By Oluchi Obiahu
The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) 2025 was held in Ghana from July 17 to August 2, under the theme “Let us speak of reparative justice – Pan-African Artistic Activism.”
The festival opened with an atonement ceremony at the Salaga Slave Market, followed by a vibrant Creative Explosion Concert in Accra that blended music, dance, and poetry. Cape Coast and Elmina hosted colourful durbars, theatrical performances, and cultural processions, while Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, officially launched the celebration at Jubilee Park.
The event climaxed at Assin Manso on Emancipation Day, with rituals, performances, and a grand durbar of chiefs at the historic “Last Bath” site.
PANAFEST 2025 stood out as a powerful platform for remembering the traumas of slavery, celebrating African resilience, reconnecting with the diaspora, and renewing calls for reparative justice through art and culture.
