Story: Atta Kwaku Boadi
The Midwest’s largest celebration of West African heritage returned in full splendor on Saturday, July 25, 2026 as the 37th Annual GhanaFest brought thousands of attendees together under the banner of “Connecting Our Community Through Culture and Commerce.”
Organized by the Ghana National Council of Chicago and its affiliates, the flagship event transformed the grounds into a vibrant hub of tradition and enterprise.
Leading the corporate presence was GN Bank Chicago, headed by President and Chairman Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom and Director Mrs. Yvonne Nduom, alongside team members Donna Abbot, Israel Bonsu, Ernest Acheampong, and Emmanuel Dadzie.
Their active participation highlighted the institution’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Ghanaian diaspora across North America.
A central attraction of the day was the Ghana Village, a bustling marketplace where attendees patronized local entrepreneurs offering traditional fashion, beauty products, art, health services, and financial resources, alongside authentic Ghanaian cuisine and beverages.
The cultural heartbeat of the festival featured a regal procession of Chiefs and Queen Mothers representing various traditional authorities, parading in full ceremonial attire to honor their shared heritage.
Underscoring the event’s growing economic significance, the Chairman of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) attended as a guest of honor, with digital payment platform PassportPay serving as a key sponsor.
Since its inception in 1988, GhanaFest has solidified its status as the premier summer gathering for unity, commerce, and cultural pride in the Midwest.
