How to Navigate Your Year of Return to Ghana: A Guide for Diasporans

For many in the African diaspora, visiting Ghana is more than just a trip it’s a journey back to roots, a reconnection with heritage, and a celebration of identity. Ghana’s Year of Return initiative, launched in 2019, was a pivotal call to action for diasporans worldwide, inviting them to explore their ancestral homeland.

Today, the legacy continues, with Beyond the Return programs creating even more opportunities for connection, exploration, and investment.

Contact us to book any of the below experiences, tours or getaways with Scout Africa.

Traditional naming ceremony on the beach - Cape Coast, Ghana

If you’re planning your own “Year of Return” journey, here’s a guide to make your experience seamless, and meaningful.

Understand the Significance of Beyond The Return

Before packing your bags, take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of your visit. The Year of Return was inspired by the 400th anniversary of the arrival of enslaved Africans in Jamestown, Virginia. It’s a symbolic invitation to reconnect with the motherland, honor ancestors, and explore the culture and heritage that ties you to Ghana.

Research the history of Ghana’s slave forts, such as Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, where the transatlantic slave trade left an indelible mark on the nation.
Explore the Beyond the Return programs, which focus on building connections through investment, cultural exchange, and heritage preservation.

Plan Your Travel Logistics

Navigating a trip to Ghana starts with practical planning. Here’s what to prioritize:

Visas and Vaccinations: Most travelers will need a visa to enter Ghana. Apply online or through your nearest Ghanaian embassy. Ensure you’re up to date on vaccinations, particularly yellow fever, which is required for entry.
Flights: Book your tickets early, especially if traveling during December’s Detty December festivities. Major airlines like Delta, KLM, and British Airways offer direct flights to Accra.
Currency: Ghana’s currency is the Cedi (GHS). While credit cards are accepted in urban areas, carrying cash is essential for local markets and smaller towns.

Immerse Yourself in Ghana’s Culture

Your visit to Ghana is an opportunity to step into its rich culture

Attend Local Festivals: Plan your trip around festivals like Panafest or the Chale Wote Street Art Festival, which showcase Ghana’s vibrant art, music, and traditions.
Explore Cultural Sites: Visit Bonwire Kente Village to learn about the iconic kente weaving tradition or take part in a drum-making workshop to connect with Ghana’s musical heritage.
Try Ghanaian Cuisine: From jollof rice to kelewele (spiced fried plantains), Ghana’s food is a celebration of flavors and history. Don’t miss out on trying fufu with a light soup or a cold bottle of locally brewed Star beer.

Discover Your Roots

For many diasporans, the journey to Ghana is deeply personal.

Heritage Tours: Book a guided tour of the slave forts to walk through the poignant history of the transatlantic slave trade. These visits are emotional but vital for understanding your ancestry.
Genealogy Services: Some organizations in Ghana offer ancestry tracing services, helping you connect with your family’s lineage and potentially even locating distant relatives.
Community Engagement: Spend time in local villages or communities, participating in cultural workshops or volunteering. This hands-on connection enriches your understanding of Ghanaian life.

Explore Opportunities Beyond Travel

The Year of Return isn’t just about visiting it’s about building bridges.

Investment Opportunities: Ghana is ripe for investment in sectors like real estate, agriculture, tech, and tourism. Attend diaspora investment forums or connect with local business networks to explore opportunities.
Relocation Considerations: If you’re considering moving to Ghana, research housing options in areas like East Legon or Cantonments, which offer both comfort and convenience.
Networking Events: Engage with programs like Beyond the Return, which hosts events for networking, cultural exchange, and professional development

Capture and Share Your Experience.

Your journey can inspire others to explore their roots.

Document Your Trip: Whether it’s through journaling, photography, or social media, capture the moments that stand out walking through the “Door of No Return,” dancing at a local festival, or sharing a meal with new friends.
Share Your Story: Use hashtags like #YearOfReturn and #BeyondTheReturn to connect with the global community of diasporans rediscovering Ghana

Conclusion

The journey to Ghana is more than a vacation, it’s a homecoming. It’s a chance to honor your past, celebrate your heritage, and forge new connections that will last a lifetime.

Ghana’s warmth, history, and culture will welcome you with open arms, ensuring that your Year of Return is not just a trip, but a transformative experience