“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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  – June 29, 2023 – Spotlight on Ghana at Essence Festival of Culture 

New Orleans, LA – The Essence Festival of Culture™, an annual celebration of Black culture that is marking its 29th year this week, is showcasing Ghana’s creative industry. The festival is taking place from June 29th – July 3, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This iconic event has become an international gathering that empowers communities within the global Black diaspora. This year’s festival will feature a special spotlight on Africa and its thriving tourism and creative industries. In 2019, during Ghana’s Year of Return, the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Year of Return Secretariat started the building blocks of forging a relationship meant to foster growth with Essence.  During that year the first Essence Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) Africa was launched. Actor Boris Kodjoe, Marketing Executive, Bozoma Saint John, CEO of Essence, Caroline Wanga, and Radio Personality, Ebro Darden were among those in attendance at the event that year. In 2022, the CEO of GTA, Akwasi Agyeman, was a featured speaker at the GBEF in New Orleans. 

This year’s Essence Film Festival will also play a significant role in highlighting the cinematic achievements and diverse talent from the African continent.

Ghana Day will be on July 2nd with activations that include panel discussions, film screenings and more.  It will be a day for networking and building creative partnerships.  One of the panel discussions titled ‘Destination Ghana: Travel, Tourism & Film’ will feature Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat, Annabelle McKenzie. This panel aims to showcase the impact of tourism in Ghana over the past few years and explore how the country can leverage its growing tourism industry to position itself as an attractive film location destination. “I’m looking forward to being on such an international platform to share how Ghana has become a global leader in tourism through our Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives that have attracted the diaspora community over the last few years,” said Ms. McKenzie. “The first Essence Global Black Economic Forum: Africa actually took place in Accra, Ghana in December 2019 as part of the Year of Return activities. I’m looking forward to this year’s forum.” she said. 

Dr. Nadia Adongo Fynn, Deputy Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, will also be a speaker on the theme ‘Bridging the Gap: Cape Coast, New Orleans & Beyond.’ Dr. Fynn is excited to be part of this event, recognizing the significant connections the diaspora has fostered with Ghana. Other Ghanaians who will participate include Actress Juliet Ibrahim, Actor Chris Attoh, Film Producer, Esi Yamoah, Actress Sonya Ibrahim, and the CEO of iFactoryLive, Michael Djaba.  

The Essence Film festival will have an emphasis on African cinema with representation from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. The Ghanaian film, ‘Moon Over Aburi’, written by Emmy Award-winning writer Kwame Dawes and directed by Sheila Nortley and produced by Anniwaa Buachie, will be screened as part of the festival.  The Ghanaian short film, ‘Room 5’ by Francis Y. Brown will also be screened at the festival. 

“The Essence Festival of Culture™ has been an international and joyful gathering that empowers community throughout the global Black diaspora,” said Hakeem Holmes, Vice President of Essence Festival of Culture™.  As Ghana and other African countries prepare to participate in such an important event in the black community this serves as an opportunity to bridge our cultures across continents and build our connections between the diaspora and the African continent.  Billboards for the event can be spotted in Accra, Ghana, solidifying the strong relationship between Ghana Tourism Authority, the Beyond the Return Secretariat and Essence.  

Having a delegation from Ghana this year solidifies the ongoing relationship the country is building with Essence. The festival is an opportunity to celebrate Ghanaian culture while promoting potential for economic growth and exchange between Ghana and the African American community.

Tune in to all the action at the festival virtually by visiting the website www.essence.com. For information on the Beyond the Return initiative visit the website at www.beyondthereturngh.com

The African Diaspora was officially named as the sixth region of Africa in 2003 by the African Union. This recognized the significance of our the global African diaspora community and also encouraged their participation in the continent of Africa. The historic launch of ‘The 6th Region of Africa Flag’ was on February 2, 2022 at the W.E.B. DuBois Centre in Accra, Ghana. This event was well attended and included representatives of the diplomatic corps, H.E. Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission at Diaspora African Forum, The Ghana Tourism Authority, The Beyond the Return Secretariat, Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, traditional leaders and members of the diaspora community.

