One of the important tourism landmarks in the country, the Salaga Slave Market in the East Gonja District of the Northern Region, has been converted into a lorry station.

In an interview with the B&FT, Alexander Nketia, acting Northern Regional Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) expressed displeasure at how tourist sites in the Northern Region, which could be generating the much-needed foreign exchange for the country, are on the verge of collapse and need some attention.

“The rate at which the major tourism sites in the region are on the verge of collapsing is worrying. These sites, if well maintained, could help generate revenue”, he said, calling on the museum and emolument sector to step up efforts to take over the sites to ensure development that would attract more investors to harness the potential of the region.

The Salaga Slave Market is known for its historic role in the country’s engagement in slave trade.  Being one of the most important market centres in West Africa at the time, Salaga was noted for trade in everything including kola, beads, ostrich feathers, animal hide, textiles and gold.  

Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Salaga became the biggest slave market in the sub-region where humans were sold or exchanged for cowries.