By Francis Ntow/Prince Acquah
Cape Coast (C/R), Sept 5, GNA – The principal streets of Cape Coast came to a standstill on Friday night as thousands of revellers from near and far poured onto the streets for the Orange Friday carnival in a festive mood as a prelude for the 2026 Oguaa Fetu Afahye.
It was an atmosphere charged with pure euphoria and excitement as people – the elderly, youth and children, including foreigners all in orange attire and other paraphernalia sang along music from blasting giant sound systems and brass bands, dance, and snail pace parade of prime streets in Cape Coast.
The carnival, which began around 16:00 hours at Abura, took the animated merrymakers through Pedu Junction, Siwdu, Starlet 91 street, Kotokuraba, Kingsway and ended at the Victoria park around 22:00 hours.
More than just a floatÂ
More than just a street party, the carnival also showcased rich cultural displays, including a passionate re-enactment of the transatlantic slave trade, which reminded revellers of Cape Coast’s deep historical roots, evoking pride among indigenes and visitors alike.
The float, characterised by skating stunts, fanciful outfits and hairstyles was also filled with emotional reunions, where long-separated friends, schoolmates and family members reconnected, hugged, and celebrated the spirit of Fetu Afahye together.
For many revellers, Orange Friday is more than just a float as it provided a refreshing escape from stressful daily routines, offering a chance to unwind, exercise, and celebrate together freely.
Participants described dancing through the streets as therapeutic, saying it reinvigorated their bodies and minds, with the vibrant atmosphere, music, and unity leaving them energised, renewed, and ready for life again.
Mini Trade Fair at Adisadel School ParkÂ
Adding to the Orange Friday buzz, was a vibrant mini trade fair organised at the Adisadel School Park, drawing scores of revellers, families and visitors who thronged various stands to patronise locally-made products and souvenirs, with a playground for children.
The fair assembled exhibitors from across the Central Region and beyond, showcasing Made-in-Ghana products, including textiles, beadwork, local foods, herbal products, cosmetics and orange-themed souvenirs.
For many patrons, the park provided a calmer, family-friendly alternative to the nonstop parade on the principal streets, allowing them to shop, network and relax while still feeling the pulse of the celebration.
Orange Friday: A golden harvest for local businessesÂ
For many local businesses, Orange Friday is not just for celebration but a golden opportunity to cash in – fast food operators, local drink vendors, water sellers, and sellers of orange-themed T-shirts, caps and accessories took strategic positions along the carnival route, making brisk business as the crowd grew by the minute.
From sizzling kebabs and variants of rice and other dishes to chilled soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, vendors remarked that demand was overwhelming and that those who started trading early from morning, made significant sales.
The boom extends beyond food and drinks to transport operators, makeup artists, photographers and hotels, all of whom are benefiting from the influx of visitors into Cape Coast.
Motorcycle riders, popularly called Pragya, doubled short-trip fares from GHS2.50 to GHS5.00, as if it was a well-orchestrated decision to cash in on the huge Orange Friday teeming crowd amid heavy human and vehicular traffic.
For these small-scale entrepreneurs, the festival provides a much-needed seasonal economic boost, affirming Orange Friday as both a cultural and economic driver for the Central Region.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mrs Mary Opoku, a fashion designer said business had been good compared to last year, and sales have gone up this festive season.”
Mad Esther, a Hairdresser, while acknowledging the boom in business noted that customers who patronised her reduced this festive period compared to last year, attributing it to the influx of the same business in the neighbourhood.
Children advocate for protectionÂ
Amid the revelry, a powerful message of child protection echoed through the festivities as children who participated in an on-site radio discussion called for an end to all forms of abuse.
They said it was never acceptable for any child to be abused, encouraging parents and caretakers to protect, love, and respect children, while urging children to speak to a trusted adult for help should experience abuse, feels unsafe or uncomfortable.
They also called for greater inclusion and collaboration in child protection efforts, calling on parents, teachers, communities and everyone around children to work together to keep children safe.
The children made a passionate appeal to all revellers and stakeholders to become advocates, speak up, report abuse, and work collectively to create a Ghana where every child felt safe, respected, and valued, even during large celebrations like Orange Friday.
Talent show steals spotlight at Stanford BridgeÂ
At the popular Stanford Bridge area, a mini stage mounted for a talent show momentarily paused the flowing carnival and pulled a huge crowd of celebrants who cheered performers to create an electric atmosphere within the larger street party.
The area, known for its vibrant nightlife and strategic location along the carnival route, was transformed into an open-air theatre as young talents took turns to thrill revellers with energetic dance moves, rap battles, and singing performances.
For many who stopped by, the mini show was a refreshing break from the long walk and non-stop dancing, offering them entertainment and a chance to discover emerging local talents while still soaking in the true spirit of Orange Friday.
DVLA Drives Road Safety CampaignÂ
Taking advantage of the huge Orange Friday crowd, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) mounted a vigorous road safety campaign along the carnival corridor, sensitizing drivers and revellers, during and after the festivities.
Through one-on-one interactions, display of placards, stickers, and distribution of educational materials, officials actively educated the public on critical issues such as avoiding drunk-driving, speeding, wrongful overtaking, and the importance of wearing seatbelts and helmets.
Officials reminded revellers that while celebration and merry making were important, the preservation of life during and after the festive season must remain paramount and never be compromised.
The initiative was welcomed by many participants who said such education was timely, especially as festivities often recorded increased road crashes, urging DVLA to sustain the campaign throughout the Fetu Afahye celebrations to help reduce accidents.
The historic Oguaa Fetu Afahye Â
The Fetu Afahye is a centuries-old festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of Cape Coast in the Central region of Ghana to mark thanksgiving, cleansing and the renewal of communal bonds.
GNA
Edited by Kenneh Odeng Adade
Reporters: Francis Ntow/Prince Acquah