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GTA and partners introduce a welcoming December atmosphere with Akwaaba Village
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in partnership with the Ghana Exim Bank, the Ghana Trade Fair company and the Ghana Airports Company Limited have announced a month-long family-oriented bazaar, Akwaaba Village, as part of its December in GH activities.
This exciting initiative is designed to offer memorable experiences, promote Made in Ghana goods, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Ghana through music, food, and art.
December in GH has, in recent times, been named as one the best months to experience Ghana and be a part of the history-making activities of the motherland.
The Akwaaba Village will take place from December 15th, 2023, to January 8th, 2024, near the Hajj Village, located close to the Airport Roundabout. This family-friendly celebration aims to bring people together in a festive atmosphere, fostering a sense of community and highlighting the vibrant spirit of Ghana, including its art, food, music, and nightlife.
“December is one of the most anticipated months in Ghana by tourists globally, as they seek to come to the country and experience the rich culture and a warmth of the Ghanaian people. We are happy to introduce the Akwaaba Village as a highlight of our December in GH 2023 festivities. This activation is not just a celebration; it’s an invitation for families and visitors to immerse themselves in the warmth and hospitality that Ghana is renowned for. Akwaaba Village is a testament to our commitment to promoting local tourism and creating meaningful connections. We invite everyone to join us in making this an unforgettable experience for all.” said Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer, GTA.
With the aim of creating memorable experiences and promoting local tourism attractions and culture, the Akwaaba Village will have a lot to offer both Ghanaians and foreigners, young and old alike.
Key Highlights expected from the Akwaaba Village will include: cultural showcases where guests will experience the diversity of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage through captivating performances, traditional music, and dance Visitors to the Akwaaba Village will also get to indulge in a culinary journey with a variety of local Ghanaian dishes that showcase the flavours and specialities of different regions in Ghana. There will be a display from local artisans offering an opportunity to purchase unique handmade souvenirs.
“Akwaaba Village is made possible through the collaborative efforts of valued partners who share our vision for promoting cultural celebration and local tourism. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ghana Airports Company Limited, Ghana Trade Fair, and Exim Bank for their unwavering commitment to fostering cultural promotion and tourism in Ghana Together with these esteemed partners, we are confident that Akwaaba Village will offer an immersive experience that showcases the best of Ghana’s cultural heritage,” Mr. Agyeman added.
The Akwaaba Village will be the perfect place for cultural lovers and knowledge seekers of the rich heritage of Ghana to partake in music workshops, schooled on Ghanaian games of strategy and broaden their knowledge on the rich Ghanaian heritage.
The Ghana Tourism Authority encourages families, tourists, and the general public to mark their calendars for this extraordinary celebration of Ghana’s culture and hospitality.
Interested vendors can call 059 708 4223 or 059 742 3304 to be a part of this history-making event.
Ghana Tourism Authority Celebrates Recent Success with Cruise Ship Arrivals at Takoradi Harbour
Accra, Ghana, 6th December 2023 – The Ghana Tourism Authority is thrilled to announce the recent influx of luxury cruise ships to the Takoradi Harbour, marking a significant milestone in expanding Ghana’s tourism offerings and attracting more visitors to the country. From March to December of this year, a total of seven prestigious cruise liners have made port calls, showcasing Ghana as a premier destination on the African cruise circuit.
The participating cruise ships that have berthed at the shores of Ghana include the MS Azamara Journey, MS Insignia, MS Zuiderdam, SH Vega, MS Silver Sea, MS Mariner, and MS Voyager. The considerable increase in port calls follows the Authority’s consistent marketing efforts and its participation in Sea Trade exhibitions in recent times.
Working hand in hand with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, as well as other stakeholders such as the Ghana Police and Immigration, the Ghana Tourism Authority’s regional office in the Western Region has ensured a seamless and enriching experience for the visiting tourists. A comprehensive range of pre-arranged tours are organised allowing passengers to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Ghana.
Beyond its cultural significance, the resurgence of cruise visits to Takoradi is expected to drive economic activity by generating employment opportunities for tour operators, tour guides, car rentals, and various local businesses offering packaged tours to these visitors.
