By Mildred Siabi-Mensah
Takoradi, Dec. 27, GNA – Thanks to the GPHA, on Friday December 26, I decided to pass by the cold room near the Sekondi taxi station to pick a gift.
The spectacle of the remnant of the first day, December 25, Ankos fiesta and eavesdropping on a number of chats about the first day of the WestSide Carnival caught not only my attention but interest as well.
The Westside Carnival, also known as the Fancy Dress or Ankos Carnival, is an annual street festival in Takoradi, Western Region of Ghana, typically held on December 25-26 as a highlight of Christmas celebrations.
It draws over 250,000 attendees, featuring masquerade groups, brass bands, dance competitions, and vibrant processions that showcased local culture.
The event saw families and individuals from far and near zealous to witness the glit and glamour by the indigenous Ankos group and emerging ones.
This multi-day extravaganza evolved from post-colonial street festivals and traditional Western Ghanaian masquerade customs.
Many masquerade groups, old, young and small, paraded through Takoradi’s Central Business District with colourful costumes, masks, highlife music, and performances, and competitions with visitors enjoying street food like grilled tilapia and local drinks, wakye party with events open to all regardless of background.
Rosalind Gyan, a model and MC, told me how fascinated she was about the festival albeit traffic disturbances.
“Yesterday, I had to walk a long distance after my emceeing to catch the ride that was picking…no bolt,, and the ones available came with high charges.”
Bonding
The much anticipated carnival has always and to a large extent fostered unity by attracting diverse ethnic groups such as Wassa, Ahanta, Nzema, and Sefwi, alongside international visitors, promoting peace and harmony during festivities.
The Westside Carnival transformed the streets into a non-stop fiesta of joy, unity, and unforgettable memories.
Participants emphasised family reunions and social bonds, with masquerades like those from Yankee and Cosmos groups, highlighting its role in bringing people together across races, ages, and beliefs.
Meanwhile, the support of the Ghana Tourism Authority and STMA as a key attraction, boosting regional hospitality and cultural exchanges
Showmanship
The Masquerades displayed elaborate, story-telling costumes, representing cultural, historical, or spiritual themes, accompanied by energetic dances, drums, and brass bands thrilling crowds with acrobatic feats, samba processions, and competitions judged on creativity and vigour, turning the streets into a dynamic stage.
Religious Dimensions
The City blended Christian traditions: church services, carols, with indigenous masquerades, creating a celebration of faith and custom.
Open to all faiths, it transcended religion, emphasizing inclusivity without conflict.
Revellers Joy
Revellers exhibit high energy, dancing freely, joining bands spontaneously, and embracing inclusivity, with locals warmly welcoming foreigners building excitement through street partying, photo-sharing, and non-stop participation.
Areas for Improvement
It’s high time planners and organisers of the event looked for a dedicated venue and stop blocking streets and roads, inhibiting other users of the road.
Places, like Gyandu, Essipon stadium and Jubilee park, sports club among others must be considered for the annual event.
This would not only ease the burden on the road and the pain fun lovers had to endure due to traffic, but would also offer proper security protection to revellers.
There can also be ticketing for venues, better signage, and eco-friendly practices to sustain growth of this important festival in the annals of history.
The best is always from the west, cheers.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/Christian Akorlie