The 2026 Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival has officially opened at Odweanoma Mountain in the Kwahu area of the Eastern Region, with both local and international participants taking to the skies as activities commenced on April 3, 2026.

The Kwahu South Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Effah Osei Bonsu, welcomed participants during the opening ceremony, describing the area’s unique hills and favourable wind conditions as ideal for paragliding.

He urged patrons to adhere to safety protocols and fully enjoy the Easter festivities, while commending organisers, volunteers and stakeholders for their contributions to the event.

“Welcome once again to Kwahu South on behalf of the municipality,” he said.

The event, organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, attracted early crowds to the mountain site, where patrons gathered to witness the start of the annual Easter spectacle.

Among the first to take flight were two European volunteers based in Abetifi, who joined the activities on the opening day.

Bram, a Dutch national on a year-long volunteer placement, had a tense start before successfully completing his flight. His first two attempts at take-off were aborted, with his tandem pilot resetting each time as onlookers watched from the cliff edge. On his third attempt, he finally lifted off and soared over the Kwahu landscape, notably with a fallen shoe just before take-off.

Minerva, an Italian volunteer also based in Abetifi, flew later after openly expressing her fears.

“I am afraid because I have to run down the cliff,” she told reporters before take-off. “But I’ve talked to people who did it last year and they said it’s amazing. So I’m going to do it.”

She completed the flight without incident.

The two volunteers said they had no prior knowledge of the festival before arriving in Ghana, explaining that information about the event largely spread through residents in Abetifi.

“We are staying in Abetifi,” Bram said. “Everybody’s talking about it. It’s not difficult to find the information.”

Minerva, who has been in Ghana for five months and returned in April after a brief absence in January, said the festival exceeded her expectations.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. “It’s really busy and colourful, and full of music and dancing.”

The festival, which runs until April 6, is under the patronage of President John Dramani Mahama, with support from the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ms Abla Dzifa Gomashie. It is being organised by the Ghana Tourism Authority, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto.

Activities lined up include tandem paragliding flights, aerial displays, safety demonstrations, tourism exhibitions and curated visitor experiences aimed at promoting domestic tourism.

Since its introduction in 2005 by the Ministry of Tourism, the event has grown into a major highlight on Ghana’s Easter calendar, drawing thousands of visitors to Kwahu each year.

Beyond the flights, the Kwahu area is hosting street carnivals, musical concerts, cultural performances, traditional displays, food bazaars and exhibitions of Made-in-Ghana products. The Kwahu Business Forum is also taking place from 3 to 4 April.

The Ghana Tourism Authority said it is working closely with the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council, traditional authorities, municipal and district assemblies, security agencies and private sector players to maintain order and safety throughout the celebrations.

Minerva said she hopes to return next year, whether to fly again or simply watch from the ground. Bram also appeared satisfied after completing his flight over Odweanoma Mountain.