The Norvisi Association North America, Inc. (NANA), an organization of citizens of Shia in Ghana’s Volta Region living in North America, reaffirmed its commitment to the community’s development during its 2026 Biennial Congress, held August 7-8 in Cheshire, Connecticut. Under the theme “Development in Unity” and the motto “Together We Grow • Together We Succeed,” members committed to advancing education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other community initiatives.
A major outcome was NANA’s decision to evaluate and adopt the library at Shia’s newly built Senior High School. Currently empty, the library requires furnishings and learning resources. NANA established a project team to work with the school, assess its needs, and develop a plan to transform the facility into a modern learning environment for students.
The Association also reaffirmed its support for the community center under construction in Shia, a collaborative project involving Shia citizens in Ghana, North America, and Europe. Members highlighted NANA’s contribution to the renovation of Shia’s maternity block, reflecting its commitment to essential healthcare services for mothers, newborns, and families. Members also raised funds for rehabilitation and maintenance of Shia’s public cemetery, including clearing overgrown vegetation and improving accessibility.
NANA Chairman Blaise Anthony Hometorwu emphasized unity, collective responsibility, and giving back to the community that shaped its members. The Congress also received support from the Ewe Association of Southern Connecticut, led by its Vice President, Chris Diaba, whose delegation attended and donated toward NANA’s development initiatives.
Guest of Honor Togbe Tornu Yao V, Dufia of Aveme Dra, praised members for maintaining strong ties with Shia despite living abroad. He encouraged them to build a legacy for future generations and challenged citizens to work collectively to advance Shia from its affectionate nickname, “Small London,” to “BIG London.”
The Congress concluded with a banquet featuring cultural entertainment, awards, recognition, and fundraising. NANA announced that its next Biennial Congress will be held during the third weekend of July 2028 in Crown Point, Indiana, where members will review progress, strengthen fellowship, and continue mobilizing their collective skills and resources for Shia’s development.
