The wailing voices of your ancestors who were ripped from the bosom of their wives and their mothers’ breasts can be heard today, echoing through the centuries like a symphony of heritage calling out to all the diasporas.
From Rio de Janeiro to Port au Prince, if you want to reconnect to your ancestors, you must go to Ghana – nowhere else on God’s green earth can satisfy that thirst.
Why do I say so? Let me give you 3 “compelling” reasons to choose Ghana as your ultimate diaspora destination (and by “compelling,” I mean as obvious as a tattoo on your forehead):
- Historical Significance: They were the first in the sub-Saharan region to instruct the colonialists to sod off, setting the stage for the rest of the continent. So, if you want to feel that revolutionary spirit tingling in your soul, Ghana has the receipts.
- Political Stability: Ghana has it all together, People! While some African nations may be throwing political tantrums left and right, Ghana is like the OG of stability. So, rest easy, dear travelers; they don’t have time to snatch your backpacks, but someone will beg you for a small change. I hope it’s NOT the police.
- Slave Trade History Sites: Did I mention they have more slave forts and castles than criminals? Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle –an all-inclusive package of heart-wrenching history served with a side of what the “Mary mother of God” were they thinking?”
But wait, there’s more! Ghana’s tourism potential is like finding a diamond mine while digging for cassava. The race is on; although on life support, the Nigerian giant is stirring. With their 15 million-strong diasporas, the continent is sizzling for family rivalry. Now they claim they are the originators of Afrobeats, although everyone knows the truth. Soon enough, they will claim they invented Jupiter while cooking tasteless Jollof rice.
Dear Ghanaians, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to solidify your spot as the numero uno destination for diaspora tourism. Who needs Congo’s mineral resources when you have a treasure trove of cultural riches? Show the world that Ghana’s not just a land of gold, where you give it away for nothing while polluting your rivers.
What do you think?
- Has Ghana got what it takes to maintain its top spot in diaspora tourism? Share your predictions!
- Do you think Nigeria can become the most significant destination for diaspora tourism?
- Have you visited any of Ghana’s slave trade history sites, such as Cape Coast Castle or Elmina Castle? We’d love to hear about your experience!
2 Comments
Compelling piece!
To answer your question 1; As a country with great talents, creative minds and resources, yes, we have what it takes however are we ready to invest all the above mentioned no matter how drilling (without political party favors)to maintain that top spot in diaspora tourism?
We have birth such an exceptional and profitable idea which has been applauded by both Africans and Westerners. Again, we have created the gate way for people in the diaspora to come back home and experience their heritage, connect with our society, listen/dance to our music, eat our food, wear our clothes etc. which is remarkable and commendable. However how do we make it sustainable? Like everything else we create as a country, are the dividends derived from this project going to specific people while the economy remain at a standstill? How are we including everyone to play a role and be an ambassador for promoting Ghana in our little way? How are the Ghanaian people going to profit from it?
From Awareness, to Educating, to Training, to Logistics, to Events, to Tourist sites etc. all the possible elements and factors that requires investment whether time or money should be looked at keenly and intentionally if not the project will loose its value and our competitors (Nigerians) will gladly swoop it off our feet. This project is huge and has massive potential to bring a lot to Ghana and Africa as a whole, lets be intentional about every step we take and put Ghana on the map for REAL this time.
1. Yes, Ghana has what it takes to keep the top spot. Our tour guides should know where George Padmore and his wife lived when they moved to Ghana to advance the vision of a United States of Africa; where the first All African People’s Conference was held in 1958; where the first Black Foreign Service was started; where Magabe and the thousands of South African Freedom Fighters lived and frequented. Don’t get me started on our jollof, Susan, gobɛ, landscapes (including the inselbergs of Shai Hills, the Volta, etc).
2. Nigeria is massive and like our sister. The rivalry should be healthy and spur is both forward. We should love one another. But no, Ghana should be able to attract more tourism per capita for the foreseeable future. That’s why the stupid talk of the need for coup d’etats must be squashed loudly, and clearly.
3. Yes, I have been to Elmina Castle. Every human being must visit. It’s life altering.