The 2023 Panafest/Emancipation Day celebrations kicked off in Accra on Monday, July 24, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre.
A number of dignitaries, including Deputy Tourism Minister Mark Okraku-Mantey, attended the ceremony. Minister Awal took to the stage to address the people. After his speech, the Ghana Dance Factory took to the floor to entertain the gathering.
In a surprise move, Okraku-Mantey joined the dancers on stage and showered them with cash. The dancers were stunned by the gesture, but they erupted into cheers.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts who has picked up nomination forms to contest for the Ayensuano parliamentary seat on the ticket of the ruling government’s act of generosity was met with widespread approval, and other dignitaries followed suit by spraying cash on the dancers.
The Panafest/Emancipation Day celebrations continue this week with a number of events, including traditional music and dance performances, art exhibitions, and film screenings.
The celebrations are a chance for Ghanaians to come together and celebrate their culture and heritage.
Watch how Mark sprayed the cash on the dancers below
