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

The Juneteenth Festival, held on June 22, 2024, as part of the West African Music and Arts Festival, was a success. This historic celebration, organized by the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG) in partnership with the Beyond the Return Secretariat, brought together a diverse array of participants to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and to celebrate the enduring bond between the African diaspora and the motherland. The day’s events commenced with a parade from the WEB Dubois Center for Pan Africanism to the Accra Tourist Information Center, drawing a enthusiastic attendees from the diaspora and Ghana together in solidarity.

Following the parade, the Juneteenth Festival at the Accra Tourist Information Center was filled with activities including a local vending marketplace showcasing an array of locally made goods, while open mic sessions and DJ decks kept the energy high with performances by artists like Crazy Keys. Panel discussions provided valuable insights into the experiences of diasporans transitioning to life in Ghana, covering topics such as legal requirements, land ownership, and the path to citizenship.

President of the African American Association of Ghana, Diallo Sumbry, said they came together to celebrate the fact that Juneteenth is a national holiday in the United States. He stressed how important it is for us to know our own history. He compared what happened with Juneteenth with a similar circumstance in Ghana. “Ghana had its own form of Juneteenth. in 1808 the British government outlawed the importation of slaves to the U.S., but it didn’t technically stop until 1877 and that’s the same thing that happened with Juneteenth,” he explained to everyone before the parade. “We want to make sure that with this tradition of Juneteenth in the United States, and us connecting with each other around the globe, that what we are celebrating is the spirit of our resilience, the spirit of our strength and the commitment to no longer hold out on ourselves.”

The event was a testament to the strength and unity of the African diaspora, celebrating freedom, culture, and community. The success of the Juneteenth Festival was another reminder of the importance of the Beyond the Return initiative and its goal to bridge the gap between the diaspora and Ghana.  With a vision of coming together as a community and working towards strengthening our ties as we learn and support each other.  

For more information on the African American Association of Ghana visit their website at www.aaaghana.org.

See more photos from the event on our Facebook Page.

In a momentous ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra, the President of the Republic of Ghana, H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, gave Ghanaian citizenship to the iconic American Musician and Songwriter, Steveland Morris, better known as Stevie Wonder.

This event is a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to reconnect with the diaspora and acknowledge remarkable contributions of the African diaspora.

President Akufo-Addo commended Stevie Wonder for his exceptional impact on music and his unwavering commitment to the African diaspora. He highlighted how Wonder’s music has served as inspiration for generations of Ghanaians and Africans worldwide. The President emphasized that Stevie Wonder’s visit to Ghana would serve to strengthen the bonds between Africa and its diaspora.

Hon. Henry Quartey, Minister for the Interior, praised the President’s leadership in championing initiatives like the Year of Return in 2019, when 252 individuals from African-American and Caribbean Diasporan Communities were granted Ghanaian citizenship in a historic ceremony.

Stevie Wonder is a longtime admirer of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.  He expressed extreme gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him. He spoke of his deep connection to Ghana’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality, expressing joy at being able to call himself a Ghanaian citizen.

After the president handed him his certificate of citizenship and his Ghanaian passport, 

Stevie Wonder spoke from his heart. ““Since about 1972 I have talked about coming to Ghana,” he said. “Over 50 years I’ve talled about being a citizen in this country. The truth is I am committed to, now as a Ghanaian citizen, being a part of fulfilling the dream we have had for so many years of bringing people of Africa and those of the diaspora…United States, Caribbean…all the people together, because as I’ve said, and I’ve said for many years, the only way the world will come together is that we unite as a united people of the world.”

This ceremony marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s efforts to engage with its diaspora and encourage them to choose Ghana as a place to visit, invest and call home through the Beyond the Return campaign which was launched in 2020 as a 10-year initiative. It’s anticipated that it will continue to inspire further collaboration and exchange between Ghana and the African diaspora, solidifying Ghana’s position as a hub for African cultural and intellectual excellence.

Ghanaian-American NFL linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, plays for the Cleveland Browns and has made a name for himself both on and off the football field.  Most recently he was awarded the most stylish NFL player by GQ Magazine. He has fans around the world who have admiration for him because he is showcasing African culture through his fashion choices when walking through the stadium and on his social media.  

