Every two years since 1992, a variety of celebrations have taken place at sites all over Ghana to encourage cultural reflection. The coastline resonates deeply with the Pan-African movement, where memorials have been erected and tributes to the people and places that were affected so dramatically by the slave trade.
The festival, however, is also a celebration of indigenous Africa and its future. It serves as a forum for discussion and recognition of ongoing development on the continent. Past guests of the festival include Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan and Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.
Traditional art forms such as dance and song take on special significance during the festival. There are common cultural ties amongst present day nations, and a reminder of heritage for the displaced. A conclave of leaders forms a major part of proceedings, meeting as the grand durbar of chiefs.
Spread over a week and a half, Panafest can be experienced by visitors with the help of some well organised tour operators who arrange accommodation and transport around the various locations.