The success of the recent port calls and the fulfilment of tourists’ expectations has set the stage for more frequent cruise ship visits in the coming year. The Ghana Tourism Authority looks forward to building upon this achievement and continuing to promote Ghana as a must-visit destination for cruise travelers.
XCINEX CORPORATION OF USA AND GHANA TOURISM AUTHORITY PARTNER TO EXPAND GLOBAL REACH FOR GHANAIAN ARTISTS AND CONTENT CREATORS TO BOOST GHANA’S TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Accra, Ghana 5th December 2023 – In a landmark agreement, XCINEX Corporation, a San Francisco based tech company pioneering the world’s first pay-per-viewer streaming marketplace, and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) have announced a strategic collaboration. This partnership is set to revolutionize the way Ghanaian artists and content owners/creators connect with audiences worldwide, leveraging XCINEX’s innovative new VENUEmobile platform, now available on the App Store and on Google Play.
The VENUEmobile platform offers a unique and dynamic experience for content creators and artists from Ghana to stream their local filmed and live contents to Ghanaians in the diaspora and their global audience on a pay-per-viewer basis guaranteeing one ticket per-viewer whilst preventing fans from casting the streaming content to any screen or recording it. What is more, content creators and artists from Ghana are not required to make any upfront payment to stream on the platform.
This collaboration opens a new chapter for Ghana’s tourism and creative sector. By providing artists in Ghana access to VENUEmobile, XCINEX and GTA are facilitating a global stage for local talents. This unprecedented access empowers Ghanaian artists to broadcast their performances to an international audience, transcending geographical limitations.
Touching on the collaboration, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority stated that “this partnership is expected to significantly boost the exposure of Ghana’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. By showcasing Ghanaian music, dance, and other performing arts on a global platform, the initiative will ignite worldwide interest in Ghana’s tourism and culture. This increased visibility is anticipated to spark a surge in tourism, as global audiences are drawn to explore the vibrant culture they experience through VENUE. We are hoping endorsed December in GH events will take advantage of this platform opportunity to reach a global audience and generate additional revenues”
According to Mr. Cihan Fuat Atkin, the Co-Founder & CEO of XCINEX Corporation, “this agreement promises to generate additive revenue streams for Ghanaian artists. In a world where digital access is key, providing artists with the tools to reach a wider fan base is crucial. This initiative offers a sustainable and innovative way for artists from Ghana to monetize their art and offer inclusivity to their fans worldwide, contributing to the overall growth of Ghana’s tourism and creative economy.”
The strategic collaboration between XCINEX Corporation and the Ghana Tourism Authority promises to bolster tourism, enrich the global cultural landscape, and open new revenue channels for Ghanaian artists, content creators and government, fostering a vibrant future for Ghana’s creative industry.
For further information, please contact:
Ghana Tourism Authority: info@visitghana.com
XCINEX Corporation: paul@xcinex.com
2023 ‘December in GH’ Calendar of Events Outdoored
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Final Calendar for December in GH 2023 Events Calendar outdoor
ACCRA, GHANA – The highly anticipated final calendar for December in GH 2023 events has been announced today. Presented by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat (BTR), the calendar highlights several events across the length and breadth of the country which bring numerous benefits to the entire tourism and creative arts ecosystem.
Since its launch in 2019 by GTA as part of The Year of Return, December in GH has become a major highlight on Ghana’s cultural and tourism calendar, attracting visitors from around the world who are eager to experience the nation’s vibrant heritage , arts and entertainment scene. This year’s calendar promises an even more spectacular showcase, offering a platform to explore Ghana and connect with several local communities during the festive season. The collaboration between the Ghana Tourism Authority and event organizers is instrumental in making December in GH a resounding success each year.
Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the unveiling of the December in GH calendar, stating, “We are thrilled to present the final calendar for December in GH 2023. This year’s events promise to showcase the best of Ghana’s culture, music, heritage, and entertainment scene. We extend our gratitude to all event organizers for their support in partnering with the Authority to make this a truly memorable and impactful celebration.”
Ms. Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat, shared her enthusiasm, saying, “The unveiling of the December in GH calendar marks the culmination of months of careful curation and collaboration. We are proud to offer an unforgettable experience that fosters deeper connections within the global African diaspora and our local Ghanaian community.”
