Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll of Massachusetts on Saturday 7th September joined the vibrant Ghanaian community in Worcester Massachusetts to celebrate the New England Ghana Festival NEGfest 2024, an event honoring the cultural and economic contributions of Ghanaians in the region.
Driscoll, who is part of the first all-female leadership team in the state’s history, attended the festival on behalf of both herself and Governor Maura Healey.
She spoke passionately about the importance of cultural diversity and the invaluable impact of the hardworking Ghanaian population on the Commonwealth.
This year’s festival was anchored by the theme “Sankofa: Embracing Our Heritage, Connecting Our Past,” a powerful message underscoring the importance of cultural preservation and the connection between past and present.
Daasebere Nana Kwaku Boateng III, Omanhene of New Juaben was the official Guest of Honor for the event.
NEGFest 2024 organised under The Auspices Of The Ghana Heritage Foundation (GHF) is in Partnership With The US-Ghana Embassy, Worcester State University, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts And Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwaaba Clinic, Nananom, Local Churches, And The entire Ghana Community In New England
and several other esteemed entities.
The maiden New England Ghana Festival was a resounding success, bringing together Ghanaians from across the United States to celebrate their heritage.
NEGFest 2024 Under The Auspices Of The Ghana Heritage Foundation (GHF) is in Partnership With The US-Ghana Embassy, Worcester State University, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts And Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwaaba Clinic, Nananom, Local Churches, And The entire Ghana Community In New England
and several other esteemed entities.
Some of the dignitaries present at the event included Hon. Ken Asafo-Adjei who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Heritage Foundation and Consul Designate, Honorary Consulate of Ghana-Massachusetts, Co-Chair of the event and New Juaben Asokwahene Nana Awuah Panin III, MP for Tema West Hon. Carlos K. Ahenkorah, MP For Atwima-Nwabiagya South, Hon. Emmanuel Agyei Anhwere, Hon Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, MP for Bole-Bamboi, Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee among other high-profile government officials and traditional leaders.
Other State officials were: Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Joseph Petty, Mayor of Worcester, Senator Michael Moore, Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Worcester District, Senator Robyn K. Kennedy, Member of the Massachusetts Senate from the 2nd Worcester District,
Khrystian E. King Vice Chairman & Councilor-at-Large Worcester, State Representative David LaBeouf, State Representative for The 17th Worcester District, State Representative Dan Donahue, Massachusetts State Representative and Sheila H Dibb
Candidate for Massachusetts State Senate.
“An Opportunity to Celebrate”
During her address, Driscoll emphasized the significance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of diverse communities like the Ghanaians in Worcester.
“This is an opportunity to really celebrate all of you,” she said. “The Ghanaian people here in Worcester have been so hardworking, so dedicated. They not only make this community better, but they make our entire Commonwealth better.”
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the festival’s importance in fostering community spirit through cultural traditions.
She expressed her excitement to be joined by dignitaries from Ghana, who helped underscore the importance of maintaining and sharing cultural heritage.
“It makes my heart sing to see Ghanaian traditions passed on to the next generation, bringing people together in celebration of this rich cultural heritage,” she added.
Cultural Diversity: A Pillar of Strength
As the daughter of a Grenadian mother who grew up in Trinidad, Driscoll spoke from personal experience about the power of cultural festivals.
She shared fond memories of attending West Indian festivals and emphasized the joy that such events bring.
“If you haven’t been to West Indian Carnival, you haven’t been to Carnival,” Driscoll remarked, drawing parallels between her own experiences and the rich Ghanaian traditions celebrated at NEGfest.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the strength of Massachusetts lies in its diversity, stating, “What makes Massachusetts strong and vibrant is the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. Different people, all living together in harmony—that’s what Worcester is about, and that’s what this Commonwealth is about.”
She further stated “we feel so very special to be joined by guests from Ghana, dignitaries who are here for this very special day to help us remember how important it is to come together with our cultural traditions.
The Ghanaian people here in Worcester have been so hardworking, so dedicated. They not only make this community better, they make our entire Commonwealth better.
I say that as a first generation immigrant myself. My mother is from, born in Grenada and grew up in Trinidad, and I have been to many of my own West Indian festivals where we celebrate the joy of music and the culture of food and dancing.
…If you haven’t been to West Indian Carnival, you have not been to Carnival and it makes my heart turn to see Ghanaian traditions here passed on to the next generation, an opportunity to bring people together in celebration of this rich cultural heritage and to be able to have joy together as a community.
It’s important not just for our Ghanaian population here, but for others. What makes Massachusetts strong and vibrant is the rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, different people all living together in harmony.”
A Welcoming Commonwealth for All
Driscoll’s message went beyond celebrating the Ghanaian community; she underscored Massachusetts’ commitment to inclusivity and unity.
“We are all working together to ensure that Massachusetts is a welcoming state, a place where everyone can celebrate their individual cultures and come together as Americans,” she said, noting that the contributions of immigrants and diverse communities help make the state stronger and more vibrant.
The Lieutenant Governor closed her speech by expressing her gratitude for the ongoing contributions of the Ghanaian community to Worcester and Massachusetts as a whole.
“Whether it’s through business, entrepreneurship, or education, you bring great joy to Worcester and to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”
Looking Forward
Driscoll expressed her excitement for future Ghanaian festivals, saying, “So happy Ghanaian Festival today for the first time, and we know there will be many others.”
She emphasized the lasting impact of such cultural celebrations and looked forward to continued collaboration and support for the community.
NEGfest is an annual celebration that highlights the culture, history, and achievements of the Ghanaian community in Worcester.
The event draws attendees from all over Massachusetts and Ghana, featuring traditional music, dance, and food, while fostering community connections and celebrating cultural pride.
