News
PANA MEETING HELD AT THE RESIDENCE
IN NEW JERSEY ON SATURDAY THE 9TH JUNE 2007
OPENING PRAYER
The opening prayer was led with a powerful song. The meeting took off by 8.30; a thirty minute improvement over the previous meeting.
MATTERS ARISING
The President, clarified a point concerning the welfare and the dues. He reminded the membership that these are separate payments. Dues are $10.00 a month and Welfare is $5.00 a month.
A member proposed the acceptance of the minutes as a true reflection of previous meeting. This was seconded by another member.
CONVENTION
Reports were given about the success of the Maiden Peki Convention in Chicago. It was explained that the report was not ready and that members will be sent copies when they become available. In all, 31 attended the convention. A new constitution is being worked on. As soon as it is ready, it will also be made available.
A few issues came up as regards dues and running of the organization. Members were wondering if we would have to pay dues in New York separate from dues to “main association”. The President promised to follow up and give an update when available. He said the headquarters / leadership will rotate among the states per a term to be determined. He promised that details will be provided when they become available.
WEBSITE
The website even though under construction is up and running and members were encouraged to visit it and come up with suggestions to improve the contents. The Secretary promised to get some pictures and maybe the minutes of current meeting over on the website as soon as they are ready.
The President noted that mailing, quantity of minutes printed and invitation letters will be reduced. Those who have email addresses will be sent this information over the internet in the future.
PESCO
Members were informed that the celebration went on successfully. The President said he will be visiting Ghana in September this year. He will take whatever is contributed personally to the school. He hopes to get first hand information and get back with a clearer view of what is going on at the school. Members were reminded to pay up their contributions by then so this money can be donated during his visit.
It was noted that we need to be doing more than we are currently doing. Members stressed the fact that we really need to be up to our responsibility to our home. The President reminded us that America was built by the citizens; Government plays a part but individuals invest immensely; that’s why most projects are named after the sponsors.
DUES
The President encouraged members to pay up their dues. He reiterated that the dues by law cannot be spent on registered members and hence the welfare account. He also explained that the welfare fund is not financed out of the $10.00 dues. He stated that they are separate payments. This means every member pays $10.00 for dues and $5.00 for welfare every month totaling $15.00.
Outstanding commitments are;
Dues $10.00
Welfare $5.00
Outdooring $10.00
Bereavement $20.00
Pesco contribution $50.00
Members were encouraged to pay up outstanding bills. He also encouraged members to take advantage of the discount and pay up their dues.
It was agreed that $200.00 be paid out of association’s coffers to Faustina and replaced when member’s contributions are received.
He reminded us to take advantage of the discount that goes with early payment. It was stated clearly that spouses pay up separately, and enjoy benefits separately.
A hot discussion went into the contributions and fund raising issues.
A member kept his proposal that we could do better at giving than we were doing. He insisted that members could be followed up to meet their financial obligations to the group.
The Secretary proposed that the old system of helping out identifiable persons like parents, siblings and spouse should be done away with and converted to four or five opportunities to benefit from the welfare contribution. This system makes every contributor an equal beneficiary to the fund. It also eliminates the issue of ‘all my parents are dead and I have no out-dooring coming up’.
OTHER MATTERS
A member informed the membership about the improvement in the wife’s medical situation. Members were grateful and encouraged to keep praying for her for full recovery. The Agbo’s also acknowledged receipt of the get well card received form the association and expressed sincere appreciation.
The President announced the impending funeral of a members father in New Jersey. Members were encouraged to attend. Fliers were distributed to the members.
The next meeting was proposed to be held at 118 Sunset Blvd. weather permitting we would have a barbeque in the Presidents home in the Bronx on Saturday 08/11/2007 at 6.00pm
As usual there was some music, dancing and a lot to eat and drink.
IN CLOSING
The secretary used an old Ghanaian play method of democratically making a choice to choose among two sisters and their Mum, to lead us in the closing prayer.
…ce ce ce;
ce na na ko;
taa taa bongo;
bongo tee, bongo tee ….
The lot fell on one member and she led us with a soothing closing prayer.
May 13th. 2007
PEKI UNION NORTH AMERICA (PUNA)
MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES
MAY 13, 2007
PLACE: Member's residence
TIME: The meeting began at 6:00 PM with a prayer by a member.
MINUTES: In the absence of the substantive secretary, a member volunteered to record minutes. Minutes of the previous meeting was not available for discussion, members however agreed to proceed with the day’s business.
PUNA Congress:
The president praised members for their efforts in ensuring a total success of the Easter weekend Peki Congress. He commended members for their dedication in taking care of out-of-state attendees and also reported on messages of appreciation from participants.
Matters arising from congress:
The ratification of a North American (NA) constitution requires the operations of the Chicago branch to conform to the structure and regulations of the umbrella group. The immediate effect will require a change in modalities for the payment of dues and donations. Members agreed to adopt NA dues requirement of $120 per annum as financial commitment to the association. Members will pay an additional $20 per annum to the local branch to take care of operational expenses. Members also agreed to convert all existing bank notes and deposits, and other financial assets to the ownership of the PANA body.
The president drew members’ attention to doubts raised about the viability of the proposed library project at the community center. Members agreed to put the project on hold until further investigation and analysis is completed. Members however indicated their continued commitment to a project in the Peki valley during the current fiscal year.
Pesco Golden Jubilee:
The president reminded members about the Golden Jubilee anniversary celebrations of Pesco. Members agreed to commit to any identified project at the school as the group’s contribution.
Other matters:
Members were informed about the passing away of a members uncle. The president appealed to members to contribute financially to the bereaved family.
Adjournment:
The meeting closed at 7:30 PM with a prayer by a member after a motion to adjourn by another member and seconded by a third member.
Agenda: - Next Meeting: - 06/10/2007
Call to order
Reading of minutes
Matters arising
Finances
Other matters
Close
PANA MEETING HELD AT THE RESIDENCE OF A MEMBER, COOP CITY ON SATURDAY APRIL 13, 2007
OPENING PRAYER
The opening prayer was said by a member, who was visiting from Ghana, and the meeting took off by 9.00pm
MATTERS ARISING
A member suggested that names mentioned in minutes should be written out in full so absentees and other readers could really identify the persons involved. This was upheld. It was also noted that a member also proposed to attend the Peki Congress in Chicago but his name was not mentioned.
Another member proposed the acceptance of previous minutes and was seconded by a member.
CONVENTION
Reports were given about the success of the Maiden Peki Congress/Convention in Chicago. New York was not represented because we could not garnish the proposals to be represented. All things being equal members are set for the next one.
WEBSITE
The issue of website came up for consideration again. The President and the Secretary came up with their findings on their research on the setting up of the website. After some deliberations, the two were mandated to discuss the issue among them and choose which ever the best option was, and possibly go ahead with it and give a feed back on it at the next meeting.
PESCO
The issue of contribution for anniversary of Pesco came up again. Members were informed that a few have contributed and others were encouraged to do so as well. Whatever is realized will be sent over. A member reminded the house of past precedence and cautioned that we send whatever was realized by ourselves. The proposal by a member to support with material instead of cash was not accepted. It was decided that the cash be sent. $50.00 per head is being collected for this good project.
DUES
The President encouraged members to pay up their dues. He encouraged us to take advantage of the discount that goes with early payment. He further explained that out of the dues paid, $5.00 goes to the welfare fund.
OTHER MATTERS
A member informed the members about his wife’s impending eye surgery. Members were advised to keep the family in their prayers.
A member and the President informed the entire membership about an impending funeral of in Maryland. He said details of the arrangements will be communicated later when they are available. April 20th, 2007 was the proposed date. A representative may be sent. Members were encouraged to donate generously because we cannot make any contributions out of the association’s coffers for such a cause. Any amount collected will be forwarded.
Next meeting was proposed to be held at New Jersey;
Members were then introduced and the party took off after that. There was a lot to eat and drink.
It was generally a good party with members dancing. It was home away from home……..
April 3rd. 2007
Hello Folks:
Sorry this has taken quite some time to post. Some good amount of editing had to be done on the initial write-up. Please get back immediately, preferably by Friday, June 8, 2007, in case you find any ommisions, mistakes, mishaps, you name it. Please get back also if you have any questions or need any clarifications. Work must begin soon on achieving our goals. Thanks and best wishes
Evans
Report on The First PUNA Congress
Friday, April 5, 2007
A reception was held for all participants at the residence of a member. This lasted till about 12 midnight.
