THE spirits of African ancestors were duly honoured last Thursday as Ghana marked the 2026 Emancipation Day celebrations with solemn wreath-laying ceremonies at three significant sites in Accra.
The ceremonies, held at the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation, the George Padmore Library and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, paid tribute to the resilience, sacrifices and enduring legacy of African ancestors whose struggles for freedom continue to inspire generations across Africa and the diaspora.
Organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in collaboration with key stakeholders, the commemorative events brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional authorities, representatives of the African diaspora, students, tourism stakeholders, the media and members of the public.
The occasion was marked by solemn prayers, cultural performances, tributes, solidarity statements and the laying of wreaths in honour of the ancestors.
The activities began at the W.E.B. Du Bois Museum Foundation with an opening prayer, a welcome address by the Head of Operations of the Foundation, Grace Asiam, and a video presentation on the life and legacy of Dr W.E.B. Du Bois.
Cultural performances by Kids in Tourism and the Ghana Dance Ensemble further enriched the ceremony, while Ambassador Erieka Bennett, Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum, also delivered a statement.
Wreaths were subsequently laid on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, Traditional Rulers, the Diaspora Family and the Youth of Africa.
The delegation then proceeded to the George Padmore Library, where a traditional dance performance and a rendition of Yɛn Ara Asaase Ni preceded a welcome address by the Executive Director of the Ghana Library Authority, Ziblim Alhassan.
An exhibition by Simon Teye also highlighted the immense contribution of George Padmore to the Pan-African movement.
The ceremony at the library featured the lighting of the perpetual flame and a solemn filing past the tomb in remembrance of the Pan-Africanist and his contribution to the struggle for African liberation.
The final ceremony was held at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, where dignitaries reaffirmed their commitment to Pan-Africanism and the ideals championed by Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
Delivering the purpose of the gathering, the Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto, said Emancipation was not merely about remembering the past but also about safeguarding Africa's collective future through unity, solidarity and shared purpose.
She used the occasion to appeal to Africans to reject xenophobia and all forms of discrimination against fellow Africans.
“As we commemorate Emancipation, I urge our brothers and sisters across Africa, particularly in South Africa, to desist from xenophobic attacks and every form of discrimination against fellow Africans.
“The vision of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah was one of a united Africa where no African is treated as a stranger on African soil. Let us embrace one another as one people, one destiny and one Africa,” she said.
Maame Efua Houadjeto stressed that the spirit of Emancipation must inspire Africans everywhere to reject division, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, and work collectively towards building a peaceful, prosperous and united Africa.
Solidarity statements were delivered by the Ambassador of the Republic of Suriname to Ghana, Fidelia Graand-Galon; representatives of the PANAFEST Foundation; the High Commissioner of Barbados to Ghana, Juliette Babb-Riley; and Ghana's Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Kenneth Akibate.
They called on Africans and people of African descent to preserve the spirit of unity, strengthen ties across borders and continue working together to build a prosperous continent inspired by the ideals of Pan-Africanism.
A moving tribute to the ancestors was also performed by Kids in Tourism, while the Special Guest of Honour, Ambassador Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Presidential Special Envoy on Reparations at the Office of the President, delivered a statement reinforcing the global call for justice, healing and meaningful reparative dialogue.
The keynote address, delivered on behalf of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts by the Deputy Minister, Yussif Issaka Jajah, reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to preserving the memory of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, promoting Pan-African solidarity and positioning the country as a preferred destination for heritage and diaspora tourism.
The ceremony climaxed with the laying of wreaths, including one on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana by Maame Efua Houadjeto.
Additional wreaths were laid on behalf of Traditional Rulers, the Diaspora Family and the Youth of Africa.
The solemn occasion ended with an Atenteben funeral dirge, symbolising remembrance, reconciliation and hope for a united African future.
The 2026 Emancipation celebrations continue with a series of educational, cultural and commemorative activities aimed at deepening the connection between Africa and its global diaspora while celebrating freedom, resilience and the enduring spirit of the African people.
