Ghana: Exploring the Legacy of Slave Trade~Appreciating Ghana’s Rich Ethnic & Religious Pluralism

Ghana, one of the friendliest countries in West African, has a rich multi-ethnic and religiously plural culture making it a fascinating destination for academic & religious study tours. Illume has put together a program that explores both the horrific legacy of African slave trade—visiting some of the historic forts & dungeons built by the Portuguese—and the rich panorama of contemporary Ghanan culture—visiting Muslim, Christian & native African religious communities. Participants will have the opportunity to experience both the bustling modern city of Accra as well as remote villages in the Ashanti region of the country. The program includes visits to ancient cultural regions such as Kumasi and natural wildlife refuges such as the Kakum National Park. Opportunities for interfaith dialogue and experiences are incorporated in the program.

Synopsis of Program

Visit the modern bustling city of Accra and enjoy a rich introduction to Ghanan history

Overview of Ghanan history—including its ancient native cultures, the spread of Christianity & Islam, slave trade, and contemporary democratic culture. Visit such sites as the National Museum, the Makola market, the Kwame Memorial Park, the National Center for Culture, and local craftsmen at the main Bazaar.

Visit to local Christian and Muslim religious centers with opportunity to explore the history of these religious traditions in Ghana and understand how they differ from Christian and Muslim communities in other parts of the world.Visit the historic & beautiful Cape Coast

Through visits to historic towns on the Cape Coast—particularly Elmina—participants will benefit from expert guided visits to historic castles & dungeons used by the Portuguese during the African slave trade. Participants will have the opportunity to consider the impact of slave trade on local families and communities as well as ponder the cultural background the slaves brought with them to the Americas.

Savor the local wildlife of West Africa

Visit the Kakum National Park where a canopied walkway allows visitors to walk along the tree line to view various wild species of birds and animals. Here in the forest, visitors will have the opportunity to view other endangered species of wildlife and consider the relationship between nature and local cultures.

Experience native African villages and culture

Travel to Kumasi, center of ancient Ashanti culture, visiting Palace of the Kingdom, the Court Museum and the Cultural Center. Visit smaller villages where local crafts flourish—such as Bonwire for Kante cloth and Ahwiaa and Ntonzo for Adinkra cloth and woodcraft.