Gomoa Easter carnival will promote culture, boost economy — Dzifa Gomashie

The Gomoa Easter carnival should not be viewed merely as an entertainment event but as a strategic initiative to promote tourism and stimulate economic growth in the country, especially in the Central Region, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has said. 

She said that the carnival represented deliberate efforts to position Gomoa as a vibrant hub for culture and tourism in the country.

Ms Gomashie added that the initiative had the potential to attract visitors, create business opportunities and generate income for local communities.

She was speaking during the official launch of the event in Accra.

Event

The Gomoa Easter carnival, which is an initiative of the Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, is scheduled to take place from April 2 to 5, 2026, across some Gomoa communities in the Central Region.

The launch, which was on the theme: “Let’s meet at the centre,” brought together key stakeholders, including players in the creative industry, politicians, traditional leaders and members of the business community.

Also in attendance was the President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, who chaired the function; businessman, Richard Nii Armah Quaye; a broadcaster, Akumaa Mama Zimbi, and Visual Artist and Guinness World Record Holder, Sharon Dede Padi.

Identity

The minister also encouraged residents of Gomoa and the region to proudly display their authentic cultural identity, stressing that global audiences were looking for experiences that were uniquely Ghanaian rather than imitations.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we must not look at the Gomoa Easter carnival as just entertainment. It must be strongly acknowledged that this is a strategic positioning of the Central Region as the heart of national culture and tourism.

"I am optimistic that this new tourism brand for Gomoa is a welcoming avenue to boost the local economy. To the good people of Gomoa and the Central Region, I urge you to showcase your authentic selves," she said. 

Festival

Mr Obeng said there was the need to build a world-class cultural festival capable of attracting visitors from across Africa, Europe, the US, and the global diaspora.

He said the region had the natural and geographical advantages needed to become one of West Africa’s leading festival destinations.

"We are going to ensure  that in the next three years we drive thousands of people to Goma central. We need to build more hotels, we need restaurants, we need convention centers and we need the venues.

"As we officially launch the Gomoa Easter Carnival, let us commit to excellence, to unity, to investment, to opportunity and to transformation. Invest in Gomoa, visit Gomoa, believe in Gomoa. God bless Gomoa, God bless the Central Region and God bless Ghana. I say to you, come and let us all meet at the centre," the MP said.

Unity

For his part, Mr Dwumfour described the carnival as a transformative initiative that combined culture, tourism, investment and community development.

"The  Gomoa Easter carnival  represents not only  a celebration of culture, but also  a powerful platform for tourism, investment, creativity and community development.

"It is important to emphasise that this carnival is not for Gomoa Central alone. It is a celebration for the entire Gomoa area and indeed, for Ghana as a whole," he added.