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‘Africa Will Be a Powerful Force for World Development’ says Yofi Grant at Ghana Diaspora Investment Summit
Although 2020 was a year filled with global tragedy due to the pandemic, Yofi Grant, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, believes that the year also ushered in Africa’s decade and that Africa as we know it, is not just its citizens, it is every person of African descent living anywhere in the world. He delivered opening remarks at the maiden edition of the Ghana Diaspora Investment Summit which took place June 23 -24, 2021, in person at the Kempinski Hotel and streamed live on social media platforms. The theme of the event was, ‘The New Normal: Leveraging diaspora investments to build back better.’
The event was organized by Ghana Investment Promotion Centre who partnered with the Beyond the Return Secretariat, Ghana Tourism Authority, Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Diaspora African Forum, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Regional Integration, and the Ministry of Information.
The core focus of the 2-day event was to provide an overview of investment opportunities in Ghana, learning from key business players in various industry sectors, encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors, sharing ideas, plans and policies for support of the business climate, and feedback from diasporans about potential and areas that need improvement.
One of the important pillars of the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative is Invest in Ghana and this event played a key role in supporting that initiative. “This has been a successful summit,” said the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, “As the Minister of Information said, it shouldn’t remain a summit, there has to be action after the summit.” Agyeman said that taking advantage of networking at the event provided valuable opportunities that fostered new relationships and established synergies to create new products, services, and programs. He added that he is looking forward to next year when we would hear about the fruits of collaborations that were sparked at this event.
Stories of impact were also shared by diasporans who have made the return to Ghana, started their own businesses and creating investment opportunities for themselves and for others. Neil Oku, CEO of Golden Coast Developers was one of the featured speakers who shared his personal experience on moving to Ghana. “I wanted to feel that I was really going to make a change and that’s what really drove me to Ghana,” he said. Oku left his job on Wall Street to build a new career based on the opportunities he saw. “I came because I felt Ghana was the next wave. Ghana was really moving towards a trajectory…. you don’t have to be a Ghanaian to feel the innovation going on.”
H.E. Ambassador Erieka Bennett, who is Head of Missions at the Diaspora African Forum, shared the importance of remaining connected with diasporans who continue to have a strong interest in visiting, moving to or investing in Ghana. Bennett said that African Heads of State are understanding that in order to move Africa forward we need to move with the diaspora. “Every Diasporan I know, they want to come to Ghana,” she said. “There’s a lady who is 107 years old…. she’s coming to Ghana with her brother who is 100 and some of her colleagues who are 92 and 95.” This woman is a survivor of the Tulsa Massacre in 1921 when white residents burned down a prominent Black business district. Ambassador Bennett is one of the most engaged with the diaspora community when they make their transition to Ghana.
Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, said there are enormous opportunities to grow in Ghana and grow with Ghana. Ofori-Atta returned to Ghana 30 years ago after living abroad and partnered to start an investment bank at a time when resources available for launching a business in Ghana were far less than they are today. In sharing his personal journey, he wanted to narrate that despite the challenges it can be done, and Ghana is a great place to do it.
He has an appreciation of what it takes to make the leap to move to Ghana and urged people in the diaspora to make it a personal decision without influence of politics or others around you. “Look deep down in your heart as to why you are coming,” he said. “It’s spiritual, economic, 400 years…it’s here and we should all come back home.”
By: Ivy Prosper
‘Beyond the Return’ Diaspora Features Zakisha Brown – Jamaican Canadian Hip Hop Artist
Zakisha Brown is a Jamaican-Canadian artist who has two singles that have made her known as a hit-maker inspired by her visit to Ghana. ‘Went to Ghana’ and ‘Africa Home Again’ are both catchy Hip Hop songs she released shortly after returning to Canada, after spending a few months in Ghana. The first release, ‘Went to Ghana’ quickly gained popularity on social media and then became a theme song used by popular Ghanaian YouTuber, Wode Maya, exposing her song to his nearly 500,000 Subscribers.
