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 take one of our Festival Tours.


January

z
Location
Festival
Dates
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bolgatanga and Zuarungu
Adaakoya begins
Between January and February
Thanksgiving sacrifices by the Gurunsis tribe, followed by drumming, dancing and procession of chiefs.
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

Location
Festival
Dates
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.
Bolgatanga and Zuarungu
Adaakoya ends
Between January and February
Thanksgiving sacrifices by the Gurunsis tribe, followed by drumming, dancing and procession of chiefs.
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.
Dabala, in Agave district
Dzawuwu
February
Commemorates bravery of the Agaves. Grand procession of chiefs with traditional drumming and dancing.
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

Location
Festival
Dates
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.
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.
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

Location
Festival
Dates

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.
Krobo towns of Manya and Yilo, Odumase
Ngmayem ends
March and April
Harvest and thanksgiving festival.
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.
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.
Sankanka, between Kaleo and Wa
Kalibi
First week in April
Commemorates victory over slave raiders.
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

Location
Festival
Dates
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

Location
Festival
Dates

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.
Kibi
Ahukan
June
Festival by Akim people to honor their local chiefs.
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

Location
Festival
Dates
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.
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.
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.
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

Location
Festival
Dates

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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Akatsi, Avenorpedo and Avenorpeme
Agbeliza
August
Cassava festival with displays of over 20 different products made from the cassava plant.
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.
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.
Dixcove, near Busua
Apatwa
August
This festival features various ceremonies, tributes, community service, and merry-making lasting most of the month.
Sekondi
Edim Kese
August
Festival of rememberances to ancestors with plenty of drumming and dance.


September

Location
Festival
Dates

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.
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
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.
Wli Falls
Wli Falls
September or October
Celebrate the waterfalls with pomp and pagentry, attracting many visitors.
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.
Shama, Beposo
Nkronu
September
Festival to purify the royal stools of area chiefs. Prayers to ancestors for a good harvest and long life.


October

Location
Festival
Dates

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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

Location
Festival
Dates

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Keta Agbozume
Sometutuza
Two weeks after Hogbetsotso, usually 3rd Saturday in November
Grand procession of chiefs wearing traditional hand-woven Ewe-style Kente cloth.
Dofor Adidome, near Juapong
Ayimagonu
November
Much pagentry, grand procession of chiefs riding palanquins amidst drumming, dancing and singing of war songs.
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.
Wegbe Kpalime
Kpalikpakpa
November
Music, drumming, dance, and a durbar of chiefs to remember the ancestors.
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.
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.
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

Location
Festival
Dates
Throughout Ghana
Farmer's Day
First Friday in December
National holiday to celebrate the farmers who feed 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.
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.
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.
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