The Emancipation Day celebrations in Accra this year have been kicked off by the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The topic of the event was “Unity and Resilience: Building Stronger communities for a Brighter Future,” which was emphasized by Mark Okraku-Mantey, the deputy minister for tourism, arts, and culture.
The subject considers the hardships and victories of our forefathers, finding inspiration in their tenacity as we work to forge stronger, more united communities. Slavery and emancipation are historical events.
They also represent the amazing ability of the human spirit to overcome hardship and come out on top. We have always recognized ourselves as individuals who have moved away from cruelty, injustice, and deceit. Here in Ghana and around the world, we have taken a stand and demanded justice and equality for everyone, irrespective of their race, color, creed, gender, or class,” he continued.
He urged Africans everywhere to recognize the significance of August 1, 2024, which is Emancipation Day, as a way to honor those who spearheaded the fight for independence from slavery.
“I would like to say that we Africans, both here and elsewhere, should be inspired to recognize the wisdom in the internationalization of Emancipation Day. Its recognition is crucial. Every year on August 1st, we must all gather to honor our great forebears who played a significant role in the emancipation movement,” he declared.
In order to honor the bravery, community, and culture of African forebears and the diaspora, plans to renovate popular tourist destinations, such as the Salaga slave market, have been revealed by Akwasi Agyemang, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).
We are examining the Emancipation Day redevelopment at the major tourist destinations. We are now working in the slave market in Salaga as well as several other places. This is based on the four Cs. He stated, “We want to highlight the African diaspora community and African culture, as well as the bravery of our forefathers who fought valiantly.
August 1, 2024, is when the festivities will be held, and they will be organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
Emancipation Day, a celebration of liberation and solidarity for individuals of African descent, originated in the Caribbean and is now observed annually in Ghana. It marks the August 1st, 1834, end of chattel slavery in British territories.
SOURCE: Our Homeland Ghana