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During the second edition of the Black History Festival in Columbus, Ohio, USA, Ghanaian leaders aimed to attract both Americans and Africans in the diaspora to consider Ghana as an ideal destination for investment and development.
Stephen Selasie Asuo, the Coordinator of the Black History Festival, emphasized that the event serves as a significant bridge, fostering discussions about commerce, trade, cultural exchange, the diaspora’s strength, and the future of Africa and the United States. The festival was started with the purpose of connecting businesses, governments, the private sector, and civil society in both Africa and the United States.
Yaw Osafo, Senior Advisor to the President, spoke at the Black History Festival 2023, highlighting the evolving relationship between the US and Africa and the importance of involving the private sector. He emphasized that incorporating a private sector dimension into business endeavors in Ghana and the US would appeal to both Americans and Ghanaians.
COP Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah, Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), assured attendees that EOCO is committed to safeguarding investments made in Ghana. She mentioned EOCO conducts due diligence on potential investors through their website to ensure minimal losses.
Carlos Ahenkorah, Chairman of the parliamentary select committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism, acknowledged the aspirations of the diaspora to establish businesses in Ghana. He emphasized that if individuals from the diaspora decide to invest in Ghana, their businesses should be treated as domestic enterprises, and the Ghanaian leadership is committed to providing necessary safeguards.
Mr. Nathaniel Adisi, CEO of EIB Network, stressed the importance of recognizing the creative industry in Ghana’s showbiz sector. He noted the growing global popularity of African music, particularly Afrobeats, and urged stakeholders to focus on the creative potential present in the country.
Mr. Kwasi Awuah, Head of Diaspora at the Office of the President, expressed the belief that the Black History Festival presents an excellent opportunity for colleagues in Ghana and the diaspora to harness collective potential. He referenced the success of the Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives, emphasizing the need to capitalize on the festival’s benefits.
Awal Mohammed, Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, reiterated Africa’s desire to forge a new partnership with the US and other allies, aiming to add value to products from the continent. He envisioned Africa leading the way with innovative initiatives by its 70th Independence celebration.
The four-day event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding Africans for their contributions to economics, development, media, academia, and more.
The Black History Festival, organized by the Bureau for International Development, Exchanges and Commerce (BIDEC), and their partners, is an annual event held in the USA. Its purpose is to celebrate and strengthen the ties between the United States of America and African Union member states. The festival serves as a platform to commemorate Africa’s heritage, arts, culture, trade, leadership, and innovation in the history of the United States of America.
Following the success of the second edition, the organizers and partners have announced plans for the third edition of the Black History Festival are already underway.
