BETHESDA, MARYLAND — The 33rd Annual Convention of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) has brought together Ewe diaspora leaders, traditional authorities, diplomats, political figures, business professionals and community members in Maryland for a major celebration of cultural identity and a renewed call for development-focused diaspora investment.
Held under the theme “Preserving Culture, Inspiring Generations,” the 2026 convention has combined cultural celebration with discussions around healthcare, education, investment, youth development and the future of Ewe communities across Ghana, Togo and Benin.
The convention is being hosted at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Maryland. The official programme runs from September 3 to September 7, 2026, with cultural events, leadership engagements, networking and fundraising activities forming part of the gathering.
The growing focus on diaspora investment and cross-border economic connections reflects a wider conversation about how Africans abroad can move beyond remittances and participate more directly in investment, enterprise development and infrastructure projects on the continent.
Culture Takes Centre Stage
One of the most visually striking moments of the convention came during the Kete banquet, where Ewe cultural traditions were placed at the heart of the evening.
The DMV Cultural Troupe performed traditional music and dance, with the powerful sounds of Atsimevu and Sogo drums accompanying a procession of dignitaries and guests.
The atmosphere was further elevated by performances from Togolese music legend Agboti Yaw and rising artiste Chief One, as delegates celebrated Ewe identity through music, dance and traditional clothing.
The celebration reflected CEANA’s longstanding role in preserving cultural heritage while using its diaspora network to support development initiatives across Ewe communities.
Bagbin Calls for Bigger Thinking
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin was among the prominent Ghanaian figures associated with the convention.
In remarks presented at the gathering, Bagbin challenged CEANA and the wider diaspora community to think beyond small-scale interventions and pursue projects capable of creating a lasting generational legacy.
He pointed to CEANA’s history of supporting schools, libraries, clinics and scholarships and urged the organisation to move toward larger development initiatives.
His message centred on the need to transition from a predominantly remittance-driven relationship with Ghana toward enterprise creation, regional trade, investment and cross-border development.
Bagbin also highlighted the shared cultural and linguistic connections linking Ewe communities across Ghana, Togo, Benin and neighbouring parts of West Africa.
Bank of Ghana Governor Highlights Diaspora Economic Potential
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama also addressed the convention, providing an economic perspective on the growing importance of Ghana’s diaspora community.
According to figures presented at the gathering, Ghana’s inflation rate had fallen significantly, while economic growth, international reserves and monetary conditions had improved. Asiama also highlighted the importance of remittances to Ghana’s economy.
He cited private remittance inflows of approximately US$7.8 billion in 2025 and argued that diaspora capital could play a much larger role if channelled into structured investment opportunities.
Among the initiatives discussed were diaspora-focused financial policies, including the “Remit to Invest” concept, which seeks to encourage remittances to flow into savings, retirement products, enterprise financing and real estate rather than being used solely for consumption.
The broader economic environment has also attracted increasing attention from investors and diaspora groups. GhanaMedia.net’s 2026 investment coverage has examined the country’s changing investment and capital-market environment.
From Remittances to Investment
The central message emerging from the convention was that diaspora engagement must evolve.
Rather than limiting the relationship between Ghana and its diaspora to money sent home to support families, CEANA leaders and speakers advocated for greater participation in businesses, healthcare, education, technology, agriculture, property and other productive sectors.
That approach aligns with CEANA’s long-standing development activities across Ghana, Togo and Benin and its emphasis on education, healthcare and community infrastructure.
The experience of other Ghanaian diaspora organisations supporting community development also demonstrates the potential of organised diaspora networks to combine financial resources, professional expertise and relationships for long-term impact.
UHAS Cancer Research and Treatment Centre Vision
Healthcare emerged as one of the convention’s most significant development priorities.
CEANA President William Edem Kumah has been advancing a proposal for the organisation to work with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho on a major cancer research and treatment initiative.
Recent reports confirm that the proposal has gained support from Volta Region representative on the Council of State, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple.
The proposed facility is expected to combine cancer research, diagnosis, treatment and professional training, with discussions also focusing on advanced radiotherapy equipment such as linear accelerators.
MyJoyOnline reported on September 7 that Kwamigah-Atokple had backed the proposal following discussions with CEANA President William Kumah, describing the initiative as an opportunity to strengthen health research and treatment capacity in the region.
A Convention With a Development Agenda
The convention also attracted members of Ghana’s Parliament, diplomatic representatives, traditional leaders and other senior figures.
The participation of senior officials reinforced the growing importance of diaspora organisations as partners in development rather than simply cultural associations.
CEANA’s 2026 convention follows the organisation’s earlier commitment to supporting education, healthcare and community development projects in Ewe communities across Ghana, Togo and Benin.
The Ewe Association of Washington, DC Metro, which is hosting the convention, describes CEANA as a movement that brings together Ewe communities across North America while promoting heritage, youth empowerment, community networking and development initiatives.
Preserving Culture While Building the Future
The 33rd CEANA Convention has therefore served two interconnected purposes: preserving cultural identity and mobilising resources for the future.
From the colourful Kete banquet and traditional performances to discussions about investment, healthcare, education and infrastructure, the gathering demonstrated how cultural identity can become a foundation for economic and social development.
As CEANA looks beyond its 33rd convention, its leadership faces a larger challenge: converting the energy, expertise and financial capacity of the Ewe diaspora into sustainable projects capable of transforming communities across Ghana, Togo and Benin.
For the delegates gathered in Maryland, the message was clear — cultural pride is not only about remembering the past. It can also be a platform for building the future.
