Pikworo Slave Camp: A Forgotten Chapter in Ghana's History

Nestled in the heart of northern Ghana lies the Pikworo Slave Camp, a stark and sobering reminder of the human cost of the transatlantic slave trade. Located just 3 kilometers west of Paga in the Upper East Region, the camp offers a powerful narrative etched into the rocky landscape—a story of suffering, survival, and resilience that remains crucial to understanding Ghana’s place in global history.

The Origins of Pikworo Slave Camp

The Pikworo Slave Camp was established around 1704 as a slave transit center where captives were held before being moved to larger markets and eventually to the coastal slave castles such as Cape Coast and Elmina. Unlike these coastal dungeons, which are well-known globally and frequently visited, Pikworo has only recently begun to receive attention as an important historical landmark.

Slaves were brought from various parts of West Africa, often captured during inter-tribal wars or through raids and sold by local merchants. Pikworo served as the first stop in a long and brutal journey toward the coast—a journey that would end, for many, across the Atlantic.

Life at the Camp

Though minimalistic in appearance today, the remnants at Pikworo Slave Camp vividly illustrate the harsh realities faced by the enslaved. The camp sits on laterite rocks and comprises various carvings, indentations, and stone arrangements that tell a chilling story:

1. Eating Bowls Carved in Stone

One of the most striking features at Pikworo is the series of stone bowls carved into the rock surface. These depressions were used as communal eating vessels. Guides explain that enslaved individuals were often forced to share these bowls, squatting around them to eat—if they were fed at all. The size and number of these stone bowls reflect the overcrowded and inhumane conditions.

2. Punishment Rock

Another sobering feature is the punishment rock, a flat stone used to discipline slaves. Offenders were chained and subjected to brutal beatings. In some cases, they were left under the scorching sun for hours or days, a form of torture that often resulted in death.

3. Watchtower Rock

The camp also includes a high vantage point known as the watchtower rock, where guards could monitor slave movements and spot any escape attempts. From this point, the harsh terrain that encircled the camp becomes evident, offering little hope for those who dreamt of escape.

Cultural and Spiritual Echoes

Despite the suffering endured at Pikworo, the camp also carries deep spiritual significance. Local oral histories speak of songs, rituals, and quiet acts of resistance performed by captives. These practices helped maintain a sense of identity and humanity in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

Local communities have also integrated Pikworo into their broader cultural heritage. Annual commemorations and educational tours now serve as reminders not only of the past but of the resilience of the human spirit.

The Journey to Salaga and Beyond

Slaves who survived the ordeal at Pikworo were forced to walk over 150 kilometers to Salaga, a major slave market in central Ghana. There, they were sold again, branded, and marched onward toward the coast. This leg of the journey—on foot, in chains, and under duress—was as devastating as the conditions in the camp itself.

From Salaga, captives were moved to slave castles on the coast, where they would await shipment across the Atlantic. For many, this marked the end of their time on African soil.

Preservation and Tourism

Today, the Pikworo Slave Camp is slowly gaining recognition as a heritage tourism site. Managed in collaboration with local communities and the Ghana Tourism Authority, the site includes guided tours, interpretive signage, and efforts to preserve its fragile features.

However, the site still lacks the infrastructure and global visibility of Ghana’s more famous coastal forts. Advocates argue that investing in Pikworo is not just about tourism—it’s about reclaiming and honoring a fuller picture of African history.

How to Visit

• Location: Near Paga, Upper East Region, Ghana.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March (dry season).
• Getting There: Accessible by road from Bolgatanga or Tamale; Paga is also home to the popular Paga Crocodile Pond.
• What to Expect: A guided tour takes visitors through the camp, offering powerful stories and interpretations that illuminate the site’s significance.

Why Pikworo Matters

The story of Pikworo is often overshadowed by more prominent slave forts along Ghana’s coast, but it plays an equally vital role in understanding the mechanisms and magnitude of the transatlantic slave trade. It represents the beginning of a brutal pipeline, one that stripped millions of Africans from their homeland and scattered them across the globe.

Visiting Pikworo is a deeply emotional and educational experience. It reminds us that the legacies of slavery are not just coastal, not just foreign—they are embedded in the very rocks of Ghana’s northern hills.

As Ghana continues to embrace heritage tourism and explore the legacies of slavery through initiatives like the "Year of Return" and "Beyond the Return", Pikworo stands as a testament to a history that must never be forgotten.

Final Thoughts

The Pikworo Slave Camp is more than a historical site—it is a place of memory, mourning, and learning. It invites reflection not only on the atrocities of the past but also on the enduring strength of those who lived through them. By acknowledging sites like Pikworo, we move one step closer to a fuller, more inclusive understanding of African and global history.