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15.03.2007 General News

Reflections mark abolition of slave trade

15.03.2007 LISTEN
By : GNA

Reflections on a reverential event to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the Abolition of Slave Trade Act in the UK, will be held at the Elmina Castle on March 25, this year.

The event aims to explore the relationship between the UK and Africa over the past 200 years and look forward to more positive relationships to be engendered in the future.

A statement from the British Council in Accra said to commemorate the bi-centaury, a number of renowned artistes from African, UK and the Diaspora would be exploring the journey from their own perspectives in a shared and creative environment.

Poets participating in the event include Linton Kwesi Johnson and Professor Kofi Anyidoho, other music and dance performances include Hugh Masakela, Agya Koo Nimo, Youssou Ndour, Obour, London community Gospel Choir, Winneba youth choir, Amandzeba, Ghana National Dance Company , Wulomei, Merigar Salifu Abubakar, Zena Edwards, Wali Cham, renowned Ghanaians actress, Akofa Edjeani among others.

Guests of Honour for the occasion are President John Agyekum Kufuor, and Baroness Amos, Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Privy Council.

Invited participants include chiefs, community members, government officials and members of the diplomatic community in Ghana.

The event is organized by British Council in collaboration with the National Planning committee, with the support of Edina Traditional Council, Regional and District Coordinating Councils, Ministry of Culture and Chieftaincy and other stakeholders.

Moses Anibaba, Director of British Council in Ghana said, "We trust that through reflections positive energies will be released to break the shackles of history and generate fresh ideas for the future of Africa UK relations.
Meeting chiefs

Meanwhile the Edina Traditional Council has held discussions with officials of the British Council on Reflections.

The chiefs underlined the reverential character of the event and the important role the traditional authorities and the communities have to play.

Nana Condua, the Paramount Chief of Edina Traditional area said, "We in Elmina see our historical heritage as a foundation for all Africans reflecting on the past relationship between Africa and the UK, and looking ahead to Africans taking hold of our destiny and breaking the chains of dependency even today."

Source: GNA

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