By Hafsa Obeng, GNA
Accra, July 15, GNA – The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced a nationwide programme of activities for the 2026 Emancipation Day commemoration, which will climax on August 1 at Assin Manso in the Central Region.
The activities, to be held under the theme: “Reconnecting Roots, Celebrating Freedom, Experience Ghana,” will take place in the Greater Accra, Central and Upper East regions.
A statement issued by the GTA to the Ghana News Agency said the annual commemoration, organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, honours the resilience and legacy of Africans who endured the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade while celebrating freedom and strengthening links with the African diaspora.
The programme will begin on Saturday, July 18, with a fitness walk from Ayi Mensah to Peduase in the Greater Accra Region. A similar event will also be held at the Pikworo Slave Camp in the Upper East Region.
A Tribute to Ancestors ceremony will be held in Accra on Thursday, July 23, with wreath-laying ceremonies at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, the George Padmore Research Library and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
Durbars of chiefs are scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, at Assin Praso in the Central Region and the Pikworo Slave Camp in the Upper East Region.
The annual Reverential Night will be observed at Cape Coast Castle on Friday, July 31, featuring a candlelight procession from Mfantsipim Junction, wreath laying, testimonies, spoken word performances, drama, the Roll Call of Ancestors and the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation. Participants are expected to wear white.
The commemoration will end on Saturday, August 1, with the Emancipation Day Durbar at the Assin Manso School Park.
Activities will include wreath laying at the graves of two former enslaved Africans and a visit to the historic Nonko Nsuo (Slave River).
The statement said the programme formed part of Ghana’s efforts to preserve its historical heritage, promote cultural tourism and strengthen engagement with the global African diaspora.
It invited Ghanaians, members of the African diaspora, tourists, development partners, cultural organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations and the media to participate in the commemoration.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng
[email protected]