Regional News of Sunday, 27 November 2011

Source: GNA

Stones Tell Stories at Osu launched

Accra, Nov. 27, GNA – A 281-page book christened, “Stones Tell Stories at Osu, Memories of Host Community of The Danish Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade” was launched in Accra over the weekend.

The book authored by Professor Nii-Adziri Wellington, gives an insight into the history and memories of the people of Osu while offering the opportunity to reflect on the lives and works of others who may have contributed to the history of this significant host of a community of the Danish trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The book which was sponsored by the Ghana Denmark Cultural Fund also discussed the rich cultural past of the people of Osu from the 17th century to 2007 in connection with the Danish settlers.

The objective of the Fund is to strengthen intercultural relations, mutual understanding and promotion of democratic values among the people of Ghana as well as Ghanaian-Danish collaboration through the contemporary arts and preservation of common cultural heritage.

Madam Korkor Amarteifio, Administrator of the fund, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, noted that it was also to foster Ghana and Denmark collaborations through the contemporary Arts and the preservation of the shared cultural heritage.

She explained that the fund would provide financial support to cultural events, professional development, and artistic creation process as well as exchange projects between Danish and Ghanaian organisations.

“The Ghana Denmark Cultural Fund will support exchange projects implemented as a partnership between Danish and Ghanaian organisations taking place in either Denmark or Ghana,” she added.

Professor Nii-Adziri Wellington, said the story of Danish-Osu was however not only about pain, suffering and untold hardships and turmoil but the dark side of history was sharply contrasted with a bright Danish governor and administrator who brought the first evangelical missionary into the country.

He said the book was a must read for all especially those who love history and have passion for the treasured heritage of Danish-Osu.

Professor Jerome Djangmah, the former Director General of the Ghana Education Service, congratulated the author on a wonderful work done and urged him to explore more areas on the nation’s history.

He said the citizenry know little about their history and culture, hence their inability to appreciate issues in relation to these areas.

Dr Kofi Baku, Head, Department of History, University of Ghana, who reviewed the book, commended the author for the style of writing and the rich content.