Accra, Ghana, July 23, 2026 – The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and its partners, commemorated Emancipation Day 2026 with solemn wreath-laying ceremonies at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, the George Padmore Research Library, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Held on the theme, “Reconnecting Roots, Celebrating Freedom, Experience Ghana,” the commemorative event paid tribute to Ghana’s founding fathers, members of the African diaspora, and the countless victims of the transatlantic slave trade. The ceremonies, which ended at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, underscored Ghana’s enduring commitment to preserving the legacy of freedom, Pan-Africanism, and the shared history that continues to unite people of African descent across the world.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Deputy Minister, Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, described the occasion as a solemn moment to honour Ghana’s founding father, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and the countless Africans who endured the horrors of slavery.
Acxcording to him, this year’s theme reflects Ghana’s commitment to preserving its shared history while strengthening the enduring bonds between Africa and people of African descent across the world. He noted that Emancipation Day serves as a reminder of one of humanity’s darkest chapters while celebrating the resilience, courage and enduring spirit of those who resisted oppression.
Hon. Jajah reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to preserving Ghana’s heritage sites, promoting authentic cultural experiences and positioning Ghana as the preferred destination for heritage, cultural and diaspora tourism. He called on all Africans to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of their forebears and work towards a united, prosperous and dignified Africa.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, Presidential Special Envoy on Reparations, Ambassador Dr. Ekow Spio-Garbrah described the commemoration as both a remembrance of the past and a call to action, emphasizing that the transatlantic slave trade and colonial exploitation continue to have lasting economic, social and psychological consequences for Africa and its diaspora adding that global reparations movement is not about charity but about justice, truth, restoration and human dignity.
Dr Spio-Garbrah highlighted Ghana’s leadership in advancing the reparations agenda under President John Dramani Mahama’s role as the African Union Champion for Reparations and urged the international community to support meaningful dialogue, restitution and the return of African cultural heritage and further encouraged young people to understand the history of slavery and colonialism while committing themselves to building a more just and united future.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, welcomed participants and underscored the significance of Emancipation Day as a time for reflection, remembrance and renewed commitment to Pan-African unity.
She stressed that emancipation represents an ongoing journey towards dignity, justice and identity, calling on Africans across the continent and in the diaspora to reject xenophobia and embrace solidarity.
According to her, Ghana’s flagship initiatives, including the Year of Return, Beyond the Return and the Black Star Experience, continue to strengthen cultural ties, encourage investment and reconnect people of African descent with their ancestral homeland while noting that the greatest tribute to the sacrifices of Africa’s ancestors would be the collective effort to build a united continent where every African feels welcomed, valued and at home.
Delivering solidarity messages, Chair of the Panafest Foundation, Mrs. Esi Sutherland, called for greater efforts to preserve the history of the transatlantic slave trade, strengthen public education and advance the Pan-African agenda, emphasizing that reconnecting with Africa’s roots requires collective action. The Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Mr. Kofi Okyere Darko, highlighted government’s commitment to deepening engagement with the African diaspora through cultural reconnection and strategic partnerships.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, traditional leaders, members of the African diaspora and other stakeholders to honour the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom. A major highlight of the commemoration was the vibrant performances by Kids in Tourism, alongside the Ghana Dance Ensemble and other cultural groups, whose presentations reinforced the themes of remembrance, reconciliation, unity and Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Source: PR UNIT -MoTCCA
