The inaugural Ghana Diaspora Student Awards (GDSA) ceremony took place on June 8, 2024, at the Hendon Methodist Church in London. The event was a significant milestone in recognising the achievements of Ghanaian students abroad, celebrating their excellence, and fostering a sense of community and cultural pride.
The event was graced by an impressive array of distinguished guests, including Naa Dedei, Head of Education and Recruitment at the Ghana High Commission; Rev. David Newton, Lead Minister for Hendon Methodist Church, Barnet Circuit; Mrs Charlotte Boaitey Kwarteng, a notable figure from the Middle Temple; Dr Khadija Owusu of the Akaya Foundation and UK Youth Organisers for both the NPP (Ike Price Asante) and NDC (Freddy Kotogbor). The gathering also saw attendance from many more esteemed guests.
Akua Serwaa Agyemang, the first Ghanaian female Student Union Vice President at the University of Aberdeen, hosted the evening with grace and poise. The welcome address was delivered by Pearl Mensah, Vice President of the GetFund Scholars Forum, setting the tone for an evening filled with inspiration and celebration.
The vision and mission of GDSA were eloquently presented by Mr Martin Alohan Coventry University, British Council Counsellor and Co-Founder of Elevasity. His presentation underscored the goals of GDSA: to recognise excellence, foster cultural pride, encourage networking, promote collaboration, and empower the community.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the GDSA Lifetime Achievement Award by Dr Akosua Ofosu-Asiedu, the first female president of NUGS Scotland, founder of Aberdeen Ghana Society, and CEO of Planaria Medical Agency. This prestigious award was given in person to Ama K. Abebrese, an award-winning actress and advocate, and by proxy to IamNikky, a pioneering barber and community pillar, for their outstanding contributions to the Ghanaian diaspora.
Rev Ben Twumasi, Lead Minister for Edgware and Queensbury Methodist Church in the Barnet Circuit, delivered an inspiring keynote speech, emphasising the importance of community and the collective effort in achieving excellence.
The ceremony concluded with the announcement of the main award event scheduled for next summer, which will feature 12 award categories for students, in addition to the lifetime awards. With the support of the High Commission and the Diaspora Affairs Office, this event promises to be a landmark occasion in celebrating the achievements of Ghanaian students worldwide.
The GDSA team encouraged attendees to follow their social media at @gds_awards and to submit nominations for deserving individuals via their email, gdsa23@outlook.com.
Special thanks were extended to the event sponsors, TapTap Send and Diaspora Insurance, whose support was invaluable in making the evening a success. The organisers also expressed their gratitude to the Hendon Methodist Church and its members for their generosity in providing the venue.
The Ghana Diaspora Student Awards inauguration was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of Ghanaian excellence and a testament to the vibrant and supportive community that continues to thrive and inspire across the globe.
