Salaga, Savannah Region, Ghana – July 17, 2025 — Ghana has officially launched PANAFEST and Emancipation 2025 with a powerful and emotionally charged ceremony at the historic Salaga Slave Market, marking the beginning of a season dedicated to remembrance, reconnection, and advocacy.
The opening event featured a grand durbar that blended vibrant cultural displays with solemn reflection. At the heart of the day’s proceedings was an Atonement Ceremony led by Asaase-Wura, setting the tone as participants paid homage to the countless lives lost and affected by the transatlantic slave trade. The ceremony echoed a collective call for healing, unity, and a renewed commitment to justice.
This year’s celebration revolves around the theme: “Let’s Speak of Reparative Justice and Youth Activism,” drawing attention to the urgency of addressing historical injustices while empowering the next generation to champion equity and truth.
In his address, Hon. Yazid Kasim Rabiu, Municipal Chief Executive for East Gonja, underscored Salaga’s rich cultural legacy and historical significance. He called on the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) to explore and promote the confluence of the Black and White Volta Rivers as a potential eco-tourism gem within the Savannah Region.
Representing the CEO of the GTA, Mr. Gilbert Aggrey, Deputy CEO for Marketing and Special Duties, paid tribute to the legacy of Ndewura Jakpa, the founding figure of Gonjaland. He highlighted the nearby sacred sword of Jakpa as a potent symbol of leadership and unity, and emphasized GTA’s commitment to promoting the region’s cultural heritage. “Here in the Savannah Region, visitors can discover, learn, and connect with the soul of Ghana,” he said.
The durbar concluded with a stirring declaration: “The chains are broken. The door is open.” The statement echoed across Salaga, capturing the spirit of freedom and resilience that defines PANAFEST and Emancipation 2025.
As the festivities continue across the country, Salaga’s opening ceremony sets the tone for a season of powerful storytelling, cultural celebration, and calls for justice that bridges the past and the future.
Source: Public Relations Unit -MoTCCA
