Ghana–Switzerland Business Expo 2026: Gyakye Quayson advocates renaming of slave sites

By: Grassroots Lawyer
The maiden Dialogue Series between the Swiss-Ghanaian community and the Embassy of Switzerland has successfully brought together members of the Ghanaian diaspora in Switzerland for meaningful engagement on shared interests.

The event, held on the sidelines of the Ghana–Switzerland Business Expo 2026, focused on strengthening economic opportunities and fostering impactful networking for the mutual benefit of both nations.

Gracing the occasion was Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. James Gyakye Quayson, who played a key role in the discussions. He emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral relations while encouraging active diasporan participation in national development.

A significant highlight of the dialogue was the Minister’s call for a reconsideration of how Ghana’s historical slave sites are described. He noted that the term (castles) traditionally signifies royal residences, which does not accurately represent the painful history associated with these locations.

According to him, these sites were places where enslaved Africans endured severe, inhumane conditions. He therefore proposed that they be called (slave dungeons) as they were a prominent part of the Zeitgeist of the medieval times.

The dialogue marks a step forward in strengthening Ghana–Switzerland relations while also reigniting conversations on historical truth and national identity.

Credit:
Hon. James Gyakye Quayson
Deputy foreign affairs minister-Ghana