Melania Trump visits former slavery outpost in Ghana on solo Africa tour

Melania Trump gets emotional during her recent visit to a former slavery outpost in Ghana on her first solo international tour.

Keeping in tradition with US first ladies, Melania Trump just embarked on her first big solo international trip to Africa. The first lady was visibly touched by her visit to a slavery holding facility in Ghana and described it as an experience she will “never forget.”

Melania is scheduled to visit four countries in five days including Ghana, Malawi, Kenya, and Egypt, focusing her attention on child welfare. She’ll be visiting schools, shelters and hospitals.

As a mother of a 12-year-old son herself, it is but suitable that her advocacy centers on the welfare of children. Earlier this year, she launched “Be Best,” a campaign that recognizes programs and organizations devoted to providing children with the necessary tools and skills.

Melania was “very emotional” when she visited Cape Coast Castle where slaves were held before they were shipped across the Atlantic Ocean in the 17th century.

She reportedly stayed inside the cramped male slave dungeon for ten minutes and walked through the “Door of No Return” where she laid a wreath and signed on a guestbook. She also met the local Fante tribe in what is now listed as a Unesco World Heritage site.

People in Africa are particularly keeping a watchful eye on Melania’s visit especially after her husband’s previous comment that Africa had “shithole countries.” He has not visited Africa since he held office in January 2017.

It won’t be a surprise though if Melania’s visit reveals an opposing stand to her husband's. She was recently suspected to have worn a black dress when she accompanied him to the United Nations General Assembly as a message against his negative stance on the #MeToo Movement. Black was the theme during the Golden Globe Awards this year as a show of solidarity for women who faced sexual harassment. Last month, the president defended his Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh from sexual assault claims.

Nevertheless, Melania seems to be enjoying her African tour as she was reportedly glowing with happiness during her trip. It’s unclear if her trip is an attempt to sweeten her husband’s image following his offensive comments against Africa but it would appear she’s doing this for her own fulfillment too.