Tourism establishes linkage between Ghana and the Diaspora

Accra, April 20, GNA - Dr Akosua Perbi of the History Department of the University of Ghana, said on Thursday that though Africans had been scattered in history, they had been united by history across the globe because they belonged to one big family. Dr Perbi said this when historians and traditional rulers from various parts of the country met with the Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey to establish linkages between Ghana and African Americans especially those from the Virgin Islands and the Danish West Indies.

The meeting brought together chiefs from Osu, La, Teshie, Ada, Old Ningo, Akwamu, Gwollu, Tumu, and Sesre.

Dr Perbi mentioned demography, linguistics and culture as three basic things that linked Ghanaians to Africans living in the Diaspora. "The similar local languages spoken by people in the Virgin Islands, the music, dishes and names really established the linkage. They tell ananse stories, sing and recite poetry in languages similar to our local language" she said.

She noted that Africans had inhabited almost every continent in the world and Ghana played a major part.

Dr Perbi said; "we need to recollect the past, understand the present and develop our future".

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey noted that over 90 per cent of Africans living in Danish West Indies were from the Danish forts at Osu and there were some names in the Virgin Islands like Kanton and Sackey that traced their history to Ghana.

He said the "Joseph Project" which would be officially launched next year would mark the 200 years of the abolition of slave trade and would form part of the 50th anniversary of Ghana's independence. The "Joseph Project" is aimed at facilitating the spiritual return of the more than 30 million Africans in the Diaspora to Ghana with the objective of making the 21st century, the African century by reconciling African people so that their positive spirit and strength are released in a focused manner.

The project would be climaxed with a healing concert in Accra to showcase some big stars in the Diaspora and Ghana. The Minister announced that a group of people from the Virgin Islands would come to Ghana this year to do rehearsals in connection with the healing concert in 2007.

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey noted that the world culture was dominated by Africans and that African Americans remained a constant part of Ghanaians and should always be referred to as "Anyemi". Dr Irene Odotei, a researcher from the University of Ghana, called for the institution of an exchange programme between students in Ghana and those from the Virgin Islands.