Assin Manso Slave River Site: The Final Stop on Ghana’s Slavery Route
Assin Manso, located in present-day Ghana, was the last stop on the slavery route from Northern Ghana and was known to be the largest slave market for merchants supplying slaves to forts and castles along the coast during the infamous trans-Atlantic slave trade. This market was a hub for the trade of human beings, where slaves were brought from Northern Ghana, washed, and sorted before being sold to merchants. The river where the slaves were washed was called ‘Nnonko Nsuo,’ meaning Slave River. The sorting process was a cruel and inhumane practice. The slaves were examined, and those deemed fit were sent to the forts along the coast, where they were locked up in cells for months before being shipped across the Atlantic to an unknown future. The ones deemed unfit were either left behind or killed. The slave trade at Assin Manso was a significant contributor to the brutal system of slavery that affected millions of Africans for centuries. The trans-Atlantic slave trade originated when Europeans needed labor for their plantations and mines in the Americas. The Europeans were not suitable for working in the tropical climate and were not able to survive the diseases that came with the work. To solve this problem, Africans were enslaved and transported to the Americas to work on plantations and mines. European merchants traded manufactured goods like tobacco, spirits, beads, clothes, and guns for human beings in Africa. The exchanged goods, which were the slaves, were then transported across the Atlantic to work on the plantations and mines. The merchants then returned to Europe with the produce from the slaves’ labor on the plantations, which included goods like cloth, sugar, and tobacco. This transport of slaves from Africa to America formed the middle passage of the triangular trade. The trans-Atlantic slave trade was a brutal system that dehumanized millions of Africans and caused immense suffering. The trade disrupted the social and cultural fabric of African societies, as people were taken away from their homes, families, and communities, never to return. The slave trade also caused significant damage to Africa’s economy, as it led to a decline in agriculture and other economic activities that relied on human labor. The impact of the slave trade is still felt in Africa today, as it has contributed to the continent’s underdevelopment and poverty. The legacy of slavery and colonialism has left many African countries struggling to develop economically and socially. The effects of the slave trade have also contributed to the inequalities and conflicts that plague many African countries today. Assin Manso, the largest slave market of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, serves as a reminder of the horrors of slavery and the inhumane treatment of human beings. It is essential to acknowledge and remember this dark period of history, to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. We must strive to create a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Only then can we truly move towards a more just and equal society. 3 reasons why you should visit the Assin Manso Slave River Site Firstly, it is an opportunity to learn about the history of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and its impact on African societies and the world. Assin Manso was the largest slave market in Ghana, and it played a significant role in the slave trade. Visiting the site can provide a better understanding of the inhumane treatment of African people during this time. Secondly, visiting Assin Manso is a way to pay respect to the millions of Africans who suffered and died during the slave trade. It can be a way to honor their memory and acknowledge the enduring impact of slavery on the continent and the world. Finally, visiting Assin Manso is an opportunity to connect with Ghana’s rich cultural heritage. Ghana has a vibrant culture that is deeply rooted in its history, and a visit to Assin Manso can provide insights into the country’s past and present. Location READ NEXT ON: Nzulezu: The village built on stilts
Wipe Off the Traces of Colonialism on the Continent-PLO Lumumba Foundation to AU
The chronicles of the African Peoples in striving for better governance and the development of the African continent as a whole have tarried to see today’s decade. In the wake of the many but numbered problems in Africa, there was an emergence of a structured body to intersect and counter the cascading flow of problems in Africa including the traces of colonialism. The advent of the African Union (AU) formally the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was indeed an event of great magnitude, in the institutional evolution of the continent. However, the potent role of AU tied to the objective of ridding the continent of the remaining vestiges of colonization and apartheid; promoting unity and solidarity among the African States, to coordinate and intensifying cooperation for development has still not had much impact on the continent. Despite the strides of AU, the body is still held down by the financial crisis. With the many objectives the AU is set to achieve, the financial crisis is the problem least expected to surface within the body. It will be much more prudent if the organization deduced effective ways to fund its projects to avoid unintended consequences. It is rather unfortunate with our immeasurable resources on the continent, there is still a high level of dependency on foreign donors which has eventually led to an unplanned shift of AU’s aim, and has increasingly focused on externally financed activities. This can be evidenced by the financing and construction of the $200m AU building in Addis Ababa by the Chinese. As part of the objectives of the PLO Lumumba Foundation, Ghana Chapter in promoting Pan-Africanism and unification of Africa, the celebration on today’s 57th AU Day is a fine day to task the AU to follow the objectives set diligently, and ultimately wipe off the traces of the old-fashioned colonialism on the continent, while clogging all dents in the organization to neo-colonialism. 