VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine Special Edition- Ghana 2019 by VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine

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Special Edition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

Travel and Tourism Magazine

CELEBRATING 400 YEARS OF AFRICAN RESILIENCE

EUROPEAN LUXURY AT THE HEART OF AN AFRICAN RENAISSANCE

Foreword

T Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra offers state-of-the art accommodation, meeting and event facilities, combining classic African hospitality with the finest of European traditions.

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he Ghanaian coastline is dotted with imposing forts and castles harboring harrowing reminders of the intense and complex history of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade in our land over centuries. This on its own, makes Ghana a focus for millions of African descendants reacting to their marginalization by tracing their ancestry and their identity. However, even more important is the recognition of Ghana as a beacon for people of African decent living on the continent and in the diaspora. This status was earned not by coincidence but by conscious efforts by the country to validate the struggles, strengths and links between African Descendants on a Pan African scale. The legacy of our early Pan African leadership therefore remains a worthy cause for us and in the year 2019, we open our arms even wider to welcome home our brothers and sisters in what will become a birth right journey home for a global African family. I believe a healthy consciousness of history is important for the survival of peoples of African descent and the management of our resources in today’s globalized world.

Ghana, under my leadership will continue to ensure that our hard won Pan-African reputation is not lost. Making Ghana the focus of activities to commemorate the landing of the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies in North America is therefore a huge opportunity to entrench Ghana’s leadership. “The Year of Return, Ghana 2019” shows a proactive sensitivity of our country to the importance of showcasing resilience and the achievements of African descendants through the ages to the present and into the future. We believe now is the time to engage each other more positively from all measurable angles for the entire calendar year 2019 and beyond.

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Travel and Tourism Magazine

Editorial Team Ben Ohene-Ayeh Consulting Editor Kojo Bentum-Williams Managing Editor Samuel Obeng Appah Content Editor Contributing Writers Angela Dzidzornu Claudine Moore Paa Kwesi Forson Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Administration/Marketing Jennifer Nyavor Glaou Eddie Fortune Symphorien Kouabile Michel Kouassi Photo Credit Ghana Tourism Authority Ken Amoah Ben Pinto Adzimah Prince Charles Affum Samuel McCoy Design and Layout GP Communications Publisher Voyages Afriq Media Ltd.

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Inside this Issue 01 05 06 07 08 09 11 12 13 41 42

Foreword – President of Ghana Message from Tourism Minister Message from Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Message from Director of Diasporan Affairs, Office of the President, Ghana Message from GHATOF

Ghana proclaims Year of Return Trans Atlantic Slave Trade-The African MAAFA

Correspondence: Voyages Afriq Travel Magazine

Steering Committee for the Year Of Return

Office Location Accra Tourist Information Centre Off Liberation Road, Accra – Ghana Ghana Office line: +233 30 397 2764 Info@voyagesafriq.com

Activities for the Year of return Invest in Ghana

UK Office line: +44 744 849 4933

Travelling Tips to Ghana

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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Ghana - A tourism destination People and Culture Ghanaian Foods Ten Places to visit in Ghana Accra’s Burgeoning Night Life Full Circles Festival in Pictures Upcoming Ghana Tourism Authority Activities

Copyright subsists in all published in this magazine. Any reproduction or adaptation, in whole or in part, without written permission of the publishers is strictly prohibited and is an act of copyright infringement which may in certain circumstances, constitute a criminal offence. The paper used for this production is a recyclable and renewable product. It has been produced using wood sourced from sustainably managed forests and elemental or total chlorine free bleached pulp. VoyagesAfriq

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WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL

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Message by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Mrs. Catherine Abelema Afeku [MP] 2019 is a landmark year marking the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the United States. The United States congress has passed an Act, H.R 1242 – 400 years of African – American Experience Act. Not only is this a historically significant milestone, it also presents a unique opportunity for Ghana to cement its Pan African leadership.

hana becomes the first African country to dedicate the entire calendar year for this anniversary as we reach out to our brothers and sisters to make the return journey home as birth-right. Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

Under the directives of our President, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo , my Ministry has tasked the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to coordinate activities for this landmark year working with the

office of Diasporan Affairs, the Panafest Foundation and the Adinkra Group. 2019’s program marks the beginning of an entire year celebration of the resilience of the African spirit. We look forward to welcoming you to Ghana.

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Message from Akwasi Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority Ghana remains home to the Global African Family. For centuries, Africans walked through the infamous “door of no return” at the Cape Coast castle directly into slave ships, never to set foot in Africa again.

n 2019, we invite our brothers and sisters to come back home, to the Land through whose ports, millions of their ancestors passed on their way to the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. For us, this is a spiritual and a birthright journey, an open invitation to Africans everywhere, to see Ghana as their gateway to the continent. The year of Return, also commemorates 400 years of African resilience and African survival. Ghana’s historical record as a Pan African leader dates back to pre- independence struggles where the founding fathers portrayed a strong spirit of resilience to become the first African

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Country to achieve independence in sub-Saharan Africa. This leadership has been entrenched over the years with Ghana’s leading role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity (Now African Union). In the Mid-2000’s, the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, then Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations launched the “Joseph project” to make the 21st century the African century and to reconcile and unite the positive spirit and strengths of African peoples in a focused manner to elevate Africa and Africans worldwide. Years on, the Year of Return has been born to continue from where the Joseph Project left off.

Message by Akwasi Awuah Ababio, the Director of Diasporan Affairs, Office of the President, Ghana “The Year of Return 2019” marks 400 years of the first docking of ship with our brothers and sisters carried away into slavery in the Americas. It marked a sordid and sad period, when our kith and kin were forcefully taken away into years of deprivation, humiliation and torture.

Throughout the year ,we invite you all to partake in the activities lined up including – birthright tours, musical concerts, lectures, homecoming festivals, adventure cruises, drama etc. Ghana is noted for the warm hospitality of its people and we look forward to welcoming you to be part of this grand family re-union.

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

e will continue to seek deeper socio-cultural, economic and political inclusion for our kith and kin from the Diaspora. As we mark this year as Year of Return to attract our diasporan community home, government is also committed to improve upon our economy and discourage irregular migration by making sure that young men and women could achieve their dreams here in Ghana. In the 21st century there is no need to migrate in order to return as increased nationalism sentiments in Europe and America affect the lives of migrants. Ghana and Africa is losing so many lives in the Mediterranean through irregular migration. Government policy of free SHS, Nation Builders Corps, Youth Employment, National Entrepreneurship and Innovative Programme among other objectives is aimed at improving the general economy and limiting irregular migration. Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

We share the duty to change the narrative “Africans everywhere have been taught to be self-loathing, to see everything African as a negative: Taught to believe that Africa is a definition of failure and ugliness. The time has come to put an end to the negative and begin the positive. The time has come for us to till our own vineyard; to produce inner and outer wealth for ourselves. The time has come for us to stand and state,” I am a proud African, proud of my land, proud of my people, committed to making the third millennium the African millennium”. J. O Obetsebi-Lamptey. Ghana is politically, socially and economically stable. Our President H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has shown further commitment with the creation of the Diaspora Affairs Office at the Presidency to efficiently harness, mobilize and steer the resources of Ghanaians living abroad and people of African descent for Ghana’s development. The Diaspora Affairs Office of the President is mandated to lead Ghana’s Diaspora policy formulation and engagement strategy and will continue to lobby for conducive and inclusive policy for our Diaspora community and work with our partners to make the Year of Return 2019 a success. Thank You.

Message by Mrs. Bella Ayayee Ahu, President of Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), the umbrella body of the private sector wing of the Tourism Industryin Ghana is positioning itself to receive our brothers and sisters from the Diaspora and the global community. This is a historical milestone and presents a unique opportunity to market Ghana both locally and internationally to our Global African Family, both home and abroad.

HATOF assures our Global African Family of our readiness to offer unique tourism hospitality experience by way of our culture, customs, traditions, leisure, heritage, etc. The various Tourism Establishments such as Tour Operators, hotels and restaurants, airlines, guest houses, serene and pristine beaches, car rentals agencies, etc are fully prepared to engage the Global African Family more positively from all measurable angles for the entire calendar year 2019 and beyond. With the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture as well as the Ghana Tourism Authority , GHATOF is poised to help ensure that the socioeconomic and spiritual benefits of the “Year of Return” will fully be realized through tour packages and other ancillary services to be provided by the Tourism Private Sector. We have endured the effects of the phenomenon of slavery for far too long ie. family separation, mental agony and near loss of identity. We share the collective responsibility to correct the past and reassert ourselves by reconnecting with our compatriots in the Diaspora. On behalf of the Executives of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), we say “Akwaaba” to our brothers and sisters from the Diaspora and the International community to our beautiful and hospitable country, Ghana. God bless our Homeland, Ghana. VOYAGESAFRIQ | 07

Present at the event were members of Congress, business and religious leaders, Ministers, representatives of the various Ghanaian associations among others. The “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” is a major landmark marketing campaign targeting the African – American and Diaspora Market to mark 400 years of the Slave Trade.

Ghana proclaims Year of Return

Ghana has declared 2019 as a Year of Return, inviting the global African family to a birthright journey home to the country.

t a colourful launch event at the National Press Club in Washington DC, The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, recalled the time has come for people of African descent to make the journey back home and says Ghana has opened its arms wide to welcome its brothers and sisters. According to President Akufo-Addo, Ghana’s Pan - African leadership and legacy status was earned not by coincidence but by a conscious effort by the country to validate the struggles, strengths and links between African descendants on a Pan African scale. The President noted the Galaxy of African American intellectuals, leaders and creative professionals like Martin Luther

King Jnr., WEB DuBois, Maya Angelou, Stevie Wonder etc who have honoured Ghana by their presence and have in turn been inspired by Ghana. He said never again should Africans allow themselves to be enslaved. The President paid tribute to the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey who more than a decade ago launched a “Joseph project” to reach out to the African diaspora. The Year of Return is the only centrally organised public- private partnership by an African nation to commemorate 400 years of the arrival of Africans to the United States. The Ghana Tourism Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is coordinating the yearlong calendar of activities in partnership

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is leading the project in collaboration with the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, the Panafest Foundation and the Adinkra Group of USA.

with the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, the Panafest Foundation and the Adinkra group.

The project is also aimed at making Ghana the focus of activities to commemorate the landing of the first enslaved Africans in the English colonies in North America and also to offer huge opportunity to entrench Ghana’s leadership.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku, says the launch event marks the beginning of an entire year celebration of the resilience of the African spirit and that her Ministry is working with other public sector agencies to make the return journey easy and seamless.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive Offer (CEO) of GTA Mr. Akwasi Agyeman who also doubles as the Coordinator, National Steering Committee of the Project said, “The ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ is a year of celebration; we will celebrate the resilience of the African. Like Joseph in the Bible who was sold to slavery and later connected to his brothers, there was a celebration and in 2019 there shall be a celebration for Africans in Diaspora.”

She said, the recent passage of an Act by the United States Congress, H.R. 1242 – 400 Years of African-American Experience Act is a historically significant milestone and presents a unique opportunity for Ghana. Ghana has over the years maintained a focus for millions of African descendants reacting to their marginalization by tracing their ancestry and their identity.

Mr. Agyeman made an appeal to Ghanaians in the Diaspora to return and added that, the concept of ‘Year of Return’ would help reaffirm Ghana’s prominence and tag as the beacon of Pan-Africanism. Patrons who attended the ceremony were treated with a spectacular and rich cultural display at the National Theater over the weekend. The play, ‘Alkebulan Awakening’ which was performed by the National Theatre of Ghana, portrayed the deep beauty associated with the long-lived repercussions of the Middle Passage and addressed topics of identity, mental liberation and the beautiful African spirit.

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Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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Trans Atlantic Slave Trade - The African MAAFA

The year 2019 will mark 400 years since the first captured Africans by Europeans were transported from the western Coast of Africa to the east coast of North America landing at the fledging English colony of James Town (Port Comfort), Virginia.

T HERE COMES

Manchester December 2018

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he nation of Ghana where at least 39 forts and dungeons are located which is the highest number than any other location in the world where enslaved Africans were held before shipment to the “New World”, will be commemorating this history of tragedy and triumph for the whole year as the “Year of Return; Ghana 2019” with a litany of calendar events and activities including PANAFEST and Emancipation Day. This initiative was launched by the President of Ghana H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo in Washington DC in October 2018.

