Ghanafest South Africa 2017 - A resounding success!

A bird's eye view of the Magnolia Dell Park in Pretoria, South Africa, on Saturday, 7th October 2017, was characterized by the colorful splendor of rich Ghanaian culture and regalia, music and traditional performances.

The 7th edition of Ghanafest - South Africa was the 'show-stopper' event of the Gauteng Province on that day. Teeming crowds of Ghanaians, South Africans and other nationals trooped to the park to be a part of the celebration of the rich heritage of Ghana.

Indeed Ghana was on display on that day, and left its indelible foot prints on the psyche of all present.

His Excellency Mr. George Ayisi-Boateng, Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, welcomed all guests to the event in a brief speech, which aroused the expectations of the crowd; an expectation which was fully satisfied by the end of the event. He also called on all Ghanaians to own the Ghanafest event, as a flagship programme in South Africa, with a multi-faceted purpose of promoting Ghana's culture, trade and entertainment potential.

H.E. Mr. Ayisi-Boateng also led a delegation of VIP Guests made up of colleague High Commissioners/Ambassadors, Leaders of Ghanaian Communities/Associations, as well as potential investors, through the various exhibition stalls that had been mounted to display varied made-in-Ghana products, from cuisine to hair and skin products, clothing and fashion accessories. There was trading activity on the grounds, and business was booming.

Over the years, a traditional display of Ghana's Chieftaincy regalia, apparel and accompanying dancers have become one of the hallmarks of Ghanafest SA, and this year's set up represented the Ashanti as well as Nzema Chief and Queenmother, each with it's unique variations.

There was drumming and dancing, in such exciting melodies that is characteristic of Ghana, and the crowd jubilated with the performers. A surprise appearance of "Agya Koo", Ghana's renowned actor, comedian and musician on stage, tremendously charged the atmosphere and the crowd reeled with excitement. Later in the evening, Ghana's 'Bisa Kdei' also took to stage and performed some of his hit songs in the unique Ghanaian genre of music labeled "high life".

By the end of the evening, all guests, organizers and participants of this year's Ghanafest SA, had come to the conclusion that the guiding theme of this year's event "Bringing People together for a Golden Experience" had really transposed into reality, in fulfillment

of what Ghanafest SA 2017 promised to offer.