He recently returned to Ghana to continue with his annual NKWA football camp which took place March 2-3, 2024 at Eden Heights Sports Complex. Through his NKWA Ghana Camp, Owusu-Koramoah aims to develop a strong culture of athleticism, teamwork, and leadership among Ghanaian youth, utilising the power of sports as a catalyst for positive change. NKWA is an acronym for Natural, Knowledge, Wisdom and Affirmation.  All elements he uses in the camp to teach skills to young people.  

In partnership with GUBA Enterprise, Owusu-Koramoah brought a delegation with him that included friends, teammates, coaches and family to experience Ghana and participate in this important camp that would provide a platform for young athletes across the country to hone their skills, learn valuable lessons and forge lifelong friendships.

The camp aligns with the Beyond the Return campaign’s  ‘Give Back Ghana’ pillar which focuses on identifying initiatives that connect the diaspora and Ghana through acts of service that give back to the community.  This camp connected the youth with professional athletes who shared skills for the betterment of young Ghanaians. 

Owusu-Koramoah, who rose to fame in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, expressed his deep-seated connection to Ghana and his determination to make a meaningful impact in the lives of its youth. “Ghana has always been a part of me, and I am honoured to give back to the community,” remarked Owusu-Koramoah. Through the NKWA Ghana Camp, he hopes to instil confidence, discipline, and a sense of purpose in these athletes.

The camp featured a series of intensive training sessions led by Owusu-Koramoah himself, along with experienced players, coaches and mentors including; Matthew Adams (Cleveland Browns), David Bell (Cleveland Browns), Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns), Navarro Price (Virginia Union University), Ogbo Okoronkow (Cleveland Browns), David Grimes (Coaching), Kyle Wimberly, Grant Delpit (Cleveland Browns), Asmar Bilal (NFL Free Agent), Brandon Marshall (Super Bowl 50 Champion), and Elijah Moore (Cleveland Browns). From mastering the fundamentals of football to engaging in team-building exercises, the participants embraced each challenge with unwavering determination and enthusiasm.

Beyond the athletic drills, the NKWA Ghana Camp emphasised the importance of education and personal development. Participants were encouraged to prioritise academic, spiritual and physical excellence and pursue their dreams both on and off the field. The camp teaches them that sports is not just about winning games; it’s about building character and resilience. Owusu-Koramoah said he wants these kids to know that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

As the NKWA Ghana Camp drew to a close, participants competed in a flag football tournament using the skills they learned over the two days. The teams were all named after a significant person in history from Africa and the African diaspora with team names including; Queen Nanny (Jamaica), Sanite Belair (Haiti), Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Marcus Garvey (Jamaica), Amilcar Cabral (Cape Verde/Guinea Bissaue), Mansa Musa (Mali), Imhotep (Egypt), Patrice Lumumba (DRC), Ida B. Wells (US) and Yaa Asantewaa (Ghana).  

Team Yaa Asantewaa, led by Owusu-Koramoah himself, were crowned champions of the day! Awards were given to recognize those who excelled and words of wisdom were shared for the participants to take away.  The experience served as a transformative moment for all the players.

Looking ahead, Owusu-Koramoah remains committed to supporting the youth of Ghana and empowering them to reach their full potential. Through initiatives like the NKWA Ghana Camp, he hopes to leave a lasting legacy of positivity and inspiration for generations to come.

On February 20, 2024, a delegation representing the Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return initiative paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Hajia Alima Mahama, the Ambassador of Ghana to the United States. The purpose of their visit was to engage in a dialogue regarding their ongoing tourism initiatives and participation in Black History Month activities across the United States. During the meeting, they provided the Ambassador with an overview of the planned events for Black History Month 2024.

The delegation included Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority; Socrates Safo, a renowned Ghanaian film producer and Community Liaison for Beyond the Return; and Annabelle Mckenzie, the Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat.

Collaborating with Howard University in Washington DC and the Black History Festival in Columbus, Ohio, the Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return have organized significant events aimed at fostering connections and understanding.

Ambassador Mahama commended the delegation for their efforts and encouraged them to continue seeking cultural opportunities that promote unity not only among people of African descent but also among individuals worldwide.

Furthermore, the Ghana Tourism Authority will oversee the premiere of the animated film “Tun-Tum – The Revelation” at Howard University, where Ghanaian artist Samini will also participate as a featured speaker during the Return Conversations event to bridge the gap between Africa and the diaspora through music and the arts.

