“Ghana Has Always Been Seen as a Mecca”: Welcoming the Diaspora and Shaping the Future of Black Travel – An Interview with Ben Anane-Nsiah, Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism
By Leroy Adams
In recent years, Ghana has become a beacon for Black American travelers seeking cultural reconnection, investment opportunities, and even a new place to call home. From the Year of Return to the annual December festivities, Ghana is intentionally cultivating an atmosphere of belonging for the African diaspora. But beyond the vibrant culture, rich history, and warm hospitality, there’s a deeper political and social significance to this movement.
To explore this, Culture Travels sat down with Ben Anane-Nsiah, Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism, to discuss the historical context, political implications, and cultural importance of Black Americans traveling and moving to Ghana. Our conversation delved into Ghana’s Pan-African philosophy, the strategic importance of diaspora connections, and the ongoing impact of prominent Black American figures who have called Ghana home.
Here are some key insights from our conversation. Watch the full interview with Ben Anane-Nsiah, Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism, on our YouTube channel.y
Q&A with Ben Anane-Nsiah
Leroy Adams:
What is the political significance of Black Americans traveling and moving to Ghana?
Ben Anane-Nsiah:
Let me put it this way. Ghana gained independence in 1957, and our first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, had lived in the U.S. before becoming prime minister. He was there during segregation and was very much aware of the struggles of people of African descent in the U.S., especially their fight for equality.
On the very day of Ghana's independence, Dr. Nkrumah said, "The independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked with the total liberation of Africa." From the beginning of our nationhood, Ghana has been conscious of our connection to the larger African family, both on the continent and in the diaspora. We understand that history has forced this division, placing some of us here and others across the Atlantic, but our destinies are interlinked. Anything that affects African people elsewhere affects us too. This philosophy has always guided Ghana's engagement with the Black diaspora.
This isn’t tied to any specific government; it’s been consistent throughout our history. That’s why events like the Pan-African Historical Festival were introduced, and why figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Maya Angelou lived here and contributed to Ghana's development. Ghana has always been seen as a Mecca for people of African descent, no matter where they live.
Leroy Adams:
Many Black Americans are interested in moving to Ghana. What does the relocation process look like?
Ben Anane-Nsiah:
First, people need to be realistic—no one is going to give you a house or a stipend. We don’t even do that for locals. The key thing is getting the right resident status. Most people come on a tourist visa, but you have to regularize that through immigration for a longer stay or to pursue citizenship. Also, be cautious when buying land. It’s important to go through proper channels like the Ghana Investment Promotion Center or the Ministry of Interior to avoid getting duped.
Leroy Adams:
If someone wants to partner with the Ghanaian Tourism Board, especially as a travel influencer or journalist, how do they go about it?
Ben Anane-Nsiah:
It’s simple—reach out to us directly with your ideas. We’re open to collaborations because storytelling from your perspective resonates more authentically with American audiences than if we told the story ourselves. We’ve done familiarization tours with Essence Magazine, New York Times, and others. We don’t control what they say—we want genuine feedback, both good and bad, because it helps us improve. We’re always open to working together.
Leroy Adams:
Ghana has welcomed some of the most iconic Black American figures, from W.E.B. Du Bois to Maya Angelou. Could we see future travel experiences centered around their lives? For example, is there a Ghana travel experience that allows us to visit the resting place of W.E.B. Du Bois or the city where Maya Angelou lived?
Ben Anane-Nsiah:
Certainly, for W.E.B. Du Bois, yes. Every year, there's an event called Emancipation Day where he is publicly honored, and wreaths are placed on his tomb. Regarding Maya Angelou, we haven’t explored that much, but it’s something we can consider. If you’re not a poet, you might not think much about Maya Angelou yet. But we are looking at other iconic figures as well, like Idris Elba, who is part Ghanaian. We’re definitely considering building circuits around their lives and actions to attract more travelers.
Leroy Adams:
You mentioned Maya Angelou, W.E.B. Du Bois, and even Malcolm X. Their connections to Ghana were very much political in nature. Do you think today’s Black American travelers also, politically speaking, help improve relationships with the U.S. government?
Ben Anane-Nsiah:
We don’t have an exploitative approach to the African diaspora. It’s not about using people for political gain. Our primary motivation is that these are descendants of Queens and Kings who were taken away under very inhumane conditions. If they now choose to come back, we want to make it easy for them to reintegrate.
However, we understand that Black America is not monolithic—there’s a spectrum of political views. We don’t engage the U.S. government solely based on the interests of African Americans. But there are benefits to cultural integration. Many who come are professionals—dentists, teachers, business owners. They contribute to our society, and that naturally strengthens ties between our nations. We are open to all of those things.
Wrap Up
The conversation with Ben Anane-Nsiah sheds light on Ghana's intentional and strategic approach to welcoming the African diaspora. It’s not just about tourism; it’s about cultural reconnection, community building, and political significance. For Black Americans, traveling or relocating to Ghana isn't just about seeing a new place—it's about finding a sense of belonging, making an impact, and continuing a legacy of resilience and empowerment.
Ghana isn’t merely inviting people to visit; it’s inviting them to come home. And as Ben put it, “We are open to all of those things.”
Whether you're considering a visit, investment, or even relocation, Ghana welcomes you—not just as a tourist but as family.
Watch the full interview with Ben Anane-Nsiah, Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism, on our YouTube channel.
