The official unveiling of the seven (7) Pillars that are the foundation of ‘Beyond the Return’ took place on Wednesday 9thSeptember, 2020 at the National Theatre. Members of the local and diaspora community came to hear the announcement about the Beyond the Return pillars.
Beyond the Return is the follow-up to last year’s successful Year of Return campaign which was a landmark campaign that commemorated the 400-year anniversary of the first documented ship of enslaved Africans to arrive in Virginia, U.S.A. It put Ghana in the spotlight as a travel destination and a place for potential investment opportunities.
CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority and Coordinator for Beyond the Return, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, acknowledged the loss of African American actor Chadwick Boseman, whose unexpected death last month shocked the world. The actor played the epic role T’Challa in the movie, ‘Black Panther’.
The film contributed to changing the narrative of Africa and proving that Black African Superheroes and stories about Africa can resonate with all audiences. “May I request that we all rise for a minute of silence?,” Mr. Agyeman said, “One for our ancestors who went through the torturous journey of slavery, two, for our brothers and sisters who have fallen in recent times, especially our brother Chadwick, of Black Panther fame.” He also asked that we honour the late Elolo Gharbin, who died recently. He was a Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast and a strong pillar in PANAFEST and Emancipation annual events.
“Each of the 7 pillars being unveiled today touches on the many areas that are key to developing Ghana and providing an environment that supports the diaspora,” said Hon. Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture when she delivered her keynote address. She expressed that the team behind Beyond the Return is listening and working diligently to address the concerns expressed by the diaspora community. “Ghana is currently developing a homeland return legislation to facilitate various forms of migration and integration into the country for our diasporan kith and kin,” she continued. “Ghana as a leader in pan Africanism, through the Homeland Return Act, will offer the opportunity for citizenship to our brothers and sisters.”
Senior Minister Yaw Osafo Maafo, officially unveiled the pillars which will be the core foundation of Beyond the Return over the next decade. He acknowledged the importance of the Year of Return as he addressed attendees.
“One cannot speak of Beyond the Return without mentioning the Year of Return in 2019, which was a major landmark campaign targeting the Historical African Community outside our continent,” the Senior Minister said. “Over the next decade, the project seeks to consolidate the gains of the Year of Return and grow tourism in the country, showcase its investment potentials and solidify its diaspora engagement programs to promote the African Renaissance.”
The seven pillars unveiled during the event are, Experience Ghana, Invest in Ghana, Diaspora Pathway to Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, Brand Ghana, Give Back Ghana and Promote Pan African Heritage & Innovation. Each pillar represents its own unique area for which the Year of Return team received feedback from the diaspora and local Ghanaian community.
Beyond the Return, will work towards building bridges and creating activities, events and policies that are inclusive and integrate our local community in ways they can connect with our global African diaspora.
The National Theatre featured cultural performances that captured the audience attention featuring dance and music befitting of Ghana’s culture. The National Symphony Orchestra opened the event keeping attendees entertained with their harmonies. Before the official unveiling of each pillar, a theatrical performance representing each of the pillars showcased a beautiful display of Ghana’s culture.
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