By Rebecca Ampah
The African Festival officially opened on December 28, 2025, with a spectacular procession that moved from Osu through Oxford Street to the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), turning the city into a moving celebration of African identity, heritage and creativity.
The procession unfolded as a vivid visual narrative of the continent’s history and diversity. Men dressed in the style of Mansa Musa’s royal entourage led the parade, guiding a troupe of horses and camels as rhythmic African drums filled the air, evoking memories of Africa’s ancient wealth and global influence.
They were joined by performers clad in Maasai regalia, wearing the iconic shuka (blanket), which evolved from traditional animal skins into vibrant, chequered cotton cloths influenced by Scottish missionaries and traders during the colonial era.
Masquerades dressed in brightly coloured costumes added dramatic flair, while a brass band, under full police escort, guided the procession smoothly through the busy streets to the Conference Centre.
On arrival at the AICC, patrons were welcomed into an immersive cultural experience. One of the standout installations was the Den of History, a fireside storytelling space featuring narratives of Pan-African freedom fighters, alongside a maze chronicling the history and identity of every African country.
The AICC grounds came alive with African music, dance and artistic displays drawn from across the continent. Performances, drumming and spontaneous cultural expressions captured the spirit of Africa in motion and offered patrons multiple opportunities to engage with living traditions.
The Conference Centre itself was transformed into a rich cultural landscape. A replica of the Larabanga Mosque, built in the distinctive Sudanese architectural style, stood prominently on the grounds.
Beyond its visual appeal, the structure also served a functional purpose by providing a dedicated prayer space for Muslim patrons attending the festival. The original mosque, located in the village of Larabanga in Ghana’s Savannah Region, is the oldest mosque in the country and one of the oldest in West Africa, often referred to as the “Mecca of West Africa” due to its historical and spiritual significance.
Standing alongside it was a replica of Egypt’s Pyramid of Giza, the largest of the Egyptian pyramids and a lasting symbol of Africa’s ancient civilisation and architectural brilliance. These, together with other heritage installations, were artistically curated by renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, giving the venue a powerful and unified visual identity.
The festival also catered for families, with designated play areas for children, ensuring an inclusive and welcoming experience for patrons of all ages.
The theatrical highlight of Day One was the staging of Don Quijote, with performances at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm. Both shows attracted large audiences, filling the Conference Centre to capacity and underscoring strong public interest in theatre and African storytelling.
As night fell, the festival grounds remained lively with live band performances, African music, dance, food displays and indigenous Ghanaian drinks. Patrons lingered to take photographs, enjoy the ambience and fully immerse themselves in the celebration.
With a strong turnout, rich cultural expressions and a family-friendly atmosphere, Day One of the African Festival delivered a memorable opening and a powerful celebration of Africa’s past, present and creative future.
