Ghana Slave Markets
Historical Context of Ghana Slave Markets
Trans‑Saharan vs. Trans‑Atlantic Routes
Ghana’s slave markets lay at the crossroads of two brutal networks. The Trans‑Saharan route, active for centuries, carried caravans of enslaved people northward across the desert into North Africa and the Middle East. From around 500 BCE to the 1800s, this trade linked sub‑Saharan gold, kola nuts, and ivory to the Muslim world
The Trans‑Atlantic route, spanning the 16th–19th centuries, shipped an estimated 25–30 million Africans from West Africa to plantations overseas
Economic & Social Role in Pre‑Colonial Ghana
Before the horrors of slavery dominated, markets like Salaga thrived as vibrant hubs. From the 16th century onward, traders converged to exchange kola nuts, gold, textiles, and more—held by Hausa, Wangara, Dagomba, Gonja, and others
By the 18th century, Salaga became integral to the slave trade—slaves were commonly exchanged for kola, cowries, and gold
Local chiefs and merchants capitalized on this commerce, embedding slavery into the social and economic fabric
Abolition & Colonial Legacies
During the late 1800s, British colonial rule began dismantling the slave trade in the Gold Coast. Following the Asante defeat in 1874, slavery was officially outlawed—though illicit activity persisted until about 1896
This shift disrupted regional economies, prompting new migration patterns and transforming labor systems as communities adjusted to the loss of traditional markets.
Why Visit Ghana’s Slave Market Sites Today?
Preserving Memory & Honoring Descendants
Visiting Salaga, Atorkor, and Pikworo is not just tourism—it’s witnessing a living history. Many families still carry survivor-descendant stories
Local communities honor ancestors through rituals, libations, and annual remembrances at key sites—transforming painful memory into powerful acts of commemoration
Educational & Pilgrimage Value
These sites serve as open-air classrooms. Educators like Dr. Nana Boafo (interviewed for diaspora study trips) underscore their value
Programs led by diaspora scholars and local historians highlight the emotional impact of standing where history unfolded—deepening understanding beyond textbooks and galleries
On‑Site Experience & Reminders
What awaits you on the ground
At Salaga, see the haunting Chain Tree, slave baths (“Wonkan bawa”), and ruined trading posts .
In Atorkor, explore market squares where transactions once took place.
At Pikworo, wander the silent earthworks and camp structures carved by enslaved people
Practical Info
Explore Each Slave Market
Salaga Slave Camp
Atorkor Slave Market
Pikworo Slave Camp
