The Silence of the Seats In The Ghana National Council — A Call to Conscience and Renewal

Sankofaonline News Commentary: By Reuben Hadzide : October 7,2025 .

At the recent meeting of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC), a quiet but troubling reality came to light: NO candidates stepped forward for the roles of Treasurer and Sergeant-at-Arms. In a council of over thirty members, only the presidency drew contenders, two distinguished leaders, Dr. Eunice Cromwell, Vice President and Director of the Community Clinic ; and Mr. Effa Ameyaw, Sergeant-at-Arms. To both, we at SankofaOnline.com extend our deepest gratitude. Your willingness to serve is not only admirable, it is a testament to the enduring spirit of communal sacrifice.

But beyond this moment of appreciation lies a deeper reckoning. After thirty-seven years of existence, how did we arrive at a place where leadership positions go unclaimed? With a growing Ghanaian population and the council’s rising prominence, why is the spirit of service waning?

This is not a rhetorical question. It is a moral one.

The GNC was not built on convenience. It was built on sacrifice. The first generation of Ghanaian immigrants, our forebears, labored with love and grit to establish the GNC and its affiliate organizations: Asanteman Association, Ga-Dangme Community Organization, Ghana Northern Union, Okyeman Association, Bono Ahafo Association , Haske Society, Okuapeman Association, Ewe Association, and many more. These were not mere clubs. They are sanctuaries of culture, unity, and identity in a foreign land. They were built with sweat, prayer, and the hope that future generations would carry the torch.

And yet, today, that torch flickers.

Nineteen years ago, the GNC amended its constitution to welcome youth into deputy roles, an inspired move to nurture leadership succession. But the second and third generations have not stepped forward in the numbers we hoped. Some have moved away after school. Others feel disconnected. Many simply do not see themselves reflected in the council’s rhythm. And among affiliate organizations, youth participation in leadership and membership is dwindling. Qualified members cite time, fatigue, or disinterest. The result? A vacuum. A quiet erosion of democratic engagement.

We must ask, what barriers are we failing to dismantle? What bridges are we failing to build?

This is not a moment for blame. It is a moment for bold reflection. For compassionate action. If we do not act, we risk a future where leadership is held by default, not by choice. Where our institutions stagnate, and the vibrant pulse of our community fades.

Let us be clear: voluntary service is sacrifice. But it is also legacy. It is the heartbeat of communal growth. And without youth involvement, that heartbeat slows and finally stops.

Where are the Kwaku Lartey’s and the Alhajie Bashiru Habib’s? Where are the Nana Kwafo Brempong’s, the Ajhajie Tijani’s, and the Clement Timpos? Where is Alhajia Habiba Fuseini, and where is “Mayor” Boafo Papafio? These were not just names, they were visionaries who stepped forward when duty called, who served not for applause but for legacy. Their absence today echoes a question we must answer: who among us will rise with the same courage, the same conviction, the same love for community?

We call upon every affiliate organization, every elder, every parent, every mentor: find ways to engage the youth, not just in name, but in spirit. Invite them. Empower them. Listen to them. Let them lead in ways that honor tradition but embrace innovation. Let them see that service is not a burden, it is a blessing.

We call upon the youth: your voice matters. Your presence matters. Your leadership is not a future hope, it is a present need. The council is not a relic, it is your inheritance. Claim it. Shape it. Revive it.

We call upon the entire Ghanaian community in Chicago: this is our clarion call. Let us not watch our institutions wither while other communities thrive. Let us rise with urgency, with unity, and with reverence for those who came before us.

To our forebears, we thank you. Your sacrifice built our foundation. May we honor you not with words alone, but with action.

To our current leaders, your courage is noted. May it inspire others to step forward.

To our youth, your time is now. Service to man is service to God. And service to community is service to self.

Let us not mourn the silence of empty seats. Let us fill them, with purpose, with pride, and with the power of collective will.

The flame is flickering. But it is not out.

Let us rise. Let us serve. Let us build with urgency!