Wanderlust Ghana officially launched their ambitious overland expedition on Sunday, September 8th, at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. Partnering with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the group which includes, Kwabena Peprah, Kwadwo Saka, Franklin Peters, Richard Anim, Kwame Pepra and Kojo Ntow, are set to embark on a 30,000-kilometer journey that will span Africa, Europe, and the Middle East before returning to Ghana.

Wanderlust Ghana, a collective of adventure enthusiasts and tourism advocates, has already made waves with their incredible road trip from Accra to London in 2023. Now, they are raising the stakes with a more daring expedition across 31 countries in just two months. With a team of six members and three vehicles, they plan to showcase the beauty of Ghana and the African continent, fostering cultural exchange and championing tourism.

Kwabena Peprah, CEO of Wanderlust Ghana, shared his excitement about the journey, stating, “For us, this time around, it’s about making Ghana a tourist destination for most foreigners.” The mission goes beyond the thrill of adventure. It’s about placing Ghana on the global stage, highlighting the country’s rich culture, vibrant history, and immense tourism potential. Peprah acknowledged the challenges they may face, such as car troubles, but emphasized that they embrace these obstacles as part of the experience.

The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, also expressed his enthusiasm for the expedition. “As they go they will showcase Ghana, our cultural diversity, our heritage and everything that makes us the centre of the world,” he said. He also noted the expedition’s potential to boost Ghana’s tourism visibility. “This adventure will give Ghana mileage in terms of tourism, considering the various media stops they would have at the destinations in other countries,” he said. The collaboration with GTA highlights the importance of this journey not just as an expedition, but as a strategic move to position Ghana as a key player in the global tourism and investment landscape. All their vehicles with be branded with the visitghana.com to create an opportunity for conversation and direct traffic to the site for people to learn about travelling to Ghana.

Wanderlust Ghana’s route will take them through Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Spain, France, and as far as Iraq and Kuwait before returning back to Africa. They’ll pass through iconic cities like Paris and Dubai before concluding their journey in Cape Town, South Africa. The group’s philosophy is to bridge cultures and make meaningful connections across continents, telling stories that showcase Africa’s untapped tourism and investment potential.

“Tourism marketing is not just for people in government,” said Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, “Everyone has a role to play in marketing and selling Ghana.” He wanted everyone there to know how important it was that we each play and key part in promoting Ghana to the world.

As the team embarks on this epic adventure, they carry with them not only a spirit of discovery but also a message of hope and unity. Wanderlust Ghana is committed to highlighting Africa as a destination of beauty, history, and opportunity, proving that the road less traveled can indeed lead to remarkable destinations.

The journey officially begins on September 30, and if their past adventures are anything to go by, Wanderlust Ghana will continue to captivate the world, one kilometer at a time.

Frederick Douglass Academy VII in Brooklyn, New York, recently made history with their first-ever cultural immersion trip to Ghana. Students, staff, and families embarked on this amazing journey with the help of African Roots Travel and Birthright Africa, and it turned out to be a life-changing experience for everyone involved.

Maurice Cheetham, CEO of African Roots Travel, summed up the trip beautifully, “It’s all about creating a bond with the motherland and connecting with peers in Ghana.” And that’s exactly what happened. This wasn’t just a trip – it was an opportunity for students to experience a deep connection to their roots and learn about the rich culture of Ghana firsthand.

The trip was planned for months by Bijourn Jordan, travel coordinator for The Brownsville Abroad Travel Program, and Frederick Douglass Academy VII Principal Tamika Mathison. Over nine days and eight nights, students got to immerse themselves in Ghana’s culture, history, and traditions. According to Principal Mathison, the trip was “priceless” and something the students will remember forever.

One of the most powerful moments of the trip was the visit to Assin Manso, a site tied to the transatlantic slave trade. The group visited the Slave River, where enslaved Africans took their last bath before being shipped across the Atlantic. Standing there, the students honored their ancestors by placing a wreath at the site – a symbolic way of connecting the past with the present and remembering the resilience of those who came before them.

The trip also included a visit to the Cape Coast Slave Dungeon, where students saw firsthand the cramped, dark cells where enslaved Africans were held. Standing at the infamous “Door of No Return,” the students reflected on the unimaginable hardships their ancestors faced. It was an emotional moment, but also one that helped them understand the strength and courage it took to survive.

Another highlight of the trip was the day spent at Ordorgonnor Senior High School in Accra. Through the Art Cares Foundation’s School for a Day program, students from Frederick Douglass Academy VII got to experience life in a Ghanaian classroom. They participated in traditional music, dance, and drama, and even picked up some new language skills. This day helped the students connect with their Ghanaian peers and see how education brings people together no matter where you are.

Music was another big part of the experience. At Prince Media Studio in Accra, the students worked with Ghanaian producers David Bolton and DJ Fortune to create their own Afrobeat tracks. The collaboration blended Brooklyn and Accra influences, and the students got to showcase their creativity in a new way. According to Ms. Revlyn Phillips, the students really pushed themselves and embraced the whole process.

The group also made time for giving back. They visited the Jack and Jill Brooklyn STEM Center in Mamprobi, Accra, where they worked with local students to build bamboo Bluetooth speakers. It was a hands-on project that encouraged teamwork and creativity. Principal Mathison even donated two desktop computers to the Africa STEM Academy, adding to the positive impact of their visit.

The trip wrapped up with a special Ghana Family Day in the Mamprobi neighborhood of Accra. Students were welcomed into the homes of local families, where they learned about Ga traditions, shared meals, and participated in a naming ceremony. Assistant Principal Gail Murray said the warm welcome from the families made them feel like they were truly coming home.

Reflecting on the whole experience, Maurice Cheetham said, “It’s an honor to create a homecoming for these scholars. The stories and experiences they’ve had here will be passed down for generations.” The collaboration between Frederick Douglass Academy VII, African Roots Travel, and Birthright Africa set the stage for a new kind of cultural exchange. It wasn’t just about learning – it was about creating lasting connections and a deeper understanding of where they come from.

As the students head back to Brooklyn, they’re carrying with them memories, lessons, and a renewed sense of pride in their heritage. This first trip to Ghana has opened the door to future journeys and continues to show the power of cultural exploration. For anyone considering a similar trip, Frederick Douglass Academy VII’s experience is proof of the profound impact of reconnecting with Africa.

“Coming From America”: Ghana’s Legacy of Welcoming the Diaspora Continues

A new reality-TV docuseries, “Coming From America” premieres on September 5th, 2024, on the streaming platform Max. Viewers are invited to witness African Americans who made the decision to move to Ghana and explore what it truly means to come home to Africa. For those seeking peace, connection, and a deeper sense of belonging, Ghana continues to stand as a welcoming home for the diaspora, embodying the pan-African ideals that have shaped its history.

“Coming From America” is more than just a reality show—it’s a powerful chronicle of resilience, cultural discovery, and the pursuit of a dream to reconnect with Africa. The series follows four families, including the Davis, Smiley, Kelly, and Jones families, as they navigate the complexities of building new lives in Ghana.

Ghana has long been known as the ‘Gateway to Africa’ and has historically been a place for the African diaspora, offering a place of refuge, reconnection, and renewal. As a country that has always embraced its pan-African identity, Ghana’s commitment to welcoming people of African descent from across the globe reached new heights with the “Year of Return” in 2019. This monumental initiative marked 400 years since the first documented enslaved Africans were taken to the United States, and it sparked a global movement, inspiring thousands of African Americans and other members of the diaspora to explore the possibility of returning to the continent.

Among those who answered this call are Tony and Ayo Jones, an African American couple from Houston, Texas. Their journey to Ghana is captured in the new Max Original docuseries. Interestingly, Ayo is half African American and half Ghanaian. Her experience has a connection to both Ghana and America. The series offers a candid look at the challenges and triumphs they and others faced as they made Ghana their new home, showcasing the raw, authentic experiences of adjusting to a new culture, system, and way of life.

For people of African descent, moving to Ghana often represents a path to peace of mind—a chance to escape the stresses and racial tensions of the West and embrace a culture that feels like home. However, the transition comes with its own set of challenges. “Coming From America” portrays these challenges with honesty, capturing the reality of adapting to new systems, customs, and ways of life. The family’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that while returning to one’s roots can be deeply fulfilling, it demands resilience and an open heart.

“Coming From America” premieres this Thursday September 5th, 2024, on Max.

Watch the show trailer here: https://www.etonline.com/media/videos/coming-from-america-families-hit-with-culture-shock-as-they-relocate-to-africa?amp

There was so much anticipation and emotion while waiting for the flight carrying two survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre to arrive in Accra.  In 1921, the area of Greenwood in the city of Tulsa Oklahoma was burned down by a mob of whites who targeted the thriving black community. Thousands were left homeless and many were killed in the attack. Viola Fletcher, aka, ‘Mother Fletcher’, who was 7 years old at the time is till haunted by memories of the viscous attack. She’s often said that it’s been a dream to visit Africa before she sees God and this journey would fulfill that desire. Fletcher, who is 107 years old, and her brother Hughes Van Ellis, aka ‘Uncle Red’ age 100, have successfully fulfilled the lifelong dream of coming to Africa when they landed in Accra yesterday afternoon. 

