Washington, D.C, June 30, Ghanadot - It was the first of its kind as the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C opened its doors on June 30, 2007 to welcome and honor some of the sons and daughters of the Ghanaian Diasporan community in the Washington metropolitan area.

	The majority of the graduants was from the area’s high schools and colleges; kids presumably born outside Ghana - to Ghanaian parents in the Diaspora. The idea to celebrate these young Ghanaians was that of the Ghanaian ambassador to the USA, H. E. Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei, a medical
Dr. Bawuah-Edusei
practitioner turned diplomat. He was also the keynote speaker for the occasion.
In attendance were key members of the Council of Ghanaian Associations of the Washington Metropolitan area.
	There were remarks from three invited prominent members of the community, Dr. Anthony Boakye, a medical practitioner, Mr. Robert Arhin, an attorney and Dr. John Kwakye, an economist with the International Monetary Funds. Respectively, they spoke to the graduates on subjects concerning areas of their individual expertise.
Mrs. Addo (Dep. Amb) Ms. Mary Damuah and Dr. and Mrs Bawuah-Edusei
The Ambassador, Dr. Bawuah-Edusei, in his remarks, charged the graduates not to forget to be thankful for their parent's efforts and support that had brought them to this point in life and that they would always be Ghanaians since they "have Ghanaian blood  in them."  But, he cautioned, there was more ahead. He said the community was gathered to recognize an important aspect of the culture "which is the rite of passage and to help celebrate an  important milestone in the lives of the students." Earlier, the Deputy Ambassador of the mission, Mrs Irene Addo, had offered prayers of thanks to the Almighty and had asked in a somber presentation for the mercy of the Good Lord to guide these kids onward.
	Recognizing the wonderful opportunities in the American educational system, Dr. Bawuah-Edusei asked the graduants not to misuse the opportunities that had been offered them so far by virtue of their being in this society, but to take proper advantage of them so as to be useful to both their parents and country.
Dr. Boakye and Mr. Arhin (right)
He told them, they could be proud of the motherland now which "is stable rich, peaceful and free," the best it has been for years. However, the Ambassador warned that to be able to honor Ghana, it would  require positive thinking at all times. And above all, they were to avoid drugs, smoking and drinking as that would be a sure way to ruin. In response to the advice from their elders, the students had an able representative in the person of Dr. Albert Quarshie, Jr. to give their version of the remarks.
	Dr. Quarshie, Jr. was a graduate of Maryland University College of Dentistry and the son of Dr. and Mrs. Quarshie of Maryland, also a noted dentist. It became apparent that that Dr. Quarshie, Jr had been an achiever, who throughout his days as student,
Dr. Albert Quarshie, Jr.

from high school to college, had been on the Dean’s list.  In his presentation, he did not fail to show his mettle and to project at the same time his potential as a future leader.

When the call came for the graduates to receive the special awards, presented by the Ambassador on behalf of the Ghana government, they could not hide their joy. The ovation they let out as each walked to the front to receive his or her certificate, coupled with the equal prideful cheers that rang out from parents, was a joy to hear.

The occasion, as said, was a first. It was also an eye opener. All these promising kids abroad, would their talents be lost to their country like those of their parents before them? Were they already candidates of the brain drain? Or would these kids, with the youthful enthusiasm such as was on display that evening, cause a reversal in the flow of the brain drain?

It could be wished, indeed, that these kids could turn out to be a positive twist in the fortunes of Ghana. Some in audience opined loudly, that events like these could certainly go a long way to help and to remind them of their origin and heritage. Their talents then could be harvested for the benefit of the motherland, Ghana.

More pictures 

E.  Ablorh-Odjidja, Ghanadot, June 30, 2007