Sankofaonline News Desk
The vibrant pulse of Ghanaian culture reverberated through the Windy City as the Council of Bono and Ahafo Associations of North America, COBAANA, convened its 17th Annual Convention on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the prestigious Hilton Chicago Northbrook.
Guided by the powerful and resonant theme, “The Health of Our People Is Our Concern,” hundreds of delegates, traditional rulers, distinguished diplomats, government representatives, and diaspora community leaders gathered for an unforgettable evening of unity, cultural pageantry, and transformative philanthropy.
The grand fundraising dinner dance served as the centerpiece of a weekend dedicated to addressing critical healthcare needs back home in Ghana, specifically championing the ongoing construction of the state‑of‑the‑art COBAANA Medical and Dialysis Center in Sunyani.
A Warm Welcome to the Windy City
Setting an inspiring tone for the evening, Mr. Benjamin Kodom-Ayensu, President of the host Chicago Chapter, delivered a stirring welcome address. Speaking to Nananom, visiting dignitaries, and the expansive COBAANA family, he expressed profound gratitude to the Chicago Planning Committee led by Mr. Akwasi Sarpong, the COBAANA Executive Board, and all dedicated volunteers whose relentless sacrifice and collaboration made the historic convention successful .
“Tonight, we continue a journey we began years ago, a journey rooted in compassion and responsibility,” Mr. Kodom Ayensu declared to an applauding ballroom. “Our mission is to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the dialysis center in Sunyani, a facility that will serve our three regions and ultimately support countless families across Ghana. This is not just a project, it is a lifeline.”
National Leadership and Milestone Achievements
Adding authoritative depth to the gathering, Dr. DeGraft Gyan Kwafo, Chairman of COBAANA, delivered a comprehensive address detailing the extraordinary strides achieved over the past year. He proudly announced that construction of the COBAANA Medical Center in Sunyani has officially broken ground, with foundation work and structural columns fully completed.
“When completed, the dialysis center will save countless lives throughout the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo Regions, sparing patients the burden and physical toll of traveling long distances for vital renal care,” Dr. Kwafo emphasized.
He also highlighted monumental international partnerships, including a landmark pledge from World Medical Relief to donate five million dollars worth of advanced medical equipment upon the building’s completion.
Beyond tertiary healthcare, COBAANA’s developmental footprint expanded across rural communities with the successful construction of clean water boreholes at Aboabo Number Three and ongoing drilling at Ahenekor, transforming public health and water accessibility to citizens .
The Spirit of Community Care in Action
Embodying the true ethos of COBAANA, President Benjamin Kodom Ayensu recounted a touching moment during the pre‑convention boat cruise when an eighty‑year‑old attendee fell ill. Member Joyce Lewis immediately stepped forward, cradling and comforting her until medical professionals arrived, a powerful reminder that COBAANA’s commitment to care extends far beyond physical infrastructure.
Cultural Elegance and Electrifying Entertainment
The convention was as much a celebration of rich Ghanaian heritage as it was a humanitarian mission. The ballroom came alive with vibrant traditional pageantry, highlighted by a mesmerizing performance from the sensational Adowa performance by Chico. Her graceful, rhythmic artistry captivated the audience and honored ancestral traditions.
As the evening transitioned into night, renowned master of sound DJ Odikro took command of the turntables, delivering an unforgettable musical experience. With an infectious blend of highlife, afrobeat, and contemporary rhythms, he kept delegates, chiefs, and guests on their feet, filling the hall with joyous celebration and unmatched energy.
A Triumphant Call to Action and Generous Pledges
The energy in the room translated into phenomenal financial support during the fundraising segment. Led by dynamic guest speakers, visiting Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, and diaspora chapter leaders from Atlanta, New York, Toronto, Calgary, Delaware, Connecticut, and the host Chicago Chapter, attendees responded with remarkable generosity.
Chapter‑by‑chapter competition ignited friendly rivalries, resulting in substantial cash donations and pledges to accelerate the roofing and completion phases of the dialysis center. Dignitaries, business leaders such as Mr. Pujo Bree, Chief Executive Officer of Aul Master Company, and philanthropic organizations rallied together to ensure the vision becomes a fully operational reality by next year.
“Little drops of water make a mighty ocean. When we stand together, no challenge is insurmountable. Arise and build,” was the resounding chorus.
Looking Forward
As the curtains drew closed on the 17th Annual Convention, attendees departed Chicago with renewed vigor, united in the belief that sustainable development begins with community solidarity. With the Sunyani Dialysis Center rising steadily from the ground, COBAANA 2026 will long be remembered as a watershed moment of compassion, cultural pride, and decisive action.
View MORE pictures of the event HERE