Deputy CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Yao Amoateng Afriyie, spoke on the patronage of the diaspora community in Ghana increasing since the Year of Return in 2019. “This ceremony serves as a catalyst to do more,” he said. “I hope today’s flag raising ceremony will encourage African governments to continue to deepen, and where possible formalize their relationship with the diaspora.”

The official flag was created by Professor Kwame Addo, a Development Architect who has been working in many areas for the development of Africa. He has been dealing with developmental issues and how to integrate all the components of our continent. “The flag, which is first and foremost coming to pose as a source for our identity which is going to give a direction. We should know that this whole trajectory began from the 1900s with all the pan African movements form near and far. It has then metamorphized into today where we can visualize and see a singular symbol which has the African map as its backdrop,” he said. “We now have the diaspora coming from around the world which has been described as a global village.”

The flag features the map of Africa in green with yellow stars within each region; North Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa and Central Africa. Lying just outside the continent is the sixth yellow star nestled near central and West Africa representing the diaspora region. This is significant because it shows the connection of the diaspora with the continent and acknowledges them as an important part of its people. Whether they are continental diaspora or the historical diaspora, they are all important when it comes to bridging the gap and development of the continent.

Grammy-Award Nominee Rocky Dawuni also delivered a strong message at the event. “The hoisting of this flag marks the symbolic spiritual return for all our people and also for us to recognize that Africa can never move forward without acknowledging all its parts,” he said. “This moment that we are here celebrating, it’s in line with the vision of our forefathers, forbearers, ancestors. This was the vision of luminaries like Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey, W.E.B DuBois, whose space we are here celebrating, commemorating this day. Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Haile Selassie and also vision of our former president, President Kufuor.”

“The launch of the flag of the sixth region of Africa is truly a remarkable and noteworthy attainment,” said the Keynote Speaker, Dr. Chief P.A. Crystal, Director and President of Crystal TV Group. “This shall be a documented reality of our time in history.” He continued by acknowledging former president John Kuffuor as the pillar behind this work in championing the needs of the diaspora community. “My thanks goes to all the presidents of our nation who continue to promote the homecoming of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora.”

The new flag is something tangible for the diaspora to see that Africa has truly embraced them as part of the continent. A symbol of true togetherness with the vision of working together to develop the continent as a global African family.

Written by: Ivy Prosper

With tears in their eyes, Viola Fletcher, age 107 and Hughes Van Ellis, aka Uncle Redd, age 100, were finding it hard to say goodbye to Ghana.  After a week-long trip, they fell in love with the country’s hospitality, the people and the culture.  They completed a life mission to see the motherland Africa and didn’t want to go back.  

The siblings are survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre when a mob of racist white people completely decimated a thriving black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fletcher said it was her lifelong dream to see Africa before seeing God. That dream has been realized beyond her wildest dreams. On their last evening in Accra, they were treated to a farewell dinner by the poolside at the residence of Ambassador Erieka Bennett.  Surrounded by their family and new friends, it was both a goodbye and a celebration of their life-changing experience. 

When Uncle Redd wanted to speak after dinner he was so emotional, he began to tear up, holding his hand in front of his eyes trying to hold back the tears. Taking his glasses off, he took tissue and wiped the tears. “I can’t think of the words but I’ve got one or two words…this is love, from the heart,” he said. “The love and respect, honour…that’s what it is. I want to thank each and every one of you….number one people, it’s been amazing….I thank you, I love you, I never will forget you…number one people in my heart, understand?” Thank you so much.”  

The Diaspora African Forum presented Mother Fletcher with a Living Legend Award to honour her contributions to the world.  She was grateful and shared her sentiments about the experience in Ghana. “Every one of you and all the effort you’ve shown, I feel comfortable and full. Thank you very much and I’m sure the whole family feels the same way. We all love you.”

