The Origins of Slavery prior to European contact, slavery was already present in African
society. Individuals captured during tribal conflicts were frequently enslaved, but they were
still considered members of society and had certain rights. However, the arrival of the
European slave trade brought about a new kind of slavery, characterized by cruel treatment
and immense suffering.
Ghana played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade for approximately 150 years.
Initially, the Europeans focused on trading gold, but by the 1500s, the demand for slaves
increased. It is believed that about 10 million slaves were transported from West Africa to the
Americas and the Caribbean. In fact, Ghana alone shipped around 5,000 slaves annually.
Therefore, if we multiply this number by 150 years, it amounts to about 750,000 slaves.
Ghana played a significant role as a supplier of slaves, which had a profound impact on the
communities. Families were torn apart, and the loss of a large portion of the population had
long-lasting social, cultural, and economic consequences.
The remnants of this dark period can still be seen in Ghana, particularly in Cape Coast Castle
and Elmina Castle. These castles were used to imprison slaves before their journey across the
Atlantic. Elmina Castle is notorious for its “door of no return,” through which slaves passed
and never returned home. Many slaves died during the voyage. In the dungeons, up to 1,000
men and 500 women were chained together, enduring deplorable living conditions with no
place to lie down, no toilets, poor sanitation, lack of water, and inadequate ventilation.
Women were subjected to constant suffering and even not bathing. They spent up to 3 months
in these dungeons before being transported. Even during the sea voyage, they were treated
harshly, chained like cattle until they reached the Americas and the Caribbean.
Although the slave trade ended more than 200 years ago, its impact still lingers. Initiatives
are in place to educate people about this dark chapter in Ghana’s history. The “Year of
Return” in 2019 marked 400 years since the first slaves from Ghana arrived in Virginia in
USA. It aimed to encourage those in the diaspora to reconnect with their African roots while
acknowledging the tragedy