By: Dzifa Hosi
Ghanafest, a cherished cultural event that Chicago has proudly hosted for decades, now faces an unexpected and disheartening cancellation. While Chicago relinquishes its rights to this historic festival, other cities, such as Columbus, Ohio, are embracing the opportunity to host their own vibrant versions of Ghanafest. This shift raises pressing concerns, as it signifies the loss of a festival deeply rooted in cultural heritage and community pride.
For years, Ghanafest in Chicago has been a beacon of Ghanaian culture, uniting communities through music, dance, cuisine, and the majestic parade of chiefs and queens. Its cancellation leaves a void, especially as other cultural groups in Chicago, such as the Latino and Indian communities, continue to celebrate their traditions with annual outdoor festivals. This begs the question: What led to this decision? Were thorough research and assessments conducted to justify such a move, or was it merely a response to vague claims of logistical challenges and safety?
Moreover, has there been any documented history of disruptions or incidents at outdoor festivals in Chicago that would warrant this action? The absence of clear reasoning only amplifies the Ghanaian community’s frustration and disappointment.
The impact of Ghanafest extends far beyond Chicago, as Ghanaian communities from across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Ghana flock to the festival every year. It serves as a global gathering point, offering countless opportunities for businesses from our homeland to showcase their products and services while promoting Ghanaian enterprise internationally. Government officials also use this platform to connect with the Ghanaian diaspora, sharing updates about national programs and unveiling business opportunities to empower Ghanaians abroad.
Meanwhile, the Ghanaian community in Ohio is thriving, with their version of Ghanafest buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. Their website showcases a dynamic celebration of Ghanaian culture, proving that the spirit of Ghanafest is alive and well—just not in its original home.
If Ghanafest had been canceled during the Trump administration, one could logically attribute the decision to concerns such as the presence of ICE or anti-immigrant policies. However, those same concerns would have also been present in preceding years. So, what has changed now that would make cancellation unnecessary next year? The rush to cancel seems impulsive and poorly thought out, leaving many questioning the rationale behind this decision.
It’s essential to consider the potential consequences of this cancellation on the community and the event’s purpose. Ghanafest is more than just a festival—it celebrates Ghanaian culture, heritage, and traditions, promoting unity and cultural exchange. Canceling the event risks undermining these values and could have a lasting negative impact on the community.
Instead of proposing cancelation, the organizers could explore alternative solutions. Increasing security measures or providing resources for attendees concerned about their immigration status could address these issues while allowing the event to continue. This approach would preserve the festival’s purpose and ensure it remains a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian culture.
This situation calls for reflection and dialogue. How can we ensure that cultural festivals like Ghanafest, which hold immense significance for diaspora communities, are preserved and celebrated rather than sidelined? The answers lie in transparency, community engagement, and a commitment to honoring the rich tapestry of cultures that make cities like Chicago special and unique. Ghanafest is a bridge connecting generations, a catalyst for economic empowerment, and a celebration of heritage that deserves to thrive for years.
Source: Dzifa Hosi
Thanks to D. Hosi for writing such an eloquent dialogue for questioning the illogical premises being advanced for the cancellation of this this year’s Ghanafest.
I’m so very much impressed with the quality of the logics advanced and if Miss/ Mrs Hosi is not one of our representatives at the Ghana National Council then we should promote her to be one of our future ambassadors at the Ghana National Council promoting, supporting and defending the concerns of the Ewe community in Chicago
Based on the quality of her expose, I can see her being a future president of the Ghana National Council.
Bravo to you Miss/Mrs Hosi!
Togbe Timpo ( Former President of GNC)
For me, Ghanafest has always stood as a vibrant emblem of our cultural heritage—a bridge linking generations and uniting communities. It was unsettling to read an article that prematurely claimed the cancellation of GhanaFest 2025. In reality, the Ghana National Council has not finalized any cancellation decision. They remain in the deliberative phase, carefully gathering input from all affiliates to ensure every community voice is heard.