Co-Founding Chair of the African Legacy Foundation, Dr. Toni Luck, who flew in from Johannesburg, South Africa and Ambassador Erieka Bennett, who is Head of Missions at the Diaspora African Forum, both were so filled with joy knowing that they were about to land in Ghana.  “It’s like waiting for my own grandmother,” Bennett said.  Dr. Luck, was pacing around the VIP lounge with so much excitement like a child on Christmas morning. She said she’s met Mother Fletcher before, but this moment was more special than any other.

The two centenarian siblings made the historic journey with other family members and supporters. The trip wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Michael Thompson, founder, and CEO of Our Black Truth, who sponsored the trip. “It’s a dream to actually be here and I’m looking forward to learning more about Ghana,” Thompson said upon arriving at the airport.  Malee Vivian Craft, Uncle Redd’s eldest daughter, came in the lounge just before her father and aunt did saying, “I’m very happy to be here. It’s my first time on the continent of Africa and I am just thrilled to be here…and I hope to make friends and learn a lot.”  His second eldest daughter Muriel Ellis Watson was also part of the delegation and excited to be in Ghana.

When the car pulled up with the two centenarians everyone applauded with overwhelming joy.  Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd both stepped out of the airport car, grabbed their walkers and made their way into the VIP lounge to be greeted by everyone.  After all the necessary protocols were taken care of at the airport, the siblings were escorted to their vehicles and made their way to their hotel where they were greeted with a true Ghanaian welcome featuring a cultural display of drumming and dancing in their honour.  Uncle Redd was spotted moving his hands to the beat of the drum and Mother Fletcher’s eyes showed true joy as her grandson, Ike Vernon Howard, spun her around in a wheelchair dancing to the music.

The Diaspora African Forum played a big role in coordinating with Our Black Truth to make this trip a success with the support of The Diaspora Affairs Office of the President, Beyond the Return and Ghana Tourism Authority.  The coming week is filled with some activities that will give them an opportunity to experience Ghana, learn the culture and history while meeting some wonderful people.  Fletcher and Van Ellis are in for the experience of a lifetime.

By Ivy Prosper

“Water is life,” Margaret Ofori said with so much joy after she took the first sip of water from the borehole commissioned in her town, Ayikuma, which straddles on the border of the Eastern Region and Greater Accra. This borehole marks the fiftieth mechanised borehole donated by the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in partnership with TEAM CSR Ghana. Access to clean water is a challenge in many communities across the country and they are on a mission to change that.

Jonathan Akuamoah, CEO/Founder of TEAM CSR Ghana said, “When the Omega Psi Phi came here during the great initiative of the Year of Return, they didn’t just want to leave as tourists, they wanted to make sure that they make an impact in the community.”  Their initial goal was to commission 24 mechanised boreholes in Ghana. Their first was in 2019 at the Akropong School for the Blind and the impact was immediately felt by the students and the surrounding community. Akuamoah said they want to help needy communities to have access to safe drinking water across the country.

The Chief of Dodowa, Okukrubuor Nene Tei Kwesi Agyemang V, was in attendance and incredibly happy that the community will have one of its major problems solved with this borehole. “As we all know, water is life,” said Okukrubuor Nene Tei Kwesi Agyemang V, “And so where there is no water, it is difficult for people to settle…bringing this borehole into this community, I believe it’s going to go a long way to help.” 

Akwasi Ababio, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, has had many interactions with people in the diaspora community and he was thrilled to see that the men of Omega Psi Phi have come together to do something positive for Ghana. “One of the pillars of ‘Beyond the Return’ is that we should give back to the community. The diaspora who were invited here during the Year of Return have been implored to come home and do things to help building our economies, our communities and life in general,” said Ababio. “It’s in response to that, that the Omega Psi Phi has gone out of their way to do the benevolent work that they’ve been doing.”

Members of the community gathered with excitement after the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and Akuamoah opened the taps to see plenty of water flowing. Residents were overjoyed. “I’m happy because water is life,” said Ofori. She took the first sip of water and was relieved to know they now have easier access to water for daily living. She thanked the Chief and everyone who contributed to them having this borehole for the community.

