Africa-Press – Ghana. The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched this year’s Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and Emancipation Day celebrations at the Salaga Slave Market in the East Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region.
The launch was attended by traditional leaders, government officials, diaspora representatives, students, and community members to reflect on the transatlantic slave trade, promote healing and reconciliation, and spotlight tourism development opportunities in the region.
This year’s celebrations on the theme: “Let’s Speak of Reparative Justice – Pan Artistic Activism”, emphasised the power of artistic expression in driving global conversations on justice, unity, and African identity.
Activities at the launch included an atonement ceremony, visits to key tourist sites such as the slave wells, and wreath-laying at the Salaga slave cemetery.
Some of the students, who participated in the launch, made poetic presentations and drama on slave trade and tourism opportunities in the area advocating for more investment in the area.
Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer, GTA, whose speech was read on her behalf, said the event reflected the Authority’s commitment to promoting domestic tourism, job creation, and economic development.
She said it was also to revive Pan-African consciousness amongst people of African descent across the globe and encourage investment for sustainable development.
She urged residents of the Savannah Region to uphold peace and unity to attract investors and harness the region’s tourism potential for youth employment and community growth.
She said, “As we commence the 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day celebrations, let us continue to promote peaceful coexistence to support government’s development agenda and improve the livelihoods of Ghanaians.”
Mr Yazid Rabiu Kassim, East Gonja Municipal Chief Executive, highlighted the area’s untapped tourism potential, citing sites such as the Ndewura Jakpa Sword site, the slave cemetery, and the confluence of the Black and White Volta Rivers.
He appealed to Africans in the diaspora to invest in those heritage sites to enhance their appeal and promote cultural tourism globally.
Kpembewura Banbagne Ndefoso IV, Paramount Chief of Kpembe Traditional Area, lauded the GTA for selecting Salaga for the launch and encouraged sustained efforts to boost tourism investment in the region.
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