Accra, Aug. 4, GNA - The Ministry of Tourism and Modernisation of the Capital City has expressed its appreciation to all Chiefs, Elders as well as Africans from the Diaspora for their respective roles in this year's celebration of PANAFEST and Emancipation Day. "This appreciation especially goes to the Chiefs and people of La, Anomabo, Cape Coast, Elmina, Assin and Techiman Traditional Areas," the Ministry said in a release signed by Ferdinand Ayim, Special Assistant to the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Planning Committee of the Panafest/Emancipation Day celebrations.

The Ministry observed that in spite of some constraints, this year's joint celebration was highly successful, especially considering the high level of patronage.

It said attendance at the Reverential Night at the Cape Coast Castle on July 31 and the Emancipation Day durbar at Assin Manso on August 1 especially were the highest in recent times with a very high level of participation by Ghanaians.

"This is the clearest indication of an increasing awareness of these events by the people," it said.

The release observed that the enthusiastic participation of Africans in the Diaspora indicated the growing popularity of the event amongst Africans globally and its potential to enhance Ghana's Pan-African standing, consolidate the country's claim as the Gateway to West Africa and also enhance tourism.

The Ministry acknowledged other sponsors of the event, adding that they would soon be recognised, the release said.

"To the media whose supportive role has proved inspirational, we say a big thank you and pray that this assistance would be sustained and improved in times ahead," the release said.