The Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, Dr Mohammed Awal, has assured people living in the diaspora that the Homeland Return Bill would have been made operational by the next Pan African Festival.

According to the Minister, the move would allow diasporans to be fully integrated into Ghanaian society to have a permanent abode in the country.

Speaking at this year’s Panafest celebration, the Minister asked traditional authorities to support the security agencies and government to clamp down on the surge in Jihadist activities along the country's borders.

Unlike the previous ones, this year’s Panafest was held under some restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event began at the Emintsimadze Palace, the seat of the Omanhen of Oguaa Traditional area.

Dr Mohammed Awal indicated; the Homeland Return Bill would be operational soon.

He said: “I want to assure all of us here that by the next Panafest, the Homeland Return Bill would have been operational.

"This Act will enable our brothers and sisters to be integrated with Ghanaian society and to have a permanent abode in this country.”

He said Ghana was the home of Pan Africanism and home to the African people and invited the diasporans to feel free, integrate with Ghanaians freely share ideas with them.

“Our forefathers had dreams, and it is left for us to actualize the dreams,” he said.

Dr Awal courted the support of traditional authorities to support security agencies in the country to fight the surge in crimes along the country’s borders.

He noted that there has been an upsurge of Jihadist activities and the various borders of the country, a growing phenomenon that would not bode well for the peace and security Ghana needs.

CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, said more policies and programs are being rolled out to complement the year of return.

He highlighted the seven pillars that follow the Year of Return in 2019: Invest in Ghana, The Diaspora’s pathway to Ghana, Experience Ghana, Celebrate Ghana, Promote Pan African Heritage and innovation, Brand Ghana and Give Back Ghana.

President of the Central Regional House of chiefs, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu, asked government to continue to create a business environment to attract investors.

He said government was doing a lot but wants government to do more to attract the investors in their droves.

Traditions and customs were performed to open this year’s PANAFEST in a grand style.