Ghana has duty to preserve slave-trade sites and tell their full story – Vice President

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang of Ghana emphasized the nation's responsibility to safeguard and "accurately interpret" historic forts, castles, and other sites connected to the transatlantic slave trade. She highlighted the importance of preserving the physical evidence of this injustice to ensure future generations comprehend the gravity of the suffering endured by Africans.

During a ceremony in Accra, following the adoption of a UN General Assembly Resolution recognizing the slave trade as the most egregious crime against humanity, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang affirmed Ghana's role as the guardian of significant sites linked to this dark chapter. However, she stressed that protecting these structures alone is insufficient; the accompanying narratives must be preserved and communicated truthfully.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also pointed out lesser-known locations across Ghana, such as Assin Manso, Sankana, and Golu, where evidence of resistance to enslavement survives. These sites, including caves and defensive walls, provide insights into the resilience of African communities. The Vice President noted that the preservation of such sites should encompass both the suffering caused by the slave trade and the resistance exhibited by African communities.

She further linked the importance of maintaining these sites to the broader agenda of reparatory justice, emphasizing that understanding history is crucial for strengthening relationships between Africa and the diaspora.