Why Black Americans Are Choosing Ghana for Repatriation
Why are Black Americans moving to Ghana?
Growing up as a Black American, I often found myself grappling with the question, "No, where are you really from?" While many might find this question offensive, I saw it as a challenge—one that pushed me to search for something deeper. I wasn’t just looking for roots; I was seeking to understand the full depth of who I am. I began to look for something—anything—to hold on to. Bob Marley and the Wailers. Rastafari colors. Beads. Garvey. The list goes on. I had to know where my ancestral roots traced back to. Without it, I would never feel complete. Ghana became the place where I could find what was missing and reclaim the piece of myself that had long been lost.
As a Black American in the diaspora, Ghana—and much of West Africa—plays a critical role in shaping my identity. I must speak to my ancestors trapped inside the colonial walls of Elmina and Cape Coast.
Ghana is a reclamation of more than my roots.
It represents a symbol of Pan-Africanism and the future of developing African nations. Ghana is an opportunity.
Were there slaves in Ghana?
This journey of discovering my roots leads me to Ghana, a country that holds deep significance for Black Americans like myself, whose ancestral ties have been severed by centuries of history. The very walls of Elmina Castle still echo the pain of those who walked through its "door of no return." While Ghana was a central player in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, it’s important to recognize that the true culpability lies with colonial powers who exploited the continent’s people, cultures, and resources. Ghana’s role in this history is part of a much larger, more painful story—a story that the country now seeks to heal from as Black repatriates return home with pride.
Why is Ghana important to Black Repatriates?
While Ghana's history is painful, it also serves as a beacon of healing and unity. To me, Ghana is not just a nation; it represents a sanctuary—my personal Mecca. For a Black American, it is a place where I feel a deeper sense of belonging and connection to the African diaspora. Ghana is a place I feel entitled to—not in the sense of ownership, but in a deeper, spiritual connection—a sense that it is a part of my heritage, my Israel waiting to be reclaimed.
The excitement and joy I have to be in a space where everyone looks like me will allow me the confidence, assurance, and vulnerability to connect with my roots and ancestors. As a Black American, I constantly live in a double-conscious state of mind. How am I being perceived? Was that too aggressive? Is my hair professional? Being in Ghana, I feel as if I will be able to let go of myself and for once, live single consciously.
Is Ghana a good place to invest?
But Ghana is not only a place to reconnect with our roots—it’s also a land of opportunity. For Black Americans, Ghana offers more than cultural significance; it provides fertile ground for investment and entrepreneurial growth. The economic resurgence in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, opens up exciting possibilities, especially for Black entrepreneurs looking to contribute to Africa’s future. Being an American—well, a benevolent capitalist—I see myself bringing innovation to “innovation.” I’m particularly excited about the opportunities for Black entrepreneurs to fill the private business sector. The swift exit of USAID from the African continent leaves a space where we can invest, innovate, and create solutions. For me, this is a chance to leverage my experience in digital marketing and entrepreneurship to help local businesses, NGOs, and nonprofits thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Ghana’s economic resurgence presents an exciting opportunity. The recent turnaround of the Ghanaian Cedi, now among the best-performing currencies of 2025, signals a promising future for innovation and entrepreneurship, especially for Black Americans looking to make an impact. Just as I am excited to contribute to Ghana’s growth, I know many of us in the Black diaspora are eager to find ways to engage, invest, and give back to the continent that calls to us. Ghana’s resurgence offers exciting opportunities for innovation—especially in sectors like fashion, technology, and sustainable development. I see my time in Ghana as a chance to contribute to this emerging market while fostering new connections that bridge the gap between the diaspora and Africa.
Why is Ghana Important to Black Culture?
What excites me most is the opportunity to immerse myself in Ghanaian culture while also contributing to its economic growth. In a hyper-capitalist society, the communal way of life in Ghana offers a refreshing alternative. Here, business isn’t just about profit—it’s about relationships and sustainability. I look forward to helping local businesses thrive while embracing the arts, music, and the vibrant lifestyle that define this place.
In America, we often feel inspired by our job. Our career is our identity. It allows certain Black Americans into “the Veil” and prohibits others from ever recognizing its existence. “What do your parents do for a living,” often preceded “What is your name?” I am excited to be immersed in a culture that still believes in bartering. I’ve long been drawn to the idea of a simpler, more communal way of life, where the focus isn’t on work, but on relationships and cultural exchange. In America, we often define ourselves by our careers, but in Ghana, there’s a greater emphasis on living in harmony with one another.
The little Black boy joy in eleven-year-old Justin would have dreamt of living in a land of locs, rasta, good music, vibes, and a communal life committed to dietary and herbal restrictions. I was a quaint little bloke. Always ahead of my time and fascinated—to the point of obsession—with other cultures, customs, and religions. As Chief of Youth Innovation and Development in the Pan-African village of Asebu, my vision is to teach children how to build sustainable online businesses with minimal resources—skills that are invaluable in today’s digital world. This isn’t just about teaching; it’s about empowering a new generation to take control of their futures and break free from old constraints. I will do this by working with partners to import electronics and have them fixed at Ghanaian shops, show them the basics of the internet, how to use SEO for keywords, dropship, build an online store via Shopify, build a course to sell online, and offer options of how to enhance their digital presence all while making passive income. For me, Ghana offers more than just business opportunities—it offers a chance to immerse myself in a culture that values community, tradition, and self-reliance. I see the potential to teach children how to create businesses that are not only financially sustainable but also deeply rooted in the values of their heritage.
My time in Ghana will transform me completely. There’s an old tale of the Africanization of Black folk that visit the Motherland for the first time. If I thought I was pro-Black now, I can’t imagine who I will be when I return. The opportunity to be immersed in a fully “Black” society where I don’t feel the encroachment of the Veil will be something new. Am I ready to be vulnerable?
A Man Found New
As I embark on this new chapter, I reflect on how this journey to the Motherland will change me—not just professionally, but deeply on a personal and spiritual level. Living in a space where my identity can fully flourish will challenge me to confront parts of myself that I have kept hidden. This journey will test my vulnerabilities, redefine my sense of self, and allow me to fully embrace the man I am becoming. This journey to Ghana is more than just a physical relocation—it’s a return to the roots that have always been with me, but were never fully understood. In embracing this new chapter, I am not only embracing a place, but a version of myself I’ve longed to find. Ghana promises transformation, healing, and a profound sense of belonging that I am ready to accept.