Mr. Kasim Abubakari took over the mantle of leadership of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago, GNC, after Paa Kwasi Sam’s glorious two-term limit. Reverend Dr. Kofi Noonoo, President of the Council of Ghanaian Churches swore Mr. Bakari and others into office. The event took place on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at the Augustana Lutheran Church, 5500 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago IL.

Mr. Abubakari served as the Vice President for the last six years. He was also the President of the Ghana Northern Union for 8 years. As President of the GNC, he has vowed to continue being instrumental and supportive of the community at large. With his new administration, his vision is to focus on the implementation of plans and policies for the Ghana National Council, ensuring the GNC remains productive and progressive Youth development organization.
President Abubakari is calm,unassuming and respects all people. He loves and cherishes peace, hence his vision is to always see our community members living peacefully with one another. He is eager to understand the needs of the community and how we can continue to improve life for each other.
The former business manager of the council, Eunice Cromwell, DNP, FNP-C, is his Vice President. Dr. Cromwell holds a Doctorate in Nursing from Purdue University Global and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She joined the GNC as Business Manager in 2017. Her willingness to service and leadership skills have made a massive positive impact on the council and the community. Her passion for healthcare was evident when she led GNC to organize the Health and Wellness Fair with GPNA to commemorate Ghana at 60. She has partnered with over 20 organizations to continue providing the community with Health and Wellness Care. Through this, the GNC was able to establish the Ghanaian Community Health Clinic (GCHC); which is an expansion of healthcare services rendered to community members for free.

She also serves as Business Manager for the Fanti Benevolent Society, Business Development Director of GCHC & the CEO/Founder of the Jemimah Noonoo Foundation (JNF). JNF’s mission is to “empower lives daily through education, access, and giving.”
She diligently goes above and beyond for success in our communities events and activities. Her goal is to continue aiding in the advancement of the community and the positive narration of Ghana to the world.
Others who were sworn in are Mr. Benjamin Kodom-Ayensu, Treasurer, and Mr. Effah Ameyaw, Sergeant-at-arm.
Amongst the many legacies of Paa Kwasi include improved personal relations among council members, increased profit margins from programs and activities organized by the council, increased attendance and participation in Ghanafest, Ghana’s Independence celebrations, and monthly community Health Clinic services.
We wish the new administration success and urge the community to fully support them.
Council of Ghanaian Churches
Meanwhile, the Council of the Ghanaian Churches here in Chicago have also elected officers to run the organization for the next three years. There were 13 churces present at the elections.
Reverend Dr. Kofi Noonoo was elected President with 13 yes votes. The Secretary elect, Pastor Gideon Barden got 11 yes votes. The Treasurer-elect is Rev. Albert Ocran, and the Public Relations Officer is Rev Mark Twumasi Agyeman. They obtained 13 and 12 yes votes respectively. The elected officers will be sworn into office on March 18, 2023, during the Ghana Independence Day community church Service.
The elections was supervised by Reverend Dr. Mary Adufah.
Contributing: Eunice Cromwell, DNP, FNP-C