The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Beyond the Return Secretariat, under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, successfully hosted the “Beyond the Return Summit” on December 23, 2024, at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) in Accra. With the theme “Beyond the Horizon,” the summit marked a pivotal moment to reflect on the achievements of the Beyond the Return initiative and to strategize for its next phase.
The summit brought together key stakeholders from both local and international arenas, including government officials, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts, who gathered to review the past five years of the program. The discussions focused on the successes of Beyond the Return and the strategies for sustaining its impact over the next five years.
Keynote speakers included the Hon. Mark Okraku Mantey, outgoing Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Hon. Kobi Khalid Kamau, Mayor of South Fulton, Georgia. The event also saw contributions from Akwasi Agyeman, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, and other prominent figures, all of whom praised the initiative’s role in positioning Ghana as a leading cultural and tourism destination for the African diaspora.
Mark Okraku Mantey, in his address, highlighted the transformative pillars of the program, describing it as a catalyst for Ghana’s economic and cultural revival. He underscored the summit’s role in outlining the future trajectory of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments and partnerships to ensure continued growth.
The summit was emceed by celebrated broadcaster Bernard Avle, whose dynamic hosting added to the event’s significance. Participants were encouraged to reflect on the successes of the past while setting ambitious goals for the future, aiming to foster impactful collaborations that will benefit Ghana and the African continent as a whole.
As part of the Beyond the Return initiative, which successfully expanded upon the success of the “Year of Return,” the summit explored new investment opportunities, strengthened partnerships, and showcased Ghana’s potential as a key hub for cultural exchange and sustainable economic growth.
