Festivals in Ghana in August
Festivals in Ghana in August 2025: Your Complete Cultural Calendar
August in Ghana is a month of vibrant traditions, colorful pageantry, and community spirit. Across the country, towns and cities come alive with festivals that blend centuries-old customs with modern celebrations. From the Ashanti heartland’s royal durbars to the Volta Region’s food festivals, every event tells a unique story of heritage and unity.
Whether you want to witness warrior re-enactments in Ada, join in the procession honoring Yaa Asantewaa, or enjoy the culinary wonders of the Agbeliza Festival, August offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers and locals alike. With pleasant weather and a packed festival calendar, it’s one of the best months to explore Ghana’s cultural heartbeat.
August Festival Quick Reference Table
| Festival | Location & Region | 2025 Dates | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaa Asantewaa | Ejisu, Ashanti Region | Early Aug | Honoring Ashanti war heroine |
| Akwasidae | Kumasi, Ashanti Region | 17 Aug | Royal durbar, chiefs, kente |
| Akwambo | Agona Nyakrom & Swedru, Central Region | Aug | Path clearing, parades |
| PANAFEST (biennial) | Cape Coast & Elmina, Central Region | Aug (odd years) | Pan-African cultural showcase |
| Odambea | Saltpond, Central Region | Last Sat in Aug | Migration commemoration |
| Emancipation Day | Accra, Greater Accra Region | 1 Aug | Slavery abolition remembrance |
| Asafotu-fiam | Ada, Greater Accra Region | 31 Jul – 2 Aug | Warrior re-enactments |
| Afadzato Togbo Tsikeke | Liati-Wote, Volta Region | Late Aug | Mountain festival |
| Agbeliza | Akatsi, Avenorpedo, Avenorpeme, Volta Region | Aug | Cassava festival |
| Agbamevoza | Agotime, Volta Region | Aug/Sep | Kente weaving competition |
| Apenorto | Mepe, Volta Region | Aug | Chiefs’ procession |
| Kundum (continues) | Coastal Western Region | Jul–Nov | Harvest & cleansing |
| Apatwa | Dixcove, Western Region | Aug | Ceremonies & tributes |
| Edim Kese | Sekondi, Western Region | Aug | Ancestor remembrance |
Whether you want to witness warrior re-enactments in Ada, join in the procession honoring Yaa Asantewaa, or enjoy the culinary wonders of the Agbeliza Festival, August offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers and locals alike. With pleasant weather and a packed festival calendar, it’s one of the best months to explore Ghana’s cultural heartbeat.
Major August Festivals in Detail
1. Yaa Asantewaa Festival – Ejisu, Ashanti Region
Date: Early August
Highlight: Commemorates the Ashanti queen mother who led a resistance against the British in 1900.
Background: Yaa Asantewaa is celebrated as a symbol of courage and patriotism. Chiefs and citizens gather to honor her bravery.
Key Activities:
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Processions of chiefs in traditional regalia
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Storytelling and performances recounting her heroism
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Cultural drumming and dancing
Visitor Tip: Visit the Yaa Asantewaa Museum for deeper historical insight.
Whether you want to witness warrior re-enactments in Ada, join in the procession honoring Yaa Asantewaa, or enjoy the culinary wonders of the Agbeliza Festival, August offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers and locals alike. With pleasant weather and a packed festival calendar, it’s one of the best months to explore Ghana’s cultural heartbeat.
2. Akwasidae Festival – Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Date: 17 August 2025 (celebrated every six weeks)
Highlight: Royal durbar where the Asantehene receives guests in full regalia.
Background: Rooted in the Ashanti calendar, Akwasidae honors ancestors and showcases Ashanti heritage.
Key Activities:
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Chiefs and royals dressed in colorful kente cloth
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Gold-adorned regalia display
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Traditional music and dancing
Visitor Tip: Arrive early for the durbar to get a close spot.
3. Akwambo Festival – Agona Nyakrom & Agona Swedru, Central Region
Date: August (varies)
Highlight: Path-clearing rituals followed by colorful celebrations.
