The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, has reported that the Year of Return initiative generated approximately US$3.3 billion in tourism revenue in 2019. The initiative, launched by the Akufo-Addo administration in September 2018, aims to encourage members of the African diaspora to visit Ghana to reconnect with their heritage and potentially invest in and settle on the African continent.
Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), shared updates on the progress of the initiative during an interview on the Asaase Breakfast Show on 4 November. Agyeman highlighted that, for December 2024, about 90 events have been registered as part of the Year of Return festivities, down from the 180 events held the previous year.
This decrease, he noted, is partly due to hesitancy among some event organizers, who are uncertain about hosting their events this year, particularly as corporate Ghana has shown reduced spending on sponsorships. Nonetheless, Agyeman emphasized that the GTA is working closely with private sector partners to foster confidence in the initiative’s potential and draw robust support.
Despite fewer events, Agyeman is optimistic about reaching the target of 1.2 million visitors for 2024. As of the end of the third quarter, Ghana had already welcomed close to 900,000 tourists, signaling strong momentum toward this goal.
The Year of Return initiative has attracted global attention, drawing a wave of high-profile visitors to Ghana. Celebrities like Steve Harvey, Nicole Ari Parker, Diggy Simmons, Michael Jai White, Ludacris, Cardi B, and Bozoma Saint John, among others, have journeyed to Ghana to explore their cultural heritage, connect with the African continent, and engage with local communities.
The initiative continues to position Ghana as a central destination for heritage tourism, promoting cultural understanding, unity, and investment among the African diaspora.