The Upper East Region is set to host this year’s Panafest and Emancipation Day celebrations, with a powerful lineup of cultural and historical events designed to honor the memory of enslaved Africans, educate the public, and showcase the region’s rich heritage and deep ties to the transatlantic slave trade.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Joseph Azika, the Regional Principal Marketing Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), emphasized that the activities—set to begin on July 18, 2024—will offer a reflective and immersive experience, centered around the historic Pikworo Slave Camp in Paga.
“This year’s celebration begins with a vigil night on July 18. It is a reenactment of what took place at the Pikworo Slave Camp—a day before captives were taken through Saraga, Bonomanso, Praso, and Asemanzo, which was the final slave market and the site of their last bath,” Mr. Azika said.
According to him, the vigil aims to retrace the harrowing journey enslaved Africans were forced to endure, while honoring two individuals whose only condition for undertaking the journey was that their mortal remains be returned to Ghana for burial. The solemn night is expected to foster a deep emotional connection with the past, allowing participants to engage with history not as distant observers but as direct witnesses to its legacy.
Float, Cultural Performances, and After-Party
In the build-up to the vigil, a public float from Navrongo to Paga will be held to raise awareness and generate excitement across the region. The celebration will also feature cultural performances by the Upper East Actors Association, including dramatic sketches on slavery and an after-party aimed at deepening public engagement.
Mini Durbar on July 19 to Celebrate Regional Diversity
On July 19, a mini durbar will bring together at least ten paramountcies from across the region, each showcasing their unique cultural identities through traditional attire, music, and dance. The durbar is a central highlight of the celebration, emphasizing the diverse and vibrant heritage of the Upper East Region.
“We are expecting not less than 10 paramountcies with their entourage to exhibit their various cultures to the entire gathering,” Mr. Azika noted.
The events serve a dual purpose: preserving indigenous culture and educating participants about the region’s historical role in the slave trade in Ghana.
Symposium in Tamale to Deepen Emancipation Discourse
As part of a broader educational initiative, a symposium in Tamale will complement the celebrations, offering a platform for in-depth discussions on emancipation, African identity, historical justice, and the urgent need to reclaim African narratives.
“We are rewriting our own story,” Mr. Azika emphasized. “When people come to these historic places, we won’t just tell them what happened—we will show them. It’s our chance to correct misconceptions and present our truth.”
Celebration Open to All: A Call to the Upper East Public
Fellow GTA officer Elvis Tsogbe also joined the discussion, stressing that the celebration is open to the general public. He urged all residents, especially those from the Upper East Region, to fully participate in this important moment of cultural pride and historical reflection.
“You don’t need any accreditation to be there. If you call yourself an Upper Eastner, please come,” Mr. Tsogbe encouraged.
Honoring the Past, Celebrating Identity
This year’s Panafest and Emancipation Day celebration in the Upper East Region stands as a timely and powerful reminder of the region’s contribution to the collective African memory. It presents an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to walk the paths of history, celebrate African resilience, and affirm a shared cultural identity rooted in truth, dignity, and heritage.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
