The GaDangme Diaspora Community in Germany, in collaboration with GaDangme Europa VZW, the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, and various GaDangmes in Europe, has held a congress in Hamburg to foster togetherness within the Ga State.
This year's congress, held on the theme: "Bridging the Gap between GaDangmes at Home and Abroad to Promote Unity and Development", was attended by representatives from the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, various GaDangme Diaspora associations and individuals, traditional leaders, diaspora leaders, and cultural ambassadors.
Also in attendance were youth and women's groups within the diaspora, as well as representatives from the Ghana Embassy in Germany and other government institutions.
Purpose
The congress served several key purposes, including advocating the rights and interests of GaDangmes at local, national, and international levels.
King Professor Odaifio Welentsi III Paramount Chief of Nungua Traditional Area, President of Nungua Traditional Council and President of Greater Accra Reginal House of Chiefs,
It also focused on policy development, creating policies for social welfare, economic development, education, health, and cultural preservation.
A crucial objective was for the GaDangme Diaspora Community to act as a liaison between GaDangmes and local and external governments, agencies, or organisations.
Activities
The event featured a range of activities and programmes, including hosting the congress for strategic discussions, organising cultural events to preserve traditions, and implementing educational programmes.
Healthcare initiatives, as well as projects related to energy, agriculture — particularly aquaculture and poultry — and environmental conservation and sanitation were also key components of the congress.
It further featured a business forum to facilitate investment alongside efforts to solicit funding and recognition of GaDangme rights and development.
Thematic Focus
The thematic focus of the congress centred on three main areas, namely "Unity and Collaboration" aimed at building stronger networks among GaDangme associations, unions, and clubs in Europe; the "Development Agenda" which explored how the diaspora could support sustainable development in the GaDangme region, and "Cultural Heritage" which emphasised the preservation and promotion of GaDangme traditions, language, and identity for future generations.
Background
The event was designed to establish a framework and build a self-sustaining GaDangme agenda for socio-economic development among the people.
The GaDangme heritage is rich and fascinating. The people are made up of the Ga and Dangme ethnic groups, primarily found in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, with a heritage that encompasses vibrant traditions in music, dance, and festivals.
Through the Business Forum and Congress in Hamburg, GaDangme heritage has been shared with broader international communities.
The congress
The Congress served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration, celebrating cultural identity while forging pathways toward inclusive economic development.
It highlighted the unique role of the diaspora as a bridge between heritage and progress, carrying forward traditions, values, and knowledge while driving investment, entrepreneurship, and policy change in both home and host countries.
