Ghana Week DC 2024 concluded on a high note as the Ghana Week DC Select Side triumphed over DC United 2-1 in an exhilarating football (soccer) match at Audi Field in Washington, DC. The victory was not only a sporting highlight but also a symbol of the growing cultural and economic ties between Ghana and the United States, with a special emphasis on connections through the diaspora.

The match marked the second edition of the Capital City Africa Cup and served as the perfect finale to a week-long celebration of Ghana’s rich culture, tourism, and investment opportunities.

The Ghana Select Side, was composed of an impressive mix of talent, featuring seven players from Asante Kotoko’s first team and two players from Attram De Visser FC, as well as other top Ghanaian players based in the United States. Despite the initial setbacks, including challenges with visa acquisition that led to Asante Kotoko’s withdrawal from the scheduled match, the Ghanaian team delivered a stellar performance. Team Ghana came from behind to claim a hard-fought 2-1 win.

DC United’s U-18 team took an early lead in the first half, however, Ghana’s determination and skill quickly came into play, with Kotoko’s Elvis Kyei Baffour netting the equalizer just before halftime. The second half saw Geoffrey Owusu score the winning goal, securing Ghana’s place as champions of the Capital City Charity Cup.

The match was a highly anticipated event, headlining the Ghana Week DC events, which included the opening reception at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, Hospitality Travel & Tourism B2B Forum at the Embassy of Ghana DC, African Restaurant Week, and the Ghana Property and Lifestyle Expo. All activities aimed to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture, investment potential and sports within the DMV area (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia). It brought together members of the African diaspora, Americans, and Ghanaians, further strengthening the bridge between Ghana and the United States. This victory not only highlighted Ghana’s growing influence in sports but also reinforced the strong bonds that can be forged through sporting events like the Capital City Africa Cup.

Photos: TwinsDntBeg

Washington DC, October 9th, 2023 – Today, October 9th, 2023, the Capital City Africa Week Festival and Ghana Week DC officially kicks off with an opening ceremony at the True Reformer Building at 5pm in the heart of Washington DC. This inaugural week-long celebration unites people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate in the uniqueness of Ghanaian culture, heritage, and experiencing how the beautiful game of football (soccer) brings people together.

The opening ceremony, today features distinguished guests who have a strong interest in Ghanaian art, culture, business, tourism, and sports. Notable dignitaries who travelled from Ghana to participating in the momentous occasion include the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, H.E. Dr. Ibrahim Awal, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, and the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yofi Grant underscoring the significance of this event in fostering international ties and cross-cultural connections.

Paxton Baker, CEO PKB Enterprise and Managing Partner LIQUID SOUKL-DC, has been a key stakeholder in this event.  He has been invested in the promotion of Ghana’s economic development for two decades, making this an important event for him.  He is scheduled  to speak at the opening ceremony on how this week of events is an opportunity to increase awareness and interest in the potential for business investment in Ghana and the African continent overall. 

Richard Michaels, Director of West Africa Office, State Department, Candice Jones, CEO of Public Welfare Foundation, Angie Gates, President and CEO of Events DC, and Hajia Alima Mahama, Ghanaian Ambassador to the U.S., are also scheduled to speak at the opening ceremony. 

A fireside chat featuring Ghanaian artists will be moderated by Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, Founder and President of GUBA Enterprise.  One of the featured artists will be Nana Kwesi Agyare-Ansah, known for his innovative work, he’s been widely recognized for his work both locally in Ghana and internationally. 

At the heart of this exciting week of events will be highly-anticipated Capital City Africa Cup, a club-friendly soccer match scheduled for October 14^th, 5pm (ET) at Audi Field. The match features Medeama SC, the Ghanaian Men’s Premier League Team Champion, and DC United, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team.  The match elevates sports to the forefront and serves as a vital tool to connect our communities through sports.  The game is not just about goals and winning; it’s a powerful opportunity to be a symbol of unity and collaboration.

With over 20,000 enthusiastic fans expected to fill the stands at Audi Field, the atmosphere is bound to be electrifying. The stadium will echo with cheers and unwavering support for both teams, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone. It’s a celebration that bridges our communities through the unifying power of sports.

Ghana Week DC and the Capital City Africa Cup serve as a reminder of the profound impact of sports and culture in uniting nations. This event transcends boundaries, inviting everyone to partake in the festivities, savor Ghanaian cuisine, groove to vibrant music, and appreciate remarkable art exhibitions. It’s a captivating tapestry that celebrates the bonds of humanity.

The Capital City Africa Week Festival aligns with the engagement between the United States and Africa. It follows the U.S-Africa Leaders Summit hosted by President Biden in December 2022, where leaders, businesses, diaspora representatives, and policymakers gathered to define the future of the continent and strengthen global connections. Corporate leaders from both American and African companies committed resources and investments, emphasizing the African Union’s strategic vision for the continent’s future.

Building upon this foundation, the Capital City Africa Week Festival and Ghana Week DC focuses on fostering economic engagement, cooperation, and business investment across sectors. Throughout the week, corporate partners will take center stage at various events, collaborating with leaders and decision makers who can influence business partnerships between the DMV community and Ghana.

Ghana Week DC is a celebration of culture, diplomacy, and sportsmanship, poised to make a lasting mark on the cultural calendar of Washington DC. We invite everyone to join us in this remarkable journey of cultural exchange, unity, and the love for the beautiful game.

Information about the week’s events: www.capitalcityafricacup.com

For media inquiries on Capital City Africa Festival & Ghana Week DC please contact: Annabelle: annabelle@beyondthereturngh.com

For inquiries about today’s opening ceremony: www.capitalcityafricacup.com/RSVP

About Ghana Week DC:

Ghana Week DC is an annual celebration of Ghanaian culture, heritage, and traditions, held in Washington DC. It showcases the vibrancy of Ghana through various cultural events, including music, dance, art, and sports, culminating in the Capital City Africa Cup soccer match.

Story by Ivy Prosper