Retrace your roots in Ghana: tips from our local expert

A rising star on the West African map, Ghana is still something of an underrated gem, with so much to offer both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers. When it comes to planning heritage travel in Ghana, those looking to retrace their roots here will find a world of historic fascination and wonder, through experiences that are educational, immersive, and hugely emotional all at the same time. In this article, our Ghanaian local expert Nuru-Deen takes the floor to dive into the concept of heritage travel in his home country, exploring cultural thrills that tempt travellers from all walks of life, and sharing advice on how to plan an ancestry trip of your own.

Putting Ghana on the map: an introduction to this West African gem

Ghana is a small country in West Africa, on the edge of the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. It shares borders with Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and Cote d’Ivoire to the west. It is referred to as the Gateway to Africa because of its strategic location coupled with its political stability, diverse culture, and hospitality. In recent years, it has become a preferred destination for travellers from all over the world – especially for visits in December since the Ghana Tourism Authority launched their ‘December in Ghana’ campaign. This sees unique cultural events and programmes take place throughout the festive period, showcasing local music, food, fashion and more on an international scale.

Heritage travel in Ghana: a storied past and diverse culture

Heritage and cultural tours have become very popular in Ghana over the years, as this country has a lot to offer in terms of its historical sites and the welcoming nature of its culturally diverse people. Such diversity of its indigenous peoples is a big theme for heritage trips, as is the role the country played as part of Britain’s Gold Coast colony in the Transatlantic slave trade. There are over 30 forts and castles along the coast of Ghana that were used for the infamous trade, and this has become the magnet that pulls people from all walks of life – people from Black descendants who do not know their roots yet who mostly consider Ghana as their home because of this.

A journey back in time: the trials of the Transatlantic slave trade

As a tour operator, we offer heritage trips to explore the Transatlantic slave trade, through which our guests have the opportunity to learn and experience first-hand the journey and trials of the slave trade that occurred over 400 years ago, forcing the enslavement and movement of people from Africa to the Americas. It is an emotional but memorable experience because of the educational aspect that comes with it.

On this trip, travellers will get to visit the castles and dungeons that were used to hold the slaves before their shipment overseas. They’ll learn about the treatments that were meted out to these slaves, gaining a better understanding and appreciation of the significant role the enslaved Africans played to make their countries what it is now, and the need to not replicate these barbaric acts on humans again.

Modern-day culture in Ghana: an endless treasure trove to explore

In recent years, the Ghanaian government has invested in promotional campaigns geared towards showcasing the country’s cultural and historic heritage. In 2019, it commemorated the 400th anniversary of the first-recorded enslaved Africans in the US – an event termed as the Year of Return. The programme raised our international arrivals into Ghana to about 1.3 million travellers, and injected about two billion dollars into the economy! The programme has since been extended beyond the 2019 celebration and is now known as Beyond the Return – it’s an initiative that has really helped drive high numbers of tourists, and shows that Ghana’s diverse culture appeals to a lot of international travellers who wish to learn and experience it, whether or not it’s a part of their own heritage.

Heritage travel in Ghana: what to expect

Travellers should expect their ancestry trip to be very emotional but educational, as it will bring answers to many of the questions they have had in their minds for a long time. Black travellers should expect to reconnect with their ancestors and feel very welcome as they return to their roots. Also, one should expect to make meaningful encounters with the locals, which will enable them to learn more about their way of life and gain a deeper understanding of life in general. These experiences all help to heal, reflect on, learn about, and reconcile the infamous Black history, while at the same time acknowledging the pains it has caused.

Tips for planning an ancestry trip

Anyone who intends to embark on a heritage tour should research the connections of the destination to the heritage experience they’re seeking, which will help define and set expectations. Travellers should also be prepared to respect the cultures of others, in order to fully immerse themselves in the activities that will be undertaken, and preferably use a local expert in order to not miss out on anything on their trip.

Make it happen

Has Nuru-Deen’s insight on heritage travel in Ghana inspired you to plan a heritage trip of your own? Get in touch with a local expert today and together, you’ll soon begin crafting the vacation of a lifetime.