Ghana

Formerly the Gold Coast, Ghana is a young republic which became independent from Britain on March 6. 1957, the first black African colony to achieve its independence. Ghana occupies the pinnacle spot in Pan-African history having hit the torch for African Emancipation and became home in famous Pan-Africanist such as W. E. B Du Bois and George Padimore. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah whose mausoleum adds to Accra’s landscape was Ghana’s first President.

European power struggle between the 15th and 19th centuries started with the Portuguese who built Elmina Castle in 1482. They were followed by the Dutch, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and the British looking for fortunes in gold and ivory.

This intense commercial rivalry ended with the growth of the tragic trade in silvery - all 42 European castles and fortifications were used as dungeons for the millions most of whom lost their lives or whose descendants compose the African Diaspora today.