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in partnership with TEAM CSR Ghana, plans to continue bringing access to clean water to more communities in Ghana. “We hope to do 100 boreholes,” said Akuamoah. He was presented with a plaque by the chief as a token of thanks. “I am donating this plaque to show our appreciation for the wonderful job you have done for us,” he said, “…And we wish that this not be the last, but let water go to the areas of Ghana where water is needed.”

For information on how you can support them in their continued service to donate boreholes across the country, contact TEAM CSR Ghana through their website, www.teamcsrghana.org.

By: Ivy Prosper

McGee-Stafford has been playing professional basketball in the WNBA since she was drafted in 2016.  Her illustrious career has been documented on several media outlets including ESPN, Player’s Tribute, ABC Sports, Indiana Fever, Forbes and Collegiate Women.  The 26-year old athlete stands 6-foot-7 inches tall and is no stranger to sports.  Her mother is Pamela McGee, former WNBA star who was inducted in the 2012 Hall of Fame and her brother Javel McGee is a three-time NBA Champion.  McGee-Stafford is also a writer, poet and mental health advocate with a strong focus on supporting abuse survivors and helping to build confidence in young girls. 

She will be discovering Ghana for the first time which means her trip will include exploring the culture, history and heritage of the nation.  It’s a lifetime opportunity and a chance to truly connect with the motherland.  McGee-Stafford took to her Instagram page to announce her excitement about being in Ghana saying, “The motherland treating me well ya’ll.” She has already visited the Asenema Falls in the rainforest of the Akuapem Hills and is looking forward to seeing more of Ghana.

 The athlete is being hosted by the Impact Youth Foundation who are a sports development NGO in Ghana focused on using the game of basketball to mentor young people and help them reach their potential in education and leadership. The organization is especially interested in developing the skills of young women and girls and underprivileged youth. 

  The work she is doing in helping develop youth in Ghana, is an exemplary way that the diaspora community has been giving back to Ghana. It’s one of the key pillars in the Beyond the Return initiative to encourage finding ways to serve while making a long-lasting impact. She’ll be visiting a basketball camp in the Volta Region and helping to launch the ‘She Shines Project’ at Ghana International School designed to help develop girls in the game of basketball. She’ll also be travelling to Kumasi and conducting the She Shines Basketball Clinic there for young girls.

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By Ivy Prosper

Beyond the Return is excited to participate in Africa Day Fest, an audio experience on Clubhouse by AfricaNxt that celebrates the continent of Africa. This event will be on Africa Day, May 25, 2021. There will be several topics of conversation as part of the festival including African Women in Technology 2021, The Nigerian Dream Abroad, African Fashion, Shifting Culture and so much more.

‘Ghana’s Beyond the Return Initiative’ will take place from 7pm – 8:30pm GMT (3pm – 4:30pm EDT) on that day. Panelists in the conversation are Annabelle McKenzie, Beyond the Return Director & Manager, Del Titus Bawuah, Entrepreneur in Tech, Sustainability & Social Impact Initiatives, Dentaa Amoateng MBE, President GUBA Foundation and Diallo Sumbry, CEO/Founder The Adinkra Group and First African American Tourism Ambassador to Ghana.

Africa Day is the perfect time to engage in this and other important conversations that are important to both continental Africans and those in the diaspora communities. Africa Day is a special day for the continent as we celebrate freedom and independence. The holiday commemorates the launch of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963. Today it’s officially known as the African Union.

As part of the annual celebration, African countries have events that recognize the continent’s thought leaders, activists, creatives and innovators who continue to be the force that shifts the narrative of Africa.

Ghana’s Beyond the Return is a ‘Decade of African Renaissance’ and it’s a 10-year project that is a follow up to the success of the ‘Year of Return’ campaign in 2019. With so much interest in the campaign, this conversation on Clubhouse will cover some of the questions many in the diaspora have of how they can also be a part of this campaign in helping to make a difference in Ghana and Africa overall.

Visit www.africanxt.com for more info on how to join on Clubhouse .

On May 15, 2021, United Airlines resumed operations to Ghana with an inaugural direct flight to Accra.  U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie Sullivan welcomed the airline at the press briefing held at Kotoka International Airport.  “I’m pleased to personally welcome United Flight 996’s inaugural flight from Dulles International Airport in Virginia to Kotoka International Airport in Accra.  Let’s all wish United Airlines a warm, and I do mean warm,  “Akwaaba” to Ghana,” she said.

The flight was welcomed with fanfare in true Ghanaian style as a traditional dancer performed the Adowa Dance on a red carpet.  Those in attendance for this inaugural flight included Amin Abdul Rahman, who represented the Hon. Minister of Transportation Kweku Ofori Asiamah, Ghana Airports Managing Director Yaw Kwakwa, United Airlines VP of International Network Alliances, Patrick Quayle, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and other dignitaries.  

