The 40th Anniversary Celebration of the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area stands as a monumental reflection of four decades of unity, perseverance, cultural pride, and community empowerment. The story of this association is not merely about years counted; it is about the lives shaped, the traditions preserved, and the visionaries whose sacrifices and leadership paved the way for generations of GaDangme descendants living far from their ancestral homeland.
The Dinner Dance Celebration, held on September 27, 2025, at the Holiday Inn, College Park, 10000 Baltimore Avenue, Maryland 20740, was a deeply symbolic moment, a bridge connecting the dreams of the founding members to the aspirations of today’s members and the promise of tomorrow’s youth. It was a journey of resilience that reminds every GaDangme individual in the diaspora that identity is not erased by distance, and culture is not diminished by time. As the association marked its 40th year, it honored the founders and leaders as a gesture of gratitude and reaffirmation of purpose, acknowledging those whose foresight, commitment, and love for their people have built an enduring legacy in the heart of America’s capital region.
According to the Chairwoman of the GaDangme Association of Washington DC Metropolitan Area, Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, from its inception, the Association was founded on a noble mission to unite all GaDangme indigenes living in and around the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, providing a platform for cultural preservation, social support, and collective development. When the first few visionaries gathered to establish the association, they recognized the urgent need to create a communal space that would foster belonging and identity in a foreign land. The early years were defined by selflessness, volunteerism, and faith in the power of togetherness. These founders were driven by a shared passion to ensure that the customs, traditions, and languages of the GaDangme people, descendants of proud lineages from Accra, Tema, Prampram, Ada, Ningo, Kpone, and other parts of the Greater Accra Region, would not fade into obscurity amidst the pressures of assimilation and migration. Their dedication sowed the seeds that have flourished into a vibrant association recognized today as a pillar of Ghanaian community life in the United States.
The 40th Anniversary Dinner Dance provided a platform to bestow recognition plaques upon stalwarts such as Mr. H. C. Tetteh, Dr. Ruth Quartey, Mrs. Ruby Quartey Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Amartey Tagoe, Mr. Ebenezer Akuete, Mrs. Rosina Tetteh, Mr. and Mrs. David Tetteyfio, Mr. Gilbert Quarshie, Dr. Samuel Kwatey Quartey, Mr. Gilbert Jones Quartey, Mrs. Alice Annum, Mrs. Antoinette Aryee-Amorin, Mr. Samuel Nee Amartey, Ms. Mary Wade, Rev. Millicent Pecku, Mr. Samuel Odoi-Nelson, Nii Quao Ribeiro (Mr. Ebenezer Botchway), and Dr. Victor B. Lawrence. This moment of honoring the past was also a way of inspiring the present and future, sending a clear message to younger members that service and sacrifice are noble pathways and reminded attendees that progress is always built on the shoulders of those who came before.
A special award plaque was bestowed upon the Chairwoman, Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, and awards were also given to committee members of the 40th Anniversary, including Mr. Eric Bannerman, Ms. Angela Quaye (Naa Adjeley Oshedu Granaky I), Ms. Diana Naa Ayeley Botchway (Asafoanye Naa Ayele Osonkor), Ms. Ruby Addawoo, Mr. Tetteh Akpeng, Mrs. Gladel Kumi, Mrs. Jacklyn Odamtten Addy, Mrs. Clara Quartey, Ms. Sylvia Ledium, Mr. Andy Nii Nortey, Ms. Herty Kennedy, Ms. Hannah Gyasi Adonten, Mrs. Iris Nelson, Ms. Monica Solomon, Dr. Ruth Quartey, Mr. Ernest Tetteh, Ms. Rowina Naa Odarkai Lamptey Moses, Mr. David Oku, Mr. Samuel Odartey Lamptey (Sir Dondi), Mr. Obed Sackey, and Jeremiah Nii Kpakpa Quartey (Asuana), in recognition of their dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions toward the celebration.
A Distinguished Honor Award was presented to H.E. Jane Gsau Aheto, staff of the Ghana Embassy in Washington DC and Special Guest of Honor for the 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner Dance. Awards were also presented to sister associations from the States of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York, as well as from Hagerstown and the GaDangme International (GDI-North America). Special appreciation was also extended to the Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA) during the Dinner Dance.
The 40th Anniversary Celebration, therefore, was not simply an event on the calendar, it was a testament to the power of continuity and remembrance. The GaDangme Association’s founders understood that without a strong cultural identity, a community loses its anchor. Through the decades, they worked tirelessly to build networks, organize cultural festivals, provide welfare support, and nurture the younger generation. Their efforts ensured that even as members embraced the American dream, they never lost sight of their African roots. Many of these pioneers were professionals, students, and families who, despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, prioritized collective advancement over personal comfort.