Zakisha says she fell in love with music and began experimenting with lyrical expression over 10 years go. But it was four years ago when she began to perform as a professional music artist. In Canada, the black community is filled with diversity and with the country’s promotion of multi-culturalism, most people stay true to their family’s heritage and culture.
As a Jamaican, Zakisha has always known about her Caribbean heritage. She says it was at age 14 when her parents were considering a move to Ghana. It was then that she learned about Queen Nanny of the Maroons and the connection between Jamaica and West Africa; especially Ghana. She says she learned that Jamaicans predominantly came from West Africa, which sparked her curiosity about Ghana as a young teen.
Fast forward to 2019 and her Hip Hop music career was her golden ticket that brought her to Ghana. She was given the opportunity to perform in the artist showcase at the Afrochic Diaspora Festival as part of the Year of Return. “I think it’s extremely important to establish the connection between Jamaicans and Ghanaians because of the history we have,” she said. “There are Maroons to this day in Jamaica who speak Twi, but have never been to Ghana in their life.” She believes that once we continue to bond, we will bridge the gap and be able to create a sense of unity and solidarity.
Coming to Ghana was a deeply meaningful experience for Zakisha. Everywhere she went she says she saw how similar Ghanaians and Jamaicans are and that recognizing our similarities is the first step acknowledging our roots. She referred to a quote from Marcus Garvey, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” She feels in order for us to connect with our roots and build a better place for future generations, we must develop self knowledge.
As an artist, so many things inspired her when she was in Ghana and she was happy it was so easy to connect and collaborate with people when she was in the country. “I was heavily inspired by the people I met, the delicious food I ate, the attractive melanated men, the regal Queens, the intelligence of children and how independent, strong and resourceful Ghanaians are.” All these influences are evident in the lyrics of her hit song “Went to Ghana.”
“Strongest backs they manage Nuff, too cool they balance food with no hands this ain’t a bluff, necks strong they’re very tough made me just level up.”
~ Lyrics from Went to Ghana Hit song.
She didn’t know any artists personally when she came to Ghana, but she managed to connect with people in the local creative community to work with on her projects. “I collaborated with the infamous DWP Dance Academy for my music video ‘Africa Home Again’, the Rising Afrobeat Stars Djay and Majorskyscrapa.” She also met African American Spoken Word Artist, L.N. Wyman, who appears at the end of her track in the video for ‘Africa Home Again’.
The spirit of pan Africanism was also a strong influencer as she learned about Ghana’s first President. “I was also inspired by the genius of President Kwame Nkrumah and how he worked to gain independence in Ghana while also working to unite other African Countries. I could go on and on,” she said. “It was all life changing so I had to write it in my music.”
“As an artist you never truly know the impact your song will have with the world,” she responded when asked how she felt about the popularity her song was having. The likes of Reggie Rockstone, Wode Maya and Fuse ODG, Reggae Group, Morgan Heritage have all shared her songs on their platforms which helped her reach over 1 million people. She said it’s been a mind-blowing and absolutely awesome experience. “It shows the love people have for Ghana and great music.”
She took in several experiences while in Ghana and felt it was important to take the time to give back to the community. She said her most positive experience was seeing all the work that artist FUSE ODG, activist Chaka Bars, and Music Manager Andre Hackett were doing in Akosombo building and supporting a school. She travelled with FUSE and his team as they embarked on the project on New Year’s Day. “I ended up meeting strangers who turned into friends along the way,” she said. “We spoke with the children there, painted rooms they were developing, enjoyed dance performances by the students and ate amazing food.” After the day of servicing the youth was completed, she enjoyed a boat ride with newly found friends through Lake Volta.
Zakisha has plans to return to Ghana very soon and has plans to make some investments in the country. She hopes the borders open before her planned trip so she can continue with reconnecting to the motherland. “I will be returning for another three months in November. I bought my tickets in March, so hopefully the borders will open back up!”
She finds it disappointing when she hears of people who still carry the negative mindset about Africa. “Being African means you are a descendant from royalty, strength, resilience, intelligence power, beauty, love and community,” she said. “They didn’t take slaves when they took us, they took doctors, naturopaths, healers, scientists, mathematicians, midwives, teachers and more….For those who have a negative view [on Africa], they need to see it for themselves; the beauty of Africa.
Once they step foot on the soil, their life with change.”
Written by Ivy Prosper
Akufo-Addo implores further support for “Beyond the Return”
President Akufo-Addo wants Ghanaians to extend their supportive attitude portrayed towards the “Year of Return”, to this year’s “Beyond the Return” initiative.
President Akufo-Addo believes it was due to such an attitude that the year of return was a success and he wants to see same for Beyond the Return.
A statement from the Presidency indicated that, “the welcoming attitude and the warm Ghanaian hospitality proved to be the strongest attention to hundreds of thousands of our ‘kith and kin’ from the African diaspora, who thronged our shores to commemorate the year of return.
“I urge all Ghanaians to demonstrate this same level of excitement and commitment that characterised the “Year of Return,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo initiated the Year of Return to invite all diasporans back home to not only learn more but explore and even invest in the country.
Since this initiative began many African-Americans have made their way into the country to learn more about their history. Some include Steve Harvey , Samuel L Jackson , Anthony Anderson, Micheal Jai White, Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, Diggy Simmons and many others.
The President launched the now “Beyond the Return” initiative as a way to continue with and solidify relations between Africans and those in the diaspora.
He said the “Year of Return’, proved itself to be exciting, and afforded Ghanaians the chance to re-establish, intensify and solidify the relations between those of us on the continent and those in the diaspora.”
He further commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and other institutions and persons who made The Year of Return possible for “their sense of professionalism and dedication to duty, which enabled them to preserve the peace and security of our country in the course of the celebration.”
The President also urged Ghanaians to take advantage of all opportunities that the initiative will present as this “will entail that we engage in mutually beneficial trade, investment and cultural co-operation with the Africa Diaspora.”
Year Of Return: President Akufo-Addo Confers Ghanaian Citizenship On 126 Diasporans
The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 27th November 2019, conferred Ghanaian citizenship on 126 Diasporans, who have lived in Ghana for many years.
Speaking after the conferment ceremony, President Akufo-Addo stated that “I am glad you have decided to make Ghana your home, and thereby, join several generations of Diasporans, who committed their lives to us.”
He noted that several persons, including the likes of George Padmore, Bob Marley’s widow, Rita, Maya Angelou, and W.E.B du Bois all found homes in Ghana, with the latter buried in the country.
With the ceremony being part of the series of activities commemorating the ‘Year of Return’, the President stated that Ghana recognizes her position as the location for 75 per cent of the slave dungeons built on the West coast of Africa, through which the slaves were transported.
“That is why we had a responsibility to extend a hand of welcome back home to Africans in the diaspora. Many have responded to this call, and the ‘Year of Return’ has so far proven to be a joyful and learning experience all round for all of us,” he said.
To the 126 Diasporans, the President urged them to respect and abide by the laws of Ghana and live in accordance with the tenets of Ghana’s Constitution.
“You have the responsibility of preserving and promoting the image of a country whose reputation, amongst the comity of nations, is, today, high. You are citizens of a country that is regarded as one of the most stable on the continent, a beacon of democracy, governed by the rule of law and respect for individual liberties, human rights and the principles of democratic accountability, as a result of the commendable acts and deeds of past and present generations of your fellow Ghanaians,” he said.
The President continued, “In all your actions, I urge you to guard jealously our country’s image. It is a charge, I am confident, you will uphold. In doing so, I suggest that to facilitate the process of re-integration, you learn at least one Ghanaian language of your choice – Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani, Hausa, or Nzema, amongst others.”
President Akufo-Addo urged them also to be engaged fully in the realization of the vision of a Ghana Beyond Aid.
“Simply put, I just want us to be self-confident, and accept that we shall never reach the level of development we aspire to by relying on aid or external assistance, no matter how generous. It is a mindset that I wish us to discard, a mindset of dependency and living on handouts,” he added.
President Akufo-Addo, in concluding, paid tribute to the late Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, Jake to others, who, as Minister for Tourism and Diasporan Relations under the Government of the 2nd President of the 4th Republic, the outstanding Ghanaian statesman, His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor, championed the cause for the return of descendants of the slave trade to their homes of origin.
“He instituted the “Joseph Project”, whose aim was to reconcile and unite the African peoples, on the continent and in the Diaspora, and to release their energies to help build Africa and the Caribbean. This ceremony would be a happy moment for him,” he added.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Visits Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
On her second day in Ghana, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and Mausoleum. Her delegation, along with Samia Nkrumah, Chairperson of the CPP political party and daughter of Kwame Nkrumah, Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority and Coordinator for Year of Return, took an early morning tour to pay respect to one of the greatest Pan-African leaders.
Mottley expressed how truly honoured she was that Samia Nkrumah had chosen to join them this morning on their tour. “All of my adult life, I know of the name and work of Kwame Nkrumah and he has been an inspiration for all who have believed that justice is possible,” she said after the tour. Together with her team, they toured the grounds and visited the museum and burial site of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife Fathia Nkrumah, who was buried near him.
Prime Minister Mottley expressed her idea that education and equity go hand in hand when it comes to affecting civilization and allowing us to be the best we can be. It was evident that her experience so far has been impactful on her. “That I have this opportunity not just to visit Ghana, but to come and pay homage and respects on behalf of Barbadian people…to the memory and legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkruman is a matter of great pride for me,” she said.
She is expected to participate in the Dumba Festival in Tamale later.
Photos: Year Of Return Kumasi Carnival Held
Over the weekend the maiden Global African Diaspora Kumasi Carnival 2019 was held in Kumasi. There was so much energy and the connection between the Caribbean Diaspora and local Ghanaians was strong. Powerful words were spoken by many about staying connected.
Supporting the event was Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK who said for her “Ghana feels like home”.
This is the first, and organisers hope to continue it as an annual event and celebration that attracts travellers every year.
A group from Suriname was there and made some strong statements about coming back home to Ghana and wanting to be embraced by Ghana.
Just before the procession began, the Suriname group wanted to express themselves.
It carnival procession ended with Street Fair and a variety show in the evening.
Year Of Return: Ghana’s Ambassador To The US Visits Speaker Pelosi Ahead of Historical Trip
Ahead of the historic trip to Ghana, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, met with Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Dr. Barfuor Adjei-Barwuah, at her office in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, July 25, 2019.
The speaker extended an invitation to Ghana’s Ambassador to review key matters regarding the upcoming trip.
In his remarks, Ambassador Adjei-Barwuah touched on Ghana’s existing relationship with the United States, and the need to enhance the friendship between the two countries. “Ghana is very excited about this trip, and for us, it’s a call to open a new page to ensure a better relationship.”
On her part, Speaker Pelosi expressed her deepest gratitude to the President and the people of Ghana for commemorating 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia. “We go on many trips, but nothing compares to this one. We feel a special connection because of our history. The historical nature of commemorating 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans makes this trip special. Truly, this trip strikes to the heart” the Speaker said.
The visit will include a tour of some of Ghana’s historic slave-trading ports including Elmina and Cape Coast Dungeons, the Slave Heritage site at Assin Manso which houses the remains of slave ancestors brought down from the United States including a former U.S. Naval officer, Samuel Carson among others. A forty-member delegation will accompany the Speaker on this trip including members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
The Ambassador was accompanied by Joseph Ngminebayihi, Head of Consular Department, Kofi Tonto, Head of Information & Public Affairs and Bernard Acquah, First Secretary/Political Affairs.
