- GTA targets 500,000 visitors
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture and the Diaspora Affairs Unit at the Office of the President, have endorsed thirty-four events and activities to mark ‘The Year of Return 2019’ event, celebrating 400 years since the first enslaved Africans first arrived in North America in 1619.
The Steering Committee of the event has however indicated that individuals who are interested in hosting group events as part of the programme can still submit proposals to be considered.
Chairman of the Committee and Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Mr. Akwasi Awua Ababio explained that the event, is opened to all African-Americans in the diaspora, particularly in the United States of America, the Caribbean, Canada and among others.
“As we gear up for the “Year of Return’ we also want to assure our brothers from the diaspora that government is ready to facilitate their warmest stay in Ghana and for investment and residential purposes here,” he said.
This event, Mr. Ababio mentioned has the support of the President and has gained global recognition as a top event on the continent’s calendar for this year.
The Coordinator of the Steering Committee and CEO, GTA, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, described ‘The Year of Return’ as a spiritual and sacred journey for majority of African-Americans who will be visiting the country.
“For those who will step foot on the continent for the very first time of their lives after the 400 years, it is going to be very emotional for them, being fully aware of their ancestry. We are targeting at least half a million of such persons in the diaspora to visit Ghana this year,” Mr. Agyeman said.
The GTA, he noted, has begun marketing the various events, while sensitizing hotels and other accommodation units including enterprises in the tourism industry to prepare for the programme.
By Wisdom Jonny-Nuekpe