Cape coast: Amid cultural grandeur and historical renaissance, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has officially opened the 2025 Pan African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) in Cape Coast, calling on African leaders to leverage the potentials of their youth for development.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Vice President emphasized that governments in Africa must be deliberate about investing in their youth through various youth-centred policies to enhance their potential. She highlighted the importance of genuinely recognizing the youth as the future and ensuring this belief is reflected in actions.
The 2025 PANAFEST celebration, marking the 16th edition, is themed 'Let's us speak of reparative justice - Pan African artistic activism.' The event, held at the historic Jubilee Park, showcased a vibrant display of cultural expressions and a reawakening of historical consciousness.
The Oguaamanhen, alongside chiefs from the Oguaa Traditional Area and Paramount Chiefs from other regions, led a procession through Cape Coast, culminating at the ceremonial park. The event was marked by a vivid re-enactment of the slave trade, which highlighted themes of freedom and Pan Africanism.
Nana Amba Eyiaba I, Queen Mother of Effutu, conducted a ritual to welcome African returnees, marking them with white clay as a symbol of victory and joy. The festival includes a range of activities such as musical and dance concerts, spirituality dialogues, and a Pan African food fair.
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang, addressing the festival theme, discussed the implications of reparation, urging a focus on the holistic development of African people beyond just financial reparations. She stressed the necessity of educating and empowering the youth through historical awareness.
Osabarimba Kwesi Atta reflected on the historical suffering of African ancestors, describing PANAFEST as a spiritual journey and a platform for healing and cultural expression. He emphasized the importance of repatriation in creating a united Africa where all Africans feel safe and included.
The Oguaamanhen reaffirmed the commitment of the Oguaa Traditional Council to collaborate with government and the Diaspora community to facilitate meaningful repatriation, including economic partnerships.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, supported the calls for reparative justice, underscoring the need to rewrite history and restore dignity through cultural and creative industries.
Madam Esi Sutherland-Addy, Chairperson of the PANAFEST Board of Trustees, praised Vice President Opoku-Agyemang for her long-standing support of the festival. She called for greater youth participation to harness the educational potential of PANAFEST.
Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, Central Regional Minister, emphasized patriotism and accountability in the pursuit of reparations.
