Ghanaian scholar and human rights activist, Prof. Esi Sutherland-Addy has said that December in Ghana must be seen as a nationwide opportunity for development rather than an exclusive period for merry-making.
Speaking as a Steering Committee Member for ‘Beyond The Return’ initiative, the Professor described the events powered by ‘December in GH’ as events that promise to foster unity between Ghanaians and the diaspora. “I am hoping that you would go away with the understanding that the events for December in GH are events for networking between Ghanaians and all those who are coming to us from all over the world.” she stated.
She made this and many more intriguing submissions at the launch of the ‘December in GH’ first batch of listed events for 2023, held at the Accra Tourism Information Centre, where she addressed all Ghanaians to embrace ‘Beyond The Return’ initiative
‘December in GH’ is constituted by a calendar of events that are scheduled to take place in the festive season annually in Ghana, usually commencing from November to January of the following year.
The Founder of the Pan African Festival of Arts And Culture (PANAFEST) mentioned that there is a need for Ghanaians to embrace Beyond The Return and give more attention to the diverse opportunities that it brings especially in the festive season. She added that as the years go by the initiative presents Ghanaians with a series of events that create a space for other sectors outside the arts and entertainment.
Meanwhile, Director of ‘Beyond The Return’ Secretariat, Annabelle Mckenzie disclosed that out of 128 event proposals, only 91 were endorsed to be featured in this year’s ‘December in GH’ event calendar.
She hinted that the events are set to take place at designated regions and times, revealing, “seventy eight events for the Greater Accra Region, three events in the Eastern Region, three events in the Northern Region, two events in the Central , Upper East and Volta Region, and one event each in the Ashanti Region and Western Region”
Beyond the Return is a ten year initiative, themed “A decade of African Renaissance”. It is the follow-up-to the successful ‘Year of Return’ campaign in 2019 that invited the global African diaspora to visit Ghana.
Beyond The Return is upheld strongly by seven pillars which are geared towards engagement and building strong relations with the diaspora community.
‘December in GH’ promises to bring about a constant atmosphere of African heritage and Ghanaian unity through the events that have been endorsed under the alignment of at least one pillar of Beyond The Return; Experience Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, Invest in Ghana, Brand Ghana, Give Back Ghana, Diaspora Pathways to Ghana, and Promote Pan-African heritage and Innovation.
By: Kobina Baidoo