Saturday, April 6, 2007
CONGRESS BUSINESS MEETING
AIM OF THE MEETING: To bring all Peki/Gbi citizens in North America under one umbrella to facilitate easy planning of development projects to help the Peki-Gbi area.
TIME: The meeting started at 11.05am with an opening prayer by a member.
WELCOME ADDRESS: The president of PUNA-Chicago branch welcomed all participants from the various states. He explained that, the purpose of this meeting is to bring all Peki/Gbi citizens under one organization to try to help in one way or another in contributing to solving problems facing our villages at home. He pointed out that through unity of purpose we could build a strong organization that could seriously address the developmental needs of the valley.
INTRODUCTION: Members introduced themselves individually. Attendance forms were circulated for individuals to put down their names and addresses down.A member introduced the two chiefs present at the congress: Togbe Takor and Nana Kyerebea Ameyibor.
A member reported that members of the New York Branch called and told him they could not make it to the meeting but would be in agreement with all decisions made at the Congress.
BUSINESS:-
MESSAGES: There were two messages; one from Togbe Deiga of Peki and another from Peki Union Ghana. Both messages were read to members. The gist of both messages was “the idea of PUNA under one organization is a very good one and its success will help the valley and the Gbi Townships a lot.
QUESTION: Members wanted to know why Gbi has been linked to the Peki Township. A member explained how and why Gbi happens to be joined in with Puna. He indicated that we have Gbi citizens among us who are members of the PUNA Chicago branch; as such we can only put the two names together to benefit the members who form PUNA. It was agreed that things should be clearly defined in the proposed constitution in order to avoid any future problems.
SPEECH BY TOGBE TAKOR:
Togbe Takor gave a brief speech welcoming the idea of the PUNA congress. He explained a little on how Peki/Gbi came about. He also reminded members of a project known as the Joseph Project coming to Peki this year. The Joseph project included rallies that highlight slavery. He said this is organized in various parts of Ghana every year, and this year it will be held in Peki. He suggested the need to put Togbe Deiga in our project arrangements since his condition was not very good and he needed help.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
A member acknowledged all those who worked hard to establish PUNA-Chicago and made special mention of Nana Kyerebea as being one of the brains behind the establishment of the Chicago Branch. He also acknowledged all those who, through their individual or group capacities, were undertaking programs and projects in their localities that went a long way to improve life in the Peki valley.
CONSTITUTION:
This was the major project of the congress, since the formation of PUNA will have to be run by a unified constitution drawn by the unified membership. It was agreed that the PUNA Chicago Constitution be amended and retooled to reflect the aspirations of all Peki/Gbi citizens living in North America.
AMENDMENTS: The suggested areas of the Chicago constitution to be modified were printed and distributed to members for discussion and the following suggested modifications were approved.
Membership: All citizens of Peki/Gbi in North America are automatic members of PUNA. However, there would be two categories of membership. These are active and nonactive members of PUNA. Active members of PUNA shall be members who have honored all their financial obligations to the org and are in good standing. Non-active members are those who have not honored their financial obligations to the org and are not in good standing. PUNA shall have no obligations towards non-active members as enumerated in the Rider to this constitution. Non-active members shall have no voting rights.
Local and Regional Branches: Local branches shall have a membership of 5 or more Peki/Gbi citizens. Members in areas where there are no local branches shall be part of the organization at large or shall choose to be part of any other local branch. Regional branches shall be appropriately developed based on the geographical regions of North America.
Executive Council: An Executive Council shall be established that shall include a president, vice-president, secretary, assistant secretary, financial secretary/treasurer, assistant financial secretary/treasurer, organizing secretary, and assistant organizing secretary. Members of the Executive council shall be elected by direct vote at a congress of the org. Members who are not in good standing cannot be members of the council.
Board of Directors(BOD): The Board of Directors shall include the Pres., Sec., and Treas. and presidents of all identifiable local branches in North America. Membership of the BOD shall not be more than eleven and shall be approved by congress. Members who are not in good standing cannot be members of the Board.
Advisory Board: 3 or more members in good standing shall be nominated by the Executive Council to serve on the Advisory Board. Such nomination shall be approved by the BOD.
Dues: Membership dues shall be $120 per year and shall be subject to change at any time based on the decisions of the Executive Council and Board of Directors. Donations in excess of the yearly dues shall be welcome. Students with the proper documentation and senior citizens (age 65 and above) shall pay $65. Dues shall be suspended for any member who becomes unemployed after verification by the Exec. Council. Dues payment for any member in such category shall resume after unemployed status changes. Note: The BOD is to work with local branches in resolving dues/donation issues at the local levels.
Honorary Membership: Honorary membership shall be conferred on any individual that the membership agrees merits it. Honorary members shall be proposed by the Exec. Council and Board and approved by the entire members of the org.
Lifetime Membership: Lifetime membership shall be conferred on any member who pays an amount of at least $5,000 to the org. at one go. Such a member may make donations to the org. if he/she so wishes.
Congress: The congress of the org. shall be the highest decision body of the org. The Board shall be the highest decision body of the org. in between congresses. Congress shall be held by the organization annually or bi-annually. Quorum for any congress shall be considered to be formed if members from at least two local branches are present when the Annual Business Meeting is called to order by the President of the org. The president shall chair congress meetings. If such is not possible, the vice-president shall act as Chair. If such is not possible then any member of the Executive Council or Board of Directors shall chair such meetings based on the approval by the board.
CLARIFICATION OF PEKI/GBI: It was agreed that PUNA be defined in such a way that took cognizance of the involvement of Peki/Gbi citizens so as to avoid any future controversies.
PROJECTS
PEKI COMMUNITY CENTRE REHABILITATION
Members came to consensus that the old centre should be rehabilitated. Secondly it should be well managed to generate funds for maintenance. Movement of the present library located in Blengo to the centre refurbished center was discussed but the discussion was inconclusive. An appeal for funds for this project is to be launched for the renovation while discussions continue about where to relocate the Peki Library.
HISTORY OF PEKI: It was acknowledged that most Peki citizens do not know the history of Peki. The project of writing down the history of Peki was found to be necessary. Lionel Agbe promised to report to the BOD on efforts that could be made to write the history; Togbe Takor offered to assist in that endeavor. To make the project successful, A member donated a Voice recorder to be used in the process.Other member was to collect books from another member for the project.
HOSPITAL
It was made known to members that, there are lots of various hospital equipments at the hospitals where she works. From time to time she will notify the organization on the available equipments and if they are suitable to our hospitals at home, arrangements can be made for their acquisition.
ELECTIONS:
Officers were elected at the meeting to take office effective immediately.
PRESIDENT: Dr. Evans Afenya was nominated.
VICE PRESIDENT: Mr. Divine Amoah elected.
SECRETARY: Mr. Ben Asor-Bortsi; Assistant Secretary: Mr. Isaac Alormele
TREASURER: Solomon Oteng was nominated
Assistant Treasurer: Mrs. Beatrice Adu was nominated
ORGANIZING SECRETARY: By a unanimous vote Mr. Lionel Agbe became the organizing Secretary. Assistant Organizing Secretary: Mr. Mike Archer.
BOARD MEMBERS: Patience Addo and Margaret Bansah. Note: Other positions on the BOD to be filled by Presidents of local branches.
ADVISORY BOARD: Nana Kyerebea Ameyibor. Note: Other positions on the Advisory Board to be proposed by the Executive Council and approved by the BOD.
OTHER ISSUES
1) The Board of Directors was tasked to revise the current PUNA-Chicago Constitution to reflect all the issues discussed and agreed upon at the Congress.
2) The wording in Section 4 of Article 11 in the current PUNA-Chicago Constitution that touches on the Annual Peki Development Fund is to be specifically changed to reflect all proposals made at the Congress.
3) The “RIDER” to the Constitution on special help/support or contributions to members in certain cases was discussed. It was agreed that most cases be handled at the local levels except in case of death or other circumstances deemed important by the Board of Directors. The BOD shall be the main body responsible for determining whether the entire membership be involved in supporting a member who finds herself/himself in some form of distress. The “RIDER” was to be revised to reflect the issues agreed on in this regard.
DINNER DANCE: Evans Afenya announced to members about the dinner dance at 9:00pm, all were invited.
ADJOURNMENT: In the absence of any further discussions, the meeting was adjourned. This was. The first congress of PUNA came to close at exactly 5:00pm
NEXT MEETING: To be decided by the new Board.
