The 40th Anniversary Dinner Dance event, attended by traditional leaders, global diplomats, professionals, and generations of GaDangme descendants, became more than just a festive evening on September 27, 2025, at the Holiday Inn, College Park, 10000 Baltimore Avenue, Maryland 20740. It marked an extraordinary milestone in the life of the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, which has dedicated itself to preserving culture and stood as a living testimony of shared purpose and international recognition.
According to the Chairwoman of the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, this milestone was not merely a gathering of people sharing a common ancestry; it was a profound reflection of the enduring spirit of the GaDangme people and their remarkable contributions to the diaspora community and beyond. The anniversary also stood as a monumental celebration of unity, heritage, leadership, and cultural pride. Over the past four decades, the GaDangme Association has evolved into a pillar of cultural diplomacy, social development, and community empowerment, connecting the values of tradition with the vision of modernity.
The Association was honored by the presence of numerous esteemed guests, including H.E. Jane Gasu Aheto, Hon. & Mrs. Gilbert Quartey, Naa Amatsoo Konte I, Hon. William Adzimahe, Nana & Mrs. Kwasi Appiah, Nana Apietu Ampofo, Mr. & Mrs. Golash Adadae, Naa Adjeley Oshedu Granaky, Asafoanye Naa Ayele Osonkor I, Nii Mantse Nortey Onaapo I, Asafoatse Nii Ayi Kakalor, and others who joined members in celebrating the 40th Anniversary Dinner Dance.
The late Ga Mantse Nii Amugi II, who reigned as King of the Ga State for 39 years, was honored during the Dinner Dance. A letter of gratitude from the late Ga Mantse, which was addressed to the Association after his three days visit to Washington DC, the capital city of the United States in 1989 was included in the anniversary brochure and read at the Dinner Dance. Part of the letter indicated that, though the obvious reason for writing a letter is to say something to a person who is far away. I write in this context so that my message remains as a permanent record of our collective thoughts.
The evening of the Dinner Dance unfolded as a symphony of elegance, tradition, and pride, where history and contemporary excellence blended harmoniously to tell the story of the GaDangme legacy. The hall was adorned with the colors, symbols, and artistry of GaDangme culture, royal kente cloths, anniversary cloth, handcrafted centerpieces, and the rhythmic beats of traditional drums that echoed the heartbeat of Accra, Tema, Ada, and the coastal towns from which the Ga and Dangme people trace their lineage. It was a celebration that transcended geography, reminding everyone present that culture knows no borders.
The 40th Anniversary Dinner Dance embodied the resilience of a people who have journeyed far from their homeland yet remain deeply rooted in their identity, using culture as a bridge that unites nations, fosters mutual respect, and promotes progress among all who share in their story. From the very beginning, the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metro Area has embodied the ideals of unity and progress. Founded by visionary men and women who sought to preserve their identity in a foreign land, the association has become a sanctuary for culture, education, and mutual support. The 40-year journey is therefore not just an organizational achievement, it is a generational legacy, a narrative of a people who refused to forget their roots while striving to contribute meaningfully to the global society they now call home.
The Dinner Dance served as both a commemoration and a reflection, a moment for members to look back with gratitude and forward with hope. The traditional leaders, dignitaries, and diplomats who graced the occasion symbolized the interconnectedness between heritage and international relations. The presence of chiefs and queen mothers from the GaDangme traditional areas lent royal splendor to the event, reaffirming that tradition remains the foundation of identity even in the diaspora. Their elegantly adorned kente and ceremonial regalia filled the room with authenticity and reverence. As they were welcomed with libations and drum calls, the event became sacred, transforming from a mere celebration into a reaffirmation of continuity between generations, past and future, homeland and diaspora.
