By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Shia (V/R), Aug. 12, GNA – The Norvisi Association North America, Inc. (NANA), not-for-profit organisation of Shia citizens of the Volta Region living in North America, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of the community through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure and other social initiatives.
The commitment was made at the Association’s 2026 Biennial Congress held from August 7 to 8, this year, in Cheshire, Connecticut, US, was under the theme: “Development in Unity,” with the motto: “Together We Grow Together We Succeed.”
A major outcome of the Congress was NANA’s decision to assess and adopt the library of the newly constructed Senior High School in Shia, which currently requires furniture, books and other learning resources to make it a functional and modern learning facility.
The Association has constituted a project team to engage the school authorities, assess the library’s needs and develop a comprehensive plan for furnishing and equipping the facility for the benefit of students.
NANA also reaffirmed its support for the community centre currently under construction in Shia, a collaborative initiative involving citizens of the community in Ghana, North America and Europe.
The Association highlighted its contribution towards the renovation of the maternity block in Shia, describing the intervention as part of its commitment to improving essential healthcare services for mothers, newborns and families in the community.
Members of the Association also mobilised funds towards the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Shia public cemetery, including clearing overgrown vegetation and improving access to the facility.
NANA Chairman, Mr Blaise Anthony Hometorwu, emphasised the importance of unity and collective responsibility, urging members to continue giving back to the community that shaped their lives.
He said the Association’s development initiatives demonstrated that citizens living abroad could play an important role in advancing the development of their hometown through the mobilisation of skills, resources and partnerships.
The Congress received support from the Ewe Association of Southern Connecticut, led by its Vice President, Mr Chris Diaba, whose delegation attended the event and made a donation towards NANA’s development initiatives.
The Guest of Honour, Togbe Tornu Yao V, the Dufia of Aveme Dra, commended NANA members for maintaining strong ties with Shia despite living outside Ghana.
He encouraged them to build a lasting legacy for future generations and challenged citizens to work collectively to transform Shia from its affectionate description as “Small London” into “BIG London.”
Togbe Tornu stressed the importance of unity and sustained investment in education, healthcare and infrastructure as essential pillars for the community’s development.
The Congress ended with a banquet featuring cultural performances, awards, recognition of members and fundraising activities in support of the Association’s development agenda.
NANA announced that its next Biennial Congress would be held during the third weekend of July 2028 in Crown Point, Indiana, where members would review progress on ongoing projects, strengthen fellowship and continue mobilising their collective skills and resources towards the development of Shia.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo