On Good Friday, the road out of Accra towards Nkawkaw is jammed. Cars, buses and trotros crawl towards the Kwahu hills, where towns such as Mpraeso, Obomeng, Abetifi and Atibie host a weekend of church services, reunions, parties and paragliding. Kwahu Easter has become one of Ghana’s most popular holiday traditions.
The Kwahu and homecoming
The Kwahu people live on the Kwahu Plateau in the Eastern Region. Many are known as traders and business owners who have built successful businesses in Accra, Kumasi and abroad. Easter has long been a time when Kwahu people return to their hometowns. They visit family, attend church, check on property and celebrate together. In recent decades, people from all over Ghana and the diaspora have joined in. Kwahu Easter now attracts tourists, young people and celebrities looking for a festive weekend.
Paragliding, church and parties
The Kwahu paragliding festival, launched in 2005, is held over the Easter weekend at Atibie. Visitors can fly tandem with experienced pilots, launching from the hills and landing in the valley below. It has become one of the weekend’s main attractions. Easter services remain central. Churches are packed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Nightlife fills the towns, with street parties, concerts and events organised by brands and promoters. Some events go on until morning.
Hiking, rooms, traffic and business
The hills offer hiking trails and views. Some visitors climb nearby peaks or visit the Bruku Rock and other sites. Hotels and guest houses fill up months ahead. Many visitors stay with family or rent rooms in private homes. The Accra-Kumasi highway and roads up the plateau are heavily congested. Start early and be patient.
Police increase their presence over the weekend. Visitors are advised to avoid drunk driving and take care on the winding hill roads. For local traders, hoteliers and food sellers, the Easter weekend is the busiest of the year.
Food and planning a trip
Markets in Mpraeso, Nkawkaw and other towns are busy over the weekend, and food sellers do brisk business. Many visitors bring back plantain, yam and other produce from the hills. Book transport and accommodation early, carry cash in case card machines fail and plan to arrive before Good Friday traffic peaks. Kwahu Easter began as a homecoming for traders. It has become a festival for anyone who wants to spend the holiday on a hill, with a view, a church service and a party all within walking distance.