In a heartwarming journey of purpose and passion, the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, embarked on a mission that stretched beyond borders. With a keen focus on uplifting and supporting women and girls across the globe, the sorority set its sights on Ghana, Eswatini, and South Africa. Their mission was twofold – to assess the state of their ongoing projects and to explore new ways to enhance their international programming.

The significance of their journey was underscored by the warm welcome they received upon their arrival in Ghana. The Beyond the Return Secretariat was at the airport to greet them, along with the West African Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc., extending the hand of friendship and hospitality to these change-makers.

Under their International Awareness and Involvement (IAI) programmatic thrust, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has always been committed to bringing solutions to challenges that impact communities worldwide. Their primary focus is on initiatives that make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

Despite the challenges brought forth by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sorority remained resolute in its commitment to its seven international missions. Their efforts were truly remarkable, as reflected in the 20% increase in donations to the International Awareness and Involvement Sustainability Fund during the 2022 fiscal year. These donations were a testament to the unwavering support from individuals and chapters across the Sorority’s seven geographic regions.

As they embarked on their mission, the delegation had an ambitious itinerary to visit sites that hold a special meaning to them, sites where their work has made a real difference. The Adelaide Tambo School for the Physically Challenged in Soweto, South Africa, the Delta House at Vashti Village in Mbabane, Eswatini, and the TREE Project in Durban, South Africa, are all planned stops on their journey. 

Their visit isn’t just about observing their ongoing projects. It is also an opportunity for the Sorority to engage with two of its international chapters established in 2021 – the West Africa Alumnae Chapter and the Southern Africa Alumnae Chapter. These chapters play a pivotal role in providing support to over 30 countries.

International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes expressed the deep commitment of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. to their ancestral homeland. She remarked, “Our global community is dealing with a great deal, and there is no better time for us, as an international sisterhood, to visit the projects so near and dear to our hearts. We are taking this mission trip to not only assess the quality of our current international programming, but to also appropriately plan for the future.”

Accompanying International President Elsie Cooke-Holmes on this important journey were members of the Board of Directors and representatives from each of the Sorority’s seven regions. Their collective dedication and commitment is truly inspiring.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. continues to be a beacon of hope and positive change, making a significant impact on the lives of women and girls across the globe. Their commitment to service and the betterment of communities remains unwavering, and their journey to Ghana, Eswatini, and South Africa is a testament to the power of compassion and determination. We look forward to witnessing the incredible work that will result from this inspiring journey.

Story by: Ivy Prosper

Against the backdrop of growing competition from global powers like China and Russia in Africa, Washington has recognized the strategic significance of bolstering its presence and partnerships on the continent. Vice President Kamala Harris made a recent trip to Ghana, Zambia, and Tanzania to build on African relations. The decision to establish this advisory council was first unveiled during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit held in December the previous year. This summit aimed to cement Washington’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with African nations and communities.

The President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement is expected to provide invaluable guidance to President Biden on a wide range of issues, including:

• Strengthening U.S.-Africa Relations: The council will offer insights into enhancing diplomatic ties and collaboration between the United States and African nations.
• Promoting Trade and Investment: Economic cooperation will be a key focus, with the council members working to identify opportunities for trade and investment between the two regions.
• Building Educational Exchanges: Facilitating educational partnerships and exchanges will be instrumental in fostering cross-cultural understanding and knowledge sharing.

The chair of the advisory council will be Silvester Beaman, the Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, known for delivering the benediction at President Biden’s inauguration in 2021. Bishop Beaman’s leadership underscores the significance of faith and community in African diaspora engagement.

Besides Viola Davis, the advisory council boasts a roster of accomplished individuals, including, Patrick Gaspard, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress think tank, C.D. Glin, President of the PepsiCo Foundation and global head of social impact for PepsiCo, Almaz Negash, Founder of the African Diaspora Network, known for her dedication to strengthening ties between African communities and the United States.

Viola Davis’s inclusion in the council is particularly noteworthy. Not only is she a renowned actress, but she has also achieved the rare distinction of winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony award (EGOT). Her Grammy win this year, for her audio recording of her memoir “Finding Me,” further solidifies her status as a revered artist and a multi-talented personality. Beyond her entertainment career, Davis has collaborated with various programs aimed at combatting child hunger in the United States, showcasing her commitment to philanthropy and social impact.

