Minister of Tourism Emphasizes Significance of Emancipation Day Celebration

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, honored the ancestors with wreath-laying ceremonies at the W.E.B. Dubois Centre, George Padmore Library, and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra.

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Egyapa Mercer, emphasized the significance of this celebration for the nation and people of African descent.

He highlighted the importance of visiting key historical sites, such as the Salaga Slave Market and Pikworo Slave Camp in the Savannah and Upper East regions, as part of the emancipation commemoration.

Hon Egyapa Mercer noted the value of honoring the memories of those who suffered, celebrating progress, and reaffirming the commitment to preserving rich African culture.

He stated that "Emancipation Day" is not just a historic event but a call to action and a reminder that the journey toward freedom continues.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, added that Emancipation Day also signifies continuity. He mentioned that even today, there are mental shackles that need to be broken.

Mr Akwasi Agyeman stressed the importance of reconnecting with ourselves, continuing the struggle started by our forebears, and committing to the fight for justice to eradicate poverty.

Odeneho Kwafo Akoto III, the Paramount Chief of Akwamu state, remarked that despite the legacy of those dark days, our resilience has proven to be our greatest asset in the journey towards building the global African community we all aspire to see.

He encouraged both citizens and those in the diaspora to use Emancipation Day as an chance to rekindle the lost heritage of the African continent.



Clinton Akwasi Amoako