By 1619, what now has become known as the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade had fully blossomed into high season for all European nations’ engagement in the war, plunder, pillage, rape, and violation of African people. People of African descent have redefined as African MAAFA experience.

History has informed us that similar journeys had began and continued as long as a century and a half earlier to Europe, South America and the Caribbean starting with the Portuguese in the mid 15th century.

The term “slave trade” compromises the enormity of the atrocities of what recently (2001- Durban, S.A., U.N. World Conference against Racism) has been declared as a crime against humanity.

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

MAAFA is a Kiswahili term for “terrible occurrence” or “great disaster”. It refers to the African Holocaust, ...

There is no equal in the course of human events that compares with the systematic kidnapping, capture, sale and enslavement of African people during three centuries of unbridled access to the greatest resource that Africa had to offer which was her human capital. Monarchs, Governments, Institutions and Societies of the elite including the Clergy participated, benefited and legalized the illicit trade in human cargo and even conspired to declassify the African race outside of the human family which has resulted in damning stereotypes that subjects Africans today to unimaginable discrimination and marginalization. Conservative estimates are that Africa lost 10 million people but more accurate accounts by African scholars and historians is that Africa lost no to less than 200 million souls. The ages ranged between 12 years to 30 years which was the prime stock of Africa’s future. This couldn’t take place without fierce resistance in which ultimately whole societies were lost, Kingdoms destroyed, civilizations decimated into dust and ruin and gone forever, not even recognized to have ever existed. The lives lost in self defense, resistance, in village raids including warriors, elders, infants, those on long journeys from the hinterlands subjected to tortured, wild beasts and fatigue, those lost in the dungeons and forts and the middle passage can never be numbered or quantified. VOYAGESAFRIQ | 11

No one can deny that MAAFA was the most traumatic interruption in the continuity of Africa’s development and the psychological stability and balance of her people. The MAAFA of three hundred years set the stage for the colonization of the continent and people of Africa which was the escalation of the exploitation and subjugation of the culture, traditions, and value & knowledge systems to European domination and reorientation that still exist today in Neo Colonial entrenchment. Besides the human casualties one of the worst assaults perpetrated was on African culture which was the embodiment of the soul and humanity of the African. Slavery denied the enslaved African the access to his land, language, name, history, spiritual practices and ancestral lineages which culminated into the ultimate loss of his identity. The only way that a free man can be enslaved is to take away his identity. The captured, enslaved African was renamed, brutalized into submission and forced to accept new identities such as Negro, Colored, Black, American, Brazilian, Jamaican, Trinidadian, Barbadian with roots only traceable in slave history. Today, in the dawn of a new millennium African Ancestors are calling back their children to reclaim their African heritage of resilience and to accept the collective responsibility for self determination to turn tragedy into triumph and agony into victory. This must be done by Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora, by any means necessary.

Steering Committee Year of Return, Ghana 2019

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CALENDER OF EVENTS @YearOfReturn

JANUARY

TINA FESTIVAL ITINERARY

Akwasi Ababio Chairman, Year of Return, Ghana 2019,Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President

Professor Esi Sutherland Addy PANAFEST Foundation

Akwasi Agyeman Coordinator, Year of Return, Ghana 2019 CEO, Ghana Tourism Authority

Reginald Laryea Vice Chairman, Year of Return, Ghana 2019

Ben Anane Nsiah Ghana Tourism Authority

Diallo Sumbry President, The Adinkra Group

Rabbi Kohain PANAFEST Foundation

Annabelle Renee McKenzie Manager, Year of Return, Ghana 2019

Roberta Dawson Amoah Ghana Tourism Authority

Fuse ODG presents...

TINA Festival

Jermaine Nkrumah President, CEO, Diaspora Network Television (DNT), Chairman Ghana Diaspora Celebration ‘19

Bernice Adjei

Vice Chairman, Ghana Diaspora Celebration ‘19, Deputy Director General, MDPI

Up you mighty people you can accomplish what will. REPARATIONS NOW! MAAFA is a Kiswahili term for “terrible occurrence” or “great disaster”. It refers to the African Holocaust, used to describe the history and ongoing effects of the atrocities inflicted on African people during slavery and colonialism.

www.yearofreturn.com

Round Pavilion, Trade Fair, Accra, Ghana 4th January 2019 - 2pm until late Lineup Fuse ODG | Sarkodie| Stefflon Don Joey B | Lethal Bizzle| plus more TBA The inaugural TINA Festival which will be an annual event will take place on 4th January 2019 at Round Pavilion, Trade Fair, Accra, Ghana.

Ama Boahemaa Dwomoh Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Paul Hopeson Kwaw Executive Director, W.E.B Du Bois Memorial Centre

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

A new African sound has captured the attention of the world in recent years... Afrobeats. The sound has gained millions of followers from every corner of the globe. African music is fast becoming a force to be reckoned within the global music scene. The aim of the Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

2nd January 2019 Nation Building Day (Akosombo School)

n 2007, This Is New Africa (TINA) and Wood World Mission Charity started a school in Akosombo with just a handful of students. What began as an Orphanage is now a thriving school with over 200 students being supported by the organisation. National Builders day is to encourage the diaspora community to give back to society. There will

be a call for volunteers to come and help the school. Volunteers will be at Akosombo School to paint the school and interact with the pupils and inspire them. An exciting boat ride and tour of the beautiful Akosombo landscape fused with party in the bus and lots of networking will be part of the day for all.

annual TINA Festival is to become the home of this sound and music genre. It will be the place where people go to experience the genuine lifestyle that comes with the music.

variety of artists worldwide which have led to him earn the first Grammy Award by a Ghanaian last year . He has invited global superstars such as Ed Sheeran to stay with him in Accra, and gain an experience of Ghana aimed at changing global perceptions It is in that same vision that has led to the creation of the TINA Festival.

The festival will be a day party populated with a market fair and activities, and then an evening concert with performances from... Fuse ODG Afrobeats pioneer, Sarkodie - one of Africa’s greatest hip hop artists, Stefflon Don, Joey B, Lethal Bizzle plus more to TBA soon. TINA Festival will be to Afrobeat what Glastonbury is to Rock music. Beyond the music and the lifestyle, the festival will also promote the continent and Ghana in particular; becoming a catalyst for tourism and investment.

In re-uniting the Global African Diaspora, the Tina Festival will be part of wider series of events over three days held at Ghana’s most iconic venues… www.tinafestival.com

Global Afrobeats superstar Fuse ODG helped to create the TINA Festival. One of the leading pioneers of the sound, he has been using his music and influence to promote Ghana and Africa in a way that has never been done before. He is famous not only for his music and helping the rise of Afrobeats world-wide, but also for his tireless commitment to re-educate how Africa is perceived in the world. Fuse’s efforts to spread this message have allowed him to connect with a VOYAGESAFRIQ | 13

www.yearofreturn.com

CALENDER OF EVENTS @YearOfReturn

JANUARY

2nd - 4th January 2019 New Africa Nation and Exhibition (Conference Centre, Accra) The New Africa Nation conference will be looking at discussions and talks from top thought leaders from the continent on how to take Africa beyond aid and how to mobilize the sleeping giant of the Diaspora.

Reggie Yates

Samia Nkrumah

Speakers: Samia Nkrumah (Political activist), Reggie Yates (BBC TV broadcaster), Ama K Abebrese (Actress), Chaka Bars (Activist) Fuse ODG (Artist), Sangu Delle (Entrepreneur, Investor, Activist, Lawyer), Bola Ray (Radio Presenter and Entrepreneur) More TBA Sangu Delle

Chaka Bars

Fuse ODG

FEBRUARY

9th - 28th February, 2019

The African American Association of Ghana has historically celebrated Black History Month in February of each year to highlight and educate the Ghanaian community at large on the experiences, achievements and successes of African Americans throughout history, and to use the month as an opportunity to facilitate the cultural, social, educational and economic integration of African Americans and other persons from the Diaspora into Ghanaian society. As 2019 marks the 400th year since the first documented arrival of enslaved Africans to the shores of America it is necessarily a year of both reflection on the past and anticipation for the future. With that as a guiding principal AAAG aims to spotlight the unique connection between African Americans, Americans and Ghanaians by creating platforms for discussion, learning and cross-cultural collaboration.

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Special Edition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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CALENDER OF EVENTS

@YearOfReturn

FEBRUARY

9th - 28th February, 2019

Venue: W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, Accra Traditional African American Church Service February 24, 2019 Highlighting the role of “The Black Church” in African American communities and the spiritual ties to the diaspora. Venue: W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, Accra

ACAWF is well aware that your participation and endorsement is key and crucial as an official advocate for positive health practices for the global African family. Our targeted market will come from the Wellness industries , African Arts communities, Universities, Fitness Clubs, Religious organizations,

Corporate and Government Workers, Wholistic healer’s associations, celebrities that follow a natural lifestyle and people who just enjoy celebrating African culture and wellness. Our official sponsor is New Body Products, makers of CKLS colon cleanser

and over 130 other fine natural herbal products. Established 1976 in Compton, California. To register as an Exhibitor or to advertise in our international directory download forms from our website www.acawf.com”

25th February - 8th March, 2019

BACK2AFRICA FESTIVAL 2019 Panel Discussion Launch and Soul Food Lunch February 9, 2019 Theme for Panel Discussion: Black Migration – Exploring our Roots and Beyond *Proposed discussion topics include: Returnees: who they are and why they’ve come; Micro-communities and their role in Ghanaian society; and, The future of diasporans – a vested interest in development.

The “African Culture and Wellness Festival” a.k.a. ACAWF was created by Dr. Sharita Yazid, Naturopath, New Body Products Ghana Chief Operating Officer and a repatriate to Africa. A group of natural healers, master African dance/drum instructors and fitness experts were consulted to help create a festival that would deliver a sound platform for years to come. ACAWF has taken the lead to educate, empower, and heal Africans on the continent and the Diasporas through culture and well-being. January 30th to February 7th, 2019 we will ignite the festival with a Tour of Ghana. Our tourists will visit Accra, Cape Coast, Kumasi and the Volta. February 8th, 2019 ACAWF’s Opening Ceremonies Dinner will feature a fine Vegan Feast presented by our Vegan All Star of the year. This year’s theme for ACAWF 2019 is “Our Land Our Sovereignty”.

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February 9th, 2019 The African Culture and Wellness Festival will light up the Aburi Botanical Gardens with expected 3000 participants throughout the day featuring informative workshops, exhibitions and concert as follows. ACAWF Exhibitions consist of an African Market Place, that will display Cultural Arts, Books, Music, and Fashion; The Healers Village a tranquil place

The Back2Africa Festival is a partnership between The Adinkra Group and The Ghana Tourism Authority that celebrates Black History Month the last week of February through Ghanaian Independence Day in the first week of March with a focus on the arts, education and service. We connect African American and Ghanaian cultural art forms through live performances and educational service projects providing school supplies and resources for Ghanaian school children in the Akuapem Region.

where participants can stop anytime during the Festival to receive healing services like massage, reflexology, Reiki: and the Natural African Beauty Expo providing natural beauty products, natural hair and skin care demonstrations, and more. Our special Vegan All Stars Food Court will have a wide variety of delicious nutritious vegan foods from our local vegan restaurants and catering services.

ACAWF Workshops are composed of Fitness through African drum and dance, African martial arts, Afrobics, and yoga, complimented with Wellness presentations that brings a wealth of information on healthy lifestyles with nutrition, emotional healing, life management, meditation, food therapy, natural hair and skin care, culture, history, and arts instructed by master teachers, wellness experts and artist from various parts of Africa and the Diasporas.

A cornerstone of this journey and experience is the opportunity for all attendees to take their DNA tests using

he 2019 Back2Africa Festival happens February 25 – March 8, 2019 and consists of service projects and performance stops in Kumasi, Cape Coast, and Accra featuring The CROSSRHODES, BLACK ALLEY & FARAFINA KAN with special guests Ghanaian artists. Back2Africa 2019 will bring over 100 people to Ghana.

the world’s largest database of African DNA lineages to determine their country and ethnic group of origin through our partnership with AfricanAncestry.com and participate in a group reveal during the journey.

