Year of Return: Youth In Tourism Festival Launched

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The Tourism Society of Ghana (TOSOGHA) in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Year of Return Steering Committee has today launched the Youth in Tourism Festival (YOTOFEST) at the Accra Tourist Information Centre.

The festival will among other things, allow for greater local participation, especially the youth in the year-long commemoration of the Year of Return, Ghana 2019. The Youth in Tourism Festival will include a series of activities comprising, a public lecture and workshop, float, exhibitions, musical jamboree and a tour over a three -day period from July 18 to 20.

CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman

Coordinator of the Year of Return and CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman at the launch, was full of praise for TOSOGHA for continuing to reorient the youth on the need to promote domestic tourism through their activities such as the establishment of tourism clubs in both second cycle and tertiary institutions all over the country.

He mentioned that domestic tourism was at the heart of the country’s tourism growth and TOSOGHA remains a key partner to further complementing the efforts of the Authority and other institutions to better strengthen the domestic tourism drive. Agyeman reiterated his outfit’s continuous support for the organization and the Youth in Tourism Festival.

Youth Tourism Ambassador and Executive Director, TOSOGHA, Joseph Amartey

On his part, Youth Tourism Ambassador and Executive Director of TOSOGHA, Joseph Amartey envisages the Festival to be a potential social platform that effectively and efficiently market Ghanaian indigenous culture and heritage values for international patronage through broader youth engagements. “The foremost objective of YOTOFEST is to re – establish the smooth as well as swift patronage of domestic tourism from a more holistic and grassroots approach,” he said.

An important feature of the festival, according to Amartey, “is the creation of ready market for local artifacts and promotion of commercial sale of ‘’made in Ghana ‘’ goods and services internally and for export, hence a platform to promote the See, Eat, Wear, Feel Ghana agenda.”

A section of students at the launch

The launch of the event attracted student membership of TOSOGHA from various institutions within the Greater Accra Region with other high profile persons also in attendance. They included; Akwasi Ababio, Director for Diaspora Affairs at the Presidency and Chairman of the Year of Return Steering Committee, Kwadwo Antwi, CEO, Ghana Tourism Development Company, Bella Ahu, President, Ghana Tourism Federation and Olivia Opoku-Adomah, Director of Research, Statistics and Policy at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture who represented the Deputy Minister.

Some of the invited guests at the launch

The Tourism Society of Ghana is a youth-led organization with the objective of promoting domestic tourism and imbibing tourism culture among the youth and has over 30,000 members in secondary and tertiary schools across the country.

Click here to view more photos from the launch

Story by: Samuel Obeng Appah

11 Top Nightclubs and Venues to Hear Afrobeats in Accra

Posted By : Collins/ 3971

Republic Bar & Grill

Music Venue

republic

The Republic Bar & Grill, Osu | © Ofoe Amegavie

Republic Bar & Grill

From the live music on Wednesday nights to the DJ sets and themed evenings, Republic is one of Accra’s most popular places to hear the musical sounds of the city. Conveniently located in a lively pocket of Osu, there is always something for everyone: from highlife to hiplife to Afropop, soul and folk.

Republic Bar & Grill, Asafoatse Tempong St, Osu, Accra, Ghana, +233 24 631 4044

Béla Fleck's Africa Project

Béla Fleck’s Africa Project | © Kyle Tsui/Flickr

Duplex

Nightclub, Beer, Pub Grub

Duplex

An old-school Accra nightclub, featuring bright décor and a laid-back ambience on the terrace, this popular spot hosts varied nights throughout the week and is an essential place for those who love to dance.

Duplex, Harry Sawyer Rd, Osu, Accra, Ghana, +233 24 599 9999

Sandbox Beach

Miami vibes come to Ghana in this new venue in Labadi estates that overlooks a secluded beach. Serving drinks and food, and with the best DJs playing the latest hits.

Sandbox Beach, South Labadi Estates, Accra, Ghana

Afrikiko

A laid-back outdoor complex is known for its collection of restaurants and Wednesday-night kizomba sessions. Located opposite the French embassy, it has a live band that will make you feel as though you were transported to Accra in the 1970s.

Afrikiko, Liberation Road, Accra, Ghana, +233 302 229 997, +233 54 255 4286

Kyekyeku

Kyekyeku | Courtesy of the artist

Twist

Modern Afrobeats are on offer here, where you can enjoy the latest club tunes in a slick space that commands you move your feet to the latest hits from the biggest names across West Africa.

Twist Night Club, Labone, Accra, Ghana, +233 30 277 2179

Kona Cafe & Grill

Sip on palm wine from a calabash and snack on grilled treats in this relaxing spot on Oxford Street, complete with an airy roof terrace. Listen to the latest hits, watch live sets, or catch one of the new music launches that occasionally take place here.

Kona Cafe & Grill, Oxford Street, Accra, Ghana, +233 26 446 4712

Firefly Lounge Bar

If you want to know what Afrobeats everyone is listening (and dancing) to, head to Firefly, an always-packed venue that will surely have you dancing, as it plays hit after hit of popular West African tunes.

Firefly Lounge Bar, H P Nyemitei St, Osu, Accra, Ghana, +233 30 277 7818

Alliance Française d’Accra

Live music is always well-represented in this elegant spot that includes a large outdoor amphitheater alongside its terraced restaurant, all set in a verdant garden. All manner of artists old and new are on regular rotation, from young, Afro folk artist Kyekyeku to highlife legend Ambolley.

Alliance Française, Casely Hayford Rd, Accra, Ghana, +233 50 128 7814

Tichaona Marezda

Tichaona Marezda | © Shane K/Flickr

Vienna City

Casino

Vienna City

One of the biggest and busiest clubs in Accra, featuring a restaurant and cocktail bar, as well as a casino, the best beats are guaranteed to be spilling out of the massive sound systems. A popular spot among locals for food, drinks, DJs and dancing.

Vienna City, Kwame Nkrumah Ave, Accra, Ghana, +233 30 225 8551

Labadi Beach

A raucous place filled with music, food and beach vibes, and the added bonus of dance contests included. Labadi Beach has always been the beach spot to be at on a Thursday night, with its outdoor club atmosphere and mega sound system. This place pumps out the biggest hits from musicians such as M.anifest, Sarkodie, and Shatta Wale.

Labadi Beach, Accra, Ghana

Source: Culture Trip

Year of Return: Students from Diaspora in Ghana for Pan African Student Summit

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A group of students from the United States of America have arrived in Ghana to partake in this year’s Pan African Student Summit as part of the Year of Return – Ghana 2019 programme line up.

Numbering up to 17 from different universities across the US, the all African American students will take part in the 2-day summit scheduled to take place at the International House of the University of Ghana which would also involve students from the host university and their counterparts from University of Cape Coast.

The March 8 and 9 summit will engage these students to participate in critical discourse and think tanks on essential topics toward the liberation of all African people around the world. The summit will feature a keynote speaker, panel discussions think tanks, networking sessions, entertainment and many others.

 

The Pan African Student Summit will also lay the foundation to foster network and partnership development between the student changemakers and budding Pan-Africanist in both the diaspora and the continent.

Speaking to journalists on arrival at the Kotoka International Airport, some of the students who said they were in Africa for the first time after several years abroad expressed their excitement that they could be part of the trip which does not just present them an opportunity to learn from other students in the country, but also is a great chance to explore Ghana for the next 13 days they will be spending in the country.

The summit is being spearheaded by 3GC Inc, True Culture University in partnership with CA Study Abroad, Antique Lemonade and the African American Association of Ghana.

Nana Addo Asks Tourism Ministry, Tourism Authority To Build Pan-African Legacy of Early Leaders

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President Nana Addo has tasked the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Artsand the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA)to build on what he described as the pan-African legacy of Ghana’s early leaders.

