CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority Launches Book on African Diaspora Connection
The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Akwasi Agyeman, has officially launched his book, “When We Returned: From Chains to Crown,” at the W.E.B. Du Bois Center in Accra. The book provides a personal account of Mr. Agyeman’s experiences during the “Beyond the Return” initiative, a campaign dedicated to strengthening the bond between Africa and its diaspora.
At the book launch, Mr. Agyeman shared the inspiration behind his writing, revealing how the Year of Return and visits to Ghana’s historical dungeons deeply influenced his perspective. He described these experiences as pivotal in understanding the profound significance of the African narrative, prompting him to document his thoughts.
“As I went through the period of the Year of Return, going through the dungeon experience with a lot of people and all that, it started dawning on me that this story is deeper than all of us, and I need to start putting my perspectives on paper so that it also inspires others to write,” Mr. Agyeman reflected. He added, “If we were all to write our story, I believe that our history will be richer and we will all be able to leave something behind for others to learn.”
Mr. Agyeman expressed hope that his book would resonate with Ghanaians and enhance the understanding of the connection between Africa and its diaspora.
The event was attended by the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who served as the special guest of honour. In his address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the ongoing importance of African storytelling, urging that Africa’s narrative be one of triumph and progress.
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate the launch of ‘When We Returned: From Chains to Crown,’ we are reminded that the journey is far from over. The story of the African people is still being written, and it is up to us to ensure that it is a story of triumph, empowerment, and progress,” the President remarked.
He called for sustained efforts to build on the foundations laid by the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives, stating, “We must continue to build on the foundation laid by the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, working together to create a future where all people of African descent can live with dignity, prosperity, and pride.”
President Akufo-Addo concluded by highlighting the book’s potential to inspire future generations: “Let this book serve as a reminder of our shared history and our collective responsibility to uplift one another. Let it inspire us to continue the work of transforming chains into crowns, of turning the trials of the past into the triumphs of the future.” The launch of “When We Returned: From Chains to Crown” is regarded as a significant step in promoting a deeper understanding of the African experience and fostering continued dialogue between Africa and its diaspora.
