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Africa is bigger than China, India, the contiguous U.S. and most of Europe—combined!

The African continent has a land area of 30.37 million sq km (11.7 million sq mi) — enough to fit in the U.S., China, India, Japan, Mexico, and many European nations, combined.

Interestingly, the problem with maps is not that Africa is sized incorrectly.
Using the animation below, you’ll see that Africa is actually the most accurately sized continent using the common Mercator map projection:

The Mercator projection attempts to place the spherical shape of the world onto a cylinder, causing areas closest to the poles to be “stretched”.

Africa, which straddles the Equator, barely changes in size — meanwhile, the countries furthest from the Equator become inflated from their true sizes on this type of map.
This means that the sizes of European and North American countries are distorted, giving us an inaccurate mental “measuring stick” for judging the relative sizes of other countries.
This has implications not only for Africa, but for the whole Southern Hemisphere: South America, India, the Middle East, and even Australia are “bigger” than they may initially appear on a map

In reply to Slipfeeler

Very interesting read

True true story...ah suh mih hear sometime ago.

In reply to BeatDball

They like to depict the continent of Africa, as smaller than North America and even Europe. Not only have they been historically stealing and dispossessing Africa of its natural resources but they like to paint every negative picture of the continent that they are robbing, while keeping it in a state of Un-development, so it exists just a producers of raw materials but not as a major manufacturing producer. All of that is now changing, have you guys seen modern Ivory Coast? Looks a lot like Dubai. Have you seen the massive influx of Americans, Canadians, UK and some Caribbean people heading to help in the development of Ghana, if you see the pics, Accra is now a modern city with all the modern amenities, it might be difficult to differentiate some parts of Accra from New York or Miami.

In reply to Slipfeeler

Most maps are not physical maps anyway, size is based on economy and political power. If Africa had a union similar to The EU and a currency based on its mineral resources it’d be one of the strongest currencies in the world

In reply to Brerzerk

Without the continent of Africa, the entire Western economy would fall apart, for they all rely on resources from the continent, that’s why underdevelopment of Africa is key to their continued success but all of that is about to change with African countries developing their own major manufacturing companies.

In reply to Slipfeeler
THIS

[

Trinidad is playing an outsize role in Ghana- oil and banking in particular.

I am considering a long term living space in Ghana to spend a few months, I am a snow bird and I am fed up Arizona and Florida.

In reply to Slipfeeler

In reply to Emir

I know 2 Trinis who have gone to Ghana and also read about our people heading to work in the oil industry,no bad thing.Ghana has always been considered the most developed African country politically,that has helped in all other developments.

My brothers we have already bought property in Ghana and looking to build soon, instead of retiring in Florida. Many Caribbean people making the move, Americans, Canadians and from UK, have been making the move since the Homecoming year of 2019. Check out the YouTube videos.

https://youtu.be/vH4YqVJnxOY?si=iDUaaDOI-XbtjGzb%3Cimg%20src=



https://youtu.be/WGADwCpuRmA?si=5pM8O-BVwYQSezTP

In reply to Emir

Check out The Gambia for real peace and quiet. Cost much less than Ghana too.

In reply to Brerzerk

Tanzania too is quiet and crime free but non-citizens cannot own property. Ghana is way ahead of the others for you do not need a Visa if you use a Jamaican or most Caribbean passports. Plus once you get there, just apply for a Ghana Non-citizen Card, which you receive immediately and it allows you to open bank account, purchase property and obtain drivers license, plus it allows you to live in Ghana, just renew that card every year until you receive Ghana citizenship. It’s very cheap to build a mansion in Ghana and the country is open for all kinds of business ventures.

In reply to Slipfeeler

Funny enough, I'm right now at Dulles Airport on my way to Ghana. Covid kept me away for a while but I'm back on track now.

--Æ.

In reply to Slipfeeler

Who are 'they'? Are you arguing that there was too much colonisation or too little?

In reply to KTom

Colonization deprived them of developing Africa , didn't you know such!!!
The colonists have been gone for generations...

Its sad, how they forget the African rulers sold out all their land and mineral rights to foreigners

Now the buyers are stealing rights...that they own...

Isn't such an amazing deduction by pseudo intellects on this site ?