He made the call in a statement read on his behalf by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, at the 15th edition of the Ghana Tourism Awards on Friday, March 22, 2019.



According to the president, “the pan-African legacy of our early leaders has never been in doubt and I have tasked the ministry and the Tourism Authority to build on this legacy and make Ghana a true heritage pilgrimage destination for our brothers and sisters from the diaspora.”

He described the tourism sector as one of the most important sectors of the Ghanaian economy and spoke about the interventions his administration has put in place to further develop the sector.

He said, “Under my watch, the tourism sector is receiving the needed push with the elevation of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to cabinet status. The Tourism Authority has reported gains and growth across several indices – visitor arrivals, per capita spend of visitors, number of establishments, number of tourist’s facilities etc since we assumed the reins of government.”

The president explained that “I am also aware of several tourist sites improvement programs such as the Axim Fort St. Antonioproject, Assin Manso Slave River project, Tetteh Quarshie Cocoa Farm, Bunso Arboretum, Kintampo waterfallsand the ElminaHeritage Bay project.”

He added that “this with the ongoing destination single window automation programme and the marketing programmes – ‘Visit Ghana, See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana and Feel Ghana’ are all part of integral plans to transform the sector.”

According to him, “The ongoing $40 million World Bank Tourism development programme is also an added bonus to this drive to make our tourism sector grow.”

Mr. Akufo-Addo stressed that “tourism is a multi-sector industry and the various other sectors – roads, skills development, sanitation, aviation and the visa regime are all being tackled in a multi-sectoral way for the needed impact.”

He indicated that “the theme chosen for today’s event, ‘celebrating our heritage’ resonates with the ‘Year of Return’ project which I proudly launched in front of the Congressional Black Caucus of the United States Congress, in September 2018.”

He added that “as we celebrate the award winners, it must be a clarion call for all of us within the sector and its value chain to be ready for the take-off.”

—Daily Guide

Ghana Listed In Top 10 Trending Summer Destinations for 2019

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HomeToGo, the world’s largest search engine for holiday homes, apartments, villas and cottages has in a publication recommending top Summer destinations for Brittish travellers placed Ghana as the 4th recommended trending destination.

 

Below is the publication…

 

Need some summer holiday inspiration? HomeToGo has just released its top 10 trending destinations for British tourists this summer.

Check out the top list to find the best destinations you might not have thought of visiting – and book your trip now, before everyone else does!

The destinations were chosen based on the year-on-year increases in searches on hometogo.co.uk in January 2019 compared to January 2018, as this is peak time for booking summer holidays. The data reveals some surprising trends:

  • Interest in traditional European summer holiday destinations like Italy and Spain is declining. Our data shows that travellers are instead seeking out more distant and unusual destinations, such as Belize and Ghana
  • Three of the top 10 destinations are in Africa, which has a rapidly growing tourism industry
  • Nature holidays and eco-tourism destinations are big trends for summer 2019. British travellers are increasingly environmentally conscious and are seeking out more meaningful and memorable travel experiences rather than traditional beach holidays.

Want to get ahead of the trends? Find out the top 10 up-and-coming destinations below, and start planning your dream holiday now!

Top 10 Trending Destinations for Summer 2019

About HomeToGo

HomeToGo offers the widest collection of the most popular providers of holiday rentals for our users. Whether for a big family holiday or a quiet romantic getaway, HomeToGo finds the perfect holiday property for every occasion.

HomeToGo offers the best vacation accommodations all on one website, allowing you to compare prices for rentals from more than 600 providers in over 200 countries. Once you’ve found your dream rental, simply click on the link to be redirected to our partner’s website and complete the booking.

Ghana National Tourism Industry Awards 2018 held

Posted By : Collins/ 2054

The much-awaited Ghana Tourism Awards to honour deserving facilities in the tourism industry in Ghana for the year 2018 was held at The Event Haven, La on Friday, March 22, 2019. In all 29 awards were presented to organisations and individual in Accommodation, Food and beverage and Entertainment, Travel Trade and Media. In addition, honorary awards were given to six (6) personalities who have contributed to the growth and the development of the Tourism Industry over the years.

