Festivals of Ghana


This is a large, but incomplete, list of festivals, holidays and celebrations held in Ghana during the year. Many of the dates are not set by the chieftancy until very close to the festival date, so it is best to try to confirm the exact date of any festival you are planning to attend. Some precise dates can be seen on our Calendar. Or join a Festival Tour.

January

Region Location Festival Date Description
Throughout Ghana Throughout Ghana New Year Eve and Day 31 December through 02 January New Year is a time of great merry-making. Things slow to a crawl, or even shut down completely during this time.
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2024: 07 Jan Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Central Region Winneba Masquerading 01 January Elaborate costumes unlike any other festival in Ghana. Brass bands and huge crowds. Dance competition at the Advanced Teacher Training College Park.
Central Region Elmina Edina Bronya First Thursday of January Celebrate friendship between the Dutch and people of Elmina. Elaborate fish-catching rituals, firing of musketry. Drumming, dancing, singing. Sheep are sacrificed in front of Elmina castle.
Northern and Upper East Regions Tamale, Walewale, Bolgatanga, throughout the area Begum Junuary, per lunar calendar Fire festival.
Northern and Upper East Regions Balungu, Wiakongo and Pwalugu in the Tongo area Tingana (or Tengana) Throughout January Thanksgiving offering of sacrifices, traditional music, dancing and celebration among the Telensis tribe.
Northern and Upper East Regions Various villages in Paga, Navrongo, Chiana and Kayoro areas Fao continues Ongoing between November and February, but mostly in January. Thanksgiving harvest festivals. Stalks of millet are displayed as a sign of sacrifice and thanks.
Northern and Upper East Regions Bolgatanga and Zuarungu Adaakoya begins Between January and February Thanksgiving sacrifices by the Gurunsis tribe, followed by drumming, dancing and procession of chiefs.
Northern and Upper East Regions Zaare Kuure January or February Celebration by blacksmiths of the Zaare of the main farming tool of the area: the hoe. Events include sacrifices, followed by drumming and dancing.
Upper West Region Tumu Paragbeile begins Last week in January through first week in February Thanksgiving harvest festivals. Farm produce is displayed during music, dance and merry-making.
Volta Region Tafi Atome Dayitsotsoke 02-January Community celebration with drumming, dance, crafts and other cultural displays.

February

Region Location Festival Date Description
Throughout Ghana Throughout Ghana Valentine's Day - National Chocolate Day 14 February While not an officially recognized national holiday, Valentine's Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout Ghana.
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2023: 05 Feb
2024: 18 Feb
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Northern and Upper East Regions Various villages in Paga, Navrongo, Chiana and Kayoro areas Fao ends Ongoing between November and February, but mostly in January. Thanksgiving harvest festivals. Stalks of millet are displayed as a sign of sacrifice and thanks.
Northern and Upper East Regions Bolgatanga and Zuarungu Adaakoya ends Between January and February Thanksgiving sacrifices by the Gurunsis tribe, followed by drumming, dancing and procession of chiefs.
Northern and Upper East Regions Zaare Kuure January or February Celebration by blacksmiths of the Zaare of the main farming tool of the area: the hoe. Events include sacrifices, followed by drumming and dancing.
Upper West Region Tumu Paragbeile ends Last week in January through first week in February Thanksgiving harvest festivals. Farm produce is displayed during music, dance and merry-making.
Volta Region Tafi Atome Fetish festival First or second week of February For the monkeys at the sanctuary.
Volta Region Dabala, in Agave district Dzawuwu February Commemorates bravery of the Agaves. Grand procession of chiefs with traditional drumming and dancing.
Volta Region Afife, near Akatsi Nyigbla Week-long celebration climaxing on the third weekend in February Thanksgiving and commemorate the Anlo-Ewe migration to this area. War dances, songs and bonfire jumping with grand procession of area chiefs.

March

Region Location Festival Date Description
Throughout Ghana Throughout Ghana Independence Day 06-March Commemorates the independence of Ghana from the British Empire in 1957.
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2022: 06 Mar
2023: 19 Mar
2024: 31 Mar
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Ashanti Region Kumawu, in Sekyere East district Papa Mostly in March, Akwasiade date Procession of chiefs & militia, cow sacrifice & ritual to secure cow meat.
Bono East and Brong Ahafo Regions Techiman, Nkoranza and Wenchi Apoo March or April Dispel evil and please the ancestors to ensure good crops.
Eastern Region Krobo towns of Manya and Yilo, Odumase Ngmayem begins March and April Harvest and thanksgiving festival.
Eastern Region Kwahu plateau at Atibie Kwahu Ghana Paragliding & Hang Gliding Festival Easter weekend Part of the Easter celebration in the area, this festival has become a massive attraction since its inception in 2005.
Greater Accra Region Tema Kpledjoo Usually first week in April, but may occur in late March Ceremony to open Sakumo lagoon for fishing. Grand procession of chiefs and people, with free-for-all hugging.
Northern, Upper East & Upper West Regions Tamale, Dagbon, Mamprugu, Gonja, Yendi, Mamprugui and Nanumba Damba festivals 3rd month of the Islamic calendar The Damba festivals occur throughout the northern regions of Ghana, These celebrations coincide with the new farming season when new yam is harvested. Originally linked with Islam to mark the birth of Mohammed, the two-day festival has gradually taken on a traditional rather than Islamic tone, with pageantry and showmanship. Procession on horseback amidst drumming and dancing.
Upper East Region Tenzug, at Tongo Hills Gologo, or Golib Late March, early April Asking for good rain and successful farming. Public music and dancing.

April

Region Location Festival Date Description
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2022: 17 Apr
2023: 30 Apr
2024: 31 Apr
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Bono East and Brong Ahafo Regions Techiman, Nkoranza and Wenchi Apoo March or April Dispel evil and please the ancestors to ensure good crops.
Eastern Region Krobo Odumase & Somanya, about 80km north of Accra Bobum, or Dipo begins April and May Initiation of girls into womanhood with beautiful adornments.
Eastern Region Krobo towns of Manya and Yilo, Odumase Ngmayem ends March and April Harvest and thanksgiving festival.
Eastern Region Kwahu plateau at Atibie Kwahu Ghana Paragliding & Hang Gliding Festival Easter weekend Part of the Easter celebration in the area, this festival has become a massive attraction since its inception in 2005.
Greater Accra Region Tema Kpledjoo Usually first week in April, but may occur in late March Ceremony to open Sakumo lagoon for fishing. Grand procession of chiefs and people, with free-for-all hugging.
Savannah Region Larabanga Jintigi April, one day before Jintigi Fire Consultation of the Koran by the Chief Imam to predict the coming year.
Savannah Region Domango, in Gonja area
Gonjaland
Jintigi Fire April Fire festival, with night processions with torches into the bush and outskirts of towns and villages within Gonjaland. Koran recitals.
Upper East Region Tenzug, at Tongo Hills Gologo, or Golib Late March, early April Asking for good rain and successful farming. Public music and dancing.
Upper West Region Kaleo (or Kalea) Zumbenti First week in April Most important thanksgiving festival in Upper West. Time of prayer, re-uniting of families and many traditional marriages.
Upper West Region Sankanka, between Kaleo and Wa Kalibi First week in April Commemorates victory over slave raiders.
Upper West Region Takpo Wilaa 27-April Thanksgiving at Wilaa shrine for guidance and protection.
Volta Region Aflao Godigbeza April Grand procession of chiefs to commemorate the exodus from Northern Togo. War dances, songs and drums.

May

Region Location Festival Date Description
Throughout Ghana Throughout Ghana May Day 01-May
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2022: 29 May
2023: 30 May
2024: 12 May
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Central Region Winneba Aboakyir (Aboakyer) First weekend in May Hugely popular festival. Friday rituals. Saturday competition to catch a live deer accompanied by drumming and dancing. Sunday at 14:00 is sacrifice. Like Jewish Passover, houses receive a smear of sheep blood and a sprinkling of dough mix meal on the three days before the festival begins.
Eastern Region Krobo Odumase & Somanya, about 80km north of Accra Bobum, or Dipo ends April and May Initiation of girls into womanhood with beautiful adornments.

June

Region Location Festival Date Description
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2022: 29 June
2023: 11 June
2024: 23 June
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Central Region Senya Beraku, 40km southwest of Accra Apiba June
Eastern Region Akyem, Kibi and other villages OhumKan (first Ohum) Tuesday and Wednesday in June or July. Anniversary of Akyem Nation and thanksgiving for the harvest. There is a two-week ban on drumming, dancing and noisemaking prior to the festival.
Eastern Region Kibi Ahukan June Festival by Akim people to honor their local chiefs.
Eastern Region Kwahu Tafo Gyenpren June Durbar of chiefs for an abundant harvest and peace.
Upper East & Upper West Regions regionwide Dzimbi June Celebrated throughout the northern regions of Ghana in June with drumming & dance, much food, and durbars of chiefs.
Western Region Sekondi Asafua June Celebration of the local deity Asafua.

July

Region Location Festival Date Description
Throughout Ghana Throughout Ghana Republic Day 01-July
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2022: 10 July
2023: 23 July
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Central Region Elmina Edina Bakatue First week in July. Rituals performed on Monday. Opening of the Lagoon, elaborate rituals and royal processions, at river bank and on palanquins on the lagoon. Very popular festival.
Central Region Assin Praso Emancipation Day celebrations 30 July, odd years Durbar of Chiefs to commemorates the final abolition of Chatel Slavery in the British colonies on 1st August 1834. On Odd years, this is celebration is part of the PANAFEST.
Central Region Cape Coast Reverential Night 31 July, odd years Solemn vigil to remember those ancestors who became slaves during the Middle Passage. Attendees are encouraged to wear white. On Odd years, this is celebration is part of the PANAFEST.
Eastern Region Akyem, Kibi and other villages OhumKan (first Ohum) Tuesday and Wednesday in June or July. Anniversary of Akyem Nation and thanksgiving for the harvest. There is a two-week ban on drumming, dancing and noisemaking prior to the festival.
Greater Accra Region Ada Asafotu-fiam Begins last Thursday in July. Culminates first Saturday in August Commemorates victories of warriors with procession of chiefs, historic re-enactments and musketry firing.
Western Region Sefwi, Wiawso Alluole July Yam festival at this unique enclave of Judaism.
Western Region Coastal towns from Sekondi to Axim Kundum begins Between July and November Harvest festival, period to remember ancestors, expelling evil spirits, cleansing the community and setting goals for the coming year. This festival is celebrated in coastal towns during different weeks over the course of a number of months.

