The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Tuesday launched the Heritage Paragliding Festival 2019 at Mpraeso, scheduled for April 19 – 22, on the Odweanoma Mountains at Kwehu-Atibea in the Eastern Region.

Mr Akwesi Agyemang, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said the annual paragliding festival, initiated in 2005 as an aviation sport, was to coincide with the Easter festivities on the Kwehu mountains.

He said this year’s edition promised to be exciting with many activities alongside the paragliding such as live band music, games, food court, children play area, and lots of gifts to give to participants.

“Additionally, this year the site has been opened up with an open take-off point, and the road network is also been worked on in collaboration with the District Assemblies to attract more participants. The authority is also working with the Tourism Society of Ghana to get more students to participate.”

Mr Agyeman said it was their firm belief that once the road networks were improved, people would be encouraged to go up the mountain, saying they would provide the necessary atmosphere and ambiance for them to enjoy.

“We want people to come up the mountain not only for paragliding but to have a panoramic view of Kwehu, Nkawkaw and be able to enjoy themselves.”

He noted that this year’s paragliding would see 12 pilots from the United States of America, Japan, Romania, South Africa, and Japan, with two from Ghana, adding that an increase in their numbers would depend on the number of people who would register for the event.

He said the fare for flying is GHc 350.00 for single and GHc 600.00 for couples. Registration must be done online on the visitghana.com website, and mobile registration numbers which would open soon.

Mr Agyemang commended the chief and elders of Mpraeso for their warm reception and assured them that the Authority would establish a tourist information centre in Kwehu, as a major tourist destination.

Nana Ampadu Dadwiam II, Mpraesohene and Acting Benkumhene, welcomed the team to his palace and commended the initiators of the yearly event, which brings in so much economic gains to the people living in and around the area.

He said lots of people travelled far and near to the site to have fun and have the Easter experience and advised that the whole stretch be renovated to make the event successful.

He urged all who have plans of traveling to the area to comport themselves during the season to ensure discipline and called for effective collaboration between the GTA, the security agencies and the assemblies to ensure a successful celebration.