Rotaract members at the Global Citizen Live event in Accra, Ghana.
By Tetteh Kojo Boampong Adesa, charter president, Rotaract Club of Accra-Airport
I would never have thought I would get so much enjoyment out of a concert and be so exhilarated to be part of leading the charge for global change. Before the Global Citizen Live concert in Accra, Ghana, 24 September, Rotary International President Jennifer Jones, who was in our country visiting Rotary clubs and projects, encouraged all Rotaract members to be a part of the buildup to this big event by creating excitement. Our charge was to step on the world stage and join with artists and leaders around the world in creating awareness for the need to protect our planet and end extreme poverty.
I was more than eager to do my part and use my social media accounts and one-on-one engagements to spread the word, posting and reposting content about the festival on Twitter and Instagram. We urged as many people as we could to take part in the festival at the Black Star Square in Accra.
The stage was significant. This year’s event was the 10th anniversary for Global Citizen Festival and the first time the event was held in Ghana. Ghana is the first African country to gain its independence from colonial rule. The Black Star Square ceremonial grounds are where all our major celebrations take place. Being able to share the stage for Rotary at this significant gathering highlighted the important work that Rotary is doing in fighting hunger, preventing disease, providing clean water and sanitation, promoting peace, supporting education, and ending polio.
Truly, Rotary and Rotaract members are joining with global citizen and changemakers to take action and improve lives. I have just begun in my own small ways to create positive change. I hope our efforts before and after this event will inspire others to do their part as well.