By Fuvi Kloku
BOLINGBROOK, IL — On Saturday, August 15, 2026, meteorologists issued dire warnings across Chicagoland, predicting relentless downpours and severe thunderstorms that forced organizations and individuals to abandon their outdoor plans. The village of Bolingbrook sat directly in the storm’s crosshairs. Yet where modern science foresaw an unavoidable deluge, the resilient members of the Southern Volta Association (SVA) drew upon the formidable legacy of their ancestors.
Inside the association’s digital forums, a quiet resolve transformed into ancient action. Elders and guardians of tradition deployed time‑honored spiritual methods, invoking sacred powers passed down through generations to ward off the encroaching clouds , a living testament to ancestral faith and communal unity. What followed was nothing short of miraculous. As dark skies hovered threateningly over neighboring townships, a triumphant sanctuary of clear weather opened directly above Central Park, remaining untouched for the entire duration of the festivities despite the morning downpour.
A SACRED AWAKENING IN CENTRAL PARK
From 11:00 a.m., two towering SVA banners fluttered proudly in the gentle breeze, welcoming families to a transformed Central Park. The grounds were infused with the spirit of Ewe dukor, temporarily turning the heart of Bolingbrook into a vibrant enclave of Ghanaian heritage.
The atmosphere shifted from anticipation to profound reverence during the opening prayer delivered by Rosemary Amegashie. Her words rose like incense over the gathering , a fiery, spirit‑filled invocation that honored the Divine, thanked the heavens for holding back the storm, and called down blessings upon every soul present. It was a spiritual awakening that set a joyful tone for the afternoon, punctuated immediately afterward by the celebratory pop of champagne corks.
Master of Ceremonies Donatus Kotogbor, who also serves as President of the Southern Volta Association, commanded the floor with magnetic charisma, seamlessly guiding a distinguished assembly of community leaders. Honored guests included Mr. Effah Ameyaw, President of the Ghana National Council; Ms. Selali Ayeke , President , Ewe Association; Togbe Addo and Mama Nunyati Chief and Queen of the Ewe Association; and Mr. Albert Baddoo, Vice President of the GaDangme Community Organization.
The anniversary banner was unveiled, boldly emblazoned with the emblem of their legacy:
“SOUTHERN VOLTA ASSOCIATION is 10 years old, hurray!!
Theme: From Our Roots to Our Future — Celebrating 10 Years of Southern Volta Heritage and Pride.”
CULTURAL MAJESTY AND AN ELECTRIC SYMPHONY
The park erupted into a glorious tapestry of sights and sounds. Children filled the playgrounds with radiant laughter, while adults engaged in spirited matches of Oware, Ludu, and classic card games. The air was rich with the irresistible aromas of a grand feast ,perfectly seasoned fish, chicken, and turkey, meticulously prepared to nourish attendees.
Providing the heartbeat of the day, DJ Love delivered a transcendent musical performance. Reading the crowd with masterly precision, he blended the primal rhythms of Agbadza and Borborbor with high‑energy old‑school classics and deep reggae grooves. The irresistible symphony drew young and old alike into an unbroken circle of dance, creating an atmosphere of sheer euphoria that lasted well into the evening.
A PROFOUND DECLARATION OF IDENTITY
The pinnacle of the afternoon arrived with the official anniversary launch delivered by Togbi Dr. Reuben Hadzide. Stepping forward with immense dignity, he offered an oration that resonated deeply within every listener:
“My people of Southern Volta, today we gather not only to celebrate but to honor the footsteps of our ancestors — from the proud lineage of Togbi Sri to the wisdom of our chiefs and queens, our fathers, mothers, uncles, and aunties, whose guidance has kept us disciplined and united across generations. We stand firmly on the resilience of the thirty‑six towns that form our ancestral heritage, the historic Anlo State. Their enduring spirit has carried us through centuries of unity, courage, and communal strength.
For ten years, the Southern Volta Association has served as the modern custodian of that legacy in the Chicago Metropolis, preserving our customs, uplifting our families, and keeping alive the values our forebears entrusted to us. A decade of service. A decade of identity. A decade of Southern Volta pride.
And so, in the name of our ancestors, our chiefs, our queens, our elders, and the unbroken spirit of Southern Volta , and with the permission and honor granted to me by the President , I hereby declare the Southern Volta Association’s 10th Anniversary officially launched. May this celebration renew our unity and strengthen our bond. Let the celebrations begin.”
Prolonged cheers, warm embraces, and historic group photographs followed, capturing a milestone etched in time.
LEADERSHIP, SERVICE, AND AN UNBROKEN SPIRIT
The profound impact of the day resonated deeply throughout the park. Reflecting the collective sentiment of the membership, Mama Sedudzi later expressed heartfelt gratitude to the association, reserving high praise for their tireless President, Efo Donatus Kotogbor.
Highlighting his sacrificial leadership, she revealed how she witnessed Efo Donatus working late into Friday night, personally seasoning vast quantities of meat to ensure the festival’s success. She urged members to move away from passive observation or criticism, calling all to embrace the spirit of nɔviwɔwɔ — brotherhood and unity — by asking, “What can I do to help?” Her message served as a powerful reminder that SVA’s growth is rooted in shared responsibility and selfless dedication.
A PRESIDENT’S GRATITUDE AND A CALL TO ACTION
President Donatus Kotogbor later extended heartfelt appreciation to all members, supporters, and friends of the Southern Volta Association for their overwhelming participation during both the picnic and the Sunday church service. He praised their unity, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to the association’s mission. With the anniversary year still unfolding, he urged everyone to carry the same spirit of togetherness into the upcoming Gala Dinner Dance, reminding the community that their collective energy is the true engine of SVA’s success.
THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES
The historic weekend transitioned into sacred reverence on Sunday, August 16, as members gathered at the Lutheran Church on 5500 S. Woodlawn Avenue in Chicago for a dedicated 10th Anniversary Mass. Conducted entirely in the Ewe language by Father Pius Kokose, the service offered solemn thanks for a decade of grace, resilience, and fellowship.
Though the park has cleared and the sacred mass has concluded, the milestone anniversary year is far from over. The Southern Volta Association will bring its 10‑year celebration to a grand conclusion on December 26, 2026, with an elegant Gala Dinner Dance in Chicago , a final tribute to their unbroken motto:
Rooted in Culture, Rising in Unity!
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