By Edward Adjei FRIMPONG
Ghana’s coastline bears powerful footprints of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, marked by historic sites such as Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle and the Slave River at Assin Manso. These relics serve as solemn reminders of resilience, identity and the shared histories of millions across the African diaspora. They form key pillars of heritage tourism, drawing visitors seeking reflection, reconnection and healing.
Another footprint of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, which is relatively unpopular in our history but witness to the harsh realities of the dehumanising slave trade, is the Kunsu Slave Caves and Market Centre in the Bono East Region. The caves and market are located in the town of Kunsu, about 14 kilometres away from Kintampo and 448 kilometres from Accra. Hidden deep within forested hills, the caves once served as holding depots where enslaved Africans were kept before being marched to the coast, en-route to the western world. To this day, their dark, narrow chambers still echo the resilience and suffering of those who passed through them.
Vanishing relics and fading memories
The Kunsu Slave Market is currently deserted, overtaken by weeds, and the historical footprints are fading. Back in 2020, the remains of a charred baobab tree stump were still visible. According to oral history, captives were tied to the tree. Following the abolition of the slave trade in the 1800s, it appears the community and the State did not immediately recognise the need to preserve the site. The remaining relics, including shackles at the historic market centre, have since been relocated to the Chief’s palace.
Traditional authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the Kunsu Slave Caves—natural dungeons that safeguard cultural memory and identity. The caves, locally known as ‘Bougyema’, meaning “rocks that harbour people,” were once used by the forefathers of Kunsu to hide women and children during war before the slave masters adopted the space for enslaved captives.
Abandonment to revitalisation
For years, the slave caves—spanning roughly two kilometres in circumference—were abandoned, frequently ravaged by bushfires, home to swarms of bees and pythons. This neglect informed the decision to lease the site to a private developer to transform it into a blended prayer sanctuary and ecotourism site.
A tour guide and community leader, Joseph Asiedu, who conducted journalists round, said: “Despite regular tourist visits over the years, there was minimal government intervention to preserve or improve the site. This influenced the chiefs’ decision to allow a private developer to step in.”
Development began in early 2025, including the construction of temporary shelters and the clearing of open spaces for religious activities. Leading the effort is Prophet Okure Asamoah of Priest Chapel in Kintampo, who envisions the caves evolving into both a sacred sanctuary and a thriving ecotourism destination rooted in healing, remembrance and pride.
“We have begun developing accommodation and water and sanitation facilities. Our goal is to attract high-profile personalities, including Heads of State and respected religious leaders. If all goes well, the first phase will be ready within three years. We even envision constructing a helipad,” he revealed.
Acknowledging the scale and cost of the work ahead, Prophet Asamoah called on churches, faith-based organisations and private investors to partner in the transformation. To him, the project holds value far beyond personal ambition.
“This is bigger than one man’s vision. It is a national heritage site, a place that carries the memory of our past and the hope of our future. It deserves support from all who believe in preserving history and creating meaningful opportunities,” he added.
Balancing heritage and development
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), the industry regulator, has set for itself an ambitious goal—to drive tourism growth and position Ghana as West Africa’s leading sustainable tourist destination by 2026. Although the GTA noted that it was not consulted before the recent transformation efforts began at the Kunsu slave caves, the authority says it is open to the initiative as long as it aligns with its broader vision for heritage preservation and tourism development.
Speaking on the matter, the Bono East Regional Manager of the authority, Joseph Appiagyei, alluded to the site’s historical value and untapped potential. “I would have wished for the authority to take the lead in developing a site with such a powerful history and significant potential,” he said.
“However, if the private sector has stepped in, I have no objection because it reflects the spirit of public-private partnership. My only concern would be if the developer’s activities disrupt tourism operations or if the religious activities prevent the site from functioning as a protected historic and cultural space,” he added.
Preserving memory
The ongoing transformation of the Kunsu Slave Caves sits at a crucial intersection of memory, spirituality and development. As Ghana continues to honour its role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade narrative, preserving sites like Bougyema is not only a cultural responsibility but an economic opportunity. With thoughtful stewardship, the caves have the potential to attract both local and international visitors seeking history, healing and reflection—generating revenue, creating jobs and supporting livelihoods in the community.
Conclusion
This progress must be guided by sensitivity. The natural ambiance of the caves, their historical integrity and the solemnity of the lives once confined within them must not be overshadowed by development. For this reason, traditional authorities, the Ghana Tourism Authority, private investors, the spiritual community and local residents must work together—ensuring that preservation remains at the heart of every decision.
The post Kunsu Slave Caves: From silent suffering to sacred sanctuary appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS