A display by seven paragliding pilots, made up of one Ghanaian and six foreigners, marked the official opening of the 2025 Kwahu paragliding festival on Friday.

They displayed their flying skills in the air overlooking Kwahu Atibie and Nkawkaw in the Mpraeso Municipality in the Eastern Region.

The pilots are Ed Stein, Chuck Smith, Blake Pelton from the United States of America (USA), Iamina IIea from Romania, Hagen Muhlich from Germany, Eduardo Reategui from Peru and Jonathan Quaye from Ghana.

They took off successfully from the Odweanoma Mountainand encircled the Kwahu area before landing at the Nkawkaw Sports Stadium to signify the start of the 4-day event, Friday to Monday.

After completing his inaugural flight, one of the pilots, Chuck Smith, told Graphic Online that he was optimistic about favourable weather conditions to pave the way for many flights.

"The forecast today has no rain but that can change because no forecast is 100 per cent. So far so good, we have had smooth flights since we started this morning.

"We have a top notch team, professionals made up of a Ghanaian and other foreign nationals," he said.

He added that the team was ready to train more Ghanaians as pilots as part of efforts to boost the tourism industry in the country.

2:30 pm rain disrupts paragliding festival

A downpour, which started around 2:30pm after the morning's smooth take offs however temporarily disrupted the flights.

The rain compelled many revellers to take shelter, but by 3:45 pm, it had stopped. 

Official opening addresses

Speaking earlier at the official opening of this year's paragliding festival on Friday (April 18), the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in a speech read on her behalf by his Deputy, Yussif Issaka Jajah said over the years, the festival has grown to become one of Ghana’s flagship tourism events, attracting thousands of adventure enthusiasts, families and tourists from all walks of life.

She said the event showcases not only the thrill of flight but also the beauty, warmth, and hospitality that Ghana was renowned for. 

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey who was enthused about the paragliding festival stated that the region is blessed with vast natural resources, rich culture and a welcoming people.

She indicated that it was therefore the collective responsibility and duty to harness such natural resources to strengthen the sole advancement of communities in the country.

Mrs Awatey said the paragliding festival highlights the tremendous potential of tourism in driving economic growth,  creating jobs and promoting the culture heritage of the people.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, said the GTA was committed to make Ghana the leading tourist destination in West Africa, and the paragliding festival plays a big role in achieving that goal.