The Wear Ghana Project is a campaign that seeks to encourage Ghanaians to wear made in Ghana clothes and use other fashion accessories that are locally produced. The campaign runs throughout the year but reaches its peak in March with a series of activities such as seminars, symposiums, exhibitions, fashion shows, production of a fashion magazine and an awards night to honour fashion industry players, Ghanaians and institutions whose activities have promoted the fashion industry in Ghana.

A recap of the first edition of the program indicated that, the Month of March has been designated as Wear Ghana Month. It was launched by Hon. Dr Mustapha Hamid, current Minister for Zongo Development and former Information Minister on 9th March 2018. During the launch, he emphasized the need for the Wear Ghana Month (March) to be promoted both locally and international to make Ghana a tourism destination through fashion.

Speaking to Mr. Benjamin Kojo Mills also known as (Mr Wear Ghana) who doubles as C.E.O of Street Fashion Train Foundation, and Wear Ghana Month Project said “during the Month of March, Ghanaians are entreated to be nationalistic and wear anything locally produced in Ghana like our shoes, bags, beads etc. (Made-In-Ghana).

He further explained that, Wear Ghana Month is symbolic to farmers day or teacher’s day celebrations. Having worked in the fashion industry for some time, he envisaged the need for the fashion industry players to have an occasion to celebrate the industry and its players. Street Fashion Train Foundation realized that, such a platform will enable industry players to express themselves, by talking about issues affecting the growth of the fashion industry, the prospects in it and how to build the fashion industry for everyone to benefit from hence the Wear Ghana Month Program.

“More importantly, the Wear Ghana Month program will serve as a platform that will bring all the fashion industry players together for them to have a united front in order to fight for a common Agenda “he emphasized.

He said the second edition is in collaboration with Ministry of Trade and Industry.

The Wear Ghana Month Project Secretariat hinted that Preparations are underway for them to have a successful campaign in March although there are some financial constraints.

The annual event, the Wear Ghana Month Program, being a non-profit event; needs support .Therefore, the organizers called on corporate bodies , philanthropists the Media and all Ghanaians to support the campaign financially and with be part of the programs outlined for the celebrations to enable them embark on this campaign successfully in March 2019.
The theme for the program is captured as “Ghana beyond aid through fashion”.

The programme line-up for this year includes; Float – 1st March 2019, Wear Ghana Inter fashion Schools Competition – 9th March 2019, Seminar -15th March 2019, Wear Ghana Fashion Show /Exhibition 22nd – 24rd March, 2019 and Ghana Fashion Industry Honours /Awards 31st March 2019.

The only way Ghana Fashion can grow and impact on our economy is to wear what we produce.

Source: Newsgh

Celebrations have begun in earnest to commemorate 400 years since the first enslaved Blacks reached the shores of the new world, United States of America.

While the idea is to attract the African Diaspora to every nook and cranny of the continent, Ghana as the leader of Pan-Africanism has taken the initiative to be the central point for the celebrations. For the thousands Diasporans that are expected to troop in, one would ask, what are they returning to? For starters, Ghana is one of the countries in Africa which played a very significant role in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, becoming one of the biggest purveyors of human cargo to the Americas and Europe. Evidence abounds in the many slave dungeons, forts and castles strewn across the length and breadth of the country.

These monuments which have since become World Heritage Sites are concrete reminders of our crude and cruel history and cue that never again shall the Black man allow himself to be at the receiving end of such gross injustice and dehumanizing brutality. Following this era of darkness was colonization which also saw Ghana playing a pivotal role in this “legal slavery” until March 1957 when it became the first Black nation south of the Sahara to declare independence from its colonial imperialists. Independence brought along so many things including “Ghana.” The country was previously referred to as Gold Coast.

In 1960, Ghana attained absolute sovereignty when it became a republic, ending a period of unwanted colonization and foreign dominance. The struggle for independence for Ghana had been spearheaded by the man described by many as African Man of the Millennium, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. This man was so passionate about Black liberation that he made it his life’s work and his famous line on Ghana’s Independence Day, “Our independence is meaningless unless it is linked up to the total liberation of the African continent,” was in furtherance to his disposition as a Pan-Africanist.

It is instructive to note that following that momentous speech, over 30 African nations broke free from colonial rule in the next decade. His charisma and strength of purpose towards a free and strong Black continent attracted the likes of Maya Angelou, George Padmore, and W.E. B. Dubois to Ghana with most of them staying for years to work to consolidate the independence that had been won.

With that, Ghana became the mecca for Blacks in the diaspora who love to embark on the pilgrimage to discovering their ancestral roots. Since then, the West African country has played host to several visitors of black descent both known and unknown with the first Black President of the US, Barack Obama coming into the country on his first visit to Africa after his inauguration in 2009.

In addition to this is the fact that Ghana was the first African country to commemorate Emancipation Day and together with the Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST) and other initiatives such as the Joseph Project, have given the opportunity for the Diaspora community worldwide to come home to become part of the global African Renaissance.

Fast forward to 2019, the Year of Return where Ghana has opened its doors even wider to receive the thousands who would want to be part of the celebrations. Again, why come to Ghana? Ghana continues to be the beacon of hope for Africa. With a current Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of nearly $50billion, the country has become an investment paradise attesting to its relatively conducive atmosphere for doing business. It is one of Africa’s fastest growing economy. Its capital city, Accra has become a melting pot of artistic and cultural excellence with an ever-growing skyline which gives it a more picturesque look by the day.

There is little or no argument to the fact that Ghana is the centre of the world being the closest landmark to the point at which the equator (0° latitude) and the prime meridian (0° longitude) intersect. This makes it pretty much accessible no matter which part of the world one is emigrating from. Ghana’s democratic credentials make it the envy of her peers in Africa. Having ushered itself into democratic dispensation since 1992, the country has had six peaceful general elections since that period.

Peace and security define the hallmark of Ghana as much as its legendary hospitality of the citizens. The peace is fuelled by the sense of community and camaraderie that exist among Ghanaians; visitors will find the people as some of the most gregarious in the world.

So welcome to Ghana where you will not just find our internationally acclaimed Jollof Rice, but Banku with grilled Tilapia, Waakye with its accompaniments, Tuo Zaafi and the almighty Fufu with Aponkye Nkrakra or Palm nut soup and the many varieties of soups not just satisfying, but also are sure to bedazzle your taste buds. As much as you might find pizza, burger or hot dogs anywhere you go across the country, roasted plantain with peanuts, buff loaf, and roasted maize are reliable tummy fillers anytime, anywhere. Asana and Sobolo will help drown these foods for easy digestion.

You will find in Ghana, like in every other nation on the planet, a country which is far from being perfect but in acknowledging this, citizens are making efforts at ensuring their comfort in their own way.

And that is why it is imperative that you take a trip to Kaneshie, Makola or Okaishie markets to get a better understanding of the entrepreneurial side of the average Ghanaian, and that is when you are in Accra. Kumasi, the second largest city and capital of the Ashanti Kingdom also has very large markets with many others across the country that are worth seeing. In the evenings, the mini versions of these markets can be seen as well, adding to the vivacity of the country’s nightlife especially within city centres and big towns.

Ghana has birthed some of the finest human resources in the world. Kofi Annan (Former UN Secretary-General), Abedi Pele, Azumah Nelson (Sports Icons), Komla Dumor ( Former BBC Broadcaster), Prof. Francis Allotey (Mathematician and Physicist), Prof. Kwabena Frimpong Boateng (Physician and cardiothoracic surgeon) Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu (Robotics Engineer at NASA) are a few of the many who have helped and continue to shape the world in their respective work disciplines. These are beside the many others around the world who trace their ancestry to the motherland. Boris Kodjoe, Oswald Boateng, Idris Elba, Jerome and Kevin-Prince Boateng, Abraham Attah, Bozoma Saint John are just a handful who are still giant strides in their fields of endeavour.

Nature’s best secret is kept here on this west coast of Africa. The flora and fauna, the large expanse of rainforest, the national parks, and botanical gardens are just a few of nature’s provisions which define the green in our national flag. Pristine beaches, waterfalls, lakes, and rivers (both and natural) will ensure that an adventure with water is made complete. Home to the friendliest crocodiles, a large variety of monkey species and birds, the country’s wildlife is one of the most diverse in the world.

On the arts scene, you hear in Ghana some of the best sounds in the world; so whether you are a jazz, R&B, Hip Hop fan or like to hear authentic African Highlife music, then you are welcome. Ghana has produced Music Greats such as the Osibisa Band, Kojo Antwi, Daddy Lumba, Amakye Dede, Rocky Dawuni with young acts such as Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Samini, Shatta Wale, Fuse ODG and many others flying high on the global music scene. A vibrant film industry also thrives in Ghana and has birthed Ghallywood and Kumawood; the respective English and local language speaking sub-industries.