Source: Embassy of Ghana, USA
Year of Return: Miss Heritage Global Pageant launched as part of preparation to host the World
The Miss Heritage Global pageant is not like any other beauty pageant. According to Mudzithe Phiri, Business Development Manager of Miss Heritage Global, it’s an international event that is bringing together culture ambassadors from around the world. This pageant is an opportunity for the contestants to share the culture of their home country while learning about others and to experience the culture of other beauty queens through interacting with them.
Miss Heritage Global was previously held in Zimbabwe and South Africa. When asked why the move to Ghana Phiri said, “Because Ghana is one of the countries on the continent that has managed to keep its culture intact. When you come to Ghana you immediately see that the local culture has been brought into the new century with all the modern cultures that have been brought from the rest of the world, but Ghana’s culture still stands through. You see the pride in the people,” she said. “We wanted a country that would really give the contestants an African experience…and with this year being the ‘Year of Return’ in Ghana, it was a great time to make the move.
The official launch took place at the Ghana Tourism Authority Headquarters on 10thJuly 2019, and the MC for the event was Nana Amperibea Boadu, from the Year of Return Secretariat, which is located at the Accra Tourist Information Centre. Present for the media launch were key partners in supporting the upcoming event in Ghana. Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority and Coordinator for Year of Return, Mr. Akwasi Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President and Chairman for Year of Return, Mr. Kwadwo Antwi, CEO of Ghana Tourist Development Company, and Diallo Sumbry, Founder The Adinkra Group and Member of the Year of Return Steering Committee were all at the high table to lend their voices to the exciting event and what it means for Ghana and Year of Return.
There will be 55 contestants representing different countries from around the world. They arrive in Ghana on 10thof August and the main event takes place on 20thAugust at the Accra International Conference Centre. This gives the ladies a 10-day experience in Ghana and puts pressure on our own Eugenia Abotsi, Miss Heritage Global Ghana 2019, to be the perfect host of her home country. “I’m excited because I get to share the culture of Ghana with the entire world,” she said. “I’m excited because if I’m able to sell Ghana well to the other contestants it means that when they go back to their various countries, they can continue to sell Ghana to others.”
When Agyeman gave his closing remarks he spoke of how having the pageant in Ghana during this year of return was the perfect time. “Our arms are wide open to everybody to return to Ghana,” he said. “Ghana is the centre of the world and so the centre represents the coming together of different people of different races and different tribes as one people. That is what we are about.” He thanked the media and bloggers for being there to share the event with the masses. JoyPrime will be airing the competition on its channel. Nana Yaa Sarpong, Channel Manager was there and pledged the commitment they will make to promote the pageant on their TV station along with some of their partner radio stations with Multimedia.
Miss Heritage Global was founded in 2013 for the purpose of promoting the preservation of our global heritage and to create an environment of culture sharing to inspire tolerance as more communities are becoming diverse around the world. This year’s event is in partnership with Ghana Tourism Authority and The Ministry of Tourism Art & Culture. The main event takes place on 20thAugust and will also feature performances from some of Africa’s biggest entertainers. For more information and the full list of participants visit www.missheritage.organd follow all their social media platforms @missheritageglobal.
Written by Ivy Prosper
Ghana reduces visa fees on arrival for ‘The Year of Return’
The government of Ghana has reduced visa fees on arrival for “The Year of Return, Ghana 2019”. The fee is reduced to $75 from the initial $150. The move is to allow for many people living in the Diaspora to participate in the various activities for the programme.
The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Charles Owiredu, made the revelation while speaking to the Diplomatic Corps on the programme in Accra.
He said, “Our Missions’ abroad are liaising with Ghanaians associations, airlines, etc to work and make it relatively easy and convenient for those travelling to Ghana to participate in the programmes of “The Year of Return, Ghana 2019.”