For more information on the Back2Africa Festival, contact The Adinkra Group on 233 24 712 1232 or 240.490.2227 or theadinkragroup@gmail.com. Follow our social media @ theadinkragroup on Instagram, Facebook and twitter

Our inaugural trip in 2018 took 75 people to Ghana and featured The Backyard Band for a three stop tour in Accra and Cape Coast where we filmed a documentary on Anwan Glover and the Backyard’s Band’s experience being the first Go-Go music band to tour Ghana.

ACAWF’s REGENERATION CONCERT with local and international artists will climax the festival. So far we have one of our ambassadors Mutabaruka , who is a poet, singer, writer, and actor from Jamaica. (See more about Mutabaruka in the PowerPoint presentation) Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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www.yearofreturn.com

CALENDER OF EVENTS @YearOfReturn

Spoken Word

28th February, 2019 Platform for African American, American and Ghanaian artist to express their ideas through poetry and performance Venue: W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, Accra

MARCH

INDEPENDENCE DAY March 6, 2019

t long last,Ghana! your beloved country, is free forever’. These were the words of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah on the declaration of the country’s independence in Accra, Ghana. Independence Day is an official state holiday celebrated by the Ghanaian people and the Ghanaian diaspora, which is celebrated on March 6. Independence Day marks the declaration of indepen-dence from the United Kingdom by Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah on 6 March 1957. The event kick-starts a series of activities scheduled to take place as part of the anniversary celebration. The Independence Day Parade is held at the independence is observed by millions of Ghanaians. In the capital city of Accra, the nation celebrates Independence Day with a patriotic parade of school children, civil servants, and the armed forces. The Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

President gives a speech of solidarity, and above it all flies the flag created in 1957, with its central Black Star representing the nation’s people. The red band symbolizes the journey to independence, and the yellow and green bands the land’s rich natural resources. Pan African Student Summit Sponsored by 3GC Inc. & TCU March 8th – 9th 2019 contact@weare3gc.org 3GC Inc. stands for Give. Gain. Grow. Collaborative. We are a 501 C 3 registered Non- profit organization and our motto is: GIVE FREELY. GAIN DAILY. GROW CONSCIOUSLY. 3GC Inc. seeks to initiate, promote and increase international service learning partnerships between Africa and the Diaspora. We seek to do this by using a uniquely developed Pan-African study abroad model in Ghana that strengthens the bonds of solidarity between our common peoples, histories and destinies. www.weare3gc.org True Culture University is digitizing the Pan-African movement for Black millennials by connecting Black college students globally. TCU is the first Pan-African Collegiate Platform that combines student journalism with a social media network. TCU is a social network and a one stop shop for Pan-African content for Black Students, made by Black Students. Local issues of Black existence are showcased while digitally connecting to one global platform and the mission of Pan Africanism. www.truecultureuniversity.com

Pan African Student Summit

March 8th – 9th 2019 The 3GC-TCU Collaborative is sponsoring a two Day Pan-African Student Summit both at the University of Ghana (UG) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The Summit builds upon the 3GC-TCU annual Pan African Student Forums held at UG and UCC since 2014 with other campus Pan African student organizations.

The two day Pan African Student Summit engages university students of African descent from the Diaspora with Ghanaian university students to participate in critical discourse and think tanks on essential topics toward the liberation of all African people around the world: identity and social issues, economics and entrepreneurial possibilities, education, and global health and wellness. The Pan African Student Summit also includes a service learning day where the collective group commits to a service learning project in a local community. The Summit includes a keynote speaker, panel discussions, think tanks, networking sessions, entertainment, and more. The Pan African Student Summit will lay the foundation for the future PanAfrican Student/Youth Conference in Ghana in collaboration with major Pan African Student organizations at both the University of Ghana (International Pan-African Youth Organization) and the University of Cape Coast (ASEG: African Students and Empowerment Group and Africana Conference) to foster network and partnership development between student change makers and budding Pan-Africanist in both the Diaspora and the Continent.

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JaGha Reggae Festival Edge of the World Production (EOTWP) is proud to introduce JaGha Reggae Fest, a brave new festival which aims to embrace and unify the people of Ghana & Jamaican through culture and music. The vision is to bring the African Diaspora back home to the Motherland. To create a festival that unites the strong African culture with our brothers and sisters abroad, and to spread this message through Reggae. Reggae music spreads a precious, peaceful message which will set the tone

March 8th – 10th 2019 for the annual occasion. Bob Marley rightly said “one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain. Reggae music was chosen for that reason, the feel-good factor; and the fact that the reggae music culture is huge both in Jamaica and Ghana. This common interest will play a crucial part in the unity of Jamaica and Ghana as it implies that the two cultures are quite similar. We strive to successfully deliver a festival that will bring in more international tourism and trade between Ghana and Jamaica. JaGha Fest is endorsed by and in unison with the Year of the Return 2019; where Ghana’s “arms are open wide to welcome its brothers and sisters.” History shows that many Jamaicans are originally from the Gold coast (Ghana), hence this is a true homecoming. JaGha Fest is set over two days – 2 days of reggae music at Independence Square in Accra, followed by Elmina Castle, Cape Coast. 9th & 10th March 2019 respectively. The concert will feature six major Jamaican Reggae Artists alongside six featured Ghanaian

APRIL

Heritage Paragliding Event Date: 19th-21st April 2019 The Heritage Paragliding event was introduced in 2005 by the Ministry of Tourism. The history of the festival goes back to March 2003 when, as the new Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the capital city Accra, Mr. Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey visited the Kwahu ridge as part of his familiarization tour of the country, and by chance crossed paths with the festival’s organizer, Walter Neser.

he Ghana Heritage Paragliding Festival has become an integral part of the annual Kwahu Easter Festivities and has attracted both Ghanaians and foreigners alike and has become an integral part of the annual Easter celebrations in Ghana with 3-days aerial fun, ceremonies and music.

economic activities as well. Also, after its introduction, the event has drawn many enthusiasts to Kwahu, and positively impacted the local economy in relation to transport businesses, tour operations, hospitality establishments, souvenir sellers and the entertainment industry among others.

The inclusion of the events as part of the festivities has seen dramatic increase in numbers of visits to the various attractions within the eastern enclave of the country, increased the tourist activities and improved

Pilots with a wealth of experience are selected and coordinated across several parts of the world, in order to cater for the diverse and dynamic nature of participants who come from across the world to fly and have fun. These pilots

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18th – 22nd March 2019

Artists. There will be live bands, DJ’s, Dancers, special guests, and comedians to complete the line-up. JaGha Fest will also feature “Jamaica House” at the Accra Tourism Centre, which will showcase Jamaican art, culture, dance, as well as visiting Maroons from Jamaica. This feature will allow Ghanaians to see Jamaica through their eyes. JaGha Fest represents a lot more than Reggae music. JaGha Fest represents the start of something new in Africa. It will be an event that resembles the unification of West Africa. The event will be a celebration which will shed a positive light on our diverse culture, giving a platform to express and showcase this diversity in a peaceful environment. JaGha Fest will encourage partnerships, showing the world that we believe in cohesion. Partnerships – JaGha Fest is calling all Africans & the diaspora, hear the call of the “abeng” know that you are welcome home.

are flown in from various destinations and well hosted with decent standards of accommodation and transportation through their total stay in Ghana for the event purpose.

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

The Yenko (in our native Twi language, yenko simply means let’s go) festival is a music and dance event which will bring together all kinds of people from different walks of life. Its a cultural dance festival in Accra, Ghana from the 18th to 22nd of April 2019 and our theme is Afro-Latin music and dance.

he festival is a fun packed event for everyone and due to the fast growing number of foreigners in Ghana, the event will attract many people from other African communities.

from Europe and other parts of the world. This event will be an opportunity for lone travellers wanting to visit the country and a great way of meeting people and making new friends.

Afro-Latin dance is the only dance art in Ghana, which attract many expatriates for a weekly social dancing and, Kizomba and Salsa being the most popular and successful Afro-Latin dance, they are recognised by many embassies and endorsed by many ambassadors in Ghana.

Whiles promoting the rich culture and tourism in Ghana, we will also emphasise on the lifestyle and nightlife of Accra to highlight that Ghana is equally good for a holiday destination for the vibrant, fun and third generation. This event will be encouraging to all, especially with 2019 marking the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to English North America in 1619.

Ghana being the fastest growing economy in the world, one of the best African countries to visit, and also known for its popular afro beat music and dance moves, we aim to promote tourism in the country by bringing people together from across the globe for a festival that also celebrates and highlights other African dance cultures and music by hosting a four-day event which will offer a ten-day package holiday for people attending

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

For people abroad this will be a holiday and a break away from their everyday hustle and bustle city life. Some come for the great atmosphere full of people from all over the world, others for the knowledgeable dance instructions and lessons, and many for the awesome parties and concerts.

This annual event will attract and encourage people not only from the western world but also from our neighbouring and Sub-Saharan countries to visit our beautiful country.

Festivals today are a rapidly developing phenomenon and play a major role in the development of tourism and the impact of festivals on cultural tourism are considered to contribute significantly to the cultural and economic development to the host communities. The Yenko Festival will be using the historical and cultural themes to develop an annual event to attract visitors and creating cultural image in Ghana by holding festivals in our community settings. The desire for this festival is not specifically designed to address the needs for any one particular group. The hosting of the Yenko festival is developed because of the tourism and economic opportunities it offers in addition to social and cultural benefits. The Yenko festival have the potential to generate a vast amount of tourism by catering to out of-region visitors through grants, and sponsorships. With the government now supporting and promoting events as part of their strategies for economic development, nation building and cultural tourism, our event in turn will be an important tool for attracting visitors and building image within our communities. The economic impact of our festival will rise be felt principally from the consumption of tourism related services, which include travel, accommodation, restaurants, and shopping among others.

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JUNE

Event: The Wax Print Festival Date: June 15, 2019 Time: 10am- 6pm

Fashion is an important part of our identity as Africans and Afrodiasporans and with the increased interest in everything from head wraps to “Dashikis” to african print e-commerce, there is a very palpable cultural and economic opportunity to assert our identity in a global market. The Wax Print Film is a documentary style film that explores the origins and cultural implication of wax print fabric by investigating its past, present and future in Ghana and Nigeria.

s wax print becomes increasingly popular across the diaspora, people are starting to take critical look at whether “african prints” are truly African. A question that begets a larger conversation on cultural vs. operational ownership: can we claim that which we do not produce locally? We are excited to host this event on the weekend of Juneteeth to honor not only the Ghanaian cultural tradition but also African American contributions to textiles and fashion around the world, and how, though they are also not producing some of these fashion statements, they are claiming, and indeed beginning to reap, the economic and social benefits of their contributions--- much like Ghana’s burgeoning fashion scene. The Wax Print Festival will be experiential and will include everything from wax print art exhibitions, to batik and kente weaving exhibitions and experiences, a fashion showcase and, the crowning event, a screening of the Wax Print film followed by an open conversation on its content. We believe that this event is an important way of pushing Afrodiasporans and Africans to be nuanced in their Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

conversations about wax print and consider the multiplicity of ways in which, from cotton to textile to dress, we can benefit socially and economically from this industry. We hope to highlight important historical narratives that cut across both African and African American realities (ie. our relationship with cotton on the continent and in the US, the role of colorful attire as a means of expression and escape, etc.) as well as present iterations of fabric in popular culture and discourse, and future imaginations of what is possible within, and through the industry if wax prints continue to permeate “the culture” over time. We are excited to host this experience in Accra

during the Year of Return and welcome all those interested in joining us for this event. Name of Company: The Afropole and AiAi Studios Contact Person Name: Amma Aboagye Contact Person Phone No: 0245937946 Contact Person Email: info@theafropole.com Instagram and Twitter: @theafropole @ waxprintfilm

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JUNE

JULY 3rd - 6th, 2019

Event Name: The Homecoming Celebration Event Date: June 29th – July 1st

celebrate

We at Jahmikal Entertainment and Prophetic Music Productions in collaboration with Lexis Sound Check welcome all our brothers and sisters from the diaspora to Ghana to celebrate The Year of Return.

