The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, held a solemn wreath-laying ceremonies at the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, the George Padmore Library and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park as part of activities marking the 2026 Emancipation Day celebrations.
The ceremonies paid tribute to the resilience, sacrifices and enduring legacy of African ancestors whose struggles for freedom continue to inspire generations across the continent and the African diaspora.
The commemorative events brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional authorities, representatives of the African diaspora, students, tourism stakeholders, the media and the general public in a moving display of unity, remembrance and Pan-African solidarity.
The day’s activities commenced at the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation with an opening prayer, a welcome address by the Head of Operations of the Foundation, Madam Grace Asiam, a guided video presentation on the life and legacy of Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois, cultural performances by Kids in Tourism and the Ghana Dance Ensemble, and a statement by Ambassador Erieka Bennett, Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum.
Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, Traditional Rulers, the Diaspora Family and the Youth of Africa.
The delegation then proceeded to the George Padmore Library, where a traditional dance performance, the rendition of Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni, a welcome address by the Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Mr. Ziblim Alhassan, and an exhibition by Mr. Simon Teye highlighted the immense contribution of George Padmore to the Pan-African movement.
The ceremony also featured the lighting of the perpetual flame and a solemn filing past the tomb.
The final wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where dignitaries reaffirmed their commitment to Pan-Africanism and the ideals championed by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Delivering the purpose of gathering, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, emphasized that Emancipation is not merely a remembrance of the past but a call to safeguard Africa’s collective future through unity, solidarity and shared purpose.
In a passionate appeal against xenophobia, she urged Africans to embrace one another as one people, declaring: “As we commemorate Emancipation, I urge our brothers and sisters across Africa, particularly in South Africa, to desist from xenophobic attacks and every form of discrimination against fellow Africans.
The vision of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was one of a united Africa where no African is treated as a stranger on African soil. Let us embrace one another as one people, one destiny and one Africa.”
She stressed that the spirit of Emancipation must inspire Africans everywhere to reject division, strengthen bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and work collectively towards realizing the dream of a peaceful, prosperous and united Africa.
The ceremony featured solidarity statements by H.E. Fidelia Graand-Galon, Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to Ghana; representatives of the PANAFEST Foundation; H.E. Juliette Babb-Riley, High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana; and H.E. Kenneth Akibate, Ghana’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, who called on Africans and people of African descent to preserve the spirit of unity, strengthen ties across borders, and continue working together to build a prosperous continent inspired by the ideals of Pan-Africanism.
A moving tribute to the ancestors was performed by Kids in Tourism, while the Special Guest of Honour, Ambassador Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Presidential Special Envoy on Reparations at the Office of the President, delivered a compelling statement reinforcing the global call for justice, healing and meaningful reparative dialogue.
The keynote address was delivered on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts by the Deputy Minister, Yussif Issaka Jajah, who reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to preserving the memory of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, promoting Pan-African solidarity and positioning Ghana as the preferred destination for heritage and diaspora tourism.
The ceremony climaxed with the laying of wreaths, including a wreath laid on behalf of the Government and the People of Ghana by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto.
Additional wreaths were laid on behalf of Traditional Rulers, the Diaspora Family and the Youth of Africa. The solemn occasion was accompanied by a moving Atenteben funeral dirge, symbolising remembrance, reconciliation and hope for a united African future.
The 2026 Emancipation celebrations continue with a series of educational, cultural and commemorative activities designed to deepen the connection between Africa and its global diaspora while celebrating freedom, resilience and the enduring spirit of the African people.
By Timothy Antwi-Otoo
