Thousands Throng Takoradi For West Side Carnival

Thousands of people from all walks of life thronged the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis to witness the biggest annual street carnival in the area dubbed ‘the Westside Carnival’ or ‘Ankos Festival’.

The annual event, which positions the Western Region as one of the tourism destinations in the country, particularly during the Christmas festivities is usually held from December 24–26 every year.

In recent years, the event has attracted outsiders, primarily Africans in the diaspora.

The Masquerade Carnival is usually colorful and vibrant which also features various musical performances from across the country.

This year’s event brought together people from the region and abroad to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the Western Region.

One of the main highlights was the display of interesting costumes that filled the event with fun and humor and also the masquerade performances that entertained patrons who participated in the three-day event.

It also saw the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who has been a masquerade for many years, participating in his colorful masquerading attire.

The event started on December 24, 2023, with a float which continued on December 25. The Local Organizing Committee of next year’s African Games took part in the float to advertise the event.

It was followed by a music night which saw up-and-coming musicians in the metropolis showcasing their talents.

The climax of the event was on December 26 when various masquerade groups with their respective brass band paraded through the streets of Takoradi and later gathered on Liberation Road to compete in dancing and brass band music.