Recognizing these founders and leaders at the 40th anniversary is an act of restoration and honor. It is about remembering names that might otherwise fade from memory and retelling stories that inspire new generations. Each founder carried the torch of cultural continuity with unwavering commitment. They established bylaws, organized events, and reached out to sister associations to strengthen unity within the Ghanaian diaspora. Their foresight created not just a social club but a community that promotes education, mentorship, and development both in the United States and back home in Ghana. Their passion for service transcended personal gain, it was driven by a love for their people and a deep sense of responsibility to the GaDangme heritage.
Food also played a symbolic role. Guests feasted on dishes central to GaDangme cuisine and Ghanaian identity more broadly. Kpekpele and palm nut soup, banku with tilapia, kenkey with shito and fried fish, jollof rice, and goat soup sat alongside Western dishes, reflecting the fusion of cultures that defines diasporic life. Every plate served was more than nourishment; it was a reminder of home, a sensory bridge connecting guests to Accra, Ada, Shai Osudoku, and all the lands of their ancestors. In the ballroom, every taste and aroma evoked nostalgia, identity, and belonging, even for those who may have been born in America and never walked the streets of Jamestown or Prampram.
Naa Odarkai Lamptey emphasized that through the decades, the association’s leadership evolved, yet its core values remained intact, unity, respect, development, vision, strength, and cultural pride. The presidents and executives who succeeded the founding members played crucial roles in institutionalizing programs that helped the association thrive. They expanded the scope of operations, ensuring that members gathered not only for cultural events but also for seminars on education, health, business development, and community service. Under different administrations, the association reached out to local authorities, Ghanaian embassies, and international partners, representing the GaDangme people with dignity and influence. These leaders, often serving voluntarily, navigated the complexities of running a community-based organization in a foreign land while balancing personal responsibilities. Their vision and administrative skills ensured that the association remained relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of its members.
The 40th Anniversary is a reflection of the association’s long journey through history of transitions, triumphs, and tests. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the diverse personalities who have contributed in various capacities over the years: past presidents, vice presidents, secretaries, treasurers, committee heads, and volunteers. Each leader brought a unique touch, introducing new ideas and initiatives that strengthened the bond among members. Whether it was organizing cultural festivals that showcased traditional music, dance, and cuisine; fundraising to support education in Ghana; or hosting mentorship programs for youth in the diaspora, every administration left an indelible mark on the association’s legacy.
This milestone celebration equally emphasizes the importance of honoring the elders who have guided the younger generation with wisdom and experience. The founders and early members are custodians of memory; they carry within them the stories of struggle, laughter, perseverance, and faith that shaped the association’s identity. Honoring them was an acknowledgment that today’s achievements rest on the shoulders of giants. These individuals stood firm during moments of difficulty, when financial resources were scarce, when membership dwindled, and when cultural disconnect threatened to erode unity. Yet they remained steadfast, nurturing the association through prayer, patience, and practical leadership. Their faith in the vision sustained the organization through challenging times, and their resilience remains a source of motivation for current and future members.
Beyond recognition, the 40th anniversary serves as a call to action, to build upon the legacy established by the founders. It is a reminder that heritage is not static but dynamic, requiring each generation to contribute its part. The success of the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Area is living proof that community-driven initiatives can thrive across borders when rooted in shared values. Today, the association is not only a cultural institution but also a platform for development and advocacy. It has become a beacon of cultural diplomacy, connecting the GaDangme diaspora with their counterparts in Ghana and other parts of the world. Its programs continue to promote intercultural understanding, empower youth, and strengthen ties among families. These are the outcomes of visionary leadership and a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with one heart and purpose.
The celebration is also an expression of gratitude, to the leaders who have served selflessly, to the members who have supported initiatives faithfully, and to the community partners who have stood by the association. Gratitude is central to the ethos of the GaDangme culture; it reflects humility and appreciation for the interconnectedness that sustains society. During the anniversary, as the community gathered to honor its founders and leaders, it also reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the principles they stood for, honesty, unity, and development. The recognition ceremony symbolized a bridge between generations, allowing the young to learn from the elders and the elders to witness the fruits of their labor.
