Plans are underway to bring about 150 Jamaicans to Paga in the Upper East Region as part of an initiative to strengthen historical and cultural ties between Ghana and the Caribbean.
Roy Page, Chief Executive Officer of Asterix Tourism Services Limited and Chairman of the Countrystyle Community Tourism Network (CCTN), says the proposed charter flight will allow visitors to experience Paga’s cultural heritage and connect with communities linked to the history of Africa and the transatlantic slave trade.
The initiative forms part of the Know Thyself programme, which seeks to deepen understanding of African and Caribbean identities through heritage experiences and cultural exchanges.
Mr Page said Paga was chosen as the starting point because of northern Ghana’s historical connections to the slave trade and the need to strengthen links between people of African descent and their ancestral roots.
He described his initial experience in Paga, including traditional drumming, dancing and engagement with local authorities, as deeply moving.
The organisers are also considering exchanges involving Ghanaian traditional leaders, Jamaican Maroon communities and Rastafari groups to encourage a deeper appreciation of their shared histories and cultural identities.
Mr Page said the programme would eventually extend to other communities, with Paga serving as the first destination under the community tourism model.
The proposed visit is expected to support cultural exchange and create opportunities for Paga to promote its heritage to international audiences.
However, the charter flight and related activities remain subject to planning and confirmation.
The initiative comes amid ongoing local efforts to promote Paga and the wider Upper East Region as heritage tourism destinations.
Wenawome Aborah Duriyem, Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement and Managing Director of Kacstone Records, has played a role in community-based tourism promotion, including support for efforts to redevelop the historic Pikworo Slave Camp.
His work has also involved mobilising young people and promoting the region’s cultural identity. These efforts provide a local context for the proposed Ghana–Caribbean heritage exchange.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com| 102.7 MHz| Bolgatanga
