Local Organiser of the 2026 Guan Congress, Castro Antwi Danso, is calling for greater recognition of the Guan identity as Guan-speaking communities across Ghana work to strengthen their unity, preserve their cultural heritage and contribute more meaningfully to national development.

The three-day event is scheduled to take place from Friday, August 14 to Sunday, August 16, at Anum near the Asikuma in the Asuogyaman District under the theme: 'Harmonising Resources in Guan Communities for Inclusive and Sustainable Development'.

The President of Ghana is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour, while the King and Overlord of Gonja Yagbonwura Jira Bii Kunuto Jewu Soale I as Guest of Honour.

The annual Guan Congress is expected to bring together people from Guan-speaking communities across the country to celebrate their shared history and culture while discussing issues affecting their communities.

Speaking on the Super Morning Show on August 12, Mr Danso said the gathering is important because Guan communities are scattered across different parts of Ghana and are often identified under other ethnic groups.

He said the congress provides an opportunity for members of the various Guan communities to come together, reconnect with their shared identity and discuss issues affecting their development.

He explained that many people of Guan lineage are not always aware of their identity because of the way communities had historically been grouped.

“What we've come to realise is that the Guan communities are missing usually within the context of what we do in terms of census and everything. We are included amongst other tribes,” he said.

According to Mr Danso, some people who are Guan by lineage often identify themselves with other ethnic groups because of their geographical location and historical associations.

“People are Guan, but they seem not to realise that they are Guan. They seem to think they are either Ewe, Akan or something else, but in real terms, they are Guans,” he said.

He said the congress will therefore provide an important platform for these communities to come together, reaffirm their identity and discuss their collective future.

Guan-speaking communities, according to the organisers, are spread across several regions, including the Oti, Volta, Eastern, Savannah, Northern, Northeast, Bono East and Western regions.

Mr Danso said bringing the communities together annually will help to build stronger relationships among traditional leaders, young people and other stakeholders.

He said the objective is not only to celebrate Guan culture but also to harness the collective human and material resources available within the communities for development.

Mr Danso said the theme reflects the organisers' desire to move the congress beyond cultural celebrations and ensure that each gathering contributes to the development of host communities.

“We want to see how, once we have Congress, we can leave behind a project for the community once Congress is over,” he said.

He explained that the organisers are interested in identifying the human capital, natural resources and other assets within Guan communities and finding ways to combine them to improve the lives of residents.

“We want to look at the resources that exist, both human capital and other resources, material resources that are available in the country. How do we harness all of this for the development of the people we do this work speaking for?” he said.

The congress will also provide an opportunity to showcase Guan culture and heritage through traditional activities, music, entertainment and a grand durbar involving chiefs and people from Guan-speaking communities.

Other activities include a youth conference, a delegates' conference, tourism excursions and networking opportunities for businesses and investors.

Organisers believe the annual gathering can serve as a catalyst for stronger cooperation among Guan communities while creating opportunities for investment, tourism, employment and sustainable development.

They have invited Guan natives, traditional leaders, investors and members of the general public to participate in the 2026 congress and experience the culture, heritage and development potential of Guan communities.