The inclusion of global diplomats at the Dinner Dance underscored the recognition of the GaDangme Association as a significant cultural ambassador within the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Diplomats from Ghana and other countries attended, highlighting how cultural organizations like the GaDangme Association contribute to people-to-people diplomacy. Through cultural exchange, education, and community service, the association has positioned itself as a bridge between nations, promoting understanding and cooperation beyond governmental boundaries. This unique fusion of tradition and diplomacy illustrates how the GaDangme people’s values, respect, hospitality, and solidarity, resonate universally. The Dinner Dance became a microcosm of international unity, where shared humanity transcended cultural differences and the celebration of one community became an inspiration for many others.
Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the association’s humble beginnings, born out of the need to maintain a sense of belonging among GaDangme immigrants who had settled in the Washington DC area during the early years of Ghana’s post-independence diaspora expansion. The founders understood that migration often came with the risk of cultural dilution, and so they committed themselves to preserving the language, customs, and values that define the GaDangme identity. Over the years, their vision has flourished, transforming the association into a vital platform that supports educational initiatives, cultural programs, and social development projects both in the United States and Ghana. The 40th Anniversary Dinner Dance was therefore not just a social event, it was the culmination of four decades of unwavering dedication to cultural preservation, mutual support, and the empowerment of generations born and raised abroad.
The performances of the night embodied the living heartbeat of GaDangme culture. Traditional dancers graced the stage, their movements telling stories of ancestry, community, and resilience. The rhythmic drumming evoked memories of festive days back home, the Homowo festival’s vibrant parades, the joyful chants of fishermen, and the communal dances that have bound generations together. Every beat, every dance, every chant brought the audience closer to the soul of their identity. The hall resonated with laughter, nostalgia, and pride as elders, youth, and guests joined in, bridging the gap between generations. The Dinner Dance reminded everyone that culture is not static, it evolves and adapts, yet remains grounded in the values that have defined a people for centuries.
Traditional leaders delivered powerful addresses that honored the achievements of the diaspora community while urging continuity and responsibility. They reminded the audience that being far from home does not sever the bond of citizenship or identity. The GaDangme people, whether in Accra or Washington, remain one family, sharing a duty to uplift one another and contribute to Ghana’s progress. Their messages echoed themes of unity, service, and mentorship, urging younger generations to value their roots and see themselves as ambassadors of their culture. The words of these leaders carried the wisdom of centuries, reinforcing that tradition and modern progress can coexist harmoniously when guided by shared values.
Global diplomats, in their speeches, commended the GaDangme Association for fostering cultural diplomacy and serving as a model for diaspora engagement. They acknowledged that communities like the GaDangme Association are invaluable assets in strengthening bilateral relations. The dignitaries expressed pride in how the association has upheld Ghana’s name abroad, embodying the nation’s values of peace, unity, and development. The evening thus became a forum where culture and diplomacy intersected, where the celebration of heritage complemented international cooperation, and where cultural gatherings contributed to soft power and global influence.
As guests dined, the event transformed into a feast of flavors and fellowship. The cuisine reflected the essence of Ghanaian hospitality, jollof rice, grilled tilapia, kpekpele and palm nut soup served alongside continental dishes symbolized the fusion of cultures that define the diaspora experience. The aroma of Ghanaian spices mingled with the sounds of highlife and contemporary music, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and reflective. Conversations flowed effortlessly among guests, from shared memories of growing up in Ghana to discussions about the future of the diaspora and the next generation of GaDangme leaders.
One of the evening’s highlights was the honoring of pioneers, the founders, past presidents, and members whose sacrifices have sustained the association over the years. Their recognition was met with thunderous applause and heartfelt emotion, for it was through their resilience and commitment that the organization has endured. The association’s success story was a testimony to the power of vision and perseverance. These honorees represented the bridge between the past and the future; their efforts served as the foundation upon which younger members can build. The 40th Anniversary Dinner Dance thus became a symbolic passing of the torch, where leadership and cultural stewardship were transferred to the next generation.