Background: Symbolizes community unity as paths to communal sites are cleared for safe passage.
Key Activities:
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Day one: Path clearing with tools and singing
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Day two: Clay-covered participants parade through the streets
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Musket firing and dancing
Visitor Tip: Be ready for loud musket shots and lively street dancing.
4. PANAFEST – Cape Coast & Elmina, Central Region (biennial)
Date: August in odd-numbered years (Next: 2025)
Highlight: International festival celebrating Pan-African culture and heritage.
Background: Brings together Africans and the diaspora to reconnect through art, history, and cultural expression.
Key Activities:
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Theater, music, film, and poetry performances
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Pilgrimage to slave castles for memorial ceremonies
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Traditional processions and durbars
Visitor Tip: Book accommodations early—Cape Coast fills up quickly.
5. Odambea Festival – Saltpond, Central Region
Date: Last Saturday of August
Highlight: Commemorates migration of Nkusukum people.
Background: Features re-enactments of ancient life and cultural traditions.
Key Activities:
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Historical parades and performances
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Traditional drumming and dancing
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Cultural displays of crafts and food
Visitor Tip: Best enjoyed with a local guide to explain historical references.
6. Emancipation Day – Accra, Greater Accra Region
Date: 1 August
Highlight: Marks abolition of slavery in the British colonies.
Background: First celebrated in Ghana in 1998, events pay tribute to ancestors and the fight for freedom.
Key Activities:
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Ceremonies at W.E.B. Du Bois Centre and Kwame Nkrumah Park
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Speeches, cultural performances, and wreath-laying
Visitor Tip: Combine with a visit to Cape Coast Castle for historical context.
7. Asafotu-fiam Festival – Ada, Greater Accra Region
Date: 1 August
Highlight: Marks abolition of slavery in the British colonies.
Background: First celebrated in Ghana in 1998, events pay tribute to ancestors and the fight for freedom.
Key Activities:
-
Ceremonies at W.E.B. Du Bois Centre and Kwame Nkrumah Park
-
Speeches, cultural performances, and wreath-laying
Visitor Tip: Combine with a visit to Cape Coast Castle for historical context.
8. Afadzato Togbo Tsikeke Festivals – Liati-Wote, Volta Region
Date: Late August
Highlight: Cultural festival near Mount Afadzato, Ghana’s highest peak.
Background: Combines natural heritage with traditional celebrations.
Key Activities:
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Mountain hikes and eco-tours
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Cultural dances and food fairs
Visitor Tip: Bring sturdy shoes for hiking trails.
9. Agbeliza Festival – Akatsi, Avenorpedo & Avenorpeme, Volta Region
Date: August
Highlight: Celebrates cassava and its many uses.
Background: Showcases over 20 cassava-based dishes and products.
Key Activities:
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Cooking competitions
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Cultural dances and drumming
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Cassava processing demonstrations
Visitor Tip: A must-visit for food lovers.
10. Agbamevoza (Kente Festival) – Agotime, Volta Region
Date: August or September
Highlight: Kente weaving competitions and cultural beauty contests.
Background: Celebrates the heritage of Kente weaving in Volta Region.
Key Activities:
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Miss Agbamevor pageant
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Procession of chiefs and weavers
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Kente sales and exhibitions
Visitor Tip: Great place to buy authentic Kente directly from artisans.
11. Apenorto Festival – Mepe, Volta Region
Date: August
Highlight: Procession of chiefs and community celebrations.
Background: A social and cultural gathering for people of Mepe to reunite.
Key Activities:
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Chief’s durbar
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Cultural music, dance, and sports events
Visitor Tip: Book accommodation early if staying overnight.
12. Kundum Festival – Coastal Western Region
Date: Continues August (varies by town)
Highlight: Harvest, ancestor remembrance, and community cleansing.
Key Activities:
-
Drumming and dancing
-
Ritual cleansing of towns
-
Storytelling and traditional plays
Visitor Tip: Dates vary by location—check local schedules.
13. Apatwa Festival – Dixcove, Western Region
Date: August
Highlight: Ceremonies and community service.
