A member of Ghana’s Council of State, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah, has praised the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA), describing it as a model of how African diaspora groups can meaningfully contribute to national development while preserving their cultural heritage.
Speaking at a recent event, Mr. Kwamigah commended CEANA for its “tireless efforts in uniting Ewes across North America and turning that unity into tangible development for our people back home.”
Transforming Unity into Development
For nearly three decades, CEANA has moved beyond fostering connections among Ewes in the diaspora to providing direct support to communities in the Volta Region of Ghana, southern Togo, and parts of Benin.
Through various projects, CEANA has contributed to education, water access, and digital inclusion. Notable initiatives include a modern kindergarten at Dodome-Awuaisu near Ho, which has provided hundreds of children with a stronger foundation for learning.
In Togo, CEANA recently commissioned a computer library at Lycée Kpodzi-Kpalimé, aimed at equipping students with the tools needed to thrive in a digital era.
These efforts, Mr. Kwamigah noted, reflect CEANA’s consistent mission to ensure that “every community in Ewe-land, no matter how rural, feels the impact of diaspora-led development.”
Linking Culture and Progress
CEANA’s annual conventions in North America serve as both cultural and strategic gatherings. They connect younger generations of Ewes to their roots while raising funds for ongoing development projects.
“CEANA has shown us that development does not erase identity—it strengthens it,” Mr. Kwamigah said.
The conventions blend traditional music, dance, and folklore with discussions on education and community advancement, reinforcing the link between cultural pride and sustainable development.
A Model for Diaspora Engagement
CEANA’s approach has been described by observers as a blueprint for other African diaspora groups seeking to make a lasting impact in their home countries.
Its projects range from constructing classrooms and libraries to providing scholarships for underprivileged youth.
As one community elder in Ho remarked, “When CEANA builds, they don’t just build schools and libraries. They build hope.”
Looking Ahead
Mr. Kwamigah’s commendation, he said, was not only a recognition of CEANA’s past achievements but also a reminder of the potential of diaspora communities to drive progress.
For CEANA, the challenge now is to expand its reach and inspire more cross-border partnerships to deepen its impact.
As Ewes across Ghana, Togo, Benin, and the diaspora celebrate CEANA’s contributions, the message remains clear: when culture and development move together, communities thrive.