In a speech read on behalf of Hon, Minister Asiamah, he said, “We are thankful for the bold decision of United Airlines to return to the shores of Ghana at such a difficult time in the global aviation industry and for choosing Kotoka International Airport to once again promote closer ties between the two countries, giving us a second direct entry point into the U.S.”  The airline, which previously ended its operations to Ghana in 2012, will resume with three flights a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Ambassador Sullivan closed her speech by saying, “As we welcome United Airlines back to Ghana, I am reminded that ‘the path to a friend’s home is never far.’  Indeed, we are shortening the path between our two friendly countries, reuniting Ghana with the United States and vice versa.”

Diallo Sumbry is the CEO of The Adinkra Group and Ghana’s first African American Tourism Ambassador. This month he releases his book, ‘A Smart Ghana Repatriation Guide’ on May 19, 2021. The book promises help simplify the process of moving to Ghana and gives an in-depth look on doing business and repatriation. It’s a candid look at the ups and downs as well as the opportunities for success in the country. He leaves no stone unturned in the book which includes contributions from others who have also repatriated to Ghana.

Sumbry first stepped on the continent of Africa in 1988. His first trip was to Senegal and he hasn’t looked back since. His journey to discovering and exploring more of the continent has also taken him to Mali, Morocco, Guinea, the Gambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Ghana. He’s been doing this long before the ‘Year of Return’ in 2019 when thousands of people of African descent made the trip to Ghana. Sumbry played a key role in the ‘Year of Return’ campaign that marked the 400-year anniversary of the first documented ship of enslaved Africans to arrive in Virginia, USA.

His company, the Adinkra Group, has been responsible for bringing people of African descent to Ghana through what he calls, the ‘Birthright Journey’. He creates curated cultural experiences that are meant for people who have been yearning to make that trip to the motherland.

He has spent several years in Ghana giving back to communities, working on business projects and getting to know the landscape of the country at the ground level. ‘A Smart Ghana Repatriation Guide’ is an honest blend of personal experiences, lessons, and practical tips that provide a timely contribution to the “Back to Africa” renaissance sparked by the Year of Return and now with its decade-long Beyond the Return campaign.

Sumbry says that his book offers a virtual experience as you read each chapter and use the scannable QR codes that are embedded in the text of the book. He wanted to do this so that the book can come to life in a new and inspiring way.

Pre-orders of the book are available until May 16th and the official release date is May 19th.

Click here to purchase a copy of the book

Visit the website www.theadinkragroup.com to purchase or more info.

Ghana’s film industry has just been given the opportunity to have its films seen all over the world.  The National Film Authority announced a new partnership with Indie Rights, a Los Angeles-based distribution company.  Indie Rights has partnerships with some of the world’s leading digital platforms including Amazon, Google, Apple TV, and TubiTV. 

With partnerships like these, Ghanaian filmmakers stand an opportunity to share their stories with new audiences that otherwise may have never seen their work. Industry players have been working diligently for several years and are now seeing the fruits of their labour.  As international audiences are beginning to show more interest in African content, it is more important than ever to have these strategic partnerships that will foster the growth of the film industry in Ghana.

Up until recently, once a filmmaker completed a project, they often entered highly competitive film festivals to be seen in international markets.  Even with that, there were never any guarantees that their work would be seen or distributed after screenings at some of these festivals.  “Distribution remains a big gap on the African continent and without adequate distribution, filmmakers struggle to make the adequate return on investment for those who invest in their films,” said the CEO of the National Film Authority, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante. “It is for this reason that distribution remains one of the key [areas of] focus of the National Film Authority.  As the CEO of the NFA this is way at the top of my agenda, and it is the reason why we are constantly pursuing distribution opportunities for Ghanaian filmmakers and it is for this reason that we are happy to announce our partnership with Indie Rights Movies.”

This announcement comes after the launch of the Presidential Film Pitch series by H.E. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, which took place on 28^th April at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra.  The Presidential Film Pitch series is a program that helps to build the value chain of the film sector by creating a marketplace for filmmakers to present their projects and pitch to potential investors, sponsors, agents, and distributors.  

The National Film Authority is a government agency that was created to help regulate and streamline the ecosystem of the film industry in Ghana.  This week’s announcement is the beginning of a new chapter in Ghana’s film industry and provides hope for future filmmakers.

By: Ivy Prosper