Organizers of the Chale Wote Street Arts Festival have dismissed social media claims that the event’s vibrancy has waned since relocating from Jamestown to Independence Square, stressing that participation and value have instead grown.
Spokesperson Anny Osabutey told The High Street Journal in an exclusive interview. “We moved after a little over 10 years in Jamestown to our present location at Independence Square based on feedback that the old venue was choked. The move has been very positive for us.”
Critics online have argued that the festival has lost its “artistic edge” and become overly commercial, with food and non-art activities dominating. But organizers insist the shift has expanded access and enhanced safety, allowing families and new audiences to engage more freely.
“When we piloted at Independence Square, we had parents come with their children who said they’d never dared attend at Jamestown because it was too compact. Even the former IGP, Danpare, came with his kids. That tells you the space has broadened the festival’s reach.” Osabutey noted.
Osabutey emphasized that Chale Wote remains rooted in art, history, and culture, with themes curated annually to reflect Ghanaian and diaspora heritage.
“The essence of Chale Wote is to leverage the arts, to expose people to the artistic presence of Ghana and beyond. This year had more exhibitions, performances, and even discussions on indigenous knowledge than ever before,” he said.
On the question of identity, he rejected any notion of competing events. “We don’t have anything to do with Jamestown now. If there’s an art festival there, it is not Chale Wote. There is only one Chale Wote, pioneered by us.”
He added that Osu itself is rich with history, from the Osu Castle to centuries-old Danish and British structures.
“One of the unique things about Chale Wote is to expose people to history. Ghanaian history is not limited to Jamestown. Osu is a historical minefield.”
While acknowledging that opinions will differ, Osabutey insisted the festival continues to deliver value. “Vendors keep coming, patrons keep engaging, and the art keeps growing. That’s what matters to us.”
