Abeiku Santana is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority
The previous government, led by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, did a fantastic job with the launch of the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Santana, has commended.
In an interview on YFM, Abeiku Santana said the initiative has positioned Ghana as a major tourist destination in recent years, attracting several international events including Afro Nation and others.
Ghana is now a leading and competitive tourism destination – Abeiku Santana
“The previous government did a great job, a fantastic job with the launch of the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, which became a major international marketing promotion for Ghana as a destination. It was launched in America and that brought in a lot of event organisers, including Afro Nation, to host their events here. That launch significantly amplified global awareness about Ghana as a destination,” he said.
According to the Deputy CEO of the GTA, the current administration has maintained the initiative by building on the foundation laid by the previous government, rather than changing its core approach.
He explained that the focus has been on expanding the reach of the initiative by activating cities and destinations that were not previously included.
“What are we doing after the previous government? We are amplifying it because you don’t change a winning formula. The approach hasn’t changed. We are simply building on it by activating cities and destinations that were not previously touched,” he stated.
The Year of Return, launched in 2019, marked a milestone in Ghana’s historical and cultural journey.
It served as a global invitation to people of African descent, particularly African Americans, to reconnect with their roots by visiting Ghana and exploring their ancestral heritage.
Following its success, the initiative evolved into the Beyond the Return programme in 2020, aimed at sustaining the momentum and encouraging long-term engagement with the African diaspora.
Watch the video below:
We are amplifying #TheYearOfReturn and #BeyondTheReturn initiatives launched by the previous government – @AbeikuSantana , Deputy CEO (Marketing/Special Duties), @ghanatourismGTA
Full video on YouTube: https://t.co/WI6F6baqPA#MMRS #YHolidayHavoc #YHolidayHavoc25… pic.twitter.com/VDFm172sag
— YFM ACCRA (@Y1079FM) December 25, 2025
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