Click here to view photos of awards: 

 

Minister of Tourism presenting an award

 

Below are the award winners for the various categories.

HONORARY AWARDS

1. Edwin Owusu-Mensah – (Fmr Dir. Ministry of Tourism, Arts And Culture, Former Dep. Exec. Dir. Ghana Tourism Authority)
2. Stella W. Appenteng – (CEO – Apstar Tours Ltd)
3. Kwame Ofosu Bamfo (MD – Alisa Hotel)
4. Sajid Ali Kahn – (GM – Tang Palace Hotel,Accra,Ghana)
5. Erieca Bennett – (Head of Mission, Missions Forum: Africa Diaspora Missions Network)
6. Mark Williams – (CEO – Ashanti African Tours Ltd)

ACCOMMODATION AWARDS

  1. 5 Star Hotel of the Year – Movenpic Ambassador Hotel
  1. 4 Star Hotel of the Year – Tang Palace Hotel
  1. 3 Star Hotel of the Year – Holiday Inn Hotel
  1. 2 Star Hotel of the Year – Ibis Styles
  1. 1 Star Hotel of the Year – Coconut Grove Sakumono
  1. Guest House of the Year – Petit Palais Guesthouse
  1. Budget Hotel of the Year – Ronna lodge, Adidome
  1. Hostel of the Year – Bedstudy Osu
  1. Serviced Apartment of the Year – Red Mango Apartments chapel Hill

 

FOOD AND BEVERAGE AND ENTERTAINMENT (CATERING) AWARDS

  1. Restaurant Grade 1 – Azmera Restaurant
  1. Restaurant Grade 2 – The Buka Restaurant Ltd
  1. Restaurant Grade 3 – Madela Restaurant, Sunyanil
  1. Fast Food of the Year – Papaye Fast Foods Ltd.
  1. Night Club of the Year – Plot 7 Night Club, Osu
  1. Traditional Caterer (Chop Bar) of the Year – Bush Kanteen Shiashie,
  1. Drinking Bar of the Year – The Treasures Pub, Agbogba

 

 

Ghana Tourism Awards 2018

 

TRAVEL SERVICES AWARDS

1. Airline of the Year – South African Airways
2. Tour Operator of the Year – Landtours Ghana
3. Travel Agency of the Year – Satguru Travels Ghana Ltd
4. Car Rental Service of the Year – Atlas Rent A Car
5. Visitor Attraction of the Year – Kakum National Park Ghana

 

MEDIA AWARD WINNERS

1. Tourism Writer of the Year – Kofi Akpabli
2. Tourism Oriented Media TV – TV3 Media,
3. Tourism Oriented Media (Radio)- Citi 97.3 FM
4. Tourism Oriented Media (Print)- The Mirror
5. Tourism Oriented Media (Online) – Voyages AFRIQ MEDIA
6. Tourism Programme of the Year – Our Heritage by UTV Ghana

About The Awards

The National Tourism Awards was instituted by the Ghana Tourism Authority in 1997 to reward excellent performance in the tourism sector.

It is one of the flagship events of the GTA held annually and it sets the tone for high standards in service delivery among practitioners in the tourism sector.

Awards, including honorary awards, are presented to practitioners and organisations who have made maintained high standards and individuals who have made immense contributions to the growth and development of Ghana’s tourism industry.

The award usually attracts high profile personalities in government, business, politics, academia and practitioners within the tourism industry.

Heritage Caravan, Bigger and Better

Posted By : Collins/ 1540

The 2019 edition of the Citi Heritage Caravan has proved that the annual nationwide road adventure can only grow bigger and better. The fourth on a trot, this year’s has also demonstrated that repeat caravaneers (my word) could not get bored as the event has kept adding on exciting innovations. Talking about repeat travellers, there were a lot more of them!

To start with, this year saw for the first time, a three STC bus convoy. Another first was that the Ghana Tourism Authority came on board as a sponsor. Thus unlike in previous expeditions, regional staff of GTA were on hand to prepare the grounds visited.
Another novelty was that as Ghana’s regional distribution had been re-calibrated the travel party got the chance to see most of these ‘new’ regions for the first time. Out of the current 16 regions, the Caravan trekked through 14.

For the first time, The CITIFM CBS Anchor, Bernard Avleh left his breakfast show duties in Accra to join the caravan. Together with the Citi team, they actually handled a session on how the Accra media house is delivering on its mandate.

The fact that Citi itself has added TV to its media platforms also ensured a more vibrant showcase of the roadshow. The viewing public had the 2019 edition really covered.

The send-off party at the palatial offices of the AMA was another innovation, which allowed key partners to share the Heritage Caravan platform as well as solidarity messages.
Over the period of 8 days, (another first as previous ones had run for 7 days each) an enthusiastic, outgoing group of world citizens made the road their home. Overnight, participants had converted to family groups experiencing adventure after adventure across communities in Ghana. If the travel party was a family then the bus was the living room, sometimes the dining room or even the bedroom.

National issues were discussed at various levels. If I didn’t mention the interesting rivalry among the buses it was because by default I was rotating from one to the other. Of course, fun was the name of the game. While tour guides were offering tourist information, resident guitarists and other passengers took to the mobile stage to entertain.

In the major towns, outriders facilitated movement while the indigenous dances that ushered the caravan to their hotels were thrilling. There‘s something intriguing about border towns and for many Caravaneers, stepping on the soils of both Togo and Burkina Faso was a high point.
I cannot say which impressed me more. Was it the ordinary low-earning young Ghanaians who had saved all year long to participate or the Ghanaians living abroad who had moved against all odds to make it? The senior citizens (one celebrated his 75th birthday on day 1 of the trip) also impressed me. The likes of Uncle Ray caught dancing without a care on the ‘beachy’ sands at Coconut Grove reinforced the message that fun is not only for the musical youth.

Then there the couples who made it together. Some very advanced in marriage others still in their honeymoon months. So admirable! Oh, and there were those who came, started the journey as singles but ended up as couples. We wish them well. (What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas).
The spontaneous full-blown party at Cape Coast Goil filling station was surreal. All those bystanders who were drawn by the wild dancing and jubilation and drinking and khebab chewing would never believe that we only stopped to use the washrooms for a few minutes.

After a long drive from Sunyani that arrival night at Mahaa Beach Resort in the Western Region would remain magical. Agotime Kpetoe, they really treated us like princes and princesses. Many tales have since been woven around that heavenly soup called ‘’Totokpakpa.’’
Volta Serene Hotel. The nation salutes you. A real hidden gem. I don’t know how Eusbett Hotel, Sunyani does it year after year. They never disappoint. Dinner at Modern City Hotel is like that open license treat in the kitchen of your favourite aunt. Homey and Yummy!
Plus in Tamale, it was really special to be sharing the same hotel with His Excellency the President on the eve of Ghana’s Independence Anniversary.

My personal special moment. Wednesday morning: Here I am sitting on a stone, eating rice and fish with my bare fingers while a warthog and two baboons are watching over my shoulders for me to drop my meal, Mole Park. How can I forget?

Downside. Number 1: Washrooms on our highway? Big headache.
Number 2: Someone must tell some of our communities that clearing your environment of plastic and everyday filth does not require another government initiative. Let the people just bend down and pick!

Once again, the CITI Heritage Caravan have demonstrated that it is possible to travel across our beautiful country for leisure. And this comes with great possibilities for several stakeholders.
As for Yours Truly, it was such an honour to serve as a guide for the tour across Ghana.

By: kofiakpabli@yahoo.com

Bloombar Osu Ghana

Top Ten (10) Night Clubs In Accra

Posted By : Collins/ 27215

It’s the weekend already, and there’s no excuse not to let off some steam from our busy schedules. So, grab your fav heels/shoes, that sexy dress and let’s hit town. Don’t worry about your location, we’ve got you covered with these 10 hottest nightclubs in town.