his momentous occasion, called The “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” marks 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to Jamestown Virginia. During this time, the African family had been torn apart, murdered, tortured, butchered and devastated in every inhumane way imaginable. Despite all the oppression and attempt at annihilation, the African people have persevered and overcome. On behalf of the government and the people of

Ghana, we are inviting everyone to come together in 2019 to celebrate our Year of Return, Ghana 2019. We see this as the start of a new day for the African people. A day when the African Continent and the African people shall be free, mentally, physically, spiritually and of course, economically. We call this event “The Homecoming Celebration”. This will be a time of togetherness, joy and happiness. We will be celebrating the return of Ghana’s own son, “Black Prophet” back to Ghana. Zonto aka Black Prophet is a very talented artist who has championed the cause of Africa and Ghana, through his music, across Europe and around the world. His most recent album, “Stories of Life” produced by legendary Dean Frasier has caught the interest of many top producers in the business. It has inspired Penthouse Records to include him on the Tribute to Joseph “Culture” Hill, which has been nominated for a Grammy Award. Zonto will be returning home for his long awaited performance

in Ghana. He will be releasing his new album, “Back to My Roots”. He will also be bringing with him, his musical brethren from Jamaica to celebrate Ghana’s Year of Return 2019. “The Homecoming Celebration” will be featuring international Reggae Artiste Reggae Legend, Leroy Sibbles, Hit maker Dwayne Stephenson, son of Culture, Kenyatta Hill and Special surprise guest from Morgan Family. Performances will also feature Ghana’s top Reggae heavyweights. For more information on the Homecoming Celebration visit our website. www.jahmikalentertainment. com Or visit Zonto Prophet’s social media. https://www.facebook.com/black. prophet.50/ https://www.instagram.com/ blackprophetmusic/

Her Diasporan 2019

Nation building in Ghana would not be the same without landmark contributions by Ghanaians who traveled outside the country and returned with acquired resources. From as far back as 1876 when Tetteh Quarshie returned to Ghana from Fernando Po with the cocoa bean to plant and cultivate it, to as recently as June 2007 when the impossible work of the EO Group was rewarded with the discovery of Ghana’s first commercial quantity crude oil, Ghanaians who refused to turn their back on Ghana in their travels have changed the course of this coun-try for the better.

t is in light of this necessary recognition that Ghana’s biennial diaspora event elected to focus on celebrating the diaspora rather than repeating the “homecoming” mantra. And what a celebration this one promises to be. Taking lessons from the Ghana Diaspora Homecoming Summit in 2017 where attending delegates expressed dismay over the relatively relegated roles played by actual members of the Ghanaian diaspora. The Ghana Diaspora Celebration will place a sharper focus on diaspora members both domiciled overseas and in Ghana. That is not to say those who do not fit the definition of diaspora will not have a role to play in this celebration.

pening Day: His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah AkufoAddo, President of Ghana who is a member of the Ghanaian Diaspora and the son of one of Ghana’s premier diaspora contributors, will open the day when we go back in time to feature past diaspora contributors including Ghana’s Big Six and others whose decision to return home changed the course of our nation’s history. To ensure that this day does not become an exercise in history lessons, we will not only rope in the surviving relatives of these national heroes, but also establish modern day effects of their ancestors’ actions

econd Day: His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of Ghana and also fellow member of the Ghanaian diaspora will open the day when we

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train a sharp focus on current diaspora contributors including the EO Group of oil discovery fame and Patrick Awuah, founder of Ashesi University. In addition to these notables, there are thousands of Ghanaians from the diaspora who are making significant differences to day including a record number of diaspora appointees to key leadership positions in government. We will highlight the marked accom-plishments that they have chalked up.

hird Day: our Programming Committee is keeping to its chest a surprise personality who will open the day that Ghanaians who are making major waves of glob-al proportions out there in the world, and who have committed to bringing home their resources will be outdoored. These include the likes of Dr. Thomas Mensah, the fiber optics guru, and Dr. David Klutze, former Space Shuttle Missions Manager at NASA, and many more.

The Planning Committee chaired by Jermaine Nkrumah, and assisted by Vice Chair Bernice Adjei, formally began its activities in November of 2018 and quickly segmented its duties into six areas to ensure effective role specialization. Stephen Abebreseh heads the Secretariat; Augustina Osei chairs the Marketing and Public Relations Committee; Ama Fordjour , the Finance Committee; Yaw Owusu chairs the IT/New media Committee; Anthony Darko chairs the Events, Hospitality and Logistics Committee boss and Christabel Dadzie heads the Programming Committee. The Ghana Diaspora Celebration ‘19 part of the overall Year of Return series of events, extends a warm invitation to all to support this event to celebrate the contributions of Ghanaians who left and returned home to help build Mother Ghana

inal Day: This day will begin with planned trips to historical sites in Ghana and end with a robust Gala at Ghana’s five Star Kempinski Hotel during which awards will be handed out to deserv-ing diaspora recipients, and the first ever Miss Ghana Diaspora will be crowned. If you have not seen His Excellency, Nana Akufo-Addo’s dance moves before, you don’t want to miss this event as he has promised to maintain the tradition he started in 2017 to show us how it’s done on the dance floor.

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JULY

Event Name: National Pan-Hellenic Council Republic Week Reunion Event Date: July 1st – July 7th 2019

In recognition of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort, Virginia, in 1619, the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Tau Chi Chapter, located in Ghana are eagerly anticipating the yearlong celebration of festivities being organized through the Office of Diaspora Affairs and are positively looking forward to participating in this historic commemoration. Tau Chi Chapter, an unincorporated association of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. will organize a series of events to take place in Accra, Ghana to be called The National Pan-Hellenic Council Republic Week Reunion from July 1st through the 7th 2019. The National Pan-Hellenic Council is a collaborative organization of nine historical African American, international Greek lettered fraternities and sororities. The Republic Week Reunion event will be hosted by the Tau Chi chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and aims to bring members of the Diaspora and the Nine International Greek letter societies for a week’s worth of Ghanaian activities to include: • Comedy Night competition of Ghana vs USA Comedians • Group trip to the Elmina Slave Castle for historical tour. Attendees will participate in a wreath laying ceremony to honor our ancestors. • All-Greek picnic and cookout with Old School music and DJs • Art and Culture tours of Accra and national sites • Spinal Awareness Golf Classic sponsored by Spinal Clinic Ltd This historic Republic Week event of African American Fraternities and Sororities reuniting in Ghana is in conjunction with the Diaspora Affairs office Homecoming Summit to be held in July 2019 and is one of the many programs being coordinated by The Office of President Department for Diaspora Affairs to support and encourage those of the Diaspora.

has been implemented through all nine of the Pan Hellenic organizations. Each organization is tasked with the construction of at least one borehole in the remote villages of Ghana. Our Water for Life initiative allows us to work in conjunction with TEAMCSR

GHANA to sponsor boreholes and other projects that provide lifesaving water to communities that do not have clean water. A virtual commissioning of the newly constructed boreholes will be held at the US Embassy on the 4th of July. Interested parties and attendees can contact Tau Chi through social media handles: Website: www.ghanaques.com Facebook: Tau Chi Chapter Email: info@ghanaques.com, RepublicWeek@ghanaques.com Phone: Kwab Asamoah +233248177858 Jonathan Akuamoah +233572291549 Dr. Carl Bampoe 1-732-310-3257 Kevin Williams 1-678-344-8777

As a Ghana based NGO, The Tau Chi Chapter takes a very serious approach to the issue of clean water in Ghana. As part of The Republic Week activities, a national borehole sponsorship drive 26 | VOYAGESAFRIQ

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

Event Name: EMANCIPATION Event Date: July 24th – August 1st his day is set aside for the celebration of the “Emancipation” of slaves in the Americas and the Caribbean, and that day in the lives of the freed slaves fall on the first day of August as per the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States of America.

Ghana started celebrating Emancipation Day in 1998 in solidarity with her brethren in the diaspora (African Descendants abroad). The event is also celebrated to encourage descendants of the soil to come back home and help rebuild Ghana and for that matter Africa from where they left off. This celebration has therefore become an event that has added another “jewel” to Ghana’s attractive

destination and has succeeded in bringing into the country many Africans in the diaspora. The symbolic interment has made Ghana the focus of the movement by Africans in the diaspora to come back to their mother continent. The interest that the programme has generated must be

exploited to the fullest as the popularity of the Emancipation Day Celebration is increasing year after year. This interest must vigorously be sustained, and “reuniting” the “African Family” ... must be a reality

African metropolitan spot with a custom designed lounge. The Gallery Bar is the right place to socialize, accompanied by mouthwatering bites and the trendiest signature drinks. The Cedar garden decorated by lush cedar trees is inspired by the Levantine region. It promises a unique Family Style experience where mezzes, mixed grilled dishes, assorted Arabic sweets and signature shisha go hand in hand to take you on an unforgettable Levantine trip.

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City is more than a hotel; it is a luxury lifestyle destination that has been designed to offer the highest standards of European luxury with the remarkable warmth and hospitality that Ghanaians are renowned for. Kempinski is driven by a passionate, dynamic team, that provides high-quality, consistent service in a world-class facility that is truly full of superlatives; including the largest room and suite inventories, the largest F&B offering, the largest spa facilities (opening in Q1 of 2019) and the largest ballroom in Accra. Accommodation Located in downtown Accra and in close proximity to the State House, the Accra International Conference Centre and the National Theatre, Kempinski hotel is the perfect place for both business and leisure guests. There are 265 rooms including 113 Superior Rooms, 84 Deluxe Rooms, 48 Executive Rooms, 5 Junior Suites 7 Executive Suites, 6 Executive Corner Suites and 2 Presidential Suites. Inspired by the warmth of the African sun, each room features beautiful hardwood floors, luxuriant textiles and carefully selected artworks celebrating the heritage of Ghana. The stylish decorated rooms are 50-200 sqm in size and offers guests unparalleled luxury and comfort. Meeting & Events Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City offers the perfect venue for elegant affairs in the grand ballroom as well as uniquely designed meeting spaces for productive meetings and conferences. A dedicated team is committed to helping guests 28 | VOYAGESAFRIQ

celebrate the most intimate dinners or the most magnificent of gatherings, from small family dinners to large weddings and concerts. The Adlon ballroom, which is the precious jewel of the conference and event spaces, is the largest and most luxurious in West Africa and covers 970sqm. These spaces are complemented by state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to support the needs of all event types. Restaurant and Bars The executive chef and his team have turned the kitchen into a stage where beautiful culinary magic is created. Each gathering or event is unique, therefore Kempinski offers a unique gastronomic experience to cater to all preferences. In an age of changing eating habits, the team caters to all dietary requirements, using fresh ingredients to achieve the best taste. The signature dishes available are a true representation of art that seeks to transport you on an unforgettable culinary journey. The Papillion restaurant, Cedar Garden, Gallery Bar and Gallery Lounge each have unique themes that inspire the purpose of each gathering. The Papillon Restaurant is full of life and is the ideal place for a quick business lunch, a casual dinner or a celebratory get together. It is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired all day dining restaurant, offering the best infusion of rich home-made Ghanaian flavors with outstanding flavors that travel the Mediterranean region. The Gallery bar is a refined contemporary Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

About Kempinski Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 76 five-star hotels and residences in 34 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

PMB 66 Ministries; Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue, Ridge, Accra-Ghana Reservations.Accra@Kempinski.Com +233 242 436 000

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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PANAFEST 2019

“BEYOND 400 YEARS: REACHING ACROSS CONTINENTS INTO THE FUTURE” 25th July -2nd August 2019 PANAFEST is a landmark biennial festival which is celebrated in the spirit of “Re-Uniting the African Family: Beyond 400 Years; Reaching Across Continents Into The Future.” Celebrated since 1992, the festival addresses the most traumatic interruption that ever occurred in the natural evolution of African societies which among other traumas profoundly eroded the self-confidence and freedom for self-determination of a whole people. The festival consciously makes the most prominent European edifices built on the Ghanaian Coast, through which the slave trade was conducted, a site for confronting the effects of enslavement, purging the pain of Diaspora, acknowledging the residual effects of the trade on the Continent and re-uniting to forge a positive future in the contemporary global environment. Alongside the healing processes, PANAFEST celebrates the strengths and resilience of African culture and achievements of Africans through the performance and visual arts as well as through dialogue. It is designed to help Africans to reconnect with their strengths. The festival is organised under the auspices of the Government of Ghana via Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture by a coalition of stake holders spearheaded by the PANAFEST Foundation including the Chiefs and People of the Central Region of Ghana, state and non-state agencies.

hile the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade had been in operation since the early 1500s, the first documented arrival of enslaved Africans to the fledgling English colonial America was in 1619. 2019 therefore marks 400 years since this documented and symbolic moment in the long history of African enslavement and subjugation for the building of what is now known as the United States of America.