The GaDangme Association’s legacy is reflected not only in its longevity but also in its contributions to both the diaspora and the homeland. Over the years, the association has supported charitable projects, educational initiatives, and health programs in Ghana. From scholarship funds for underprivileged students to donations for hospitals and disaster relief efforts, the association has consistently demonstrated that the spirit of GaDangme extends beyond celebration, it encompasses service and compassion. The Dinner Dance provided a platform to acknowledge these achievements, with presentations showcasing the impact of the association’s philanthropy. Guests were reminded that every contribution made in the diaspora strengthens the social fabric of their homeland.
The youth presence at the event highlighted the success of the association’s mentorship programs and cultural education efforts. Many young GaDangme descendants, born and raised in the United States, now take pride in learning their native languages, participating in cultural performances, and engaging in community projects. The Dinner Dance became a moment of awakening for many of them, a realization that their heritage is not a relic of the past but a living identity that gives them purpose and belonging. The intergenerational interaction that took place during the event was profound, as elders shared wisdom and stories that inspired younger attendees to embrace their heritage with pride and dignity.
The Chairwoman of the Association, Naa Odarkai Lamptey, stated that the 40th Anniversary Dinner Dance was also a statement of progress, proof that a community built on unity, respect, and cultural pride can thrive even in a foreign environment. The event’s grandeur, the attendance of distinguished personalities, and the level of organization reflected the professionalism and dedication of the GaDangme Association. It stood as an example for other diaspora communities, demonstrating how structured leadership, transparency, and a shared vision can yield lasting impact. The GaDangme community has managed to retain its values while integrating seamlessly into the social and professional fabric of American life, showing that cultural preservation and modern achievement are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.
Throughout the evening, conversations returned to one central theme: the future. The 40th Anniversary was not just a celebration of the past, it was a launching pad for what lies ahead. Members discussed strategies for growth, plans to expand cultural programs, invest in youth empowerment, and strengthen partnerships with Ghanaian institutions. The association’s commitment to education, culture, and social welfare continues to guide its agenda, ensuring that the next forty years will build upon the legacy of the first. The presence of diplomats and international guests offered potential for new collaborations that could benefit both the diaspora and Ghana, further integrating the association into the global network of cultural and economic exchange.
As the night drew to a close, the air was filled with a sense of fulfillment and hope. The sound of drums and cheers filled the hall as guests took to the dance floor once more, celebrating not just an organization, but a legacy of resilience, unity, and pride. The elders smiled with contentment, knowing that the seeds they planted decades ago had flourished. The younger generation danced with joy, feeling connected to something greater than themselves. The traditional leaders looked on with pride, seeing in this gathering the embodiment of continuity, the assurance that the GaDangme identity will live on in every song, every dance, and every heart that beats with the rhythm of home.
The GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metro Area’s 40th Anniversary Dinner Dance, attended by traditional leaders and global diplomats, stood as a cultural and historical landmark that symbolized the power of heritage in shaping identity and community. It was a moment that captured the essence of who the GaDangme people are, resilient, united, forward-looking, and proud of their roots. It was an evening that bridged past and future, Ghana and the diaspora, tradition and modernity. It demonstrated that culture, when cherished and shared, has the power to connect the world.
Through four decades of service, the Association has not only preserved GaDangme traditions but has also woven them into the global cultural fabric, earning respect and admiration from people of all backgrounds. The Dinner Dance was therefore more than an event, it was a symbol of triumph, a reminder of the value of unity, and a celebration of a people who have carried their heritage across oceans without losing its essence. The 40th Anniversary marks not an end, but a new beginning, an inspiration to continue building bridges, nurturing leaders, and promoting a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
Each leader and member, past and present, played a role in shaping what the Association has become today. Their contributions, whether through service, fundraising, cultural education, or mentorship, have created ripples of impact that extend beyond the GaDangme community into the wider Ghanaian and African diaspora in the United States. The night, therefore, was a celebration of collective success, enduring friendship, and a people whose cultural pride has remained unshaken despite the tides of time.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner Dance will forever stand as a defining moment, a night to remember, a night that honors the past, celebrates the present, and ignites the future of the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Taptap Send, Krowbw House, and Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and belly of America, were among the proud sponsors of the 40th Anniversary Celebration.