As the United States seeks to position itself as a more engaged and reliable partner to African nations, this advisory council signals a promising step forward. With a distinguished lineup of members and a clear mission to strengthen ties, it is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of U.S.-Africa relations.

Story by: Ivy Prosper

At the heart of this week of events is the “Capital City Africa Cup,” an historic football (soccer) friendly match scheduled for 14th October 2023. This match will see D.C. United, one of Major League Soccer’s most decorated clubs, facing off against the Ghana Premier League champions, Medeama SC. This event is not just about sports; it symbolizes the coming together of cultures and the strengthening of ties between two nations.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S., Hajia Alima Mahama, expressed the significance of this event, stating, “This momentous occasion not only brings our vibrant Ghanaian culture to the forefront but also strengthens the bonds of friendship and partnership between our two nations.” She also highlighted the evolving collaboration between Ghana and Washington, D.C., especially in areas like the pharmaceutical industry.

Ghana Week in DC, featuring the Capital City Africa Cup match, is more than just a football (soccer) match; it is a celebration of Africa’s diversity and an opportunity to promote economic engagement and cooperation. The festival will feature a range of cultural, economic, and sporting events designed to foster collaboration and investment in critical sectors such as health, infrastructure, energy, agribusiness, and digital technology.  Businesses and vendors will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services throughout the week of festivities. 

During a recent media event, Ambassador Mahama, alongside key partners, shared insights into the festival’s goals and significance. D.C. United President of Business Operations, Danita Johnson, emphasized the importance of cultural unification through sports, saying, “D.C. United being the host of the Capital City Africa Cup is a true representation of bringing cultures together and the unification of soccer.” D.C. United, with its impressive history of domestic and international successes, is uniquely positioned to host such an event. The club has won the MLS Cup four times, the Supporters’ Shield four times, and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup three times, making them a powerhouse in U.S. soccer. Events DC President and CEO, Angie M. Gates, underscored the local economic impact of the event, saying, “Hosting the Capital City Africa Cup in the District of Columbia will grow our local economy and bring in over $3.4 million dollars.”

This is an exciting time for Ghana as the Medeama Sporting Club, the Ghanaian Premier League champions, will bring their football dominance to the Capital City Africa Cup. Ghanaian talent are known around the world for their skills in the sport and this opportunity to have a friendly match in Washington DC, will give them more attention in the U.S. market. The week of festivities will also highlight Ghanaian businesses who will be travelling to showcase their products and services.

Paxton Baker, Managing Partner of LIQUID SOUL-DC, made a trip to Ghana earlier this year to launch the event and share information in Ghana and why it’s important to him to be part of this event.  He recently highlighted the festival’s cultural significance, stating, “The Capital City Africa Week Festival is set up to be a celebration of African culture.” He expressed hope that the week of special events would inspire people to explore and learn more about Ghana and the broader African culture.

“There is much anticipation as the festival is quickly approaching,” said Ghana Tourism Authority’s Annabelle McKenzie, who is the Director of its Beyond the Return Secretariate.  “I’m looking forward to the week of activities bringing the diaspora together with Ghanaians who will travel to DC for the festivities.  This will also be an opportunity for Americans to learn more about Ghana and explore opportunities to plan a future trip to see what we have to offer.”

Ghana Week in DC, will be filled with cultural richness, economic collaboration, and unforgettable sporting moments. This initiative exemplifies the power of culture and sports to bring people together and strengthen international bonds.

For more information about the week’s events please email support@beyondthereturngh.com or annabelle@beyondthereturngh.com.

Accra, Ghana – July 25, 2023 – The Ghana Tourism Authority as part of the Beyond the Return project has successfully hosted another edition of the ‘Return Conversations’ on July 25, 2023, at the Accra International Conference Centre. Themed ‘Role of Film and Music in Uniting Global Africans,’ the event brought together key stakeholders and luminaries from the music and film industries in Ghana and the United States, sparking thought-provoking discussions and fostering unity and interconnectedness among Global Africans.

