Launch of the Ghana Students Association at Johns Hopkins University: A Celebration of Culture and Community

On March 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the Welch Medical Library at Johns Hopkins University, located opposite the Bloomberg School of Public Health, hosted a vibrant and colorful launch ceremony for the Ghana Students Association (GSA). The event, steeped in the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture, featured traditional attire, delectable Ghanaian cuisine, and intricate decorations, creating an atmosphere of pride and unity among attendees.

Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including keynote speaker Professor Rexford Ahima, Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, who delivered an inspiring address themed “Empowering the Next Generation: Unity, Innovation, and Impact.” Professor Ahima emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of community among Ghanaians and Africans, urging students to collaborate, innovate, and give back to society. He drew inspiration from Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose visionary legacy continues to resonate in Ghana and beyond, especially during Ghana Month in March.

Faculty member Daniel Obeng from the Department of Biostatistics at the Bloomberg School of Public Health also spoke, encouraging Ghanaian students to aim high, achieve great things, and reach out to him for support in any way possible, reinforcing his commitment to their success. Dignitaries from the Ghanaian Embassy to the United States, including Mr. Paul Kwaw Cudjoe (Minister/Acting Head of Chancery), Mr. George Kwasi Bright (Social Secretary and Media Publicist), and Mr. Miftau Sulemana (Minister-Counsellor, Political), were also present.

The Ghanaian Embassy pledged ongoing support for Ghanaian students in the U.S., encouraging them to contact the embassy for assistance, reinforcing their commitment to the diaspora. Dr. Emmanuel Elorm Nortey-Adom, President of the GSA, officially launched the association and unveiled its logo, marking a historic moment for Ghanaian students at Johns Hopkins.

The ceremony was a testament to cultural pride and community building, leaving attendees inspired to uphold Ghanaian heritage while making a lasting impact at Johns Hopkins and beyond.

The newly elected executive team of the Ghana Students Association, who played a pivotal role in organizing the launch, includes:

• President: Emmanuel Elorm Nortey-Adom
• President Elect/VP: Maame Yaa Idun
• Co-Vice Presidents: Kwabena Obiri-Yeboah and Sharon Karbo
• Co-General Secretaries: Ellen Peprah and Raymond Owusu-Ansah
• Treasurer: Yvonne Mensah
• Communications Co-Chairs: Denise Eke Chukwu and Esi Hagan
• Event Co-Chairs: Beula Otsyina and Dennis Puganga
• Public Relations Co-Chairs: Efua Maclean and Cornelia Antwi
• MBA Liaison: Kwesi Peprah

The Nigerian Students Association and Ethiopian Students Association showed solidarity, attending to support their Ghanaian counterparts, fostering a spirit of pan-African camaraderie.

Written by Vice President: Kwabena Obiri-Yeboah, MD, MPH