Opinion: ‘There’s no difference between domestic slavery and colonialism’ – Ohene Anochie writes

A staunch Journalist, Ohene Anochie challenges readers to reconsider the boundaries between domestic slavery and colonialism, arguing that both systems are based on similar structures of oppression and exploitation. Anochie’s article, which has sparked widespread debate, contends that the legacy of colonial rule continues to be replicated in modern forms of subjugation within African societies, particularly through internal systems of exploitation and oppression.

Anochie begins by pointing out that while colonialism is universally condemned for its role in stripping Africa of its resources and undermining local cultures, domestic slavery remains a somewhat taboo subject that is seldom criticized with the same intensity. “Domestic slavery may not have the visible markers of colonialism, but the psychological and social implications are nearly identical.

he writes. “Both systems are built on the oppression of one group to benefit another, often under the guise of duty or tradition.”

A key aspect of Anochie’s argument is his examination of traditional practices that perpetuate exploitation, including systems where children or young adults are forced into servitude under the guise of cultural obligation. In these settings, he notes, the dominant groups hold power over their subordinates in ways that mirror colonial structures. “We see young people who are robbed of their potential, whose rights are stripped away in the name of democracy. This is no different than what colonial powers did to entire nations,” Anochie asserts.

He goes on to critique the economic and social hierarchies within African societies that often marginalize poorer families or rural communities. This internalized system of dominance, he argues, operates like a microcosm of colonial exploitation, where the marginalized groups work to sustain the lifestyles of those in power with little opportunity for advancement. According to Anochie, this reflects the same colonial model of resource extraction, where the wealthy few benefit from the labor and sacrifices of the many.

Anochie’s article has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Supporters praise him for shedding light on a sensitive topic that rarely receives attention. “Colonialism may be officially over, but if we are honest, the mentality persists in many of our societal structures,” one reader commented online. Others, however, argue that his comparison may be too extreme, suggesting that domestic governance cannot be equated with the violent legacy of colonialism.

As African nations continue to grapple with the aftermath of colonial rule and ongoing issues of governance and inequality, Anochie’s piece serves as a call for introspection. He urges leaders and citizens alike to recognize and dismantle oppressive practices within their societies, warning that without such self-awareness, Africa risks perpetuating a new form of colonialism from within.

AMN | Anochie’s Report | Opinion.