August

Region Location Festival Date Description
Ashanti Region Ejisu Yaa Asantewaa early August Procession of chiefs and people pay homage to Yaa Asantewaa, the Ashanti war heroine who defeated the British.
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2022: 21 Aug
2024: 03 Aug
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Central Region Agona Nyakrom, Agona Swedru Akwambo (or Akwan-bo) August Path clearing festival, where paths to communal sites are cleared. The following day there is a parade of clay-covered people carrying twigs and tree branches, drumming & dancing and firing of musketry.
Central Region Cape Coast & Elmina PANAFEST August in odd-numbered years Huge biennial event of African culture. Theater, music, cinema, poetry and lectures combines with traditional processions.
Central Region Saltpond Odambea Last Saturday of August Commemorates the migration of the Nkusukum people to their present settlement. Features the re-enactment of the ancient life styles of the people.
Greater Accra Region Accra Emancipation Day 01-August Events that commemorates the final abolition of Chatel Slavery in the British colonies on 1st August 1834. Ghana was the first country in Africa officially celebrate Emancipation Day in 1998. Ceremonies are conducted at the W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, the George Padmore Library and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. On Odd years, this is celebration is part of the PANAFEST.
Greater Accra Region Ada Asafotu-fiam Begins last Thursday in July. Culminates first Saturday in August Commemorates victories of warriors with procession of chiefs, historic re-enactments and musketry firing.
Volta Region Liati-Wote Afadzato Togbo Tsikeke festivals begin These festivals start in late August
Volta Region Akatsi, Avenorpedo and Avenorpeme Agbeliza August Cassava festival with displays of over 20 different products made from the cassava plant.
Volta Region Agotime Traditional Area, about 8km east of Ho Agbamevoza (Kente festival) August or September Kente festival of Volta Region. Thousands attend to see Kente-weaving competition, the crowning of Miss Agbamevor (Miss Kente), and the beautiful procession of chiefs.
Volta Region Mepe, in the North Tongu district Apenorto (or Afernorto) August Procession of chiefs and people with general merry-making.
Western Region Coastal towns from Sekondi to Axim Kundum continues Between July and November Harvest festival, period to remember ancestors, expelling evil spirits, cleansing the community and setting goals for the coming year. This festival is celebrated in coastal towns during different weeks over the course of a number of months.
Western Region Dixcove, near Busua Apatwa August This festival features various ceremonies, tributes, community service, and merry-making lasting most of the month.
Western Region Sekondi Edim Kese August Festival of rememberances to ancestors with plenty of drumming and dance.

September

Region Location Festival Date Description
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2023: 03 Sep
2024: 15 Sep
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Central Region Cape Coast Fetu Afahye Week-long celebration starting in September 1st. Sometimes starts last week in August. Culminates 1st Saturday in September. Oguaa tribe's Adorning of new clothes, or Carnival. Enormous Monday night procession of traditional priests and priestesses. Bakatue ceremony and boat race at the Fosu lagoon. First Saturday in September is a huge procession of chiefs.
Eastern Region Akropong-Akuapim, Aburi, Larteh and Mamfi Odwira September and October A yam harvest festival celebrated in many villages of the Akuapim Range. This festival originated as a celebration of victory over the invincible Ashanti army during the historic battle of Katamansu near Dodowa in 1826 and also to cleanse themselves and ask for protection from their gods.
Eastern Region Akyem, Kibi and other villages OhumKyire (second Ohum) Tuesday and Wednesday in September or October Anniversary of Akyem Nation and thanksgiving for the harvest. There is a two-week ban on drumming, dancing and noisemaking prior to the festival.
Upper West Region Lawra Kobine Usually first week in October, but may be anywhere between mid-September and mid-November Post-harvest celebration to acknowledge the gods. Dance groups compete and 'best dancer' and 'best community group' are awarded prizes.
Volta Region Liati-Wote Afadzato Togbo Tsikeke festivals end These festivals start in late August
Volta Region Ho Municipality and surrounding area Asogli Te Za (yam festival) September Durbar, drumming and dance celebrates the long-ago hunter that discovered the yam tuber while on a hunting expedition.
Volta Region Wli Falls Wli Falls September or October Celebrate the waterfalls with pomp and pagentry, attracting many visitors.
Volta Region Agotime Traditional Area, about 8km east of Ho Agbamevoza (Kente festival) August or September Kente festival of Volta Region. Thousands attend to see Kente-weaving competition, the crowning of Miss Agbamevor (Miss Kente), and the beautiful procession of chiefs.
Western Region Coastal towns from Sekondi to Axim Kundum continues Between July and November Harvest festival, period to remember ancestors, expelling evil spirits, cleansing the community and setting goals for the coming year. This festival is celebrated in coastal towns during different weeks over the course of a number of months.
Western Region Shama, Beposo Nkronu September Festival to purify the royal stools of area chiefs. Prayers to ancestors for a good harvest and long life.

