BY Daniel Bampoe
The 2026 Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival has officially commenced at the Odweanoma Mountains in the Eastern Region, drawing enthusiastic crowds and setting the tone for what is expected to be one of the most vibrant Easter celebrations in Ghana.
The opening ceremony on April 3 marked the beginning of four days of activities, with both local and international participants taking to the skies in a spectacle that has become synonymous with Easter in the Kwahu enclave.
Welcoming patrons to the event, the Kwahu South Municipal Chief Executive, Effah Osei Bonsu, highlighted the natural advantages of the area, describing its mountainous terrain and favourable wind conditions as ideal for paragliding.
He encouraged visitors to observe safety protocols while enjoying the festivities and commended organisers and stakeholders for sustaining the annual event.
The festival, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, quickly attracted early crowds to the mountain site, where spectators gathered along the cliff edges to witness the daring take-offs and scenic flights over the Kwahu landscape.
Among the early participants were two European volunteers based in Abetifi, whose experiences captured both the thrill and anxiety associated with the sport.
Bram, a Dutch volunteer on a year-long placement, initially struggled with take-off, aborting his first two attempts before successfully lifting off on the third try — even after losing a shoe moments before flight. His eventual glide over the hills drew cheers from onlookers.
Minerva, an Italian volunteer, also expressed visible apprehension prior to her flight, admitting fear about running off the cliff edge.
However, encouraged by testimonies from past participants, she proceeded and completed her flight successfully, later describing the experience as both exhilarating and unforgettable.
Interestingly, both volunteers revealed that they had little prior knowledge of the festival before arriving in Ghana, noting that awareness of the event spread largely through word-of-mouth within the Abetifi community.
Running until April 6, the festival is being held under the patronage of John Dramani Mahama, with support from the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie. It is spearheaded by the Chief Executive Officer of the GTA, Maame Efua Houadjeto.
Since its introduction in 2005, the paragliding festival has evolved into the premier Easter tourism attraction, attracting thousands of visitors annually and boosting economic activity in the Eastern Region.
The event forms part of a broader strategy to promote domestic tourism and position Ghana as a hub for adventure travel.
Beyond the aerial displays, the Kwahu area is alive with complementary activities, including street carnivals, musical concerts, cultural performances, traditional showcases and food bazaars.
Exhibitions of Made-in-Ghana products and the ongoing Kwahu Business Forum further add to the economic and cultural significance of the festivities.
Organisers say collaboration with regional authorities, traditional leaders, security agencies and private sector stakeholders remains key to ensuring a safe and successful celebration.
