By Annabel Bonney
If you’re asking “how many diasporeans have visited Ghana in the last 10 years for Year of Return,” the reality is this: there’s no precise, universally agreed number—but we do have a strong estimate for 2019 and a wider trend for 2020–2025.
The Year of Return: A Defining Moment
Launched in 2019, the Year of Return marked 400 years since enslaved Africans first arrived in Virginia. It was a call to Africans in the diaspora—particularly from the US, UK, and Caribbean—to return home, connect with their roots, and invest in Ghana.
The initiative featured concerts, tours, heritage site visits, and even pathways to citizenship. Its success inspired a follow-up initiative called “Beyond the Return” (2020–2030), focused on sustaining diaspora engagement.
2019 Visitor Numbers: The Big Spike
According to the Ghana Tourism Authority, total international arrivals in 2019 hit 1.13 million, up 18% from 2018. The Ghanaian government attributed about 500,000 of those as “extra visitors” due to the Year of Return—many of them believed to be diaspora.
| Year | Total International Visitors | Estimated Diaspora (Year of Return Related) | Notes |
| 2019 | 1.13 million | ~500,000 (gov’t claim) | Peak Year of Return activity |
| 2020 | ~200,000 | Not specified | COVID-19 impact year |
| 2021 | Not available | Not specified | Travel restrictions lingered |
| 2022 | 915,000 | Not specified | Recovery underway |
| 2023 | 1.15 million (est.) | Not specified | Continued tourism growth |
The Debate Over Numbers
Although the 500,000 estimate is often quoted, researchers like Bright Simons and media like the BBC have questioned its accuracy.
- BBC noted that 237,000 was the increase in visitors from Jan–Sept 2019 compared to 2018.
- Reuters suggested only 45,000 diaspora travelers came specifically for heritage purposes.
- Ghanaweb highlighted that by mid-2019, 750,000 tourists had arrived, with final counts expected to exceed 1 million.
So, the 500,000 figure may reflect both diaspora and general international tourists drawn by the buzz.
What About 2020–2025?
Since 2020, the continuation project “Beyond the Return” has kept the momentum alive, but there’s a lack of diaspora-specific breakdowns. Events like December in Ghana (DiGh) remain popular, but annual visitor data from 2021–2023 focuses on total numbers, not diaspora stats.
- In 2022, Ghana welcomed 915,000 international visitors.
- In 2023, that number climbed to 1.15 million.
- US, UK, and Nigeria were top source countries.
Given these figures and the initiative’s ongoing push, we can reasonably infer that thousands of diasporans continue to visit yearly—but we can’t assign an exact number.
How Much Ghana Has Made from Year of Return
The financial rewards from the Year of Return have been significant. According to official reports:
- In 2019, Ghana earned between $1.9 billion and $3.312 billion, the higher figure coming from the Tourism Ministry. Visitor spending in hotels, transportation, dining, and events drove this economic boost.
- Spending categories in 2019 saw spikes across the board: accommodations up 41%, food and beverages up 21%, shopping up 14%, transport up 8%, and entertainment up 5%.
- Ghana’s global profile also rose, with $3.5 million in media coverage value and an influx of over 200,000 diaspora visitors directly fueling the economy.
In contrast, 2020 revenue fell to GH₡1.179 billion (~$200 million), due to the pandemic slashing tourist numbers.
- 2021–2025 figures remain vague, but with international arrivals rebounding to 915,000 in 2022 and 1.15 million in 2023, it’s safe to say tourism continues to contribute significantly, even if diaspora-specific earnings are harder to isolate.
Note: The revenue estimates vary due to different data reporting standards. For example, the $1.9 billion figure represents partial-year data, while $3.312 billion may include indirect impacts and full-year spending. Exchange rate shifts also influence the USD equivalent, especially for 2020 and beyond.
Conclusion
So, how many diasporeans have visited Ghana in the last 10 years for Year of Return?
Here’s the best estimate:
- 2019: Likely 300,000–500,000, though numbers vary by source.
- 2020–2025: Unknown exact figures, but likely in the tens of thousands annually based on rising tourism and continuing diaspora engagement.
And how much has Ghana made?
- 2019: Between $1.9 billion and $3.312 billion.
- 2020: About $200 million.
- 2021–2025: Still being quantified but backed by strong tourism recovery.
For a 10-year picture, the Year of Return has proven to be one of Ghana’s most impactful economic and cultural campaigns.
Thinking of making your own return to Ghana?
Why wait?
Join us this June 2025 for an immersive 12-day journey through Ghana, Benin, and Togo—a powerful continuation of the legacy started in 2019. Walk the paths of history, explore vibrant cultures, and experience the spirit of West Africa like never before.
Book now. Need a flexible plan? Email booktravelafrica@gmail.com. Reconnect with your roots. Travel Africa.
