The Panafest & Emancipation Train, on its way to Accra, paid a courtesy call on the Chiefs of Assin Manso to pay their respects. The pilgrims, mostly Africans from the diaspora, were warmly received, with the chiefs showcasing traditional culture and infectious smiles.
The week-long pilgrimage, part of the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST), includes visits to significant sites like Pikworo Slave Camp, Salaga Slave Market, and Cape Coast Castle. The “Nnkonsuo” (Slave River) at Assin Manso, where slaves took their last bath before being shipped to America and the Caribbean, left a profound emotional impact on the visitors.
Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, led the visitors and acknowledged Assin Manso’s significant place in the dark history of slavery. He expressed regret over the area’s exclusion from PANAFEST in previous years and noted efforts to resuscitate and modernize the festival.
“The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is working to ensure every community along the slave route benefits from PANAFEST,” Aggrey said. “We want to expose the African Diaspora to business and investment opportunities in these communities.”
The pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity for Africans in the diaspora to reconnect with their roots and explore business and investment opportunities. Aggrey appealed to traditional authorities to release land for investments, citing potential interests in agriculture, factories, and hotels.
Mr. Charles Buabin, Central Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, commended the chiefs for embracing PANAFEST and noted that the festival had been expanded to include new activities to bring more fun and make it beneficial to all patrons.
“We have included cultural performances, traditional drumming, and dancing to showcase the rich heritage of Ghana,” Buabin said. “We believe that PANAFEST will continue to promote African unity and cultural exchange.”
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to participate in the grand durbar of the PANAFEST on Saturday, July 26, at the Jubilee Park in Cape Coast. Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ablah Dzifah Gomashie, will also grace the climax of the Emancipation Day at Assin Manso on Friday, August 1, 2025.
Nana Ofobi Ntow II, Chief of Atobease and Tufohene of the Apimanim Traditional Area, welcomed the pilgrims and emphasized the area’s readiness to partner with investors. “We have enough land to give out to whoever is ready to invest here,” he said. “We are inviting you to come and invest in our communities.”
The festival aims to foster a deeper understanding of the past while promoting development and cooperation. As the pilgrims continue their journey, they are expected to visit other significant sites, including the Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle.
Prof. Kobby Mensah, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Development Company, mentioned ongoing renovations at the Assin Manso Slave River site and plans to digitize operations. “We aim to improve the tourist experience and ensure accountability in our operations,” he said.
The PANAFEST celebration is a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and promoting African unity.
