The 2025 edition of the much-anticipated Kwahu Festival officially took flight on Friday, April 18, with an exhilarating paragliding display that has become a signature attraction of the Easter celebrations in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
What began years ago as a daring aerial adventure has now grown into one of the most iconic aspects of the Kwahu Easter festivities, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world to the scenic Odweanoma Mountains in Kwahu Atibie. The paragliding event not only adds thrill and spectacle to the celebration but also plays a crucial role in promoting tourism and boosting the local economy.
This year’s paragliding show featured seven skilled pilots one Ghanaian and six foreigners—who showcased their mastery of the skies, soaring above Kwahu Atibie and Nkawkaw to the delight of spectators. Among them were Ed Stein, Chuck Smith, and Blake Pelton from the USA; Iamina IIea from Romania; Hagen Muhlich from Germany; Eduardo Reategui from Peru; and Ghana’s own Jonathan Quaye.
Taking off from the majestic Odweanoma Mountain, the pilots captivated onlookers with stunning aerial maneuvers before landing at the Nkawkaw Sports Stadium, symbolically ushering in the four-day Easter celebration from Friday to Monday.
Although a brief downpour around 2:30 p.m. caused a temporary pause in flights, the excitement and enthusiasm remained undeterred. By 3:45 p.m., the rain had stopped and festivities resumed with renewed energy.
Chuck Smith, one of the pilots, expressed optimism about favourable weather throughout the weekend, stating that while forecasts aren’t always certain, the team had experienced smooth flights so far. He added that the group was committed to training more Ghanaians in paragliding, supporting the development of local talent and further enriching Ghana’s tourism sector.
Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, speaking at the opening, highlighted the region’s natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. She emphasized the importance of harnessing these resources to drive community development through tourism.
In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Minister Yussif Issaka Jajah, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, praised the Kwahu paragliding festival for evolving into one of Ghana’s flagship tourism events. She noted that the festival has become a magnet for adventure seekers, families, and tourists, offering not only the thrill of flight but also showcasing Ghana’s scenic landscapes and vibrant culture.
As the Kwahu Easter Festival continues to grow, paragliding remains a powerful symbol of its dynamism combining culture, adventure, and community in a celebration that continues to elevate Ghana on the global tourism map
