Cape Coast, Ghana – The 2025 Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and Emancipation Day celebrations officially began on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Jubilee Park in Cape Coast. The opening ceremony delivered a powerful message, urging intergenerational involvement, restorative justice, and a renewed sense of African identity.
Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, delivered a key address at the event, which was gracefully opened by Ablah Dzifa Gomashie. Vice President Opoku-Agyemang implored parents to actively include their children in these commemorations. She stressed that sharing stories across generations is vital for preserving African history and heritage.
“Let’s ensure our children aren’t just watching, but are also becoming the guardians of our collective narratives,” she stated.
She emphasized that understanding the past is essential for carrying its legacy forward and reaffirmed her deep personal commitment to PANAFEST, acknowledging the crucial support from traditional leaders.
In her welcoming remarks, Ablah Dzifa Gomashie delivered a compelling call to action. She urged Africans to liberate themselves from the enduring impacts of colonial exploitation and the psychological inferiority rooted in the transatlantic slave trade.
“This isn’t just a celebration; it’s a demand for corrective justice and a reawakening of African consciousness,” she declared.
Gomashie highlighted the significant economic and social consequences of slavery and colonialism on Africa’s development. She advocated for a united rejection of systems of dependence and reiterated the government’s unwavering support for the Black Star Experience, a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural tourism strategy. Her vision positions Ghana not only as the continent’s gateway but also as the spiritual home for all people of African descent.
The celebrations drew a diverse group of participants, including the Oguaa Traditional Council, the Central Regional House of Chiefs, and various members of the African diaspora. Their collective presence underscored a shared commitment to honoring ancestral resilience and forging a future built on respect, fairness, and cultural pride.
Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, the Central Regional Minister, encouraged attendees to move past sorrow and embrace future opportunities.
“Let’s learn from our painful history and make our ancestors proud by building a stronger, more unified future,” he urged.
The event featured dynamic drumming, traditional dances, and captivating performances. Dignitaries and cultural leaders,including representatives from diaspora groups, UNESCO officials, diplomats and Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Omanhene of Oguaa traditional area delivered speeches that contributed to the event’s solemn yet celebratory atmosphere.
PANAFEST continues to be a vital platform, celebrating the strength and resilience of African peoples while fostering healing, remembrance, and unity across the African continent and its diaspora.
