President Akufo-Addo says the designation of 2019 as “Year of Return” has left an afterglow that Ghana can and must cherish.
Addressing Parliament in his fourth State of the Nation Address in Accra on Thursday, February 20, President Akufo-Addo stated: “Ghana became the centre of attention in the African diaspora and, indeed, much of the world as we led the way with events of remembrance to commemorate 400 years since the first captured Africans arrived in the Americas in what became the beginning of the ignominious Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.”
“The event, being commemorated, left deep scars and remains the source of unimaginable grief for all peoples of African descent; but it provided a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our triumph over adversity,” he disclosed.
He also lauded the effort of Hollywood star Boris Kodjoe and international marketing icon Bozoma Saint John for the key role they play during the Year of Return.
“I should thank two people in particular who have embraced their Ghanaian heritage and have played a key role in our effort to building lasting bridges between Ghana and African-Americans: Hollywood star, Boris Kodjoe and international marketing icon, Bozoma Saint John. We are grateful to both of them for leveraging their star-power to attract thousands to the land of their fathers, and to drive a fresh narrative that says Ghana is a land of opportunity; visit, invest, make it your home,” he added.
In September 2018, President Akufo-Addo declared and formally launched the “Year of Return, Ghana 2019” for Africans in the Diaspora, giving fresh impetus to the quest to unite Africans on the continent with their brothers and sisters in the diaspora.
