Legacy of slavery continues to haunt us – Most Reverend Palmer-Buckle

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, has declared that slavery is one of humanity’s gravest sins, and its legacy continues to haunt the world.

He emphasized that addressing these deep-rooted scars requires not only historical reckoning but also active engagement in justice and reparation measures.

“It denied millions of people their fundamental rights and dignity, subjecting them to unimaginable suffering,” he lamented.

Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle suggested that history education should include the full truth of slavery’s atrocities and the accomplishments and resilience of those who overcame it. This, he explained, would help future generations understand the gravity of this history.

Reflecting on the aftermath of slavery, the clergyman expressed hope that “those who suffered and perished under this brutal system would be honored.”

“Their descendants, many of whom are still grappling with the consequences of this history, deserve our empathy, solidarity, and a commitment to creating a fairer and more just world. This is a moral imperative for all of us. As faith leaders, traditional authorities, academics, activists, and policymakers gathered here today, our task is to look beyond the history of slavery and confront the challenges that remain. We must support initiatives that ensure racial justice, advance social equality, and foster a true spirit of reconciliation,” he added.

Most Rev. Gabriel Palmer-Buckle shared these concerns during a week-long workshop at Elmina Castle, organized by the National Catholic Secretariat in collaboration with the German Bishops’ Conference, Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Justice and Peace Commission, and the Directorate of Governance.

The workshop aimed to foster dialogue and promote actionable strategies for addressing the lingering impacts of slavery and the slave trade.