POGA-NA: A Night of Legacy, Music, and Impact….pictures 1

………Thanks to last year’s remarkable efforts, POGA-NA surpassed its initial goal of raising $100,000, securing $119,000 toward the endowment fund. This year, despite economic challenges, attendees showed resilience, raising a little over $60,000.00

Fairfax, Virginia—What started as a small gathering of devoted past students with a dream of reviving the Past OLA Girls Association in North America (POGA-NA) has transformed into a powerful movement, a beacon of support for their beloved alma mater, Our Lady of Apostles (OLA).

In July 2015, Margaret Kudoto and Adiiza Bucari initiated Facebook discussions that led to the first in-person meeting of 21 OLA alumnae, hosted by Alberta Kudiabor. Attendees included: Pearl Setranah (Sabblah), Genevieve Dzifa Komanyor, Bridget Esinam Komanyor, Evangeline Tay, Margaret Kudoto, Ignatia A. Quaye-Akofur, Pauline Simmons (Ashong), Margaret Korto (Kordorwu), Josephine Mabel Ansah (Kwetey), Antoinette Sabblah, Adiiza Bucari, Josephine Gyimah (Panford), Hellen Kumaga (Abotsikumah), Alberta Kudiabor, Adjoa Nuworsu, Juliana Asamoah, Verity Borklo-Hadjih, Caroline Tsikudo (Seho), Edith Kudadze, Comfort Nartey, and Vivian A. Kofie.

At the meeting, the group agreed to establish the Past OLA Girls Association of North America (POGA-NA) to support learning at OLA and create mentorship and networking opportunities for alumnae and students. An interim leadership team was appointed and later became the association’s first official executive board: President – Pearl Setranah,Vice President – Pauline Simmons, Secretary – Maria Madui Tay, Financial Secretary – Genevieve Dzifa Komanyor and Public Relations Officer (PRO) – Margaret Kudoto.

This year’s event was nothing short of spectacular. The night kicked off with a high-energy ‘70s Jam—an electrifying start that had attendees grooving to nostalgic classics, dressed to embody the era’s iconic fashion. The beats flowed effortlessly, thanks to DJ Ekow, the undisputed architect of ambiance, hailed by the legendary former BBC broadcaster, Ben Dotsei Malor, as the “prime mover-controller of mood, atmosphere, and energy.”

But if music was the soul of the evening, then Sefadzi Abena Amesu, better known as S3fa, was its heartbeat. The award-winning Ghanaian singer and songwriter stole the show with her mesmerizing performance, blending Afro-pop, Afrobeats, Highlife, and R&B into an intoxicating musical experience. Her hit songs, including “E Choke,” “Shuga,” and “Fever,” had the audience on their feet, transforming the night into an unforgettable celebration of rhythm and culture. As she glided across the stage, her magnetic presence and powerful vocals reminded everyone why she won Afrobeats Song of the Year at the 2022 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

But beneath the glitz and music, the heart of the evening lay in its noble cause: securing a sustainable financial future for OLA, one gift at a time. As President Dr. Vivian Agbemashior-Maafoh passionately expressed in her address, this event was more than just a fundraiser—it was a celebration of unity, purpose, and legacy.

Thanks to last year’s remarkable efforts, POGA-NA surpassed its initial goal of raising $100,000, securing $119,000 toward the endowment fund. This year, despite economic challenges, attendees showed resilience, raising a little over $60,000, ensuring that the dream of infrastructure expansion—classroom blocks, science laboratories, and other vital facilities—remains alive and achievable. Dr. Maafoh gives all glory to God first and offers heartfelt thanks to her incredible executive team and devoted fundraising committee, whose tireless efforts helped make everything truly beautiful.

Dr. Frimpong, chairman of the endowment fund in the U.S., reflected on OLA’s history, highlighting its role in shaping influential women, including the likes of Her Ladyship Agnes, Sophia Jiagge, and the esteemed former First Lady, Theresa Kufuor. Their achievements serve as a reminder of the powerful impact OLA has had not just in Ghana but across the world.

A standout moment came during the auction when Sika Kunutsor from the 2005 Year Group secured an exclusive artwork, uniquely framed with an OLA school uniform, for $2,500—a symbol of heritage wrapped in creativity. Meanwhile, the Maria Goretti house claimed victory in the inter-house fundraising competition, adding yet another layer of excitement to the night.

As the evening drew to a close, the air was thick with nostalgia, determination, and a collective promise—POGA-NA is here to stay, and its commitment to OLA’s future will only grow stronger. The fundraiser may take a break next year, but the mission remains unchanged. So, to every supporter and donor, make the checks fat—because OLA needs you.

The music, the memories, and the legacy continue. This is just the beginning.