GUCCAD GLOBAL REUNIFICATION CONVENTION
GHANA 2023
Reunification Convention
Theme for the Conference Day: Reunification-Forging Stronger Bonds with Africans and Africans in the Diaspora
Date: 6 th to 16 th October 2023
Time: Will depend on each Day’s Event.
City of Kumasi
Delegates would have the opportunity to visit Ghana’s second largest city, Kumasi. It is 240 kilometers from the city of Accra.
It is located in south-central Ghana and is the capital of the Ashantis; a cosmopolitan city inhabited by different tribes from Ghana. Kumasi is also rich in culture and tradition and boasts of a population of 2.5 million; second most populated city in Ghana after Accra.
Kumasi was established by Osei Tutu, the first king of the Ashanti empire, around 1680 and became the empire’s capital city. Kumasi is said to have received its name from the “ kum”
tree that Tutu sat under while negotiating the terms for the land.
The city was at the center of the empire’s national culture and was home to both the Ashanti imperial palace and the Golden Stool (the symbol of power within the empire). Kumasi prospered financially due to its proximity to nearby gold fields in addition to a number of international trade routes.
The History of Kumasi
Kumasi was conquered by British forces in February 1874 and this was the first time in the empire’s history that an enemy army had entered the city. Kumasi remained under Ashanti rule, however, until 1896 when the British formally occupied the area and exiled the Ashanti
king.
Four years later Yaa Asantewaa, an Ashanti noblewoman, attempted to defy the British rule by leading a national resistance struggle that was based in Kumasi. After three months
the resistance forces were defeated and the British strengthened their political power in the area.
Kumasi quickly flourished under Britain’s rule and the city developed into a center for colonial administration and construction. This resulted in a dramatic increase in the city’s population and overall growth. Kumasi would eventually become the home of the Gold
Coast’s regional center for gold and cocoa production.
The Ruler of the Asante Kingdom
The present ruler of the Ashantis is Osei Tutu II (born Nana Barima Kwaku Duah; 6th May 1950). He
is the 16th Asantehene , enstooled on 26 April 1999. By name, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is in direct succession to the 17th-century founder of the Ashanti Empire , Otumfuo Osei Tutu I . He is also the Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology . Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the Grand Patron of the Grand Lodge of Ghana and the Sword Bearer of the United Grand Lodge of
England .
Delegates would have the opportunity to tour the city of Kumasi and end up at the palace of the Ashanti Kingdom where Otumfour Asantehene resides.
Kakum Park
Delegates will have the opportunity to visit this facility situated near Cape Coast. The delegates of the first convention did visit the place and had a good time. Below is the pictorial view of the facility and a short write up of the place.
The Kakum National Park in Ghana is one of the most diverse ecosystems in Africa located approximately 33 km north of Cape Coast covering the area of 375 sq.km.
The Kakum Park was established in 1931 and received acknowledgement of the National Park in 1992. It is the only Park in Africa with Canopy Walkway, which is 350m long, connects 7 trees and opened in 1995 for tourist visitors. In the Year 2000 UNESCO declared the Kakum rainforest “The National World Heritage Site ”.
Kakum National Park treasures many different plants and animal species and is a very popular destination for the tourists, hikers, botanists and birdwatcher from all around the world. You can experience an adventurous and unforgettable tour through the 30 meter swinging bridge giving
access to the rainforest.
Carolusborg
This is a facility where most slaves were transported through to the United States of America and other destinations miles away from Ghana. It is a site worth visiting. The HUB of slavery trade.
Its original name, given by the Swedish, was Carolusborg. The British, who conquered it in 1664, rebuilt it on a much larger scale, in stone. The fortified castle served as a timber and gold trading center until the 19th century, when it became the starting point of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Its dungeons housed huge numbers of African slaves destined for transportation to North America. After falling into decay, the castle was restored in 1920 by the British.
A comprehensive historical and ethnographical museum was established in the castle after Ghana’s independence in 1974. In the 1990s, many international organizations helped restore the castle. It is currently administered by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board.
The museum exhibits maps of slave trading, objects that were exchanged between the natives and the Europeans, gold weights and prints of slave ships.
Arrival at Kotoka International Airport Accra Ghana
All delegates will come through the Kotoka International Airport. Information delegates will need to know on arrival at the airport.
Yellow fever vaccination charge is $20. This vaccine is compulsory for all those who uses this airport. Delegates are at liberty to take the jab in their countries and travel with the certificate that will be verified by ministry of health representatives on arrival. However, those who could not take the injection can do so at the Ghana Airport at their own discretion.
Compulsory Covid vaccination card will be required. No PCR or Antegen certificate will be required. Fully vaccinated travellers no longer need to provide pre-departure COVID-19 test results or be tested on arrival at Kotoka International Airport. Non-resident unvaccinated travellers would not be granted entry into Ghana.
Land borders are now open. Entry requirements apply. The wearing of face masks is no longer compulsory.
Visa on arrival is available. GUCCAD Ghana will pursue that for all delegates. The Price is $150. $10 would be charged for processing fees.
All delegates will be picked up by a hired bus on arrival and dropped off when departing too.
Catering And Hotel Accommodation Arrangements
MIKLIN HOTELS
For purpose of pickups and affordability, we are suggesting two affordable hotels which is 10 minutes’ walk between them and also near the venue of the conference to facilitate bus
services. The hotels below are around the East Legon residential area which is about 15 minutes’ drive to the airport and also near the Accra & Marina Malls.
Miklin Hotel-located at Shiashie, East Legon-15mins drive from the Kotoka
International Airport.
Website - www.milklinhotels.com
GPS: GA-287-4427
Email…miklin@miklinhotels.com
Tel 0302-5000708,0302-546083
Facilities; Gym, shuttle services, conference room
The Rooms are standard, double bed room and 2 double beds room at $80 per night as at this date. The price includes breakfast Only for two people . Lunch and dinner could be served at as one requires at a fee.
The Rooms are standard, double bed room and 2 double beds room at $80 per night as at this date. The price includes breakfast Only for two people . Lunch and dinner could be served at as one requires at a fee.
Eastgate Hotel
This is a facility where most slaves were transported through to the United States of America and other destinations miles away from Ghana. It is a site worth visiting. The HUB of slavery trade.
Its original name, given by the Swedish, was Carolusborg. The British, who conquered it in 1664, rebuilt it on a much larger scale, in stone. The fortified castle served as a timber and gold trading center until the 19th century, when it became the starting point of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Its dungeons housed huge numbers of African slaves destined for transportation to North America. After falling into decay, the castle was restored in 1920 by the British.
A comprehensive historical and ethnographical museum was established in the castle after Ghana’s independence in 1974. In the 1990s, many international organizations helped restore the castle. It is currently administered by the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. The
museum exhibits maps of slave trading, objects that were exchanged between the natives and the Europeans, gold weights and prints of slave ships.
Dress Code for Events
The dress code is formal for the Convention, Banquet and informal for other programmes.
The weather in October is tropical.
A traditional attire will also add colour to the Cultural day and Food Bazaar activities.
FOREX RATES
United States Dollars USD Buying 9.5000 Selling 10.1500
Great Britain Pound GBP Buying10.8300 Selling11.6725
Euro EUR Buying 9.4573 Selling10.2393
DISCLAIMER
The exchange rate shown is an indicative rate and should be used as a guide only. As exchange rates fluctuate by the second and vary depending on the amount and product bought and sold, we recommend you contact us to obtain an accurate quote.
Important
Passengers arriving in Ghana are now required to obtain a negative Covid test less than 72 hours before departure.
Yellow Fever Vaccine is also required.