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.

Join one of our Festival Tours.

January

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

2025: 19 Jan
2027: 03 Jan
2028: 16 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.

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

2026: 01 Feb
2027: 14 Feb
2028: 27 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

2025: 02 Mar
2026: 15 Mar
2027: 28 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

2025: 13 Apr
2026: 26 Apr
2028: 09 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

2025: 25 May
2027: 09 May
2028: 21 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

2024: 23 June
2026: 07 June
2027: 20 Jun

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

2025: 06 July
2026: 19 July
2028: 02 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

2024: 04 Aug
2025: 17 Aug
2026: 30 Aug
2027: 01 Aug
2028: 13 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

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

2024: 15 Sep
2025: 28 Sep
2027: 12 Sep
2028: 24 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

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

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

2024: 27 Oct
2026: 11 Oct
2027: 24 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

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

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

November

Location

Festival

Dates

Ashanti Region

Kumasi

Akwasidae

2025: 08 Nov
2026: 22 Nov
2028: 05 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

2024: 08 Dec
2027: 05 Dec
2028: 17 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.

January

Location

Festival

Dates

Volta Region

Tafi Atome

Dayitsotsoke

02-January

Community celebration with drumming, dance, crafts and other cultural displays.

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