The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) is readying for the celebration of Emancipation Day in the Upper East Region.
Emancipation Day will be celebrated on July 23, 2024, at the Pikworo Slave Camp following the success of the maiden edition last year. This is according to Upper East Regional Director of the Tourism Authority, Wisdom Ahadzie.
When Mr. Ahadzie spoke to A1 Radio’s Mark Smith, he said, “Since slavery started from the region, it is just appropriate for us to have a share of this festival, not just the exit point.”
Emancipation Day is a day set aside to celebrate the end of slavery.
“It is a day to celebrate our brothers and sisters who went through this ordeal,” Mr. Ahadzie said.
This year’s celebration is focused on “Unity and Resilience: Building a Stronger Community for a Brighter Future.” Mr. Ahadzie explained that the theme is apt because while the experiences of the slaves were horrendous, “one would say it is a good omen because it is bringing us together with our brothers and sisters. Some of them want the opportunity to come home, so this is one of the platforms that we have where they come and use our culture and festivals to welcome them.”
On July 22nd, there would be a vigil, while July 23rd would be a durbar of the chiefs and people of the Upper East Region, “where we showcase our culture through drumming and dancing, the food, music and whatever else we have. A lot of people don’t know these unique things we have in this region.”
Mr. Ahadzie explained that work is going on in earnest to ensure that the durbar is used as a platform to commission the visitor’s centre at the Pikworo Slave Camp.
He appealed for support to ensure the programme succeeds.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga|