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In October 2018, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo launched the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” and announced that this initiative “shows a proactive sensitivity of our country to the importance of showcasing resilience and the achievements of African descendants through the ages to the present and into the future. We believe now is the time to engage each other more positively from all measurable angles for the entire Calendar year 2019 and beyond”

With Ghana is the host country PANAFEST 2019 is the premier programme for this historical year: (a) To commemorate the tremendous contributions of Africans to the prosperity of England, United States of America, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Netherlands and other Colonizers of the period (b) To examine the impact of this lengthy period of servitude and colonialism on Africa and its people throughout the world in furtherance of UNESCO’s Declaration of the Decade for People of African Descent. However, of what worth is the toil and endurance of Africans over the centuries unless to reach out to each other across the continents and beyond 400 years into a self-directed future? Through a rich array of artistic and cultural expression as well as searching dialogue, the unspoken and unspeakable can be expressed, insights gained, essential awareness raised and pathways conceived. The festival is expected to bring communities of Africans together in the spirit of re-uniting the African Family beyond the distance and time.

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

THE PROGRAMME

Given the significance of the year, PANAFEST 2019 will be designed to meet the heartfelt needs of Africans in the Diaspora to reestablish a link with the continent and people of Africa in a meaningful way. It will also be designed to heighten awareness among Ghanaians about the massive, tidal wave of history in which we have been involved and its eventual impact on our present and future condition. Under the circumstances it is envisaged that the programme will be staged with a wider footprint with events taking place in several regions particularly the Greater Accra, Northern, and Central Regions.

HIGHLIGHTS

1 SLAVE ROUTE PILGRIMAGE AND ATONEMENT CEREMONIES Leading up to the festival a 3-4day pilgrimage along the slave route mapped under the UNESCO slave route project will be offered as an option. 2) WREATH LAYING & TRIBUTE TO THE ANCESTORS – 24th July 2019 A major event for PANAFEST and Emancipation Day will consist of a Wreath laying programme and Tribute to the Pan African Pioneers in Accra beginning at the W.E.B. DuBois Centre for Pan African Culture and continuing to the George Padmore Library and ending up at the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

3) RETURN JOURNEY AND AKWAABA CEREMONY -26th July 2019 The Programme will begin in the early morning with a gathering at the entrance of the Cape Coast Fort/Dungeon. 25 preselected Returnees will form a circle to invoke the spirit of the ancestors before proceeding to and through the “Door of No Return” to board canoes to begin the journey to Elmina 4) THE PANAFEST VILLAGE/BAZAAR/ EXPO : 26th July – 2nd August 2019 The PANAFEST Village /Bazaar and Expo will be a permanent site for exhibition and sale of goods, refreshment services and performances. 5) THE WORLD OF THE AFRICAN CHILD This is conceived as a day camp for children attending the festival. It will be subject to a procurement process to select a partner who will offer children a fascinating experience throughout the festival. It is expected that children will enter into their own world where they will have the opportunity to learn arts, skills and information grounded in the African experience and the joy of playing. 6) COLLOQUIUM, LECTURES, ASSEMBLIES and DIALOGUES Colloquium: 29th – 31st July 2019 Theme: Beyond 400 Years: Reaching Across Continents into the Future Working with the University of Cape Coast, Centre for African and International Studies. A 4-day colloquium will be held

to allow enough time for a debate on the theme. Publication of selected papers will be hardwired into the planning of the colloquium. At least two internationally renowned speakers will be invited to the colloquium. LECTURES- Keynote Speakers and Selected Panelists will be requested to give lectures at other sites in Ghana such as Accra and Kumasi 6a) INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE - 28th July, 2019 Faith Leaders from around the world convening an ecumenical gathering to dialogue on the role of religion in enslavement, colonialism and redemption and emancipation. 7) Youth Assembly 2nd August 2019 The International Hip Hop Pan African Diaspora Family Reunion a Pro Pan African development initiative convening an International Hip Hop/Rap Summit in collaboration with PANAFEST & MUSIGA. 8) OPENING CEREMONY GRAND DURBAR OF CHIEFS AND QUEEN MOTHERS AND PEOPLES OF AFRICA 27th July 2019 9) PERFORMANCES Every evening 9a)- Film Shows - Daily 9b)- Artists Workshops - Daily 10) REVERENTIAL NIGHT 31st July 2019 11) EMANCIPATION DAY 1st August 2019 VOYAGESAFRIQ | 31

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AUGUST Africa Loom is a premier destination and event management company aiming to become the international tourism gateway between the United States and Africa. For “Year of Return, Ghana 2019,” Africa Loom will curate captivating, cultural, and spiritual events.

What do we do – Our core business? • Advisory: Strategy Formulation and Implementation. • MICE: Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions, Events and Project Management. • Destination Marketing: Marketing and Sales Representation • Brand Management: Strategy, Activation and Digital and Social Media Marketing. • Investment: Facilitation and Promotions. • Training: Executive Coaching and Capacity Building. • Golf: Business Services and Events.

CONTACT DETAILS +27 (0) 11 037 0332 info@africatourismpartners.com www.africatourismpartners.com

HEAD OFFICE 61 Tumbleweed Place, Country View, Midrand, Johannesburg, 1600 South Africa

August 2nd - Healing Concert The concert will feature gospel artists from Africa and the diaspora. The current headliner is Bebe Winans, the widely acclaimed American gospel and R&B singer and member of the noted Winans family. Mr. Winans is a multiple award winning artiste and has a worldwide following.

The God Box Foundation

Nkyinkyim (Pronounced N’cheen-cheem) is an evolving art installation by Ghanaian artist Kwame Akoto-Bamfo. The installation seeks to use art (sculptures mostly) to document and tell the story of Ghanaian/African heritage. Kwame is looking at including the periods between pre-historic and postmodern times in the timeline narrative. “I am employing a nonlinear narrative for the art installation, because I believe it will make more impact by starting the story from a point of conflict; being the Trans-Atlantic slave Trade which disrupted the natural evolution of lives, cultures and the philosophies of the people on the African continent. Nkyinkyim’s first official exhibition started on 4th March 2017 under the title “Faux-Reedom”. The exhibition was an intervention to Ghana’s 60th Independence Anniversary Celebration. The exhibition sought to trigger a dialogue on “If we as Africans are really free” hence the pun Faux-reedom, with “faux” being French for fake. The installation was then installed at

Ussher Fort and then moved into the dungeons of Cape Coast for a year before being moved to Ada where more sculptures are being created. In August of 2019 there will an event to reveal Nkyinkyim Za Artwork related to “Year of Return, Ghana 2019

Dates: July 25th – August 21st The God Box Foundation (TGBF) is the first Pan African Interfaith Organization in the world that embraces, celebrates and promotes the spiritual and religious diversity of the Pan African family. TGBF provides a welcoming, loving, respectful and nurturing platform for religious scholars and bodies, spiritual and traditional practitioners, and all children of God. TGBF helps all to gain the experiential and intellectual knowledge of the multiplicity and universality of God within all our unique and diverse particularities. For “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” TGBF will host the “God Box Spiritual Pilgrimage.” The three week pilgrimage will participate in PANAFEST, Emancipation, and touring and visiting religious sites in Ghana. Website: TheGodBoxFoundation.org Email: info@tgbfoundation.org

Most Convenient schedule and Shortest flying time between Accra and Washington DC.

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August 2nd & August 3rd – Ghana Natural Hair Expo Ghana Natural Hair Expo is a celebration of natural hair and Beauty show. The Expo will provide an environment filled with fun, fellowship, empowerment and exciting hair show. It will feature panel discussions, educational workshops, hair braiding Competition, live entertainment, local and international vendors. The goal of the expo will allow women, men and children to embrace uniqueness of their natural hair and also learn about natural hair care. August 5th – Investment Forum Assembled to lead efforts that connect and facilitate African AmericanGhanaian investment and business ventures, large and small. Converging Ghanaʼs incredible resources and well educated labor pool with African American ingenuity and technology. Contact: Email: africanloom@aol.com

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August 19th – 25th The CHALE WOTE Street Art Festival also known as Chale Wote is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance and performance out into the streets of Jamestown, Accra. The festival targets exchanges between scores of local and international artists and patrons by creating and appreciating art together. The first festival took place in July 2011, following a series of discussions about creating DIY [do-it‑yourself] community projects by participants at our Talk Party Series. Our partners for the festival include Dr. Monk, AfroGallonism, and the Millennium Cities Initiative – AMA Project Management Unit. Our vision is to cultivate a wider audience for the arts in West Africa by breaking creative boundaries and using art as a viable

form to rejuvenate public spaces. The CHALE WOTE Street Art Festival challenges both artists and community- based audiences to connect through art. The festival includes street painting, graffiti murals, photo exhibitions, interactive installations, a food and fashion marketplace, live street performances, extreme sports, African film shows, street boxing, a fashion parade, a music block party, recyclable design workshops and much more. More than 200 Ghana-based and international artists take part in the event every year. Instagram: chalewoteofficial Website: http://accradotaltradio.com

August 17, 2019

The MMG Foundation is preparing for the second annual “Marcus Garvey Award Ball and Banquet” on the 17th August 2019. The purpose of the event is to commemorate The Right Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey’s 132 earth years, celebrate the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated PanAfrican unity and spirit both home and abroad, and to engage in annual fundraising events where all proceeds will go towards the construction of a Marcus Garvey Pan-African Centre in Ghana.

he Marcus Garvey Pan-African Centre, a multimillion-cedi facility, is envisioned to be a globally relevant light house on the continent of Africa for the preservation of Garvey’s principles, philosophies and the advancement of Afrocentric achievement across all endeavours. With the entire diaspora as a target market, when fully operating, it is expected to attract and generate a steady stream of activity that will attract international visitors for conferences, tours, seminars, workshops and more, all eventually contributing significantly to the local economy. Africans with ancestry in the Caribbean and America since the early 1960s

have repatriated to the motherland Africa because of the “back to Africa” movement and Pan-African philosophy of The Rt. Hon Marcus Garvey who was a proponent of Black Nationalism in the USA and most importantly Jamaica. Despite the achievements of this great icon of African emancipation in the Caribbean and America for Africans in the Diaspora, there is no monument in Ghana to celebrate his role in advancing Pan-Africanism and African Liberation. Against this background, together with the Ghana Tourism Authority “Year of Return 2019” initiative to commemoration 400 years of slavery, the Marcus Garvey Awards Ball and Banquet will showcase the

philosophy and opinions of the Rt Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey as a key exponent of the “back to Africa” movement. How in later years his influence guided Ghana’s Asagyefo Kwame Nkrumah to the independence of the Gold Coast renamed Ghana. The Marcus Garvey Awards and Banquet will be an event that celebrates African resilience and determination. The annual Marcus Garvey Awards & Banquet event will put Ghana on the international map of the places to go in the August. Ghana will benefit from the influx of tourists from America, United Kingdom, other African Countries, the Caribbean and other parts of the world who are Pan Africanists at heart or who simply want to be a part of this historical event. The African Diaspora market will have access to Ghana annually and would give Ghana the opportunity to showcase its cultural richness. Your support would be greatly appreciated. We are excited about the possibilities this event will provide for the moral upliftment of Africans home and abroad. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our events personnel Wudasi Mariam on mgfghana@gmail.com

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erts gether, exp honour to and the of industry s f the mind meeting o e th h it finishing w 19 sing pop STIVAL 20 al showca E iv F st H fe A h J ja O Voya VOY an american a Pan Afric r african & fo s by re o Voyajah is st g up ormances n promotin music perf s, e ss organisatio e ts n a is si n a bu al art . etween Gh internation ic n o Ic relations b & l loca f African d & people o lf se l impact an a g in ild Festival wil h ja ya descent bu o V e Th sing Arts, eration... platform u spire a gen ial c in o S sustainable & h lt a f it.... ucation,He ival Be apart o Culture, Ed on the fest s. n o ti formation n e in rv re te o in m y r g it o F win Mobil ng the follo ntact us usi rn co tu e R f O r ng the “Yea details. In celebrati unching an la e b l il w h ja ya o V ” re 2019 ill featu yajah.com ival that w ulture@vo C st d fe n l ra sa u rt g A inau ions with om nel discuss w.voyajah.c w w e p a cultural pa ram - @ C e th on...Instag akers at s e u sp l w a o ti ll e n o e F th influ l tour to Twitter - @ le, historica oyajah_org at V d e Coast Cast st o h e rg gdom to b voyajah_o Ashanti Kin ala dinner G , ce la a P a the Manhyi uests of y special g b d e d n e att

ER SEPTEMB

Event Name: H.E.R. Collective presents The RBG (real black gold) Festival Event Date: September 21, 2019 Are you ready for the biggest event in Ghana?! H.E.R. Collective presents The RBG (real black gold) festival happening Sept 21, 2019. Hosted by the lovely ladies and founders of H.E.R(helping elevation rise) Collective, Queen Afia Khalia Tweneboa Kodua and Queen Nzali Johnetta Abraham. What can you expect? A day full of artist from all over the globe and some of Ghana’s very own local stars. Fun & games for the children such as arts & crafts, dancing completitions, food contest and so much more. There will be games and prizes for adults, raffles, icebreakers social mixer challenges, hidden figures history trivia, battle of the sexes, masquerades, drum circles, folklore tales food and all kinds of fun for the entire family!!!! For more information contact: h.e.r.throne11@gmail.com or call 050 297-3850/0548357086 or follow bus on Instagram @h.e.r_collective!

