Panafest launched in Accra
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, has officially launched PANAFEST and Emancipation 2025 at the Accra Tourist Information Centre, ushering in what is expected to be a powerful season of cultural reflection, unity, and activism.
Themed “Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan-African Artistic Activism,” this year’s event seeks to spotlight the enduring legacy of slavery and colonialism while harnessing the power of artistic expression as a catalyst for justice, healing, and transformation across the African diaspora.
Scheduled to run from July 17 to August 2, the celebrations will unfold across Ghana’s historic heritage sites, including Cape Coast, Elmina, Assin Manso, and other symbolic locations.
The programme is expected to attract thousands of participants from across Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas, and the global Black community.
GTA officials say PANAFEST & Emancipation 2025 will serve as a moment of cultural awakening, offering an opportunity for people of African descent to reconnect with their roots, reflect on shared histories, and collectively chart a path toward unity and justice.
Speaking at the launch, officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority described the event as more than a festival — a movement for reparative dialogue and Pan-African solidarity.
Stakeholders also reiterated the importance of keeping the memory of the transatlantic slave trade alive while forging a future rooted in dignity and empowerment.
PANAFEST (Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival) and Emancipation Day are held biennially to commemorate the resilience of the African spirit and promote reconciliation and development through cultural exchange.
