In his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered to Parliament on Friday, January 3, 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reflected on the remarkable successes of Ghana’s “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives.

These programmes, President Akufo-Addo said, have not only revitalised Ghana’s tourism industry but also fostered deeper connections with the African diaspora while positioning the country as a beacon of cultural heritage and investment on the continent.

Launched in 2019 to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia, the “Year of Return” was a government-led initiative aimed at encouraging African descendants in the diaspora to visit and reconnect with their roots.

Addressing the nation, President Akufo-Addo expressed immense pride in the outcomes of these initiatives which said have redefined Ghana’s global image.

“Mr. Speaker, in tourism, the Year of Return in 2019 and Beyond the Return initiatives attracted over 1.5 million visitors. These campaigns not only boosted our economy, but also strengthened ties with the African diaspora, positioning Ghana as a premier destination for cultural heritage and investment.”

The Year of Return and Beyond the Return saw an unprecedented influx of tourists, including celebrities, entrepreneurs, and dignitaries from around the world. The likes of Steve Harvey, Naomi Campbell, Boris Kodjoe, and Idris Elba visited Ghana, shining a global spotlight on the nation.

Key activities included cultural festivals, educational tours of historic slave trade sites such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, and events like Afrochella, which celebrated African music, art, and food.

These experiences offered visitors not only a glimpse into Ghana’s rich heritage but also an opportunity to connect deeply with their ancestral land.