This is the first time such a firework has been featured on the BBC
Ghana has etched its name into global history with Countdown Africa, becoming the first African nation to host an official New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration broadcast live on the BBC.
From the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, the celebration ushered Africa into the global countdown at midnight, placing the continent firmly alongside world capitals such as London, Sydney, and New York.
As the clock struck twelve, millions of viewers across the world watched Ghana’s skies ignite in bold national colors, accompanied by thunderous traditional drumming, vibrant dance performances, and a powerful display of cultural pride.
The live broadcast transformed midnight into a moment of unity, hope, and representation connecting Ghana’s rich heritage to a global audience in a single, breathtaking spectacle.
The event drew a distinguished international audience, underscoring its global relevance.
Notable attendees included AJ Akua Johnson from the United States, UK singer Nay Nay, and Christopher Rogg, the British High Commissioner to Ghana. Their presence highlighted Ghana’s growing influence as a cultural and creative hub on the world stage.
Akua Kufuor, CEO of AKvance and founder and visionary behind Countdown Africa, described the celebration as a strategic global branding milestone for the continent.
“This is about positioning Africa on a platform where we are often underrepresented during global New Year’s Eve celebrations,” she said. “Countdown Africa creates an opportunity for private-sector partnerships to drive visibility, investment, and economic growth” she noted.
Echoing this sentiment, Prince Anthony Bart Appiah, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Ghana Tourism Authority, emphasized the deeper symbolism of the event.
He added that “Countdown Africa is more than a New Year’s Eve celebration,” he noted. “It is Africa counting forward together at Black Star Square the birthplace of freedom proving that Ghana can unite the continent in one moment, one voice, and one future.”
The celebration also resonated deeply with both locals and the African diaspora. Andrea Osei-Smith, a London-based diaspora member, shared that celebrating New Year’s Eve in Ghana brought family and friends together from around the world, calling it “the best possible way to begin the year.”
For residents like Kwasi Sarpong, the inclusivity of the event stood out, noting that Countdown Africa was designed to reflect and welcome everyday Ghanaians while offering something for everyone.
Partnerships played a key role in the event’s success. Elliot Dadey, Director of the KGL Foundation, highlighted the alignment of values between Countdown Africa and its partners, citing shared goals around community impact, cultural development, and strengthening Africa’s creative economy.
Beyond the fireworks and fanfare, Countdown Africa delivered a lasting impact: increased global visibility for African storytelling, a vibrant showcase of Ghanaian music, fashion, and dance, and a collective sense of optimism as the continent stepped confidently into the new year.
About Countdown Africa
Countdown Africa is an experiencial country branding platform honoring culture, and unity of the host country while presenting Africa to the world through a global broadcast lens. Through partnerships with local and international brands and media platforms, the event serves as a sparkling tribute to Ghana’s heritage and its forward-looking role as the Gateway to Africa.
Government partners were Ghana Tourism Authority, Diaspora Office of the Presidency, Ghana High Commission, British High Commission.
