The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced activities for the 2026 Emancipation Commemoration, with this year’s celebration centred on reconnecting Africans on the continent with those in the diaspora through history, culture and shared identity.
The programme, organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in collaboration with the Emancipation Panafest Foundation, is being held on the theme: “Reconnecting Roots, Celebrating Freedom, Empowering Future Generations in an era of Immersive Technologies.”
The celebration is intended to deepen the bonds between Africa and its global diaspora while promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
“The commemoration forms part of Ghana’s commitment to preserving its rich historical heritage, promoting cultural tourism and strengthening bilateral relations with global partners,” the statement said.
The GTA noted that this year’s programme is expected to attract visitors from across Africa, the Caribbean and the wider African diaspora. It said the activities are designed to promote cultural exchange, heritage tourism and economic participation.
“It brings together traditional authorities, members of the diplomatic community, the African diaspora, development partners, cultural practitioners, religious leaders and the general public,” the statement added.
The week-long programme begins on Saturday, July 25, with a fitness walk from the Accra City Hotel to the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre before participants proceed to Pikworo Slave Camp in the Upper East Region for a two-day pilgrimage on July 26 and 27.
Activities on Monday, July 27, include a tribute and wreath-laying ceremony at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, followed by a dialogue session at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and an evening durbar at the Arts Centre.
The celebrations continue on Wednesday, July 29, with a recreational night at the Cape Coast Castle featuring cultural performances, including storytelling, poetry, traditional music and dance, as well as a candlelight procession.
The programme will climax on Saturday, August 1, with an Emancipation Day durbar at the Assin Manso Slave River Site in the Central Region. The event will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the graves of two former enslaved Africans and a memorial libation and wreath-laying observance.
The Ghana Tourism Authority said it remains committed to positioning Ghana as a preferred destination for the global African family.
“The Authority looks forward to welcoming participants from across Ghana and around the world to honour the resilience, achievements and aspirations of the African descendants,” the statement said.
It also encouraged Ghanaians, members of the African diaspora, tourists and development partners to take part in the celebrations, describing them as an opportunity to “reflect on our shared history while celebrating the enduring spirit of freedom, resilience and Pan-African solidarity.”
