Celebrating Africa’s Legacy: Ras Caleb calls for Deeper Reflection on PANAFEST and Emancipation Day Celebrations

The Global Ambassador for the 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day Celebrations, Ras Caleb Appiah Levi, has delivered a stirring call for Africans across the continent and the diaspora to embrace the significance of these historic commemorations. According to him, PANAFEST and Emancipation Day are not just festivals, but a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit and resilience of the African people.

Speaking at the official launch of the celebrations organised by PANAFEST Foundation through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ghana Tourism Authority in Accra, Ras Caleb, who also serves as the Founding President of PANAFRICA-GHANA, underscored the cultural, historical, and political relevance of the events.

“PANAFEST and Emancipation Day Celebrations are more than just festivals; they are a testament to the resilience and strength of the African spirit. They are a celebration of our history, our culture, and our contributions to the world,” he said. “They are also a reminder of the struggles we have faced and the journey we have undertaken towards freedom, justice, and equality.”

Ras Caleb stressed that these commemorations provide a critical opportunity for African descendants worldwide to reconnect with their roots, reflect on the legacy of slavery and colonialism, and recommit to the ideals of Pan-Africanism.

He described the events as vital platforms for cultural renewal, historical reckoning, and collective empowerment, especially for the youth, who must understand and uphold the values of unity, dignity, and resistance that their forebears have inherited.

PANAFEST (Pan African Historical Theatre Festival) and Emancipation Day have grown to become landmark celebrations on Ghana’s national calendar, drawing participants from Africa and the African diaspora. The two events aim to honour the memory of the transatlantic slave trade while promoting reconciliation, healing, and cultural pride.

This year’s theme, centred on resilience and reconnection, is expected to drive renewed participation and conversation around the challenges and victories of African identity on the global stage.

As the celebrations approach, Ras Caleb Appiah Levi’s message serves as a clarion call to all Africans to reclaim, preserve, and celebrate the strength that lies within their shared history and cultural legacy.