Discussing history – exchanging perspectives

Peki College of Education was founded in 1954 and currently has around 1,200 students. As a teacher training college, it offers bachelor’s degree programmes for the training of primary and junior high school teachers. Further information can be found on the college’s website: https://pekicoe.edu.gh/.

Students from various disciplines took part in a lecture followed by a discussion on the consequences of slavery. The discussion centred on German involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, the role of the missions, and issues of remembrance and historical justice. Together with Dr Gabriel Appiah and other lecturers, the participants discussed controversial issues, such as the remembrance of history in Ghana and Germany, and ways of dealing more justly with this shared heritage.

Afterwards, the students worked in groups to develop their own ideas on the culture of remembrance, educational work and German-Ghanaian exchange programmes. Their contributions demonstrate not only a deep understanding of history and critical reflection, but also a desire for open dialogue and a shared engagement with the past. Dr Gabriel Appiah can be contacted to arrange an exchange with students or lecturers.

Here you can find the results of the group work:

The discussions highlighted just how differently the history of slavery is remembered in Ghana and Germany. The participants spoke about historical responsibility, dealing with the colonial legacy, the role of education, and the question of what a just approach to the past might look like. It became clear that, to this day, engagement with these issues is shaped by personal experiences, differing perspectives and the desire for open dialogue.

You can watch videos of the discussion contributions here.