The event featured captivating panel discussions, expertly facilitated by industry leaders and engaging speakers. The conversations delved into the ways in which film and music play a pivotal role in unifying Global Africans and fostering mutual growth and prosperity.  This year hip-hop artist Ludacris came to Ghana and worked with local artists including Sarkodie to produce new music.  Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa and Popcaan have all worked with local Ghanaian artists to make music that shines a spotlight on our local talents.

Most recently the film ‘Coming to Africa: Welcome to Ghana’ opened at Silverbird in Accra and Kumasi.  One of the panelists, PY Addo-Boateng, was a producer and actor in the movie.  The film was an example of the fruits of collaborative efforts between the diaspora and Ghanaians in the film industry. 

The event showcased an exceptional lineup of speakers, each making significant contributions to their respective fields. 

Speakers included:

• Jason Carter: CEO, ONE Music Festival. He is a visionary leader with over 20 years of lifestyle marketing and business start-up experience. Carter is the founder of the One Music Festival and is renowned for fostering collaboration and cultural exchange between artists worldwide.
• Jasmine Young: Director, Warner Music, and Blavatnik Center for Music Business – An influential figure in the music industry, advocating for artists’ rights and innovative music strategies.
• Trigmatic: Renowned Musician and supporter of arts and culture. The celebrated Ghanaian musician uses his music as a powerful tool to address social issues.
• Rocky Dawuni: Multiple Grammy-nominated artist and philanthropist. Dawuni, a critically acclaimed Ghanaian music icon, consistently advocates for the betterment of society and addresses environmental and social causes through the power of music.
• PY Addo-Boateng: Music Executive, Film Producer, Actor, and Event Producer. A multifaceted creative force contributing significantly to the entertainment industry in Africa.
• Robert Hardy: Film and TV Director, Film Producer, and Screenwriter. A seasoned professional with an impressive body of work in the film industry.
• Juliet Ibrahim: Multiple award-winning Actress, Film Producer, Author, and Entrepreneur. A talented artist with notable contributions to the film and entertainment industry in both Ghana and Nigeria.
• Ama K. Abebrese: Award-winning Actress, TV Presenter, and Producer. An accomplished performer and television personality with a passion for storytelling.
• Socrate Safo: Director, Filmmaker, and Director for Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture. A prominent figure in Ghana’s film industry, advocating for the development of creative arts.
• AJ Johnson: Veteran Actress, TV Producer, Life Coach, and Philanthropist. Widely recognized for her roles in the movies ‘House Party’ and ‘Baby Boy’, Johnson is a multifaceted personality dedicated to empowering others and making a positive impact. Her passion for bridging the gap between Ghana and the diaspora is unwavering.

With so many platforms around the world expressing more interest in African content, the time is now for Ghana to work towards building an industry that can make a global impact. Partnering with the diaspora is one of the ways to develop and increase our reach to audiences. “I see the potential for greatness in our music and film industries,”  said Annabelle McKenzie, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat. “The diaspora and Ghanaians can come together to tell some of the great stories from Africans and African Americans. Although we have some cultural differences due to being on different continents, we have so much more in common than we realize. This makes for great potential when it comes to storytelling in a unique way.”

” The Return Conversations is a gathering of minds where we embark on a journey to Bridge the gap. In a world that often divides is, this platform has opened up opportunities for us to use story-telling and the universal language of Music to unite us and celebrate our rich heritage” , said Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The event was a success as stakeholders in the film and music industry were in attendance including young up and coming artists who were there to network and learn from seasoned professionals. The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture was the special guest. Other attendees included Juliet Asante, CEO of the National Film Authority , Seth Adjei Baah , Board chair of GTA.

Beyond the Return Campaign – A Decade of African Renaissance

The event was part of Beyond the Return’s continued efforts since 2020 to connect with the diaspora community in the arts and business. The Beyond the Return campaign is a 10-year initiative with the theme, ‘A decade of African Renaissance.’ It operates under the Ghana Tourism Authority and is the follow-up to the successful Year of Return campaign in 2019, which witnessed an overwhelming response from the global African diaspora to come back to Ghana. The purpose of such events is to find ways to work together towards a common goal of building stronger connections in business, film, music, and entertainment overall. The talents in Ghana and the diaspora have the power to come together and create something great, and it all begins with dialogues where collective goals and visions can be forged.

For more information on the Beyond the Return campaign, please visit the website: www.beyondthereturngh.com.