Year_of_Return,_Ghana_2019
Year of Return, Ghana 2019
Initiative by the government of Ghana
The Year of Return, Ghana 2019 is an initiative of the government of Ghana – along with the U.S.-based Adinkra Group – that is intended to encourage African diasporans to come to Africa (specifically Ghana) to settle and invest in the continent. It was formally launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo[1] in September 2018 in Washington, D.C. as a program for Africans in the diaspora to unite with Africans. The year 2019 is symbolic as it commemorates 400 years[2] since the first enslaved Africans touched down in Hampton, in the English colony of Virginia in America.[3] The program also recognizes the diaspora's achievements and sacrifices in the time since that event.[4][5] Starting from when President Barack Obama made a visit to the Cape Coast in 2009, many famous, respected and admired African-Americans from the diaspora have visited Ghana to discover its culture.[6] The Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture lined up a slate of activities in "celebration of the resilience of the African spirit."[7][8] Many African Americans shared their stories regarding their experiences in Ghana during the Year of Return.[9][10]