According to data from the Ghana Tourism Authority, December in GH activities contribute significantly to the tourism value chain and ecosystem, creating a positive impact on various sectors especially for SMEs. The events generate increased tourism demand, leading to higher hotel occupancy rates, restaurant visits, transportation usage, and local artisan sales. This surge in economic activity benefits business owners, creatives, and entrepreneurs, as well as the local communities . Moreover, the December activities contribute to the preservation and promotion of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Detailed information about the events listed in the final ccalendar can be found on www.decemberingh.com, and will be continuously promoted on social media platforms and official websites. We encourage everyone to follow Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, for updates and further details.
About Ghana Tourism Authority & Beyond the Return
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, plays a vital role in promoting, marketing, regulating, and licensing tourism in Ghana. GTA is also the overseeing body for the Beyond the Return Secretariat. Beyond the Return is an initiative that seeks to deepen connections between Ghana and the global African diaspora, focusing on cultural, educational, economic, and social exchanges.
Government Announces ‘Non-Pre-Approval’ Visa-on-Arrival for ‘December in GH’ 2023
Government working through the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior and Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority has announced the scraping of the requirements for the “Pre-approved” visa on arrival regime for this year’s December In GH 2023 celebration.
By this, visitors traveling to the country will not be required to have “pre-approved” Visa-On-Arrival” before they are allowed to board flights into the country. Rather, visitors and travelers would just have be allowed to board flights and be issued Visa-On-Arrival at the airport upon their arrival at a fee of $150.
It will be recalled that a similar step was taken last year with Visa-On-Arrival being reduced to $75.
Below are the releases.
‘Return Conversations: Role of Film and Music in Uniting Global Africans’ Event Held To Strengthens Ties between Ghana and the Diaspora
Accra, Ghana – July 25, 2023 – The Ghana Tourism Authority as part of the Beyond the Return project has successfully hosted another edition of the ‘Return Conversations’ on July 25, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Centre. Themed ‘Role of Film and Music in Uniting Global Africans,’ the event brought together key stakeholders and luminaries from the music and film industries in Ghana and the United States, sparking thought-provoking discussions and fostering unity and interconnectedness among Global Africans.
The event featured captivating panel discussions, expertly facilitated by industry leaders and engaging speakers. The conversations delved into the ways in which film and music play a pivotal role in unifying Global Africans and fostering mutual growth and prosperity. This year hip-hop artist Ludacris came to Ghana and worked with local artists including Sarkodie to produce new music. Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and Popcaan have all worked with local Ghanaian artists to make music that shines a spotlight on our local talents.
Most recently the film ‘Coming to Africa: Welcome to Ghana’ opened at Silverbird in Accra and Kumasi. One of the panelists, PY Addo-Boateng, was a producer and actor in the movie. The film was an example of the fruits of collaborative efforts between the diaspora and Ghanaians in the film industry.
The event showcased an exceptional lineup of speakers, each making significant contributions to their respective fields.
Speakers included:
- Jason Carter: CEO, ONE Music Festival. He is a visionary leader with over 20 years of lifestyle marketing and business start-up experience. Carter is the founder of the One Music Festival and is renowned for fostering collaboration and cultural exchange between artists worldwide.
- Jasmine Young: Director, Warner Music, and Blavatnik Center for Music Business – An influential figure in the music industry, advocating for artists’ rights and innovative music strategies.
- Trigmatic: Renowned Musician and supporter of arts and culture. The celebrated Ghanaian musician uses his music as a powerful tool to address social issues.
- Rocky Dawuni: Multiple Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist. Dawuni, a critically acclaimed Ghanaian music icon, consistently advocates for the betterment of society and addresses environmental and social causes through the power of music.
- PY Addo-Boateng: Music Executive, Film Producer, Actor, and Event Producer. A multifaceted creative force contributing significantly to the entertainment industry in Africa.
- Robert Hardy: Film and TV Director, Film Producer, and Screenwriter. A seasoned professional with an impressive body of work in the film industry.
- Juliet Ibrahim: Multiple award-winning Actress, Film Producer, Author, and Entrepreneur. A talented artist with notable contributions to the film and entertainment industry in both Ghana and Nigeria.
