Elmina

The Elmina Slave Castle was one of my first experience in Ghana and definitely one of the most impactful. I learned that this castle first served as a port for the country’s main import and exports such as gold, spices, and oil but later turned to the trade of people. Listening to our expert tour guide tell us the stories that the walls of the castle held, and feeling the weight of the history surrounding me made this an indescribable experience. The horrific events that took place within the castle was enough to bring tears to all our eyes, but this was severely contrasted with the hope that voices of the Ghanaian people possed for a better future. What resonated with me most was a quote that was engraved onto the side of the castle that read:

“IN EVERLASTING MEMORY

Of the anguish of our ancestors.

May those who died rest in peace.

May those who return find their roots.

May humanity never again perpetuate such injustice against humanity.

We, the living, vow to uphold this.”