The maiden edition of Ghana Festival Ohio was launched yesterday in Accra at the Omanye Hall of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.
The launch is to promote trade and investment, cultural ties, educational exchange, tourism and among others between Ghanaians in Accra and their counterparts in Columbus, USA.a five- day cultural festival dubbed “Ghana Festival Ohio’.
The focus of the festival is to celebrate the rich Ghanaian culture and the cultural heritage of people of African deceit domiciled in the City of Columbus.
The festival will begin on the 3rd of August 2023 and ends on the 7th August 2023, in Ohio, United States of America. More than 10,00 0 people globally are expected in attendance.
The theme for the festival is ‘ Upholding Ghanaian Culture- The Columbus Way,”
The Marketing and Communications Director of the Ghana Festival Madam Tricia Ama Obenewa Quartey speaking at the launch said the festival would further strengthen the existing friendship between the two cities.
The sister- city relations between Accra and Columbus, she said, was established in 2015 aimed at fostering unity and understanding between the people of the two cities.
The purpose is to also promote cultural and economic ties, build networks, as well as collaborate in exchange programmes in the areas such as water and sanitation, education, trade and investment for the well-being of their citizens.
Madam Quartey entreated Ghanaians to take advantage of the friendship between the two cities to visit Columbus and experience beautiful artistic performances from musicians and dancers as well as network for business partnerships.
Line up for the activities for the five- day festival include an Akwaaba Night on 3rd August 2023 to Meet and Greet session, Symposium and Taste of Ghana session meant for business interactions and for networking on the 4th of August 2023.
The Grand Festival Day which comes off on the 5th of August which is a Saturday at the Fort Education Centre, Ohio, to climax the celebration whist the Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday the 6th of August 2023.
A historic tour of the City of Columbus will come off on 7th August 2023 which is a Monday to enable participants to visit places of interest.
The Mayor of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Madam, Elizabeth Sackey in her welcome remarks, said the 2023 edition of “Ghana Festival Ohio” would further deepen the sister-city relations between Accra and Columbus, which would inure to the benefit of their citizens.
Emmanuel Andrews Sammini, known in the showbiz industry as Samini was unveiled as the main artiste and ambassador for the Ghana Festival Ohio.
The Festival, which will be a biannual event, is under the auspices of the Ghana Council Ohio in the City of Columbus and Accra Metropolitan Assembly, in collaboration with Angel Group of Companies, Diagnostic Herbal Industry, Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber, Greater Columbus Cities International and Impact Office System….
Story by Bugbila Moadow.