Ghana: GTA Welcomes 12 Young Black Americans ... to Learn About Their Origins

IsaacKaledzi/DW
The "Door of No Return" at the Cape Coast Castle was the point of no return for slaves (file photo).
9 August 2022
Ghanaian Times (Accra)
By Vivian Arthur

As part of efforts to build on the "Beyond the Return" initiative, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has welcomed 12 young cohorts of American Black origin to Ghana to learn more about their African descent.

The arrival of the cohorts was in collaboration with Birthright AFRICA, a non-governmental Organisation, and singer, Jidenna Mobisson, amied to create opportunities that would transform the lives of young people of African origin and allow them to connect with their cultural roots and inventive legacy.

Speaking during the arrival of the cohorts in Accra on Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GTA, Mr Akwasi Agyeman, said the initiative was targeted towards the longer-term "Beyond the Return" vision, which includes building on the momentum of the" Year of Return" over the next 10 years.

He said it was also to deepen the connection between Ghana, Africa and the Ghanaian diaspora.

Mr Agyeman expressed excitement over the arrival of the cohorts and assured them of safety, adventurous, tranquil, and lovely time within their stay.

"The "December in Gh" programme has been out-doored, and we look forward to the return of many cohorts during this period," he added.

Mr Agyeman reiterated that the country had recorded 400, 000 tourist arrivals as of June, against the targeted one million for the year 2022.

He expressed optimism that the one million target would be achieved before the activities outlined for the "December in Ghana" began, since the peak season started in September.

"Normally, the peak period is from September, so that's why we are pushing hard to start getting the numbers so that we can make the one million mark," Mr Agyeman said.

He mentioned that some of the activities outlined for this year included; African Legends Night, the Bloggers Festival, Bukom Boxing Fiesta, the Ga Mashie Jams and returning events such as the Afrochella, Afro Nation, Akwaaba UK, Joyful Way, Westside Carnival, Kids in Tourism, GT Bank Concert, Y Havoc, the Samba Festival, among others.

Mr Agyeman urged Ghanaians to participate in the events planned for December to boost tourism and aid in the growth of the country.

"We urge everybody, every Ghanaian to be part of that fever because it's an opportunity for us to engage and reengage with our African diaspora," he stated.

The CEO and Co-founder of Birthright AFRICA, Madam Walla Elsheikh, expressed gratitude to GTA for the collaboration, saying it would provide a free educational experience and build an ecosystem of all partners in the education, corporate, arts and entertainment world to be a part of the historic movement.

"Birthright AFRICA is committed to growth of international travel by the young African diaspora to showcase Ghana's culture and investment potential while deepening the connection between the gateway to Africa and the global diaspora," she added.

Read the original article on Ghanaian Times.

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