I’m  Barry Maurice Nii Ayitey Cheetham, the founder of African Roots Travel, and my journey back to Ghana is one of rediscovery. Growing up in Metro Detroit, I was proud of my African American heritage, but I distanced myself from my father’s Ghanaian roots due to the ridicule I faced in the '70s and '80s. By the time I was 12, I rejected my Ghanaian identity, something that stayed with me through high school, college, and much of my professional life.

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Everything changed in 2012 after my father’s passing. I traveled to Ghana to bury him and met family I had never known, which sparked a connection I’d long forgotten. In 2014, I decided to move to Ghana full-time, driven by a desire to explore my roots. As I shared my experiences on social media, I was flooded with messages from friends, college alumni, and fraternity brothers, all curious about my life in Ghana. That’s when the idea for African Roots Travel was born.

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With African Roots Travel, I craft authentic, immersive experiences that showcase Ghana’s rich history and its vibrant, modern culture. I love connecting people to their African heritage, whether through historical tours, cultural immersion, or experiences in the New Ghana—from food and nightlife to business and fashion.

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What makes African Roots Travel unique is that I live in Ghana full-time, ensuring that every client receives a personalized, hands-on experience. I’m here to help you build lasting connections—whether through travel, real estate, or business—and to show you the true spirit of Ghana. As I always say, "Ghana is more than slave dungeons." It’s a place of beauty, resilience, and endless possibilities