Accra: The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Ghana as Africa's preferred heritage and diaspora tourism destination by leveraging its rich historical and cultural assets to reconnect the global African family with their roots.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Authority emphasized that slave camps, slave routes, and other heritage sites are pivotal tourism assets that will continue to promote Ghana as the gateway to the global African family. Initiatives such as the annual Emancipation Day celebrations are instrumental in inviting Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their homeland, invest in the country's future, and celebrate their shared heritage.
Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, assured in a speech read on her behalf by Mr. Wisdom Ahadzi, Director of Marketing at the GTA, during the 2026 Emancipation Durbar held at the historic Pikworo Slave Camp at Nania, a suburb of Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District. The event, themed 'Reconnecting Roots, Celebrating Freedom, Experience Ghana,' gathered traditional authorities, government officials, development partners, members of the African diaspora, and tourism stakeholders.
Mrs. Houadjeto stated that the Pikworo Slave Camp represents more than a painful chapter in history, describing it as a sacred heritage site symbolizing the resilience of African ancestors and the triumph of freedom over oppression. She noted that emancipation serves as a reminder of the suffering during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and a celebration of courage, resilience, identity, and hope.
The GTA Chief Executive Officer commended President John Dramani Mahama for championing Ghana's reparatory justice agenda and enhancing the country's voice in the global call for reparations. She highlighted that the initiative strengthens Ghana's role as the gateway to the African diaspora while promoting dialogue on historical justice, reconciliation, and restoring the dignity of people of African descent.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mr. John Muniru, Administrative Officer at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister, emphasized the need for stronger partnerships to transform the region's heritage sites into world-class tourism destinations capable of creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and driving regional economic growth. He noted the Upper East Region's unique attractions, including the Paga Crocodile Pond, Tongo Hills, Tengzug Shrine, Sirigu Pottery and Arts Centre, the Bolgatanga Craft Village, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Navrongo Cathedral.
Mr. Joseph Appiagyei, Upper East Regional Director of the GTA, stated that the Authority will continue to provide strategic leadership to promote tourism while using the lessons of history to inspire hope, unity, and economic transformation. He encouraged residents to leverage the region's tourism, arts, culture, and agricultural potential to improve livelihoods and transform the development narrative of the Upper East Region.