The Ghana Tourism Authority under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Birthright AFRICA Incorporated today. The organization inspires youth and young adults of African descent between the ages of 13-30 to explore their cultural roots through travel. They also encourage learning ones history in the United States, before they take the journey abroad. Since 2015, Birthright AFRICA has been focused on creating the next generation to become leaders who are proud of their African heritage. They aim to teach young people to stay connected to their African roots while understanding that they have the power to pursue their aspirations and become more innovative while learning about Africa.

Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority said he was very excited about the signing of this MOU. “Since the Year of Return, we’ve seen a lot of our own come back to the continent. Ghana has become a mainstay for that reconnection home.” he said. “So having this partnership with Walla and the team at Birthright AFRICA project, I think is very symbolic. because the ethos of what you are doing sits with what the whole Beyond the Return conversation is.” He continued saying that the Year of Return was for the diaspora to come and visit, see the continent and see Ghana and now with Beyond the Return it’s more about reconnection, investment, diaspora pathways and doing things together.

“Tourism is about travel and travel precedes trade and trade increases the commerce of a people,” said Jidenna, who is on Birthright AFRICA’s Executive Board. “What we’re really doing here is creating, and fostering power. That’s what this is all about. It’s not merely heritage, it’s not merely connections, it’s not merely ‘chillin’ on Labadi Beach’ and hanging out in the sand. It’s power. What is power but the flow of energy between two points. If that is power, then that is what Birthright Africa is doing right now.

The Ghana Tourism Authority under the Ministry of Touirsm , Arts and Culture is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Birthright Africa Incorporated who has been having Collaborations since 2019 inspiring the youth and young adults of African descent ages 13 to 30 to explore their cultural route and legacy of innovation within the United States of America and select nations in Africa as a Birthright

“Birthright AFRICA is committed to growth of international travel by the young African diaspora to showcase Ghana’s culture and investment potential while deepening the connection between the gateway to Africa and the global diaspora,” said Walla Elsheikh, CEO and Co-Founder of Birthright AFRICA. ‘The Black Highway Birthright Program’ is a 13-day journey that gives the scholars an opportunity to explore their heritage in New York City and then learn their history, culture and ancestral roots as people of African descent once they arrive in Ghana. Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat have endorsed their program as it supports the vision of connecting the diaspora with Ghana. It’s part of the larger vision built off the momentum of the ‘Year of Return’ and now Beyond the Return ‘A decade of African Renaissance.’ “We are very excited with our partnership with Birthright AFRICA, which provides opportunities for people to explore their ancestry in Ghana. This particular cohort with Jidenna is significant as it coincides with our Founders’ Day celebration and the launch of our December in GH activities,’ said Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of GTA.

During their experience the young travellers will visit some of Ghana’s key historic sites including the W.E.B. DuBois Centre, Black Star Square, Cape Coast Dungeons and more. They will also have the opportunity to meet with leaders from both the Ghanaian and diaspora community. It’s important for these young people to learn about the business and investment opportunities on the continent of Africa. They will meet with entrepreneurs from various industries including the arts, technology, cocoa farming, fashion and manufacturing. They will gain first-hand knowledge of the innovation that exists in Africa. Not only is this an educational trip, but it’s also a chance for them to unwind and experience the fun side of Ghana. Jidenna will share some of his favourite places to experience the best food, music, festivals and nightlife happening in Ghana. Jidenna, who is on the Executive Board of Birthright AFRICA says that this program, “is a major step for Black people globally and Black Americans…to start to repair, re-heal and reimagine what our identity is as Black people.”

By: Ivy Prosper