Riaright arrowBlogright arrow

Festivals in Ghana

x platformfacebooklinkedin
Culture

Festivals in Ghana

March 4, 20214 min read
ghana festivals ria money transfer disc

Did you know that Ghana hosts more than 70 festivals every year? If you think about it, that’s more than one per week. Traditional festivals in Ghana are used for a variety of things, such as marking the beginning of the harvest season or paying homage to ancestors.

Today, we’ll walk you through some of the different kinds of festivals and holidays, which will offer us a comprehensive view of Ghanian culture.

Adae

Celebrated by the Akan people of western Africa, Adae means “resting place” and is celebrated to invoke and venerate ancestors. Food and libation are offered to the ancestors by the traditional rulers, called ahene. On this day, work is forbidden. Now, it’s important to note that the Akan calendar year is divided into nine cycles of around 42 days each. The Adae festival is celebrated locally twice per cycle. The last one of the year, called the Adae Kese (Great Aede), is celebrated by the larger community. Because the ancestors have a greater presence on these days, political and personal disputes are often brought to the table and addressed publicly before the ahene.

Homowo

Many years ago, an uncharacteristic dry season led to a period of famine in the Accra region. When the rains returned, the festival of Homowo was instated. It is traditionally celebrated during the month of May. For the Ga people, homo means hunger and wo means hoot, the whole word meaning “to hoot at hunger.” The festival begins with the planting of maize, which is followed by a period of silence to avoid disturbing the gods. The celebrations go on for several days, culminating in the sprinkling of kpokpoi, a traditional cornmeal dish. At this time, songs and praises are offered up to the gods to secure another successful harvest season.

Bakatue

Every first Tuesday in July, the Elmina people of Ghana’s Central Region gather to celebrate the Bakatue festival to mark the beginning of the fishing season. For the Elmina people, Tuesday is the day of the sea god, which means fishermen often abstain from going out into the sea on these days. Festival preparations begin the Monday prior, with a royal procession kicking off the events on Tuesday morning. Nets are cast into the sea and all caught fish is offered up to the gods in gratitude for another good season.

Aboakyer

The Aboakyer festival, meaning “hunting for game” festival, is celebrated in the Central Region of Ghana by the Winneba people.  The festival takes place on the first Saturday in May and commemorates the migration of the Winneba people from Timbuktu to Ghana. To thank the gods for having protected their people, a type of wild cat called bushbuck is offered up as sacrifice. Through this rite, the Winneba people also hope to obtain spiritual guidance and the promise of a productive harvest.

Hogbetsotso

Celebrated in the Volta region by the people of Anlo, Hogbetsotso celebrates the exodus from Togo to Ghana. The festival has been celebrated for the past 40 years every first Saturday of November. The story goes that the Anlo people lived under a tyrannical rule and trapped inside mud walls. In order to escape, the women were instructed to pour their wastewater in a specific area of the wall until it eventually softened. Now able to break the wall, the Anlo people escaped, but walked backwards to avoid being followed by their footprints.

Fetu Afahye

In Cape Coast, people come together every first Saturday in September celebrate Fetu Afahye to keep the town free of epidemics. Prior to the festival, the chief called Omanhen is confined for a week. During his confinement, the Omanhen is to ask for guidance from the ancestors. The day of the celebration, the Omanhen returns and asks for the 77 gods in the Oguaa state for blessings.

Akwasidae

Celebrated every sixth Sunday, Akwasidae is a day for the Manhya Palace of the Ashanti Kingdom to open its doors to the public. The event is seen as an opportunity for the community to come together. Music and dancing fill the streets, making for a vibrant celebration.

As you can see, traditional festivals in Ghana have all sorts of uses, from honoring the gods to marking the beginning of the fishing season. The sheer number of festivals celebrated ensures that, no matter when you visit, there will always be something going on!

Ready to send money? We’ve got you covered. Download our Ria Money Transfer app for iOS or Android to get started!

The information on or through this site is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on as a substitute for specific advice about laws, regulations, taxes, finances, immigration or travel. For specific advice, contact a licensed attorney, financial advisor or other professional. We disclaim all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on this site. We do not warrant the accuracy or usefulness of this information. This site may contain links to other sites and information provided by third parties for your convenience. We do not endorse nor make any guarantees with respect to these sites, their accessibility, the information they contain or the way they treat any information you provide to them.

About the author

Blog post author profile image

Gabrielle van Welie

Gabrielle van Welie is Ria's Global Content Manager. Originally from Dominican Republic, she specializes in the cultural impact of remittances and migration across the globe.

Related posts

How Much is 45.6 Billion Won in Your Currency?

How Much is 45.6 Billion Won in Your Currency?

One of the most remarkable features of the famous South Korean TV series is its staggering prize of 45.6 billion won (KRW). This staggering amount has left viewers curious about how much it would be in their local currencies. Is it millions, tens of millions, or even more? With its promise of life-changing wealth, the […]

June 16, 2025

What Is Tabaski? Understanding Eid al-Adha and Its Significance

What Is Tabaski? Understanding Eid al-Adha and Its Significance

Eid al-Adha, also known as Tabaski in West Africa, is one of the most important Islamic holidays. Alongside Eid al-Fitr, it is one of the two main festivals observed by Muslims around the world. It’s a meaningful occasion to give thanks for the blessings received during the year, to spend time with family and friends, […]

June 3, 2025

Ria to Sponsor 2025 Weston Shield Cricket Tournament

Ria to Sponsor 2025 Weston Shield Cricket Tournament

Though it doesn’t always make the headlines, cricket is one of the biggest sports in the world. As such, there are millions of people that enjoy a good game of cricket, particularly those hailing from the United Kingdom and South Asia, with others across the globe also taking part in this bat and ball game. […]

February 18, 2025

The Rich History of Baseball in Japan: A Beloved Sport and Cultural Phenomenon

The Rich History of Baseball in Japan: A Beloved Sport and Cultural Phenomenon

Baseball in Japan holds a special place in the country’s culture. It blends seamlessly with the nation’s traditions and its values since it was first introduced over 150 years ago, as the sport has grown from a Western import to a favorite Japanese pastime. But why is baseball so popular in Japan? Well, the combination […]

January 27, 2025