Sankofaonline News Desk
GhanaFest Chicago 2026 opened its annual celebration with a powerful gospel music and a sermon delivered by Rev. Dzifanu Agbenya. His sermon set a reverent and unifying tone for the day’s festivities. Preaching from Psalm 133, the Reverend Agbenya called the Ghanaian community to embrace unity, love, cultural pride, and spiritual purpose as they gathered to celebrate their heritage.
The service began with the reading of Psalm 133, a passage that emphasizes the beauty and blessing of unity among brethren. He reminded the audience that unity is not merely an ideal but a divine command that strengthens communities and invites God’s favor.
Addressing traditional leaders, ministers, organizers, and attendees, Rev. Agbenya welcomed the diverse Ghanaian community and friends of Ghana to the 2026 edition of GhanaFest. He noted that the gift of life and health granted by God made it possible for the community to gather once again to celebrate their rich heritage.
The Reverend anchored his message on the declaration One People, One Community, One Goal, One Savior, drawing from Philippians 2:1–4 to emphasize the need for like‑mindedness, shared love, and collective purpose.
A Theme Rooted in Culture and Commerce
Rev. Agbenya highlighted the official theme for GhanaFest 2026, Connecting Our Community Through Culture and Commerce. He explained that culture and commerce form two essential pillars of the Ghanaian diaspora’s identity and progress. Culture, he said, is expressed through music, dance, food, language, fashion, and traditions representing all sixteen regions of Ghana. Commerce strengthens the community by supporting Ghanaian businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals who contribute to both the Ghanaian diaspora and the wider Chicago economy.
He celebrated the ethnic diversity present at GhanaFest, noting the representation of Ewe, Ashanti, Ga, Fante, Dagomba, Krobo, Nzema, Gonja, Akuapem, Akyem, and many others. GhanaFest, he said, exists to preserve culture, unite ethnic groups, educate younger generations about their roots, promote Ghanaian businesses, and build bridges with the broader Chicago community.
Unity as a Divine Mandate
Drawing from Acts 17:26–28, Rev. Agbenya reminded the audience that before tribal, national, or cultural identities, all people share a common identity as God’s creation. He urged the community to recognize that unity does not require uniformity. Instead, unity demands respect, cooperation, and mutual support despite differences.
He warned against division and tribalism, describing them as forces that breed jealousy, unhealthy competition, gossip, and bitterness. In contrast, unity brings peace, strength, and progress. Like threads woven into a single cloth, he said, Ghana’s diversity should enrich rather than divide.
Love as the Foundation of Community
Rev. Agbenya stressed that culture alone cannot sustain a strong community. Love must be its foundation. Quoting John 13:34–35, he reminded the congregation that Christ commands believers to love one another as He has loved them. Love, he said, is demonstrated through care for the elderly, encouragement for the youth, support for families, celebration of others’ successes, forgiveness, and dignified treatment of all.
He emphasized that Ghanaian cultural values such as respect, hospitality, hard work, and communal living must remain under the authority of Christ. Every celebration, he said, must glorify God and promote peace.
Teamwork as a Community Strength
The Reverend praised the teamwork behind GhanaFest, noting that planning, organizing, cooking, donating, performing, and praying all contributed to the event’s success. Citing Ecclesiastes 4:9, he affirmed that two are better than one and that building a strong community requires contributions from parents, elders, youth, businesses, churches, associations, and families.
Christ as the Center of Unity
Rev. Agbenya declared that while culture brings people together, only Christ transforms the human heart. Quoting Ephesians 2:14, he reminded the audience that Christ is our peace and breaks down every wall, whether tribal, social, political, or personal. At the cross, he said, no tribe or ethnic group is superior. All are saved by the same grace and united by the same Savior.
GhanaFest as a Mission Field
The Reverend urged attendees to see GhanaFest not only as entertainment but also as a mission field. Someone present, he said, may need hope, encouragement, prayer, or Christ Himself. He cited Matthew 28:19 to remind the congregation of the Great Commission and encouraged simple acts of kindness, compassion, and prayer as ways to share the gospel.
As GhanaFest proudly displays the colors of Ghana, Rev. Agbenya called on believers to also represent the Kingdom of God.
A Call to Purpose
In his conclusion, Rev. Agbenya urged the community to be proud of their culture while honoring others, reject tribalism and division, build stronger families, support one another, reveal Christ through their lives, and use every opportunity to point others to Jesus.
He prayed that Christ would be seen in their unity, love, hospitality, and service. GhanaFest, he said, should remind the community not only of where they come from but also where God is calling them.
One People. One Community. One Goal. One Savior, Jesus Christ.
