Africa is the world’s most rapidly urbanising region. Forging closer ties could be a boon for London businesses
Those were the words of Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London some days ago while preparing for a tour of select African countries in an effort to strengthen economic ties and cultural links between London and Africa’s vibrant cities including Accra and Lagos.
“This is the first trade mission to Africa by a London Mayor. Over four cities and five busy days, our delegation will be working to drive trade and investment across critical sectors of our economy – from finance, health and education, to tech, sustainability and our creative industries.”
And that he did. What’s fascinating about the said visit was the courage to confront history. According to the Mayor of London, the visit to Osu Castle was a sobering reminder of the role of British government in the era of transatlantic slave trade.
He remarked: “London was once at the heart of Britain’s financial involvement in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans. At Osu Castle in Accra, I learned more about the harrowing experiences of those forced onto ships during this horrific chapter of our shared history – one we must all confront.”
L-R: Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and a tour guide during his visit to Osu Castle
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and a tour guide during a visit to Osu Castle, Ghana
Osu Castle, also known as Christiansborg Castle, is a historic fort and former seat of government in Accra, Ghana. The castle was built by the Danes in 1661 as a trading post and fort. It was strategically located on the coast, allowing for control over trade routes.
Osu castle changed hands several times, being occupied by the Portuguese, British, and Danes at different points. In 1850, it was sold to the British, who used it as the seat of government for the Gold Coast colony.
The UK’s role in Osu Castle’s slave history is significant, although it’s more accurate to say Britain’s involvement began after Denmark-Norway’s influence. Denmark-Norway built Osu Castle in the 1660s as a trading post for gold, ivory, and slaves. Britain wasn’t directly involved in the castle’s early slave trading activities.
In 1850, Britain purchased all of Denmark’s Gold Coast possessions, including Fort Christiansborg (Osu Castle), for £10,000. At this point, Britain’s role shifted from a non-involved party to a governing power. By the time Britain acquired Osu Castle, the slave trade had already been abolished in Denmark (1803) and Britain (1807). Britain’s primary motivation for acquiring the castle was likely to prevent other European powers like France or Belgium from strengthening in the area and to suppress illegal slave trading.
Under British control, Osu Castle served as the seat of government for the Gold Coast colony. Britain’s legacy in the castle’s history is complex, reflecting both its role in suppressing the slave trade and its colonial dominance over Ghana.
After Ghana gained independence in 1957, the castle continued to serve as the seat of government until 2007. Today, Osu Castle is a symbol of Ghana’s complex history and a popular tourist destination.
The castle’s history reflects the complex and often tumultuous past of the region, with various European powers vying for control over the Gold Coast. Despite its significance, the castle’s legacy is also marked by the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism.
Today, Osu Castle stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a poignant reminder of the transatlantic slave trade’s dark history. It serves as a site for reflection, education, and cultural events, acknowledging the suffering of enslaved Africans while celebrating Ghanaian heritage.
– Story by Yinka Olatunbosun, a senior culture journalist.
