Festivals & Events
From ECOWAS to the African Union: Accra Becomes the Centre of Global Migration Talks
Every journey tells a story, and this November, thousands of those stories will converge in Accra.
From researchers tracing migration patterns to policymakers shaping the future of free movement across Africa, the Metropolis International Migration Network Conference 2026 promises four days of conversations that extend far beyond lecture halls.
Taking place from November 17 to 20, 2026, at the University of Ghana, the international gathering carries the timely theme “Rethinking African Mobility: Past Lessons, Present Realities, Future Possibilities.”
The conference brings together scholars, government officials, humanitarian organisations and development practitioners from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas to examine how migration continues to reshape communities, economies and identities.
The event arrives at a significant moment for Ghana. Long regarded as a crossroads for trade, education and the African diaspora, the country has become an important meeting place for conversations about movement, belonging and regional integration.
Discussions will explore issues ranging from labour mobility within ECOWAS and migration governance to health, forced displacement and diaspora engagement, with representatives from organisations including the African Union, ECOWAS and the World Health Organization expected to participate.
Beyond the formal sessions, visitors will experience the welcoming atmosphere of the University of Ghana’s leafy campus in Legon, one of West Africa’s most respected academic institutions.
Coffee breaks, networking gatherings and cultural exchanges create opportunities for meaningful conversations with people whose personal and professional experiences span continents.
For international visitors, the conference offers an ideal reason to explore Accra’s lively food scene, creative arts spaces and historic landmarks after each day’s programme. For Ghanaians, it presents a chance to engage with global perspectives while reflecting on the country’s own migration story—from internal mobility to the far-reaching influence of its diaspora.
Early-bird registration remains available until August 25, 2026, with discounted rates for Africa-based scholars and students, making this one of the year’s most accessible international conferences.
Whether you arrive as a researcher, practitioner or curious traveller, Accra is preparing to host a conversation that could help shape Africa’s future of movement.
Festivals & Events
Velukusi Festival: Re-enacting the Ewe Escape to Freedom in Ve-Deme
Water splashes against an imaginary wall as people gather to witness one of the most powerful stories in Ewe history.
In Ve-Deme, in Ghana’s Volta Region, the Velukusi Festival brings an ancestral struggle for freedom into the present, transforming a story of oppression, courage and escape into a living act of remembrance.
Celebrated during the first week of October, Velukusi commemorates the traditional account of the Ewes’ escape from the cruel rule of King Aghorkoli in Togo. According to the story passed down through generations, the Ewes were held behind a formidable wall.
Determined to break free, they repeatedly poured water onto a section of the structure until it weakened and collapsed.
Their escape did not end with the fallen wall. To conceal their direction of travel, they walked backwards, leaving misleading footprints for those who might pursue them. This extraordinary detail has become a defining feature of the festival’s historical re-enactment.
Bringing Ancestral Courage to Life
During Velukusi, the community revisits the escape through a dramatic performance that allows younger generations and visitors to connect with the experience of their forebears.
The re-enactment gives physical expression to a story that speaks of collective determination, ingenuity and the enduring human desire for freedom.
The festival reaches its climax with a colourful display of traditional cloths and beads, followed by a grand durbar of chiefs.
Traditional regalia, customary leadership and communal gatherings place Ewe identity at the centre of the celebration.
A Living Heritage
For the people of Ve-Deme, Velukusi is more than a historical commemoration. It strengthens community bonds and keeps ancestral memory alive at a time when younger generations are increasingly exposed to global influences.
For visitors exploring Ghana, the festival offers an opportunity to encounter the Volta Region’s heritage through storytelling, ceremony and traditional craftsmanship.
Velukusi reminds us that freedom is worth remembering—and that experiencing the traditions of Ve-Deme is a meaningful way to understand the resilience of the Ewe people.
Festivals & Events
MaddFest 2027: Welcome the New Year with a Night of Celebration in Accra
As the festive season winds down, Accra has one more reason to stay awake. Live in Ghana – MaddFest arrives at Alora Beach Resort on January 3, 2027, promising six hours of nightlife and celebration for partygoers eager to keep Ghana’s festive spirit alive.
