Ghana’s Year of Return, Ghana 2019 was a historic nation-wide campaign inviting people of African descent worldwide to “return” to Ghana, explore their heritage and invest in the continent. Launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo (in Washington D.C., 2018) on the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Virginia, the initiative called on African Americans and other diasporans to travel to Ghana in 2019. Thousands answered the call: heritage tours, cultural festivals and special events filled Ghana’s calendar, and many visitors even obtained Ghanaian citizenship. The campaign emphasized reconnection and celebration – a time to commemorate resilience and say “welcome home” to descendants of those taken from West Africa centuries ago.
Historical and Cultural Background
Ghana has long positioned itself as a symbolic homeland for the African diaspora. Since gaining independence in 1957 under Pan-Africanist Kwame Nkrumah, the country has actively embraced African Americans and the global Black community. Notable milestones include welcoming Black leaders like W. E. B. Du Bois and hosting President Barack Obama’s visit to Cape Coast Castle in 2009 – moments that linked Ghana’s history with the African American experience. The 2019 campaign built on this legacy: the government urged diaspora visitors to tour historic sites (especially the slave forts and castles on the coast) as a way to “get in touch with your ancestors”. Officials even warmly referred to returnees as “Josephs and Josephines who were sold into slavery and have come back home”. By framing the journey as both a memorial and a homecoming, Ghana underscored a message of healing and unity for African-descended peoples.
Goals and Highlights of the Year of Return
The Year of Return had clear objectives. It aimed
- Tourism & Heritage: To make Ghana a premier travel destination for African Americans and other members of the African diaspora.
- Historical Reconnection: To honor the 400-year ties broken by the slave trade and rebuild lost cultural bonds.
- Investment & Growth: To encourage people of African descent to settle, work or invest in Ghana and strengthen economic ties.
To achieve these goals, the Ghana Tourism Authority and partners organized scores of events throughout 2019. Major highlights included music and arts festivals like Afrochella and Afro Nation, cultural celebrations, fashion and tech conferences, and a series known as “Decemba to Rememba” – a festive season of concerts and homecoming parties in December. They also relaunched Panafest (the biennial Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival) and special tours of Cape Coast, Elmina and other heritage sites. For example, guides encouraged visitors to walk through slave dungeons and forts, viewing these sites as emotional connections to their ancestry. Organizers noted that many attendees said they had traveled “not just to tour but to get in touch with your ancestors.” This celebration of shared history and culture was central to Year of Return programming.
Economic and Cultural Impact on Ghana
The Year of Return had a huge economic impact. Ghana saw a surge in tourism and related business in 2019, largely thanks to diaspora visitors. According to official reports and news coverage, more than 200,000 extra travelers came to Ghana during the campaign year, roughly doubling tourist arrivals compared to a typical year. This influx generated an estimated $1.9–2.0 billion in revenue for Ghana’s economy. In practical terms, hotels, airlines, restaurants and tour operators all saw record bookings. The Ghana Tourism Authority noted that the typical spending per visitor jumped significantly (from about $1,862 in 2017 to $2,589 in 2019), reflecting higher demand for lodging and services. Nationwide, airport arrivals climbed over 45% in 2019. Local markets – from Accra to the coast – were energized by December festivals, vegan restaurants and new nightspots catering to returning diaspora.
Even beyond dollars, the campaign spurred deeper ties. President Akufo-Addo granted Ghanaian citizenship to over 200 members of the African diaspora during the Year of Return. Special land deals and investment incentives were offered to encourage people to settle. Cultural cross-overs boomed: social media filled with images of Ghanaian heritage, while the country enjoyed abundant positive press. The phrase “Ghana is home” became a refrain. (Local journalists did report some challenges – e.g. higher prices on the coast and in Accra’s party scene – but the overall legacy was one of international goodwill and heightened global profile.)
