Accra: The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has announced the completion of preparations for the 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebrations, scheduled to take place from July 18 to August 2. The annual event, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture along with the GTA, will focus on the theme: 'Let us Speak of Reparative Justice - the Pan African Artistic Activism.'
According to Ghana News Agency, the event is designed to rekindle the spirit of Pan-Africanism and foster unity among people of African descent across the globe. The statement noted that while PANAFEST is a biennial event, Emancipation Day is celebrated annually.
Activities kick off with a pilgrimage along the historic slave route to Tamale, incorporating the Salaga Atonement ceremonies, an evening lecture, and durbars in the Upper East and at Pikworo from July 17 to 18. A return journey with a stop at Bono Manso is planned for July 19, followed by river crossing ceremonies at Assin Praso on July 20, after which participants will head back to Accra.
July 23 will see wreath-laying ceremonies at the DuBois Centre, George Padmore Library, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. The Assin Manso Crossing and travel to Cape Coast are slated for July 24. On July 25, a symbolic return journey from the 'Door of No Return,' the Akwaba ceremony, and the official opening of the Expo will take place.
The following day, July 26, will feature wellness sessions, a grand durbar of traditional leaders and people of African descent, a music and fashion show, and a dialogue on African spirituality and interfaith relations. Optional site visits and an evening of sacred music and dance are planned for July 27.
From July 28 to 30, the agenda includes colloquiums, evening performances, artists' workshops, a Youth Day, and a Pan-African food fair. A Women's Day and reverential night are scheduled for July 31, with the Emancipation Day durbar following on August 1. The celebrations will culminate in a grand Gala on August 2.
