The historic border town of Paga in Ghana’s Upper East Region is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors, investors, and members of the African diaspora as it hosts key activities for Emancipation Day 2026 on Monday, July 20 and 21.
Located in the Kassena-Nankana West District, Paga is renowned for its unique cultural and historical attractions, including the famous Paga Crocodile Pond, the Pikworo Slave Camp, and the Tono Dam.
Organisers believe this year’s celebrations present a significant opportunity to showcase the area’s tourism and investment potential.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its engagement with the African diaspora through heritage tourism initiatives inspired by the legacy of the Year of Return and Beyond the Return, Paga is expected to play a central role in the 2026 Emancipation Day commemoration.
Emancipation Day is observed annually in Ghana to honour the abolition of slavery and to remember the millions of Africans who suffered during the transatlantic slave trade.
Originally commemorated in the Caribbean following the abolition of chattel slavery in the British colonies on August 1, 1834, the event has become an important platform for reconnecting people of African descent with their ancestral homeland.
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced a nationwide programme of activities under the theme, ‘Reconnecting Roots, Celebrating Freedom, Experience Ghana’.
The week-long celebration aims to strengthen cultural ties between Ghana and the African diaspora while preserving the country’s rich historical heritage.
A major highlight of the celebration will be a grand durbar on Tuesday, July 21 at the Pikworo Slave Camp, where participants will reflect on the painful history of the transatlantic slave trade and honour the resilience of enslaved Africans.
The Paga Pio’s Palace is also expected to host several traditional and cultural activities during the commemorative events.
Interest in Paga has grown internationally following the recent visit of Illinois House of Representatives member, Carol Ammons, who traced part of her ancestry to the community through DNA research.
During her visit, she pledged to dedicate her public service to raising awareness about the origins and lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade while advocating for reparative justice for people of African descent.
Beyond its historical significance, Paga is widely known for its remarkable relationship between humans and crocodiles.
Unlike in many parts of the world, the crocodiles at the Paga Crocodile Pond peacefully coexist with residents and are regarded as sacred.
According to local tradition, harming or disrespecting the crocodiles is strictly forbidden, making the site one of Ghana’s most fascinating tourist attractions.
Speaking to NewsfileGH, Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement (PAYOM) Duriyem Aborah Wenawome said the Emancipation Day celebrations would not only honour the town’s rich heritage but also stimulate economic growth by attracting investment and creating employment opportunities for young people.
He expressed optimism that hotels, guest houses, restaurants, food vendors, transport operators, and other local businesses would experience increased patronage during the festivities.
He also expects artisans, especially producers of the renowned Fugu smock, basket weavers, leatherworkers, and craft traders, to benefit from heightened demand from both local and international visitors.
With thousands expected to converge on the historic town, community leaders believe Emancipation Day 2026 offers Paga a unique opportunity to position itself as one of Ghana’s leading heritage tourism destinations while unlocking new avenues for investment, cultural exchange, and sustainable economic development.
By Richard Bright Addo