Why Easter celebrations in Ghana is synonymous with Kwahu
The town of Kwahu in the Eastern Region of Ghana has gained prominence for its vibrant celebration of the Easter holidays, transforming it into a festival known as the Kwahu Easter Festival.
This annual event has become synonymous with Kwahu, garnering media hype and national attention.
Originally, the Kwahus observed the “Okwahu Afahye” festival, which peaked in December and was celebrated from October to December. However, due to the timing of the festival conflicting with the peak trading season in December, many Kwahus opted to celebrate Easter instead.
The Kwahu Traditional Council subsequently shifted the festival to Easter, renaming it the Kwahu Easter Festival.
During the Kwahu Easter Festival, people from various parts of Ghana travel to Kwahu to participate in the festivities, while indigenes residing in different parts of the world return home to join in the celebrations. The festival features a variety of activities, including the popular paragliding event, street carnivals, highlife concerts, health walks, and sports activities.
The paragliding event, introduced in 2005, takes advantage of Kwahu’s mountainous terrain and has attracted international visitors over the years. Pilots from around the world are invited to fly hundreds of people during the paragliding event at Kwahu Atibie.
The Easter celebrations in Kwahu have become a significant source of income for the community, as they generate revenue from various entertaining activities and create business connections. Despite challenges such as the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kwahu Easter Festival remains a major festival and is expected to continue for generations to come, contributing to the cultural richness and economic vitality of the region.
