Akufo-Addo hails Year of Return for boosting diaspora ties

In his final State of the Nation Address on January 3, 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo lauded the success of Ghana’s “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives.

Launched in 2019 to mark 400 years since enslaved Africans arrived in Jamestown, these programs revitalized tourism, strengthened ties with the African diaspora, and positioned Ghana as a hub for cultural heritage and investment.

Over 1.5 million visitors, including global celebrities like Steve Harvey and Naomi Campbell, participated in activities such as cultural festivals, historic site tours, and Afrochella.

These initiatives not only boosted Ghana’s economy but also redefined its global image as a premier cultural and tourism destination.