​Origins and Settlement

The Ewe people are one of the major ethnic groups of Ghana, with ancestral roots spanning modern-day Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Oral tradition tells of their migration from Ketu (in present-day Benin) westward to escape oppressive rule in Notsie, eventually settling in Ghana’s Volta Region. Over generations, they founded vibrant towns such as Anloga, Keta, Ho, and Kpalime, each led by a fiaga (chief) and council of elders. Despite national borders, the Ewe share a cohesive linguistic and cultural identity centered on community solidarity and resilience.

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Culture, Social Structure, and Artistry

Ewe society places great emphasis on communal bonds and respect for elders. Each town’s affairs are guided by a council of elders and the chief, ensuring decisions reflect the will and welfare of the community. Storytelling, proverb-sharing, and communal gatherings reinforce social values and preserve collective memory. Traditional belief systems center on ancestral veneration and ritual practices—libations, storytelling, and commemorative rites—that honor forebears and reinforce community bonds. These customary observances function within a cultural framework that values continuity, respect, and shared identity.

 

Music and dance are indispensable expressions of Ewe heritage. Drumming ensembles support dance forms such as Agbadza (a warrior’s dance), Borborbor (a social dance of unity), and Gahu (a celebratory dance), all performed at festivals, naming ceremonies, funerals, and other community events. These performances transmit historical narratives, teach moral lessons, and strengthen the bonds that unite Ewe people across generations and borders.

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Founding and Early Identity in Chicago

In August 1974, a group of Ewe immigrants in Chicago met at Dr. Samuel Oklu’s home to establish a formal association. By September 1974, the Milenovisi Habobo (“Ewe People”) was founded, with Dr. Oklu elected as its first chairman alongside founding members Gilbert Kodzo Ntow, Comfort Kokuma, Yapheth Sampram, and Julius Kokuma. Their goal was to unite Ewes from Ghana, Togo, and Benin, support one another in a new city, and preserve shared traditions.

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Community Purpose and Contributions

After formally incorporating in 2002, the Ewe Association of Chicago introduced scholarship schemes, welfare initiatives, and cultural events to benefit both local members and communities back in Eweland. In the 1990s, they launched a cultural troupe that became a fixture at Ghanafest and other diaspora gatherings, showcasing authentic Ewe dances and drumming.

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Connection to GNC and CEANA

• 1984: Became one of twelve founding ethnic groups of the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC).

• 1996: Joined as a founding member of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) following its 21st anniversary.

 

Through these bodies, Chicago’s Ewe leaders have coordinated cultural programs, youth engagement, and development projects across North America and West Africa.

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Leadership in the Ghana National Council

Key positions held by Ewe Association members in GNC include:

• Clement Timpo – Financial Secretary (1993–1996), President (1997–2003)

• Patience Adigbli – Secretary (1997–1999)

• Comfort Kokuma – Organizing Secretary (1997–2003)

• Reuben Hadzide – President (2005–2006)

• MacGeoffrey Kutor – Assistant Business Manager (2005–2006)

• Dr. Mark Kutame – Secretary (2005–2006), later Vice President

Their leadership has driven signature events like Ghanafest, youth mentorship programs, and visits from Ghanaian dignitaries.

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Cultural Presence at Ghanafest

At Ghanafest, the Ewe Association brings vibrant pageantry and artistry:

• Durbar processions featuring Togbe Venya I and Queen Mother Mama Awushie Adjaho Kuevi

• Dance performances of Atsiagbekor, Agbadza, and Borborbor

• Informational booths teaching Eʋegbe, Ewe history, and diaspora achievements

• The historic installation of Chicago’s first Ewe Queen Mother in 2018

 

These activities foster intergenerational connection and highlight the Ewe role in Ghana’s broader cultural tapestry.

 

Development Outreach and Diaspora Impact

The Association supports educational and health projects in Eweland—donating school supplies, funding scholarships, and assisting with flood relief in Central Tongu. Through CEANA, Chicago’s Ewe leaders have backed school construction, medical equipment provision, and vocational training programs that benefit communities across Ghana, Togo, and Benin.

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Legacy and Forward Path

For over 50 years, the Ewe Association of Chicago–Ghana has stood as a model of unity, service, and cultural pride. From its beginnings in Dr. Oklu’s living room to its ongoing leadership within GNC and CEANA, the Association continues to enrich both the Chicago diaspora and communities back home. Their story is one of collective strength—reminding us that heritage endures when communities come together to preserve, share, and build upon it.