‘Year of Return,’ ‘Beyond the Return’ boosted Ghana’s economy – Prez

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the “Year of Return” in 2019, followed by the “Beyond the Return” initiative, significantly boosted Ghana’s economy.

He noted that those initiatives attracted over 1.5 million visitors and strengthened the country’s connections with the African diaspora, cementing Ghana’s status as a top destination for cultural heritage and investment.

In his last State of the Nation address to Parliament in Accra, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that the development of eco-tourism sites and cultural heritage projects had significantly expanded Ghana’s tourism sector, attracting global attention.

“One of the significant undertakings in this sector has been the renovation of the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

“This celebrated site, dedicated to the memory of our first President, Kwame Nkrumah, has been transformed into a world-class facility that honours his legacy and attracts visitors from around the globe,” he said.

The President stated that the renovations encompassed modernized exhibits, upgraded infrastructure, and enhanced visitor experiences, ensuring the Mausoleum remains a symbol of Ghana’s rich history and an enduring source of inspiration for future generations.

“As visitors walk through the Mausoleum, they are reminded of the sacrifices and vision that built the foundation of our modern nation.”

President Akufo-Addo highlighted the commissioning of the Nationalism Park, which honours key figures in Ghana’s independence struggle, including Nii Kwabena Bonney, Osu Alata Mantse, and the three ex-servicemen of the 1948 Christiansburg Crossroads Shooting—Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Attipoe, and Private Odartey Lamptey.

He added that the proposed Heroes Park, for which he recently cut the sod, would celebrate the iconic ‘Big Six’ of UGCC fame and other pivotal figures in Ghana’s journey to freedom.

The “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” was a major landmark marketing campaign targeting the African – American and Diaspora Market to mark 400 years of the first enslaved African arriving in Jamestown Virginia. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture led the project in collaboration with the Office of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, the Panafest Foundation and the Adinkra Group of USA.

“Beyond the Return” is a follow-up to the successful “Year Of Return” Ghana 2019 campaign