Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Ghanaian culture and community engagement by taking on major sponsorship responsibilities for the 2026 Ashanti Festival, officially launched in Kumasi.
Speaking at the launch, the Senior Manager for General Affairs (Northern Sector), Simon Amo, disclosed that MTN Ghana has partnered the Ashanti Regional leadership to support the festival, particularly in delivering a memorable concert and other key activities aimed at celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage.
According to him, MTN Ghana’s involvement in the initiative dates back to 2025 when the idea of the festival and its associated concert was first introduced. Since then, the company has remained committed to the vision and has now taken a leading role in the official rollout of the 2026 edition.
“We are here with the Regional Minister with the idea of a concert, and as a company, we decided to latch onto it. We began participating in this initiative last year, and today we are proud to be part of the official launch of the 2026 version,” he stated.
Mr. Amo revealed that MTN Ghana has fully sponsored the launch event, including providing lunch for invited guests, as part of its broader support package. He further indicated that the company will take full responsibility for organizing and funding a major concert expected to be one of the highlights of the festival.
Importantly, he noted that MTN Ghana will absorb all ticket-related costs for the concert, a move intended to make the event accessible to a wider audience and encourage mass participation.
Beyond entertainment, MTN Ghana is also investing in sports development through the festival by sponsoring a football gala. The company will cover all associated costs, including the venue, jerseys, trophies, refreshments for players, and prizes.
Mr. Amo emphasized that MTN Ghana’s support does not end with these outlined commitments. He assured that the company remains open to further collaboration with the Ashanti Regional authorities should the need arise.
“We will not end it here. As we remain involved in the programme, if the Regional Minister finds it necessary to engage us in other areas of collaboration, we are ready to support,” he added.
Highlighting the rationale behind MTN Ghana’s involvement, Mr. Amo stressed the critical role culture plays in societal development and identity.
“The relevance of culture in any community is very important. Culture carries everything we do. As an African company, we identify strongly with the culture of Ghana. It is through culture that communication is passed from one community to another in its purest form,” he explained.
He noted that the company’s decision to support the Ashanti Festival aligns with its corporate values and its commitment to fostering unity, cultural pride, and national development.
Mr. Amo also used the platform to call on residents, stakeholders, and the general public to actively participate in the festival activities, which are expected to span several weeks.
He encouraged media practitioners, bloggers, and content creators to amplify the festival to a broader audience, both locally and internationally, to position the Ashanti Region as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination.
“Let us all be enthusiastic about what has been launched today. A lot of activities have been lined up for the rest of the month. This is the time for everyone to be part of it. Through our collective efforts, we can project the region to the world and attract more visitors,” he urged.
The 2026 Ashanti Festival is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing the traditions, arts, and identity of the Ashanti people, while also driving economic activity and strengthening community cohesion across the region.
