AfroBeach Festival Opens to Highlight African Culture and Environmental Sustainability
The maiden edition of the AfroBeach Festival has commenced at the Laboma Beach Resort in Accra, offering a vibrant platform to celebrate African heritage and promote environmental sustainability.
The five-day event, organised by LMB Afrobeach Festival Ltd., runs from 27 December 2024 to 1 January 2025 and aims to highlight Africa’s cultural richness through captivating performances, exhibitions, and traditional displays.
At the opening, Chief Executive Officer of LMB Afrobeach Festival Ltd., Dr Albert Tetteh Botchway, emphasised the unique experience AfroBeach brings. “This event is not centred on artistes but on the authentic experience of African culture,” he said. “AfroBeach is not just about music and dance; it’s also about the food we eat and the traditional activities from across Ghana’s 16 regions. Some of the cultures we see on television are overly foreign, but AfroBeach is purely local.”
The ceremony began with a symbolic libation on the beach to honour the gods of the land. Dr Botchway noted that this traditional practice had not been performed at the beach in over a decade.
“Ten years ago, we sought blessings from the gods, and they have supported us greatly since then. Today, we poured libation and made offerings to reaffirm our gratitude and commitment,” he added.
Chairman of Laboma Beach Resort, Daniel Nii Okpoti, assured attendees that stringent security measures are in place for the duration of the AfroBeach Festival. Stating that the organisers are collaborating with both public and private security agencies to ensure the safety of all participants.
He highlighted the family-friendly nature of the venue, noting that there are numerous activities designed specifically for children.
Mr Okpoti encouraged greater participation and patronage, emphasising that the festival promises a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone.
One of the festival organisers, Daniel Dadzie Amoah described the event as an opportunity to showcase African values through a beach-centric lens.
“AfroBeach offers a mix of activities, including robotics demonstrations, horse riding competitions, fireworks, carnival festivities, and much more,” he explained.
He invited the public to experience the vibrancy of Ghanaian cultural heritage at Laboma Beach Resort. Adding that “This festival is a celebration of who we are as Africans, and we encourage everyone to come and immerse themselves in this unique atmosphere.”
“The AfroBeach Festival not only celebrates African traditions but also underscores the importance of environmental sustainability, serving as a call to protect both cultural and natural heritage,” he added.
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
