The Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) has proudly concluded its 32nd Annual Convention, held from August 28 to September 1, 2025, at the Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel in Dallas, Texas. Themed “Our Health, Our Wealth,” the five-day event brought together Ewes from across North America, Europe, and West Africafor a powerful celebration of culture, unity, and community development.
Hosted by the Ewe Association of Dallas under the leadership of Mr. Winfred Gbedemah, the convention drew participants from Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Canada, and the United States, and reached a global audience via CEANA’s YouTube, Facebook, GhanaWeb, and Ewe24 platforms.
A Cultural Celebration with Purpose
The convention opened with a lively “Cowboys and Girls Boogie Night,” where attendees dressed in Western-themed outfits and danced the night away to both African and country-inspired tunes. The night featured a surprise performance from legendary artist Mr. Agboti Yawo, whose electrifying set thrilled the audience. The Ewe Association of Dallas cultural troupe also delivered captivating traditional performances of Agbadza and Borborbor, earning wide applause.
Leadership and Legacy
The convention officially opened with a Council of Representatives (COR) meeting chaired by outgoing CEANA President Dr. Tsatsu E. Nyamadi, where new executives were elected for the 2025–2028 term.
Newly elected officers include:
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President: Mr. William Kumah
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1st Vice President: Mrs. Penny Akpene Ametepi
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2nd Vice President: Mr. Vincent Hamenu Kosi
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Director of Administration: Mr. David Abusah
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Secretary: Mr. Patrick Adzadu
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Assistant Secretary: Ms. Freda Mawuse Alormele
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Financial Controller: Mr. Francis Edem Katey
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Public Relations Officer: Ms. Mawusi Kudjawu
Friday evening’s Grand Durbar of Chiefs and Queen Mothers was a visual spectacle of Ewe royalty, featuring elaborate traditional regalia and stirring cultural presentations. Over 400 guests were in attendance, including dignitaries, delegates, and community leaders.
Honored Guests and Keynote Moments
Although Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, could not attend in person, he was represented by Hon. Rockson Nelson Kwame Etse Dafeamekpor, MP for South Dayi. Delivering the Speaker’s message, Hon. Dafeamekpor commended CEANA for its development work across Eweland and encouraged stronger engagement on digital platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok to boost visibility. He also proposed hosting future CEANA launches in Ghana to attract wider participation and funding.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Kenneth Afenya, Medical Director at Lex Kidney Care in Kentucky, who emphasized that true wellness extends beyond clinical care to social and lifestyle choices. “We must challenge the idea that success means sacrificing health,” he stated, urging CEANA to advocate for equitable healthcare access and wellness education across the diaspora and in Eweland.
Empowerment and Fundraising for Development
A major highlight was CEANA’s annual fundraising banquet, featuring the spirited Associations’ Challenge, where member groups competed in generosity and creativity. The Ewe Association of Greater Boston emerged victorious, followed by the United Volta Association of New York and the Ewe Association of Washington, D.C. Metro.
Funds raised during the convention will support CEANA’s ongoing projects, including a Kindergarten building at Dodome-Awuaisu (Ghana), a Computer Library in Kpalimé (Togo), and upcoming initiatives such as the Anloga Community Library renovation, a Medical Laboratory at Agotime Akpokope, and a Library Complex at Anfoeta-Tsibi.
Since 2002, CEANA has awarded over 500 scholarships to students in Ghana, Togo, and Benin—an achievement highlighted in Dr. Nyamadi’s final State of CEANA Address. “Together, we’ve built something enduring,” he said. “Our health, our education, and our unity are the true measures of our wealth.”
A Spirit of Community and Renewal
The weekend also featured a non-denominational church service, led by Rev. Martin Osae, and a joyful cookoutshowcasing traditional Ewe dishes, live music, and storytelling under the theme “Mise Gli Loo – Toli Night.”
As part of the closing ceremony, the CEANA Stool—the symbol of hosting authority—was officially handed over to the Ewe Association of Washington, D.C. Metro Area, which will host the 33rd Annual CEANA Convention in 2026.
Looking Forward
The 2025 CEANA Convention not only celebrated culture and community but also reaffirmed the organization’s mission to bridge the diaspora and the homeland through tangible development and cultural preservation.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” Dr. Nyamadi quoted Helen Keller in his farewell remarks. “The future of CEANA is bright, and the best is yet to come.”
For more information about CEANA and its initiatives, visit www.ceanaonline.org or contact Mr. William Kumah, President of CEANA, at [email protected].
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
