Bong Miners hold successful convention in US
ABM newly-elected officers take the oath of office
“To be transparent, accountable and inclusive, while upholding the by-laws and constitution of the Association of Bong Miners (ABM). So help me God!”
Those were the words of the newly elected national president of ABM, Benedict Philips, when he took the oath of office at the just ended first national convention of the organization.
The colorful event, held in Yeadon, Philadelphia, was the highlight of a three-day event commemorating a successful gathering of delegates from across the United States, including Minnesota, North and South Carolina, Maryland,North and South Dakota, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania among others.
President Philips believes it is important to give back to your community
Members of ABM were also opportune to participate in, what observers described as, its first-ever transparent election of officials.
The July 8th, 2017 occasion culminated in the election of a corps of officers, who were given a two-year mandate to steer the affairs of ABM.
Those elected were: Mr. Benedict Philips, National President; Joseph Andy Cole, National Vice-President; Mr. Beyan P. Williams, National Secretary-General; Mr. Albarstine Donkpoie, Financial Secretary; Mrs. Roseline Subah, Treasurer; and Mrs. Sarah Jackson-Zoegar, Chaplain.
The induction ceremony was performed by Mr. I. Ezax Smith, head of the ad hoc ABM Elections Commission. Other members of the electoral body were Messrs Amos Kollie, Jr. and Joshua Peal.
Addressing delegates and guests at the well-attended induction ceremony last weekend, President Philips pledged to strive to unite former residents of Bong Mines living in the diaspora and reiterated his core value of “Giving back to the community–our benefactor–while ensuring accountability in all that we do.”
“Rest assured that when you give us your money to buy a door,” he said, “we will buy a door that you will see,” Mr. Philips stressed amid huge round of applause. He called on his fellow officials to do everything within the powers to justify their preferment, but challenged Bong Miners to support their leadership. “We count on your support to ensure a successful tenure,” he added.
The occasion was graced by the presence of notable personalities, including elders representing former Bong Miners, as well as Stanley Slaughter, a renowned former West African diplomat and entrepreneur and Edward Coleman,an African-American social activist. Both men served as guest speaker and keynote speaker respectively.
In separate remarks, Mr. Slaughter stressed the need to rekindle African solidarity, while Mr. Coleman reminded his audience that, having briefly experienced a short period of African identity on a previous visit to Ghana, being an African should inspire pride and confidence in groups such as ABM.
The 2017 Annual National Convention was climaxed with an elaborate cookout Sunday evening, July 9th, following a church worship service earlier that morning. About US$15, 000 was raised in cash and pledges.
In a related development, the ABM leader has ‘hit the ground running’, with a promise to appoint heads of local state chapters of the organization, “So as to ensure cohesiveness among our people pending their state and regional elections,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the southeastern State of North Carolina has been selected to host the 2018 Annual National Convention of ABM. The decision was the result of an election, in which delegates of Maryland put up a rigorous challenge.
ABM wishes to congratulate the Delaware Chapter of the organization, for successfully hosting the 2017 jamboree. Special recognition is given to Miss Lydia Fallah and her corps of organizers.
Beyan Williams, National Secretary General
ABM
Photos: Abe Kamara
