The Ghana Tourism Authority recorded 31 flights on the first day of the Kwahu Paragliding Festival.
Of these, nine were solo flights, while 24 were tandem flights. Notably, two teenagers, aged eight and 13, courageously participated in the adventurous activity this year.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Akosua Houadjeto, revealed plans to develop new paragliding destinations in the Volta Region.
This initiative aims to expand and sustain domestic tourism while boosting economic growth.
She revealed during the official launch of the 18th Kwahu Easter and Paragliding Festival at Odweanoma Mountain in the Eastern Region on April 3.
Over the years, the Kwahu Easter and Paragliding Festival has evolved from a traditional family gathering and solemn religious observance into a major tourism attraction.
Each year, large numbers of tourists throng Odweanoma Mountain to experience the thrill of paragliding, while also enjoying activities in nearby towns, particularly in the evenings.
One participant from India, Sailaja Mohan shared her excitement.
“This is my first time here. I will participate in the paragliding. I am happy and equally scared, but let’s see how it goes.”
Meanwhile, some residents have called for the rehabilitation of the road network from Atibie to Odweanoma. They also raised concerns about the condition of the site, arguing that it does not justify the gate fee.
“They charged us 30 cedis at the gate before we entered. That is quite high, especially when the road from Atibie to Odweanoma is not in good shape. The road must be fixed,” Florence Brenya complained.
The Kwahu South Municipal Chief Executive, Effah Osei Bonsu, assured residents that plans are underway to improve the road.
“The contractor has gone for variations because the contract was awarded in 2019. The documents are currently with the Finance Ministry. I have followed up, and as soon as those processes are completed, work will resume on the Atibie–Odweanoma road,” he explained.
The Ghana Tourism Authority CEO, Maame Akosua Houadjeto reiterated the Authority’s commitment to developing more tourist sites across the country to whip up domestic tourism interest.
“As we celebrate this success, we are also looking to the future. The Ghana Tourism Authority has begun feasibility studies at Adaklu in the Volta Region to expand paragliding and diversify Ghana’s adventure tourism offerings. This initiative will create new tourism hubs, reduce pressure on existing sites, and spread the economic benefits of tourism nationwide,” she said.
She added ” Our vision is to position Ghana as a leading adventure tourism destination in Africa, with multiple world class paragliding sites that attract both domestic and international visitors year round.”
The Ghana Tourism Authority expects more than 11,000 tourists to participate in this year’s event.
Beyond the excitement, the festival contributes significantly to economic growth by boosting local businesses.
This year’s festival is being held under the theme: “Fun and Fly.”
In the evenings, towns such as Mpraeso, Obomeng, and Obo, key centers of the Kwahu Easter Carnival come alive as young people walk, dine, and dance to music, while vendors take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere to make sales.