Culture

University of Ghana hosts exhibition on slavery at Elmina Castle

Published

7 months ago

July 5, 2024

The Institute of African Studies of the University of Ghana, in conjunction with the Zeeuws Archief in Netherlands, has opened an exhibition on slavery at the historical Elmina Castle aimed at “inspiring a fair world for all.”

With a major theme of “Resistance and Resilience: Narratives from Northern Ghana and Zeeuws Archief,” the exhibition which will last till October, has two sub-themes entitled “Slavery resistance narratives in Northern Ghana; Every human being is a human being,” and “Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade: The unity and freedom’s narratives from the Zeeland archives”.

The exhibition, which is organised with support from the Netherlands Embassy and the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB), according to the Director of the Institute of African Studies, Prof. Samuel Aniegye Ntewusu, will “combine text, audio-visual and physical objects to vividly tell the story of slavery and the struggle for freedom.”

“This exhibition exemplifies the shared commitment to preserving and honouring historical narratives that shape society’s understanding of the past,” Prof. Ntewusu said in a statement while declaring the epoch event open.

“It also tells the narratives of the people Sankana, Sandema, Salaga, Gwollu, Nalerigu and Pikworo communities and the impact of the slave trade on these communities

“The exhibition, which would run till October, is expected to help patrons reflect on the stories and renew their commitment to honouring the resilience and resistance of those who endured the adversities of the slave trade.

“It is also anticipated to inspire all to strive towards a future of justice, equality and respect for all.”

Prof. Ntewusu also noted that the subject of slavery remains a global discourse making the exhibition of local, national and international relevance.

“While the story of the inhumane treatment suffered by communities in Northern Ghana had been untold until now, research had challenged the widely held narrative about the enslaved as docile and passive victims.”

Also speaking on the exhibition, the Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, Jeroen Verheul, said it connected two sides of the same coin and looked at the impact on both Ghana and the Netherlands looking at the resistance and resilience of the slavery history which was usually undocumented and forgotten.

He expressed the hope that the exhibition would ensure the current and future generations resisted all forms of slavery.

Related Topics:Exhibition Featured Ghana Slave Trade

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Culture

Obama names three African artistes in his Favorite Music list 2024

Published

1 month ago

December 28, 2024

Isaac Dachen

In keeping with the tradition of naming his favourite music list of the year, former United States President, Barack Obama, has released his favorite music from 2024, which includes three African artistes.

The Obama Favorite Music list 2024, which he dropped on social media, has Nigerian stars Asake, Rema, and South African Ampiona sensation, Tyla, alongside Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, amongst other world-renowned stars.

While dropping the list, the former US President wrote:

“Here are my favorite songs from this year! Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist – and let me know if there’s a song or artist I should make sure to listen to.”

The top picks for Obama’s shortlist were Billie Eilish’s “Lunch,” Jordan Adetunji’s “Kehlani,” Tommy Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby,” Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Bonny Light Horseman’s “Old Dutch,” Central Cee, Asake’s “Active,” Lil Baby’s “Band4band,” Rema’s “Yayo”, Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” and “Gata Only” by FloyyMenor and Cris MJ.
and more.

The Obama Favorite Music of 2024 list also showcased a vibrant mix of genres and artists, reflecting his diverse musical preferences, spanning hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and reggaeton, showcasing his appreciation for a variety of musical styles.

Culture

Moroccan tourist arrivals hit record-breaking 16 million

Published

1 month ago

December 27, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The year 2024 has seen Morocco celebrate a record-breaking 16 million tourist arrivals, surpassing the 12 million mark set in 2023, with the country continuing to see impressive growth in tourist arrivals.

Data from the country’s Ministry of Tourism, the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) reveals that additional indicators reveal that the sector reached remarkable numbers in just 10 months, surpassing the total number of arrivals typically seen in a full year.

According to the new details from the directorate, which is affiliated to the Ministry of Economy, the country’s tourism revenues reached MAD 96.9 billion by the end of October, an increase of 9.3% compared to the same period last year.

A statement by the Ministry said
Morocco notably reached a new record of 14.6 million tourists by the end of October, the directorate indicated, noting that this far surpassed the previous record set at the end of 2023 in just 10 months.

“The number marks a 19% increase year on year, representing 2.3 million additional arrivals by the end of October 2024,” it said.

“This remarkable growth is driven both by foreign tourists, whose numbers have increased by 22%, and Moroccans living abroad.

“This past October was an especially strong month for the Moroccan hospitality industry. Approximately 1.5 million visitors traveled to the North African country during that month, representing an increase of 30% compared to October last year,” it stated.

The Ministry of Tourism celebrated the upward trend during a meeting of the Moroccan National Tourism’s Board of Directors held on Monday, with data showing that the North African country saw a record 15.87 million visitors by the end of November, marking a 20% increase while tourism revenues soared to MAD 97 billion.

“The sector achieved a growth rate of 19%, higher than the world average of 12% and most competing destinations,” the Moroccan Tourism Office said.

Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor:

“Our tourism roadmap is bearing fruit and we can now enter the year 24 with confidence and determination.”