The official launch of GhanaFest Alberta 2025 was held on 11th June 2025 with a high-profile press soirée at the Diaspora African Forum in Accra.

Under the theme One Culture, Many Connections, the event brought together business leaders, media executives, traditional rulers, government representatives and diaspora influencers committed to shaping the future of culture, commerce and connectivity.

Graciously hosted by H.E. Ambassador Dr Erieka Bennett, the press soirée marked a significant shift: GhanaFest Alberta is no longer just a celebration of Ghanaian heritage abroad, but also a platform for cross-border investment, brand visibility and economic inclusion.

The event was ably compered by Victoria Lebene of VL Exposure, whose warm and elegant delivery brought a personal touch to every part of the programme.

Delivering the official welcome, Mr Jonathan Mingle, GhanaFest Alberta Representative, spoke passionately about the evolution of the festival: “GhanaFest Alberta is where culture meets commerce, and legacy meets opportunity. It’s a space where businesses connect with people, where brands gain trust, and where African excellence is exported—not just showcased.”

Michael Ofori, CEO of Investor Hub and Board Chairman of GhanaFest Alberta, played a key role in the strategic leadership behind the planning and execution of the event. His efforts in aligning the business community with the vision of the festival have been crucial in raising GhanaFest Alberta’s profile and impact.

A standout moment was the participation of national tourism leaders, including Madam Maame Efua Houadjeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority. Her presence reaffirmed the festival’s growing relevance as a tourism-led initiative that reflects Ghana’s global hospitality agenda and commitment to positioning diaspora events as tools for destination branding and economic transformation.

The event also welcomed dignitaries such as Mr Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, Mr Nat Kwabena Anokye-Adisi (Bola Ray), CEO of EIB Network, Hon. Micky Osei Berko (Nana Kwesi Anyan Bekoe), Obrempong Ameyaw Amponsem II, Okatakyie Asafo Boakye III, and other respected traditional and civic leaders.

Their presence highlighted the multi-sector collaboration and cultural authority behind the festival. The National Commission on Culture, led by Mr Wakefield Ackuaku, served as one of the event’s key institutional supporters, reaffirming GhanaFest Alberta’s role as a global vehicle for heritage preservation and diaspora engagement.

Major media houses, including EIB Network, GHOne TV, STARR FM, Bola Ray, and strategic media partners such as Eugene Osafo-Nkansah of Nkonkonsa and Ms Harriet Nartey of Diplomatic Affairs TV, lent their support as cultural amplifiers. Their involvement enhanced the festival’s visibility and helped build trust across digital and broadcast platforms, both locally and internationally.

Corporate sponsors including Special Ice, Brussels Airlines, Nova Pharma, and emerging partners like The Skin Pop Shop and Woena Beauty, which champions youth development through beauty, business and faith, underlined the festival’s appeal as a global-facing platform for brand activation, mentorship and generational impact.

Strategic partners such as the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Ghana Film Authority and Women in Sustainability Africa were also present, underscoring the strong alignment of culture, enterprise and legacy-building.

With an annual attendance surpassing 10,000 and growing international attention, GhanaFest Alberta has evolved into more than just a cultural celebration; it is now recognised as a vibrant economic ecosystem for the diaspora.

Organisers continue to welcome partnerships for the 2025 edition and beyond. Businesses and institutions that share the festival’s vision are encouraged to get involved, not simply for an event, but to help build a lasting legacy.

As Mr Mingle emphasised: “We’re not waiting for the future; we’re building it. And GhanaFest Alberta is the place where that future meets action.”