The 2025 Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival on the Odweanoma Mountain’s has officially been launched in Atibie-Kwahu of the Kwahu South Municipality in the Eastern Region.
The Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival is an annual event powered by Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA). The Festival, which commenced today Friday, April 11, 2025 is expected to come to an end on April 15, 2025 with a focus to transform Easter celebration in Ghana into an international event.
It aims to attract thousands of tourists seeking an adventure with experienced pilots from around the world flying passengers. The Kwahu Paragliding has been an exciting event giving participants memorable experiences. The 2025 edition ticket price is being sold at GHS 1,350.00.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GTA, Efua Sekyi-Aidoo Houadjeto said they are committed to make Ghana a leading tourist destination in West Africa as Kwahu Eastern paragliding is concerned.
She indicated that the festival is a cornerstone of Ghana’s cultural and tourism calendar. Madam Efua Sekyi-Aidoo stated that the celebration embodies the spirit of unity, heritage and progress.
Efua Sekyi-Aidoo disclosed the 2024 edition over 7,463 attendees flocked to the Odweanoma Mountain, with 183 tandem flights and 24 solo fights, a remarkable 49% increase in participation from the previous year.
Efua Sekyi-Aidoo recalled that the growth was not only to highlight Ghana’s rising prominence as West Africa’s premier tourism destination but underscores the festival’s role in boosting local economies, creating youth opportunities and showcasing Ghana’s rich traditions.
She added that GTA have expanded the 2025 festivities with exciting new activities including skate soccer, traditional game competitions (draught, Ludo, oware) , dance contests and family- friendly attractions.
Efua Sekyi-Aidoo highlighted that they aim to elevate Ghana’s global appeal through monthly cultural, musical and heritage events, supported by strategic partnerships and infrastructure development.
Hon. Yussif Issaka Jajah, the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, on behalf of Hon Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creatives Arts delivered a speech which aims to foster growth in the sector.
Hon. Yussif Jajah explained that paragliding is an exhilarating sport that offers breathtaking views of stunning landscape adding that it has become a national event of tremendous popularity in Ghana and abroad.
“I am thrilled to see visitors from around the world gathered here to experience the thrill of flying. It is a reminder of the incredible potential we have as a destination, focused on promoting domestic and international tourism,’’ said Hon. Yussif Jajah.
He encouraged all domestic and international tourists, particularly those who are visiting this scenic Kwahu Ridge and participating in the Paragliding Festiva to bring their families and friends to subsequent festivals.
Hon. Yussif Jajah emphasized that the festival not only showcases the natural beauty and diversity of Ghana but also highlights the uniqueness of Ghana’s natural resources, mountains, and forests that are not just tourist destinations, but treasures that reflect the very essence of national identity.
‘‘The promotion of paragliding in Kwahu represents a deliberate effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and its stakeholders, to diversify our tourism offerings within the realm of sports and recreational tourism. This initiative leverages the region’s rich natural, cultural, and historical resources to boost visitation, create wealth, and generate employment opportunities for local communities,’’ he affirmed.
Hon. Yussif Jajah underscored the need of potential investment areas in Ghana’s tourism sector include accommodation, catering, transportation, entertainment, and catering to both domestic and international tourists adding that investing in facilities, alongside infrastructure development such as access roads, will undoubtedly attract further investments in eco-lodges, business centers, and more with the government government vision of ‘Resetting Ghana’ and enhancing the ‘Black Star Experience’.
He urged the Kwahu South Municipal Assembly to prioritize aggressive tourism promotion in its development agenda, fostering a Public-Private Sector Partnership with active stakeholder involvement.
Hon. Yussif Jajah said tourism promotion can contribute significantly to poverty alleviation by creating livelihood opportunities, particularly for the unemployed, youth, and women.
Hon. Yussif Jajah also expressed his deepest gratitude to the Kwahu Traditional Council, the Ghana Tourism Authority, and all partners and sponsors for the incredible work they continue to do in making the festival a resounding success.
‘‘I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our distinguished pilots and the entire festival team for their commitment and hard work. Let us continue to harness our collective energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to ensure that Ghana remains a top tourist destination, not just for international travelers, but for domestic tourists. Together, we can create lasting memories, build stronger connections with our heritage, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of our tourism industry,’’ Hon. Yussif Jajah added.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey on her part indicated that the Kwahu paragliding festival has grown over the years into one of the most anticipated and exciting events in Ghana’s Tourism calendar.
‘‘What began as a small initiative has now evolved into a major international event, attracting visitors from all over the world. Today, it is not just a celebration of adventure sport but also a platform to showcase the beauty, culture, and hospitality of the Kwahu people,’’ Hon. Rita Akosua Awatey averred.
She advised visitors, patrons, revelers, organizers and stakeholders to celebrate the moment to appreciate the incredible beauty of Kwahu. The Eastern Regional Minister said that the region is blessed with vast natural resources, rich culture, and welcoming people.
Hon. Rita Akosua Awatey outlined that the paragliding festival highlights the tremendous potential of tourism in driving economic growth, creating jobs and promoting cultural heritage.
She disclosed that the 2025 festival is particularly significant as Ghana’s continue to recover from the challenges of the past years as it serves as an opportunity to showcase the resilience and determination of the people of Kwahu and the entire Eastern Region.
Source: Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
