Dr. Ziblim Barri Iddi
Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Tuesday welcomed 250 non-resident Africans, including Ghanaians, who have been away from the country and the diaspora as part of the celebrations of the ‘Year of Return’.
The reception of more people from the diaspora was to commemorate 400 years of African resilience and to offer them the platform to contribute their quota to the development of the country and beyond through the establishment of businesses and initiatives.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GTA, Akwasi Agyemang, and his team symbolically welcomed the people from the diaspora at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Dr. Ziblim Barri Iddi, who also welcomed the returnees on behalf of the minister, expressed joy over their return to their motherland.
He explained that as part of the activities to celebrate their return, a durbar of chiefs would be organised, where President Akufo-Addo would have a personal encounter with them.
The interaction, he explained, would enable participants to reflect on the historic and reconciliatory journey from ‘Jamestown To Jamestown.’
He said the day was a long-awaited one, and advised the returnees to make use of the opportunity to explore the country and feel at home.
The Head of Diaspora Affairs at the Presidency, Mr. Akwasi Awuah Ababio, said the event was a symbolic marking for the returnees and urged them to participate in every activity commemorating the ‘Year of Return’.
He explained that the celebration was to explore the rich heritage of Ghana to enhance development.