By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, July 11, GNA – The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) says preparations are complete for the 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebrations, set for July 18 to August 2.
The annual celebration, organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the GTA, is to be held on the theme: “Let us Speak of Reparative Justice – the Pan African Artistic Activism.”
A statement issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency said the event aims to rekindle the spirit of Pan-Africanism and unity among people of African descent globally.
It noted that PANAFEST is observed biennially, while Emancipation Day is marked annually.
Activities will commence with a pilgrimage along the slave route to Tamale, including 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 scheduled for July 19.
On July 20, participants will undertake river crossing ceremonies at Assin Praso, after which the delegation will return to Accra.
Wreath-laying ceremonies will be held on July 23 at the DuBois Centre, George Padmore Library, and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
The Assin Manso Crossing and onward travel to Cape Coast will take place on July 24.
The statement said a symbolic return journey from the ‘Door of No Return,’ the Akwaba ceremony, and the official opening of the Expo are scheduled for July 25.
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.
These will be followed by optional site visits and an evening of sacred music and dance on July 27.
From July 28 to 30, colloquiums, evening performances, artists’ workshops, a Youth Day, and a Pan-African food fair will be held.
The statement said a Women’s Day and reverential night will take place on July 31, followed by the Emancipation Day durbar on August 1.
The celebrations will be climaxed with a grand Gala on August 2.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey