In his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) presented to Parliament on Friday, January 3, 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo highlighted the success of Ghana’s “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives.
These programs, as mentioned by President Akufo-Addo, have not only boosted Ghana’s tourism sector but also built stronger connections with the African diaspora while positioning the country as a hub for cultural heritage and investment in Africa.
Initially launched in 2019 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia, the “Year of Return” initiative was aimed at encouraging people of African descent in the diaspora to visit and rediscover their roots.
During his speech, President Akufo-Addo expressed great pride in the outcomes of these initiatives, which he believes have reshaped Ghana’s global reputation.
“The Year of Return in 2019 and Beyond the Return initiatives attracted over 1.5 million visitors, boosting our economy and strengthening connections with the African diaspora, positioning Ghana as a top destination for cultural heritage and investment,” stated President Akufo-Addo.
The Year of Return and Beyond the Return campaigns attracted a record number of tourists, including celebrities, entrepreneurs, and dignitaries from various parts of the world.
Notable figures such as Steve Harvey, Naomi Campbell, Boris Kodjoe, and Idris Elba visited Ghana, shining a global spotlight on the country.
The initiatives featured a wide range of activities, including cultural festivals, educational tours of historical slave trade sites like Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, as well as events like Afrochella, which celebrated African music, art, and cuisine.
These experiences not only provided visitors with a glimpse into Ghana’s rich heritage but also offered them a chance to deeply connect with their ancestral homeland.