OCTOBER

Event Name: BLUEPRINT CONFERENCE GHANA 2019 Event Date: October 25th – 26th, 2019 Jenniez School of African Interior Design is the First and only approved educator of interior decoration in Africa duly registered with the Interior Design Association of Nigeria.

e are the catalyst for bridging the gap in interior decoration education in Africa. Our vision is to raise world class certified interior decorators and successful entrepreneurs through Design The Blueprint Conference is hosted by Jenniez School of African Interior Design (JSAID) based in Lagos, Nigeria. However, the Ghanaian edition will be co-hosted with Blueprint Africa, an interior design consultancy based between Abidjan and Accra. By virtue of this, the partnership will bring in people in diaspora from

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neighbouring ECOWAS countries both as speakers, delegates and attendees. The maiden edition tagged The Business of Design was held on the 10th of November 2018 in Nigeria. It involved expert design professionals and business experts who came together to empower interior designers, skilled workers, architects, artisans, designers, manufacturers of small to medium sized enterprises in the design industry, with

It is a 2 days event starting on the 25th to 26th of October 2019. The first day will be a half day tour of historical buildings and the second day will be a day -long conference with master classes from top architects and interior designers in Nigeria and Ghana in collaboration with members of the Interior Designers and Decorators of Ghana Association (IDDG). We realize that African resilience speaks to the concept of enduring through time. This is exactly the appeal of the study of buildings - to leave a legacy throughout the ages. Architecture and interior design are credible yet subtle ambassadors of culture and history. Ghana’s shores are testaments to the slave trade, dotted with over a dozens of slave forts. Historic areas like Jamestown and Osu reflect colonial homes from the country’s years under British rule. Yet the urban skyline is modern showing the evolution of Ghana’s design ethos and spirit while continuing to reflect homegrown design principles and concepts. This is demonstrated for example in the Ashanti

practical tools, guidance and motivation on how to take their business to the next level.

The Blueprint Conference will target to interior designers, architects, builders, construction companies, manufacturers, product designers and other professionals in the design industry in Ghana. Interested in participating or sponsoring?. Call or Email us Call +2349093895151 OR +22558949945 Email- founder@jenniezschool.com OR 2blueprintafrica@gmail.com For more details www.jsaid.com.ng/ blueprintconference www.instagram.com/blueprintconference Co-Host :www.instagram.com/ blueprintafrica About JSAID www.jsaid.com.ng About Blueprint Africa www.blueprintafrica.com

In celebration of the Year of Return, Ghana 2019 - The Blueprint Conference Ghana will be themed “Celebrating African Heritage through Interior Design” and will feature speakers that will hone in on the intersection between interior architecture, cultural inspiration and modernism. Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

stool reincarnation that is the Jubilee House

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DECEMBER

helpful to our course, which we are grateful for.

December 14th 2019

Event Name: The Creative’ Art Show Event Date: December 14th 2019

NVA Marketing and Promotions (NVAMPGh), an event management, staffing, promotional and marketing firm on Tuesday, December 1, 2015, launched the 1st annual “Creatives Art show” in Accra, Ghana. The show was aimed at “Promoting Ghana through Creativity” and “Giving Ghanaian artists opportunities to affect others with their works which will ultimately lead to different heights”.

“

The Creatives Art Show”, an event of four plus years in the running, brings together Ghanaian and foreign artists living in the country. These individuals get to meet art devotees coming from various parts of the world, to interact, network amongst themselves in addition to share desires as artists and art lovers. Artists can market and in due course sell work pieces to possible buyers. The main goal for the event is to Promote Ghana through Creativity, to unify and highlight these great artists.

The AfroChic Cultural Arts Exhibit is a multi-disciplined mobile event which highlights young and emerging talent of African descent through visual arts, music, technology, wellness activations while showcasing the diverse culture of the Afro community. AfroChic Cultural Arts Exhibit is seeking to travel to Accra Ghana in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism to activate a once in a lifetime experience attracting a global audience. Set to take place on Saturday December 21, 2019 and Sunday December 22, 2019 the vision 38 | VOYAGESAFRIQ Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

NVA Marketing and Promotions was fortunate to have held its 1st and 2nd art show at the Afrikiko Leisure Center in Kanda, the 3rd at the Nubuke Foundation in East Legon and the most recent the 4th at the Ndoleb Event Center in Tesano all of Accra. The 4 past events proved successful with the help of a NVAMP’s marketing efforts, support from Ghana Tourism Authority, The Chinese Embassy, The Embassy of Ethiopian, Embassy of Malaysian, popular media houses and many others. These devoted bodies assisted with funds, materials, gifts and most importantly attendance, that were

for the AfroChic Diaspora Festival is a two-day tech and digital virtual reality inspired fest that will explore where technology and design intersects with a focus on the arts, health, technology and political representation. Event curators, honoured guests and spectators alike will be probed to ask the question “what does a black Utopia look and feel like”? The event will attempt to answer this question. Contacts Ivy Prosper, Founder Prosper Creative +233 54 270 0101 Ivy@ivyprosper.com Amoye Henry Executive Director AfroChic Inc 1 416 509 1608 Amoye@amoyehenry.com

The Annual Creative Art Show gets more than 200 spectators in attendance, including embassies, international institutions, NGO’s, business firms, and most importantly foreign communities as well as the general public. Local newspaper, radio, as well as television stations always cover the events giving it the opportunity to reach the right patrons/targeted audience. NVA Marketing and Promotions is anxiously looking forward to an even greater success in this year’s education. Please find our social media handles and contact information for more questions and answers pertaining to “The “Creative” Annual Art Show”. Phone #: - 0554602816 / 0242346963 Email: thecreativesgh@gmail.com Twitter: @thecreativesgh Facebook: @thecreativesgh Instagram: thecreativesghnvamp.

December 28th, 2019 AFROCHELLA is a festival designed to highlight & elevate thrilling and thriving millennial talent from and within Africa. The festival is an interactive event that encourages collaboration, explains and explores culture with a pioneering approach. The day features a festive celebration of our culture in the form of: Art & Fashion Installations, Live painting, The Best of African Cuisine, Live performances.

he festival’s purposes is to tell the New Africa story from a native’s perspective. All aspects of the festival from the theme to the production are an ode to the ingenuity and available services in Africa. Our goal is to optimize the experience & engage the attendees with the culture in an authentic yet innovative approach. We look forward

to sharing this experience as a footstep into a new tradition of bringing people together in Africa for tourism and ProAfrican development. Facebook: @afrochella | Twitter: @ Afrochella_GH Instagram: @afrochella

For further updates on

Contact the Secretariat Office Location Accra Tourist Information Centre Off Liberation Road, Accra – Ghana email: support@yearof return.com www.yearofreturn.com

#Brafie

#Ghana

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Jakarta

Invest in Ghana

Increasing global awareness of the potential contributions of the Diasporan community to national development has seen several national and international governmental and non-governmental institutions setting up programmes to engage such groups. Ghanaians in the Diaspora being one of the most accomplished in the world, present a formidable force for national development when engaged strategically. Through remittances, promotion of trade and investments, research and innovation, knowledge and technology transfers, and access to foreign capital markets, the Ghanaian Diaspora can make significant impact on Ghana’s quest for economic transformation. Remittances to the country alone amounted to US$2.2billion in 2017 according to the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief.

It is against this backdrop that the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre has constantly engaged with the Ghanaian Diaspora. This is usually through engagements in events like the various Homecoming Summits and meetings with Ghanaian professional associations and communities during investment promotion missions abroad. The Centre has also advocated for the creation of an enabling and welcoming environment for Diasporan investments. One such example is the waiver of the minimum capital requirements for Ghanaians of dual nationalities in the investment law Act 865. In fact, the GIPC stands ready to provide advisory services and facilitatory assistance to the Ghanaian Diaspora in the investment process.

Indonesia’s pulsing heart will charm you with its cultural & culinary diversity. Hop on our flights and get ready for a great experience starting from July 2018. www.ethiopianairlines.com

For the non-resident Ghanaian, there are several opportunities for doing business in Ghana across our priority sectors namely; Agriculture, Industry, Tourism and Infrastructure. The vision for Ghana’s agriculture sector is modernized agriculture culminating in a structurally transformed economy and evident in food security and employment. The government of Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

Ghana has initiated a comprehensive Agricultural investment program across the various sub sectors. Planting for Food and Jobs and One Village, One Dam are government flagship programmes aimed at reforming the agriculture sector which Ghanaians in the Diaspora can exploit. Specific opportunities within the agricultural sector are, the establishment of a fertilizer plant in the Western part of Ghana, investment in the growth, consumption and export of quality rice grains, investment in cocoa processing and value-addition for export as well as investment in poultry production to meet local consumption. With respect to industry, there is a

Opportunities for investment in the tourism, arts and culture are immense, ranging from construction and management of hotels, leisure parks, golf courses, conference tourism, air/ground transport, wildlife, tour operation, to ecotourism facilities, cultural and historical sites. Ghana’s infrastructure sector also presents lots of opportunities to be explored. There is a strong government commitment to revitalize the railway sector with a proposed plan of over 4,007 km of integrative railway. Construction of schools, hospitals, roads and sea ports are also areas that needs massive investments and attention. The government of Ghana is committed in making Ghana a business-friendly nation in Africa to accelerate socioeconomic development and prosperity for all. It is therefore calling on Ghanaians in the Diaspora and other strategic investors to come on board to explore the various opportunities in Ghana.

strategic focus of the government to transform the Ghanaian economy from export of raw materials and resources to value addition and processing. As part of the industrialization agenda, there is a focus on the creation of factories and industries geared towards the decentralization of industrial development which will equip communities to utilize their local resources in manufacturing products that are in high demand both locally and internationally. The development of robust anchor industries in petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, vehicle assembling plants, among others are all initiatives geared towards the industrialization agenda.

GIPC Contact Email: info@gipcghana.com website : www.gipcghana.com

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Key things to know before you visit PASSPORT: A valid passport is mandatory.

LOCAL TIME: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

VISAS: Required of most nonresidents. Ecowas nationals are exempt. For more details consult the Ghana Mission or Consular Office near you or the Ghana Immigration Service.

ELECTRICITY: 220 / 240 volts.

