Yesterday marked the official commissioning and ribbon cutting of the Salaga Slave Market and Heritage Site. This monumental event brought together government officials, community leaders, and locals to celebrate the reopening of a site that plays a crucial role in the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Salaga was a significant point on the slave route where captured enslaved Africans were sold and later transported to the coast and trafficked to the Americas.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, highlighted the importance of this site, stating, “The commissioning of the Salaga Slave Market and Heritage Site is more than a mere remembrance of the past; it is an acknowledgment of the role that slavery played in shaping our world today.” He made these remarks during the commissioning ceremony held on July 22, 2024, in Salaga.

The Salaga Slave Market dates back to the 18th century and served as an essential hub during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade era. It also functioned as an outpost for the movement of slaves along the trans-Saharan routes. Visiting this heritage site offers a profound opportunity to understand and honour this significant part of African history. It is a place where the stories of those who were captured and enslaved come to life, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the past and its impact on the present.

The reopening of the Salaga Slave Market & Heritage Site aligns with the “Promote Pan-African Heritage & Innovation” pillar of the Beyond the Return initiative. This initiative seeks to highlight Ghana’s rich heritage, history, pan-Africanism and also to promote tourism in other regions of Ghana. “Let us seize this occasion to promote tourism in the Savannah Region and across Ghana,” said Hon. Minister Mercer. He also said that highlighting unique heritage sites like the Salaga Slave Market and Slave Wells builds on the cross-cultural understanding between different communities, both locally and internationally.

The Minister extended 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. Their collective efforts have ensured that the Salaga Slave Market stands as a testament to history, ready to educate and inspire future generations.

As you plan your travels in Ghana, make sure to include Salaga and its rich historical sites in your itinerary. The Salaga Slave Market & Heritage Site offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing visitors to connect with the past. Discover the stories, honor the memories, and explore a part of history that shapes our world today.