Manhyia South to host maiden Soloku Festival

Manhyia Soloku Festival  

Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South

Kumasi is set to come alive this Easter as the Manhyia South Constituency unveils the maiden Soloku Festival, a bold cultural initiative aimed at fostering community unity, empowering youth, and stimulating local economic development.

Scheduled for Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, at Abby’s Park, the festival is expected to attract over 10,000 attendees. At the heart of the celebration is a simple yet powerful slogan: “One People. One Vibe.”

Speaking at the festival’s launch, Lawyer Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, emphasised that Soloku Festival goes beyond entertainment, describing it as a strategic tool to transform the local economy.

“Soloku Festival is not just about music and celebration. It is about unity. It is about creating opportunities for our young people, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the bonds that hold our communities together,” he said.

The MP highlighted the festival’s economic potential, drawing parallels with the Kwahu Easter Festival, one of Ghana’s most successful seasonal events.

“We are building something that will bring real development to Manhyia South. Just as the Kwahu Easter Festival has transformed local businesses and tourism, Soloku Festival will revive economic activity, support traders, and create new opportunities for our people,” he added.

The festival will feature a mix of street jam sessions, cultural performances, and community competitions, including a Soloku Dance Competition, Cooking Competition, Tug of War, Table Tennis, and Card Games, designed to actively involve youth groups from across the constituency.

Beyond entertainment, the event is positioned as a driver of grassroots development, with anticipated benefits for small businesses, food vendors, artisans, and local creatives.

Young people have already shown strong enthusiasm for the initiative.

“This is exactly what we need as young people, something that brings us together in a positive way. Instead of staying idle, we now have a platform to showcase our talents and connect with others,” said Kwame Mensah, a youth leader.

Student Afia Serwaa added, “The competitions alone are exciting. We are already preparing as a group to participate. This festival is going to be big.”

Community members have also welcomed the festival as a timely intervention to strengthen unity and revive cultural traditions. “This initiative will bring the whole community together. It reminds us of the old days when people gathered, shared food, and celebrated as one,” said Madam Akosua Adjei, a trader.

With growing community support and increasing interest from partners and stakeholders, Soloku Festival 2026 is already being tipped as a potential game-changer for cultural tourism and local economic revitalisation in Kumasi.