PanaFest 2025
PANAFEST 2025 in Ghana: Reuniting the African Family Through Story, Spirit And Ceremony
PANAFEST 2025 is officially underway! The celebrations began in Salaga on July 17 with moving atonement ceremonies. Stay tuned for daily updates, photos, and stories from across Ghana.
PANAFEST Pre-Events – Live Updates
- July 17: Salaga Atonement Ceremonies – Salaga
- July 18: Courtesy Call on Gulpe Naa + Evening Lectures – Tamale
- July 19: Upper East Journey + Durbar at Pikworo Slave Camp – Paga
Moments from PANAFEST 2025 – Salaga to Pikworo
PANAFEST 2025 returns to Cape Coast, Accra, Elmina, Assin Manso and Tamale under the theme “”Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan-African Artistic Activism” Expect 6 days of emotional healing ceremonies, pan-African arts, royal durbars, and diaspora naming rites — shared across iconic historic sites.
Understanding PANAFEST: History, Meaning And Purpose
PANAFEST, short for the Pan African Festival of Arts and Culture, was founded in 1992 by renowned Ghanaian playwright Efua Sutherland. More than just a cultural event, PANAFEST is a call to memory, healing, and unity — bringing together people of African descent from across the world.
Held every two years in Ghana, the festival blends music, dance, theater, spiritual ceremonies, and dialogue to confront the painful legacy of slavery and colonization. But it also celebrates African resilience, creativity, and the unbreakable ties that connect the continent to its global diaspora.
What Is Emancipation Day — And Why Ghana Still Honors It
Emancipation Day marks the official abolition of slavery in the British Empire through the Slavery Abolition Act of 1834. But in Ghana, this day carries a far deeper spiritual and cultural weight.
As the first African country to gain independence, Ghana has become a symbolic “Door of Return” — a place where descendants of enslaved Africans are welcomed home with reverence, ritual, and remembrance.
Emancipation Day is not just a historic date. It is a key moment within the broader PANAFEST celebration, often aligned with powerful events like the Ancestral Reverence Ceremony at Assin Manso, where diaspora travelers symbolically walk the path their ancestors once took — but in reverse, reclaiming identity and dignity.
This convergence of history and healing is what makes PANAFEST and Emancipation Day so unique in Ghana: it’s not just about remembering the past, but restoring connection with the present and future of African unity.
Emancipation Day 1998: Archival Footage From Ghana’s First National Observance
Historic Emancipation Day Celebration – Ghana, 1998
This rare video from the Ghana Tourism Authority shows how Ghana first marked Emancipation Day in 1998 — a national moment of remembrance, cultural pride, and ancestral reconnection.
From traditional drumming to spiritual rituals at Assin Manso, this footage captures the powerful foundation on which modern PANAFEST ceremonies are built.
📸 Credit: Ghana Tourism Authority
PANAFEST And Emancipation Day 2025 : Official Schedule Of Events
PANAFEST 2025 unfolds over 17 powerful days, spanning from the slave route pilgrimage in Northern Ghana to spiritual rites in Assin Manso and vibrant durbars in Cape Coast and Elmina. Below is the official event lineup, curated by the Ghana Tourism Authority — including cultural ceremonies, healing rituals, concerts, and diaspora dialogues.
July 17–22: Slave Route Pilgrimage (Northern Ghana)
| Date | Activity | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 17 | Salaga Atonement Ceremonies | Salaga |
| July 18 | Courtesy Call on Gulpe Naa + Evening Lectures | Tamale |
| July 19 | Upper East Journey + Pikworo Durbar | Pikworo Slave Camp |
| July 20 | Return Journey with stop at Bono Manso | Bono Manso |
| July 21 | Courtesy Calls at Assin Manso | Assin Manso |
| July 22 | Brazil Food Fair (Invite Only) | Brazilian Embassy, Accra |
Moments from Salaga - A Day of Remembrance and Renewal
On July 17 The historic Salaga Slave Market came alive in a powerful convergence of culture, memory, and spirit. A grand durbar unfolded—vibrant with tradition, yet deeply reflective—where PANAFEST and Emancipation 2025 were officially launched.
In this symbolic and sacred space, an Atonement Ceremony led by Asaase-Wura called us to honor the memory of those who endured the unimaginable. Libations were poured, drums echoed through the land, and voices rose in unity—marking not just a tribute, but a turning point.
Explore the photo carousel below to witness this unforgettable chapter in the northern leg of PANAFEST 2025.
Photos From The Grand Durbar At Salaga
Tamale Visit: Wisdom Welcome and the Spirit of Unity
A Moment of Connection at Gulkpe Naa’s Palace
On July 18, the PANAFEST 2025 delegation made a meaningful journey to the heart of Tamale, where they were graciously received at the Gulkpe Naa’s Palace. Welcomed by Wulana Alhassan Zakaria, the visit was more than a formality—it was a spiritual exchange rooted in respect, tradition, and vision.
This encounter underscored the role of traditional leadership in shaping the narrative of unity and remembrance. The discussions held were a powerful reminder that PANAFEST is not just a festival—it’s a living movement, anchored in community and cultural restoration.
Moments from Tamale
July 23–24: Pre-Festival Activities
| Date | Activity | Venue |
| July 23 | Wreath-Laying, Mini Market, Creative Explosion Concert (7pm–10pm) | DuBois Centre, Nat. Theatre, etc. |
| July 24 | Assin Praso Crossing Ceremony + Travel to Cape Coast | Assin Praso |
July 25–26: PANAFEST Homecoming & Grand Durbar
| Date | Activity | Venue |
| July 25 | Boat Ride, Akwaaba Ceremony, Elmina Vigil, Expo Launch | Cape Coast & Elmina |
| July 26 | Wellness Sessions, Durbar of Chiefs, Concerts | Cape Coast Durbar Grounds |
August 1–2: Emancipation Day Ceremonies
| Date | Activity | Venue |
| August 1 | Wreath-Laying, Chiefs Durbar, Storytelling, Cultural Shows | Assin Manso, Cape Coast |
| August 2 | Diaspora Dialogues, Farewell Gatherings | Various Sites |
Stay Connected to PANAFEST 2025
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Highlights You Can't Miss
PANAFEST and Emancipation Day aren’t just events — they’re a once-in-a-lifetime journey through African identity, remembrance, and celebration. Here are some of the most powerful moments you’ll want to plan for in 2025:
Locations Across Ghana
Planning Your Trip to Ghana for PANAFEST 2025
PANAFEST and Emancipation Day 2025 will take you across Accra, Cape Coast, Elmina, and Assin Manso — each rich in culture, memory, and meaning. Here’s how to confidently plan your trip and make the most of your time in Ghana.
Flights to Ghana
Fly into Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra.
Best arrival window: July 15–17
Airlines flying to Ghana: Delta (from U.S.), British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian, Emirates
Tip: Book early! Summer is peak travel season in Ghana.
Where to Stay
Accra (for pre-festival events): Osu, East Legon, Airport Residential
Cape Coast & Elmina (PANAFEST events): Stay near Cape Coast Castle or Elmina Beach
Assin Manso (Emancipation Day): Lodges are limited — stay in Cape Coast and travel in by car
Budget tip: Book hotels with flexible cancellation. Events may shift slightly.
Getting Around
Accra ↔ Cape Coast: ~3–4 hours by car
Cape Coast ↔ Assin Manso: ~1.5 hours
Recommended: Hire a driver or join shared transport
Apps like Bolt (Uber) work well in Accra, but not Cape Coast
Suggested Travel Dates
Event Phase Recommended Dates Arrival & Pre-festival July 15–17 PANAFEST Core Events July 25–26 Emancipation Ceremonies August 1–2 Departure August 3–4
PANAFEST 2025 Cultural Tours You’ll Love
Want to experience more than just the festival crowd?
Our PANAFEST 2025 tours are designed to take you deeper — from spiritual ceremonies in Assin Manso to the hidden stories behind Cape Coast and Elmina. You’ll walk the paths of your ancestors, meet local leaders, and reconnect with Africa on your terms.
Choose a trip that fits your time, budget, and purpose.
Full Heritage Return Tour – 12 Days
From $2,850 | Premium Experience
A full-circle journey covering Emancipation Week, PANAFEST’s grand durbars, and deep heritage immersion across Accra, Cape Coast, Elmina, Assin Manso, and Kumasi.
Includes private ceremonies, storytelling walks, cultural dialogues, and wellness experiences.
PANAFEST 2025 Core Experience – 8 Days
From $1,750 | Most Popular
Experience the heart of PANAFEST — from the Akwaaba welcome and Elmina vigil to the durbars, Emancipation Day rituals at Assin Manso, and more.
This 8-day journey is carefully timed around the most powerful cultural and spiritual events of the season.
Intro to Ghana – 3-Day Cultural Taster
From $1,450 | Short Stay
A fast but rich dive into Accra, Cape Coast, Kakum Park, and a glimpse of PANAFEST energy.
Includes storytelling walks and castle visits — ideal for travelers with limited time.
Trusted By Global Voices
In 2019, during Ghana’s historic Year of Return, Suzanne (Editor at Essence Magazine) and her family joined us for a soul-searching heritage tour through Cape Coast, Elmina, and Assin Manso.
These moments — from naming ceremonies to silent reflection by the slave river — remind us why PANAFEST is more than just a festival. It’s a healing return.
We’re honored to guide travelers like Suzanne on this path again in PANAFEST 2025
Photos Of Essence Magazine Editor And Family
Photos From Past PANAFEST Celebrations
Inside PANAFEST: Video Highlights from 2023
This video captures the emotional power of the Elmina Vigil and the Grand Durbar
Related Tours You Might Like
Frequently Asked Questions About PANAFEST 2025 & Ghana Trips
PANAFEST 2025 will be held across multiple historic cities in Ghana, including Accra, Cape Coast, Elmina, Assin Manso, Tamale, Salaga, and Pikworo. The main durbars and cultural events will happen in Cape Coast and Elmina.
General access to public PANAFEST events like the durbars, vigils, and exhibitions is often free or low-cost. However, tour packages, private ceremonies, and concerts may require booking in advance. Our 11-day cultural tour package includes full access and exclusive experiences.
👉 View Tour Package & Pricing
PANAFEST (Pan-African Festival of Arts and Culture) is a biennial cultural festival celebrating African unity, heritage, and the diaspora’s return to their ancestral homeland. It combines art, music, healing rituals, academic panels, and historical remembrance.
PANAFEST 2025 runs from July 17 to August 2, 2025, including:
Slave Route Pilgrimage: July 17–22
Pre-Festival Activities: July 23–24
PANAFEST Homecoming & Durbar: July 25–26
Emancipation Day Events: August 1–2
The official theme is:
“Ensuring the African Kinship: Our Essence, Our Well-being, Our Prosperity.”
It focuses on unity, healing, and building stronger ties between Africans on the continent and in the diaspora.
In addition to PANAFEST, Ghana in 2025 offers:
Chale Wote Street Art Festival (August)
Year-Round Heritage Tours
Volta Nature & Adventure Escapes
Togo–Benin Cross-Border Tours
👉 Browse Our Ghana Tours
Ready to Return, Reflect, and Reconnect
PANAFEST and Emancipation Day are more than festivals — they are sacred calls to remember, to honor, and to rebuild connections between Africa and her global family. Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning again, Ghana welcomes you with open arms, shared history, and powerful cultural pride.
Follow our updates as we walk together toward PANAFEST 2025 — the path home is calling.
