Ghana’s *Countdown Africa* Sparks a New Year with Fireworks and Unity
Ghana welcomed the New Year with its first official fireworks celebration, broadcast live by the BBC. The event, named Countdown Africa, took place at Accra’s Black Star Square, placing the capital among global cities hosting major countdowns. Locals and the African diaspora praised the spectacle as a vibrant start to 2026.
The celebration blended tradition with modern spectacle. Traditional drumming, dance performances, and cultural displays filled the evening, drawing a diverse crowd. Organisers ensured the event reflected everyday Ghanaians, with Kwasi Sarpong highlighting its inclusive design.
Beyond entertainment, Countdown Africa aimed to boost Africa’s global presence. Akua Kufuor, CEO of AKvance and founder of the event, called it a strategic branding milestone. The show featured Ghanaian music, fashion, and storytelling, reaching international audiences. Partnerships helped shape the event’s success. Elliot Dadey, CEO of KGL Foundation, noted shared values with Countdown Africa. Distinguished guests, including UK singer Nay Nay and British High Commissioner Christopher Rogg, attended the festivities. Prince Anthony Bart Appiah, a Ghana Tourism Authority board member, framed the event as symbolic of Africa’s united progress. Andrea Osei-Smith described it as the best possible way to begin the year, capturing the collective optimism in the air.
The fireworks and performances marked a new tradition for Ghana. Broadcast globally, the event showcased the country’s culture while fostering a sense of shared hope. Organisers and attendees alike viewed it as a step toward greater visibility for African creativity and unity.
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