By Samuel Ackon
Assin Praso (C/R), Aug. 08, GNA – Students from the Department of Sociology and Social Work at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), have paid an educational visit to the historic Assin Praso Heritage Site in the Central Region.
Their objective was to retrace Ghana’s slave route and gain first-hand knowledge of the transatlantic slave trade.
The educational tour, led by Dr Kwabena Boateng, a Lecturer at the Department, began with a courtesy call on the traditional leaders of Assin Praso, before the students were taken through the historical significance of the heritage site.
Dr Boateng said the visit formed part of the department’s academic programme aimed at exposing students to the realities of the transatlantic slave trade beyond what was being taught in the classroom.
He explained that the tour was designed not only to deepen the students’ understanding of the transatlantic slave trade but to also help them appreciate the gross human rights abuses suffered by millions of Africans during that dark period in history.
Dr Boateng said experiencing the historical sites at firsthand, would enable the students to better understand the social, cultural and psychological effects of slavery, while equipping them with authentic historical knowledge that would enrich their academic studies and future professional work.
The students were taken through the infamous River Pra crossing at Assin Praso, where enslaved Africans were ferried across the river before continuing their journey to the Cape Coast Castle, from where they were shipped across the Atlantic.
As part of the tour, the students visited the mass grave for enslaved Africans, where thousands who died during the gruelling journey of the transatlantic slave trade were buried in unmarked graves without dignity or individual recognition.
They also visited the cemetery where European leaders of the Anglo-Ashanti War who died were laid to rest in well-preserved, marked tombs.
The contrast between the two burial sites vividly illustrated the discrimination, dehumanisation and severe human rights abuses inflicted on enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade.
Nana Barfour Adjei X, the Krontihene of Assin Praso, who briefed the students, explained the critical role Assin Praso played as a major transit point in the transatlantic slave trade and provided the students with vivid accounts of the painful experiences endured by their ancestors.
He also highlighted the importance of preserving Ghana’s historical heritage and ensuring that future generations continued to learn from the lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, particularly the need to uphold human rights, dignity and social justice.
The students expressed their excitement about the educational experience, describing the tour as eye-opening and emotionally moving.
Some of the students said the visit had broadened their understanding of Ghana’s history, culture and heritage while giving them a deeper appreciation of the resilience of their ancestors.
Others also added that seeing the slave route and historical landmarks first-hand had reinforced the importance of preserving the country’s heritage and promoting respect for human rights so that such atrocities were never repeated.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/ Christabel Addo