Hello there night owls, do you want to know the Do’s and Don’ts?

Nightlife is absolutely a way of life. Yep, it’s not just about stepping out to have fun but you need to be well and truly taken care off. Let’s go over some rules to ensure you have a proper clubbing experience.

 

LIST OF THE BEST 10 NIGHTCLUBS IN GHANA

  • Carbon Nightclub

Situated in the penthouse of Icon House in Accra, located a floor above the urban grill restaurant. With their eye-catching décor, giving the whole atmosphere a surreal experience. Carbon Night is one of the trendiest night places in Accra.

  • Plot 7

This cool nightclub is located in Nyaniba Estates and is considered as one of the best nightclubs in town. Best to get a table reservation in advance to avoid all that hassle at the gate.

  • Firefly

The perfect place for some mid-week stress out. As one of the best nightclubs in Ghana, Firefly is sure to add a new twist to your Wednesday night out.

  • Twist Nightclub

READ ALSO: Best 10 beaches in Ghana with resort

 

  • Champs Sports bar

Fridays are the busiest for Champs. They start the weekend with karaoke which runs into the night as popular DJ’s take up the wheel. Go dancing into the wee hours of dawn at Ghana’s best nightclub.

  • AftaWerk

Formerly known as Rockstone’s Office, it is one of the best nightclubs you can find in Ghana. Located in Accra’s trendy neighbourhood, Cantonments. It is popular for its corporate and lush crowd. Looking to revamp your business contact list? Be here.

  • Club Onyx

The newest and hottest nightclub in Accra and one of the best in Ghana. Club Onyx is the place to be and get noticed on a Saturday night. New memories, new friends, new experiences. Who doesn’t love a new place?

  • Shisha lounge

As one of the best nightclubs located in Osu, its famous for a wide selection of shisha flavours. Including good food and great cocktails.

  • Duplex Nightclub

Duplex club is one of the longest existing clubs which has earned a place on the best 10 nightclubs in Ghana. Still providing clubbers a good time on the dance floor.

  • Hotgossip Nightclub

Great place for playing snooker whilst admiring stripers, Hotgossip, known as one of the hottest night places in Accra is located in Osu. A few 100 meters from the Shisha lounge, it definitely pulls its own crowd.

Source: Pulse Ghana

Year of Return: Be conscious of your African roots – students told

Posted By : Collins/ 908

Participants at this year’s Pan-African Student Summit have been told to be cognizant of their ancestral root no matter how long it takes for them to discover their African identity.

The call was made by various speakers at the event who shared their individual stories about how they eventually became interested and identified with Pan-Africanism.

They included Diallo Sumbry, President & CEO of The Adinkra Group, Akwasi Agyeman, CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority, Prof.Esi Sutherland-Addy, Chairperson, PANAFEST Foundation, Paul Kwaw, Executive Director, W. E. B Du Bois Centre for Pan African Culture among others.

A section of participants at the Summit

The two-day Pan African Student Summit which came off at the African House of the University of Ghana engaged university students of African descent from the Diaspora with Ghanaian university students to participate in critical discourse and think tanks on essential topics toward the liberation of all African people around the world: identity and social issues, economics and entrepreneurial possibilities, education, and global health and wellness.

Mr. Agyemang who is also Coordinator for the Year of Return speaking to the press at the Summit said for the visiting students it was such a great delight for him that they could be in the country to experience things for themselves and further be part of such an important discourse.

Speakers at the Summit

He added that the Year of Return Steering Committee and Secretariat will continue to support any individual, group, institutions and initiatives that will help bring more people from the diaspora into the country.

The March 8 and 9 Summit also included a collaborative service learning day at Echoing Hills School where summit participants had a lot of activities with kids and teachers at the school, including painting, games, planting of water melon seeds at the school’s garden and lot of fun-filled educational activities.