Malee Craft is the eldest daughter of Uncle Redd and also took the opportunity to express heartfelt gratitude for their time in Ghana. “The respect that has been given to him has been phenomenal. We are really speechless as to all the things that we have done, seen, the people we have met, and it’s been a wonderful lifetime experience and I’d like to say thank you, thank you, thank you, for everything. For the love, the kindness that everyone has shown us here for our first time in Ghana.”.

Deputy Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President, Dr. Nadia Musah joined the farewell dinner and expressed a heartfelt thank you from her office and the presidency for choosing Ghana as the place to visit in Africa. “I’m very happy we spent the last seven, eight days with you and looking at your strength…” she said. “You can’t hold anything back. You cannot. You shouldn’t let your age or anything limit what you can do.”

At the airport it was another emotional scene as Dr. Toni Luck and Ambassador Bennett, had tears and felt the love these two centenarians had brought to Ghana.  The trip not only changed the lives of Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd, but it also made an impact on everyone who spent time around them over the past week.  Their journey has inspired others who were once hesitant about travelling to Africa.  If they can travel at age 107 and 100, then there’s nothing that should stop others from making the same journey.  

By Ivy Prosper

For people of African descent whose families were displaced by the tragedy of the trans-Atlantic Slave trade, a trip to the African continent is more than a vacation.  It’s a spiritual journey to reconnect with their history, feel their ancestors and have a full circle moment.  

For two survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, it couldn’t be more complete, than with their journey to Ghana.  The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Tourism Authority Beyond the Return, Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President and the Diaspora Africa Forum, came together with traditional Ga leaders to perform an Official Naming Ceremony for Viola Fletcher, age 107 and her brother Hughes Van Ellis (Uncle Redd), age 100.  All dressed in white to signify their new beginning and participate in the traditional ceremony, their delegation included some of their family members. 

The event took place at the Accra Tourist information Centre and was attended by the local community and members of the diaspora.  People present included The Deputy Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Director of Diaspora Affairs Office of the President, Nadia Adongo Musah, Chairperson of PANAFEST Foundation, Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, Ambassador Nancy Sam, representatives of Ghana Tourism Authority and members of the African American Association of Ghana.  

Travelling at their age, the centenarians were warned not to travel to Africa because they had health issues before their trip.  “They were in the hospital before they came,” said Ambassador Bennett. “They both said the only way they would not come to Ghana is if they were in a coffin. And you see them here, so let’s give them a big standing ovation.”  Everyone rose to their feet in cheers and applause for the two for making the journey.   

The ceremony not only had great significance for the two historical icons, but it was greatly symbolic for all people of African descent who came before them.  Rabbi Kohain Halevi, is the executive director of the PANAFEST Foundation and a board member at the Diaspora Africa Forum.  Hei spoke on the significance of this moment, “The very fact that we are here on this occasion, that we have Mother Fletcher and Uncle Redd here that collectively combined represent 207 years of history and experience of our people on the other side in the diaspora and the ancestors have seen fit for them to cross that Atlantic Ocean with their family and come back over here, they have not come alone. They also have come with the ancestral spirits that crossed those waters. That sacrificed for years. That endured, they are the embodiment of the resilience of the African spirit.”

The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, was asked to make remarks before the ceremony. “We appreciate your coming,” he said. “We’ve read about your story, the massacre that went on years ago, we’ve heard of stories like Amadou Diallo who was shot 41 times, but he didn’t have a gun on him. We saw the George Floyd story and so, it is obvious that it is not over and it will not be over until it’s over. So we appreciate those of you who went through all of that for us.  The choice by Madame Fletcher, Uncle Redd and the team, to visit Ghana is a step in the right direction.” 

