Ghana is aiming to welcome 1.2 million international visitors this year under its celebrated “Year of Return” initiative. Launched in 2018 by the government of President Nana Akufo-Addo, the initiative encourages African diasporans to return to the continent, reconnect with their heritage, and consider investing in Ghana.
According to Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the initiative has proven economically impactful. In its inaugural year, 2019, the “Year of Return” attracted an influx of visitors, generating approximately US$3.3 billion in tourism receipts. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), led by CEO Akwasi Agyeman, expects this year to be another significant milestone, with an official target of 1.2 million visitors.
Appearing on the Asaase Breakfast Show on November 4, Agyeman shared that about 90 events have been registered for the December peak of the “Year of Return.” While this is a reduction from last year’s 180 events, Agyeman emphasized that the quality of interest remains high, with many international groups committed to attending.
“In 2019, we started with 36 events, last year we had about 180 events signed up, but this year it’s down to around 90,” Agyeman explained. “This reduction is largely because some event organizers are uncertain about corporate sponsorship. However, we’ve been working closely with the private sector to show them the potential value. So far, the interest from international groups has been encouraging, and we are confident this year will still be very successful.”
Agyeman added that by the end of the third quarter, Ghana had already recorded close to 900,000 tourist arrivals, putting the country on track to reach the 1.2 million target by the end of December.
The “Year of Return” initiative, launched in September 2018, commemorates 400 years since the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia. The program has successfully drawn an array of African American and international celebrities to Ghana, including media mogul Steve Harvey, actors Nicole Ari Parker and Diggy Simmons, action star Michael Jai White, and artists Ludacris and Cardi B.
Beyond the visits, the initiative aims to create meaningful cultural exchanges, foster unity, and inspire investment in the African continent. The Ministry of Tourism has reported that the “Year of Return” has sparked a revival of interest in African history and heritage among the diaspora, with many visitors choosing to stay and explore business opportunities in Ghana.
As December approaches, Ghana anticipates a strong close to the year, with plans to continue building on the initiative’s success and strengthen its position as a gateway for African diasporans seeking to reconnect with their roots.
