The importance of festivals in the socio-economic development of Ghana cannot be underscored in any way. Thus far, Ghanaians hold festivals in high esteem and during such celebrations, people travel from far and near to witness the rich cultural display. Here, there are 10 festivals in Ghana and those who celebrate them.
The cultural heritage of Ghanaians has added value to the way of life of the citizens. Even during the colonial times, the people have been bent on practicing their way of life, distinct from what the Western World had come to impose on them hence the culture never faded. Since festivals are born on the back of culture for various reasons, they exist as well.
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10 Festivals In Ghana And Those Who Celebrate it
Homowo Festival
Homowo Festival is one of the country's biggest festivals ever to be celebrated. The festival is borne and celebrated by the Ga people of Ghana who are mainly in the Greater Accra Region.
If you don't already know, this is a festival of harvest. It starts in the month of August with the planting of crops before the rainy season starts. During the festival, they perform a dance called Kpanlogo.
The Hogbetsotso Festival is a greatly anticipated and largely patronized festival in the Southern side of Ghana. The festival which begins in October and ends in the first week in November is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Anlo in the Volta region of Ghana.
Some major Anlo towns include Anloga, Keta, Kedzi, Vodza, Whuti, Tegbi, Dzita, Abor, Afiadenyigba, Anyako, Konu, Alakple, Tsito, Atiavi, Deʋegodo, and many other villages alongside music carnivals.
Asafotufiam Festival
Though the people of Ada are part of the Greater Accra Region, they are celebrants of yet another great festival, the Asafotufiam festival. The Asafotufiam Festival is celebrated by the chiefs and peoples of Ada in the Dangbe East of the Greater Accra region of Ghana. The festival is celebrated in the first week of August every year and it is coupled with very great activities.
Aboakyir Festival
Celebrated by the people of Winneba in the Central Region of Ghana, the Aboakyir festival is a long-standing festival that has over the years been thought largely in lessons in the country's schools. The Aboakyer festival is a deer hunting festival celebrated to mark some historical memories and activities.
Bakatue Festival
As far back as the colonial era, the Bakatue festival has existed and the Dutch have written books regarding the rich display of culture back in the day.
The Bakatue Festival is celebrated by the chiefs and peoples of Elmina in the Central Region of Ghana. The festival, established at least as far back as 1847, is celebrated on the first Tuesday in the month of July every year.
Oguaa Fetu Afahye Festival
One of the oldest of many festivals recorded annually in Ghana is the Oguaa Fetu Afahye festival. and you have to make time to join the celebration one of these days.
The Fetu Afahye is a festival celebrated by the chiefs and peoples of Cape Coast in the Central region of Ghana. The festival is celebrated on the first Saturday in the month of September every year.
Akwasidae Festival
For a first-timer, you must know that the Akwasidae Festival is a big, coloured and eventful festival ever in the country.
The Akwasidae celebration is an eventful spectacle, where the spiritual realm meets the physical. Ashanti culture centers on ancestral worship and holds more on this. For their reasons for celebration, the festival marks the seasons and the timings for various agricultural activities. The festival is celebrated on a Sunday, once every six weeks.
There are many other festivals showcased annually in the country so keep watching this space for the best on Ghanaian Festivals.
