On February 9th, 2024, a significant meeting took place in Elmina, where members of several Diaspora groups and the Government of Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), gathered to address concerns, raised by the members of the Ad-hoc Committee of the 6th Region, surrounding the restaurant situated in the Elmina Castle. The meeting was also attended by the Paramount Chief of the Edna Traditional Council, Nana Kojo Conduah VI.
The delegation from the MOTAC assured the Diaspora groups that steps had already been taken to address several concerns raised in keeping with the solemn status of the Elmina Slave Castle as a site of memory and healing.
As a result of the productive dialogue, it was agreed that a smaller working group would be established to address specific grievances through the appropriate processes and channels.
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Diaspora groups represented, reaffirmed their dedication to finding a constructive and mutually beneficial solution to the current challenges at Elmina Castle.
The Parties further agreed:
a) to finalize the sub-committee membership and schedule an initial meeting no later than 27 February 2024 to ‘fast track’ the resolution to the matters.
b) that all commercial activities (including the operations of a restaurant) would conform with and be respectful of the sanctity of the space they are occupying
d) that this joint statement is the only official statement and parties will refrain from issuing any other statement without the agreement of both parties until further deliberations
e) to treat any other communications, via, social media or otherwise, as unofficial. All communications on these matters shall be addressed to the following emails: divine.owusu-ansah@motac.gov.gh coalitiondungeon.project@gmail.com
By: MOTAC and the Diaspora Groups
