We found ourselves as the only Ghanaians residing in the emirate of Abu Dhabi until we came across another Ghanaian during a football match, when he played as our opponent. He happened to be a student in Al Ain but chose to give up his education to pursue football as a professional career. We had interactions with him after the game and found out that there were lots of Ghanaian students in Al Ain.
As a believer in community building, I mobilized my colleagues and we paid the students a visit in Al Ain for a day. It was fun, just to say the least.
Upon our return to Abu Dhabi, we had discussions amongst ourselves and decided that anytime we had a holiday, either we will visit them in Al Ain or we will welcome them to Abu Dhabi. There were no phones during that period so our friend from the other team who plays with us in the Departmental League, was the medium of communication between Ghanaians in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi as He normally visited Al Ain every weekend.
Our major meetings were during Eid and Christmas holidays.
Fast Forward to later part of 1994, I had the chance to bring in few more Ghanaians to join my company most notably Mr. Samuel Kwaku Neequaye. The student community in Al Ain was also growing. It was during the same time we heard of a Ghanaian family in Dubai. The Ghana community was growing and I felt like bringing all of us together and creating a sense of belonging will be very good for all.
I invited everyone for a meeting and during that meeting I nominated Mr. Saeed Abdul Mumin, then a graduate from Al Ain University as the First President and put myself as the General Secretary. We extended our social gatherings to Dubai and Northern Emirates to see if we can attract Ghanaians from every corner. We had a lot of challenges as to where and when to meet.
Then we were hit by Global crisis where people lost their jobs and relocated. GHASCAD went downhill but we were able to re-organize again. This time we nominated Mr. Mohammed Ali as the President and I retained my position as the General Secretary to steer the affairs as usual. Then we had a second crush when our Mr. Mohammed Ali had relocated to the United States. GHASCAD took a nose dive again for quite a period of time until we came back together stronger to re-ignite the fire once more. This time we wanted to have a strong base and therefore we decided to put down a constitution that will help govern the community. Mr. Samuel Neequaye was nominated President unopposed, Mr. Henry Kesson became the General Secretary, I Mr. Benjamin Opoku Agyeman became the Financial Secretary this time and other Executives were Mr. Michael Amoonoo, Mr. Ebenezer Koomson (Humble), Nurudeen Salifu to mention but a few. Four years or so along the line, we had elections and Madam Maha Captan was elected as the President. Myself and Mr. Henry Kesson maintained our respective positions. Mr. Michael Amoonoo – Treasurer, Mr. Ebenezer Koomson (Humble) – Organizer, Nurudeen Salifu – Assistant Gen. Secretary. Mr. Samuel Neequaye was elevated to occupy Patron position.
In conclusion, the journey has sometimes been muddy and rough but we have always gotten to our intended destination. I would like to ask for a favor from the current governing team to continue and strive for the sole purpose of developing our Ghanaian community in the United Arab Emirates andencourage everyone to participate in order to get a vibrant community.
May the Good Lord continue to bless all members of this vibrant community.
GHASCAD, together as one.