Members of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago overwhelmingly endorsed and affirmed the incumbent President, Paa Kwasi Sam, by voting massively to retain him for three more years.

Paa Kwasi Sam stood unopposed but had 12 affirmation votes, one no vote and one invalid vote.

The current treasurer of the council, Jeff Badu, also retained his position when he was re-elected unopposed.

In an affirmation vote, he had all the 14 votes. Mr. Effa Ameyaw, popularly known as “Kakape”, was also elected as sergeant-at-arms unopposed, with all 14 affirmation votes.

Fourteen affiliate organisations constitute the GNC. Each organisation has one vote. The elections were free and fair.

In a short acceptance remarks, the President-elect, Paa Kwasi Sam, thanked the council members for the honour and confidence reposed in him.

He also promised to unite the community and continue with the good works that have seen the council for the first time in its history, immensely impacted members of the community as a result of the GNC’s health fair and back to school programs.

Financially, the council has also had gains than all former administrations put together. As part of reforming the council, he promised a constitutional review committee to look into areas of the current constitution for possible amendments.

The President-elect also asked that members of the council be taken through an orientation program so that they can be familiar with the ‘dos and don’ts’ as council members.

He explained that the orientation was necessary since most members join the council without foreknowledge of the constitution of the GNC and the roles they are supposed to play.

The Vice-President, Kassim Abubakari, advised the council members saying “as immigrants who are far away from home, we should be each other’s keeper.”

“Let us show love not hatred to each other; 99% of the negatives about the council out there is untrue.”

He advised that “problems are not resolved in public that is, on radio, television, etc.” Reverend Dr. Kofi Noonoo swore the newly elected officials into office.