The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), in partnership with the Vodza Event Initiative (VEI) Board, has officially launched the Vodza Easter Regatta 2026 at a colourful ceremony held at Vodza, near Keta in the Volta Region.
The launch took place at the main site designated to host this year’s regatta activities, scheduled to be held from 3rd to 6th April 2026 as part of the nationwide Easter festivities.
This year marks the 5th edition of the Vodza Regatta, an event that has steadily grown into one of the key cultural and tourism attractions in the Volta enclave.
The Ghana Tourism Authority’s strategic partnership with the organisers forms part of efforts to boost domestic tourism and encourage Ghanaians to actively participate in heritage, culture, and adventure experiences during the Easter season.
The Vodza Easter Regatta is one of the three major events captured under GTA’s coordinated Easter Celebration Calendar, which is being promoted under the Black Star Experience initiative to drive domestic travel across the country.
The other key events include the Gomoa Easter Festival in the Central Region and the world-famous Kwahu Easter Paragliding Festival in the Kwahu, all positioned to offer diverse tourism experiences spanning culture, adventure, and community celebration.
The ceremony was moderated by Venunye Winifred Amegago, who served as Master of Ceremonies, while the opening prayer was said by Rev. Father Eric Kwashie.
In her remarks on the reason for the gathering, the Board Chair of the VEI, Mrs. Bridget Katsriku, underscored the significance of the partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority, noting that GTA’s involvement gives the regatta a stronger national appeal and enhances its potential to attract visitors from across the country and beyond.
She explained that the collaboration will not only elevate the standard of the event but also create opportunities for local economic growth, youth participation, and cultural promotion within the Vodza and Keta communities.
According to her, the continued support of GTA demonstrates government’s commitment to developing community-based tourism products that contribute meaningfully to national development.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Maame Efua Houadjeto, the Deputy CEO in charge of General Services, Mr. Ben Anane Nsiah, described the partnership as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening domestic tourism during the Easter festivities.
He noted that the Authority is leveraging the Black Star Experience to connect major cultural, adventure, and community-driven events across the country in order to encourage Ghanaians to travel, explore, and support local tourism destinations. He added that partnering the Vodza Regatta, alongside events in Gomoa and Kwahu, reflects GTA’s deliberate effort to ensure that every region benefits from the economic and social impact of tourism.
Also speaking at the ceremony, FCPO Abotsi, who represented the Commander of NAVTRAC, highlighted the importance of the partnership in ensuring the successful organisation of the regatta, particularly with regard to safety on the water.
He reaffirmed the Navy’s strong commitment and operational readiness to support the event, assuring patrons and participants of maximum security before, during, and after the regatta activities.
There were also short solidarity messages from competing teams, including Redemma and Godsway, who expressed appreciation to the organisers and the Ghana Tourism Authority for sustaining the regatta over the years, noting that the event continues to promote unity, sportsmanship, and tourism development within the coastal communities.
In his closing remarks, the Municipal Chief Executive for the Keta Municipality, Hon. Wisdom Seade, commended the organisers and the Ghana Tourism Authority for bringing national attention to the area through the regatta.
He noted that such partnerships are critical to the local economy, as they create opportunities for businesses, fishermen, youth groups, and hospitality operators. He further pledged that the Assembly will work closely with stakeholders to extend the Regatta to Keta in subsequent editions, in order to broaden participation, expand tourism activities within the municipality, and maximise the economic benefits for the people of the area. He assured the organisers of the Assembly’s continued support to ensure a successful and memorable Vodza Easter Regatta 2026.
The Vodza Easter Regatta continues to gain prominence as a unique coastal tourism attraction, and GTA’s partnership is expected to further position the event as a key fixture on Ghana’s national tourism calendar while advancing the broader goal of promoting domestic tourism under the Black Star Experience.