HEALTH: Yellow fever vaccination required by all. Infants under one year are exempt. CURRENCY: The unit of currency in Ghana is the cedi (pronounced ‘CD’). There are 100 pesewas to a cedi. CLOTHING: Loose, cool clothing is recommended all year round. Even in coolest times, a long-sleeved shirt or light sweater is generally sufficient. Dress is conservative in Ghana and long trousers are generally worn. Shorts are acceptable only if they are at least knee-length. Revealing clothing or items with suggestive slogans are considered inappropriate. Rainwear is useful from April to September. USEFUL ITEMS: A torch (flashlight) is useful in case of power outages or lack of street lights. Mosquito repellent is a good precaution and you may wish to take medication for malaria prevention. Birdwatchers should bring their own binoculars. If staying at an ecotourism site, bring a top sheet and towels. A spare toilet roll is a good idea. BUSINESSES HOURS: General: 08.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 17.00. Banks: 08.30 to 15.00 Mondays to Fridays. 42 | VOYAGESAFRIQ

NATIONAL DIALLING CODE: +233.

RESTAURANTS: There is a wide choice of international restaurants, particularly in Accra and Kumasi. Visitors can also sample delicious spicy Ghanaian dishes at local restaurants (chop bars). TOURS: The GTA has details of licensed tour operators.

DRIVING: Ghanaians drive on the right. Visitors require an international driving licence and insurance. Vehicles driven across the borders require a special permit. Night driving is not recommended because of poor road conditions outside cities.

ENTERTAINMENT: Urban Ghana comes alive in the evenings with everything from cultural entertainment to theatres, cinemas, discotheques, pubs and casinos. Ask your hotel reception for details or log on to www.ghana.travel.

MEDICAL AID: Modern private and public hospitals and clinics are available in all cities and big towns. Health insurance is advised.

SHOPPING: There are ample opportunities to shop for souvenirs at craft shops, art galleries, open markets, malls, jewellery shops and craft villages.

A WELCOMING CLIMATE PHOTOGRAPHY: Visitors are encouraged to take photographs, but avoid taking pictures of Osu Castle (the seat of government), military installations and the airport. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Ghana is considered a peaceful and safe country, but visitors are advised to be wary of strangers and to avoid secluded and quiet places. Personal effects and important documents must be kept secure.

Ghana is an ‘any time’ destination thanks to its consistent climate, with only a slight variation in temperature throughout the year. Lying just above the equator, Ghana has a tropical climate – typically hot and humid with seasonal rains. The weather is generally warm and comparatively dry along the south-east coast, hot and humid in the south-west and hot and dry in the north. In most areas, temperatures are highest in March and lowest in August. Ghana’s high season for tourism is from June to August, while the country receives fewer visitors from September to December.

DRINKING WATER: Bottled mineral water recommended.

The coolest time of year is the wet season, with clear skies, lush growth and temperatures of 23 to 31°C.

CREDIT CARD AND CURRENCY FACILITIES: The most widely accepted credit cards are American Express, Diners and Visa. You can pay with your card at leading hotels, airlines and supermarkets. Foreign currency can be exchanged at forex facilities and banks.

In the southern coastal region, the rainy seasons occur from April to June and from September to mid November. The dry months – and also the easiest times for travelling within Ghana – are from November to March and during July and August.

TIPPING: The quality of service should dictate your generosity to waiters, taxi drivers, porters, guides, etc.

In the Central Region, the rains are heavier and last longer.

HOTELS: Ghana’s hotels are classified according to the international star system, from one to five. There are also budget hotels with minimum standards of sanitation and comfort. The grade of a hotel is shown on the licence issued by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and displayed at reception.

In the hotter and drier north, there is one rainy season lasting from April to October.

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Ghana – A tourism destination From butterflies to idyllic beaches, Ghana is a golden experience “Akwaaba’ is an expression you will hear several times a day as you travel around Ghana, one that will ring in your ears at night and bring a smile to your face weeks after you leave. It means ‘Welcome’ and this is exactly how you will feel when visiting this beautiful West African country.

hana – formerly the Gold Coast – is a success story of African development, democracy and stability; a nation made up of people who are as warm as its climate. Rich in history and culture, Ghana is a haven that combines the charms of a tropical beach idyll with a fascinating historical heritage, social variety and amazing wildlife. With its scenic beauty, its fascinating history and its timehonoured traditions in culture and art, Ghana stands out as a preferred tourist destination in West Africa. Along the shores of Ghana there are centuries- old forts and monuments attesting to Europe’s trading links with Africa and the transatlantic slave trade and in recent times these have become World Heritage Sites. Ghana has played a pioneering role in Pan-Africanism, leading other countries to attain independence from colonial rule. Thanks to its wonderful diversity of natural attractions and its vibrant cultural identity, Ghana is able to offer the visitor a microcosmic taste of Africa. Known for its great hospitality and friendly people,

Ghana is an obvious port of call for experienced travellers; an alternative for those who have exhausted the safari circuit and crave a different African experience; and a perfect introduction to the continent for first-time visitors. Experience Ghana There is something for everyone in Ghana. While nature lovers will marvel at the wildlife – including elephants, monkeys, birds, and butterflies – and the breathtaking views of varied landscape and unspoilt sandy beaches, other visitors will be enthralled by a cultural experience that links the past to the present in the institution of chieftaincy and rich regalia, the colourful pageantry of Ghana’s annual festivals, the rich array and variety of handicrafts and, above all, the country’s proverbial hospitality. Enjoy our warm generosity, immerse yourself in our traditions and lifestyles and

explore the beauty of the land. ‘Akwaaba’ to the golden experience. Rich history and heritage

Slave forts top list of unique sites

From the moment one arrives in Ghana, it is clear that here is a country with a rich history and heritage. Local people take pride in recounting their ancestry and cultural roots, while every region has a fascinating story to tell of momentous events. Ghana has successfully preserved its wealth of significant sites and ancient structures, making it a perfect destination for history enthusiasts. For many tourists the history of Ghana begins with the slave trade and European interaction; but there was a long and opulent history before that. While there is archaeological evidence that people have lived in what is now Ghana since about 1500 BC, the accepted wisdom is that many of Ghana’s present-day ethnic groups arrived in the 13th

century AD. It was the slave trade, however, that left the most formidable mark on Ghana. The country’s coast is dotted with castlesand forts built by British, Dutch, Danish, German, Portuguese and Swedish traders. Outstanding examples can be seen at Cape Coast and Elmina, where the two castles give the visitor a true insight into the 15th century slave trade and the poignant last view of Africa experienced by thousands of slaves. These age-old sites are a legacy of the several centuries when European masters and native African servants lived and worked here. The warehouses would have been filled with gold and ivory exports and African slaves destined for auction in the New World. Memorials As well as being thought-provoking memorials to the slave trade, many of the forts and castles have been recognized by Unesco as World Heritage Sites. Ghana’s extraordinary history includes the legend of an Asante king held prisoner in Elmina Castle at the start of his brutal exile from Ghana. It is easy to understand why not only presentday Ghanaians but people across the western hemisphere have an interest in preserving these unique buildings. The historical landmarks of Ghana offer an insight into the culture and lifestyle of the people. Open to tourists all year round, these sites allow visitors to understand Ghana’s pride in its history. Remnants of past civilisations can be seen in the Northern Region at the Larabanga Mosque, one of the oldest in West Africa, dating back to the 15th century. This

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rare structure of mud is renovated every year because of the damage caused to its vulnerable walls by heavy rain. The Saharan-style Islamic mosques, also located in northern Ghana, add to the country’s abundance of significant structures. The 16th century Nalerigu Defence Wallcan be found in the village of Nalerigu in the Northern Region. Built by a powerful chief called Naa Jaringan, the wall originally surrounded the village, but now only a few ruins remain. The wall was built to protect the villagers from slave raiders on the main route between Ouagadogou in Burkina Faso and Djenne in Mali. According to local tradition, the wall was built from stones, mud, honey and milk. Independence Visitors can learn about the country’s colonial period its route to independence by visiting the National Museum in the capital, Accra. The museum, opened in 1957

as part of Ghana’s independence celebration, is the largest and oldest of the six museums run by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. After exploring the museum, visitors can stroll through the colonial neighbourhoods and fishing communities of Jamestown and Ushertown for the perfect end to a legacy-filled day. Another historical hotspot is the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and memorial park in Accra. Dedicated to the prominent 20th century Ghanaian leader, who famously oversaw the nation’s progress to independence from British colonial rule in 1957, the memorial park is a favourite with local people. Kwame Nkrumah was the first prime minister and first president of Ghana,an advocate of Pan-Africanism, a founding member of the Organisation of African Unity and a winner of the Lenin Peace Prize. The mausoleum is a testament not only to the depth of Ghana’s heritage but also to the progress that the country has made since independence. VOYAGESAFRIQ | 45

People and culture

Food, festivals and a dazzling range of artistic events From the bustle of downtownAccra to the atmospheric adobe villages of the north, the huge cultural diversity of Ghana is a source of fascination for visitors, drawing them into a daily rhythm that is unmistakably African. Along the south coast lies the Fante Kingdom, where local fishermen still ply their trade in colourful pirogues and life is ruled by the winds and tides of the Atlantic Ocean. Northern Ghana, by contrast, has strong cultural links with the sandy region of Sahel – an Islamic influence dating back to mediaeval times. This can be seen in the local style of dress and the distinctive mud architecture of villages such as Paga, Sirigu and Larabanga. Sightseers can experience the cultural variety of Ghana by visiting each unique region. Centuries-old traditions, coupled with distinct ethnic groups, have left a splendid legacy. To the people of Ghana, the customs of their ancestors are still an important part of day-to-day life. Festivals are a big feature of Ghana. These flamboyant events are held across the country throughout the year. Barely a week goes by without a town or village holding its annual celebration, 46 | VOYAGESAFRIQ

while personal events such as funerals, childbirth, namegiving ceremonies and weddings all tend to have a carnival atmosphere. These events provide an opportunity for communities and families to come together. Many Ghanaians also believe they help form a bond with their ancestors and heritage. Many festivals include thrilling durbars at which the tribal leaders process in decorated palanquins, shaded by traditional umbrellas and supported by drummers and warriors firing ancient muskets. To experience a Ghanaian festival is a ‘must’. It’s hard to resist the spectacle of Ghanaians dressed in their finest colourful attire as they vibrantly parade in time to the drums alongside their traditional chiefs. Africa is known for its lively music and dancing and Ghana hosts some of the continent’s most talented musicians and dancers. Visitors can discover authentic West African

Ghanaian Foods Ghanaian food is an interesting experience for visitors. Most dishes consist of a starchy element, a sauce or soup and a meat. The basis of many Ghanaian recipes is a kind of thick porridge or puree. The Ghanaian diet varies from region to region. In the north, millet, yams and corn are eaten most frequently, while in the south and west people enjoy plantains (similar to bananas), cassava, and cocoyam (a root vegetable).

Cassava rhythms, drumming and dancing at its finest as well as learning how villages use ‘talking drums’ to communicate – a technique still in use today. Visitors are urged to participate in these wonderful arts that have been performed for centuries. Ghanaians are also fanatical about football. It is by far the most widely followed sport in Ghana and crowds swarm to watch their local and national teams play. Both men and women’s football is growing, and the sport is starting to generate a serious income for many areas. For a truly exciting Ghanaian encounter, with traditional chanting and drumming, go and see a game at the Tamale Stadium. Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

Fufu, made from cooked cassava and plantain, is the most popular type of puree in the south while tuo-zafi, made from millet flour, is popular in the north. Rice is also turned into a puree called omo tuo and the dish is considered a delicacy. Visitors will enjoy groundnut soup and other popular dishes such as red-red (a fired plantain with beans), jollof rice (a risotto), bean leaf forowe (a fishy tomato stew), palava sauce (a spinach stew with fish or chicken) and grilled tilapia (a freshwater fish).

Local beers such as Star, Club, Stone, Castle and milk stout are readily available. For something a little stronger, visitors can choose from locally prepared drinks such as akpeteshie (dry gin), distilled palm wine (a delicacy that is best when fresh), pito and schnapps (favoured at local ceremonies and presented to chiefs). The Ghanaian way of life is unique and the country is alive with inimitable cultures and traditions. Once visitors have experienced the relaxed and joyful atmosphere of Ghana, they will want to return.

