Abolish all forms of slavery-UNESCO

Accra, 23 Aug. GNA-The International Day for the Remembrance of Slavery and its Abolishment was observed on Saturday with a call on all to be vigilant in seeking to abolish all contemporary forms of slavery. "Despite the arsenal of international instruments created to combat the exploitation of human beings, as well as the growing awareness of the forced labour and prostitution of children, the disturbing truth is that such fragrant violations continue".

This was contained in a message by Mr. Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural organization (UNESCO) on the occasion of the International Day for the remembrance of slavery and its abolishment. He said, the day is to remember the millions of men, women and children who were subjected to this impossible denial of human rights and for those who fought for its abolishment. Mrs. Oboshie Sai-Cofie, Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations asked all to come together and fight against new forms of slavery that exist. "It is up to us now, to break those chains and move into the freedom of true and real emancipation". Mrs. Sai-Cofie said the celebration bestowed on all the responsibility of keeping intact historical truths about the slave trade while stimulating the debate of the problems of dealing with the memories the day invokes. Mr. Sampson Kwabena Boafo, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture said it is important to create systems that would enable sovereign nations to effectively collaborate to dismantle slavery and bring about the needed freedom.

"Ghana is collaborating with other agencies to curb all forms of Modern slavery like human trafficking, forced labour, child prostitution and the various conflicts that are emerging within society". Professor Dominic Fobih, Minster of Education, Science and Sports, said government would continue to spearhead the awareness-creation on the transatlantic slave trade in schools through the inclusion of this subject in the syllabus. He added that, the celebrations should be help guide the present and future generations along the path of respecting the dignity of fellow human beings.