The 2025 Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and Emancipation Day celebrations ended on a high note with a vibrant grand durbar at Assin Manso in the Central Region of Ghana.
The ceremony brought together chiefs and residents from the four traditional areas of Assin, members of the African diaspora, government officials, and hundreds of Ghanaians. All gathered under a shared purpose of reconciliation, hope, and cultural revival, renewing the call for a unified and reawakened Africa.
Discussions throughout the day revolved around key themes of reparative justice, unity, and environmental protection, set within a lively display of drumming, traditional attire, music, and the use of indigenous languages — all showcasing the richness of African heritage.
The event marked the 17th PANAFEST and the 27th Emancipation Day, celebrated under the themes, “Let us speak of reparative justice – Pan African artistic activism” and “Community development through environmental sustainability and tourism” respectively.
These twin festivals not only serve as a reminder of past injustices but also aim to strengthen unity, foster cultural pride, and promote good governance.
In a solemn ceremony, traditional leaders, joined by Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, other government officials, and African diaspora representatives, performed rituals at the Ancestral Graveyard in Assin Manso to honour the sacrifices of ancestors. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the government, traditional rulers, the diaspora community, and Africa’s youth.
Addressing the gathering, Madam Gomashie reflected on the trauma inflicted by slavery and renewed calls for reparative justice, describing it as “a normal and historical obligation.”
“Reparations must be more than an apology; it must be about restoration of heritage, of opportunity and of dignity. It is a recognition of the wrong done, an admission of same, and taking steps to right the wrongs of the past,” she emphasized.
She honoured the resilience of African ancestors and acknowledged their enduring legacy. Speaking to the diaspora, she added: “You are not visitors; you are the children of Africa returning to embrace your ancestral land. Your presence brings healing, reconciliation and hope.”
“Let us carry on with a solemn pledge to never forget those who were lost, to build a future that honours their memory, to demand justice, and to live in unity, to keep alive spirit of freedom not just in words but in action, policy and purpose,” she said.
Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, urged political and traditional leaders to be responsible stewards of Ghana’s resources, stressing the need for accountability and urging the diaspora to be involved in holding leadership to high standards.
Beyond reparations, he said, African leaders had a duty to transform the continent for current and future generations. He also welcomed Africans abroad to consider relocating or investing in Ghana, noting that “the President was building a comfortable, sound and prosperous country.”
Assin South District Chief Executive, Mr. Jonathan Birikorang, raised concerns about environmental degradation. He cited indiscriminate waste disposal, deforestation, and pollution of water bodies as threats to agriculture, health, and the economy. He encouraged citizens to actively protect Ghana’s natural resources.
Rev. Dr. Ntim Fordjour, Member of Parliament for Assin South, proposed the creation of African heritage centres around the world to bridge the gap between the diaspora and the continent. He described the call for reparations as legitimate and invited Africans abroad to reconnect with their roots.
He also announced plans to allocate part of his MP’s Common Fund to build an AstroTurf pitch in Assin Manso to serve both as a community field and a venue for durbars.
Executive Director of the PANAFEST Foundation, Rabbi Kohain Nathanya Halevi, dismissed the idea that Africans are hostile and called for Africans to control their own narrative.
“Before we heal the world, we must begin by healing ourselves, and that healing must come with responsibility,” he said.
Barimba Kwame Nkyi XIII, Paramount Chief of Assin Apimanim Traditional Area, thanked all stakeholders for their dedication to PANAFEST and called for collective unity to support sustainable development efforts.
