PANAFEST 2025: Paga Youth Calls for Research Centre, Development Action at Pikworo Slave Camp

As part of the 2025 PANAFEST and Emancipation Day commemorations at the historic Pikworo Slave Camp, the Paga Youth Movement has called on the government to establish a dedicated research centre and museum at the heritage site.

The call aims to preserve the region’s rich and painful past while promoting education, tourism, and cultural reflection.

Speaking at the event themed “Let Us Speak of Reparative Justice; Pan-African Artistic Activism,” Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement, Aborah Wenawome, emphasized the need to document and memorialize key historical narratives, including the story of Bagao a notorious slave raider who was reportedly captured and executed near Navrongo under the sacred Gungo tree.

“We are calling on the government to urgently facilitate the construction of a research centre and museum to house oral histories, slave trade narratives, and cultural artifacts,” Wenawome stated. “Preserving our history is key to empowering future generations.”

In addition to cultural preservation, the group advocated for socioeconomic investments in the region.

They proposed the establishment of a skills training institute to equip young people with employable skills, thereby curbing youth unemployment and fostering peace.

“Skills acquisition is a pathway to economic empowerment,” Wenawome noted. “A productive youth is a peaceful youth, and a peaceful society is a progressive one.”

The youth group also used the occasion to highlight pressing local development concerns. Chief among them was the prolonged water crisis facing Paga and surrounding communities.

According to Wenawome, the area has relied on only two boreholes for more than 20 years — a situation he described as unsustainable given the increasing population.

He further appealed for the expedited completion of the Agenda 111 hospital project in Paga, which has stalled in recent months.

Acknowledging contributions from Ghana’s diaspora communities, Wenawome expressed gratitude for their support in providing boreholes and called for sustained engagement.

“Your solidarity is commendable. We urge you to deepen your investment in sustainable development initiatives in our region,” he said.

The Paga Youth Movement also commended Wisdom Korbla Ahadzi, Upper East Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority, for his commitment to promoting the historical significance of the Pikworo Slave Camp. “Your leadership continues to shine a light on our heritage. We are grateful,” Wenawome added.

The commemorative ceremony attracted a diverse gathering of traditional leaders, queen mothers, politicians, educators, diaspora representatives, and students.

Participants reflected on the painful legacy of slavery, celebrated cultural resilience, and joined in a renewed call for reparative justice, development, and unity.