PRESS LAUNCH OF PANAFEST 2003

The sixth Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) will be held in Ghana from July 23 – August 5, 2003 under the theme – “Re-Emergence of African Civilisation: Re-uniting the African Family” with a sub-theme -“Dialogue on Traditional African Systems in the 21st Century Globalisation”.

The ten-day cultural event is a unique family encounter and is opened to all cultures. It is dedicated to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the development of Africa as a global partner.

PANAFEST aims, among others, at establishing the truth about the history and contribution of Africa and its people, through the richness of our arts and culture whilst developing a framework for the identification and analysis of issues and needs central to Africa’s development.

It also provides a forum to promote unity between Africans in the continent and in the Diaspora. It reaffirms the common heritage of African people over the world and their contributions to world civilisation.

Highlights of the festival will include a programme to the slave routes from Salaga to Assin Manso, a candle-light procession, an evening of reverence at Cape Coast Castle/dungeons and a carnival procession of Asafo companies, brass bands, and masquerades.

There will be symposia on issues relating to African Repatriations, Reparation Day, and traditional and cultural values of the African woman in the 21st century.

International artists are also scheduled to perform at various sites including Accra and Kumasi.

His Excellency, Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK who would deliver the keynote address, cordially invites you to a UK Press Launch of the event at 13 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PN on Friday, June 6, 2003 at 10.30am.

Special guest speakers from Ghana will be Ms. Esi Sutherland, a Board member of the Foundation and Rabbi Kohain Halevi, Executive Secretary of the Foundation

Interested media personnel who require exclusive interviews with the team from Ghana, are advised to contact the following:

F. FRITZ ANDOH
MINISTER COUNSELLOR/INFORMATION, GHANA HIGH COMMISSION
TEL: 0207-2015927 - MOB: 07958563440
EMAIL: fritzandoh@hotmail.com

YVONNE ROBINSON
CHAIRPERSON PANAFEST (UK) STEERING COMMITTEE YCER WORLD
MOB: 07985439522 - EMAIL: yvonne@ycerworld.fslife.co.uk

P.C QUAYE
DIRECTOR OF UJAMA ARTS
(MEMBER OF PANAFEST (UK) STEERING COMMITTEE)
TEL: 07720326263
EMAIL: ujamaarts@lineone.net

MR. AL. HAMILTON
CEO – COMMONWEALTH SPORTS AWARDS
(MEMBER PANAFEST (UK) STEERING COMMITTEE) TEL: 02087159344 MOB: 07950292162

TICKET INFORMATION

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Panafest Foundation
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TEL: 002334233085/33663
FAX: 002334233086