Dutch Gov't Apologizes For Slave Trade

The Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Alexander Heldring, has expressed remorse at the actions of Dutch traders during the colonial era.

"We are not proud of the role played by our ancestors in the slave trade and the Dutch government expresses its deep remorse".

Launching the Tercentenary celebration of Ghana-Netherlands diplomatic and consular relations in Accra, he lauded Ghana's developmental efforts, entrenchment of democracy, rule of law and good governance, which, he said, the international financial institutions had endorsed.

Ghana was given 115 million euro from a bilateral development co-operation programme last year, Mr Heldring said, adding that the country was one of the 15 developing countries to benefit from the support.

Hackman Owusu-Agyemang, Minister of Foreign Affairs, on his part stated that, notwithstanding, the pain, humiliation and bitterness that characterised the slave trade, there were many things that unite Ghana and The Netherlands, which calls for celebration.

"Three hundred years of uninterrupted relations have greatly enriched our cultural and human heritage," Mr Owusu-Agyemang. Mr Owusu-Agyman emphasised that the forts and castles were the elements of Dutch ancestry in Ghana and the presence of a large Ghanaian community in The Netherlands bore eloquent testimony to the bonds of friendship and even kinship, which underpin the relations.

He noted that bilateral relations between Ghana and the Netherlands had now reached a stage where the past should not be allowed to cast a pall over the symbolism of this momentous event.

"I believe that our two governments have chosen to commemorate the tercentenary to heal the wounds of the past and to sensitise our people, and also to advertise our collective determination to forge ahead into a future that will be characterised by more robust cultural and economic ties."

The principal objective for the tercentenary celebration in the country was to bring Ghanaian and Dutch cultures together and to look at development issues through the arts, Mr Owusu-Agyemang explained.

He said the celebration was also to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the cultures and societies of the two nations. The Netherlands had launched a project: "The lasting impact", involving second cycle schools, to contribute to private sector development and education.

As part of the celebration, the National Dance Company performed an African Dance Theatre Spectacle, "The ASIPIM". It is a story about the quest for power and greed, gallantry and heroism revealed through a passionate narrative of human condition. It details the downfall and triumph of man in the midst of conflict and unbridled desires.