The World Is Coming to Ghana, Africa!

400 years ago, it was a painful experience for many African Americans who were forced against their will to travel to different countries across the globe for reasons unknown. To this day, many people remember, or know the stories of how their families and ancestors were treated like guilt. Hankies are always wet with tears, especially when some of them are already visiting the slave basements in Ghana. In line with this doleful story, the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo decided to return all Africans in search of their true roots through a special event in 2019, scheduled for August (2019).

In September 2018, the President of Ghana formally invited the African diaspora to a meeting in Washington, DC, at the official opening ceremony of the Year of Return, Ghana 2019. The seminar was attended by Sheila Jackson from Texas, diplomats, lawmakers, and prominent figures of the African American community. The ceremony, which was well attended by the Africans was launched at colourful events both in Ghana, and the USA. The president believes that the special achievements and contributions of Africans to the life of the American diaspora are astounding. For this purpose, it is important that this symbolic year of the 400th anniversary of exile be organized to celebrate the memories of Africans in the diaspora. Now is the time to go home, and see where you're from.

In fact, I'm not the only person who is pleased with this memorable initiative, but the African American community is too. In less than two minutes, the news began trending after the announcement of the launch. At the same time, many expressed interest in visiting Africa for the first time, even though some may not necessarily come from Ghana. Tons of people, including many world superstars have shown interest in this memorable event. In spite of the fact that this special ceremony has not started, some of the Hollywood stars visited Ghana few months ago with a team led by actor Boris Kodjoe. The stars includes Naomi Campbell, Michael Jai White, Djimon Hounsou, Anthony Anderson, and Jidenna. World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) champion, Kofi Sarkodie Mensah, commonly known as Kofi Kingston, recently returned to Ghana for the first time in 26 years, and encouraged other Africans to return to their roots. He felt it was time to visit his house. Boris Kodjoe, the American actor from Ghana, is the ambassador of tourism in the country. That's why he brought these superstars home for their roots.

Referring to the declaration of the 1950s, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ghana. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah attempted to promote the liberation of Africa through the concept of Africans. He explained that Africans all over the world should return to Africa to find their origin. After independence in 1957, successive Africans, including the leaders of Ghana, pursued a policy of attracting Africans to Ghana. Maya was very excited about the upcoming event, as I spoke with her at the last Charle Wote festival in Ghana. The Chale Wote Street Art Festival is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance, and performance out into the streets. As an African American herself, she received the support of this particular initiative. Most Africans have promised to visit Ghana, and other African countries to become citizens. This is due to the Ghanaian law passed in 2000, which defines dual citizenship. People of Ghanaian origin who have received citizenship abroad can also obtain citizenship in Ghana if they want.

The Ghanaian government celebrated its 50th anniversary, and in the year 2000, they launched a special project called the Joseph Project, designed to promote the abolition of slavery, and the return of Africans over the next 200 years. Maya, my newly found friend said she was deeply impressed by the beautiful natural landscape of the country. After visiting several places, she could not fathom why Ghana was not actively promoting these amazing sights. Of course, the country is doing well, but she believes that the pace is slow.

It's rather unfortunate that many people think that African-Americans occupy places that are not considered citizens. To me, this is pure fiction. On the contrary, it is a step in the right direction for Africans to study and explore the world. Africans have played important roles in North, Central and South America, and are very useful for these countries. In the latter countries, Africans have been heroic in areas such as sports, entertainment, politics, and even business. Returning home in 2019, Ghana is preparing to capture a large number of people from all over the world for this holiday.

CNN (Cable News Network), one of the most respected media in the world, is sure to take part in this campaign. As one of the most important guidelines for promoting integration, the United Nations has declared 2015–2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent to “promote respect, protection, and fulfillment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent.” In August 2019, Africa, especially Ghana, will open its arms to meet her brothers and sisters at home. It will be an unforgettable African family gathering around the world.

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Tourism, the Tourism Authority of Ghana, in collaboration with the Diaspora Affairs at the office of President, the Panafest Foundation, and the Adinkra Joint Group of the United States of America, the expectation is to make this event topnotch. The Year of Return 2019 aims to keep Ghana focused on millions of African classes, tracking their origins and identity. Ghana is currently the gateway for Africans living on the continent, and in the diaspora. The upcoming unforgettable event is an event recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage of slavery.

This ceremony is a form of reconciliation that will satisfy the millions of Africans sold as slaves by their ancestors. It is expected that African Americans from Ghana will promote their trip, and return to the country so that Ghana does not lose its solid reputation.

The year round ceremony is packed with fantastic activities like wreath laying, a film festival, music and dance, emancipation day, healing and atonement, village bazaar, one Africa walls remembrance museum, a carnival, and so on. Save the date—August 15 to 25, 2019. It will be a great experience with the 'lost' siblings in Ghana.

About the Author 🇬🇭

Osei Agyemang is a passionate and creative content writer / editor who is an expert in writing interesting and innovative content. Osei is also an addicted travel enthusiast who likes to visit and tell the stories of interesting places around the world. He is an award winning National Artist who studied Psychology, Journalism and Global English Language at University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow respectively.

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