The Minister responsible for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Andrew Egyapa Mercer has said that the commissioning of the Salaga Slave Market and Heritage Site, is more than a mere remembrance of the past, as it is an acknowledgement of the role that slavery played in shaping our world today. He made these remarks when he commissioned the tourist site on Monday 22nd July 2024 in Salaga in the Savannah Region.
The site is an 18th-century slave market which served as an important place where slaves were transported to the coast for export during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade era and also served as outposts for the movement of slaves along the Trans-Saharan routes.
In his remarks, the Hon. Minister stressed that while celebrating the resilience of the African Spirit and building new bridges of cooperation amongst the global African family, there is a dying need to honour the memory of our ancestors by continuing to fight against discrimination and oppression that persist in our society.
“Let us seize this occasion to promote tourism in the Savanna Region and across Ghana,” the Minister said. “Highlighting unique heritage sites like the Salaga Slave Market and Slave Wells not only boosts our economy but also fosters cross-cultural understanding between different communities, both locally and internationally”, he added.
Hon. Mercer on behalf of the Tourism sector, extended a heartfelt appreciation to His Royal Highness, the Kpembe Wura, the District Chief Executive and all stakeholders involved in the renovation and commissioning of this project.
The ceremony was held in Salaga, to kick-start the 2024 Emancipation Day Celebration and it was graced by esteemed dignitaries including the Lepowura, representing the Kpembewura, the Municipal Chief Executive, the Board chairman of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Seth Adjei Baah, the MP of the area and Directors of various agencies in the Savanna region.
Welcoming the guests, the Municipal Chief Executive Officer, Hon Richard Broni, thanked the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority for staying true to their word to redevelop the site when they visited the Kpembewura.
In his address, the CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Akwasi Agyeman emphasized the importance of the Salaga Slave Market and the Wells to the nations Heritage Tourism offerings and stressed the need for Ghanaians to acknowledge our past while looking toward a future of healing and unity. Mr. Agyeman expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the restoration and preservation of these historical sites. He highlighted GTA’s commitment to sustainable tourism and cultural heritage.
The Lepowura, Bore-enasa, speaking on behalf of the Kpembewura pledged the support of the Traditional Authority to help preserve the site.