I find it concerning that the writer, who happens to be a former GNC member, chose not to consult current GNC officials before publishing such significant claims. Relying on unverified sources in matters as critical as this can mislead the public, especially when the potential cancellation is merely a consideration prompted by the ongoing deportation proceedings under the Trump administration, and not an established fact.
Let’s commit to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accuracy. Together, we must ensure that our cultural legacy is safeguarded with the truth and integrity it deserves.
Thank you for highlighting the ongoing deportation policies under the Trump administration, which the GNC used as a pretext to suggest affiliates cancel Ghanafest 2025—just as they did with the in-person Ghana Independence celebrations. Yet, the writer has masterfully dismantled this assertion. The GNC’s stated concerns—safety due to immigration issues and logistical hurdles—are nothing more than a thinly veiled excuse for their trajectory toward canceling the in-person festival. These challenges are neither new nor insurmountable, and the affiliates of the council have consistently failed to address them.
The article was a clarion call for council members to rethink their shortsighted and uninspired rationale. It is a rallying cry for transparency, accuracy, and the preservation of our cultural legacy with the truth and integrity it so richly deserves. Readers of the article can clearly discern the writer’s compelling arguments advocating for the event’s continuation, leaving them eager to see how the council will rise—or fail—to meet this challenge.
The time has come to end the narrow-minded dismissal of differing opinions. The writer’s claims are not only legitimate but profoundly thought-provoking, demanding careful consideration rather than being brushed aside with lazy and baseless counterarguments.
Moreover, the writer explicitly stated, “Ghanafest, a cherished cultural event that Chicago has proudly hosted for decades, now faces an unexpected and disheartening cancellation.” How could anyone twist this straightforward and heartfelt argument into a claim that the writer declared the event canceled? Such ignorance is not only baffling but a disservice to the truth.
Thank you for your thoughtful and passionate response. The article indeed aims to encourage transparency, accountability, and meaningful dialogue regarding the future of Ghanafest. It is crucial that concerns about safety and logistical challenges are addressed with clarity and concrete solutions rather than being used as justifications for cancelation.
The intention was never to spread misinformation but rather to highlight the pressing need for open discussion and proactive problem-solving. The writer’s position remains clear—advocating for the preservation of a cultural institution that holds deep significance for the Ghanaian community. Dismissing these concerns without genuine engagement would be a missed opportunity for progress.
Constructive discourse is essential, and differing viewpoints should be welcomed, but they must also be rooted in facts and a commitment to the truth.
The Ga would say amɛ nuu blɔfo
Mr. Amega, you wrote, “let’s commit to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accuracy.” I agree with you wholeheartedly on this point. In the very spirit of transparency and accuracy that you seek and advocates, i believe that this very ideals you espouse, should also make room for dissenting voices. Respectfully, take this point into consideration. Thank you.
I appreciate your perspective and wholeheartedly agree that transparency and accuracy must also allow space for dissenting voices. Open and respectful dialogue is essential in fostering meaningful discussions and ensuring all viewpoints are considered. Your point is well taken, and I thank you for sharing it.
Mr Amega:
Thank you for your open minded response. Have a great day.
Respectfully,
MSA
This article appears to suggest that Ghanafest is facing cancellation, although it does not definitively state that it has been canceled. It uses terms like “unexpected and disheartening cancellation” early on, which creates the impression that the event is no longer happening. However, as you read further, it becomes clear that the article is questioning the decision-making process and advocating for alternative solutions, rather than confirming a finalized decision to cancel.
The emphasis on the lack of clear reasoning and factual grounding in the cancellation discussions suggests that the article’s purpose is to raise awareness and spark dialogue about the importance of preserving Ghanafest. By exploring the cultural and economic significance of the event, as well as the perceived shortcomings in the decision-making process, the article positions itself as a call to action for transparency, community engagement, and finding solutions that allow Ghanafest to continue thriving.
In summary, while the article does strongly imply the potential cancellation of Ghanafest, it does not explicitly confirm that such a decision has been finalized. Instead, it underscores the need for open discussions and thoughtful considerations to safeguard this vital cultural tradition.
I had been there all along my friend . Take your time to read the article well before commenting. I just highlighted it
It was there my brother . I just highlighted it .