“The Government of Ghana is also in the process of working to have visa agreements with some countries such as those in the Caribbean where the Diaspora total number is quite significant. This year, for instance, the government of Ghana and Jamaica established a visa-free agreement where nationals of each of the two countries do not need a visa to travel to the countries,” he stressed.
The deputy minister further noted that in line with President Akufo-Addo’s vision of a “Ghana Beyond Aid”, the engagement of the Diaspora remained a major development programme of the government.
“With its democratic credentials, rule of law and the stability of the country, Ghana intended to serve as a pacesetter for welcoming their own back to their roots and to provide for assimilating them into the Ghanaian society in particular and African societies in general,” he said.
The year-long event which commenced at the beginning of this year is a major landmark spiritual and birth-right journey inviting the Global African family, home and abroad, to mark 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia.
The program also aims at celebrating the cumulative resilience of all the victims of the Trans-Atlantic slave Trade who were scattered and displaced through the world in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.
Source: myjoyonline
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Year of Return: Virgin-islands Senators Open the Floor to Culture
Bills the Senate had passed recognizing the importance of the culture and heritage of the Virgin Islands were read, but it was song, dance and poetry that brought Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas alive during the morning celebration that ran into the afternoon. Viewers of the performances on its live broadcast on Facebook said the performances brought tears to their eyes.
The Ulla F. Muller Elementary School Bamboula Dancers accompanied by drummers danced in the Senate Chamber and brought comments on Facebook about how beautiful the performance was. So did the dance performance by Earth Mamas Pan African Dance Company. The third dance performance was by Empresses Addaliah and Atiyah Potter.
The program was tied together with a sober theme. It commemorated the men, the women and the children who were yanked from their West African homes and sold into slavery so a profit-crazed minority could make larger profits. A PBS video was played, “Why Did Europeans Enslave Africans?”
The video illustrated how slavery was about making a profit for slave owners and how slavery evolved into racism.
Jackson told some of the story of Virgin Islander’s ancestors.
“They fought, they were thrown overboard, they were eaten by sharks, they gave birth, they died,” he said. Most Virgin Islanders have the blood of the survivors “running in our veins,” he said.
The connection between Ghana and the Virgin Islands’ past and present families was emphasized
From Ghana, Alex Quaison-Sackey spoke about the connection. He is related to the first black African to serve as president of the United Nations General Assembly. Virgin Islander Myron Allick, representing the Sackey Family, spoke of that family’s connection to Ghana. He proposed an exchange program between Ghana and the Virgin Islands – 25 Virgin Islanders going to Ghana and 25 students from Ghana coming to the Virgin Islands. He suggested Carlsberg Brewery, which brews Elephant, a popular beer for Virgin Islanders, as a sponsor for the exchange.
Assata Afua, director of Black Power Theater, recounted her visit to Ghana and said when she returned, “I came back to St. Thomas my shoulders back a little further and my head a little higher.”
The first slave ship arrived in Jamestown in 1619. Jackson said that the settlers of Jamestown had stopped in the Virgin Islands on their way to settle Jamestown in 1607. He said. “The Virgin Islands are linked to this story, a world story.”
A Dutch ship named Desire delivered the 20 enslaved Africans to Jamestown. Some historians estimated that more than 7 million slaves were taken from Africa in the following century.
Jahwed David read a poem recalling the words of Maya Angelo “I am the hope and dream of slaves.”
Behind the speakers in the Senate Chambers was a large portrait of Edward Wilmot Blyden, widely known as the father of Pan-Africanism. He was born on Saint Thomas in 1832. He migrated back to Africa where he became a political figure.
Emancipation Day – July 3 – commemorates the day in 1848 when 9,000 enslaved Africans on St. Croix demanded their freedom, forcing Gov. Peter von Scholten to declare, “All unfree in the Danish West Indies are from today emancipated.”
Source: St. John Virgin Islands