We Must Repurpose the Atlantic Ocean, which Once Separated Africans – Otumfuo to the Caribbean Nations
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has suggested repurposing the Atlantic Ocean, which historically divided Africans.
Dipping his hands into the annals, His Majesty brought out memories of over four hundred years ago, when the slave trade through the Atlantic Ocean scattered some people of African origin across the world.
His Majesty, while acknowledging the role the ocean played in the brutal act, emphasised the scar it has left on Africa.
“For too long, the Atlantic Ocean has been viewed primarily as the route of a painful past, a symbol of separation and sorrow, division and displacement.”
However, he called for the repurposing of the Ocean to the advantage of Africans.
“While we must never forget or overlook the pre and post-emancipation physical, psychological and social effects of colonialism, we must today look at the same ocean, which carried away our kinsmen and kinswomen, as a bridge, a conduit that connects us, the shared waterway of a global African family.”
Otumfuo observes that the shared history is a testament to the indomitable African spirit, an enduring legacy that ‘if you kill a thousand, a thousand will storm back’.
The Asantehene made these remarks on November 12, 2025, at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies under the theme: “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect, Build, Renew”.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
