A historic moment unfolded at Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport as 22 sons and daughters of the Bahamas Islands set foot on African soil for the first time on 29th February 2024. Their mission? To connect with their ancestral roots, immerse themselves in Ghanaian culture, and particularly, the Ahanta tribe in Ghana’s Western Region.
The welcoming committee, led by Angelique F. McKay [Queen Mother Asafokyereba] and Christopher Davis [Asafohene Jan Kwaw], both Bahamian-Ahantas, eagerly greeted the returnees. The duo has been fervently advocating for Bahamians to recognize Ahanta as their original homeland and experience the heritage of this notable tribe in Ghana.
During the seven-day visit, the pilgrims embarked on a cultural exploration curated by Cultural Experiences Productions, an all-women-led Bahamian company, in collaboration with Goldcoast Ahanta Travel and Tours, the University of the Bahamas North Campus, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Bahamas.
The journey traces back to Ghana’s ‘Year of Return’ initiative launched in 2019, which attracted approximately one million diasporans to the country. Among them was Christopher Davis, a historian researching the legendary Junkanoo Festival, a celebrated Caribbean tradition.
Christopher’s quest led him to connect with key figures like Stephen Kenyah Arthur and Angelique McKay, forming a strong alliance dedicated to empowering Black communities culturally and economically.
Angelique, renowned as the Junkanoo Goddess, described her transformative experience in Ahanta as a reconnection to her ancestral home, prompting her to champion a cultural heritage tourism project in the region.
Driven by their shared passion, the trio unearthed the historical ties between the Bahamas and Ahanta, unraveling the roots of the Junkanoo Festival, which originated in Princess Town, Ahanta.
Angelique’s vision for cultural exchange saw the inception of a regular pilgrimage to Ahanta for Bahamians and diasporans, fostering educational and collaborative partnerships between institutions in Ghana and the Bahamas.
The inaugural pilgrimage, spanning from 1st to 9th March 2024, marked a poignant journey through Ghana, exploring significant slave trade sites, historical landmarks, and the resilient spirit of African ancestry.
Through immersive experiences at sites like Elmina Castle, Cape 3 Point, and Fort Batenstein, the pilgrims paid homage to their roots and celebrated the enduring legacy of African heritage.
The delegation’s academic exchange with Ghanaian universities paved the way for potential collaborations in various disciplines, fostering a deeper connection between the two nations.
As the pilgrimage concluded, the Bahamian returnees departed with a newfound sense of home in Ghana, symbolizing a promising future of cooperation and unity between the African and Caribbean communities.
