The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, headlined this year’s Vodza Easter Regatta, drawing hundreds of patrons, tourists, and community members to the vibrant coastal enclave of Vodza in the Volta Region.
The Vice President was accompanied by the Volta Regional Minister, Honourable Dzifa Gunu, and was warmly received on arrival by the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, alongside the Board Chair of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Gertrude Emefa Donkor, and other distinguished members of the GTA Board.
The Easter Regatta, a flagship cultural and recreational event on Ghana’s tourism calendar, once again showcased the rich maritime heritage of the people of Vodza, blending traditional canoe racing with music, dance, and community celebration.
This year’s edition, which coincided with the 5th anniversary of the Regatta, was further distinguished by the Ghana Tourism Authority’s partnership with the event for the first time—marking a significant step in efforts to elevate and position the Regatta as a nationally recognized tourism asset.
In her address to the gathering, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the strategic role of tourism in national development and community empowerment. She commended stakeholders for sustaining the Regatta over the years, noting its impact on local livelihoods and cultural preservation.
“Events such as the Vodza Easter Regatta are not just celebrations of our culture; they are powerful engines of economic opportunity.
VEEP, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang
They bring our communities to life, create jobs, and remind us of the richness of our heritage. We must continue to invest in and promote these experiences as part of Ghana’s broader tourism growth agenda.”
She further reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting tourism initiatives that drive inclusive growth, particularly in coastal and rural communities.
The Honourable Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, in welcoming the Vice President, highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority to deepen community-based tourism and leverage strategic partnerships—such as this year’s support for the Vodza Regatta—to position local events as globally competitive attractions.
Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Minister, Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts
Board Chair of the GTA, Gertrude Emefa Donkor, also underscored the Authority’s commitment to innovation, partnerships, and sustained investment in events that celebrate Ghana’s diverse cultural expressions.
The 2026 Vodza Easter Regatta forms part of GTA’s broader efforts to expand its footprint across community-led festivals and initiatives, aligning with national priorities to boost domestic tourism and enhance Ghana’s appeal as a year-round destination.
As the canoes sliced through the Volta waters amid cheers and celebration, one thing was clear: the Vodza Easter Regatta is no longer just a local festivity—it is fast becoming a national spectacle with global potential.
By 1960news.com
