The ministry of transport has introduced a non Pre-Approval Visa on Arrival to all passengers from the diaspora making their way to the country for the ‘Beyond the Return’ celebrations.

According to the ministry, ‘Beyond the Return’ is a 10-year project under the theme, ‘A decade of African Renaissance (2020-2030)’ and is built on seven pillars.

Contained in a statement signed by the Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, it stated that this is a follow-up to the successful 2019 Year of Return, Ghana which sought to connect Africans in the diasporas to their roots.

“The initiative has attracted interest among Africans in the diaspora, a large number of whom have traveled to and/or relocated to Ghana since 2019. Following consultation between the ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Tourism Authority, approval has been given for passengers traveling to Ghana to opt for visa-on arrival waiving the requirement for prior approval.”
Transport ministry

Consequently, the transport ministry expressed the need for the various airlines to comply with the latest directive from the transport ministry.

“It will be appreciated if systems are updated to reflect these new arrangements and those responsible for checking-in traveling to Ghana advised not to insist on entry visa prior to their boarding. Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration.”
Transport ministry

Beyond the Return is a follow-up to the successful “Year Of Return” Ghana 2019’ campaign which commemorated the 400th Anniversary of the arrival of the first recorded enslaved Africans in Jamestown Virginia in 1619. The landmark campaign also celebrated the resilience of the African over the past 400 years and welcomed all people of African origin to return to Africa, especially Ghana.

Beyond the Return celebration in Ghana

It will be recalled that the second edition of the YouTube Creators Festival Ghana in September this year, received a huge boost following an official endorsement by Beyond the Return.

The partnership agreement, described by both parties as mutually beneficial, saw them share ideas on ways to ensure patrons get value for money and a life-long experience. In addition, the event featured in Gh Magazine in December as part of marketing support with the booklets distributed to millions of Ghanaians across the diaspora.

The YouTube Creator Festival Ghana is becoming an emerging force in the creative industry as it does not only seek to acknowledge and reward Ghanaian content creators but promote local tourism. The second edition, an improvement from the first witnessed the introduction of a free Masterclass for female content creators. The class which promoted an inclusion in creativity and women empowerment trained over 100 ladies in the field the practicalities of YouTube monetization, content development, copyright etc.

This year’s ‘Beyond the Return’ is packed with activities which includes Afrochella which is expected to take place between 28-29th December 2022 at El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra.