By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Ada Foah, Sept. 13, GNA — The Tapioca Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has announced plans to reposition the 2026 Tapioca Festival as a broader cultural and tourism platform to promote Ada’s heritage, natural attractions, creativity and local economic opportunities.
The six-day festival, scheduled for December 22 to 27, 2026, at Ada-Foah, will bring together cultural performances, music, food, fashion, film, traditional games, water sports and tourism activities under the theme “Revival.”
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the organisers said the festival was being repositioned from an entertainment-focused event into a platform for cultural preservation, tourism promotion, creativity, business development and community participation.
They said the festival would encourage visitors to explore Ada beyond the event grounds by experiencing its beaches, waterways, communities, cuisine and cultural heritage.
The foundation said the festival’s economic vision was anchored on five areas – culture, creativity, innovation, commerce and destination development – with the aim of creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, creatives, tourism operators and young people.
It said increased visitor activity could benefit hotels, guest houses, restaurants, transport operators, tour providers, artisans, food vendors and other local businesses.
The programme will open with a community-led beach and shoreline clean-up campaign to promote environmental responsibility and encourage residents, volunteers and partners to help protect Ada’s natural assets.
A major cultural component will be the Veneration of Africa (V.O.A.), featuring traditional and contemporary African music, drumming, indigenous rhythms and performances celebrating African identity and heritage.
Other activities will include the Kenkey and Waakye Party, Tapioca Games, a football gala, a competitive card tournament, a Kids Fun Fair and an African Films Festival.
The film festival will feature screenings followed by discussions on culture, technology, enterprise and Africa’s future, while the Kids Fun Fair will combine entertainment with cultural and educational storytelling.
The Africa Regatta Exhibition and Kayak Experience will highlight Ada’s aquatic heritage, including canoe craftsmanship, fishing and water-based livelihoods.
The programme will also feature the Africa Jetski Championship, Fishermen Rave, Beach Party and Kakalika Night, with the festival expected to climax with a Grand Music Concert featuring established Ghanaian artistes, emerging African talent and a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.
The Foundation said the festival would also draw on Ghana’s “Black Star Experience” by bringing together traditional rhythms, cuisine, fashion, visual arts, cinema, storytelling and intellectual discussions.
It stated that the initiative was intended to create an experience that connected Ada’s heritage with contemporary African expression, while strengthening community participation and intergenerational engagement.
The organisers invited stakeholders to participate in the festival, stating that the 2026 edition was intended to contribute to Ada’s tourism economy and leave a lasting cultural and tourism footprint in the area and in Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu, GNA