By: Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, has emphasized the importance of celebrating the resilience of African ancestors as this year’s Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) unfolds. He said the 2025 edition not only honours the liberation of Africans from slavery but also strengthens the call for reparative justice across the globe.
Speaking at the Creative Explosion Concert in Accra, one of the major highlights of this year’s festival, Mr. Aggrey urged both current and future generations to embrace the values of unity, cultural identity, and justice. He described PANAFEST as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices of African ancestors and the need to sustain the fight for historical redress.
“This year’s theme, ‘Ensuring the African Kinship: Our Essence, Our Well-being, Our Prosperity’, speaks directly to our collective identity as a people and the need to build a future grounded in shared values and prosperity,” he stated.
Established in 1992, PANAFEST is a biennial cultural celebration that promotes historical reflection, healing, and unity among people of African descent. The festival has grown into a significant platform for cultural exchange and dialogue, attracting participants from across the continent and the diaspora.
Also addressing the gathering, Director of Marketing at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC, George Lomotey, said PANAFEST and Emancipation should not be viewed merely as cultural festivals, but as movements that symbolize the enduring spirit and creativity of African people.
“ As Ghana’s national broadcaster, the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC, bears a sacred responsibility to promote, preserve, and project the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture, heritage, and national identity. This is not merely a statutory obligation, it reflects a tradition of national service we have consistently maintained for nine decades, he added”
The Creative Explosion Concert featured electrifying musical performances and artistic displays, celebrating the diversity and richness of African heritage and creative expression.
As the festival continues, organizers are calling on Africans everywhere to reflect on their roots, unite in purpose, and amplify the global call for justice and reconciliation.
