Someone You Should Know: Alhaji Baba Cisse

In the rich diversity of the Ghanaian community in Chicago, few figures stand out as prominent as Alhaji Baba Cisse. His unwavering leadership and calm demeanor have not only guided the Ghana National Council through times of crisis but have also left an indelible mark on the cultural and social fabric of our community. Today, we at Sankofaonline.com are honored to introduce you to a man whose contributions continue to inspire and uplift us all.

When it comes to leadership qualities, Alhaji Baba Cisse stands in a class of his own. His most prominent attribute is his performance and steadfastness as a leader, especially when one was needed the most. In 1991, he played a crucial role in the survival of the Ghana National Council. This was during a time of crisis when the then Secretary General, Reverend Kweku Lartey, suddenly left Chicago to permanently settle in Ghana. Reverend Lartey’s departure created significant leadership vacuum for the Ghanaian community.

The Ghana National Council, GNC, the umbrella organization for various Ghanaian communities in Chicago, was left without a leader to organize the newly established annual Ghanafest celebrations. Rev. Lartey’s unexpected departure had created a leadership crisis at a prominent time, threatening the existence of the council and the cherished Ghanafest program. Without strong leadership, the community’s annual picnic, which had just started in the early nineties, was destined for failure.

However, Alhaji Baba Cisse, then the Assistant Secretary General, stepped up to prevent this doomsday scenario. His astute leadership ensured that the festival, meant to showcase Ghanaian cultural festivities and Thanksgiving celebrations to the American public, did not fold. He refused to allow the Ghana National Council to be dissolved and rallied key leaders from various ethnic community organizations, such as the Okwapeman Fekuw , the Ga-Dangme Community Organization , the Ewe Association of Chicago (Milenovisi Habobo), the Fante Benevolent Society of Chicago, the Asanteman Association of Chicago, the Haske Society of Chicago, the Okyeaman Association of Chicago, the Ghana Chicago Club of Chicago, and the Kwahu United Association of Chicago. These meetings led to solutions that ensured the continuation of Ghanafest, resulting in the Ghana National Council we know today.

Alhaji Baba Cisse was also a founding member of the Haske Society in Chicago.

Another notable attribute of Alhaji Baba Cisse is his demeanor. He is often described as “cool as a cucumber,” not easily ruffled. You would rarely see or hear of Alhaji exploding in anger in public. Even when provoked at meetings, he remains calm and approaches the provocateur afterward to explain his position and strike a dialogue, ensuring decorum prevails in future meetings. This calm and composed nature is one of the most cherished and admired characteristics of Alhaji Baba Cisse.

At Sankofaonline.com, we proudly spotlight Alhaji Baba Cisse as a distinguished figure you should know within the Ghanaian community in Chicago. His remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication make him a true pillar of our community.

Contributing : Togbe Clement Timpo