The third edition of the Emancipation Day celebration in the Upper East Region is underway despite minimal support and collaboration from stakeholders.
In an interview with A1 Radio, Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Wisdom Ahadzi, confirmed the occurrence of the series of events while noting that collaboration has been low.
“Where we’ve gotten to, we cannot say we will not have the event. We are going to have the event, and I think so far, so good. Just that the collaboration and support are not coming, but we hope. The Upper East has not disappointed us over the years, so we are on it,” he stated.
The 2025 celebration will take place under the theme: Let us speak of preparative justice, Pan-African artistic activism. This year’s focus is on acknowledging the historical injustices endured by African nations, including Ghana, and making a case for reparations due to the exploitation of African human resources in the development of other parts of the world.
“All that we are trying to say is that we’ve come far. African countries in general—and Ghana in particular—have suffered injustices in the past. The time has come for us to be compensated because our human resources have been used to develop other places,” Mr. Ahadzi explained.
He emphasized that beyond reflection and commemoration, the Emancipation Day celebration is also a strategic opportunity to position the Upper East Region as a cultural and tourism destination in Ghana. He noted that hosting the event annually allows tour operators, institutions, and event planners to incorporate it into their calendars, creating space for long-term planning and consistent economic activity.
“This is a platform that unites all of us. Regionally, it’s something we can all plan around. Event planners, travel and tour agencies, institutions—they want something predictable to capitalize on. People don’t just wake up and travel; they plan ahead. If we have a program of this nature every year, it becomes a key contact point that draws people to the Upper East. That’s something we should cherish and hold in high esteem,” he said.
While anticipated support from some partners has not materialized, Ahadzi remains hopeful that sponsorships and collaborations will still come through. He reaffirmed that the lack of support will not deter the celebration from going ahead, citing the region’s longstanding commitment to promoting cultural identity and unity through events like Emancipation Day.
The Emancipation Day celebration is part of Ghana’s broader effort to remember the transatlantic slave trade, reconnect with the African diaspora, and use cultural events to promote regional development, tourism, and global solidarity.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Ghana
