The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has officially commenced activities marking Emancipation Month 2026 with a successful Fitness Walk held on Saturday, 18th July 2026, from Ayi Mensah Police Station to Peduase.
The event, organised to promote healthy living while commemorating the courage, resilience and enduring legacy of the ancestors who fought for freedom, brought together staff of the Ghana Tourism Authority, tourism stakeholders, students and members of the public in an impressive display of unity, patriotism and cultural pride.
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Fitness Walk was led by the Deputy Chief Executive Officers, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey (Marketing and Special Duties) and Mr. Ben Anane Nsiah (General Services).
They were ably supported by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC), Prof. Kobby Mensah, the President and Secretary of the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), executives of the Ghana Hotels Association and other key stakeholders from the tourism industry.
Addressing participants on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey highlighted the significance of Emancipation as a defining chapter in the history of people of African descent and a vital platform for preserving Ghana’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
He noted that Emancipation is more than a commemoration of the abolition of slavery; it is a celebration of freedom, resilience, identity and the indomitable spirit of Africans across the world.
“Emancipation is a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage and sacrifices of our forebears. As Ghanaians, we have a collective responsibility to preserve this history and share it with the world.”
He further stated that Ghana continues to serve as the gateway to Africa for the global African family, and that the annual Emancipation celebration provides an opportunity to reconnect people of African descent with their ancestral homeland while promoting Ghana’s unique heritage tourism offerings.
“Through Emancipation Month, we are not only reflecting on our past but also strengthening our cultural identity and deepening the connection between Ghana and the African diaspora. This is a journey of remembrance, healing, reconciliation and hope.”
Mr. Aggrey reaffirmed the commitment of the Ghana Tourism Authority, under the leadership of Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, to working closely with industry stakeholders to position Ghana as Africa’s premier heritage and cultural tourism destination.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority will continue to champion initiatives that celebrate our heritage, promote domestic tourism and showcase Ghana’s unique history, culture and hospitality to the world.”
One of the most remarkable highlights of the event was the extraordinary turnout of staff of the Ghana Tourism Authority, whose enthusiastic participation demonstrated the Authority’s unwavering commitment to promoting national heritage, wellness and tourism development.
In a message of appreciation, the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Maame Efua Houadjeto, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the Fitness Walk despite her inability to be physically present.
She commended the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF), the Tourism Society of Ghana, the Ghana Hotels Association, the Progressive Hotels Association, students from the University of Ghana and all other stakeholders whose support and participation contributed immensely to the success of the event.
Mrs. Houadjeto reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to promoting initiatives that foster wellness, cultural pride, unity and the celebration of Ghana’s rich heritage. She emphasized that, as Ghana’s lead tourism business regulator and destination marketing agency, the Ghana Tourism Authority will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen the tourism ecosystem and position Ghana as the preferred destination for heritage and cultural tourism.
The CEO further noted that the Emancipation story reminds all Ghanaians and people of African descent that freedom was attained through sacrifice and must be preserved through unity, purpose and collective action. She thanked everyone for walking together in honour of Ghana’s history and for carrying forward the nation’s story.
The Fitness Walk marks the beginning of a series of activities lined up throughout Emancipation Month 2026 to celebrate Ghana’s rich history, reconnect the African diaspora with their ancestral roots and promote the country’s unique cultural and heritage tourism offerings.
As Mrs. Houadjeto aptly concluded:
“This is Ghana. This is our story. This is our Emancipation journey.”