Beyond the Return: Continuing the Journey
Ghana’s diaspora outreach did not end in 2019. In December 2019 the government launched “Beyond the Return”, a decade-long follow-up (2020–2030) under the theme “A Decade of African Renaissance.” This broader framework carries forward the spirit of 2019 but with a focus on sustained engagement. It rests on seven pillars that create pathways for diasporans to connect: Experience Ghana (culture and tourism), Invest in Ghana (business opportunities), Diaspora Pathway to Ghana (immigration and settlement), Celebrate Ghana (festivals and arts), Brand Ghana, Give Back Ghana (philanthropy and community), and Promote Pan-African Heritage & Innovation.
Under Beyond the Return, Ghana is even improving legal channels for repatriation. Officials have proposed a “Homeland Return Act” to simplify citizenship for people of African descent. Ghana already allows dual citizenship and a special Right of Abode status exclusively for Africans in the diaspora. In practice, the Office of Diaspora Affairs (at the Presidency) now offers services like business advisory, trade and investment facilitation, and relocation support for diaspora entrepreneurs and returnees. The idea is that every visitor today can find programs to study, work, invest or give back – not just tour.
How to Get Involved Today
The Year of Return may have been a one-year campaign, but its spirit lives on – and anyone can participate. Here are some ways for future travelers, businesspeople and community members to join in:
- Travel and Cultural Tours: Plan a trip to Ghana’s historic sites and festivals. Guided tours of Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, slave forts in the Volta region or reunion pilgrimages to ancestral villages can be powerful experiences. December remains a peak season – events like Afrochella (December music festival in Accra) and other “December in Ghana” cultural gatherings are in full swing. (Look for Ghana tourism resources and Year of Return/Beyond the Return websites to time your visit.)
- Festivals and Events: Mark your calendar for annual cultural festivals. Panafest (an Afrocentric theater festival held every two years in Cape Coast) and Detty December celebrations bring diasporans together. Small local events – from cocoa or kente cloth fairs to traditional dance festivals – also welcome international visitors with warmth.
- Business and Investment: Explore entrepreneurial opportunities. Ghana offers special programs (via Ghana Investment Promotion Center and diaspora funds) for Africans abroad to invest in sectors like agriculture, tech and real estate. Attend trade shows or business forums (often promoted under “Experience Ghana” or “Invest Ghana” pillars) to connect with local companies. Ghana’s diaspora bonds and startups incubators are open to international partners.
- Repatriation and Citizenship: If you’re considering a long-term move, investigate Ghana’s immigration options. The Right of Abode status (available to African-descended applicants) grants permanent residence. The government is working to fast-track citizenship for eligible returnees. Programs like these, along with diaspora-friendly housing projects (e.g. Pan African Village, right-of-return land offers), make settling in Ghana more accessible than ever.
- Community and Philanthropy: Engage in cultural exchange and give back. Volunteer with local NGOs, start a community project, or share skills through mentorship programs. Ghana welcomes diaspora contributions in education, health, agriculture and technology under its “Give Back Ghana” pillar. Even sharing knowledge online – participating in genealogy research or cultural education – helps strengthen ties.
In short, the doors opened in 2019 remain wide. Ghana continues to embrace visitors and settlers of African descent with festivals, business summits, repatriation programs and a festive atmosphere. The Beyond the Return campaigns ensure that year-round there are pathways to connect. Whether you travel for a holiday, launch a business, study, or make Ghana your home, the invitation stands: Ghana is ready to welcome you.
Sources:
- Year of Return, Ghana 2019 (Wikipedia)
- Africa Renewal – “Beyond the Year of Return” interview (2020)
- The Guardian, “Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ delivers a bittersweet buzz…” (Dec 2024)
- Travel Noire – “Year Of Return Activities Bring $1.9 Billion” (Dec 2019)
- NPR – “A new home for the African diaspora in Ghana stirs tensions” (Feb 2024)
- Ghana Tourism Authority – Beyond the Return (VisitGhana.com)
- Ndowuona & Partners Law – “Beyond the Return – The Diaspora Dividend” (Sept 2020)
- Ministry of the Interior, Ghana – Right of Abode (official website).
