The Ghana Tourism Authority has launched this year's Emancipation Day celebrations in Accra.

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey emphasised the significance of the theme - 'Unity and Resilience: Building Stronger communities for a Brighter Future'.

“The theme reflects on our ancestors' struggles and triumphs, drawing strength from their resilience as we strive to build stronger, more cohesive communities. slavery and emancipation are real-lifeevents in our history.

They are also symbols of the remarkable capacity of the human spirit to struggle and triumph over adversity. We have always known ourselves to be people who have turned our hearts against injustice, inhumanity, and deception. We have stood up and demanded fairness and equality for all, regardless of their race, color, creed, gender, or class here in Ghana and across the world,” he added.

He encouraged Africans worldwide to acknowledge the importance of Emancipation Day, celebrated on August 1, 2024 to pay tribute to pioneers of the struggle for freedom from bondage.

“I wish to state that those of us Africans at home and abroad must be encouraged to see the wisdom of the internationalization of Emancipation Day. Its acknowledgment is essential. We all must come together on August 1st each year to praise our great ancestors who featured prominently in the emancipation process,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Akwasi Agyemang, announced plans to redevelop tourist sites, including the Salaga slave market, to commemorate the courage, community, and culture of African ancestors and the diaspora.

“We are looking at the redevelopment at the various tourist site for the emancipation day. Currently we have work ongoing at salaga the slave market and many more. We are basing this on the 4cs . One is to celebrate the courage of our ancestors who fought relentlessly, we also want to celebrate the community of African diaspora, culture of Africans,” he noted.

The celebrations will take place from July 22 to August 1, 2024, under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.

Emancipation Day has its roots in the Caribbean, commemorating the abolition of chattel slavery in British colonies on August 1st, 1834, and has become an annual event in Ghana, a symbol of freedom and unity for people of African descent.