Organised by December in Ghana, an event organiser with experience hosting entertainment events, MaddFest forms part of the social energy surrounding Ghana’s popular festive season, when music, nightlife and gatherings draw locals and international visitors together.
A Night Out by the Beach
Scheduled for Sunday, January 3, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., the event offers an opportunity to experience Accra after dark in a beach resort setting.
While specific performers, food offerings and activities have not yet been detailed, the event’s late-night format promises an extended opportunity for guests to socialise and enjoy the city’s entertainment scene.
Ghana’s December festivities have grown into a major attraction for the diaspora and international travellers, with concerts, parties and cultural gatherings creating opportunities to reconnect with home and discover contemporary Ghanaian music and lifestyle.
Events such as MaddFest contribute to this atmosphere, where entertainment becomes a meeting point for different generations and cultures.
Why MaddFest Deserves a Place on Your Calendar
For visitors, MaddFest offers a chance to experience Accra’s nightlife beyond daytime sightseeing.
Ghanaians returning from abroad may also find it an opportunity to reconnect with friends and enjoy the country’s lively entertainment culture.
The event is not presented as a traditional cultural festival, but its social setting reflects the role music, dancing and shared celebrations play in Ghanaian life.
With Alora Beach Resort providing the setting, guests can plan a night out that extends into the early hours of Monday morning.
Whether you are visiting Ghana for the festive season or simply looking for another reason to enjoy Accra, Live in Ghana – MaddFest offers a date worth considering. Check the official event listing for ticket details and announcements before making plans.
Festivals & Events
LALID LIVE 2026: An Evening of Entertainment and Connection in Accra
When December arrives in Accra, the city begins to move to its own rhythm. Friends reunite, visitors return from abroad, and the nightlife fills with opportunities to meet new people and celebrate.
On December 4, LALID LIVE 2026 will add another gathering to the capital’s festive calendar, bringing guests together at Bloom Bar on Spintex Road.
A Night Out in Ghana’s Capital
Organised by AFROWAVE 2019, LALID LIVE is scheduled for Friday, December 4, from 9 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The in-person event invites guests to enjoy an evening of entertainment and good company.
Although detailed information about the programme, performers and activities has not yet been provided, the event offers an opportunity to explore Accra’s contemporary social scene during one of the city’s busiest tourism periods.

Ghana’s December celebrations have become an important meeting point for residents, members of the diaspora and international travellers.
Alongside concerts, cultural festivals and nightlife events, these gatherings create spaces for reconnecting with friends, discovering new entertainment and sharing experiences across cultures.
Why Put LALID LIVE on Your Calendar?
For visitors, the event presents a chance to experience Accra beyond its daytime attractions, from historic landmarks to markets and galleries. Spending an evening at a local entertainment venue can offer a different perspective on how the city socialises and welcomes guests.
For Ghanaians returning home or looking for a night out with friends, LALID LIVE provides another opportunity to connect during the festive season.
Bloom Bar, located on Spintex Road, provides the setting for the gathering. Guests should check the official event listing for ticket information and any announcements about performances or additional activities before attending.
Whether you are visiting Accra for December or simply planning an evening out, LALID LIVE 2026 is worth considering as part of the city’s growing festive programme.
-
Ghana News1 day agoOBITUARY: Gamal Gorkeh Nkrumah, Son of Ghana’s Founding President, Dies in Cairo
-
Sights and Sounds2 days agoEPP BookShop at Legon: A Destination for Students, Families and Book Lovers
-
Health & Wellness1 day agoWalking Is More Than Exercise: Small Steps That Can Transform Your Health
-
Festivals & Events1 day agoMaddFest 2027: Welcome the New Year with a Night of Celebration in Accra
-
Homes & Real Estate2 days agoBuilding Smarter in Ghana: Could Plastic Rebar Clips Improve Construction Efficiency?
-
Arts and GH Heritage1 day agoInside Togo’s Abandoned Colonial Building, African Artists Reclaim Cultural Memory
-
Global Update1 day agoWave of Student Killings at Mexico Universities Raises Safety Concerns
-
Ghana News1 day agoMahama to Churches: The Real Sermon Is Written After the Closing Prayer
