Accra: The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has unveiled a comprehensive programme for the 2026 Emancipation Day celebration, set to conclude on August 1 at Assin Manso in the Central Region. Events will span the Greater Accra, Central, and Upper East regions under the theme 'Reconnecting Roots, Celebrating Freedom, Experience Ghana.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the annual commemoration is organised by the GTA under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. It aims to honour the resilience and legacy of Africans who endured the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, while celebrating freedom and fortifying connections with the African diaspora.
The programme will commence on Saturday, July 18, with a fitness walk from Ayi Mensah to Peduase in the Greater Accra Region. A similar event is slated for the Pikworo Slave Camp in the Upper East Region. On Thursday, July 23, Accra will host a Tribute to Ancestors ceremony, featuring wreath-laying at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, the George Padmore Research Library, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Durbars of chiefs are planned for Wednesday, July 29, at Assin Praso in the Central Region and the Pikworo Slave Camp in the Upper East Region. The annual Reverential Night will take place at Cape Coast Castle on Friday, July 31. This event will include a candlelight procession from Mfantsipim Junction, wreath laying, testimonies, spoken word performances, drama, the Roll Call of Ancestors, and the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Participants are encouraged to wear white.
The commemoration will culminate on Saturday, August 1, with the Emancipation Day Durbar at the Assin Manso School Park. Activities will feature wreath laying at the graves of two former enslaved Africans and a visit to the historic Nonko Nsuo (Slave River).
The statement from GTA highlighted that the programme is part of Ghana's initiative to preserve its historical heritage, promote cultural tourism, and enhance engagement with the global African diaspora. Ghanaians, members of the African diaspora, tourists, development partners, cultural organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, and the media are invited to participate in the commemoration.