Members of the Southern Volta Association gathered Sunday August 10, 2025 for a solemn and beautiful dedication service, marked by the ceremonial outdooring of their new customized cloth. The fabric, featuring a unique design and the bold SVA logo, symbolizes the group’s shared identity and cultural heritage. The service, attended by fifty adults and children, was a deeply moving experience that stirred nostalgic memories and reaffirmed members spiritual , physical and cultural bonds.
Conducted entirely in Ewe, the mother tongue of the Southern Volta region, the service resonated profoundly with attendees. Every element, from scriptural readings to sermons and hymns, was infused with emotional depth and cultural pride. The musical ministration stood out as a highlight, with the congregation’s voices blending in powerful, soul-stirring harmony. Singing together in their native language created a visceral connection to their roots, bridging the emotional distance between their new home in Chicagoland and their ancestral home. It was a poignant reminder that language and song are vital vessels of memory and identity.
Father Pius Kokose delivered a sobering and powerful sermon on life, death, and spiritual readiness. He began by acknowledging the human tendency to be unprepared for tragedy, referencing a recent heartbreaking event in Ghana where eight lives were lost unexpectedly. His message was clear: Christ calls on us to be ready at all times. Drawing from the parable of the rich man who, after building his wealth, was told by God, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you,” Father Kokose illustrated the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of living with purpose.
He emphasized the value of true friendship, noting that a real friend is one who stands by you in times of need. He urged the congregation not to waste time on those who abandon them in moments of trouble. Offering a message of hope, he reminded all present that for those who are spiritually prepared, death holds no fear. Our lives are in the Lord’s hands, and by following His word, we can live without anxiety or regret.
Father Kokose challenged the congregation to reflect on their legacy, asking, “What will you do for people to remember you?” He pointed out that Christ, despite His miraculous deeds, was never boastful, yet His name remains above all names. He stressed that our lasting legacy is not defined by material possessions, such as a large house, luxury cars, or a sizable bank account, but by the good we do for others. He concluded with a powerful call to action: “My brothers and sisters, obey the words of the Lord so that you will be ready at all times. Heaven is not just something you experience after death. You can experience it here on earth before the eternal Heaven.”
The congregation then engaged in a series of heartfelt prayers. Petitions were lifted for the sustained growth and strength of the Southern Volta Association, for divine guidance and unity among its members, and for the well-being of the Ghanaian diaspora. Prayers were also offered for peace, prosperity, and wise leadership in both Ghana and the United States.
Following the service, President Donatus Kotogbor addressed the members with deep gratitude. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who traveled long distances to attend and thanked everyone for their unwavering commitment to the organization. “Forward ever, backward never!” he declared. “When I see you like this, it gladdens my heart. Because of you, this organization will transcend generations. No one person can do it.” He reinforced the idea that in a foreign land, they are each other’s keepers, bound by a shared heritage and mutual responsibility. He also offered special thanks to Father Pius Kokose, who despite on a visit in Paraguay, graciously accepted the group to worship in his church; an act of kindness that speaks to the strength of their shared community bonds.
The SVA’s cloth outdooring service was more than a ceremonial event. It was a powerful affirmation of a community built on faith, heritage, and mutual support. In the heart of Chicago, Ghanaians are not merely surviving, they are thriving, celebrating their roots, and building a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
View pictures of the event below:
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