A photo of the Salaga Slave Market
During the Transatlantic Slave Trade, Salaga served as an important market where slaves were transported to the coast for export. It was one of the most important market centres in West Africa, where kola, beads, ostrich feathers, animal hide, textiles and gold were traded.
However, from the 18th to the 19th century, it became the biggest slave market where humans were sold or exchanged for cowries. Ibrahim Jamal, a cultural officer at the Salaga Slave Market, in a recent interview on Joy News and monitored by GhanaWeb on Saturday, March 29, 2025, stated that slaves were brought to the Salaga Trade Market from all across the country.
“Slaves here were brought from Upper East, Upper West and then the surrounding villages led by the slave agents who were the Hausa people.
“One thing about the Salaga Slave Market is that the Europeans have never been here. When they get to Cape coast, then are sold to the Europeans,” he stated.
According to Ibrahim Jamal, the captives endured harsh conditions, and they were left to die if they showed any signs of weakness.
“For the slave agents, they don’t care about what you are going through, so, when you are weak and then they realise you are dying, you are chained, they leave you in the bush to die, animals will come and then feed on your flesh.
“They gave them little water to drink before arriving. If you are a stubborn slave, they shackle you on the leg and then hook it to a tree. So, where you are shackled or you are chained, you remain there,” he added.
The decline of the slave trade, which coincided with European colonisation, eventually brought an end to the business. Today, the remnants of the Salaga Slave Market have been preserved as a historical site in the town.
JKB/AE
Watch as Ras Mubarak, Alan’s running mate, engage in ‘dirty’ social media feud over Ama Pratt’s appointment