President John Dramani Mahama has underscored Ghana’s deep historical connection to the transatlantic slave trade, stating that the country holds more than thirty slave castles and forts, the highest concentration anywhere in Africa.
He made the remarks during a wreath-laying ceremony at the African Burial Ground National Monument, where he honored the memory of Africans who lost their lives during the slave trade era. According to the President, the large number of slave forts along Ghana’s coast suggests a strong possibility that many enslaved African men, women, and children passed through — or originated from — the land now known as Ghana.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of remembrance and historical reflection, noting that acknowledging this past helps strengthen cultural ties between Africa and the global African diaspora. The ceremony formed part of efforts to commemorate victims of slavery while promoting unity, healing, and