Emancipation Day wreath-laying ceremony
In a touching tribute to the struggles and triumphs of African ancestors, Emancipation Day wreath-laying ceremonies were held today at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, the George Padmore Library, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
These significant events were conducted by the Ghana Tourism Authority on behalf of the government of Ghana, traditional rulers, the children of Africa, and the global African family.
At the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, the Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, made a solemn commitment on behalf of the government to forge a strong partnership with the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, ensuring its continued progress and success.
This pledge was in response to a passionate appeal by Professor Esi Sutherland-Addy, Chairperson of the International Board of Trustees of the PANAFEST Foundation, who urged the government to fulfill its agreement to invest in the Centre.
Speaking at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park on Thursday, July 25, monitored by Blogger and Journalist Attractive Mustapha, Mercer emphasized the significance of the event's theme, "Unity and Resilience: Building Stronger Communities for a Brighter Future." He reminded the audience of the valiant efforts of forefathers like W.E.B. Du Bois, George Padmore, and Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who fought against the injustices of slavery and colonialism, paving the way for the progress enjoyed today.
Mercer urged all Ghanaians to unite and continue the noble work of their ancestors, striving for a brighter future for generations to come.
Emancipation Day is a significant observance that commemorates the abolition of slavery and the liberation of African people from the transatlantic slave trade. It is a day to honor our ancestors' struggles and celebrate their resilience, ensuring that their stories and sacrifices are never forgotten. This day is also a reminder of our continuous journey towards freedom, equality, and justice.
Emancipation Day marks the formal 1834 abolition of slavery in the British Empire and recognizes Ghana's pivotal role as a hub in the transatlantic slave trade.
Celebrating this day helps ensure that the atrocities of the slave trade are not forgotten and that the stories of our ancestors continue to inspire future generations.
In Ghana, Emancipation Day is celebrated within the months of July and August, typically extending over several days, with key events taking place around the month of July. This year, the main events began on July 22 and will conclude on August 1. The celebration includes various events such as the Reverential Night on July 31, which pays homage to ancestors in Cape Coast.
The observance spans across regions, from the Salaga Slave Market in the Savannah Region to the Cape Coast Castle Dungeon in the Central Region. The two major sites of the European transatlantic trade—Cape Coast Castle Dungeon and Elmina Castle Dungeon—are now UNESCO World Heritage sites, serving as poignant symbols of this dark chapter in history.
As the wreath-laying ceremonies concluded, the commitment to unity and resilience was reaffirmed, highlighting the importance of remembering the past while building stronger communities for a brighter future.
