Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates a significant moment in American history: the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of slavery, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. This day marked the freedom of over 250,000 enslaved people in Texas, the westernmost Confederate state, who had been unaware of their liberation.

Recognized as the longest-running African American holiday, Juneteenth became an official United States federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. This momentous step acknowledged the importance of Juneteenth in American history and its ongoing significance in the fight for equality and justice.

Juneteenth in Ghana is a celebration of unity and solidarity with our diaspora community. In alignment with the Beyond the Return Campaign, the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) continues to honor Juneteenth and builds a sense of community between African Americans and Ghanaians. This year, the celebration will include an Awareness Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Supported by Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Art & Culture, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and the Office of Diaspora Affairs in the presidency, this event marks the continuation of a tradition that resonates deeply with those of African descent worldwide.

The festivities will begin with a Juneteenth Celebration and Awareness Parade from the W.E.B Dubois Center for Pan Africanism to the Accra Tourist Information Center, where the Juneteenth Festival will take place. The day will feature a local vending marketplace, open mic sessions, DJs, musical performances, and panel discussions focused on the transition to living in Ghana for diasporans.

Detailed Schedule of Events

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 (Official Juneteenth US Holiday):

• 3 pm – 4 pm: OPAL’s Walk for Freedom – A short walk through Cantonments in honor of Opal Lee.
• 7 pm: West African Music and Arts Festival Opening (Invite Only).

Friday, June 21, 2024:

• 7 pm: AAAG President’s Juneteenth Kick Back – Networking event with complimentary food, mocktails, and a cash bar at Chateau Nana Willine Boutique Hotel.

Saturday, June 22, 2024:

• 7 – 9 am: Gather and stretch at WEB Dubois Center in preparation for the Juneteenth Parade.
• 9 – 11 am: Juneteenth Parade from WEB Dubois to Accra Tourist Information Center.
• 11:30 am – 6 pm: Juneteenth Festival at Accra Tourist Information Center, including various cultural activities, workshops, and panel discussions.

Workshops and Panel Discussions

The festival will also host several informative workshops and panel discussions at the Accra Tourist Information Center Conference Room:

• 12 – 1:30 pm: “Living Legally” – Discussion on legal requirements and taxes for living in Ghana.
• 1:45 – 3:15 pm: “Beyond the Return” – Exploring the history and future of the diaspora movement in Africa.
• 3:30 – 5:00 pm: “Buying and Owning Land in Ghana” – Legal processes and practical experiences.
• 5:15 – 6:45 pm: “Oath of Allegiance” – Exploring pathways to citizenship for diasporans.

The celebration will conclude with the West African Music and Arts Festival Closing Concert at Labadi Beach Hotel, open to all attendees.

About AAAG

The African American Association of Ghana is dedicated to promoting the cultural, social, spiritual, and economic well-being of African Americans and other people of African descent returning to Ghana. Their mission is to facilitate the integration of diasporans into Ghanaian society, building a bridge between the past and future, and celebrating the rich cultural heritage shared across continents. For more information or to participate as a sponsor or vendor, please contact the African American Association of Ghana at aaagjuneteenth@gmail.com or 053 557 0429.

The African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a Gala event at the Labadi Beach Hotel on 30th October, 2021. The theme of the event was “Strong Roots, Amazing Achievements”. It was a well attended event that exceeded over 200 guests. “I am very pleased with the outcome of  AAAG’s 30th Anniversary Gala,” said the President of the African American Association of Ghana, Jessica Ayivor.

The organization has been the voice for the African American community in Ghana since 1991. Their logo is the Sankofa bird, which is the Akan Adinkra symbol that means ‘retrieve’ or ‘go back and get it’. This symbol is significant because African Americans are the displaced brothers and sisters of Africa who went back to retrieve their roots in Ghana. Notable people in attendance at the Gala included the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan, the Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Akwasi Awua Ababio, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, Chief Marketing Officer at Ghana Tourism Authority, Alfred Asumadu, Head of Missions at the Diaspora African Forum, Ambassador Erieka Bennett, Director of Beyond the Return Secretariat, Annabelle McKenzie, and many other supporters of AAAG including the African American community, the African diaspora, and other government officials.

It was clear from the start that everyone was having a great time because the DJ was playing old school music that had guests dancing even before the official program began. The outdoor setting behind the hotel made for the perfect environment. The Lipstick Band also performed a set of music while guests enjoyed the good food served by the hotel.

Ivy Prosper was the MC of the event, and wore the official AAAG anniversary batik cloth to celebrate the milestone occasion. Several guests also wore the commemorative cloth in its various colours. Cordelia Addo, Corresponding Financial Secretary of AAAG, delivered a speech highlighting the history of the organization and how it all began in October 1991 with their first president Debra Kofie. The core of their objectives when they started included creating a positive image of African Americans in Ghana as well as in the diaspora and educating African Americans about Ghanaian culture. Today they still hold true to those goals while having the vision to continue to grow and have influence on others to make Ghana home. 

Guest of Honor, U.S. Ambassador Sullivan, also delivered a keynote address where she congratulated the organization for three decades in Ghana. Over the years the community has become more than an organization but also fostered strong relationships with people who became like family. Some of them who made Ghana home and passed on were honored with a tribute in remembrance of their contributions to AAAG.

They closed out the evening with a celebratory cake, good music and plenty of dancing through the night.

Over the decades they have been a go-to for helping people to integrate into Ghanaian society, culturally, socially and spiritually. With community events, meetings and family gatherings that give them a sense of feeling like home or a big family reunion. They have become an important part of life for African Americans who move to Ghana.

The celebration event was well attended and provided a day to relax, enjoy good food, music and connect with other members. For information on becoming a member of AAAG, visit their website www.aaaghana.org.

By: Ivy Prosper