Plans are underway to bring about 150 Jamaicans to Paga in the Upper East Region as part of a heritage tourism initiative aimed at strengthening historical and cultural ties between Ghana and the Caribbean.
The proposed visit, which is expected to involve a charter flight from Jamaica, forms part of the Know Thyself programme, an initiative designed to reconnect people of African descent with their ancestral heritage through cultural exchanges and community tourism.
The Chief Executive Officer of Asterix Tourism Services Limited and Chairman of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN), Roy Page, said Paga had been identified as the starting point for the initiative because of its historical significance and connections to the transatlantic slave trade.
According to him, the programme seeks to create opportunities for Jamaicans to explore their African heritage, interact with local communities and gain a deeper understanding of the historical connections between Ghana and the Caribbean.
Mr Page explained that northern Ghana’s role in the history of the slave trade makes Paga an important destination for heritage tourism and cultural reconnection.
He described his initial visit to the community as an emotional experience, particularly the traditional drumming, dancing and interactions with local authorities.
The organisers are also exploring opportunities for cultural exchanges involving Ghanaian traditional leaders, Jamaican Maroon communities and Rastafari groups.
The proposed engagements are intended to promote a deeper understanding of the shared histories, traditions and identities of people of African descent.
Mr Page indicated that although Paga would serve as the first destination, the programme could eventually be extended to other communities under the community tourism model.
Beyond strengthening cultural ties, the initiative is expected to create opportunities for Paga to promote its historical attractions to international visitors and support local tourism businesses.
However, arrangements for the charter flight and the proposed visit are still being developed, with the dates and other logistical details yet to be confirmed.
The initiative comes amid efforts by local stakeholders to position Paga and the wider Upper East Region as destinations for heritage and cultural tourism.
Among those involved in promoting the area’s tourism potential is Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement and Managing Director of Kacstone Records.
Mr Aborah has supported community tourism promotion and efforts to redevelop the historic Pikworo Slave Camp, one of the region’s prominent heritage sites associated with the history of the slave trade.
His activities have also focused on youth mobilisation and the promotion of the region’s cultural identity.
The proposed Ghana–Caribbean heritage exchange could provide an additional platform to showcase Paga’s history, traditions and tourism attractions to international audiences if the arrangements are finalised.
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