An overcast sunrise provided nice cloud cover for a walk around the salt flats. Some of the workers confirmed they use solar evaporation of sea water to gather salt. An encounter with a local pig and some wild turkeys were also part of the morning walk.
A morning meeting at the headquarters of Global Mamas was our first stop of the day. Having already visited their store in Accra, it was great to learn the full scope of the NGO. Patience, the People Development Manager spent time showing us the facility in Cape Coast. We met some of the pattern makers, designers and quality control teams. We even got a sneak peek of upcoming products. This inspiring Fair Trade business continues to flourish since its inception in 2003.
From this positive and uplifting experience we headed for a somber visit to the Cape Coast Castle.
This “Slave” Castle is one of about forty built on the Gold Coast by European traders. The British gained control of Cape Coast Castle in 1664 and maintained control until the banning of slave ownership in 1877. Our guide shared the atrocities of the transatlantic slave trade. It is horrific to fathom that, at its peak, 70,000 humans per year were sent to the Americas and the Caribbean as slaves.
The dungeons were overflowing with chained people, often for months before they were led to waiting ships to bring them across the Atlantic. This, while the British Governor entertained and worshipped in spacious quarter directly above the slave filled dungeons.
The “Door of No Return” is the narrow passage the enslaved were marched through to the ships. Today, it is rebranded as the “Door of Return” for visiting diaspora descendants.
The castle now serves as a museum and memorial. It is a destination for understanding the lasting impact of the slave trade; a powerful, moving and heavy experience.
As the door on this Ghana tour closes, I am looking forward to opening a new door to another fascinating adventure. Stay tuned.
Where is Wendy 