A photo of the Sankana Caves
The Sankana Caves, located in the Upper West Region of Ghana, were used as hiding places for children, women, and the elderly during the era of the transatlantic slave trade.
This network of scenic caves stretches across an area of 4 kilometres.
In the 18th century, slave raiders would attack villages to capture individuals and sell them at slave markets.
In response, the people of Bulenga and Sankana took refuge in the caves, fighting back against the invaders to protect themselves.
In an interview with Joy News, which was monitored by GhanaWeb on Sunday, March 30, 2025, retired educationist and Paramount Chief Naa Pagranige Saakoe Mornah III recounted how these caves served as a safe haven for residents during the transatlantic slave trade.
“We had caves where the elderly were hidden for safety, and the able-bodied individuals would fight the slave raiders,” he said. “We were told that this very place, the Sankana Caves, was used by our people as a hideout to fight off slave raiders.
“At first glance, you might think the cave is a small hole, but once inside, the space expands to accommodate more people. It was believed that even if you had a thousand people, everyone could enter and the cave would stretch to give more room for others,” he explained.
Despite its rich historical significance, the Sankana Caves have since not been fully developed as a tourist attraction site.
JKB/EB
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