History

The Central Region was historically part of the Western Region until 1970 when it was carved out just before the 1970 Population Census. We are one and will continue to be regardless of borderlines.

In the summer of the year 2014, Ms. Belinda Barnes (aka AJ) conceived the idea for the formation of the Fanti Association of Greater Cincinnati in Ohio. After consultations with some prominent Fanti speaking people in Cincinnati, the initial concept of Fanti Association was changed to the Ghana Central and Western Regions Association of Greater Cincinnati as the Fanti language was common to these two regions and to enable the association to have a more inclusive group. With this understanding, members embarked on spreading the notion by word of mouth for the formation of the group. For over a year, AJ in agreement with the husband, allowed the group to use their family residence as the meeting place. Later, the venue was changed to the residence of our sister and mother Mrs. Margaret Gyabaah until we had the opportunity to change our meeting place to our current place in the ICFC building.

Few of the members dedicated themselves to writing a constitution to govern the affairs of the association as the membership started growing. AJ and the other initial leaders were inspired by the oneness that they observed among some tribal groups in parts of the US as they attended out of state and city festivities.

The mission of the association was to foster a spirit of close relationship and harmony among members, provide a forum for close interaction, Support the social, economic, and infrastructural development of the 2 regions in Ghana. Promoting the Ghanaian cultures especially that of the 2 regions, raise funds to support all the activities of the association. Throughout the years, the association, though small, has found ways in contributing to the community we live in here as well. We know Cincinnati is home to us and we plan to be part of its development as well. We are brothers and sisters, neighbors, coworkers, church members and friends first before anything else and we plan on carrying this forward in the years to come. We have a very committed group of members always pushing for the best and staying ahead.

We have a lot to do and take this opportunity to invite all who are interested in our mission, cultures, and goals to come to join us. We used to meet 2x a month at the ICFC Assemblies of God building in Fairfield but due to Covid we now meet virtually on Zoom 2x a month.

We need you in continuing to build this strong foundation.

We need you to continue to propagate our unique cultures.

We need to assist in continuing to make Centwest Cincy the best.

Also, use this platform to promote oneness especially in the Ghanaian community here in Cincinnati. We are all we have, and we need to stick together to achieve our goals and ambitions.