By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Nania (U/E), July 23, GNA – The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Ghana as Africa’s preferred heritage and diaspora tourism destination by leveraging its rich historical and cultural assets to reconnect the global African family with their roots.
The Authority said slave camps, slave routes and other heritage sites remained key tourism assets that would continue to drive efforts to promote Ghana as the gateway to the global African family.
It said through initiatives such as the annual Emancipation Day celebrations, Ghana would continue to invite Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their homeland, invest in the country’s future and celebrate their shared heritage.
Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, gave the assurance in a speech read on her behalf by Mr Wisdom Ahadzi, Director of Marketing at the GTA, during the 2026 Emancipation Durbar held at the historic Pikworo Slave Camp at Nania, a suburb of Paga in the Kassena-Nankana West District.
The event, held on the theme: “Reconnecting Roots, Celebrating Freedom, Experience Ghana,” brought together traditional authorities, government officials, development partners, members of the African diaspora and tourism stakeholders.
Mrs Houadjeto said the Pikworo Slave Camp represented more than a painful chapter in history, describing it as a sacred heritage site that symbolised the resilience of African ancestors and the triumph of freedom over oppression.
“Today, at this historic Pikworo Slave Camp, we do more than remember the painful chapters of our past. We honour the resilience of our ancestors, celebrate the triumph of freedom over oppression, and reaffirm our shared commitment to preserving this sacred heritage for generations yet unborn,” she said.
She noted that emancipation was not only a reminder of the suffering endured during the trans-Atlantic slave trade but also a celebration of courage, resilience, identity and hope.
According to her, heritage sites such as Pikworo serve as bridges that reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral roots, strengthen cultural bonds and inspire unity among people of African descent.
The GTA Chief Executive Officer commended President John Dramani Mahama for championing Ghana’s renewed reparatory justice agenda and strengthening the country’s voice in the global call for reparations.
She said the initiative reinforced Ghana’s longstanding role as the gateway to the African diaspora while promoting dialogue on historical justice, reconciliation and the restoration of the dignity of people of African descent.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mr John Muniru, Administrative Officer at the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Akamugri Donatus Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister, called for stronger partnerships to transform the region’s heritage sites into world-class tourism destinations capable of creating jobs, supporting local businesses and driving regional economic growth.
He said, beyond the Pikworo Slave Camp, the Upper East Region was endowed with several unique attractions, including the Paga Crocodile Pond, Tongo Hills, Tengzug Shrine, Sirigu Pottery and Arts Centre, the Bolgatanga Craft Village and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Navrongo Cathedral, all of which offered authentic tourism experiences.
Mr Joseph Appiagyei, Upper East Regional Director of the GTA, said the Authority would continue to provide strategic leadership to promote tourism while using the lessons of history to inspire hope, unity and economic transformation.
He encouraged residents to harness the region’s tourism, arts, culture and agricultural potential to improve livelihoods and help transform the development narrative of the Upper East Region.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Anthony Adongo ApubeoÂ
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