Key Activities:
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Tribute-paying to ancestors
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Cultural displays and music
Visitor Tip: A quieter festival, good for those seeking a less crowded experience.
14. Edim Kese Festival – Sekondi, Western Region
Date: August
Highlight: Ancestor remembrance through drumming and dance.
Key Activities:
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Processions and durbars
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Traditional music and cultural exhibitions
Visitor Tip: Combine with visits to nearby beaches for a relaxing trip.
August Festival Tour Packages – Ghana 2025
August 2025 Ghana Festival Odyssey – Chale Wote, Akwasidae & Odambea
Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Dates: Thu, 14 August 2025 – Mon, 25 August 2025 (flexible)
Minimum Group Size: 2 travelers
Tour Details
| Day | Date | Location | Activities | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14 Aug | Accra | Airport pickup, hotel transfer, orientation walk | Mid-range hotel (Tesano) |
| 2 | 15 Aug | Accra | Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Independence Sq., Makola Market, Jamestown, W.E.B. Du Bois Centre, Osu Oxford Street | Mid-range hotel (Tesano) |
| 3 | 16 Aug | Aburi / Volta | Aburi Gardens & Craft Market, bead workshop, Adomi Bridge, Volta River boat ride | Luxury riverside resort |
| 4 | 17 Aug | Kumasi | Manhyia Palace, Komfo Anokye Sword, Akwasidae Festival, Kejetia Market | Upscale hotel (Kumasi) |
| 5 | 18 Aug | Kumasi | Craft villages (Kente weaving, Adinkra stamping, woodcarving), cocoa farm, palm wine tasting | Upscale hotel (Kumasi) |
| 6 | 19 Aug | Kumasi | Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, traditional Ashanti shrine house | Upscale hotel (Kumasi) |
| 7 | 20 Aug | Cape Coast / Elmina | Slave route sites, Cape Coast Castle tour, optional Door of Return | 3-star beach resort (Elmina) |
| 8 | 21 Aug | Elmina | Kakum Canopy Walk, crocodile ponds, Fort San Jago, fishing lagoon | 3-star beach resort (Elmina) |
| 9 | 22 Aug | Elmina | Morning beach walk, hands-on workshop (batik, drumming, cooking, or head wrap), evening cultural show | 3-star beach resort (Elmina) |
| 10 | 23 Aug | Saltpond / Accra | Odambea Festival celebrations, return to Accra | High-rise hotel (Osu) |
| 11 | 24 Aug | Accra | Chale Wote Festival, Jamestown street art & performances, Osu nightlife | High-rise hotel (Osu) |
| 12 | 25 Aug | Accra | Farewell shopping, traditional blessing, airport drop-off | — |
Package Includes:
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Airport transfers
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3–4 star accommodation
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Private A/C vehicle
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Professional guide
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Festival passes & entry fees
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Daily breakfast
Price: From $1,890 per person (double occupancy)
Want the Chale Wote Festival Without the $2,000 Price Tag?
Skip the overpriced tours and experience 8 days of raw, unfiltered Ghanaian culture for just $850 — including accommodation, transport, and festival access.
This special package includes:
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Access to Chale Wote Street Art Festival
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Homowo Festival experience
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Cape Coast Castle + Kakum Rainforest
-
Volta River getaway
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Airport pickup & all local transport
Only 30 spots available.
FAQs About Festivals in Ghana in August
The Akwasidae Festival in Kumasi is among the most spectacular, attracting visitors from around the world to witness the Ashanti King and chiefs in traditional regalia.
Most festivals are free, though some events within them (concerts, special seating) may have a fee.
Yes — the weather is generally favorable, with fewer heavy rains, making it ideal for outdoor celebrations.
From the royal processions in Kumasi to the sea of kente in Agotime and the flavors of cassava in the Volta Region, August in Ghana is a sensory feast. It’s a month where history, culture, and community spirit come together in unforgettable ways.
If you’re planning your trip, align your itinerary with these celebrations — and you’ll walk away not just with photos, but with a deeper connection to Ghana’s living traditions.
For more festival dates, see our Annual Festival Calendar or explore Festivals in Ghana in September for your next adventure.
