About Us
Founded in 1987 as the Ghanaian Canadian Friendship Association, our organization underwent a rebranding in 2020, becoming known as the Ghanaian Association of Nova Scotia. Our core mission remains unchanged: to uphold and celebrate the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture, heritage, and values. Dedicated to building a vibrant community among Ghanaians residing in Nova Scotia, we are committed to nurturing a sense of belonging while actively promoting the essence of Ghanaian identity.
Our Mission
To provide support that empowers individuals and families to thrive in their new home, contribute to the broader Canadian society, and build lasting connections within our diverse community in Nova Scotia.
Our Vision
To create a strong and connected community in Nova Scotia where individuals and families can thrive and preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.
We achieve these through:
Cultural Preservation: We work to preserve and promote Ghanaian culture, heritage, and traditions among the Ghanaian diaspora and the broader Nova Scotian community by organizing cultural festivals, celebrations, and events.
Support and Integration: We serve as the initial point of safety and community connection for newcomers from Ghana during their integration into Canadian society by offering support with things like immigration, housing, employment, language support and other integration services.
Social and Networking Opportunities: Understanding that many of us are in a “new home” away from “home”, we organize social gatherings, networking events, and community meetings to foster a sense of belonging among our members, African Nova Scotians, Blacks, People of African Descent, and the broader Nova Scotian Community.
Education and Awareness: We organize educational programs or awareness campaigns to inform the community about various issues, including health, education, and social services available in the province. We provide capacity-building opportunities and promote employment opportunities for all our members.
Community Services: Being mindful of the diverse and unique needs of our members, we offer community services such as senior support, assisting newcomers (Individuals, families, international students) from Ghana, counseling, legal advice, and assistance with accessing healthcare and social services.
Advocacy: We advocate for the interests of the Ghanaian community, both within the community and to government authorities.
Charitable and Philanthropic Work: As part of our responsibility to our ‘New home” and inherent “home”, we engage in charitable activities, fundraising, and philanthropic efforts to support those in need, both within the Ghanaian community here in Nova Scotia and in Ghana; and in the broader Nova Scotian community.
