The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has announced the official programme for Emancipation 2026, set to take place from July 18 to August 1, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, GTA said this year’s commemoration will be held under the theme: “Reconnecting roots, celebrating freedom, experience Ghana.”
Emancipation is an annual commemoration that honours the resilience, sacrifices and enduring legacy of Africans who endured the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, while celebrating the spirit of freedom, unity and reconnection with the African diaspora.
According to the Authority, the event forms part of Ghana’s commitment to preserving its rich historical heritage, promoting cultural tourism and strengthening the bonds between Africa and its global diaspora.
This year’s programme will feature activities across Accra, the Central Region and the Upper East Region, bringing together traditional authorities, members of the diplomatic community, the African diaspora, development partners, cultural practitioners, religious leaders, students and the general public.
The activities include:
– Saturday, July 18, 2026: Fitness Walk from Ayi Mensah to Peduase in Accra, and in Pikworo, Upper East Region at 7:00 a.m.
– Tuesday, July 21, 2026: Durbar at Pikworo Slave Camp, Upper East Region at 11:00 a.m.
– Thursday, July 23, 2026: Tribute to Ancestors; Wreath Laying Ceremony in Accra at W.E.B Du Bois Centre 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., George Padmore Library 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., and Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
– Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Durbar of Chiefs at Assin Praso at 10:00 a.m.
– Friday, July 31, 2026: Reverential Night at Cape Coast Castle at 8:00 p.m. Activities include Candlelight Procession from Mantshipim Junction, Wreath Laying, Testimonies/Spoken Word/Drama, Roll Call of Ancestors, and Reading of Proclamation. Dress code: White.
– Saturday, August 1, 2026: Emancipation Day Durbar at Assin Manso School Park at 10:00 a.m., followed by Wreath Laying on the Graves of Former Enslaved Africans and Visit to Ntonko Nsuo.
GTA warmly invited all Ghanaians, members of the African diaspora, tourists, development partners, cultural organisations, traditional authorities, faith-based organisations and the media to participate in the activities.
“Emancipation remains a powerful reminder of the triumph of the human spirit over oppression and reinforces Ghana’s position as the gateway for the global African family to reconnect with its roots, heritage and identity,” the statement said.