Local dishes are eaten without cutlery using the right hand. Food and drink such as goat’s meat, sugar cane, sweetcorn, coconut, oranges and plantain chips are sold on the street. Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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Ten Places to Visit in Ghana

Nzulezu Water Stilt

Cape Coast Castle

Elmina Castle

Another World Heritage Site, the Elmina Castle is located at Elmina, which is just 10km west of Cape Coast. Elmina happens to be the first point of contact between the Europeans and the inhabitants of Ghana, then Gold Coast.In 1471, when a Don Diego d’ Azambuja led Portuguese expedition arrived, they referred to Elmina as “Mina de Ouro” meaning the gold mine because of the vast amount of gold and ivory they found. Trading was imminent and Elmina became the centre of a thriving trade in gold, ivory and slaves which were exchanged for cloth, beads, brass bracelets etc.

The Portuguese built the St. Georges Castle or Sao Jorge da Mina (now Elmina Castle) in 1482. The edifice covered an area of 97,000 sq ft becoming the earliest known European structure in the tropics. As trade buoyed, it attracted other Europeans and a struggle for control ensued. The Dutch eventually captured the castle and remained in its control for the next 235 years.On 6th April, 1872, the castle was ceded to the British. It has served as a police recruit centre and a secondary school in the past. Elmina Castle has a gift shop and tour guides are available to willingly offer their services daily. It is a historical site and recognized by UNESCO as a world Heritage site.

Designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site, the Cape Coast Castle is described as one of the six most beautiful in existence with a very rich history. Originally built by the Swedes in 1653 for commercial trading purposes between the natives and the European traders, the castle has been at various times controlled by the British, the Dutch, the Danes and the French.The monument played an integral role during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade during which millions of slaves were shipped to the Americas. The Cape Coast Castle presents one with a comprehension and appreciation of the age of European exploration, interaction between Europeans, Africans and the Carribeans. The ‘door of no return’ which for more than 100years opened to the certainty of a short and brutal life for the millions of Africans that were captured off these shores and sold into slavery, now opens to the serene and awesome vastness of the Atlantic ocean. On July 11, 2009 President Obama and his family were conducted round the castle on their inaugural presidential visit to Sub-Saharan Africa.

Cape Coast Castle

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Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is one of the popular National Parks in Ghana characterised by its moist evergreen rainforest, the 375 sq.km National Park is situated about 30km north of Cape Coast, the Central Regional Capital and about 170km from Accra.Kakum National Park is endowed with different and rare species of wildlife including 40 species of mammals, over 500 species of butterflies and a wide array of birds. Some of the species include the endangered monameekat, civet cats, yellow backed duiker, red river hog, pygmy elephants, buffalo, leopard, bongo, bee-eater and hornbills. Kakum National has a long series of hanging bridges at the forest canopy level known as the “Canopy Walkway”, a major feature of the Kakum National Park. At about 30m in height, visitors can view species of plants and animals from a vantage point. The Canopy Walkway passes over seven (7) bridges and covers a length of 350m. It is secured by series of nets and wires. Another feature is the sun bird trail developed to integrate 3 ecosystems including the rainforest, the secondary forest and a pond environment for visitors to watch birds. The park’s welcome centre is made up of a restaurant, a picnic area, a camping area and a wildlife education centre. It can be visited throughout the year. Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

An amazing village where life goes on in the centre of Lake Tadane, , Village on stilts is located near the village of Beyin, just 90km west of Takoradi the western Region of Ghana. The name Nzulezu in Nzema language means “water surface”. The village overlooks the lake Tadane and is entirely made up of stilts and platforms. it was built by a group of people from Oualata, a city of the ancient Ghana empire located in present day Mauritania, which came about from following a snail.. The houses are built on stilts, and traditional village life adapts to the watery conditions. The excursion from Beyin involves a walk through the reeds at the lake’s edge, and a trip in a dugout canoe to the village. The village welcomes visitors every day except Thursday, which is a sacred day.

Manhyia Palace Museum

The seat of the Ashanti King which houses a Royal Museum stocked with unique paraphernalia and life-size statues of notable Ashanti Kings and Queens, as well as a Gift Shop and Art Gallery.The Manhyia Palace Museum was created within the Old Residence of Otumfuo Agyeman Prempeh I and Otumfuo Sir Osei Agyeman Prempeh II, the thirteenth and fourteenth Kings of Ashanti respectively. This historic building, which was built in 1925, was rehabilitated in 1995.The Museum was officially opened on August 12, 1995 by Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, the 15th King, as part of activities marking the Silver Jubilee of his ascension to Sikadwa (Golden Stool). Okomfo Anokye Sword

Kwame Nkrumah Museum

This magnificent monument on High Street was erected in honour of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a great Pan-Africanist who led the country to Independence in 1957. The Monument stands on the same grounds popularly known as Polo Grounds where Ghana’s Independence was declared on March 6, 1957. The Mausoleum is the final resting place of his remains, and that of his Egyptian wife Madam Fathia Nkrumah. It has offices, a library of his historical records and memorabilia. Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am

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Afadja Mountain

Afadja Mountain is the highest peak in the country (885m above sea level). It hosts a remarkable variety of butterflies, relic populations of mammals and bird species. The tour to the top will take you on the average 2 hours depending on your speed and strength and you will be rewarded with great scenic views. The close Tagbo Falls are also worth a visit. . it is located in the Agumatsa. Agumatsa Range near the villages of Gbledi and Liate wote in the Volta Region of Ghana. Mount Afadja is one of the most visited tourist attraction in the region welcoming thousands of visitors from around the globe annually.

Brenu Akyinim Beach

Brenu Akyinim Beach is located between the villages of Ankwanda and Brenu Akyinim. It is sited at about 20km west of Cape Coast, off the Cape Coast – Takoradi highway. It’s a 3-kilometre fabulous stretch of pristine palm-fringed, sandy beach where the water is clean providing an ideal site for swimming, surfing, skiing and sun bathing.It’s an excellent site for picnic and beach sports (i.e. football and volleyball). There is also a peaceful lagoon nearby, a winter home of hundreds of migratory birds.

Wli Waterfalls

One of the most important tourist attractions of the Region is the Wli Waterfalls. These waterfalls are said to be the highest and most spectacular in West Africa. The Wli Falls are located a twenty-minute drive away from Hohoe at the edge of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary. The water falls from a height of about 1,600 feet, into a plunge pool where swimming is permitted.

Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

The Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary located 22km north of Nkoranza, hosts a rare breed of Monkeys which are considered citizens of the town. It is a superb sanctuary created in the then Nkoranza District in 1974 to protect the Sacred Monkeys that inhabit the forest around the villages of Boabeng and Fiema. The sanctuary is home to the black and white colobus monkeys and mona monkeys.The monkeys are used to human beings and are found on the compounds of the villages of Boabeng and Fiema. Accommodation facilities are available for tourists who may want to spend the night or stay longer for research. It is home to about 700 Monkeys.. villages of Boabeng and Fiema. Accommodation facilities are available for tourists who may want to spend the night or stay longer for research. 50 | VOYAGESAFRIQ

Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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Accra’s Burgeoning Night Life Accra is mostly known as the home of many creative talents, many tourist attractions and for its ChaleWote annual festival. The latter is said to be one of the biggest gathering of artistes and rated amongst the top five art festivals in Africa. It is made up of a frenzy of other colourful activities as well.

The rest include Jokers, Club Onyx, Level 8 lounge, Soho, Afrikiko, The Room, Honeysuckle, Akuma Village, La Pleasure Beach, Tawala and more

Flow at Krystal Night Club ). Just Music at Rockstone’s Office is definitely the place you ought to be on Tuesday nights where young talented musicians perform their magic on the live music set Conveniently located in a lively suburb of Osu is Republic Bar one of Accra’s most popular place. Wednesday live performance events at Republic bar and grill with some of Ghana’s best alternative bands and top musicians attracts a high blend of expatriates, tourists and also locals with great taste for music.

The city has developed its vibrancy and has become more cosmopolitan with different attractions gradually monopolizing each day or night of the week.

The other part is also an invigorating underground night life with amazing concepts. You will find your regular budget spots or bars (pubs) in every small neighborhood where locals relax, drink, dance to their favorite tunes and genres and take a chance on a pool table.

ut even if your trip doesn’t coincide with these exciting festivals and events, Accra has enough nightlife to easily keep you occupied and rejuvenated. The nightlife culture of Accra shines bright with Osu Oxford Street, Lagos Avenue in East legon, Spintex Road all looping into enticing beach bars, vibrant nightclubs and laidback lounges. Ghana’s capital is the best place to be anytime, any day with friendliness and the warmth of the people. The safety, the ease of getting around, and particularly the cost offers glitzy and diverse city life .

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Ghanaians love their music and also welcome music from diverse backgrounds. Be it hip hop, highlife, Afro beat, Jazz or a cocktail of these, no trip to Accra will be boring for any discerning visitor. Music is the spinal cord to connect Accra to the rest of the world.

Firefly Night Club is your preferred place on a midweek calendar, you can also pass time at the Shisha Lounge before heading to fly in the Fire Carbon live with the Characters Band and Kueiqu Afro is currently the default-togo night activity in Accra on a Thursday, Carbon night club heralds the arrival of London-style nightlife setting with a magical blend of live music and DJs. Other party lovers can join the crowd at Bloom Bar, Purple Pub, Kona Cafe, Celsbridge, The Place, Abrefis etc. Soho for their corporate hangouts, Alisa Hotel

for their Old school jams. Catch the best DJs at places like Plot 7, One2One bar inside Mövenpick, Twist Club and Lounge, Club Onyx, Carbon Night Club, Shisha Lounge, Hot Gossip, Jokers, Vienna City, Firefly, with Labadi Beach Hotel adding a twist with their introduction of the FunkyNFresh event quartely. Art lovers can also enjoy great concerts and theme event at the Alliance Française and the Goethe Institute, Karaoke Fridays at Champs Sports bar or a boxing night at the Bukom Boxing Arena. Saturdays come with an array of entertainment activities at various locations including beach nights at Bojo Beach, (Krokrobite), La Pleasure beach and the titanic beach stretch along the marine drive to Tema. There’s always something unique going on at The Shop Accra, Lokko Street, Jamestown Cafe, Studio 7 (Spintex Rd) and more. From the live music nights to the DJ sets, themed evenings to Kizomba and Salsa dance sessions, Accra is the place to be… Climb to the top of the city at Skybar 25, swings your hips at Afrikiko, get cultured at Alliance, taste some tea at Tea Bar feel the street vibes at Purple pub or sing along to great tunes at Champs then catch a live performance at Carbon and +233 ..Accra certainly has more to offer than being the seat of government.

+233 Jazz and Grill is an amazing Jazz club that has live bands six days a week. but with the introduction of Just Music by Accra Unplugged (organizers of Live at the Terrace at Villa Monticello and

The best pubs and bars stay abuzz with live music, grooving crowd with exotic drinks and an array of cocktails. Many high-end bars and lounges are located in affluent districts of the city with lovely interior design and artworks of various inspirations. You cannot leave out the engaging casinos, unique restaurants and the street bars. Notable amongst them are Rockstone’s Office, AftaWerk, Shisha lounge, Bloom Bar, Carbon, Plot7, Skybar 25, Vienna City, KikiBees, Firefly, Kona Cafe, Nhyiraba and Kojo City. Others are the Oasis, Sandbox, Badu Lounge, Sai, One2One Bar, Coco Vanila, Fizzles, Champs Sports Bar, Purple Pub, Republic, Abrefi, Crisberry, Twist Club and lounge. Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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December 26, 2018- January 02, 2019

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Special Edition – Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

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Upcoming

GTA Activities The Ghana Tourism Authority throughout the year will be engaged in several activations and road show both in Ghana and overseas to promote Ghanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism to the international travel market. The events below are the activities the Authority will be undertaking in the course of the year.

National Tourism Awards March 22nd 2019

National Chocolate Day Celebrations 14th February 2019

World Tourism Day, 27 September, 2019

Roadshow in Four Chinese cities April 2019

World Travel MarketAfrica, Cape Town South Africa (7-10 April 2019)

Accra Weizo

28th & 29 June 2019,

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Akwaaba Travel Market-Lagos, Nigeria

World Travel Market-London UK, 5-7 November 2019

Special Edition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ghana | Jan-Dec 2019

The

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VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine Special Edition- Ghana 2019

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VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine Special Edition on Ghana