The 33rd Annual Convention of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) has ended with renewed commitments to cultural preservation, healthcare development, youth empowerment, diaspora investment and stronger governance.
The convention, held from September 3 to 7, 2026, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Bethesda, Maryland, brought together members of the Ewe diaspora under the theme, “Preserving Culture, Inspiring Generations.”
Hosted by the Ewe Association of Washington, DC Metro Inc., the five day gathering provided a platform for delegates, members and distinguished guests to deliberate on issues affecting Ewe communities across Ghana, Togo and Benin.
The convention focused on strengthening CEANA’s governance and accountability structures, advancing the proposed Cancer Research and Treatment Centre in partnership with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, and creating opportunities for diaspora investment, professional exchanges and entrepreneurship.
Healthcare development also featured prominently during the convention. On Monday, September 7, CEANA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Ghana Hospital to facilitate the exchange and deployment of skilled healthcare professionals.
Under the proposed partnership, diaspora doctors, nurses, specialists and technicians are expected to support healthcare delivery in Eweland, with both parties set to develop an operational framework for implementation.
Youth empowerment was another key area of focus, with CEANA Noviwo organising a parallel programme featuring a career panel, cookout, field day, diaspora brunch and discussions under the theme, “Ewe by Day, American by Night.”
The convention also celebrated Ewe culture through a range of activities, including a Masquerade and Cultural Night, Kente Ball, Thanksgiving service and community picnic.
CEANA said it would continue to prioritise language preservation, cultural education and artistic expression as part of efforts to preserve Ewe identity for future generations.
The organisation also expressed appreciation to the Ewe Association of Washington, DC Metro Inc., volunteers, speakers, traditional leaders, artists, sponsors, partners and attendees for their contributions to the convention.
As the Ewe diaspora looks ahead to the 34th Annual Convention in Boston in 2027, CEANA said the commitments made in Bethesda would serve as a foundation for continued collaboration, development and cultural preservation.
Below is the official communiqué issued by CEANA:
OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE 33RD ANNUAL CEANA CONVENTION
A Covenant of Heritage, Healing, and Hope
Bethesda, Maryland, September 3 to 7, 2026
From September 3 to September 7, 2026, the Ewe diaspora gathered in solemn unity at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center for the 33rd Annual Convention of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America, CEANA. Hosted with exceptional grace by the Ewe Association of Washington, DC Metro Inc., this year’s convention embraced the resonant theme, Preserving Culture, Inspiring Generations.
This gathering was more than an annual meeting. It was a cultural homecoming, a reaffirmation of ancestral bonds, and a collective declaration of duty to Eweland across Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Delegates, members, and distinguished guests engaged in purposeful deliberations on sustainable development, community upliftment, and the preservation of our identity. CEANA hereby issues this communiqué to outline the decisions taken and the commitments made.
A Sacred Trust, Governance and Accountability
True progress demands trust, clarity, and disciplined leadership. During the Friday Town Hall and Saturday Congress of Associations, members engaged in frank dialogue on CEANA’s governance, project impact, and long term strategy.
Our Commitment: CEANA will strengthen its accountability architecture. Every project and financial decision will have a clearly assigned owner. Transparent communication and regular reporting will be institutionalized. Our leadership is a sacred trust, and we shall uphold it with the dignity our ancestors expect.
A Mission of Healing, The UHAS Cancer Research Centre
Cancer continues to devastate families across Eweland, often without access to specialized care. CEANA presented its bold plan to establish a modern Cancer Research and Treatment Centre in partnership with the University of Health and Allied Sciences, UHAS, in Ho.
Our Commitment: CEANA will pursue the next phases of this project with urgency. Structural design, medical partnerships, financing, and regulatory processes will be advanced with precision. Every milestone achieved will be communicated to the community, for this project is a covenant of healing.
Bridging Shores, Diaspora Investment and Empowerment
The Ewe diaspora possesses immense expertise and resources, yet its collective economic power remains underutilized. Through dynamic Business Forums, CEANA explored pathways for productive investment and cross border collaboration.
Our Commitment: CEANA is shifting from conversation to action. We are forging credible partnerships to support diaspora investment, professional exchanges, and entrepreneurship. We aim to build ecosystems where Ewe professionals thrive globally while strengthening our homelands.
The Vibrant Tapestry of Our Identity, Cultural Preservation
Culture is the soul of a people. This convention placed Ewe identity at its center. From the Masquerade and Cultural Night to the Kente Ball, Thanksgiving service, and community picnic, delegates celebrated the beauty and depth of Ewe heritage.
Our Commitment: CEANA will safeguard and elevate our cultural legacy. Language preservation, cultural education, and artistic celebration will remain foundational pillars of future conventions. We will wear our heritage with pride and pass it on with devotion.
Nurturing the Torchbearers, Empowering CEANA Noviwo
Our youth are the living bridge between tradition and tomorrow. CEANA Noviwo delivered a powerful parallel program featuring a career panel, cookout, field day, diaspora brunch, and the deeply resonant “Ewe by Day, American by Night” discussions. Young leaders also played vital roles in planning and execution.
Our Commitment: CEANA will invest robustly in youth leadership. We will expand opportunities for mentorship, participation, and cultural grounding. Our young people will be empowered to carry the torch of Ewe identity into the future.
Pioneering Healthcare Excellence, The Health Workforce Partnership
On Monday, September 7, CEANA achieved a major milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bank of Ghana Hospital to facilitate the exchange and deployment of skilled healthcare professionals.
Our Commitment: CEANA and the Bank of Ghana Hospital will immediately begin outlining the operational framework. Diaspora doctors, nurses, specialists, and technicians will be mobilized to support healthcare delivery in Eweland. Updates will be shared as implementation progresses.
Deepest Appreciation and the Journey to Boston 2027
CEANA extends profound gratitude to the Ewe Association of Washington, DC Metro Inc. for their flawless hospitality. We honor our volunteers, speakers, traditional leaders, artists, sponsors, partners, and every attendee who contributed to this historic gathering. Akpe kakaka.
The commitments made in Bethesda are not symbolic. They are binding promises to our people. As we depart Maryland, we look toward Boston 2027 with renewed unity, compassion, and determination.
Together, we are preserving our culture. Together, we are inspiring generations.
Issued by the Secretariat,
Council of Ewe Associations of North America, CEANA Inc.
