Friday 17th Breakfast was a bit later today, with a wake-up call of 8am before going to the group’s regular restaurant Miliki Mikuul. After some delicious egg bread, beans, and coffee, the group gathered back at the Global Dream hotel for a bit of time to rest after a long day on Thursday.
Around 11, group gathered for a lecture/discussion of  “Britain and the Supression of Slavery” by Raymond Dumett and Marion Johnson. The article dealt with the ending of slavery on the Colony, Asante and the Northern Territories. The discussion centered around two main points:
1) the definition of slavery in this era (roughly 1805 to 1930) and
2) the failure of the British colonies to end slavery.
The issues surrounding the definition of slavery included: – There was not a clear definition of slavery – Ending slavery only affected the British people (not local populations) – Britain didn’t have the authority over the region entirely, just a large influence over some parts – The British did not want to affect the economy of the region and ending slavery presumably would’ve done this. These factors led to a continuously changing definition of slavery – with slaves being defined over time as indentured servants, pawns, and apprentices etc. until slavery finally ended in reality around 1930. The discussion was engaging and fascinating.
Below are some of the pictures high lighting the discussion.
After the lecture by Prof. Iddrisu it was time for some lunch at Miliki Mikuul where the group could chat over what had been learned. There was a free afternoon after lunch, so much of the group decided to explore the market for a while and do some shopping. And had time for fresh coconut.
This was a fun way to spend the afternoon and many students picked up souvenirs like Ghanaian fabrics or jewelry.
After everyone reconvened, it was time for dinner – which was also a celebration of Kate’s 20th birthday!
The group enjoyed some cake and card games and then came back to the hotel where some rested up for the next day, some celebrated Kate’s birthday a bit longer, and some got a taste for Ghanaian nature through some exploring. It was a great day of bonding and fun for the group and everyone is looking forward to tomorrow. Adie, Adam, Abby, Kirstin