The two were called to approach the podium where the naming ceremony would take place and be officiated by the Osu Alata Mantse, Nii Kwabena Bonnie V.  Mother Fletcher’s Ghanaian name given was Naa Lamiley and Uncle Redd’s name was Nii Lante.  The two were handed their certificates and the pouring of libations and prayers were said in their honour.  After their ceremony was completed, the rest of the delegation was also given their names and certificates. Their journey symbolizes the return of the global African diaspora.  It’s significance is deeply tied to Ghana’s roots in pan-Africanism, the Year of Return and now Beyond the Return initiatives with Ghana inviting the diaspora to return home to Africa.  

As part of PANAFEST/Emancipation, the National Theatre will host the Creative Explosion: African World Artists event on Monday 26th July at 7pm.  Tony! Toni! Tone! will headline the show which also features the Derrick Gardener Quartet, South African-Ghanaian singer Chayutah, Ghana’s Ras Kuuku and the National Theatre Dance Ensemble. Tickets for the event are 50 GHS.  

The event will also launch the film, ‘Timeless’ which is Executive Produced by D’wayne Wiggins and features music by the group.  Wiggins is excited about sharing this film because it tells a story that connects the past with the present.  The film was partially filmed in Ghana making it even more important to share during PANAFEST.

Beyond the Return has been an inspiration for people in the diaspora communities to consider Ghana as a place to call home.  When asked what their thoughts were on the 10-year initiative Wiggins said, “I’m excited because I know that, in California, where we’re from, there’s more people that need to understand that we need to unite and come together and I would just say levitate, so that’s what it means to me. It’s really special.”

“I’ve been telling a lot of our people back there in the U.S. they need to come and be around our people out here in Ghana…in Accra, come back for the ‘Year of Return’ said singer Frank Stickemz.  He said it was important to align with the people.  Dyson Thesinger shared similar sentiment adding, “It’s long overdue and it’s definitely a beautiful thing that it’s finally happening, and we definitely need to promote it and push it more and get more of our people over here.”

Brenda Joyce, Founder of African Heritage Precious Metals, held a special presentation on the Sankofa Medallion, a gold coin designed to commemorate the ‘Year of Return, Ghana 2019’ campaign. “The world of gold medallions and coins has existed for many centuries, but only a fraction of that belongs to African history,” she said. “Gold treasures commemorate historical events or heroes of a time.” The coin is designed to create a sense of pride, promote legacy, an eternal reminder of the the ‘Year of Return’.

The medallion is available as part of a collection of jewellery created in different styles to suit each customer’s lifestyle needs. There is the signature medallion coin, pendant, dangle earrings, cufflinks, a ring, bracelet and pin. All the styles are made using pure 14k or 18k gold and available in different sizes. Each comes with a certificate of authenticity verifying it is pure gold.

The ‘Year of Return’ was one of the most successful campaigns in Ghana’s history that welcomed members of the diaspora community to Ghana. The year was filled with such a renewed energy about Africa and the continent overall. It was a time when everyone was looking for keepsakes to remind them of what a monumental year it was. This is exactly why African Heritage Metals Ltd., launched the Sankofa Medallion. To provide something that would be an eternal reminder of the significance and legacy of the ‘Year of Return’.

President Nana Akufo Addo, was presented with his very own Sankofa Medallion during a Breakfast event in December 2019 when he announced plans for ‘Beyond the Return’ to be the follow up to Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ campaign. Brenda Joyce personally presented the medallion to the president at the Kempinski Hotel to signify the official launch of the gold medallion.

Brenda Joyce has over 25 years of experience in the precious minerals and jewelry industry. She’s passionate about celebrating African history, heritage, culture and celebrating the heroes of the past. Ghana is one of the two top producers of gold in Africa. Despite being one of Ghana’s biggest mineral exports, gold also accounts for huge losses for Ghana because it’s potential is not fully realized. Most gold is exported in its raw state and unrefined resulting in a lower value. Joyce recognized the power of the dollar in the diaspora community and feels it was best to encourage our communities to invest their money in items that have a significant value both economically and historically. The Sankofa Medallion does just that.

