Lessons from YGAU – “GROSS GOTT”

An idea conceived at Belle Isle grows into a unique union in Yorkshire. A union of Austrians with Ghanaian origin (YGAU) was inaugurated this June in Leeds. Delivering his address, the secretary to the union Mr Yaw Boakye confirmed that the initial formation of every union is not an easy task. Various interpretations are potentials that could lead to trouble down the road but with oneness and perseverance it can be done he said. He outlined a short history of YGAU before its inauguration.

Mr Boakye introduced the executives and congratulated them for their dedication, commitment and good works rendered to the union. He urged potential members not to sit on the fence but join the union.

To herald the line up of executives for the inaugural ceremony Mr Patrick Mills narrated inspiring appellations of various traditional communities in Ghana, symbolising the diversity and greatness of the union.

The executives of the union include: Messrs. Patrick Mensah (president), George Ameyeanu (vice-president), Yaw Boakye (secretary), Collins Aboagye (vice-secretary), Amos Boakye (treasurer), Patrick Becky Mills (social sec.) and Nana Akyeampong (men’s leader). Others are Mrs: Offei Essah (financial Sec), Jocelyn Becky Mills (porter), Suzy Anomah (women’s leader).

According to the secretary, plans to form the union was hatched at Mr. Lamptey’s house at Belle Isle, Leeds, in 2010 when a group of people gathered to sympathise with a bereaved colleague. It took the courage of two members Patrick B. Mills, the current social secretary and Mrs. Boakye Bediako to set the ball rolling. An interim committee administered a programme which berthed YGAU. The slogan for the union is “Gross Gott.”

The union aims to foster unity among Austrians with Ghanaian origin in Yorkshire as top priority, and encourage members to abide by the laws of the United Kingdom, Austria and Ghana.

Nana Atwema Mansah in full
regalia during the inauguration.