- Ama K. Abebrese: Award-winning Actress, TV Presenter, and Producer. An accomplished performer and television personality with a passion for storytelling.
- Socrate Safo: Director, Filmmaker, and Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture. A prominent figure in Ghana’s film industry, advocating for the development of creative arts.
- AJ Johnson: Veteran Actress, TV Producer, Life Coach, and Philanthropist. Widely recognized for her roles in the movies ‘House Party’ and ‘Baby Boy’, Johnson is a multifaceted personality dedicated to empowering others and making a positive impact. Her passion for bridging the gap between Ghana and the diaspora is unwavering.
With so many platforms around the world expressing more interest in African content, the time is now for Ghana to work towards building an industry that can make a global impact. Partnering with the diaspora is one of the ways to develop and increase our reach to audiences. “I see the potential for greatness in our music and film industries,” said Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat. “The diaspora and Ghanaians can come together to tell some of the great stories from Africans and African Americans. Although we have some cultural differences due to being on different continents, we have so much more in common than we realize. This makes for great potential when it comes to storytelling in a unique way.”
” The Return Conversations is a gathering of minds where we embark on a journey to Bridge the gap. In a world that often divides is, this platform has opened up opportunities for us to use story-telling and the universal language of Music to unite us and celebrate our rich heritage” , said Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
The event was a success as stakeholders in the film and music industry were in attendance including young up and coming artists who were there to network and learn from seasoned professionals. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture was the special guest. Other attendees included Juliet Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority , Seth Adjei Baah , Board chair of GTA.
Beyond the Return Campaign – A Decade of African Renaissance
The event was part of Beyond the Return’s continued efforts since 2020 to connect with the diaspora community in the arts and business. The Beyond the Return campaign is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A decade of African Renaissance.’ It operates under the Ghana Tourism Authority and is the follow-up to the successful Year of Return campaign in 2019, which witnessed an overwhelming response from the global African diaspora to come back to Ghana. The purpose of such events is to find ways to work together towards a common goal of building stronger connections in business, film, music, and entertainment overall. The talents in Ghana and the diaspora have the power to come together and create something great, and it all begins with dialogues where collective goals and visions can be forged.
For more information on the Beyond the Return campaign, please visit the website: www.beyondthereturngh.com.
Campaign To Promote Domestic Tourism Tours Central & Western Regions
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) as part of its ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ campaign has visited Kakum National Park, Cape Coast Castle, and Elmina Castle in the Central Region, and Nzulezu, Bisa Aberwa Museum, and Ankasa Resource Reserve in the Western Region.
The move by the GTA is to encourage domestic tourism in the country and market both popular and unfamiliar tourist sites domestically and internationally.
Speaking on why Ghanaians need to visit castles and forts in Ghana, Robert Morgan Mensah, Head of Education at the Castle, said it is important to learn about Ghanaian history and to honour the memories of those who suffered during the slave trade.
“It is fascinating to learn about the different powers that occupied and fought over the same piece of land over the centuries. The dungeons, governor’s residence, tunnels, and other areas give visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities of the transatlantic slave trade. It is again significant to know the symbolism of the Door of No Return and the Door of Return and the role the castle played in the propagation of Christianity in Ghana”.
Benjamin Amoah, a tour guide trainee at Elmina Castle, also noted that visiting the castle offers a chance to appreciate the architecture and craftsmanship that have survived for over five centuries.
At Kakum National Park, Mr. Samuel Dunkwa, Assistant Wildlife Officer with the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission of Ghana, revealed that the park has a gift shop where visitors can purchase locally made clothes, jewelry and artifacts.
“Currently, Kakum National Park has diverse plant and animal species, with more than 100 mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as the canopy walkway, nature walks, treehouse camping, and watching butterflies. There are also recreational facilities like a children’s park and an amusement park where visitors can host small programs. The park has restaurants that serve delicious local food and a gift shop where visitors can purchase locally made cabins, clothes, and artifacts. The waiting area is also well-furnished and equipped with movies of animals in their natural habitat”.
On his part, Sam Isaac, Tourism Officer in-charge of Ankasa Reserves Area, said that the Ankasa National Park offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of Ghana’s nature and unique wildlife. “The park is easily accessible by road and can be visited as a day trip or as part of a longer trip to the Western Region. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone interested in exploring Ghana’s rich nature”.
The team further visited Nzulezu, a community noted for its distinctive architecture, with houses built on stilts above the water. The community is also known for its traditional fishing practices. It has its own school, church, and clinic, and residents rely on the lake for transportation, food, and water.
Finally, the team made a stop at the Bisa Abrewa Museum, a private Pan-African Museum that showcases the rich history and culture of Africa and Africans in the diaspora. It features over 200 artifacts, including statues, arts, pictures, and vessels made of gold, bronze, and brass, some of which are 400 years old.
The Domestic Tourism campaign is under the Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) being undertaken under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
GTA Begins ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ Campaign Regional Tours
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the auspices of the Tourism Ministry has begun its regional tourist visits as part of efforts to promote ‘Experience Ghana, Share Ghana’ Campaign and encourage domestic tourism.
The team has over the last two weeks visited Aburi Gardens, Bunso Eco Park, and Akwamu Fie in the Eastern Region; Shai Hills Resource Reserve in the Greater Accra Region, and Amedzofe Walkway, Mount Geme, Wli Waterfalls, and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary in the Volta Region.
Speaking on the purpose of the tours, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr Akwasi Agyeman said the visits are part of the activities geared towards deepening the domestic tourism agenda in Ghana.
“Ghana is blessed with a rich blend of beautiful landscapes, historical relics and traditional cultures across all its regions. As part of the activities outlined for the Experience Ghana and Share Ghana Campaign, we are embarking on these tours across the country to highlight the beautiful tourist attractions, their insights and activities.”
“Promoting Domestic Tourism is a tool to increase tourism revenues, job creation, infrastructure development, cultural preservation, and poverty reduction. Therefore, I encourage Ghanaians to have fun experiencing Ghana which will in the long run contribute to the country’s economic growth”, he urged.
Mr Agyeman revealed that the team will visit other tourist sites in Central, Western, Ashanti, Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah, Upper East, and Greater Accra Regions.
Mr. Asare Frimpong, Facility Manager at Bunso Eco Park noted that visitors who come to the place will enjoy the purest form of oxygen in the arboretum, health insights and adventurous sporting activities.
Making a stop at the beautiful Aburi Botanical Gardens, Emmanuel Klottey, a tour guide admonished Ghanaians to visit the Garden to have a feel of its rich history, and to learn about the medicinal properties of plants and tree species in the garden. At Akwamu Fie museum, the team was educated on the rich history of Akwamu and the story related to shifting alliances and conflicts between the Danes and the Akwamu people.
On the next journey to the Volta Regional Tour sites, the team on their way visited the magnificent Shai Hills Resource Reserve to observe the scenery, the fascinating animals, hike and explore the Mogo cave, and finally visited the museum. They also had the Amedzofe Canopy Walkway experience and visited Mount Gemi.
The next journey was to the highest waterfall in West Africa; the breathtaking Wli Waterfalls after crossing 9 bridges, the falls gushing through the mountains into the stream was such a beautiful scene to behold. The team further journeyed to Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary and Cultural Village to experience the wild but playful Mona monkeys.
The Domestic Tourism campaign is under the Ghana Tourism Development Project (GTDP) being undertaken under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
GTA partners with VISA to promote digital payments at tourist sites and events in Ghana
Accra, March 8, 2023
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Visa have announced a strategic collaboration that will see the world leader in digital payments become an official payment partner at national tourism sites under GTA’s control, including all GTA-hosted events.
Following this agreement, Visa will serve as one of the accepted forms of payment by patrons at certain tourist sites throughout Ghana including the Kintampo Waterfalls, Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, the Bunso Eco park, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Assin Manso, Anomabo Memorial Garden of Return, Bonwire Kente Museum, and several other tourist locations in the country
This partnership is significant ahead of the Kwahu Easter festivities in April 2023 and the much anticipated call for entries for “December In GH,” 2023. Both are a special bundle of activities and programmes designed to make Ghana a top travel destination over holiday periods and beyond.
