Solemn moments at Slave River
William Martin, an African -American poured the cremated remains of his brother-in-law in the Nonkonsou, (the Slave River) at Assin Manso in the Central Region.
He goes on to use his hand to slowly spread the ashes into the river as its calm ‘waves’ washed it downstream.
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As he solemnly performed the ‘ritual’ on behalf of his sister Eva Keith, she stood by sobbing before putting her hand in the river as if to say her final goodbye to her beloved husband, Roland Yaw William Keith, died in the United States in September 2016.
According to Eva, she and her husband Roland had been frequently visting Ghana since 1998.
Some dignities and guests looking on
"Roland loved to be here and we discussed his being brought back home to the motherland after he transits. I feel so relieved that I brought him home. I am happy I did this finally” she said.
Eva who hopes to settle in the motherland soon added, “knowing this is where my roots are is just a different feeling. I am glad we came”, she added.
William who is accompanied by his 10-year-old grandson said "this place is different. This is certianly home. I could not have experienced this alone.
Eva Keith watches on as her husband’s remains are poured into the river
"People here don't have much but they have many reasons to keep the smiles on their faces. People here love you and respect you. People call me Daddy all around, he said wiping tears off his face.
Another African American, Stephen Davies from Houston Texas said it was great to be back for the second time. "It's always good to be back home.”
Many other Africans in the Disapora put their feet in the river with a sense of solemnity. Others bath in it while others just washed their teary faces in the river.
A traditional dancer performing at the event
All these people have come to part of the Emancipation Day celebration at Assin Manso on Tuesday.
Assin Manso is significant in the Emancipation Day celebration becuase it is home to the Slave River where slaves being transported along the coast in Cape Coast and Elmina took their "last bath".
Earlier, a grand durbar of chiefs and people was held to mark the day. Present were representatives of traditional authorities from the Assin Apemanim, Affutakwa and Attandansu traditional areas.
In a speech, Nana Oduro Kwarteng, Chief Director of the Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, said the area would be developed to serve its purpose in tourism development.
Nana Amba Eyiaba, Kontihemaa of Oguaa Traditional area dancing
He said the water from the river would be commercialised to help efforts at attracting even more people back home.
The Member of Parliament for Assin South, Mr John Ntim Forjodour appealed to those in the Diaspora to come invest in the government's "one district one factory" to help boost the economy of the area and reduce unemployment.