The Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has said that the commissioning of the Salaga Salve Market and Heritage Site, is more than a mere remembrance of the past, as it is an acknowledgement of the role that slavery played in shaping our world today.

He made these remarks when he commissioned the tourist site on Monday, July 22, 2024, in Salaga, Savannah Region.

The site is an 18th-century slave market which served as an important place where slaves were transported to the coast for export during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade era, and also served as outposts for the movement of slaves along the trans-saharan routes.

In his remarks, the Minister stressed that while celebrating the resilience of the African Spirit and building new bridges of cooperation amongst the global African family, there was the dying need to honour the memory of our ancestors by continuing to fight against discrimination and oppression that persist in our society.

“Let us seize this occasion to promote tourism in the Savannah Region and across Ghana,” the minister said.

“Highlighting unique heritage sites like the Salaga Slave Market and Slave Wells not only boosts our economy but also fosters cross-cultural understanding between different communities, both locally and internationally,” he added.

Mercer, on behalf of the tourism sector, extended a heartfelt appreciation to His Royal Highness, the Kpembe Wura, the District Chief Executive and all stakeholders involved in the renovation and commissioning of this project.