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memphis bbq MEMPHIS IN MAY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2020 Dates At the Memphis in May International Festival Annual Meeting at the Memphis Botanic Garden tonight, festival officials reviewed the results of the 2019 festival and an- nounced the Republic of Ghana as the subject of 2020’s cultural salute. With a population of ap- proximately thirty mil- lion, Ghana is situated on the west coast of Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. Early Ghana became a trade destina- tion for many European countries and was known through- out a large part of its history as the Gold Coast due to its rich mineral wealth. Today it is hailed as the golden coun- try of West Africa boasting membership in the United Na- tions, a stable democracy, and a strong economy fueled by tourism, mining, and oil. Visitors come from around the world to experience Ghana’s panoramic scenery and diverse wildlife; from national parks featuring elephants, crocodiles and antelopes, to monkey sanctuaries, hippo sanctuaries, picturesque moun- tains and breathtaking waterfalls. With its location on the coast, Ghana is noted for its numerous forts and castles which were built in the 15th Century by the Europeans. Several prominent American leaders including former President Barack Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and members of the Congres- sional Black Caucus have visited the Elmina Castle in Cape Coast which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The coastline also offers many opportunities for relaxation at beautiful resorts situ- ated on their miles of exotic beaches. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from the British in 1957 and was the first to launch a cellular network in 1992, and one of the first African countries with broadband internet connectivity. Economically, Ghana is proud to be the world’s second largest exporter of cocoa and the largest producer of gold in Africa. “We look forward to presenting this leader on the African continent and rising star in the global community to Mem- phis and the Mid-South in May 2020,” said James L. Holt, president and CEO of Memphis in May International Festi- val. “Rich in natural resources, exports and culture, this is an exciting time for Memphians to discover and explore Ghana.” The nation of Ghana is looking forward to the salute from Memphis, too. His Excellency Dr. Baffour Adjei-Bawuah, the Republic of Ghana's ambassador to the United States visited Memphis in summer of 2018 to meet with festival officials and city leaders and returned with a small delega- tion for Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest this past May, where he served as a guest judge. “Ghana is proud to have been selected as the Honored BarbecueNews.com - 30 SEPTEMBER 2019 C M d a a t l i a h o f G A E a s J T T F I