The maiden edition of the AfroBeach Festival, slated for December this year, promises lots of excitement after details were announced during a launch in Accra.
The celebration, to be hosted at the Laboma Beach Resort in Accra, is described as “a celebration of African music, culture, and entertainment,” which will attract an overwhelming number of guests from home and abroad.
There would be musical performances from renowned artistes, a culture and arts exhibition, fashion and design, and plenty of African food delights during the festival.
Part one of the show, according to the organisers, will take place from December 27-29, 2024, after which there will be an extension from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025.
In addition to a line-up of packed activities, the event aims to raise awareness about “environmental sustainability” and the importance of preserving aquatic life and livelihoods along the coast.
The celebration will spice up the variety of end-of-year carnivals in December and provide opportunities for local and international brands.
It will again promote the country’s rich cultural diversity, “unite communities through music and art, and advocate for sustainable practices to address the challenge of climate change.”
Speaking at the launch on Saturday, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana, one of Ghana’s top tourism and hospitality entrepreneur, said that the show aimed to become “the biggest” beach and tourism event in Ghana and beyond.
Highlighting the importance of promoting tourism destinations, he said the rich history and cultural attractions along the country’s coasts “are worth celebrating” with events such as the AfroBeach Festival.
He noted that marine life was threatened by human activities and climate change, hence the effort by the organisers of the show to form stronger partnerships and create “sustainable projects” in line with Goal 13 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Life along the coast coupled with sustainable practices are worth bringing to the limelight to show their potential for investment and ultimate development through tourism-led initiatives. We all have a role to play in the promotion and further development of the coastal areas of Ghana, Africa and the world.
“Through the AfroBeach Foundation, we will create and embark on sustainable projects to adapt and sustain lives across the coastal lines of Ghana and Africa,” Santana said.
The tourism ambassador described Laboma Beach as one of the “safest places” to visit, adding that the AfroBeach Festival would provide “a Christmas and New Year experience” for participants.
Abeiku Santana further stated that the event is open for engagements for further partnerships, sponsorships, vendor registrations and collaborations in ensuring safer coastlines in line with the goals of the Global SDGs.
Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Member of Parliament for La Dade Kotopon Constituency, who was one of the Special Guest for the launch, pledged support for the festival and urged individuals and businesses to come on board.
Emmanuel Odonkor Baah, chief superintendent, Kpeshie Divisional Police Commander, also said the police and other security agencies would adopt the best strategies to protect merrymakers at the festival.
