The Sankofa Journey to Cape Coast
Attire recommendation: White
Today marks the beginning of our transformative Sankofa Journey as we bid farewell to Accra and make our way to Cape Coast. Our destination for the day is the Cape Coast Enslaved Dungeon, a poignant place with a history that resonates deeply. Built in 1482 by the Portuguese, it stands as the oldest European building in Sub-Saharan Africa. This Dungeon holds within its walls a profound and somber tale, a significant chapter in the tragic transatlantic enslaved African trade era. Prepare your heart and mind for an emotionally intense experience. The Dungeon once confined enslaved Africans, awaiting the harrowing voyage on slave ships bound for the New World. Our tour takes us through the Male and Female dungeons, and we'll pass through the infamous "Door of No Return," a poignant symbol of an agonizing past.
To honor and acknowledge the resilience of those who passed through this harrowing history, then we participate in a traditional African naming ceremony. This ceremony is a powerful way to reconnect Diasporians with their ancestral Motherland. It's a moment of healing and restoration, recognizing the strength and spirit of those who came before us.
As we embark on a meaningful journey to our host Ghanaian village. We will be paying our respects to Village Chiefs and Queen Mothers, as we participate in a tradition that dates back centuries. We will start by pouring of libation, and the Right to Return: Atonement & Rituals Ceremony, where we officially restore you to the cultural and spiritual connections that were denied and stripped from us during the transatlantic slave trade.
The highlight of our visit to the village is the Sankofa ceremony, which includes a traditional naming rite ceremony and family integration. You will be welcomed home with a lot of fanfare, as the entire village comes together to celebrate your return with traditional drumming and dancing. As a gesture of appreciation, we will also present our adopted village with a donation.
In the evening, we will gather for our Farewell event, reflecting on our experiences and forging new connections with the community we have been fortunate to visit. This is a day that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.
**Overnight in Cape Coast