By: Gladys Apuweni
The 2025 Panafest and Emancipation Day celebrations will take place at the historic Pikworo Slave Camp in the Upper East Region on July 18th and 19th 2025. It will be observed on the theme, “Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan African Artistic Activism.”
It marks the third edition of the festival in the region, reinforcing its position as a hub for heritage tourism, cultural reflection, and Pan-African unity.
Speaking to GBCNews, the Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Wisdom Ahadzi assured the public that this year’s celebration promises to be memorable with rich cultural displays and fun that will leave lasting memories for participants and the Upper East Region.
Activities for the festival will commence on Friday, July 18th, with a health walk and free health screening, followed by cultural display, and a drama performance by the Upper East Filmmakers Association.
A vigil night, with all participants dressed in white, will be held at 6:00 PM at the Pikworo Slave Camp to honour the memory of ancestors and reflect on the need for reparative justice across the continent.
The grand durbar will take place at 10:00 AM on 19th July at Pikworo Slave Camp, Nania. The day will feature exhibitions, cultural displays from various dance groups, and artistic presentations to promote Pan-African identity and the call for reparations.
Panafest and Emancipation Day continue to serve as platforms for healing, learning, and reconnecting with African heritage, while inspiring the youth to appreciate the resilience of their ancestors and the ongoing struggle for justice and development on the continent.
The Ghana Tourism Authority, in collaboration RCC, Paga Youth Movement and with other stakeholders in the region, is calling on all Ghanaians, Diasporas and Pan-African allies to participate fully, support the celebration, and promote the Upper East Region as a destination for cultural tourism, historical learning, and African pride.