October

Region Location Festival Date Description
Ashanti Region Offinso Mmoa Ni Nko October Celebrates the bravery and wisdom of Nana Wiafe Akenten I, who accepted land instead of jewelry from the Ashanti King as a reward for loyalty in warfare. Grand procession of chiefs with drumming, dancing and musket firing.
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2022: 02 Oct
2023: 15 Oct
2024: 27 Oct
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Bono East Atebubu Foyawoo October Visitors are greeted with food and drink as locals adorn traditional clothing. Colourful durbar of chiefs carried in palanquins is accompanied by dancing, drumming and horn blowing.
Bono East Japekrom Munufie October Durbar of chiefs, dance competitions, football matches, musical performances, and traditional drumming are all to be found at this festival promoting diversity and bringing neighbors into dialogue.
Bono East Techiman Fofie (yam festival) October Exciting durbar of chiefs on the Saturday climax of this week-long celebration featuring food, dress and dance to ask for future blessing and guidance.
Eastern Region Akropong-Akuapim, Aburi, Larteh and Mamfi Odwira September and October A yam harvest festival celebrated in many villages of the Akuapim Range. This festival originated as a celebration of victory over the invincible Ashanti army during the historic battle of Katamansu near Dodowa in 1826 and also to cleanse themselves and ask for protection from their gods.
Eastern Region Akyem, Kibi and other villages OhumKyire (second Ohum) Tuesday and Wednesday in September or October Anniversary of Akyem Nation and thanksgiving for the harvest. There is a two-week ban on drumming, dancing and noisemaking prior to the festival.
Greater Accra Region Dodowa Ngmayem October Harvest and thanksgiving festival.
Upper East Region Teng-zug, in Tongo District Boaram October or November Harvest and thanksgiving festival of the Talensis tribe with sacrifices to gods.
Upper West Region Lawra Kobine Usually first week in October, but may be anywhere between mid-September and mid-November Post-harvest celebration to acknowledge the gods. Dance groups compete and 'best dancer' and 'best community group' are awarded prizes.
Volta Region Moves between Saviefe, Akrofu, Sovie, Alavanyo Sasadu October Pomp and pagentry to renew frienship between the four communities. Grand procession of chiefs.
Volta Region Ve-deme Velukusi First week in October Commemorate the escape of the Ewes under the cruel King Aghorkoli in Togo. To escape, the Ewes poured water on a section of the walls that enslaved them, brought the wall down and then walked backwards to disguise their route. This is re-enacted for all to feel what really happened. The climax of the festival is the display of rich traditional cloths and beads and a grand durbar of chiefs.
Volta Region Wli Falls Wli Falls September or October Celebrate the waterfalls with pomp and pagentry, attracting many visitors.
Western Region Coastal towns from Sekondi to Axim Kundum continues Between July and November Harvest festival, period to remember ancestors, expelling evil spirits, cleansing the community and setting goals for the coming year. This festival is celebrated in coastal towns during different weeks over the course of a number of months.

