Year of Return, Ghana 2019


The Year of Return, Ghana 2019 is an initiative of the government of Ghana along with U.S. based, The Adinkra Group, that is intended to encourage African diasporans to come to Africa to settle and invest in the continent. It was formally launched by President Nana Akufo-Addo in September 2018 in Washington, D.C. as a program for Africans in the diaspora to unite with Africans. The year 2019 is symbolic as it commemorates 400 years since the first enslaved Africans touched down in Jamestown, Virginia in the United States. The program also recognizes the diaspora's achievements and sacrifices in the time since that event.The Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture have lined up a slate of activities in "celebration of the resilience of the African spirit." Many African Americans shared their stories regarding their experiences in Ghana during the Year of Return.

Objectives

Jackson Lee linked the initiative with the 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act that was passed in Congress in 2017. American actor and director Michael Jai White visited Ghana towards the end of 2018. Over 40 African diasporans participated in the "Full Circle Festival", which aimed to attract visitors to the country. The list includes but not limited to
The Akwamuhene Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the Akwamu Paramount Chief, enstooled Micheal Jai White as Nana Oduapong during his visit. Chief White's title means "The tree with strong roots that does not fear the storm".

Revenue

Up to 1.5 million tourists, including celebrities, politicians and world leaders, are expected in the country by the end of the year with up to 1.9 billion dollars also expected to be accrued in revenue as a result of the Year of Return activities.
The tourism sector has also recorded a tremendous growth of 18% in international arrivals from the Americas, Britain, Caribbean and other key countries while total airport arrivals increased by 45% for the year.
Its estimated spending of tourists has seen a significant increase from $1,862 in 2017 to the current figure of $2,589 per tourist, with the impact of tourism on the economy estimated to be about $1.9 billion.

Events