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Ghana Party In The Park set to mark 20th anniversary with unforgettable celebration
Lovers of quality entertainment across Europe have every reason to be excited this summer, as Ghana Party in the Park (GPITP), one of the biggest African outdoor events in Europe marks its 20th anniversary with a grand celebration in London.
Organized by international Ghanaian marketing and communications company Akwaaba UK, this year’s edition is set for Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Barnet Playing Fields, Barnet Lane, EN5 2DW, from 12 noon to 8pm.
Held under the theme “20 Years of Reshaping Ghana’s Narrative; the Next Chapter,” the 2025 edition promises to be the most exciting yet. CEO of Akwaaba UK, Mr. Denis Tawiah, expressed his excitement:
“We’re coming back with a bang this year, and I can assure all stakeholders, including patrons of an unexpected experience this summer. This year’s event will be bigger and better than any of the last nineteen editions, with several exciting add-ons,” the added.
In celebration of the 20th milestone, Kweku Smoke will headline the event, with King Promise taking on the role of Creative Director, bringing fresh vision and vibrancy to the show.
Joining them on stage are some of the most exciting voices and performers in Ghanaian music today, including DopeNation, MOLIY, Beeztrap KOTM, Cina Soul, Fuse ODG, AratheJay, and the energetic DWP Academy.
Among the new attractions is Expo Ghana, a business expo aimed at fostering trade and cultural exchange between Ghana, the African diaspora, and Europe. Additional media and stakeholder activations are also planned in the lead-up to the main event.
Mr. Tawiah also extends an open invitation to Corporate Ghana, African-owned businesses looking to expand into the diaspora, and Europe-based companies with a focus on Africa, urging them to take advantage of the unique commercial and cultural opportunities this celebration presents:
“We’re excited to engage with all businesses in ways that drive mutual growth and visibility,” the organisers added.
In addition to live music, this year’s event will feature a fashion show, food fair, gaming zone, and business exhibition, providing a rich and immersive experience that highlights African heritage while entertaining patrons of all ages.
The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Finance Committee and the member of parliament for Bolgatanga Central constituency, Isaac Adongo, has defended the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama, describing him as the right person to manage the country’s central bank.
According to Mr. Adongo, Ghana would have faced a difficult situation if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) had not won the 2024 elections and Dr. Asiama had not been appointed governor.
Speaking in an interview with Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Online Editor for ghanaiantimes.com.gh, Mr.Adongo said the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, only wanted to remain relevant within their party.
“Well, the NPP and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah have a job to do. They want to remain relevant in their party. I don’t begrudge them,” he said.
Mr. Adongo praised President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Dr. Asiama as Governor of the Central Bank after returning to power.
He explained that the President carefully assessed the country’s economic challenges while in opposition and chose Dr. Asiama as the best person for the role.
According to him, the governor has so far shown strong leadership at the central bank.
“I’m not saying this because I work closely with him, but sitting on the board with him, his leadership is on par,” he stated.
The lawmaker further noted that the governor understands the concerns of Ghanaians, especially regarding the rising cost of living and economic pressures.
He said government had already done the “heavy lifting” in stabilizing the economy and would now reassess some of its policies to reduce pressure on public finances.
Mr. Adongo expressed optimism that the country would not witness the same level of government expenditure from 2026 onwards.
“We’ll go back to the drawing board and consider the fiscal implications of some of the actions we have taken. I believe that from 2026, we will not see the same magnitude of expenditures,” he added.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has clarified that it did not approve or endorse the recent Karnival Kingdom Festival held in Accra.
In a statement issued on May 7, 2026, the ministry said it did not receive any proposal, request for approval or official communication concerning the organisation of the event.
According to the ministry, it was also unaware of the processes through which the festival was allegedly approved to take place in Ghana.
“The Ministry wishes to state unequivocally that it neither endorsed, sanctioned nor authorised the staging of the event,” the statement said.
The clarification follows public criticism and discussions on social media over activities associated with the festival, including the circulation of what many described as culturally unacceptable content.
The ministry acknowledged concerns raised by sections of the public and various stakeholders regarding the conduct and nature of the event.
It explained that as the supervisory institution for the tourism, culture and creative arts sector, it expects all organisers of public festivals and entertainment events to follow established regulatory procedures and engage the relevant state institutions before holding such activities.
The ministry therefore urged organisers of tourism, cultural, entertainment and recreational events to obtain the necessary approvals before staging programmes in the country.
According to the statement, the ministry remains committed to promoting tourism and cultural activities that respect Ghana’s laws, values and cultural identity.
It added that the country’s reputation as a safe and culturally respectful destination must be protected at all times.
By: Jacob Aggrey
