Maiden Sankofa African Network Impact Awards (SANIA) held in Virginia
Sankofa African Network Impact Awards (SANIA) held its inaugural annual awards ceremony, on Saturday, September 21, at the Divine Word Events Center, Woodbridge, Virginia, in the United States.
The awards ceremony recognized and celebrated the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups within the Afro-Ghanaian community. Its vision was to unite all Africans in celebration of great acts of service and build a greater sense of unity and connection within the Afro-Ghanaian community.
It attracted distinguished and high-profile guests, with an encouraging nudge from the African diaspora community. Nana Owoahene Owusu Acheampong, Asantefuohene of Washington, DC Metro Area in his remarks emphasized the need for Africans to come together for a positive change. The traditional leader serves as the representative of the Asantehene — the king of the Ashanti people in Ghana, in the DC Metro Area.
The organizer and host of the event, Sankofa African Network (SAN) is a Virginia-based nonprofit founded in 2020. It has provided services to the DC Metro community in many ways since 2009. The nonprofit primarily serves the growing African diaspora and Afro-Caribbean immigrants.
Lawyer Kwaku Ofori, owner of Ofori Law Firm delivered the keynote speech, stressing the importance of media in national development. He urged the attendees to rally behind the setup of the new community FM station scheduled for launching at the end of the year.
“We hosted the event to honour our heritage, embrace our diversity, and applaud our outstanding achievers. We are hoping this awards ceremony will be a testament to the richness of our culture and the strength of our people,” said SAN to TheAfricanDream.net in a statement.
Honorees
- Dr. Fiona Brown – Youth Impact Award
- Dr. Anastasia Dabi – Volunteer Service Award
- Dr. Steve Greene – Public Charity Award
- Alusine Suba Kanu – Philanthropy Award
- Dr. Susan Koduah – Educational Leadership Award
- Phyllis York – Professional Impact Award
- Janis Asare Bediako – Business Impact Award
- Naa Koo-Sua Asantewaa Okontomene – Royal Impact Award
- Gordon Agyekum – Community Leadership Award
- Anna Mensah Nti – Community Service Award
- Archbishop Dr. Adonteng Boateng – Humanitarian Award
- Prince Sherman Thomas – Creativity Award
The red carpet began at 6pm EST, featuring live performances from celebrated entertainers and a mini-fashion show in the main event. The night had performances from Biney Dance Group, Royal Mama, Rosey, Juicee, Nee Oseye Adeleke. Multiple award-winning artist, Kwabena Kwabena gave a thrilling live concert from a list of his hit songs including, Bue Kwan, Aso, Adult Music, Royal Baby and more.
“We want to encourage our people to embrace our roots, celebrate our culture, and honour our achievements. The Afro-Ghanaian and Afro-Caribbean communities will shine bright at this awards ceremony,” SAN emphasized to TheAfricanDream.net.
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
