Ghana Black History Month
Black History Month in Ghana: Celebrating African Heritage Every February and Beyond
While Black History Month is officially celebrated in February in countries like the United States and Canada, Ghana offers a unique lens to this global commemoration. Though not formally declared nationwide, February is increasingly observed by schools, cultural centers, and diaspora communities across Ghana to reflect on Pan-African history, the legacy of slavery, and the resilience of African people.
In addition, Ghana hosts powerful heritage events throughout the year — including Emancipation Day in August, Panafest (biennially in July–August), and Ghana Heritage Month in March — all of which deepen the narrative of Black identity, remembrance, and pride on the continent.
What Is Black History Month
Global Origins & Evolution
- February 1926: Carter G. Woodson establishes “Negro History Week” to highlight the contributions of Black Americans. He chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, both of whom Black communities had celebrated since the late 19th century. Woodson’s intention was to combat the exclusion of Black achievements from mainstream history. Over time, this weeklong observance gained traction among schools, churches, and civic organizations across the United States, laying the groundwork for a broader commemoration of African-American history
1970s – 1980s: The idea of a dedicated period to celebrate Black history spread internationally.
In Canada, grassroots efforts began in the early 1970s; Ontario officially recognized February as Black History Month in 1979, followed by a national House of Commons motion in 1995.
In the United Kingdom, Ghanaian activist Akyaaba Addai-Sebo spearheaded the first UK celebration in October 1987 under the banner of “Political Blackness,” linking it to the 150th anniversary of Caribbean emancipation and the centenary of Marcus Garvey’s birth.
Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts (MoTCCA) rolled out its first Black History Month events through venues like the Du Bois Centre, officially launching programming each February across cultural institutions.
Why Ghana Celebrates Black History Month
Unlike the U.S. and Canada, where Black History Month is observed in February, Ghana does not have an officially designated Black History Month. However, cultural organizations and diaspora groups occasionally align heritage celebrations with key moments on Ghana’s post-independence calendar — such as Founders’ Day in September and commemorations from the Year of Return (2019). These events often take place during the harvest season, cooler weather, and historical anniversaries like Kwame Nkrumah’s role in founding the OAU in 1963.
“In Ghana, October isn’t just harvest time—it’s remembrance time.”—Dr. Nana Boafo
The Ghana Connection: Why Ghana Matters
Ports of No Return – Slave Castle Legacy
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Notable Forts of the Slave Trade – Hidden Forts That Tell the Full Story
Fort Prinzenstein (Keta, Volta Region)
Fort Apollonia (Beyin, Western Region)
Fort Amsterdam (Abandze, Central Region)
Fort Metal Cross (Dixcove, Western Region)
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Slave Markets of Ghana-Where Lives Were Bought and Sold
Atorkor Slave Market (Volta Region)
Paga Slave Camp (Upper East Region)
Pikworo Slave Camp (Upper East Region)
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Ghanaian Voices: ‘The Journey’ Series by Twum Dufe
Who Is Twum Dufe Gabriel
Gabriel Dufe Twum is a creative and detail-oriented Video Editor and Photographer with over 20 years of experience in visual storytelling. His journey began at the age of 13 with his first camera, and despite excelling in science and computing, he pursued his passion for photography and filmmaking as a career. Gabriel specializes in crafting compelling visual narratives using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects. With a strong background in portrait and event photography, as well as documentary filmmaking, he has worked on diverse projects, from corporate events to historical documentaries. Gabriel is dedicated to continuous growth and excellence, blending technical expertise with artistic vision to create impactful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Overview of ‘THE JOURNEY | Black History Month: Ghana’s Untold Stories
Pikworo Slave Camp: A Tale of Two Slave Masters
Once a bustling slave market in northern Ghana, Salaga played a central role in the trans-Saharan and transatlantic slave routes. This hidden chapter of history reveals the town’s haunting past, from the infamous “Chain Tree” to the long marches southward to coastal castles
Salaga: The Hidden Story of Ghana’s Slave Trade
Nestled near Paga in Ghana’s Upper East Region, Pikworo Slave Camp served as a brutal holding ground for enslaved Africans. This site tells the harrowing story of two rival slave masters and the journeys captives endured before being sold southward
Read More Stories from Ghana’s Black History
Step beyond the castles and uncover the hidden slave markets that shaped Ghana’s role in the trans-Saharan and Atlantic slave trades.
Click a story below to dive deeper
Elmina Castle Ghana : History, Significance & Travel Guide (2025)
Cape Coast Castle: 7 Powerful Stories That Shaped Ghana’s History
Pikworo Slave Camp – A Guide to Ghana’s Hidden Legacy of Slavery
The Dungeon Under the Court: Jamestown’s Forgotten Slave Story
Ghana’s Black History Month Events & Activities
Every year, Ghana hosts several flagship festivals and commemorations that honor its Pan-African heritage, mark the abolition of slavery, and celebrate traditional purification rites. Here’s what to expect in 2025.
Panafest (Pan-African Historical Festival)
Key Highlights
Night Vigil at Cape Coast Castle
Diaspora Reunion Panels
Heritage & Ecotours
Emancipation Day Celebration
Key Highlights
- Jamestown Parade (Accra)
Wreath-Laying at Cape Coast Castle
Kumasi Commemoration (Ashanti Region)
Odwira & Hogbetsotso Festivals
- Grand Durbar of Chiefs
- Purification Rites & Ancestral Remembrance.
- Feasting & Cultural Competitions
2025 Tour Packages: Book Your February Experience
Ghana Slave Routes Study Tour-10 Days
Celebrate Black History Month with immersive, meaningful journeys through Ghana’s powerful historical landmarks and vibrant culture.
Reclaiming Roots: Ghana in 13 Days
This heritage tour is a powerful reconnection experience with deep emotional resonance. Participants retrace the journey of enslaved Africans .
Roots & Rhythm: Culture, Castles & Coast-13 days
For culturally curious Black travelers, this experience offers the best of both worlds: the gravity of slave trade history and the joy of Ghana’s music, food, nature, and nightlife.
