Salaga slave market, heritage site inaugurated

The Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC), Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has inaugurated the Salaga Slave Market and heritage site in the Savannah Region as part of efforts to boost tourism in the area.

The site consists of an information office, slave wells and statues of slaves, showing how they were chained and handled in the 18th century at the market for sale.

Located in Salaga, the East Gonja Municipal capital, it served as a market where slaves were brought and transported to the coast for export to European countries during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, as well as an outpost for the movement of slaves along the Trans-Saharan routes.

The inauguration of the facility formed part of activities to commemorate this year’s Emancipation Day celebration. The occasion was witnessed by the Lepowura, Abdul Karim, who represented the Kpembewura, Banbangne Nndefoso IV; the Board Chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Seth Adjei Baah; Members of Parliament (MPs) for the area, and directors of various agencies in the region, among others. 

Relevance

Mr Mercer described the market as a key centre where slaves were exchanged for kola nuts, cowries and gold, underscoring the grim reality of human commodification during the dark period of history.

He said the facility would boost the local economy and also foster cross-cultural understanding between different communities, both locally and internationally.

"Salaga's dual role as both a local trade centre and a major outpost for the trans-Saharan slave routes highlights its strategic importance in the broader network of the slave trade.

“Let us come together to promote tourism in the region and across the country by fighting against discrimination and oppression that persist in our society,” the minister added.

He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to develop tourist sites in the country to boost the sector. Mr Mercer charged local authorities and other stakeholders to take proper care of the facility to attract more tourists to the area.

Commendation

For his part, the Municipal Chief Executive of East Gonja, Richard Broni, commended the ministry for developing the site, saying it would generate revenue for the assembly. He expressed his outfit’s commitment to collaborate with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to market the facility to attract more patrons.

Writer’s email: mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh