Slavery still exists in different forms — Most Rev. Mathew Gyamfi

The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Most Rev. Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi, has said that there are still push factors fuelling slavery under different names in the world today.

He mentioned economic slavery and brain drain where skilled people were leaving their countries in droves for greener pastures abroad as some of the push factors.

Most Rev. Gyamfi added that “the unjust economic systems in which we find ourselves sustain slavery even now”.

The president described the situation as remnants of slavery, saying the impact had been enormous, and therefore, called on stakeholders to dialogue on ways to address the challenges.

He was speaking at an international conference on justice, healing and reconciliation beyond slavery at the Elmina Castle in the Central Region, on the theme: “Dealing with the aftermath of slave trade and slavery.”

It was organised by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, through its Governance, Justice and Peace Directorate, in collaboration with the German Commission For Justice and Peace (Deutsche Kommission Justitia et Pax).

The one-week workshop is being attended by faith leaders, traditional authorities, academics, activists and policymakers from across North and Latin America, Europe and Africa.

It forms part of efforts towards overcoming the toxic legacy of history and finding inspiration for today’s fight against slavery.

Most Rev. Gyamfi expressed the hope that the workshop would be the beginning of a sustained collaboration between interested partners for the common good of all.

Significance

The Catholic Archbishop of Cape Coast, Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer Buckle, said it was important to support initiatives that ensured racial justice, advanced social equality, and fostered the true spirit of reconciliation.

He called for sensitisation of the people, adding that teaching of history must include the entire truth of the atrocities, accomplishments and resilience of those who had overcome slavery.

Thus, Most Rev. Palmer Buckle said such discussions must include the subject of reparations, not merely in financial terms, but holistically to restore dignity, create opportunities and ensure equity.

“We should explore avenues that address socio-economic disparities, promote equal access to education and employment, and encourage efforts that uplift historically marginalised communities.

“Though we stand centuries removed from its abolition, the legacy of slavery continues to haunt our world. It manifests in the systemic inequalities, racial injustice and cultural trauma that persist across many societies,” he said.

Role of Church

Most Rev. Palmer Buckle further said that the church and faith communities could play a unique role in such a journey.

“We are called to be beacons of hope, forgiveness and healing. But forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it absolve us of the responsibility to seek justice.

“In this context, we must champion efforts that lead to the transformation of societies, policies and hearts, so that the lingering effects of this historical wrong can be overcome,” he said.

For his part, the Director of Governance, Justice and Peace Directorate of the Church, Rev. Fr Michael Quaicoe, said the workshop aimed to foster dialogue and promote actionable strategies to address the lingering impact of slavery and slave trade on contemporary societies.

Racism

The Chairman of the German Commission for Justice and Peace, Dr Jorg Luer, said the most toxic aftermath of slavery was racism, which had had a psychological impact on sufferers, adding that it was time to build bridges and reconnect for a better world.

He said it was important for people to work towards harnessing their strengths to fight all forms of slavery and angles to promote a just and fair world.