The event, themed “Pan-Africanism: Redefining Modern African Identity in a Global Context,” brought together distinguished thought leaders, including H.E. Fidelia Graand-Galon, Ambassador of Suriname to Ghana; Prof. Pashington Obeng, CEO of the Pan African Heritage World Museum; Prof. Fred McBagonluri, President of Academic City University; and Mr. Kofi Akpabil, Senior Lecturer at Central University.

With Africa at a crucial crossroads, Academic City aims to leverage such platforms to spark conversations that inspire Africans to pursue contextually relevant reforms, driving development and positioning Africa as a global force.

Speaking at the event, H.E. Fidelia Graand-Galon emphasised the deep connection between identity and Pan-Africanism, saying "To be Pan-African is to know your identity. It is about understanding where you come from and embracing your heritage with pride."

Highlighting the striking cultural similarities between Ghana and Suriname, she revealed that some Ghanaians initially assume Surinamese people are imitating their traditions, only to later realise that their histories are deeply intertwined.

"Our connection is not a coincidence; it is a reality shaped by history. The bloodlines, traditions, and stories we share are proof that no matter where we are in the world, Africa remains in us," she noted.

Prof. Fred McBagonluri reinforced the urgency for Africans to reclaim their identity and warned against excessive dependence on external influences.

"Africa is not just a place, it is an identity that must be reclaimed. For far too long, we have allowed others to define who we are. We trusted too much, forgetting that the world respects only those who control their own narrative," he said.

He urged Africans to take ownership of their history and future, noting that true liberation begins with self-awareness.

"If we do not tell our own stories, someone else will tell them for us—and history has shown that those stories are rarely in our favor," he cautioned.

Prof. Pashington Obeng, CEO of the Pan African Heritage World Museum and renowned scholar speaking on the fluid nature of identity, remarked, "Identity is not static; it must be constantly defined and redefined. Our ancestors were proud of who they were, yet colonial rule attempted to erase that pride. Today, we must reclaim it, not by looking to the past with nostalgia, but by shaping a future that reflects our true essence."

He encouraged young Africans to seek knowledge from history while remaining cautious of external influences that may distort their understanding of identity.

In his remark, Mr. Kofi Akpabil expressed concern about Africa’s economic and cultural dependency, warning that failure to take control of its own global narrative leaves the continent vulnerable to continued exploitation.

"We speak of Pan-Africanism, yet we hesitate to invest in our own people. We admire foreign cultures while neglecting our own. The world will not respect Africa until Africans respect Africa," he asserted.

H.E. Fidelia Graand-Galon, Ambassador of Suriname to Ghana and Prof. Fred McBagonluri, President of Academic City University.