Third Ghana Carnival to hit Accra on July 1

By Kwamina Tandoh, GNA
Accra, June 23, GNA - The third Ghana Carnival, which portrays a wide variety of artistic expression of the Ghanaian cultural heritage would be held on July 1 to July 3 in Accra.

The three day event on the theme: 'My Culture Rocks,' which promises excitement would start with a float on July 1 from Mantse Agbonaa Park at 10:00 hours through some principal streets in Accra to the Independence Square.

At the Independence Square an exhibition and sale of made-in-Ghana goods, food bazaar, talent and hunts would be organised.

The second and third day would feature a mammoth beach jam at the La Pleasure Beach.

Speaking at a news conference in Accra, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts said the Carnival aims at promoting the Ghanaian culture and identity for national development by way of participation by the 10 regions, each displaying her rich and diverse culture through music, dance, clothing and food.

She said the event is also expected to generate wealth among Ghanaians by way of creating employment and providing income opportunities for vendors of various goods and services who would be at the event venues and beyond as well as building a link between the Creative Arts and other sectors of the economy.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said the carnival also aims at creating the right environment for domestic tourism to thrive as a large number of both Ghanaians from the regions and foreign residents in Ghana are coming down to Accra to witness the three day event.

She observed that the carnival in last year had 2000 people participating and this year's event promises to be even bigger with an estimated 5000 indicating their readiness to participate.

'A number of foreign missions based in Ghana have also rallied their resident citizens to fly their flags at the carnival.

'The Ministry is working feverishly with the security agencies especially the Ghana Police Service to ensure the safety of the participating public as well as onlookers,' she stated.

She noted that Ghana Carnival is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts in collaboration with the Ghana Society in UK, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in Ghana, and Implementing Agencies under the Tourism Ministry, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Ten Regional Co-ordinating councils.

Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said this year the Ministry has expanded the participation to cover Keep Fit Clubs, Cultural Troupes, Supporters Union, and Students Groups from Tertiary Institutions.

She noted that participating embassies include Guinea, Iran, China, US and Colombia.

She expressed gratitude to corporate sponsors and media partners for their efforts to support the worthy course.

Musical groups expected to perform at the carnival include; the 14-man NGC La Brea Nightingales, Steel Band from Trinidad and Tobago, Stonebwoy, Sherifa Gunu, National Dance Ensemble, African Dance Ensemble, Cultural troupes from the Ten Regions.

Others include Ex-Doe, Stay Jay, Nero X, Daddie Opanka, Koo Ntakra, Choir Master, Galaxy, and Ephraim pledge to deliver their best to ensure a successful event.

GNA