Return Journey and Akwaaba Ceremony

RETURN JOURNEY AND AKWAABA CEREMONY

The Programme will begin in the early morning with a gathering at the entrance of the Cape Coast Castle/Dungeon. A limited number of pre-selected Returnees will form a circle to invoke the spirit of the ancestors before proceeding to and through the “Door of No Return” to board canoes to begin the journey to Elmina “Castle” Fort, where “it all began”

Upon arrival, the Chiefs and Elders of Edina will meet the “Returnees” at the shore and pour libations to thank the ancestors for a safe journey and for the “Return”. The returnees will be led to the forecourt of the Fort for the Akwaaba durbar with the Chiefs, Queen Mothers and people of Edina. An atonement act and a traditional meal sharing of “Oto” (sacred mashed yam and eggs) between Diaspora returnees and Chiefs and Edinaman community members will be held. After the ceremony, the Chiefs, Elders and Diaspora family will process down the main street of Elmina Township to the Omanhen Palace to bring the commencement of PANAFEST to the attention of the public.