Commenting on the partnership, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, said: “We have been looking for ways to adopt digital innovation to make lives simple and transform the economy. The decision to partner with Visa aims to drive our financial inclusion agenda while making payments at the various tourist sites and events safer, easier, and more convenient. Travellers and tourists will avoid the trouble of carrying cash by using their Visa cards.”
Adoma Owusu, the Country Manager of Visa Ghana, said: “Ghana is becoming increasingly renowned as a global cultural destination with the onset of cultural events and activities under the “December in GH” brand and amazing tourist sites and attractions. At Visa, we remain resolute in our quest to transform the way Ghanaians pay and get paid by offering them the most secure and reliable way. We are excited about our partnership with GTA as we know most people have a lot of plans lined up to enjoy Ghana. We are happy to be their payment enabler.
GTA is also working with event organisers to offer discounts and incentives to those who purchase tickets with visa cards. These will be announced on a rolling basis.
Digital payments have been demonstrated to be a robust and incredibly adaptable solution for the travel and tourism industry. The partnership with Visa will help to improve domestic revenue collection as shown by the electronic payment system pilot programme that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture launched in 2019, which led to a significant increase in revenue.
Ghana expects to welcome one million visitors into the country in 2023 with several activities lined up including concerts, fashion shows, traditional cultural events, and much more.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions, and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories.
Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable, and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
About the Ghana Tourism Authority
The Ghana Tourism Authority is a state agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture responsible for the regulation of tourism in Ghana by marketing, promoting, licensing, classifying, researching and developing tourism facilities and services in the country.
Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors Given Ghanaian Citizenship At Ceremony In Washington
March 1, 2023.Washinton DC –
108- year-old Viola Fletcher, and her 101-year-old brother, Van Ellis, two of the three last-known living survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre have received their Ghanaian citizenship at a solemn but impressive ceremony held by the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture at the Ghana Embassy in Washinton DC. Over 150 influential members of the African American and Ghanaian Community in the USA attended the event.
In 2021, Fletcher, affectionately called “Mother Fletcher,” and Ellis, often called “Uncle Red,” traveled to Ghana for the first time where the country’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo conferred on them Ghanaian citizenship.
Welcoming the gathering, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States of America, Hajia Alima Mahama recounted Ghana’s long standing history of Pan-Africanism and said the Country “continues to build bridges between the continent of Africa and Africans in the Diaspora in extraordinary ways”.
The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, said the event was a perfect climax to the Black History Month celebration in the United States of America , highlighting Ghana’s Diaspora Pathways pillar as part of the Beyond the Return Project. “Your story of survival is an important imprint in the story of the African Americans in America. It is also a story that shows the resilience of the African spirit and on which we can stand to strengthen the bonds between Africa and its diaspora community”, he emphasised.
According to Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed Awal, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, he was hopeful the event ” will resonate and inspire others to make the journey back home to the motherland like mother Fletcher and Uncle Red did” ” I am looking forward to this ceremony opening new doors of engagement in tourism, trade and Investments amongst us as Africans and our brothers and sisters in the diaspora” . Dr Awal added that the Government of Ghana was committed tp creating an environment that will encourage diaspora investment, create jobs for the youth and enhance livelihoods.
Regina Goodwin, a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, responding on behalf of the family said “we are honored to be receiving Ghanaian citizenship for our priceless Black icons. Mother Fletcher and Uncle Red wanted to visit the Motherland before they caught their wings,” Godwin stated. “Now they have more than that. We thank the President and People of Ghana for this honour done to not just them, but the African American community in the United States”. Mother Fletcher and Van Ellis opted for Ghana due to it’s credentials as the hub of global diaspora engagement and the home of Pan Africanism.
Dignitaries who graced rhe ocassion included Ghanaian Musical icon, Rocky Dawuni, Hollywood Actress A.J Johnson, Ghana’s Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Cecelia Dapaah, Ike Howard, Grandson of Mother Fletcher, Akwasi Awuah Ababio, Director, Diaspora Affairs – Office of the President , Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat. Adwoa Asamoah, National Advisor for Black Engagement for the Biden-Harris campaign, Jasmine Young, Director of Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University, Maxwell Edusei, CEO the African Loom
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