Accra, July 22, GNA - A 12-member delegation from the Virgin Islands arrived in Accra last night in commemoration of Emancipation Day.

The delegation, which was led by Mr. Myron Jackson, Director of the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservations Office, was met on arrival by Mr Jake Obetsebi Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Diasporean Relations and a delegation of Ga chiefs.

Mr. Obetsebi Lamptey said it was worth noting that the bulk of the island's inhabitants were descendant of people who were taken from the Gold Coast as slaves.

He said he hoped that the visit would foster closer relations between the two countries.

The Minister, who described the delegation members as "Been Tos" said they had only come back to their motherland and should thus not feel or be seen as though they were mere visitors. Mr. Jackson said several people back home bore names that were similar to some names in Ghana, adding that, it was a delight to be back in the land of their origin.

The Emancipation Day celebrations begin from July 23, 2006.