Government stops hosting of ‘The Convention’ in Accra

The New Africa Foundation, organizers of ‘The Convention,’ a Pan African event originally scheduled for January 7 at the Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana, announced the cancellation of the program in a press release issued late that evening. The event, themed ‘Igniting the voices of Africa,’ was abruptly halted by the government, according to the organizers. Despite receiving approval from the government in November 2023, the cancellation occurred just hours before the event’s commencement, causing shock and disappointment to the dignitaries and special guests who had traveled from around the world to attend.

The New Africa Foundation expressed regret and issued an apology for any inconvenience caused to the audience and the public. The organizers emphasized that the situation was beyond their control. Renowned African personalities, including P.L.O. Lumumba from Kenya, Peter Obi from Nigeria, Julius Malema from South Africa, and Dr. Arikana from Zimbabwe, were scheduled to speak at the event.



Meanwhile, the Diaspora Affairs Directorate at the Office of the President provided an explanation for the cancellation. Dr. Nadia Adongo Fynn, Deputy Director of the Diaspora Affairs Directorate, revealed that the decision to withdraw the permission for the event was prompted by an “unforeseen” state event scheduled to take place at the same venue. In a press release, Dr. Fynn stated,

“We write to revoke immediately the permission granted per our letter No.OP/PH/02 dated November 11, 2024, which approved your request to use the Black Star Square for the above event. This decision has been necessitated by an unforeseen State Event scheduled to take place at the venue.”

Egotickets sent an emergency message to all attendees, informing them about the cancellation of the event and apologizing for any inconvenience caused.