Ghana’s first national carnival to hit Accra on June 29

The Ghana Centre for Carnival Arts is partnering the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to stage Ghana’s first National Carnival this June.

Carnivals, the world over, typically involve a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations.

National carnivals are held the world over and organisers say fun-lovers in Ghana must not be deprived of the excitement that comes with such events.

Paa Kwasi Kwao, Project Manager for Ghana Centre for Carnival Arts told Myjoyonline.com in an interview that the introduction of the festival was borne out of the successes chalked up by representatives from Ghana to the Luton Carnival in the UK.

According to him, his CEO, Maria Lovell’s cultural troupe has represented Ghana at the Luton Carnival in UK for some years now and the fact that the group has been “able to win the Luton Carnival for three conservative times,” is enough reason to hold one in Ghana.

Paa Kwasi Kwao said the 3-day event will kick off with a Costume Launch on Friday, June 28 at Afrikiko Gardens, followed by the main carnival on Saturday, June 29 and then an after party on June 30 at the Larbadi Beach.

Activities for the carnival includes a route march starting from the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle through Ring Road Central to the Osu Oxford Street where there will be cultural displays and an awards ceremony.

Events for June 29 will end at the Independence Square where there will be a food bazaar and a live concert. Artistes billed to perform at the live concert include, Bandana, Blakk Rasta, Dr Slim, and Screw Face.

The after-party at the La Pleasure Beach on June 30 will feature a rare performance by world renowned Steel Pan Band from Trinidad and Tobago.

Organisers say the carnival will centre on Ghanaian and African culture and there will be representations from all the 10 regions of Ghana. Ghanaian culture and costumes will take centre-stage at the event.

The Ghana Carnival 2013 is under the theme: Carnival, Promoting Cultural Diversity and National Cohesion and Paa Kwasi Kwao explained that it is aimed at diversifying the country’s tourism and cultural products, and highlighting Ghana’s cultural identity.

He added that the event will also seek to build a linkage between the creative arts and other sectors of the economy, and create employment and income opportunities for Ghanaians.

Apart from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ghana Carnival 2013 is also supported by the Ghana Society and UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana Tourist Development Company, Berlin Carnival Club, Government of Trinidad and Tobago and a host of others.