News

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE
FROM: Office of the Secretary General, Dr. George Nee Oko Lamptey

November 21, 2005

TRADITIONAL EVENT CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF THE LATE GA MANTSE

The Council of Ga Dangme Associations (COGDA) is the umbrella organization based in New York for seven Ga Dangme organizations based in the New York metropolitan area, namely Ablade (US), Inc., Ada Okorbi Akpe, Ga Dangme Kpee, James Town (Ngleshie) Club, Krobo Cultural Association, Osu Nyemimei Akpee, and Teshie Akroh Development Organization

As Ga Dangmes all over the world look forward to the traditional burial and funeral rites in Accra, Ghana, the Council of Ga Dangme Associations of New York and New Jersey, in conjunction with other Ga Dangme associations in the United States and Canada announce a special event to celebrate the life of the late Ga Mantse (King), Nii Amugi II.

This historic event which will take place on Saturday, January 14, 2006 (The Martin Luther King Birthday weekend), in New York, will among other things, raise funds to assist and support the final funeral arrangements being organized in Accra, establish a fitting memorial in the name of Nii Amugi II, and more importantly give the community a rare opportunity to mourn, celebrate and learn more about the history of the Ga Dangme people and the reign of the King.

Since the event is tabbed a traditional one, it will highlight the rich history, culture and great contributions of the Ga Dangme people within the Ghanaian social context.

Activities planned for the event will include:

• Ga Dangme traditional/cultural funeral rites, drumming, and dancing.
  
• Paying of last respect by Ga Dangme organizations, other Ghanaians, African, and African American organizations in the United States and Canada .
  
• Rededication of the Tree planted by the late Nii Amugi II on the grounds of City College of New York in 1983 -popularly referred to as AMUGI NAA.
  
• Video presentation of Nii Amugi’s last visit to New York .
  
• Publication of a commemorative journal that will feature Nii Amugi’s historic visit to the US;  Ga Dangme organizations in the United States and Canada; statement/messages of condolence and sympathy from individuals and organizations; etc.
  
• Opening a Book of Condolence (several signatories have been invited and have agreed to formally sign the book).
  
• Opening of a GaDangme/Nii Amugi exhibition at a library in New York (under discussions).
• All Ga Dangme associations in the United States and Canada are invited to participate in this event. Efforts are being made to contact all associations in North America . In the meantime leaders of any Ga Dangme organization who have not received any formal invitation may contact us as soon as possible.

Requests for additional information may be sent to: gadangmenewyork@yahoo.com or

Dr. George Lamptey, 201-837-2203,  917-297-6326
Mr. Isaac Nortey    718-519-6989,  917-327-0755
Mr. Reginald Darko  973.375.0278
Mr. Stanley Lokko   201.894.8403,   201-658-7928
Mr. Ed. Mettle  973.493.6391
Ms. Kate Halm-Lutterodt 973.923.4205.
Ms. Edith Akanua Aryee 718.892.9954
Mr. Jamil Couri  646.260.9311
Mr. Emml Anue Lamptey 718.604.8659
Mr. Joseph Gator Okine 718.636.5733

 Signed
 
Dr. George N Lamptey
Secretary-General