Inaugural Ghana Diaspora Student Awards: A Celebration of Excellence and Community

The inaugural Ghana Diaspora Student Awards (GDSA) ceremony took place on June 8, 2024 at the Hendon Methodist Church in London.

The event marked a significant milestone in recognizing the achievements of Ghanaian students abroad, celebrating their excellence and fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.

The event was graced by an impressive line-up of distinguished guests including Naa Dedei, Head of Education and Recruitment at the Ghana High Commission; Rev David Newton, Senior Minister for Hendon Methodist Church, Barnet Circuit; Ms. Charlotte Boaitey Kwarteng, a notable Middle Temple figure; Dr. Khadija Owusu of Akaya Foundation and UK youth organizers for both NPP (Ike Price Asante) and NDC (Freddy Kotogbor). The gathering was also attended by many esteemed guests.

Akua Serwaa Agyemang, Ghana’s first female Vice President of the Students’ Union at the University of Aberdeen, hosted the evening with grace and poise. The welcome address was delivered by Pearl Mensah, Vice President of the GetFund Scholars Forum, setting the tone for an evening full of inspiration and celebration.

GDSA’s vision and mission was eloquently presented by Mr. Martin Alohan Coventry University, British Council advisor and co-founder of Elevasity. His presentation outlined the goals of GDSA: to recognize excellence, promote cultural pride, encourage networking, promote collaboration and empower the community.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the GDSA Lifetime Achievement Award by Dr Akosua Ofosu-Asiedu, the first female President of NUGS Scotland, founder of the Aberdeen Society Ghana and CEO of the Planaria Medical Agency. This prestigious award was presented in person to Ama K. Abebrese, an award-winning actress and lawyer, and by proxy to IamNikky, a pioneering barber and community pillar, for their outstanding contributions to the Ghanaian diaspora.

Rev Ben Twumasi, Senior Minister for Edgware and Queensbury Methodist Church in Barnet Circuit, gave an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the importance of community and collective effort in achieving excellence.

The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the main awards event scheduled for next summer, which will feature 12 student award categories in addition to the lifetime awards. With the support of the High Commission and the Office of Diaspora Affairs, this event promises to be a landmark occasion in celebrating the achievements of Ghanaian students around the world.

The GDSA team encouraged entrants to follow their social media at @gds_awards and submit nominations for deserving individuals via their email, [email protected].

Special thanks went to the event sponsors, TapTap Send and Diaspora Insurance, whose support was invaluable in making the evening a success. The organizers also expressed their gratitude to Hendon Methodist Church and its members for their generosity in providing the venue.

The inauguration of the Ghana Diaspora Student Awards was more than a ceremony; it was a celebration of Ghanaian excellence and a testament to the vibrant and supportive community that continues to thrive and inspire across the globe.

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