57 years is a long time to still cajole the problems in AU and Africa as a continent. As the AU put measures in place to effectively execute the 2020 theme of “silencing the guns”, “silencing neo-colonialism” is also a must. The idea of reviving the AU in the mid-1990s under the leadership of former Libyan Head of State, Muammar al-Gaddafi should be at the forefront of Africa’s relevant issues. The AU should exercise the necessary power to realize the goals of the organization to match Gaddafi’s popular remarks “Africa can develop without Western interference…” It will therefore be of need for the AU to ponder over what Dr. Kwame Nkrumah said at the formation of OAU in 1963 “… the resources are there. It is for us to marshal them into the active service of our people. Unless we do this through our concerted efforts, within the framework of our combined planning, we shall not progress at the tempo demanded by today’s events and the mood of our people. The symptoms of our troubles will grow, and troubles themselves become chronic…” The real desire of the African Peoples is to see an Africa beyond aid. Africa must develop, and must find solutions that in themselves counter our problems while telling the world of our courage. The Africa we want should be free from the vestiges of colonization and should cast out any subtle opening to imperialism. God bless Africa and keep our hopes alive. AFRICA WILL RISE AGAIN! SAY NO TO ANY TRACE OF COLONIALISM! Brief about the AU The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). In May 1963, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, The Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The OAU was the manifestation of the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free, and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnized in the OAU Charter in which the founding fathers recognized that freedom, equality, justice, and dignity were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples and that there was a need to promote understanding among Africa’s peoples and foster cooperation among African states in response to the aspirations of Africans for brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national Differences. The guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism which centered on African socialism and promoted African unity, the communal characteristic and practices of African communities, and a drive to embrace Africa’s culture and common heritage. Other sources: Wipe off the traces of colonialism on the continent-PLO Lumumba Foundation to AU READ NEXT ON: Rethinking African Politics: Challenging stereotypes and promoting positive change
Tourism; the Other Ghanaian Pandemic
The pandemic is not getting any better, I must confess. Whew!It was Wednesday, an early mid-morning adventure to one of Ghana’s tourist sites, the Boti Falls. The twin waterfall is located in Yilo Krobo Municipality in the Eastern region of Ghana. A place that once was referred to as the most attractive venue in that area by the former president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah upon his first visit. And so, we were in good company, to thread this same path and discover a bit of Ghana that is often talked about as an envious destination for tourists in all respects. This visit includes students, artistic activists, and creators from different backgrounds, much to the sound of excitement and delight of all traveling members onboard. But of course, the journey did not come without hurdles, bundled in a bit of fear with a bumpy, skimpy road faced with a piece of big vehicular machinery digging trenches, clearing of trees in what appears to be a construction of a new tar road for the municipality, thus the road leading to the waterfall. One asked, ‘Didn’t Dr. Kwame Nkrumah use this same route to the waterfall?’ It is Ghana, remember! The other retorted. How come we allow such an important road to degrade into this deplorable state! We often take things for granted, even roads leading to one of our foremost tourist sites. I wondered; what might go through the minds of foreigners who ply this road for the sake of visitation. Our invitation to the site draws near, about an hour’s journey from Adukrom, in the Eastern Region. Here, the Fall looks in sight and we were ready to embark on this adventure, we must go back with a new experience albeit. At the request of the tour guide, men, women, and students took the stairs descending to the waterfall- one step at a time and treading behind each other to this beautiful scape. You cannot escape this glorious view! However, things did not look as expected, it is a twin waterfall, remember? It appeared only one side of the waterfall had water streaming down from it. The other side is dry with no water! What has happened? I dared ask the tour guide. He fumbled, with a look on his face worrying, as one lost of words. It’s somewhat disturbing, he answers; ‘about 40% of the forest reserve has been tempered!’ He continues, ‘the groves that cover the river through the jungle have been destroyed by human activities such as illegal felling of trees, annual bush burning by ‘bushmeat’ hunters and local [farmers] folks. Ghana’s problem It is no different, this country has had a lot of issues at hand even before this pandemic. With the ill culture of maintenance, disregard for other social issues, and at the height of global climate change and threats facing the world, many seem unperturbed. Our plans and efforts to shape talks on climate issues still remain minimal. ‘Illegal hunting, bush burning in this age and stage?!’ what has law regulators got to do? Well, you ask – This is my bit, as I write and highlight the issues that threaten the waterfall and the ecosystem altogether. It is important to bring to the attention; the pandemic of unconcern Ghanaians, the pandemic of poor maintenance culture, disregard for rules and regulations, and the pandemic of ‘it is not my property’ pronounced by common folks. This is to be curtailed and make civilians abide by the law and maintain social sanity and civility in the conduct of every Ghanaian to minimize this menace. What is the Ghanaian made of…? I would like to end here without failing to say the trip was fun and educative albeit, and we carried with us a more concerted approach to this twin waterfall tourist site in the future. Hopefully, we get to return again but to a promised change of scenery- thus both streams flow happily because that’s what twins do; they move together. And importantly, to see the female side of the fall flow again traditionally because that’s all we want to witness, sigh. Let’s get rid of Tourism Pandemic today! Written by: Mac-King T. Thompson READ NEXT ON: A nation polarized by religion and superstition
Beyond The Face: Regina Honu
