Cape Coast, July 25, GNA - Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Omanhene of Oguaa Traditional Area, has expressed satisfaction about the quality of products being exhibited at the PANAFEST Expo/Bazaar. Artefacts, African wax-prints, beads and locally made musical instruments are being exhibited by about 50 exhibitors from Accra, Kumasi, Bolgatanga, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Mali.

Opening the event at the at the Jubilee (Victoria) park in Cape Coast on Friday, Osabarima Atta II, also the Chairman of the Local Planning Committee, said he was impressed with the innovative and creative arts being exhibited, which "showed the ingenuity of the African" and urged the public to patronise the exhibition. Rabbi Kohain Halevi, Executive Secretary of the PANAFEST Foundation, said more people were expected to participate in the exhibition.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality of products mounted, adding that it showcased the beauty of African reality. Mr Halevi said a good number of people from the Caribbean, USA, Brazil, South Africa and Nigeria would be attending the festival, but noted that due to the global economic crisis, participation in the festival this year, may be affected.

He said those who "value and understand the importance of the festival" would by all means attend.

Mr Halevi said due to financial constraints some of the activities planned would have to be cancelled, but gave the assurance that events like the Women's Day Celebration and the Youth Forum would come on. There would also be musical performances by artistes from Ghana and Nigeria, he added. 25 July 09