ASSIN MANSO, Ghana :The 2025 Emancipation Day celebration, held on August 1st as part of the PANAFEST festivities in Ghana’s Central Region, drew powerful reflections and renewed calls for reparative justice from leaders and cultural advocates across the Pan-African world.
Former Member of Parliament and cultural advocate Abla Dzifa Gomashie delivered a stirring address at the closing durbar, urging Africans and the diaspora to move beyond remembrance toward transformative action. Speaking under the theme “Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice ,Pan-African Artistic Activism,” Gomashie described Assin Manso,the historic site where enslaved Africans took their last bath before being shipped across the Atlantic, as “hallowed ground,” calling for global solidarity to honor ancestral resilience and build a just future.
“I am honored to add my small voice to the chorus led by our illustrious leaders,” Gomashie said, referencing President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana and President Mia Mottley of Barbados, both of whom have championed reparative justice on global platforms.
The durbar featured vibrant cultural performances, heartfelt tributes from the diaspora, and impassioned calls for Pan-African unity. The celebration underscored Ghana’s role as a spiritual home and beacon for heritage tourism through the Black Star Experience. Gomashie emphasized the importance of rallying around the Black Star, describing it as a symbol of collective belief, culture, and heritage.
Organizers extended deep appreciation to traditional authorities, the Regional Minister and his MDCEs, heads of agencies under the Ministry of Tourism, the PANAFEST Secretariat, and all contributors to the event’s success.
The 2025 Emancipation Day celebration reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to preserving cultural memory while advancing the global conversation on justice, identity, and unity.
Sankofaonline
