A Perspective:
Solomon Tamakloe 2000 – 2004
Vice President Solomon Tettey: He was the pulse of the administration. He brought enthusiasm, hard work and a dogged attitude for successful outcome to his office.
2000- 2004 Executives:
Mr. Solomon Tettey: Vice President
Mr. Ayiteyfio Griffths: Secretary
Mr. Isaac Laryea: Assist. Secretary
Mr. Daniel Adjetey: Secretary
Mr. Justice Addo: Assist. Treasurer
Members:
Nii Obli Armah
Mr. Aristotle Kotey
Mr. Ernest Mensah
Mr. Joseph Seth-Larbi
Mr. John Akwei
Dr. George Madjitey
Electoral Commissioner: Mr. Larry Fiamaple
Supporters: Joana Cyrus, Asiedua Osei, Olive Idan, Shirley Sintim, Sylvia Kyei, Ben Binney, Justice Addo, Thomas Narh, Charlotte Portuphy, Nii Shango, Naa Sika Ayiteyfio, Gladys Wilmot, Monica Sasu, Monica Amobea, Mrs. Toshie Madjitey , Christie Agyemang, late Maame Arthur (Dr. Arthur’s mom), late Prince Daniels, Glady’s Fiamaple
The focus of this administration was:
- Financial stability & Sustainable Benefit package for our membership,
- Increased and stable membership
- Advance the parliamentary system of executive deliberations as stated in our constitution by having executive meetings before any general meetings.
We started to amend the constitution to align association obligations for a sustainable future. We changed our contribution to members for immediate family bereavement from $1,000 to $500
Our financial account was negative when we took office. We had less than $200 in the bank account. Dr. George and Mrs. Toshie Madjitey converted a loan of $2,500 given to the association to a gift to help our financial position. In appreciation of their kind gesture the association conferred Lifetime Membership on the Doctor and his wife.
A check of $400.00 was mailed to Dr. Adjetey Lomo to repay his loan to the association but the check was not cashed so we wrote him a letter of appreciation. Thanks again to Doctor Lomo.
Non- GaDangme membership was greatly encouraged to honor the words in our traditional GaDamgbe prayers “ablekuma aba kuma wor”, meaning “people of other tribes should be welcomed to join our ranks”.
We had huge participation from Oklahoma City of about 30 for each Homowo and about 20 from Dallas. The Houston, Dallas & OKC brotherhood was strong.
The OKC delegation introduced our famous song and was played by then DJ James Nii Sai Doku at the last event of the Nii Obli administration. James Nii Sai Doku (My brother) was our unpaid DJ for about 6 years.
Our Challenges:
All but one of our meetings was held at the YMCA on Fondren due to a letter from the landlord complaining about our activities on the premises.
The GaDangbeInternational confusion was permanently put on ice in Houston as far as this administration was concerned. The issue of our financial contribution to the GDI and the lack of direction from the leadership were contributing factors and I did not encourage Houston participation. Some on the board were very enthusiastic about the GDI.The VP., Solo Teetey, Nii Obli, John Akwei Joseph Seth- Larbi and a few others helped organized a national forum in Houston. We received $300 from the GDI for the event. I travelled to London and did not attend.
There was a veiled split in the association between the GA and Dangme factions. This was not openly talked about but was a cancer during my administration. Even my ethnicity of 50% GaDangme, 25% Fanti and 25% Ewe was a reason for some complaint. My VP Solomon Tettey gave me cover from the many fireballs that were thrown my way. I am saying this so that future leaders and members will be aware of the bigotry that exist in some of our members and can destroy our association.
History was made when we handed over to the first female President and of Dangme heritage. This brought the dwindling Dangme membership up and the trend continues today.
Chieftaincy and Pouring of Libation were some of the issues of our time. I was not and still not for us enstooling a Chief and will fight to defeat any such advances in the association. The pouring of libation was a non- issue for me but a large portion of our membership had strong reservations about that and almost quit the group. The politics was not right for me to table the vote at that time. I also don’t believe it has any effect on anybody or anything. Freedom of association and freedom of religion is guaranteed in this USA and trumps our wishes and preferences so let the Libation Practioners have their peace.