African Heritage Metals strongly believes that buying one of their mediallions is not only a keepsake and memory of the ‘Year of Return’, but it’s also an investment in something that adds value to their lives. It’s an opportunity to acquire something made of pure gold that has beauty, celebrates history and grows in value as the price of gold increases.

For more information on purchasing a Sankofa Medallion, visit the website at https://africanheritage-pm.com/ and email the team at support@africanheritage-pm.com.

‘There were seven pillars unveiled by the Senior Minister, Yaw Osafo-Maafo.  Each of them represents a key component to what ‘Beyond the Return will work towards building over the next 10 years known as ‘A Decade of African Renaissance’.  The seven pillars unveiled are Experience Ghana, Invest in Ghana, Diaspora Pathway to Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, Brand Ghana, Give Back Ghana and Promote Pan African Heritage & Innovation.  

The event’s theatrical interpretation of the pillars was majestic and perfectly aligned with Ghana’s history of storytelling and rooted in the core values of tradition in the country’s culture. 

Inspired by the legend of Okomfo Anokye, one by one, each pillar came down from the skies in structures that replicated the ‘Golden Stool’.  Performers danced and reached for the sky as each stool representing a pillar slowly descended. Amy Frimpong, Executive Director of the National Theatre explained that “The stool has a place in every household, every tribe has a stool that represents the culture of the people. We wanted to present the performance in the form of a story.”  Ghanaian traditions are filled with storytelling in villages that took place sitting under a tree.  This was replicated in the set design as a large tree became centre-stage and was the backdrop as each pillar descended. Adinkra symbols were also incorporated into the set details.   

The symbolic performance unveiling each pillar began with dancers walking in a circle and raising the Ghana flag to the skies while one dancer lifted a calabash. It was a symbolic call which brought down the first stool representing the pillar for ‘Pathway to Ghana’, perhaps the most important for our diaspora community as they seek to return home to the motherland.  As the pillar hung from the heavens in front of the tree, new dancers would come on stage continuing performing in ways that represented aspects of Ghana’s culture with dances from the various regions.  Music throughout the performances was by Ghana’s National Symphony Orchestra. “We had them play patriotic music that was from Ghanaian composers,” Ms. Frimpong said. “That was very important for us.”

She further explained why they used the stools saying that in Ghanaian culture, when someone comes to your house you always give them a place to sit.  The stools in each pillar symbolize a family offering you a seat, a place in their home.  The symbolism in this was extremely important because Beyond the Return is about building bridges and connecting with our diaspora community.  Essentially Ghana, is calling our brothers and sisters to come home and take a seat.  

Members of the diaspora community were happy to be among those attending the historic event which unveiled Ghana’s plans for the next decade.  They came dressed in African inspired dresses, smocks, headwraps and Kente.  Many participated in the Year of Return activities and were anticipating what was in store for the unveiling.  Ambassador Erieka Bennett, Head of Missions of Diaspora African Forum was there and said she was happy with the direction this new Beyond the Return project is headed.  

Beyond the Return is the follow-up to last year’s successful ‘Year of Return’ campaign that invited the global African diaspora to visit Ghana and experience our country’s history, heritage, and culture.  The year commemorated the 400-year anniversary of the first documented ship of enslaved Africans to arrive in Virginia, USA. 

Tens of thousands travelled to Ghana from the diaspora seeking to reconnect with their African roots, learn the history and experience the country where their ancestors may have come from.  Beyond the Return, seeks to build deeper ties with the diaspora community.  Through relationships and an emphasis on heritage, culture, and a pathway to citizenship.  During the pillars unveiling ceremony, the Minister of Tourism Arts & Culture, Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, said that the government was working on homeland legislation that would help support the process of citizenship sought after by so many in the diaspora.  

This important exercise took place across the country with trees being planted in all of Ghana’s 16 regions. This is a way to give back to our environment and to also to build a better Ghana.