November

Region Location Festival Date Description
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2022: 13 Nov
2023: 26 Nov
2024: 04 Nov
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event.
Ashanti Region Essumeja, at a site in the Asantemanso forest Nkyidwo Last Monday in November through first Monday in December Ritual and procession of chiefs on Saturday. Commemorates the origin of the Ashantis.
Bono East and Brong Ahafo Regions Techiman, Wenchi, Sunyani, Berekum Kwafie November or December Celebrates the ancestors who brought fire to the area.
Brong Ahafo Awuah Domase, near Sunyani Sasabobirim November Remembrance of area chief who joined with the Yaa Asantewaa to fight the British.
Eastern Region Koforidua, New Juabeng Akwantukese November Rememberance of the migration of Juabeng people from Ashanti to the area.
Eastern Region Somanya, Yilo Krobo Kloyo Sikplemi November Expedition to the base of the mountain where Krobo people were evicted by the British. Procession of chiefs will climax this celebration.
Upper East Region Teng-zug, in Tongo District Boaram October or November Harvest and thanksgiving festival of the Talensis tribe with sacrifices to gods.
Upper East Region Bawku Samanpiid November or December Traditional music and dances, costumes, and thanks for the harvest.
Northern and Upper East Regions Various villages in Paga, Navrongo, Chiana and Kayoro areas Fao begins Ongoing between November and February, but mostly in January. Thanksgiving harvest festivals. Stalks of millet are displayed as a sign of sacrifice and thanks.
Upper West Region Lawra Kobine Usually first week in October, but may be anywhere between mid-September and mid-November Post-harvest celebration to acknowledge the gods. Dance groups compete and 'best dancer' and 'best community group' are awarded prizes.
Upper West Region Nandom Kakube November or December This festival is celebrated to thank family gods and ask them to bless the soil, protect the people during the farming seasons.
Volta Region Anlo areas of southern Volta Region around Keta Hogbetsotso usually climaxes on first weekend of November Grand procession of chiefs to commemorate the exodus of the Anlo-Ewes from Northern Togo to their present location in the south eastern wetlands of Ghana. Grand procession of chiefs with drumming, dancing and singing.
Volta Region Keta Agbozume Sometutuza Two weeks after Hogbetsotso, usually 3rd Saturday in November Grand procession of chiefs wearing traditional hand-woven Ewe-style Kente cloth.
Volta Region Dofor Adidome, near Juapong Ayimagonu November Much pagentry, grand procession of chiefs riding palanquins amidst drumming, dancing and singing of war songs.
Volta Region Ve traditional area in the Hohoe district Dodoleglime (or Ve-Lukusi) November Dodoleglime, which in Ewe literally means coming out of the wall, marks the escape of the people from the tyrannical rule of Togbe Agorkoli of Notsie in the 17th century.
Volta Region Wegbe Kpalime Kpalikpakpa November Music, drumming, dance, and a durbar of chiefs to remember the ancestors.
Volta Region Vane Amu brown rice November Rice harvest festival and commemoration of the victory that secured the current homeland. Drumming, dancing, singing and durbar of chiefs.
Volta Region Rotates between Peki and Hohoe Gbidukor November or first week December Huge celebration with chiefs carried on palanquins. A time to commemorate the ancestors of the Gbi-Ewes. Thousands of people attend. Various community activities throught the month.
Volta Region Kpeve, Tsohor and Klikor in the Adaklu district Zendo Glimetotoza November Grand procession of chiefs to commemorate the exodus from Northern Togo. War dances, songs and drums with grand procession of area chiefs.

December

Region Location Festival Date Description
Throughout Ghana Throughout Ghana Farmer's Day First Friday in December National holiday to celebrate the farmers who feed Ghana.
Throughout Ghana Throughout Ghana Christmas, Boxing Day
New Year Eve and Day
23 December through 02 January Christmas is a time of great merry-making. Things slow to a crawl, or even shut down completely during this time.
Ashanti Region Kumasi Akwasidae 2023: 26 Dec
2024: 08 Dec
Celebrated every 6 weeks, the public durbar of chiefs is an exciting and colorful event. May be cancelled if close to Christmas.
Ashanti Region Essumeja, at a site in the Asantemanso forest Nkyidwo Last Monday in November through first Monday in December Ritual and procession of chiefs on Saturday. Commemorates the origin of the Ashantis.
Bono East and Brong Ahafo Regions Techiman, Wenchi, Sunyani, Berekum Kwafie November or December Celebrates the ancestors who brought fire to the area.
Upper East Region Sandema, in Builsa area Feok  (or Fiok) Begins Second Friday of December, climaxes on Third Thursday. Important festival commemorates victory over the slave raider Babatu. War dances in various communities with grand procession of chiefs at climax. Traditional headgear is topped with enormous antlers.
Upper East Region Bawku Samanpiid November or December Traditional music and dances, costumes, and thanks for the harvest.
Northern and Upper East Regions Various villages in Paga, Navrongo, Chiana and Kayoro areas Fao continues Ongoing between November and February, but mostly in January. Thanksgiving harvest festivals. Stalks of millet are displayed as a sign of sacrifice and thanks.
Upper West Region Nandom Kakube November or December This festival is celebrated to thank family gods and ask them to bless the soil, protect the people during the farming seasons.

Chiefs at Akwasidae festival in Kumasi

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