By Mercy Darko
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has challenged Africans to embrace people from African descent in the diaspora as the Continent is bound by one heritage, culture and blood. He said this will help deepen the bond between Africa and her descendants across the globe. Addressing a High Level Diasporan Forum in Accra, Vice President Bawumia said people of African descent have a story to tell and this can be done by themselves. He noted that the maiden edition of the Year of Return initiative of the government in 2019 which coincided with 400 years of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans promoted the recognition of the African heritage and culture.
It is estimated that about 200 million people in Latin America come from African descent. It is for this reason that in 2020, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing a day to recognize people of African descent. This day which is observed on the 31st of August every year seeks to among other things promote greater recognition and diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies and respect for human rights. The Return Mission: High Level Forum which focuses on advancing equity for people of African Descent will create the platform to promote actions and measures to ensure that there is equity for people of African descent. Vice President Bawumia mentioned some initiatives of the government to help improve activities in the tourism industry to make it more resilient and vibrant as it binds all people from the African descent. While pledging government’s support to promote recognition of people from the African descent, the Vice President stressed the need to build strong economic partnerships.
The Vice President of Costa Rica Epsy Campbell Barr, in a keynote address said Africans in the diaspora are bridging the gap and tracing their roots to build together a history that Africans dream of. She said this dream can be realized when all stakeholders stay committed to the course. She added that the Return Mission should help to maximize alliances and work together to eliminate racism in all forms as Black lives matter together.
The UNFPA has been advancing the course of ensuring equity for people of African descent. Dr. Natalia Kanem is the Executive Director of the UNFPA. She said Africans share the same roots hence there is the need for all to come together for sustainable growth. She touched on the role of UNFPA.
The forum focused on “People of African Decent: Accelerating the Commitment for Recognition, Advancement of Rights, Justice and Development.
