Westside Carnival 2021 solidifies Takoradi as Christmas destination in Africa

The highly anticipated 2-day packed Christmas event in Sekondi-Takoradi of the Western Region of Ghana did not fail to live up to its hype in 2021.

The Westside Carnival, an annual Christmas event held to showcase the masquerader’s culture in the twin city was massive and bigger this year as it dragged millions of viewership around the world both physically and virtually.

The event that has been organised for 18 years by Skyy Power 93.5FM and MTN Ghana saw 23 solid masquerade groups on December 25th, 2021, in a fashion parade, showcasing their uniqueness, tradition and culture and also made the world know about some of their social intervention projects and plans for the new year.

Also present at the event was the Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okeyere Darko-Mensah, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Mpohor, Mr Asaah Mensah, executives from the Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC) and MTN Ghana as well.

Masquerade groups also revealed their social intervention projects noting of scholarships they have secured for members and the less privilege in society, Technical Vocation and Educational Training (TVET) for members, including building of school blocks and donations to special schools and orphanages.

However, Takoradi has become the talk of world after they witnessed this year’s event with excitement full of culture, uniqness and tradition. Of course, they were other events being organised else where but anyone who was present at the Carnival can attest to the fact that the feeling, groove and excitement was something out of this world.

Since the Westside Carnival has become the main source of tourism in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, we cannot talk about the event without the business aspect of it. Hotels were fully booked, traders in the central business district of Takoradi also applauded the organisers of the event for boosting sales.

According to the traders, sales has been awful in the whole year which the demolishing of the Takoradi Market Circle for redeveloment purposes has also contributed to low patronage, they were grateful to the organisers for the event as it brought a source of hope to their businesses.

The second day is also highly anticipated as it is a music night featuring top artiste like Obaapa Christy, Koda and Takoradi born Kofi Kinaata.