Tourism is widely regarded as a key sector that drives revenue, supports national development, and enhances a country’s global visibility. One of the most effective ways to attract tourists is through a festival.

The success of any festival often depends not only on promotion but also on its uniqueness, through its name, identity, or signature activities.

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Recently, Soloku, a local term describing a style of dance characterised by spontaneous and energetic movements, has been gaining attention across media platforms.

This rising interest is linked to the maiden edition of the Soloku Festival in the Manhyia South Constituency, spearheaded by its Member of Parliament, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.

Although the name may seem unconventional to some, the lawmaker explained the reasoning behind the choice.

Speaking exclusively with GhanaWeb on March 26, 2026, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah said the term was deliberately chosen to promote the event and enhance its visibility.

“The choice of the name Soloku was inspired by the need to drive traffic. Naturally, it generates curiosity, and once curiosity is piqued, people are likely to come,” he explained.

“It's going to generate curiosity because it is a natural and common thread running through the suburbs of Greater Kumasi. Almost every suburb of Greater Kumasi engages with or enjoys Soloku music. So, you are likely to have people there,” he added.

On attendance, the MP projected a high turnout, estimating around 5,000 participants.

“So, if you are able to raise about 300 people from each suburb, that’s about 3,300, and we are looking at around 3,500 to 5,000 participants. That would help in the takeoff of the festival,” he said.

Regarding planned activities, the MP revealed the festival would feature cooking competitions, emphasising that these will highlight long-forgotten traditional dishes, helping people reconnect with their cultural heritage.

“When you get there, you’ll find activities beyond the Soloku dance. We’ve already publicized the cooking competition, which will involve preparing ancient dishes like apapransa and piiwa, among others,” he said.

“Then you also have tug-of-war and other activities that will generate public interest. The decision to settle on the name Soloku is for marketing purposes, to spark curiosity and draw public attention from the region,” he concluded.

The festival will also include drafting contests, traditional games, and a street procession led by the Soloku band through neighbouring constituencies to raise awareness and encourage participation.

Manhyia South Constituency gears up for ‘Soloku’ Festival

Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah expressed confidence that the Soloku Festival, scheduled for Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, under the theme of unity and shared identity, will catalyze economic growth and community pride in Manhyia South.

He added that the festival is expected to attract tourists, revive abandoned hotels, and create new income opportunities for residents.

Watch his interview with GhanaWeb below:



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