Planting melon seeds at the Echoing Hills School

The Pan-African Student Summit is an initiative of 3GC Inc., True Culture University in partnership with CA Study Abroad, Antique Lemonade and the African American Association of Ghana with support from Year of Return – Ghana 2019.

Participants helping to paint Echoing Hills School

Year of Return: Back2Africa breaks ground for community library & borehole in Eastern region.

Posted By : Collins/ 909

On 7th March, The Back2Africa Festival and Tour service day was in alignment with World Book Day, a day to promote reading, as the group of nearly 100 first time travellers to Ghana spent the day with the Akuapem Educational Service Partnership, at Nyame Bekyre School in Akuapim breaking ground for the establishment of a library and borehole in the community.

The Back2Africa team worked in partnership with the International Partnership for Economic and Sustainable Development to raise funds and books for the future library. The library groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Madam Martha Eghan, HeadMistress of Nyame Bekyre Municipal Assembly Basic School, Okoman Panyin of Akuahene’s Palace and Akwasi Agyeman CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority.

The Service Day at Akuapim was the final activity in Back2Africa’s 10-day schedule which included a calendar of arts, entertainment, cultural, and historic experiences at some of Ghana’s most historic venues in Kumasi, Cape Coast and Accra.

“Back2Africa Festival and Tour is one way we are committed to rebuilding the connections between Africa and her diaspora —culturally, spiritually and financially. As much as we want our group to enjoy Ghana, we also want to provide them with an opportunity to reassert their identities as Africans by giving back hence the launch of the Akuapem Educational Service Partnership where we made a commitment to impact the lives and education of the community through building a library and a borehole,” shares Diallo. ‘Daheart’ Sumbry, Founder of The Adinkra Group, an African Cultural Edutainment Resource and Consulting company based in Washington, DC and organisers of the Back2Africa festival.

The 2019 Back2Africa Festival and Tour was launched on the 26th of February at the Accra Tourist Information Centre for a welcoming communal festival called the “Akwaaba” Village featuring local Ghanaian homemade drinks and traditional fashion and artworks from local vendors. The Festival continued in Accra with the Back2Africa edition of JustMusic for an intimate live performance featuring Raheem Devaughn & Wes Felton of The CrossRhodes, an Open Mic/Jam Session in partnership with the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) and the Back2Africa Birthright Concert, a family-oriented event celebrating Africa’s cultural legacy through traditional and modern African Dance, Drum and Theatre.

The Birthright concert was held at the National Theater was co-hosted by Ghanaian Actress Ama K. Abebrese and founder of the Adinkra Group, Mr. Diallo “Daheart” Sumbry.

From Accra, the group travelled to Cape Coast where they visited the historic slave dungeons that also included the Spirit of Resilience Concert and an emotional African Ancestry Reveal where travellers were given the results of their DNA ancestry.

“Back2Africa Festival and Tour served as an opportune occasion for us to reconnect with the culture and traditions of Ghana and also engage in a cross-cultural exchange with artists from both the US and Ghana including American socio-political musical duo, Raheem DeVaughn and Wes Felton who were visiting Ghana for the first time, intergenerational West African Drum and dance company, Farafina Kan, High life Sensation, Kwan Pa Music Band, Ghanaian actress Ama K. Abebrese, flutist Dela Botri, and the Ghana International School Ensemble,” adds Sumbry, a current and founding member of the Year of Return Steering Committee.

The Back2Africa Festival and Tour began in 2018 with a mission to reconnect people of the African Diaspora to the culture and traditions of Africa with a line-up of events that focuses on arts, performances, education and service projects in Ghana’s most historic venues. The 2019 edition was a part of the “Year of Return” programming, a year-long calendar of activities in “celebration of the resilience of the African spirit” coordinated by Ghana Tourism Authority, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Back2Africa festival partners include South African Airways, SunSeekers Tour, WaxPrint Media, African American Association of Ghana (AAAG), Ghana International School (GIS) and African Ancestry.