The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has admitted that London played a significant role in the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as an ‘uncomfortable truth’ that must be acknowledged as part of efforts to build a better future between Ghana and the United Kingdom.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, on July 17, 2025, Khan expressed his deep appreciation for the warm reception he and his delegation received in Accra.

He also praised the King’s efforts in promoting unity, culture, and youth empowerment in Ghana.

“This is, as you’ve ascertained, my first time in Accra and the first time ever that a Mayor of London has visited Africa on official business. Over the last few days in Africa, and particularly the last two days in Accra, I’ve come to realise that our two cities, London and Accra, have a lot in common,” he stated.

Touching on shared passions for creativity, innovation, music, and food, Khan noted the enormous potential for collaboration between the two cities.

However, he said it was equally important to confront the difficult parts of history.

“It’s an uncomfortable truth that London played a key role in the organisation and funding of the transatlantic slave trade. I visited Osu Castle where I saw with my own eyes the door of no return where tens of thousands of enslaved individuals were forced from Ghana onto ships across the Atlantic. That was an unfathomable injustice and visiting Osu was an experience I will never forget,” he admitted.

Despite the painful history, Khan said he is optimistic about a future of equal partnership between London and Accra.

“We are ready to write a new chapter as equal partners mutually trusted and mutually respected that recognise the burden of our history but refuse to be defined by it,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude to King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II and the Ga Traditional Council for their warm hospitality.

Mayor Khan’s visit is part of a broader tour of African cities including Lagos, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and political ties with the continent.



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