OBAASIMA GHANAIAN WOMEN’S SOCIAL CLUB embership of The Obaasima Ghanaian Club (the “Club”) comprises Ghanaian and other ladies affiliated to Ghanaians through marriage or other relationships who are resident in Johannesburg and its environs. The Club was formed on 2 February 2008 with the initial objective of providing a platform for socialising and networking amongst its members, the Ghanaian community, our host nation South Africa and nationals of other countries resident here. The Club also has a charitable arm through which it donated a theatre table and bed linen to the Swedru Hospital in Ghana. They aim to pursue more charitable causes in the coming years. Obaasima means fabulous or ideal woman in the Akan language of Ghana. It is the belief of the Club that life is essentially characterised by relationships. No human being can live a fulfilling life without relating to others, be it family, friends, colleagues at work and sometimes the stranger
we meet on the street. Remember, your bosom friend today, was a stranger yesterday. It is for this reason that the Club selected as its logo, the Ghanaian symbol “ese ne tekrema” which means the “the teeth and the tongue”. The symbol signifies the interdependent relationship between the teeth and the tongue; despite the occasional conflict between the two organs they remain indispensable to each other. As it is with the teeth and tongue, so it is with human beings, we need each other to make our lives a lot more fulfilling and worthwhile. This is despite our differences that sometimes result in conflict and misunderstandings. Each member is required to pay monthly membership dues of R100, participate in the activities of the Club to the best of her abilities and attend the Club’s meetings. The dues of Obaasima are used to run the Club and to assist members in times of need such as weddings or death of a close family member. Non-attendance of three consecutive
meetings without valid reasons is considered unacceptable conduct which could lead to expulsion. The affairs of the club are managed by a four-member executive committee comprising the following current office bearers: • President – Ophelia Akosah- Bempah • Organising Secretary – Cynthia Obeng • Treasurer – Gina Essah • Secretary – Vivian Darko According to the Club constitution, the executive committee is elected annually in October. New members are invited to join the Club; contact the president on her email address akosah.ophelia@ gmail.com Compiled from the Obaasima Ghana Independence Dinner Brochure and Club Constitution