Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang inaugurated the 17th edition of PANAFEST and Emancipation Day 2025, a momentous occasion that serves as a haunting reminder of the transatlantic slave trade's indelible legacy while simultaneously celebrating Ghana's vibrant cultural patrimony and fortifying bonds with the global African diaspora.

In her keynote address at the durbar, the Vice President issued a clarion call to Ghanaians and members of the diaspora to reflect on the dolorous history of enslavement, harnessing the power of their collective narrative as a catalyst for progress, unity, and empowerment.

She underscored the imperative of resisting all forms of oppression, reaffirming Ghana's unrelenting commitment to the noble ideals of freedom and human dignity.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the pivotal role that young people play in shaping Ghana's future trajectory, emphasizing the need for youth-centered policies and strategic investments in their empowerment, education, and development.

She stressed that the country's youth would be equipped with the requisite skills, knowledge, and agency to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

The Vice President's message sunk deeply with the festival's theme, underscoring the significance of unity, empowerment, and cultural heritage in the journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future for Ghana and the African diaspora.

Surely, as PANAFEST and Emancipation Day 2025 unfolds, Ghanaians and visitors alike are the festival's participants and spectators set to engage in a vibrant celebration of identity, culture, and the enduring bonds that unite the African world.

Story by Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy