Some of Accra’s key streets were dotted with musical rhythms, vibrant dances, and dazzling spectacle when the African American Association of Ghana (AAAG), in conjunction with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Office of Diaspora Affairs, held a colorful float to commemorate the 2025 Juneteenth Festival. It coincided with when Ghana and African Americans were deepening their historical and cultural affiliation, which they have in common.
The Juneteenth Festival, held once a year on June 19, is a moving celebration that recognizes the end of slavery in America. It celebrates when, in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger traveled to Galveston, Texas, to proclaim free all slaves of African descent—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed. Accra’s colorful float was part of a broader effort to publicize Ghana’s Juneteenth holiday and enrich the cultural relationship between Ghanaians and African Americans.
Cheetham’s comments reflect a shared goal: to ensure the recognition of Juneteenth as a day of reflection and liberation, not only in the U.S. but across the African continent. The annual celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and equality, while also celebrating the resilience and enduring spirit of African Americans and the African diaspora.
A Cultural Event in the Centre of AccraThe Accra streets were made alive by lively drumming, active dancing, and excited chanting when they were showcased at the float during the Juneteenth Festival. As it passed through the city, excited crowds of viewers joined in, transforming the processional into a moving cultural celebration. Seen here were the expressions of unity and collective history between Ghana and America, where Ghanaians and diasporic visitors joined in celebration.
The procession culminated at the Ghana Tourism Information Centre forecourt, where a series of cultural activities awaited the participants. These included live performances by local artists, storytelling sessions that traced the history of Juneteenth, and exhibitions highlighting the significance of the Emancipation Proclamation and the broader African American experience.
The GTA’s partnership with the African American Association of Ghana and the Office of Diaspora Affairs underscores the growing recognition of Ghana as a leading destination for the African diaspora to connect with their roots and learn about their shared history.
Juneteenth’s Growing Global SignificanceNow a nationally recognized federal American holiday, Juneteenth has become a celebration of freedom, empowerment, and introspection. The float in Ghana, Accra, represents a significant moment in international celebration of Juneteenth, since the significance of the day extends beyond country borders. By celebrating the Juneteenth Festival, Ghana is ensuring that the history of struggle for freedom continues to stay alive, not just in America but throughout Africa and throughout the world.
The Juneteenth Festival in Accra forms part of broader efforts to create meaningful cultural exchanges between Africa and its diaspora. These exchanges are critical for fostering solidarity, mutual respect, and shared understanding. The festival also provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of slavery, not only as a painful chapter in history but also as a source of strength, resilience, and pride for African descendants worldwide.
Supporting Cultural and Historical Tourism in Ghana
The Ghana Tourism Authority has made great strides in promoting the country as a cultural and historical hub for both African Americans and other members of the African diaspora. With its rich heritage and pivotal role in the history of the transatlantic slave trade, Ghana offers a unique opportunity for tourists to reconnect with their African roots.
The Juneteenth Festival is just one of many initiatives designed to highlight Ghana’s historical significance. Through its continued investment in cultural tourism, the Ghana Tourism Authority is working to ensure that the country becomes a major destination for those seeking to learn about African history, culture, and heritage.
As part of Ghana’s ongoing commitment to promoting tourism, the GTA plans to expand its support for festivals and events that celebrate the country’s historical and cultural connections with the African diaspora. By fostering dialogue between Africans and African Americans, the festival is helping to create a more inclusive and united global community.
Looking Ahead: Ghana’s Annual Celebration of Juneteenth
The Juneteenth Festival in Accra is expected to become an annual event, with the African American Association of Ghana and the Ghana Tourism Authority working together to ensure that the celebration continues to grow in size and importance. By making Juneteenth a focal point of cultural exchange, both Ghanaians and African Americans can gain a deeper understanding of each other’s histories, cultures, and shared experiences.
Its celebration in Ghana also has the potential to become one of the country’s most important tourism strategy pillars, bringing tourists to Ghana from all over the world to educate them about the struggle and success of people of African descent.
As the world increasingly identifies Juneteenth as a day of freedom, remembrance, and empowerment, Ghana’s contribution to that international movement will become increasingly more important, deepening African continent-diaspora affinities for years to come.
Key Points:
Juneteenth Festival in Accra, hosted by AAAG and GTA, commemorated the abolition of slavery in the U.S. There were drumming, dance, live performances, and history-telling about African American history. Ghana’s position as a center for African diaspora culture continues to grow through continued investment in cultural tourism. The Accra celebration was a great success that brought together various people and cultures in celebration of the long-lasting legacy of Juneteenth.
