A three-day annual District Convention of Lions Clubs of Ghana, known as District 418 - Ghana of Lions International has ended in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. 

The Convention which was attended by about 500 members was on the theme "Fostering Unity and Friendship for Sustainable Membership Growth."

The Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson delivered the keynote address while the Amakomhene, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, addressed delegates as the Special Guest of Honour. 

The event took place at Block 'C' of the Business School of KNUST.

Highlights of the Convention were the parade of members from the KNUST main taxi rank to the Business School, a flag raising ceremony and Constitutional Reforms to allow members to elect their own Zone Chairpersons among others.

The election of Lion Mr Ebo Prah Manson (MJF), as the second Vice District Governor brought great excitement and celebration at the Convention.

Lion Manson is a Professional Construction Cost Advisor, Quantity Surveyor, and Project Manager with over 20 years of experience in the Construction Industry.

A Chartered Accountant and tax Consultant, Prince Obeng Dwamena who is currently the  Second Vice District Governor was endorsed as the First Vice District Governor.

The District Governor, assisted by two queen mothers who are also members of the association, all wearing beautiful and colourful kente, officially installed the first Vice District Governor, Lion Dr. Helena Asamoah Hassan as the District Governor Elect for the next Lions Service Year.

Prof Rita Dickson

Delivering the keynote address, the Vice Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Mrs Rita Akosua Dickson observed that there was heightened apathy towards volunteerism these days, partly because of busy lifestyles, lack of commitment, non-caring attitudes, and individualism, among others.

She said the theme for the Convention was therefore apt as the need for membership growth, was a panacea to sustain the activities of the Clubs. 

Prof. Rita Dickson was happy to note that activities undertaken by the Lions over the years have transformed the fortunes of the vulnerable in society in several ways.

She said "You have succeeded in making significant contributions to improving the lives of millions of people around the world. By your activities, you continue to emphasise what the real meaning of success in life is all about." 

"Which is basically to use whatever one has to impact and improve lives," she observed and thanked the members for walking the talk. 

While commending the Lions for achieving these milestones, she stressed that there was more to be done and urged the membership to deliberately create an environment that will make activities of the clubs more sustainable.

Amakomhene

In his address as the special guest of honour, the Amakomhene, Nana Adu Mensah Asare commended the Lions for the various roles they continue to play in putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged in society.

He said he had followed the work of the organisation for some time now and had had to work with them in the area of the environment.

Nana Mensah Asare said he was still available to work with the Lions on any humanitarian programme.

The District Governor

Presenting her report, the District Governor Lion Miss Kate Baaba Hudson announced that Ghana Lions supported victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage disaster recently with a variety of relief items.

She said the District also mobilised resources from its unit that supports such humanitarian projects known as the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and received further support which was also used to procure further relief items for the affected residents.

The District Governor was happy to announce that the District currently has a membership of 1,300 and hopes to add about 70 more before the end of its service year this June 30, 2024.

Charter presentation

During the period under review, she said the District, which comprises 46 Clubs spread throughout the country, formed one additional Club known as the Hohoe Unique Lions Club and presented it with its Charter to officially welcome the Club into the Lions Family.

Lion Baaba Hudson who is a former Editor of the Business Desk of the Daily Graphic and a former acting Editor of The Mirror, noted that there had been increased interest in leadership training programmes by members.

She said Marketing made significant strides in enhancing brand awareness and ensuring brand consistency.

EMY Africa Awards

The District Governor announced that the District was honoured during the 8th Exclusive Men of the Year (EMY) Africa Awards ceremony held in October last year as the Best Humanitarian Group of the Year.

She was happy to note that she institutionalised The Monthly Message during the period where she commended Lions for the work done in the past month and gave directions for coming month.

DGE

The District Governor Elect expressed her gratitude to the governors who occupied the seat before her and worked hard to nurture the young district.

She said there was the need to hit the ground running to be able to contribute to the building of the District. 

Messages

There were goodwill messages from some senior Lions as well as campaign messages from candidates for the position of third Vice International President.

Colourful kente 

The Convention saw members displaying their very rich hand-woven kente styles, traditional drumming, and dancing.

Climax

The Climax of the Convention was when delegates agreed unanimously to hold the 6th District Convention in Ho in the Volta Region.

Speaking to Joy News some delegates expressed their happiness and said they will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful township and experience or see their rich culture and enjoy their tasty cuisine.

The first three Conventions since becoming a Provisional District took place in Accra. 

Last year the 4th District Convention was held in the Central Regional Capital Cape Coast where the current District Governor was installed into office. 

The well-attended and fun-filled Convention had the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area Nana Kwesi Atta gracing the occasion.

The 5th District Convention which just ended in Kumasi had increased participation with a lot of interesting and exciting activities.

The District has over 46 Clubs spread throughout Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Takoradi, Kumasi, Koforidua, Akosombo, Nsawam, Ho and Hohoe.