The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC) witnessed a defining moment in its history on Sunday, January 4, 2026, as outgoing President, Mr. Kassim Abubakari, delivered an emotional and deeply reflective exit address during the swearing‑in ceremony of the new President, Mr. Effah Ameyaw.
What unfolded was not merely a farewell, it was a masterclass in leadership, accountability, and the quiet sacrifices that sustain a community.
A Leader Bows Out With Gratitude and Grace
Standing before council members, elders, executives, and community leaders, Mr. Abubakari spoke with the calm authority of a man who had given everything he had, and then a little more.
“For three years,” he said, “I have served with integrity, not for personal gain, but for the growth and sustainability of our community.”
He paid special tribute to his executive team, especially Vice President, Dr. Eunice Cromwell, whose partnership he described as essential to the Council and community’s progress.
Historic Financial Stability: A First in GNC History
One of the most striking achievements of his administration was financial stewardship.
Under his leadership, the GNC hands over:
- $60,000 across Chase and BMO accounts
- $86,575.61 total when the Community Health Clinic account is included
This marks the first time in GNC history that the organisation has held more than $25,000 in total assets, he asserted.
Beyond building reserves, the administration also gave back, supporting organizations such as Enoch’s World and Women of Hope, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable populations.
“This growth,” he emphasized, “was achieved through diligence, faithful leadership, and honest executives.”
Signature Events That Defined an Era
Mr. Abubakari’s tenure delivered some of the most successful cultural events in recent memory:
- Independence Celebration 2023
- GhanaFest 2023, the largest ever held recently
- Independence Celebration 2024
- GhanaFest 2024
He noted that President‑elect Effah Ameyaw and Vice President‑elect Ethel Adongo had been involved in event planning for nearly a decade, an experience he believes will strengthen the new administration.
Championing Youth, Skills, and Opportunity
One of his most passionate priorities was youth development.
He urged the community to broaden its vision beyond traditional career paths and embrace technical and vocational trades,electrical work, plumbing, machining, HVAC, fields that offer stability and long‑term opportunity.
“For our youth to succeed,” he said, “we must expand our thinking.”
Health, Wellness, and the Birth of a Legacy
Among his proudest accomplishments is the evolution of the Ghanaian Community Health Clinic, now a fully structured subsidiary of the GNC.
He traced its journey:
- Born in 2017 during Ghana @ 60 as a health expo
- Grew from annual to bi‑annual
- Eventually became a monthly clinic
- Fully assumed by the GNC after separation from GHI
- Legally formalized through a clinic‑appointed legal team
- Supported by a dedicated board of directors
He clarified the clinic’s governance structure, emphasizing transparency and accuracy in the historical record.
The clinic now operates in free space secured through partnerships with the Redemption Presbyterian Church of Ghana and later the Pentecost Church, thanks to the efforts of his indefatigable Vice President, Dr. Eunice Cromwell and the clinic board.
Service, Sacrifice, and the Weight of Leadership
Mr. Abubakari spoke candidly about the demands of leadership:
“Council service is volunteer work, demanding, time‑consuming, and sacrificial. It is not about rumors or tearing others down. It is about unity, integrity, and service.”
He reminded future leaders that the Council thrives only when its members work with sincerity and purpose.
A Call for Unity—and a Peaceful Handover
In his closing remarks, he urged the Council to embrace a new chapter free from division and misinformation.
“Let today mark the end of rumors and falsehoods. Let us choose peace and progress.”
With humility and confidence, he formally handed over the affairs of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago to President Effah Ameyaw, marking the beginning of a new era.
A Final Blessing
“May God bless our community and guide the future leadership of the Ghana National Council,” he concluded, his voice steady, his legacy secure.
