Cape Coast, July 26, GNA- Dr. Leonard Jeffries, a Professor of African Studies at the City University of New York, on Tuesday called on people of African descent and all Africans, to use the celebration of the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and Emancipation Day to evolve pragmatic plans to help develop the continent. He said it was time for Africans to take their destiny in their own hands to plan and prepare for the building and development of an "African world union, which would enhance the unity of Africans as one family."

Dr Jeffries made the call when he opened this year's PANAFEST at Cape Coast.

The nine-day festival which is being highly patronized by Africans from the Diaspora, is under the theme: "The re-emergence of African Civilization: Preserving and Uniting the African family in the fight against HIV/AIDS".

He noted that the continent had abundant natural resources such as gold, oil and coffee as well as human resources which, when well harnessed would help develop the continent also use her culture "as a weapon to liberate and defend her people."

Dr. Jeffries, in this regard, called on African leaders to pool their resources towards building a better future for Africans, stressing that if this was done, there would be no need for them to go begging from the World Bank, whose assistance always has strings attached. He commended the government of Ghana for making it possible to organise the festival, which has created the avenue for Africans in the Diaspora "to come back home to unite with their family roots." Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister in his welcoming address, said the celebration of the festival, reminds people of the obnoxious slave trade, which sent many Africans away from their motherland.

He said the festival has also brought a cultural renaissance, which should be exploited, to its fullest advantage.

The Minister echoed calls on all Africans in the Diaspora to come back home and assist the continent both materially and financially to fight poverty, just as they had assisted the developed countries.

Touching on the region's potentials, he said, it had basic resources like the coastline and forest, which could be exploited, and assured participants of government's support in any venture they would undertake.

Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Oguaahene, who presided, described the festival as the "beginning of Africans coming home and thinking about themselves and the road ahead."

He also urged them to share their expertise with others and also contribute their quota towards the success of the festival. The national children's choir groups from the Bahamas, Abuja Arts Council and the African Footprints from Cape Coast treated the gathering with various music and cultural performances. 26 July 05