Festivals in Ghana in July
Festivals in Ghana in July are a powerful mix of royalty, agriculture, warrior traditions, and spiritual cleansing. From the coast of Elmina to the plains of the north, this month is one of the richest on Ghana’s cultural calendar.
1. Bakatue Festival
- Location: Elmina – Central Region
- When: First Tuesday of July
What it’s about:
Bakatue means “opening of the lagoon” and marks the start of the fishing season in Elmina. The festival dates back to the 19th century and blends traditional Fante rituals with Portuguese colonial history.
The chief priest offers prayers to the gods of the sea, and chiefs parade through the town in colorful regalia. A dramatic canoe procession on the lagoon brings thousands of locals and tourists to the water’s edge.
It’s one of the most visually striking festivals in Ghana in July, making it a perfect cultural experience for first-time visitors.
2. Apenorto Festival
- Location: Mepe – Volta Region
- When: July (extends into August)
What it’s about:
Apenorto, which means “a time for rest,” is celebrated by the Mepe people of North Tongu. It is a homecoming and reflective period for development planning, ancestral veneration, and family reunions. Chiefs hold durbars, and youth groups perform traditional music and dance. Apenorto promotes peace and unity—and is one of the warmest, most community-centered festivals in the Volta Region.
3. Bugumlobre Festival
- Location: Bongo – Upper East Region
- When: July
What it’s about:
Also known as the Fire Festival of the Frafra people, Bugumlobre is similar in spirit to the Dagomba Bugum Chugu, commemorating the search for a lost prince. Residents light torches and march through the town at night, with fire, drumming, and chanting filling the air. The symbolic flames represent spiritual renewal, protection, and historical memory.
It’s an electrifying event, especially in a small-town setting like Bongo.
4. Damba Festival (Early Rites)
- Location: Dagomba areas – Northern Region (Tamale, Yendi, etc.)
- When: Some Damba rituals begin in July (main events in August/September)
What it’s about:
Damba is one of the largest and most royal festivals in northern Ghana. While the main events fall later in the year, early rites and preparations often begin in July in key Dagomba areas. The festival celebrates the birth and life of the Prophet Muhammad, but over time it has evolved into a cultural event with music, dance, chieftaincy rituals, and horse processions.
If you’re visiting the north in July, you may catch smaller but authentic versions of the Damba celebrations.
5. Edjodi Festival
- Location: Senya Breku – Central Region
- When: July
What it’s about:
Edjodi is a spiritual and community-centered festival among the Senya Breku people. It includes ritual cleansing of the town, offerings to ancestral spirits, and reaffirmation of community bonds. The festival often includes Asafo military displays, traditional drumming, and processions that connect people with their roots.
6. Jimbanti Festival
- Location: Tumu – Upper West Region
- When: July
What it’s about:
The Jimbanti Festival is celebrated by communities in and around Tumu as a harvest and ancestral thanksgiving event. Chiefs pour libation, and the community engages in music, dance, and storytelling. It’s a deeply spiritual festival that reaffirms the importance of agrarian values in northern Ghanaian life.
Travel Tip: Jimbanti pairs beautifully with a visit to the Tumu Slave Defense Wall—a rare historical attraction nearby.
Sample July Cultural Itinerary
Here’s a well-paced 10-day itinerary:
- Day 1–2: Arrive in Accra → head to Elmina for Bakatue
- Day 3–4: Travel to Mepe for Apenorto Festival
- Day 5: Fly or drive to Tamale for Damba early rites
- Day 6–7: Journey to Bongo for Bugumlobre Fire Festival
- Day 8–9: Visit Tumu for Jimbanti + cultural immersion
- Day 10: Return to Accra
👉 Let us help you plan your July festival tour! Explore our July cultural travel packages