Naa Odarkai Lamptey further stated that as the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area steps into its fifth decade, the focus is not only on celebration but also on continuity. The founders envisioned a future where the association would serve as a hub for progress and cultural identity. That future is now unfolding, and it calls for renewed dedication. The youth, who are inheritors of this legacy, are encouraged to embrace leadership, contribute to decision-making, and ensure that the values of the GaDangme people continue to shine across continents. The founders laid the foundation; it is now the responsibility of the new generation to expand it, to infuse it with modern creativity while preserving its authenticity.
The 40th anniversary, therefore, stood as a beacon of remembrance, pride, and promise. It reminded the community that unity remains its greatest strength. It demonstrated that through collective effort, even a small group of committed individuals can create a lasting impact across borders. It celebrated the power of cultural resilience, the ability of the GaDangme people to adapt, thrive, and flourish while preserving their distinct identity. Every song sung, every dance performed, and every traditional attire and anniversary cloth worn during the celebration symbolized continuity, the same spirit that drove the founders continues to live on.
As attendees gathered for the grand celebration on September 27, 2025, the air was filled with nostalgia and gratitude. The event was more than a social gathering; it was a spiritual and cultural renewal. It brought together elders, youth, and guests from near and far to share in a story that began four decades ago and continues to evolve. The evening honored those who dared to dream, those who built from scratch, those who led with integrity, and those who continue to keep the flame burning. It also inspired reflection on how far the community has come, from humble beginnings to a respected organization known for cultural excellence and community service.
The recognition of founders and leaders served as a moment of solemn reverence. Their names echoed through the hall, their contributions recounted with admiration, and their legacies enshrined in the association’s history. Each recognition was not merely ceremonial but symbolic of the collective spirit that defines the GaDangme people. Their achievements are not measured solely by titles held or offices occupied but by the hearts they touched and the futures they shaped. Through their leadership, countless lives have been impacted, and countless dreams have been nurtured.
The 40-year milestone was a celebration of time, but more importantly, it was a celebration of people. It was about honoring the humanity, love, and faith that have kept the GaDangme Association alive. It was a moment to pause, to look back with gratitude, to stand tall in the present with pride, and to gaze into the future with hope. The founders and leaders exemplify what is possible when individuals come together with purpose and unity. Their sacrifices have not been in vain, and their vision continues to illuminate the path forward. The association’s journey from its modest beginnings to its current prominence is a powerful narrative of resilience and transformation, a story that will inspire generations yet unborn.
As the celebration unfolded, the spirit of togetherness once again united everyone under one banner of identity and pride. The melodies of traditional GaDangme music, the elegance of cultural attire, the aroma of native dishes, and the exchange of laughter wove a tapestry of heritage that transcended time and geography. The atmosphere captured the essence of what the founders dreamed of a strong, united community grounded in values and propelled by progress. The recognition of their efforts will not only immortalize their names but also rekindle the collective responsibility of every member to protect and promote the legacy they created.
The story of the GaDangme Association of the Washington DC Metropolitan Area is living testimony that heritage can thrive in foreign lands when nurtured by unity and vision. It shows that cultural identity is not bound by geography but sustained by people’s determination to preserve it. As the community celebrated its 40th anniversary, it did so not in isolation but as part of a larger narrative, the story of the GaDangme people around the world who continue to uphold their ancestral pride. The founders and leaders being honored represent that continuity, serving as reminders that the roots of a people remain strong when watered with collective effort, love, and remembrance.
In honoring founders and leaders, the association is not merely looking backward; it is also looking forward, toward the next 40 years and beyond. The journey ahead promises new challenges and opportunities, and just as the founders rose to meet the needs of their time, future leaders must also rise to define theirs. The 40th anniversary is both an end and a beginning, a conclusion of one chapter and the dawn of another. The recognition of founders and leaders thus becomes a covenant between generations, a pledge to continue the work they began, to uphold the dignity of the GaDangme name, and to contribute meaningfully to the development of both the diaspora and the homeland.
The GaDangme Association’s 40-year legacy is a light that will continue to shine. It is a story of endurance, unity, and identity. It will always remind the community that every generation must honor its past to build its future. The founders’ courage, the leaders’ dedication, and the members’ unwavering support have all combined to create something greater than any individual, a living institution that embodies the spirit of the GaDangme people. As the curtain fell on this milestone celebration, the applause was not for a moment but for a movement, a movement that began with a few and has grown into many. The 40th anniversary celebration will stand as a timeless reminder that the GaDangme identity endures, and the legacy of its founders and leaders will forever be etched in the hearts of all who call themselves GaDangme.
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 Washington DC Metropolitan Area. Taptap Send, Krowbw House, and Goldstar Air, the wings of Ghana and the belly of America, were among the proud sponsors of the 40th Anniversary Celebration.
