Let’s develop historic slave trade landmarks
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin South, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, has called for the development of historic slave trade landmarks in the country.
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That, he said, would attract tourists and present an opportunity for Ghanaians to portray the true picture of the ordeal that the country's forebears went through in the hands of the slave masters.
Making a statement in Parliament on the occasion of Emancipation Day, which falls on Monday, August 1, 2017, Rev. Fordjour expressed worry that apart from the patronage of the tourist sites during the celebration of Emancipation Day, the sites stayed dormant for the rest of the year "with virtually no activity".
Historic landmarks
For instance, he said Assin Manso boasted several historic landmarks, which included the Slave River, where the slaves had their last bath, the 'Okye' River, which was the river that served as the only source of water at the time, and the Garden of Commemoration, which incorporated various monuments.
"It is rather ironical that this promising location with enormous tourism potential lies underutilised and undeveloped. This is indeed a worrying development that needs to be addressed immediately and one way to utilise this great resource is to make the tourist location more attractive," he said.
Although emancipation celebrations long existed among the Caribbean countries to venerate the abolition of chattel slavery among the British colonies on August 1, 1834, it was Ghana that became the first country from Africa to opt to join the celebration in 1998.
This year's Emancipation Day in Ghana coincides with the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and promises to be spectacular.
Assin Manso potential
Rev. Fordjour said there were many artisans in the Assin enclave such as the renowned kente weavers from Assin Dompim, wood carvers and other skilled artisans who could be organised and assisted to make their crafts centres of attraction for visitors.
That, he said, would increase sales for the artisans and ultimately improve their economic condition.
"The youth of Assin will be the ultimate winners if they are made stakeholders in this venture," he said.
He commended the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts for its commitment to the development of the Assin Tourism and commemoration of emancipation.
He extended invitation to tourists and friends in the diaspora and in the country to this year's Emancipation Day celebration at Assin Manso in the Central Region.