Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called on Africans across the globe to embrace and reclaim their history as a powerful tool for healing, unity, and progress.

Addressing participants at the 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day grand durbar held in Cape Coast, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored the importance of Africans taking ownership of their historical narrative. “History is important. Studying is important. Nobody has forgotten. The narrative is still alive if we want to find it. Our elders have the history, and if we approach them with humility, they will teach us,” she said.

She highlighted the need to foster stronger ties between Africans on the continent and those in the diaspora, noting the legacy of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade that scattered African communities worldwide. “We are in Europe, we are in Asia, we are in the Caribbean, we are in the Americas and beyond. When we talk about the African family, we need to connect all the dots, or we will not make the progress we need to make,” she stated.

On the subject of reparations, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang explained that the concept should go beyond monetary restitution to address broader issues of dignity, justice, and opportunity. “It has moral, political, and economic implications. We want to see a time when Africans are not living at the razor’s edge of life, no matter where they are — rich or poor,” she said. “We must live like everyone else, see ourselves in the future, and not be afraid. That goes beyond money; it’s about being ourselves and contributing to the world like everyone else.”

The Vice-President also called for African governments to prioritise inclusive and human-centred policies that directly respond to the needs of the youth. “When we say that the youth are our future, we must mean it, and it must reflect in everything we do. That is what this government — which I am proud to be part of — is striving for,” she added.

She encouraged young people, particularly those in the diaspora, to participate in cultural events such as PANAFEST to reconnect with their roots and understand the sacrifices of their ancestors.

This year’s PANAFEST and Emancipation Day events were held under the theme “Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan-African Artistic Activism.” The celebrations brought together traditional rulers, ministers of state, council members, religious leaders, diaspora communities, and stakeholders from across Ghana and the African continent.

The durbar also commemorated the 100th birthday of the festival’s founder, the late Efua Sutherland, a renowned Pan-Africanist and cultural icon. The gathering featured vibrant cultural displays, including drumming, dance, storytelling, and artistic performances.

Distinguished guests at the durbar included the Oguaamanhen, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II; Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie; CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto; Chairperson of the PANAFEST Board of Trustees, Esi Sutherland-Addy; and Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere.

PANAFEST, which began in 1992, continues to be one of Africa’s most prominent platforms for celebrating cultural heritage and strengthening global Pan-African unity. The accompanying Emancipation Day celebration on August 1 marks the end of slavery in the British colonies and serves as a moment of reflection and renewal for African descendants worldwide.