A visit to the many art markets and centres in every part of the country gives visitors inkling into how creative the local people are. Here, all manner of artifacts can be seen, and the world acclaimed Kente fabric is a further testament to the sheer brilliance and creativity of the Ghanaian. With intricate patterns and a splurge of assorted colours, Kente gained much more notoriety when the Congressional Black Caucus of the US Congress wore it in protest during President Trump’s first State of the Union address.

Festivals are ostentatious part of the Ghanaian culture; there is practically a festival or two being celebrated at different parts of the country all throughout the year. Peak festival periods, however, are between, July and November where one can be witness to a rich and beautiful display of traditional dance, chiefs and queen mothers in their full regalia propped up in palanquins and an endless display of street activities. Like many other celebrations in Ghana, festivals are always elaborate and the pomp and pageantry that accompany them are a sight to behold.

Sweetening all this is the tall list of activities that have been planned to commemorate the Year of Return, so yes, there are many reasons why should be in Ghana in 2019.

And if for nothing at all, one thing is guaranteed, the warmth of the smiles of the friendliest people on earth that meet you right at the airport in Accra to Zabzugu in the north; who knows, it might give you a clue as to how happy our ancestors were living on their own land.

By: Samuel Obeng Appah, Content Editor – VoyagesAfriq Travel Magazine

Accra, Feb. 5, GNA – The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Tuesday launched the Heritage Paragliding Festival 2019 at Mpraeso, scheduled for April 19 – 22, on the Odweanoma Mountains at Kwehu-Atibea in the Eastern Region.

Mr. Akwesi Agyemang, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said the annual paragliding festival, initiated in 2005 as an aviation sport, was to coincide with the Easter festivities on the Kwahu mountains.

He said this year’s edition promised to be exciting with many activities alongside the paragliding such as live band music, games, food court, children play area, and lots of gifts to give to participants.

“Additionally, this year the site has been opened up with an open take-off point, and the road network is also been worked on in collaboration with the District Assemblies to attract more participants. The authority is also working with the Tourism Society of Ghana to get more students to participate.”

Mr Agyeman said it was their firm belief that once the road networks were improved, people would be encouraged to go up the mountain, saying they would provide the necessary atmosphere and ambiance for them to enjoy.

“We want people to come up the mountain not only for paragliding but to have a panoramic view of Kwehu, Nkawkaw and be able to enjoy themselves.”

He noted that this year’s paragliding would see 12 pilots from the United States of America, Japan, Romania, South Africa, and Japan, with two from Ghana, adding that an increase in their numbers would depend on the number of people who would register for the event.

He said the fare for flying is GHc 350.00 for single and GHc 600.00 for couples. Registration must be done online on the visitghana.com website, and mobile registration numbers which would open soon.

Mr. Agyemang commended the chief and elders of Mpraeso for their warm reception and assured them that the Authority would establish a tourist information centre in Kwehu, as a major tourist destination. 
Nana Ampadu Dadwiam II, Mpraesohene and Acting Benkumhene, welcomed the team to his palace and commended the initiators of the yearly event, which brings in so much economic gains to the people living in and around the area.

He said lots of people travelled far and near to the site to have fun and have the Easter experience and advised that the whole stretch be renovated to make the event successful.

He urged all who have plans of traveling to the area to comport themselves during the season to ensure discipline and called for effective collaboration between the GTA, the security agencies and the assemblies to ensure a successful celebration.
 Source:GNA

The 2019 edition of the festival is tied with the Year of Return, Ghana 2019 celebrations marking 400 years since the first enslaved African arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, USA. The year-long celebration is under the theme “Celebrating the African Resilience”. The Paragliding Festival is dubbed “Heritage Fun & Fly Paragliding“

About Ghana Paragliding Festival (Fun&Fly Paragliding)

Ghana Paragliding Festival was launched in 2005 to create an alternate product for the growing adventure tourism market in the country. It was spearheaded by the Minister of Tourism, Late Jake Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey with Walter Neser, a professional Pilot as lead Pilot. Test flight was conducted at. various places in Ghana until the Odweanoma Mountain in Kwahu was finally chosen as due to its wonderful take-off point it offered with the nearby Nkawkaw stadium serving as the landing ground.

The festival is held in Easter each year to coincide with the Easter celebrations of the Kwahu’s most of whom have a tradition of converging home from all walks of life to celebrate Easter each year. The festival has since been held annually but for a 2year hiatus (2008/2009)