Outgoing GNC President Kassim Abubakari bids farewell with a legacy of stability and reform

The Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC) has completed a leadership transition, with outgoing president Mr. Kassim Abubakari outlining key financial and institutional milestones achieved during his three-year tenure at a swearing-in ceremony held on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Mr. Abubakari delivered his exit address during the induction of the new president, Mr. Effah Ameyaw, and other executives, before council members, elders and community leaders. In his remarks, he said his administration prioritised integrity, accountability and long-term sustainability of the organisation.

“For three years, I have served with integrity, not for personal gain, but for the growth and sustainability of our community,” he said.

A major highlight of the outgoing administration was improved financial stewardship. According to Mr. Abubakari, the Council is handing over a total of US$60,000 held across Chase and BMO bank accounts. When combined with funds in the Ghanaian Community Health Clinic account, total assets amount to US$86,575.61.

He noted that this represents the first time in the history of the GNC that total assets have exceeded US$25,000, attributing the achievement to disciplined financial management and collective responsibility within the executive team.

“This growth was achieved through diligence, faithful leadership and honest executives,” he said.

Beyond building reserves, the Council also supported community-focused initiatives, including Enoch’s World and Women of Hope, as part of efforts to assist vulnerable groups within the Ghanaian diaspora community.

Mr. Abubakari also highlighted major cultural and national events organised during his tenure, including the Independence Celebrations and GhanaFest events in 2023 and 2024. He noted that GhanaFest 2023 was the largest held by the Council in recent years.

He further indicated that President Effah Ameyaw and Vice President-elect Ms. Ethel Adongo had been involved in event planning for nearly a decade, a background he said would be beneficial to the incoming administration.

Youth development and skills training featured prominently in his address. He urged community members to encourage young people to explore technical and vocational career paths such as electrical work, plumbing, machining and HVAC services, which he described as viable sources of long-term employment and stability.

“For our youth to succeed, we must expand our thinking,” he said.

Another key institutional development cited was the formalisation of the Ghanaian Community Health Clinic as a subsidiary of the GNC. Mr. Abubakari traced the clinic’s evolution from a health expo organised during Ghana’s 60th independence anniversary in 2017 to its current status as a structured, legally formalised entity with a dedicated board.

He said the clinic currently operates in facilities secured through partnerships with the Redemption Presbyterian Church of Ghana and later the Church of Pentecost.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Abubakari described council leadership as voluntary and demanding, calling for unity and cooperation among members. He formally handed over the administration of the Council to Mr. Ameyaw, urging the new leadership to build on the gains made.

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