From the 4th to the 6th of July, 2025, the Sunyani East Constituency witnessed a refreshing wave of vibrancy, cohesion, and civic engagement with the maiden edition of the Sunyani Unity Festival, a bold initiative spearheaded by the Member of Parliament, Hon. Seid Mubarak.
Over a span of three days, the event brought together community members, youth, policymakers, entertainers, and traditional leaders under one banner: Unity, Development, and Purpose.
For a first-time event, the Sunyani Unity Festival ticked several key boxes that qualify it as a full-fledged festival. A festival is not merely a gathering of people, but a structured series of programs that drive communal energy, entertain, educate, and inspire. The Unity Festival delivered on these fronts with a well-thought-out agenda.
From the Peace, Development, and Education Forum was a serious and timely conversation that brought thought leaders and community voices together to discuss cohesion and socio-economic development.
To the Inter-community Football Gala and Table Tennis Tournament which promoted sportsmanship, unity, and healthy competition among the youth and communities and also provided platforms for lesser-highlighted sports talents.
The Artist Night (A write-up on that is following) through to the last event.
There is no doubt that the influx of visitors, vendors, artists, and media into Sunyani East during the three-day festival stimulated the local economy.
Hospitality and food vendors, taxi drivers, artisans, decorators, sound technicians, and event support staff found temporary employment.
For a community like Sunyani, this economic stimulation although short-term, introduces a blueprint for how social and cultural events can drive local economies when properly harnessed.
While the impact was largely positive, some critics have raised valid concerns particularly around the cost of hosting A-list artists like King Paluta and Fameye. Could that money have been used for more tangible, long-term community projects like library upgrades or SME support?
Yes, perhaps. But here’s the nuanced view: The success of community development doesn’t rest solely on brick and mortar. Social capital, inspiration, and unity are equally important. What the Unity Festival has done is build soft power and social momentum, and that, if sustained annually, can open bigger doors, attract sponsors, and create a lasting legacy.
For a first-time initiative, Hon. Seid Mubarak must be commended. The courage to conceptualize and execute a multi-day festival of this magnitude in a politically diverse and economically tight environment is no small feat. Yes, there were flaws as there will always be with new beginnings, but the vision, intent, and execution prove that the MP is thinking not only about infrastructure, but the spirit of the people.
The maiden Sunyani Unity Festival was more than an event, it was a statement of intent. With the right institutional support, feedback mechanisms, and gradual scaling, it can evolve into one of the most impactful constituency-level festivals in Ghana.
The challenge now lies in building on this momentum: finding a balance between entertainment and sustainability, ensuring broader inclusion, and refining logistics. But for now, Sunyani East has taken a bold and beautiful step forward.
Bravo, Hon. Seid Mubarak. The people have heard. The people have seen. And most importantly, the people have felt it.