All of the countries are in diferent stages of economic development and unfortunately some of them are autocratic regimes .i would personally only live in south africa but i like tanzania and zanzibar is a beautiful island

In reply to KTom

What?? If you do not know who are “They”, then you probably need to enlighten or educate yourself.

Hint: Start by reading Walter Rodney’s book on, “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”.

In reply to sgtdjones

So your focus is on blaming the victim, while ignoring centuries of European colonialism and underdevelopment of most countries on the African continent, except Ethiopia. Americans and Europeans continue to dominate various industries including mining and oil drilling, so all undeveloped countries are forced to sell mining and drilling rights, just like T&T and Guyana, with Jamaica already sold oil drilling rights to multinationals. So, your argument is confounding with the ridiculous assumption that only African countries, sell lands or rights to mine or drill.

In reply to JayMor

Have a safe an enjoyable trip my brother, make sure to visit Cape Coast Castle, Kakum National Park, Kumar Nkrumah National Park, the Aburi Botanical Garden, among others. I will be there in August.

In reply to Slipfeeler

If I knew who 'they' were, I wouldn't be asking. This is a discussion forum, isn't it? You are being invited to discuss the matter. In addition to revealing the identities of 'they', could you specify what is meant by Europe and Africa (as entities they sound rather monolithic) and by the term 'underdevelopment' (compared to what?), and the time frame(s) involved.



May I ask when you last read this book? I see that it was published in 1972. Do you have any other recommendations that were published in the last 50 years?

Is it your opinion that Europe also underdeveloped Asia and the Americas?

In reply to KTom

Okay I am understanding that you need some directions. Okay let me help you out by encouraging to watch these two videos, then post your comments. Apparently by virtue of your own admission, you are ill-equipped to argue with me, so let’s at least attempt to start from level ground:

https://youtu.be/hOwnDQC7Z6I?si=GDvbC97t65QtDgKR


https://youtu.be/Li7CpoEhaFY?si=UBmN5wE9Ylm0m8bq

In reply to KTom

More help coming your way Uncle Tom, read about the Ties that Bind Asia, Europe and United States:

https://www.adb.org/publications/ties-bind-asia-europe-and-united-states


Then read about the differences in Decolonization between Asia and Africa (1945-1960):

https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/asia-and-africa

In reply to Slipfeeler


GB 22:59 / 29:33 Legacy Of Colonisation Has Left Africans Feeling Inferior - Chihombori-Quao

Dr. Arikana Says France Is The Biggest Problem In Africa & Hold Back Development


Neither video appears to involve Rodney's 'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa'. I enquired as to how recently you had read this book because I was concerned that a lack of familiarity would hamper your ability to answer my questions. Now I doubt that you may have read it all. Please clarify the situation. Do you presently own a copy?

In reply to Slipfeeler

Ok , how long has it been since the colonials left?
What was accomplished since then to now?
We sold all rights to foreign entities by such existing Dictators/ governments. So where is the problem?
Now such entities are successful , we claim raping and thieving of citizens minerals and lands.



Your thread is about Africa , why is it that Caribbean nationals always bring up other governments that focus on the gist of such threads.
Where lies the ridiculous assumption ?

In reply to Slipfeeler

Thanks for sharing the video, it was wonderful.

A word of caution- refrain from responding to haters and losers- especially the one eediot who live in Penal, but he calls it Ontario- the one who was deported when his refugee status was rejected with the Indesh fraud.

In reply to Emir

Thanks for the heads up Emir, I am learning daily about these bags of hot air with inadequate knowledge on subject matter to really become involved in serious discussions.They are oblivious that one cannot merely use “Sound Bites”, to deflect or to argue a point. It’s about time that they learn to read and research thoroughly before trying to engage into an argument.

“How long has it been since the colonial left?”, that question is loaded with ignorance, there have been political changes but the colonials have never really left the continent of Africa, watch Dr. Arikana’s videos, she was the African Union ambassador to the US.

In reply to sgtdjones

I have decided to ignore everything you post but as Senator Bennet said to Ted Cruz 'This is too much to take'

You who post the most copied stuff on here many times claiming it as your own call published and accomplished people pseudo-intellectuals.
You who copy and post stock pics claiming them as pics you take on vacation dare to besmirch others.
You who either through vacuousness or deceit ignore the West's rape of Africa since the 14th Century as well as post-colonial.

a. When Lumumba decided to secure the wealth of his country's resources for his people he was overthrown by France, Britain and America's CIA
b. When Guinea demanded its independence from France The French destroyed its infrastructure including pouring cement down its sewer system.
That was used as a threat to other Francophone African colonies to abide by the terms the French set for independence such as depositing their net
reserves in The French Central Bank and having to negotiate it being loaned to them when needed!

c. The British in East Africa beat and maimed the local population if they did not i. plant tea and cotton instead of the crops they used to and ii if their yield
d. While Indentureship was awful it can and should never be compared to slavery which lasted for centuries did not focus primarily on the poor but took away
millions of skilled humans from a continent thus depriving it of knowledge being passed on. One cannot expect those despicable Africans who sold others to have then in those times invest
in the development of the groups from which they stole people any more than The Japanese did with the Chinese, The Huns with The Goths, The Romans with The Celts...

Your prejudice is puke worthy.
did not meet the unrealistic demands. This robbed generations after of the knowledge of growing what their ancestors did.

In reply to Brerzerk

The level of bigotry, racism, and pure ignorance are out there my brother and to think that this type of medieval to plantocracy thinking is still among poor Caribbean people, makes it even more alarming. Highly educated but without intelligence is an unfortunate and dangerous combination, among some of our scholars.

In reply to Slipfeeler

I asked questions....no response except personal attacks...its says you have limited knowledge or only viewing one side?

It is important to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue by focusing on the merits of the argument rather than resorting to personal attacks. Considering the points and evidence provided by the individual presenting the argument can lead to a more constructive and significant conversation. It is important to consider that disregarding someone's argument based solely on personal opinions can impede intellectual development and hinder the exploration of diverse perspectives.

It is important to approach discussions with a respectful and open-minded attitude, being willing to consider different viewpoints and evaluate arguments based on their logical coherence, evidence, and reasoning. By adopting this approach, you can engage in respectful conversations that promote understanding and intellectual development. It's one of the reasons I respond to very few here, they lack comprehension.

This logical error arises when, instead of engaging with the substance of someone's argument or viewpoint, they inappropriately criticize the individual or some aspect of their identity. I always avoid engaging in debates with individuals whose viewpoints I do not hold in high regard. I carefully evaluate the credibility of the individual making the statement, as I have consistently chosen to steer clear of their influence.
Like the two posters above that I totally ignore...

In reply to sgtdjones

It is quite obvious to us that you have no concept of the meaning of the word Debate. In order to successfully debate a topic, one has to come with some knowledge of the subject matter and by your own admission and utterances, they demonstrated that you have no information to add to the discussion. You cannot expect for me to provide you with information or answers to your questions, when there are wealth of resources available for you to read. I guess you want me to do your homework and provide you with answers to your own questions, that’s not how a debate works. Do not get me started about respect and personal attacks, when you and your buddies started by attacking African countries and their governments, in a very disrespectful, insulting, racist and arrogant manner.

In reply to Slipfeeler

So If one has no knowledge , they are not allowed to observe and ask questions?...Ah gat ya...amazing



Do you think I care about the above..
I have been attacked since the first day I enrolled and accused of having numerous handles...such has no effect on my life .

If asking pertinent questions to your dialogue is classified as attacking African countries ...so be it.
I find it interesting how Pan Africans classify facts or questions as racist.

I didn't expect any intelligence , so I am not disappointed , you must be another UWI grad...
Check out the Caribbean and see what leadership they show...sigh.

In reply to Slipfeeler

I don't know what you expect from anyone who's idea of a debate is-
[google: copy: paste!] - [repeat]

There's a reason no one responds the low-value poster's never ending stream of imbecilic copy-pasted threads.

In reply to Slipfeeler

Yu lucky STDjones nuh call you the n-word yet. Hol' tight. It coming.

In reply to sgtdjones

Motley is ten times better than Trump and Joe Biden combined.

In reply to JahJah

Ms Zsa Zsa

It appears that you possess the skill of reading but struggle with comprehending the content of my counterarguments to your allegations.

Again you show your ignorance by your assumptions, please tell me when I will use such derogatory prose please.
I was born into a multiracial family and grew up being called numerous names at school in T&T.
If asking questions classify me to be racist in your world, so be it.

In reply to Trex

Upon observing the prevalence of a significant number of graduates assuming leadership roles in the Caribbean Islands, I made the following observations above.
Was Motley educated at UWI?
Once again, it is intriguing to observe the tendency of individuals from the Caribbean to frequently reference other countries when making arguments. 

I didn't mention Trump nor Biden as references, I am not pro American.

The struggle is real my brothers not only do we as developing nations have to struggle against imperialism, multinationals and neo-colonialism. Unfortunately, we are also force to struggle against our own so-called scholars who because of an opportunity to be educated a little more that the rest of their society, their sense of self-importance is keeping them in a state of mental slavery or mental indentured servitude. When we were hoping that they should be the ones leading from the front in the struggle, instead they are arrogant, racist and lack of focus on the real issues affecting developing nations transition into developed countries. Just for those who think that any developed country has our best interest or support our transition, you are wrong, they have no such interest. India, China, Japan, Canada, etc. could not have become economic giants in the world without assistance from US and Europeans, anyone who thinks otherwise, is only fooling himself and your brilliant degrees are only valued as toilet paper.

....

I do not associate myself with the ideologies of mental enslavement, imperialism, colonialism, indentured servitude or multinational corporations.
My ancestors suffered partially , but they had a desire to advance each generation , they are the ones that deserve my success and praises , they had foresight. Education.
They suffered so today how can I have such effects, I wasn't around to experience what happened to them by Spanish and British..
My Grandfather came to Canada in the 1940's he was a goldsmith.
If I am a failure I blame myself not any system that occurred before I was born.

I attained a notable degree of accomplishment through a persistent commitment to self-improvement and the pursuit of academic excellence at esteemed universities situated in first world nations.
Furthermore, I have meticulously researched my various dissertations .
Conducted a thorough examination of the diverse range of opportunities available to me and deliberated on numerous domains in which I may achieve success.
I chose the notations described below.

Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineers deal with the design and optimization of chemical processes and the production of various chemicals and materials. They work on areas such as process design, reaction kinetics, and transport phenomena to ensure efficient and safe chemical manufacturing. Examining the challenges and barriers associated with modular engineering in chemical plants. This research could involve analyzing the regulatory constraints, safety considerations, and supply chain complexities that need to be addressed when implementing modular strategies.

Title: "Investigation of Heat Transfer Enhancement Techniques in Heat Exchangers for Improved Energy Efficiency"

Title: "Thermodynamic Analysis and Optimization of Energy Systems in Chemical Engineering"

Title: "Design and Optimization of Reactor Systems for Improved Reaction Engineering in Chemical Processes"

Can you tell me which Countries helped me .. I paid my way getting an Education winning their allotted scholarships.

I am not paid in reference to toilet paper.

In reply to sgtdjones

We commend your achievements and have no intentions of undermining them. I know that you focused on your personal objectives but we all have acquired similar accomplishments, however the focus should now be on how do be utilize our collective accomplishments, experience and educational achievements, to advance our respective countries from undeveloped state into a developed country and how to help in improving the standard of living for our people.
BTW, obviously no disrespect to your Dad, whom I know must have endured much during those colonial years, I cannot helped but wonder, that as a Goldsmith, where did the gold come from? I hope it was not from the same Continent that you were criticizing!!

In reply to Slipfeeler

I am not criticizing any continent...I am asking questions...

It was my great grandfather that was one of the indentured workers , his son was a goldsmith at that time records show Gold was 35 dollars US per ounce.
He bought gold and gold coins from various family inheritances that wanted to sell such.
Melted and crafted to what customers wanted at such time in Quebec and Ontario.
My achievements are nothing compared to some of my dozen plus cousins

Here is one

Chief Resident at Stanford University Medical Centre. ( second person in Canada to get such a scholarship)
Completed a fellowship in surgery for advanced heart failure at Stanford.
McMaster University between 2011-2013, where he also served as the Residency Program Director
Baylor/Texas Heart Institute (2013-2016), where he became the Interim Chief of the Division of Transplant and Assist Devices.
( was on team of 1,000 heart and lung transplant)
Brigham and Women's Hospital, with a faculty position at Harvard Medical School,
appointed the Surgical Director of the Heart Transplant & Assist Devices (2016-2019).
Now back in Canada

His grandparents were indentured Indians. They lived in Barrackpore . ( British Barracks and were poor). This is where such were stationed.
When they were accused of misbehavior, they were taken to the town of Penal ( Punishment)
They were cane farmers earning pennies per day , they saved and opened shops in South T&T.
Mine in Moruga ( Columbus landed here) they owned cocoa plantations and sugar plantations worked well with the Merikins.
I went to school with Merikins and we are still friends when I visit. They grow the amazing Merikins rice.
I learned so much from them.

See why Ignore idiots on this site by not responding...

In reply to sgtdjones

Very interesting and intriguing family history and pursuits, obviously the goal of each generation is the lift the other generation to a higher standard of living and independence from colonial influences. We cannot deny the overwhelming success and achievements of various West Indians in North America but the more difficult task is in the utilization of that success in helping to transform the Caribbean from underdeveloped nations into developed status and more importantly independent of neo-colonial influences. For example, I that Barbados had a long term plan to transition in developed state by 2030, which might have been railroaded due to worldwide economic conditions and national economic crises. Jamaica had similar ambitions with prolific public spending on building super highways and tolled highways across the country, excellent debt repayments practices, upgrading many facilities into modern physical infrastructure with many worldclass hotels on the North coast but high crime, extortion especially on small businesses and mismanagement have all conspired to destroy that dream. T&T and Guyana, maybe Bahamas, which has been currently plagued with crime, they might be in the best position to transition into a developed state.

In reply to Slipfeeler

Slippy

This will never happen in T&T, we still have the Privy Council, yet the CCJ headquarters is located in T&T.

T&T with its mineral windfall over the past 3 decades over 350 billion US dollars, today it has 5.5billion in a savings account. Money squandered.
Debt 137 Billion at high interest. It keeps borrowing to pay its debts.
No water 24/7 ..some areas for months.
Very poor roads and infrastructure.
Health care , a Children's hospital 2015 , not opened owing to political envy.
Employment in PNM strongholds since days of Eric Williams such as Laventille, Beetham Gardens, Sea lots, La Brea, Morvant, poor amenities , poverty lack of employment
It still looks as though its the 1960's and crime , its not safe to venture to such areas 24/7.
6th in Murders per capita ..closing in on 175 for 2024.
14th in Crime per capita..

In a decade cancer will rapidly increase owing to Pt Lisas. Particles in the air and on agricultural lands.
T&T closed down its sugar refineries ..could have been upgraded as Brazil and other countries are doing.
Its oil refinery shut down , Texaco designed it for 50,000 barrels per day ...some moron increased its capacity to 100,000 barrels per day.
T&T produces approx. 55,000 barrels per day of oil, why increase such refinery. Its mothballed over 8 years cost 500,000 per month .
T&T Built a Steel Mill. Moth balled for over 10 years ...

T&T bought expensive Coastal Patrol boats ...they are parked at Stauble's Bay , not working or lacks fuel.
Natural Gas it needs daily 4.4 BCFT per day ,it receives 2.4 BCFT per day , Half the plants at Pt Lisas are shut down.
It Paid 400 million for an outdate LNG Train one , no gas for it.

We have two UWI graduates as leaders of respective political parties that are clueless about Economics and Leadership.

I don't see any transition in the next decade plus , I do visit T&T every few months , I feel for its poverty bound citizens .
I am send stuff for kids hoping one may develop and lead its citizens to prosperity and happiness.

In reply to sgtdjones

The man start a post to talk about Africa.

How and why you decide that all that information about your concerns relating to Trinidad could be relevant to Slippy post?

You must have missed the preschool class where they played, "One of these things is not like the others".

In reply to Headley

The last line in his posting above..
You sure its me that missed that preschool class huh ?
It seems if one goes to UWI they can read but lack assimilation. What a tragedy.
Those women on Charlotte street huh?

In reply to sgtdjones

That’s because you still have not learned how to end a discussion graciously, which unfortunately cannot be taught at UWI or any other University.

In reply to Slipfeeler

I have been relentlessly tormenting Headley for years, ever since those women on Charlotte Street decided to honor him with a statue, thanks to his nocturnal activities
as a student of UWI in T&T.....

In reply to sgtdjones

BTW I think someone ask about where Mya Mottley was educated, I think she attended UWI Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica. Part of the reason why Jamaicans like her!! Of course I am subject to be corrected.

In reply to Slipfeeler

Here you are arguiing a subject so vast and indepth on the basis of facts and accuracy and information. Yet you can't get the simple fact of education of a major politician in your neighborhood correct.

I am as convinced that Slipfeeler has not read Rodney's book as I am that sgtdjones hasn't been to Machu Picchu.

In reply to KTom

Uncle Tom, I know that you are just being facetious, especially since based on your previous arguments that you have no concept or even knowledge of the existence of such a book but I am in a great mood today, so I am willing to oblige you and your buddys, as I am actually in lecture mode today.

This is a textbook studied by many of us who are interested in Pan-Africanism, another concept which might be foreign to you, but the book describes how Africa was deliberately exploited and underdeveloped by European colonial countries. One of his main arguments throughout the book is contrasting development of both Europe and Africa, that Africa developed Europe at the same rate that Europe underdeveloped Africa.

In other words, they took our resources to develop Europe, while deliberately destroying the socio-economic infrastructures of many African countries by looting, raping, murders, mass enslavement and brutal punishments.

Rodney was balanced in his overview that there are some blame to be placed on some Africans but there was overwhelming evidence relating to combination of politics and economic exploitation of Africa by Europeans which has resulted in the poor state of African political and economic development evident in the late 20th century.

There you have a synopsis on the book, now as your homework, read the book then provide us with an intelligent rebuttal. Remember asking questions is not a rebuttal, we need concrete evidence that you have actually read the book.

In reply to Slipfeeler

We got a KTom peer review...

In reply to KTom

I read Walter Rodney's book "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa." Published in 1972, this book offers his analysis of the economic and historical factors that played a role in Africa's underdevelopment under European colonial rule.

Rodney examines the effects of European colonialism on Africa's social, political, and economic systems, highlighting its exploitative nature. The author argues that the imperialistic policies of European powers led to the depletion of Africa's resources and had a profound impact on its indigenous socio-economic systems. He also asserts that this disruption hindered Africa's advancement and perpetuated its reliance on the global capitalist system.

Rodney explores various aspects of African history, including the transatlantic slave trade, labor exploitation, the imposition of colonial administration, and the extraction of natural resources. He emphasizes the systematic marginalization of Africa through these processes, resulting in economic disparities, political instability, and social inequality. He conveniently omits mentioning the African contribution to this failure. If one were to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the slave trade, it would become evident that this abhorrent chapter in human history was the result of collaboration between two parties, leading to detrimental consequences . There were African chiefs and slave traders making a business deal, the chiefs successfully captured and sold their own kind.

Rodney noted the lasting effects of neo-colonialism, multinational corporations, and international financial institutions in "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa," even after the continent gained independence. The author emphasizes the need for African nations to regain economic independence, adopt fair development strategies, and challenge the existing global power dynamics.

Rodney's book has made an impact in the fields of postcolonial studies, African history, and development economics. This work offers an analysis of the enduring impact that European colonialism had on Africa's development. Academicians and researchers on occasions refer to this work to enhance their understanding of the historical context and systemic challenges that have influenced the current socioeconomic landscape of Africa.

Walter Rodney's "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" sheds light on the long-lasting effects of European colonialism and African underdevelopment. This book provides his analysis of the historical, economic, and political factors that have shaped Africa's development. In addition, for some individuals, it continues to be a subject that provides intellectual stimulation in relation to decolonization, development, and global inequalities.

Once more, he neglects to acknowledge the actions of African leaders and dictators who sold off rights to different aspects of their country to foreigners and what has happened to Africa after colonial rule owing to publication in 1972.

Still I'm certain that nobody here has read the book, but now that I found a free copy online, I may have a read as my busy schedule allows.

The problem I have with Pan-Africanism is the same I have with Pan-Europeanism - the concept is somewhat arbitrary. From a historical perspective, it makes more sense to invoke a tripartite division (albeit somewhat arbitrary). Northern Europe, the Mediterranean (Southern Europe, Middle East and North Africa) and sub-Saharan Africa. This thread's opening post reminds us of the huge size of Africa - the Sahara alone is about the size of the United States - so the distinction between North and Southern Africa seems as sensible as that between Canada and Mexico.

I note that Rodney is described online as a Marxist. It's a pity he was unable to decolonise himself of this European ideology. But he was hardly alone in that - post WWII, many countries including China and India fell under the influence of Marxism and the Soviet bloc and their economies stagnated for decades.

In reply to KTom

You haven't read the book , never been to Machu Picchu but giving peer reviews...

In reply to Slipfeeler

Only one among those I haven't done in the past, and weird enough it's the first one on most visitor's lists: the slave castles. Previously, I had not felt in any state of mind to do it, but I've 'muscled up' and will go on Thursday. Kwame Nkrumah Park (not "Kumar") has been improved-- surprise! When next you get up to Aburi do take in Jamaica Village-- good story there. And no recommendation of stuff out east? Akosombo dam, Monkey Sanctuary, Vli Falls, etc., and even cross the Togo border (due to Elections there I didn't last week).
Was lucky that my run to Kumasi coincicded with a festival commemorating the silver jubilee of the Asantehene at the palace. Good stuff! And I'll catch all-female band Lipstick Queens playing reggae tomorrow night at Plus-233 club here in Accra.

--Æ.

In reply to JayMor

I understand that the Jamaica Village is more, heard that Ras and his Empress broke up and she moved to Accra. After about 30 years of struggle and now when business starting to look up with the large influx of Jamaican visitors and relocation, they broke up.

I agree the Cape Coast Castle can be very emotional, most people are in tears whenever they visited, Obama cried, Kamala cried, Venessa Williams cried, Steve Harvey cried, I think even Biden cried. Not for the faint of heart.

In reply to JayMor

When I was challenged by a poster claiming I didn't visit Ghana, that night I posted few pictures showing various sites also my Visit to Robben Island
That thread was deleted by moderators.

I have a question :

This individual Ancestors were slave traders why is his silver jubilee being celebrated, PM Rowley is present in Ghana.
If my ancestors were used in such manner , I wouldn't be present.
Is this Asante giving reparations?

In reply to Slipfeeler

Wow, I didn't hear about Ras and the Empress splitting up. That's sad. I have to go up to Somanya so I'll stop in there.

Yup, I've decided, like ir or not, JayMor, this time you must go, eh! I'll do both Elmina Castle and Cape Coast Castle in the one trip.

--Æ.

In reply to sgtdjones

The world is complex, Sarge; locking oneself into a single issue is no way to really comprehend the our universe, not in any aspect of it-- not the physical, not the spiritual, and certainly not the historical. Just yesterday, this "successful" Jamaican-American lady visitor I met here realised I support Ukraine over Russia and went on to lay out her absolute hate for Russia, China, Cuba, etc. Now, Miss lady thinks that because she has money and has been travelling the world the last 5-10 years, her opinion must be important. When I countered that without Fidel, Cuba and Russia, Mandela might have died in prison and South Africa my still have been in Apartheid, she didn't quite mnow where to turn and so she toned it down.

Also, if I'm to follow your simple reasoning I'd be forced to split myself. See, I'm part Maroon, and it's fashionable at the moment fot Jamaicans to hate the Maroons because they used to capture and had over runaway slaves back to the British. Single issue strikes again! That completely discounts the fact that (i)
they had a society to build, replete with family and children, and so couldn't be fighting and running all the time, and (ii) they didn't return all runaways; some they took in, especially women and children.

Back to Asante. They are certainly guilty as charged. But who provided the incentive? And I'll have you know that some kingdoms, although under aegis of the Asantehene (King) in Kumase were vehemently against the slave trade and didn't allow it. Several Asantefuo (Asante people) were traded too, whether captured in war by the Fantes (the Asante's main rivals who are also a closely related Akan people) or prisoners sold off. Those that went to Jamaica were who organised Maroon societies and were the warriors. If the presence of the bloodline isn't enough the certainly we black Yardies owe them homage for the fight they put up against our oppressors and, as it were, leading us out of bondage.

Can be several aspects to a story, my friend.

--Æ.

In reply to JayMor

ask him to show the proof of whose ancestors were slave traders and why did the other ancestors sell that particular ancestor instead of keeping him involved in the trade. SMH

In reply to JayMor

I ask questions , so I can hear the other side that I am not aware off.

Its how I learn....

In fact, when in 1820 the British told the Ashanti ruler Asantehene (King) Osei Bonsu that the slave trade was to be abolished for humanitarian reasons, his response was, “The white men who go to council with your master, and pray to the great God for him, do not understand my country, or they would not say the slave trade was bad.”

Ashanti king a curious choice

During the 19th century, the Ashanti fought several wars with the British, who sought to eliminate the slave trade and expand their control in the region. A series of defeats at the hands of the British gradually weakened and reduced the territory of the Ashanti kingdom.
One of the conditions imposed on Asante after the War of 1874 was that Britain was to take two of the sons of King Karikari of Asante to be ‘educated in British culture and civilisation.’ The boys were subsequently taken to England where one of them soon succumbed to tuberculosis. This death influenced the British to find a safer place of exile for the remaining Asante Prince, William Kofi Nti, in Trinidad in the West Indies.

Prince Kofi Nti of Asante and Trinidad

In reply to sgtdjones

Not 100% true there, Sarge, because you weng beyond tha with:


As for the rest, I'll have to defer. Just done with the third slave castle.

--Æ.

In reply to JayMor

It appears that you didn't fully understand my comment.
If my forefathers experienced one of the most brutal and humiliating types of mistreatment against mankind as enslaved individuals,
I would have knowledge of the historical events, but I would not have personally witnessed them. The emotions would have been overwhelming.

During my visit to Ghana, I embarked on a vessel and ventured out to sea.
There the guides showed us sharks persistently circling centuries later, a haunting reminder of the past's callous dumping of slaves overboard.
Reflecting on such cruelty evoked a profound emotional response.


It's common for one generation to pass on a genuine understanding of what happened. Consequently, I inquire.
I possess an extensive comprehension of the ordeals faced by my forefathers and mothers, indentured workers during British colonial authority,
as well as the magnitude of the brutality inflicted upon my forefathers by the Spaniards and the Catholic Church.
Currently, I choose not to participate in any events that honor or remember the act of colonization.

I have a strong desire to improve my knowledge and actively participate in deep investigation, aiming to comprehend
diverse viewpoints and gain a thorough understanding of the events that occurred.
Only after witnessing the other perspective can I truly comprehend the difficulties they encountered and form an opinion.

In reply to sgtdjones

Thanks for sharing bredrin, visiting that Slave Castle is not for the faint of heart, most Diasporans are left in tears after their visit, a really emotional ordeal but it’s great to identify with our history and heritage, despite the negative connotations.

In reply to sgtdjones

Interesting history lesson, thanks for sharing

In reply to Slipfeeler

Slippy...

I was astounded to see those castles and the living quarters where the slaves resided for months. It was truly beyond belief. 

It's truly heartbreaking to think about the conditions in which human beings were forced to live in slave pits.
It's quite challenging to put into words.

When I visit T&T Eric Willaims days of the 1950 still abound for Africans in Beetham gardens, Sea lots , Laventille, Morvant and La Brea
They live without many basic amenities in squalor , No employment, lacking an Education the parents cannot afford to send them to school, starvation, etc
Eric Williams once noted he can put a frog in these areas and they would vote for it. He gave preferences to the Syrian, Lebanese immigrants
they control T&T economy today.
Rowley has been in power for 8 years , Parlaiment for over 30 years , with no achievement except under his tenure
T&T is 6th per capita murders , 14th Crime per capita. They don't have water for weeks.

He has had over 500 billion in budgets borrowed another 60 billion , the Debt is now 140 billion, Government went to Parliament to borrow another 10 billion.
Nothing has changed , poverty the mother of Crime.