The 2025 edition of the annual Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival has officially launched on the scenic Odwenanoma Mountain in the Kwahu South Municipality of the Eastern Region.
Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the four-day event kicked off with a colorful ceremony on the Kwahu Ridge, marking the beginning of what has become Ghana’s flagship Easter tourism attraction.
This year’s festival is expected to draw between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors. Amid growing concerns over security due to potential terrorist threats, a special counter-terrorism unit from the Ghana Police Service has been deployed to ensure the safety of participants and residents throughout the festivities.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Yussif Issaka Jajah, reiterated the government’s commitment to investing in paragliding to boost the local economy.
He emphasized the importance of training more Ghanaian pilots, as only one Ghanaian, Jonathan Quaye, is currently a certified paragliding pilot.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the festival’s role in promoting domestic tourism, strengthening community bonds, and creating economic and employment opportunities for the people of Kwahu.
She appealed to all holidaymakers to be law-abiding and cooperate with security agencies to ensure an incident-free Easter celebration.
The Paragliding event was introduced in 2005 by the Ministry of Tourism. The festival has attracted both Ghanaians and foreigners alike and has become an integral part of the annual Easter celebrations in Ghana with 3-days aerial fun, ceremonies and music.
The inclusion of the events as part of the festivities has seen a dramatic increase in several visits to the various attractions within the eastern enclave of the country, increased tourist activities, and improved economic activities as well.
Also, after its introduction, the event has drawn many enthusiasts to Kwahu and positively impacted the local economy in relation to transport businesses, tour operations, hospitality establishments, souvenir sellers and the entertainment industry among others.
Pilots with a wealth of experience are selected and coordinated across several parts of the world to cater to the diverse and dynamic nature of participants who come from across the world to fly and have fun.
These pilots are flown in from various destinations and are well hosted with decent standards of accommodation and transportation throughout their total stay in Ghana for the event.
In line with the Tourism Sector’s vision of making Ghana a leading tourism destination in Africa, the Paragliding Festival was instituted to help achieve this goal.
Particularly, to attract the globally growing number of people who enjoy adventure sports tourism. Paragliding provides a unique addition to the gamut of attractions which are common to most sub-Saharan countries.
This sport has made Ghana the destination of choice for tourists to sub-Saharan Africa.
Police Announce Security Arrangements for Easter Celebrations
The Ghana Police Service announced sweeping security measures across the country to ensure the safety of all citizens during the 2025 Easter celebrations.
In a statement issued Friday, the Service assured the public that officers have been strategically deployed across roads, highways, and communities nationwide as part of a comprehensive operation to maintain peace and order throughout the festive season.
“The Ghana Police Service wishes to inform the general public that comprehensive security measures have been put in place nationwide to ensure a safe and peaceful 2025 Easter celebration.”
The statement
Security presence has been intensified in the Eastern Region, particularly the Kwahu area, where thousands are expected to converge for the annual Paragliding Festival and other Easter-related events.
“Special security arrangements have also been made within the Kwahu areas to cover the Paragliding Festival and other scheduled activities,” the statement emphasised.
The Police are calling on the public to play their part in ensuring a safe holiday season. “We urge everyone to be security conscious, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the police,” the statement advised.
The Police Administration concluded with a goodwill message to the nation: “The Police Administration wishes you a happy Easter.”
The enhanced operations come amid heightened public interest in safety during major national holidays, especially in densely populated recreational zones.
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