A group of Black Americans, who are part of the ‘Black lives matter’ and inspired by Ghana’s “Come Home” initiative, has been visiting the country to reconnect with their ancestral roots.
The move is to champion investment as well as have true partnership, educate one another and serve black people across the globe.
Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and supportive government policies have resonated with Black Americans seeking connection to their roots.
The country’s commitment in preserving its cultural heritage has created opportunities for Diasporans to engage in cultural exchange, economic investment, and community development.
It is in this regard that a global network of ‘Black Lives Matter’ advocates from the United States of America are in Ghana to explore the various cultural heritage tracing their root to Kyebi, the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The network has been partnering the locals in various projects in the area of education water and sanitation.
The Board Chairperson of ‘Black lives matter’, Cecily Gay said they intentionally chose Ghana because of the people, the culture, and the connection with the United States and it has been so exciting.
She said there’s been an intentional effort to bring people back to Ghana from the United States, from the government, and leaders here.
“Part of the reasons we are here is because His Majesty the King invited us to actually sit and learn from the locals, their way of live and I am so honored and blessed to be here for my very first time and it won`t be the last,” she reiterated.
She added, “To build bridges, to make critical investments, in infrastructure, education, children, we built three water wells while we are here, and we will learn from the people of Ghana and we will continue to grow together.
Cecily stated that the people of Ghana are brilliant and beautiful.
“I felt like this is home from the moment I touched down. I have been so impressed by the way they just welcomed me, and I’m so honored about other ways we were exchanging information and connections,” she said.
“We want to invest here, not out of luck, or having less done, but really for true partnership, to educate one another and how we can serve black people across the globe, she said.
Cecily noted that critical infrastructure is key.
“We have built three boreholes, we are commissioning the boreholes, we have also visited many schools, we brought books and sacral boards and toys for the children, and for us, we are happy investing in the critical needs of the Ghanaians people, but always learning from them, for the brilliance of their infrastructure, and technology, because we have to help build Ghana from inside out. That is our commitment,” she said.
As part of the visit the group paid a courtesy call to Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyenhene palace.
It was colorful ceremony with culture display to welcome the guests.
The Chief Executive Officer of Young & Young Company, Mr. Qwesi Young, addressing the media, emphasized the company’s mission to bridge the gap between Black communities in the diaspora and their ancestral roots in Africa, particularly Ghana.
According to him, the visit was more than a cultural gesture, it is a step toward spiritual reconnection, identity restoration, and community empowerment.
“Our goal is not just about tourism, rather it is about returning to your roots, reconnecting spiritually, and contributing meaningfully to the land of the ancestors,” Mr Young noted.
He highlighted the commitment to fostering partnerships between the diaspora and local communities to tackle unemployment and economic challenges, stating that such collaboration could significantly relieve the government’s burden.
His Royal Majesty Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin welcomed the group with optimism and called the initiative a significant step in Africa’s journey toward healing and development.
“One of the most vital missions for every African is to trace their way back home. That connection is our backbone,” he said.
He urged Africans in the diaspora to take responsibility for the continent’s progress, rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.
The Okyenhene also encouraged ‘Black Lives Matter’ and Young & Young Company to continue promoting Ghana globally, helping to foster community development, educational opportunities, and sustainable investment.
This visit marks a defining moment in the movement to reconnect the African diaspora with their heritage, laying a strong foundation for future cultural, economic, and spiritual partnerships
