Sept. 29, 2005–Have the messages of great black leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., W.E.B. Dubois, and Harriet Tubman been lost in the underbellies of modern day societies? Quite possibly, says H.E. Jake O. Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of State for the Republic of Ghana.
"It's because the dehumanization of Africans still continues all over the world," Obetsebi-Lamptey, said Monday at the Senate's full session. "You can actually see everyday there is a weakening of Africans, where they are taught that everything about themselves is negative, and where they are told by others that their race is nothing worthwhile to be a part of."
Obetsebi-Lamptey added there are even lingering affects of slavery present in the Virgin Islands. "That's why it's time for a change," Obetsebi-Lamptey said. "It's time for this age to be the African age, where people can see that we are a race full of spirit and strength. Where people can see that we have risen to great heights."
To achieve this ideal, Obetsebi-Lamptey told senators that Ghana is spearheading a program called "Akwaaba Anyemi," or "Welcome Back Home," in which the African diaspora is urged to return to their continent of origin to learn the truths about their past, and to help re-build Africa's hope for the future.
Through this program, those making the journey will reverse the route taken by slaves during the Middle Passage, and land on Africa's shores to participate in various ceremonies and events.
"Just as every Muslim must visit Mecca at least once in their lifetime, so do we want to establish a pilgrimage to Ghana, one that every African in the diaspora must undertake at least once in their lifetime," Obetsebi-Lamptey said. "This allows the re-introduction of the diapsora to the homeland."
Once on Ghana's shores, "pilgrims" will first engage in a ceremony called the "Healing" in the city of Accra. Here, the program's participants will convene with traditional rulers of tribes associated with the slave trade, as well as people across the west and central coast of Africa to put the spirits of their ancestors to rest.
"We will also use all of mankind's religious methods and beliefs to ask for expiation and forgiveness. This will send the message that we are at peace," Obetsebi-Lamptey said.
After the "Healing," participants in the program will continue on the pilgrimage route, which includes:
–visits to Ghana's 40 slave lodges, forts, and castles. Obetsebi-Lamptey said these structures are still in place, but vary in condition. However, they do serve as critical landmarks of Ghanaian past.
–a visit to Assin Manso, or the "Last Bath." Obetsebi-Lamptey explained that slave captives on their way to the African coast for shipment were given their last bath at this camp, prior to leaving the continent. For the project, Obetsebi-Lamptey said a Garden of Commemoration is being developed in this area for meditation, as well as an interfaith prayer hall where participants are able to "pray for the spirits of their ancestors." In addition, those making the pilgrimage will be allowed to take a bath at Assin Manso to commemorate their return home.
–visits to the Walled Town of Gwollu, and other hideouts. Obetsebi-Lamptey said Gwollu, in northwest Ghana, was walled as protection against slave raiders. Furthermore, Obetsebi-Lamptey said many out-of-the-way caves have been identified in the area as spots for hiding fugitives. Other sites in the area are also being preserved.
Education is also an integral part of the entire program, which features an activity called the "Joseph Project," which not only endeavors to teach people about slavery, but highlights the work of famous Africans who have been pioneers in the world. By doing this, Obetsebi-Lamptey said, pride in Africa will re-emerge from its people.
To build the project, "Josephs" from the modern day are also urged to make the pilgrimage to Africa. Once there, a nominating committee of Africans from the continent will select a certain group of men and women to be featured in an exhibit called the "African Excellence Experience." Obetsebi-Lamptey explained this would be an exhibit built at James Fort in Accra, where the world's "Josephs and Josephines" of past and present, will be featured.
The name of the project comes from the biblical story of Joseph, who Obetsebi-Lamptey said rose above his captivity to do great things.
Obetsebi-Lamptey also told senators his country wants Virgin Islanders to be the first to participate in the program, since the territory serves as a vital link between the Gold Coast and the Danish West Indies, or the Africa and Caribbean of today. Due to the careful preservation of various records within the territory, Obetsebi-Lamptey said he has been able to learn significant information about slaves brought into the V.I. during the Middle Passage.
"This territory has a wealth of documentation which shows exactly how many people were picked up from Africa during the slave trade, where they were taken, what ships they were transported on. These are records which could help so many trace their roots back to Africa."
Consequently, Obetsebi-Lamptey extended a formal invitation from the Government of Ghana to return in June of 2006, a year before the program is supposed to be launched. If this is accomplished, Obetsebi-Lamptey said, the V.I. could serve as a catalyst for moving the African diaspora forward to a "place of economic and emotional pride."
"These Africans here in the V.I. have a special place in Africa, and are always welcome back," Obetsebi-Lamptey said. "That way, they can have one solid foot in the Caribbean, and one solid foot in the soil of their homeland."

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