Source: Anfoega Association of North America
News Release | For Immediate Release
The Anfoega Association of North America (AANA) marked a significant milestone on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as members, friends, and well-wishers from across the North America and Canada gathered online for its 2nd Virtual Convention. The event was a vibrant blend of cultural pride, community spirit, and forward-looking initiatives, reaffirming the Association’s mission to unite and uplift the Anfoega diaspora and bring development to the Anfoega Traditional Area.
Born out of compassion and solidarity just five years ago, AANA has grown from a small WhatsApp group into a dynamic network dedicated to supporting members in times of need, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering development in the Anfoega area. This year’s convention carried the theme “Tackling the Urgent Needs of Our Community”, reflecting the Association’s commitment to development, unity,and progress.
In his Welcome Address, the President of the Association, Dr. Mark Kutame, spoke about the convention as another milestone to celebrate the history of the association, the resilience and dedication that defines the association, our family ties, the shared heritage, common values, and collective aspirations. He reflected on the achievements of the association since its formation and challenges that confront us. He called on all members to remain focused on strengthening the bonds that bind the members, preserving the cultural heritage, empowering each other, and investing in the initiatives of the associationthat will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Highlights of the Convention
• Inspiring Keynote Address – The keynote speaker, Hon. Ernest Adevor, the District Chief Executive of the North Dayi District, emphasized the power of collective action, urging participants to channel their shared values into sustainable community projects. Some community projects in advanced stages of development, he noted, included: (i) housing for teachers in the basic schools, (ii) construction of new schools in all the villages, (iii) liaising with Colleges of Education to become conduits for teachers in the district, (iv) completion of the administration block at the Anfoega Senior High School, (v) completion of a girls’dormitory under construction, (vi) installation of a solar-powered mechanized borehole, (vii) construction of a new hospital at Denui and Akloba with nurses quarters, (viii) laying of pipes to bring water from the Kpando area to all villages in the area including Vakpo, and (ix) acquisition of land for a 24-hour economy market at Gblenkor and Vakpo which would include a police station, shops, a fire-station, creche, and rest rooms.
He also spoke to the urgent need for qualified teachers in the basic schools among other needs that include: (i) an ICT center for students, (ii) an anesthesia machine for the Catholic Hospital, (iii) value-added clay industry, and (iv) establishment of an FM station.
His address was followed by a Q & A session. Questions spanned several topics including security, barriers to educational achievement from pupils, employing and keeping qualified teachers, the poor road network connecting villages to the district capital, infrastructure network including the Catholic Hospital, resource allocation within the district, and poor communicationchannels.
• Panel Discussions: Moderated by Dr. Bright Fleku, an academic and researcher in psychology and treasurer of the association, panel discussions were held on three main topics: (a) Financial Planning and Entrepreneurship for the African in the Diaspora, (b) Health and Wellness for the African in the Diaspora, and (c) the Role of Parents in Children’s Education in America.
Mrs. Grace Yanum-Kenney, a nurse, and Dr. Joy Kwakuyi, a mental health expert, led discussions on stroke and mental health. Mrs. Yanum-Kenney, explaining the warning signs of stroke, used the acronym, BEFAST (B= balance and sudden dizziness, E=Eyes, blurred vision, F=Sudden drooping of the mouth and numbness of the face, A=sudden numbness of one side of the body such as the arms or feet, S=Slurring of speech or inability to speak, T=Time, the need to immediately call 911). Dr. Kwakuyi spoke to the need to check-in with others and emphasized that actions such as taking vacations, getting sleep, developing trusting relationships etc. were important to sound mental health.
Dr. Nana Ama Abro-Adibo, a financial professional and insurance agent expert, led a discussion on finance and developing wealth. She advised members to consider saving in index funds, building wealth, and investing for the future and to avoid an over-reliance on Go Fund Me or other fundraising from communities when there is a crisis.
Dr. Wisdom Agorde, Professor of English, and Mama Agudze II (Ms. Rejoice Addae), Social Work Professor, led discussions on the role of parents in the diaspora. They emphasized the need to form bonds with children, take an interest in children’s education, and create a relationship with children so that they could be comfortable in bringing their issues to them.
• Cultural Showcases – Attendees enjoyed traditional Ewe music, dance, and storytelling, bringing the warmth of home to screens worldwide.
• Fundraising Success – Fundraising efforts were led by Ms. Laura Attipoe, Social Worker, and financial secretary of the association, and Mama Agudze II. The convention raised significant funds to expand the Association’s developmentinitiatives. Funds raised were targeted at installing two large poly-tanks on the premises of the Anfoega Senior High School to store water from the school’s borehole and the laying of pipes to distribute water from the borehole to various sectors of the school.
A Spirit of Gratitude and Hope
In his final closing remarks, Dr. Kutame offered heartfelt thanks to the technical team, volunteers, donors, and participants whose dedication made the convention a success. With renewed energy and a clear vision, the Anfoega Association of North America looks ahead to an even brighter future—one where tradition and progress walk hand in hand, and where every member feels the embrace of a truly global family.
My name is Reginald Kofi Hayibor from Anfoega Akukome and Gblenkor ( Sigbe Royal Clan)
I will suggest you invite more citizens in Canada to join the association notable the children of our cousin Fo Vittoh Hayibor.
One of them is a professor. Prof Hayibor and his sibblings. You can also create
You can also create a scholarship scheme to help needy students from the district and also invite other citizens from the district to join the association