Ghana’s Tourism Authority (GTA) launched this year’s Emancipation Day celebration with a powerful message.
Deputy Minister of Tourism Mark Okraku-Mantey urged Ghanaians to recommit to building a free and peaceful nation where everyone can thrive.
The celebration, themed “Unity and Resilience: Building Stronger Communities for a Brighter Future,” runs from July 22nd to August 1st, 2024. It marks the 26th anniversary of Ghana observing Emancipation Day, which commemorates the abolition of slavery in British colonies (1834).
Remembering the Past, Building the Future
Mr. Okraku-Mantey stressed the importance of remembering the horrors of slavery and its lasting impacts like racial discrimination and economic exploitation. He called for a firm resolve to never again allow such manipulation.
“Let us remember our ancestors who resisted with such bravery,” he urged. “Let their sacrifices inspire us.”
Emancipation: More Than Just a Date
The Ghana Tourism Authority CEO, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, echoed the sentiment. He emphasized that Emancipation Day is not just about the past, but also about celebrating Ghanaian culture and fostering unity among Africans globally.
Focus on Unity and Development
Mr. Agyeman highlighted the theme’s significance in uniting and developing communities. He mentioned plans with partner agencies to develop and preserve forts and castles – once symbols of oppression – as a way to learn from history.
Technology for Education
Professor Efua Sutherland-Addy, Executive Director of the PANESFEST Foundation, called for utilizing technology to share historical information about Ghana’s struggle for freedom and those who contributed.
A Week of Celebration
The celebration will feature various events, including the commissioning of the Salaga Slave Market, a durbar (traditional gathering) at Pikworo Slave Camp, and a photo exhibition honoring Professor Sutherland’s legacy. A final visit to the Nonko Nsuo spiritual cleansing site will mark the culmination.
This year’s Emancipation Day promises to be a time of reflection, celebration, and a renewed commitment to building a stronger, more unified Ghana.
