Ghana has long been known as a Pan-African nation providing a sense of hope for those in the African diaspora, serving as a gateway to the continent and a symbol of resilience. On August 1st, the nation will once again stand at the forefront of commemorating Emancipation Day, a day that marks the end of slavery in the British colonies in 1834. This impacted 800,000 enslaved Africans in the Caribbean, Canada, South America and Africa.
In the days leading up to Emancipation Day, the community of Assin Praso has been a focal point for these reflections, as traditional leaders, government officials, and members of the global African family gathered to honor those who endured the horrors of slavery. The Ghana Tourism Authority, along with the Beyond the Return Secretariat, led a delegation to Assin Praso on July 29th, where they participated in a series of events steeped in historical significance.
The day’s events included a sad re-enactment of the captured Africans’ journey, where they were brought down the River Pra, mistreated, and prepared for the grueling march to Assin Manso for their last bath and eventually Cape Coast and Elmina, where they would be sold into the trans-Atlantic slave trade. The re-enactment served as a sobering reminder of the unimaginable hardships endured by those who were enslaved.
At the heart of the commemoration was a wreath-laying ceremony at the mass gravesite in Assin Praso, where Africans who died in captivity or escaping were buried. This act of remembrance was led by notable figures, including the Board Chairperson of Ghana Tourism Authority, Hon. Seth Adjei Baah and the Deputy CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Ekow Sampson. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Youth of Africa, the Global African Family, the Government and people of Ghana, and Traditional Rulers, symbolizing a collective respect for the ancestors who suffered during this dark chapter of history.
The celebration of Emancipation Day continued with a traditional Durbar of Chiefs, where traditional rulers gathered and performers showcased Ghana’s rich cultural heritage through drumming and dancing. The sounds of the drums and the energy of the dancers brought to life the resilience and spirit of the African people, offering a contrast to the somber reflections of the day.
The Emancipation Day celebrations are far from over. The public is invited to join in the ongoing observances in Cape Coast on the night of July 31st for Reverential Night, a solemn evening where participants are asked to wear white as they pay homage to our lost ancestors. On August 1st, the celebration moves to Assin Manso, the site of the Slave River and Ancestral Burial Grounds, where a series of activities will take place to mark this important historical day.
Ghana’s recognition of Emancipation Day is more than just a national event; it is a call to the African diaspora worldwide to remember, to honor, and to continue the fight for liberation.
