On July 18, 2025, the Institute for Liberty and Economic Education (ILEE) held a significant Liberty and Policy Summit for students from approximately 46 senior high schools in Ghana’s Central Region. This event was a key part of the Sankofa Freedom Project, an initiative supported by the Atlas Network, and was organized in partnership with the History Students Association of Ghana (HISAG).
The summit’s theme, “The Contemporary Relevance of Studying History: Revitalizing Ghana’s Rich Cultural Legacy of Freedom and Justice,” underscored the importance of historical knowledge in understanding present-day challenges. By exploring the political and economic history of Ghana and the wider African continent, the summit aimed to equip students with a deeper appreciation for their heritage. The ultimate goal was to inspire a new generation of leaders to champion the principles of liberty, individual rights, and free markets, which are essential for the long-term health of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
The day’s agenda was designed to be both educational and engaging. It began with a series of insightful lectures that shed light on Africa’s historical struggles for political and economic autonomy. This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion on the complex and often sensitive issues of slavery, colonialism, and reparations.
The summit concluded with an essay competition on the topic of “Women’s Role in the Struggle for Ghana’s Independence.” This activity encouraged students to research and reflect on the crucial, yet often overlooked, contributions of women to the nation’s founding. The top essayists were recognized for their work and received books from the Atlas Society as a reward for their academic efforts.
