DiscoverWhat in the WorldHas Ghana's ‘Year of Return’ been a success?
Has Ghana's ‘Year of Return’ been a success?

Has Ghana's ‘Year of Return’ been a success?

Update: 2025-08-11
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Back in 2019, Ghana’s then president sent out an invitation to people with African heritage to come to Ghana. It was called the Year of Return - a campaign by Ghana's tourism board to mark 400 years since the first documented African slaves were taken to America. The campaign built on ideas of Pan-Africanism, a movement to promote unity and liberation on the continent.

So five years on, how is it going? We hear from Lakeshia Ford, Rowena Habadah, and Mama Kexornyi, three women who made the decision to relocate and live in Ghana. They tell us about the challenges they faced and how life in Ghana altered their perspective on life.

Plus, Kobby Mensah, chief executive of Ghana Tourism Development Company, discusses whether the Year of Return has benefited Ghana's tourism industry and led to increased investment in the country. We also question him about some of the tensions resulting from rising costs.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld
Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6
Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: William Lee Adams, Benita Barden, Beryl Richter
Editor: Verity Wilde

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Has Ghana's ‘Year of Return’ been a success?

Has Ghana's ‘Year of Return’ been a success?

BBC World Service