauty and pride. The sounds of drums and singing evoked both nostalgia and joy, carrying with them the spirit of the ancestors who first dreamed of preserving this heritage in a foreign land. Elders shared stories of the early days, recalling moments of struggle and triumph, while younger members listened with admiration, realizing that they are inheritors of a great legacy. The partners and supporters being honored felt the warmth of appreciation, knowing that their contributions have left an indelible mark on the Association’s history.
Chairwoman of the Association, Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, emphasized that this gratitude extends even to the homeland, Ghana itself, which remains the spiritual and cultural anchor of the Association’s existence. Over the years, partnerships with local organizations and leaders in Ghana have been vital in maintaining cultural ties and supporting development initiatives back home. Whether through donations, charity projects, or cultural exchange programs, the GaDangme Association has consistently sought to give back to its roots. The 40th Anniversary Celebration was a perfect opportunity to reaffirm this commitment and to thank those in Ghana who continue to work with the diaspora to preserve and promote the GaDangme heritage. This global connection between home and abroad reinforces the understanding that the GaDangme Association is not just a local organization but part of a global network of cultural resilience.
Every act of gratitude expressed during the anniversary, every handshake, every smile, every acknowledgment, carried the weight of forty years of shared history. It reminded everyone that progress is never achieved in isolation. It celebrated the power of collaboration and the beauty of community. As the celebration unfolded with speeches, music, and dance, the atmosphere was charged with both pride and humility. Pride in what has been accomplished, and humility in recognizing the many hands that made it possible. The GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, standing at this historic juncture, radiated the essence of a people who understand that gratitude is the heart of greatness.
As the event concluded, the message was clear: partnerships have been the heartbeat of the Association’s journey, and gratitude will continue to be its guiding light. The 40th Anniversary Celebration did not just close a chapter, it opened a new one defined by deeper collaboration, stronger community bonds, and renewed purpose. The GaDangme Association will move forward, emboldened by the support of its partners and supporters, inspired by its heritage, and guided by the same unity that has sustained it for four decades. The applause that filled the hall, the laughter that echoed, and the songs of appreciation that rose throughout the celebration will remain lasting symbols of a people who have not only remembered their roots but have honored those who helped them grow.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration of the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, in all its splendor and heartfelt gratitude, stands as a testament to what unity, faith, and partnership can achieve. It is a story written not by one generation but by many hands joined together in purpose. It is living proof that heritage, when supported by friendship and cooperation, does not fade but flourishes. And as the final notes of celebration fade into the night, the legacy of gratitude will continue to echo through time, reminding every member, every partner, and every supporter that together, they built something enduring, something that will inspire generations yet to come.
“Thank you once again to all our partners, for your support played a pivotal role in the success we enjoyed. It is through partnerships like yours that we have been able to achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact on our community. Your commitment to our mission is truly inspiring, and we are honored to have you as valued partners.” Chairwoman of the Association, Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, concluded.