Regina Honu Agyare is a Ghanaian social entrepreneur and founder of Soronko Academy, a coding and human-centered design school for young women and children in Ghana. She is an advocate for women in technology and works tirelessly to promote the participation of women in the technology industry. Born in Ghana, Agyare was always passionate about using technology to solve problems. After completing her studies in computer science and working in various tech companies, Agyare decided to pursue her passion for social entrepreneurship. In 2012, she founded Soronko Academy with the goal of providing technology training to girls and women in Ghana. The academy offers courses in coding, mobile app development, and human-centered design to girls and women of all ages. It is the first coding school for girls in Ghana and has had a tremendous impact on the lives of the young women who have participated in its programs. By providing technology training to girls and women, Soronko Academy is helping to bridge the gender gap in the technology industry in Ghana. In addition to running Soronko Academy, Agyare is also a mentor and advocate for women in technology. She has spoken at various conferences and events around the world, sharing her story and inspiring other women to pursue careers in technology. She is a champion of diversity and inclusion in the technology industry and has worked to promote the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in the field. Agyare’s work has been recognized both nationally and internationally. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to the technology industry, including being named one of BBC’s 100 Most Inspirational Women in 2017. She has also been recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, and in 2019, she was appointed as a Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocate by the United Nations. Agyare’s impact on the lives of girls and women in Ghana and beyond cannot be overstated. By providing technology training and mentoring to girls and women, she is helping to build a more inclusive and equitable society. Her work is not only creating opportunities for women in the technology industry but also empowering them to take on leadership roles in their communities and make a positive impact in the world. Agyare’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and hard work. She has faced numerous challenges along the way, including financial constraints and societal barriers to women in technology. However, she has remained committed to her goal of promoting gender equality and has worked tirelessly to overcome these challenges. As a social entrepreneur, Agyare’s impact extends far beyond the technology industry. Her work is helping to promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, including the goal of achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. Through her work at Soronko Academy and as an advocate for women in technology, she is helping to create a better future for Ghana and for the world. Regina Honu Agyare is a visionary social entrepreneur who advocates for women in technology. Her work at Soronko Academy and as a mentor and advocate for women in technology is creating opportunities for girls and women in Ghana and beyond. She is a role model for young women and a champion of diversity and inclusion in the technology industry. Her story is an inspiration to all who seek to make a positive impact in the world. READ NEXT ON: Marian Ewurama Addy, first Host of the National Science and Maths Quiz
Ghana’s Education Minister Appointed to University of California Advisory Board
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Ghana’s Minister of Education, has been selected as a member of the Advisory Board of the Capacity Building Centre of the School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California. He will work alongside other team members, including academics, practitioners, and policymakers who share his commitment to advancing local solutions for local problems. His appointment is for a five-year term, according to a letter of appointment dated September 9, 2021, and signed by the Director of the Capacity Building Center, Professor Walter Allen. Dr. Adutwum is the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region, and he is expected to collaborate with the Advisory Board to enhance the common good by developing organizational capacity that enables institutions and individuals to participate fully in their communities and societies. The letter of appointment commended Dr. Adutwum’s leadership in education in the US and Ghana, his deep understanding of the needs of youth, students, and institutions in both communities, and his advice and insight that would enhance the program design and approach of the Capacity Building Centre. The Capacity Building Centre’s Advisory Board aims to foster a participatory process that targets investments to contribute to the development and sustainability of institutions, communities, and nations. Dr. Adutwum’s acceptance letter to UCLA expressed his gratitude to the university’s management and board for the honor done to him. He also pledged to work diligently with the team of advisors to bring much change and improvement into their areas of operation for the good of the world. His appointment to the Advisory Board is a testament to his expertise and leadership in education, both in Ghana and the US. As Ghana’s Minister of Education, he has implemented several policies aimed at improving access to education and the quality of teaching and learning in Ghana’s schools. Some of his notable achievements include the introduction of free senior high school education, the upgrading of technical and vocational education, and the distribution of laptops to teachers and students to enhance digital literacy. Dr. Adutwum’s experience in education in the US spans over two decades, during which he has held various leadership positions in academia. Before his appointment as Ghana’s Minister of Education, he was an Associate Professor of Education at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he taught and conducted research in mathematics education, teacher education, and educational leadership. He also served as the Chair of the Department of Educational Sciences, as well as the Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the same university. His appointment to the Advisory Board is a recognition of his vast experience and leadership in education, as well as his commitment to advancing local solutions for local problems. His appointment is expected to provide him with an opportunity to share his expertise and experience with other members of the Advisory Board and contribute to the development of institutions, communities, and nations. His appointment is expected to provide him with a platform to share his expertise and experience with other members of the Advisory Board and contribute to the development of institutions, communities, and nations. READ NEXT ON: Naziha Gombilla Amin, First UPSA Law Student to graduate with First Class Honours
