PANAFEST need 2.5 billion cedis

Accra April 26, GNA - Government on Tuesday announced committing 200 million cedis to the celebration of the Pan African Festival of Arts and Culture (PANAFEST) and Emancipation Day in July this year, which needs about 2.5 billion cedis to be held successfully.

Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital City, at the launch of this year's celebration said the event had not yet made the desired impact of attracting foreign investment into the country because of the lack of resources to host the events.


"In view of the numerous constraints and the very limited budget and resources, sponsorship is bound to be the lifeline to quality organization and execution of plans for this year's programme," he said. He said private sector investment, volunteerism, sponsorship and services were needed to facilitate the organization and hosting of the events.


Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey appealed to the private sector for sponsorship to ensure the success of this year's PANAFEST and Emancipation Day activities.


"Slavery in Africa is not dead, Africa is not yet emancipated, Ghana must take the lead in fighting for the emancipation for Africa," he said.

Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, who chaired the launch, said the chiefs were also sourcing for financial help to make the events a success.


"Chiefs have virtually nothing financial to commit to the event but we are committing ourselves in kind to make the events successful," he said.


Osabarima Atta II, who is also the Chairman of the National Executive Committee of the PANAFEST Foundation said the chiefs would also solicit funds from people to make the event a success. Rabbi Kohan Halevi, Executive Secretary of the PANAFEST Foundation said the Foundation was sourcing funds on its own to support the events.


In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Rabbi Halevi said money was needed to secure the venue, technical equipment and some logistics in addition to paying various local artistes who would perform at the function.