The night sky over the La lagoon was set ablaze on Saturday, December 20, 2025, as Shornaa Island officially launched its highly anticipated Christmas Festival with a breathtaking Christmas Tree Lighting Spectacular.

The event, which drew scores of families to the amusement park near the Trade Fair, served as the spiritual and festive opening of a nine-day residency of ‘Island Magic.’

Against a backdrop of soulful choral music, the towering tree was illuminated, symbolizing the star that guided the Magi and marking the start of a season dedicated to family bonding and de-stressing.

Shornaa Island Amusement Park is the first international family amusement park in Ghana, offering a blend of thrilling rides, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions.

The Philosophy of Fun: More Than Just Rides

For Magnus Lincoln Quarshie, CEO of Xtreme Fun, the operators of Shornaa Island, the park is a vital response to the high-pressure environment of modern Ghanaian life.

Speaking at the lighting ceremony, Quarshie emphasized that amusement parks are not mere luxuries but essential tools for national well-being.

“The moment you walk into Shornaa Island you feel joy, real joy. You are welcomed by colour, music, laughter and the sound of families having fun together. You immediately sense that this is a place where stress is left at the gate,” Mr. Quarshie remarked.

He challenged parents to be "intentional" about creating joy, noting that the park offers a unique environment for "edutainment"—where children can soon learn about renewable energy and nature while enjoying the thrill of the rides.

A Roadmap of ‘Island Magic’ (Dec 20 – 28)

The Tree Lighting was only the first chapter.

Shornaa Island has unveiled a dense calendar of events designed to promote what Quarshie calls a "stronger nation through stronger families."

• December 24: Sing-to-Win & Fireworks: A vocal showdown where families compete for prizes by singing their favourite holiday tunes, followed by a massive fireworks display to announce the arrival of Christmas.
• December 25: The Royal Visit: Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Sparkle Claus for professional photo sessions.
• December 26: Enchanted Lantern Parade: A spiritual highlight where families will release lanterns into the night sky, each carrying a shared blessing or prayer.
• December 27-28: Open-Air Magical Movie Weekend: The park will host starlit screenings of “The Star” and “The Unbreakable Boy.” The first 100 guests will receive free popcorn, with free ice cream for the first 50.

Exploring the ‘Dry’ and ‘Wet’ Sides

Shornaa Island’s infrastructure has been significantly upgraded for the 2025 season, offering a dual-experience layout:

The Dry Side: Features include a 9+3 hole mini-golf course, bumper cars for all ages, and the "Mini Convoy" for toddlers. For adrenaline seekers, the Bungee Jumpy offers high-flying thrills, while "Midway Games" like "Catch the Stick" and the "Wire Game" test reflexes and precision. A crowd favorite remains the Dry Water Fountain, which synchronizes music, lights, and water for an immersive dance experience.

The Aqua Zone: The park’s "Wet Side" offers serene boat cruises on the lagoon, paddle boats, and a water castle. New for this week is the introduction of Kayaks and specialized tour boats for those wishing to travel further onto the lake.

“In simple terms, Shornaa Island feels like a happy escape... where memories matter. It is where birthdays are celebrated, friendships are strengthened, love is shared, and joy is renewed,” Mr Quarshie added.

Building a Stronger Nation

The CEO’s message to the public was clear: the goal of Shornaa Island is to provide a location where the traditional family unit—from "grandpa and grandma to the toddlers"—can reconnect.

“The objective of all of these activities is to remind us that families make a great society, families make a great bond, families build a strong nation. Here at Shornaa, ours is to promote the family,” he stressed.

As the festive season continues, Shornaa Island stands as a testament to the growing importance of the amusement industry in West Africa—not just as entertainment, but as a sanctuary for mental health and social cohesion.