The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has officially announced the programme for Emancipation 2026, an annual celebration that honours the resilience, sacrifices and enduring legacy of Africans who endured the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
The 2026 edition will be held under the theme, “Reconnecting Roots, Celebrating Freedom, Experience Ghana,” highlighting Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with the African diaspora while promoting the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
According to the Authority, the commemoration also seeks to celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity and re-connection with people of African descent across the world, while reinforcing Ghana’s position as the gateway for the global African family.
Activities will take place across Accra, the Central Region and the Upper East Region, bringing together traditional authorities, members of the diplomatic community, cultural practitioners, religious leaders, development partners, students, tourists and the general public.
The programme begins on Saturday, July 18, with a Fitness Walk in Accra and Pikworo in the Upper East Region.
Other major events include a Durbar at the Pikworo Slave Camp on July 21, a Tribute to Ancestors and Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, George Padmore Library and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on July 23, and a Durbar of Chiefs at Assin Praso on July 29.
A Reverential Night featuring a candlelight procession, wreath-laying ceremony, dramatic performances, testimonies and the Roll Call of Ancestors will be held at Cape Coast Castle on July 31.
The celebrations will climax on Saturday, August 1, with the Emancipation Day Durbar at Assin Manso School Park, where participants will also lay wreaths at the graves of former enslaved Africans and visit the historic Nnonko Nsuo (Slave River).
The Ghana Tourism Authority has invited Ghanaians, members of the African diaspora, tourists, cultural organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations, development partners and the media to participate in the activities.
The Authority said the annual commemoration remains a powerful reminder of humanity’s triumph over oppression and an opportunity to celebrate freedom, resilience and Pan-African solidarity while reconnecting with Africa’s shared history and heritage.
Source : myxyzonline/Belinda Anim Piesie
