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Ancestors and Artistry: Your Guide to the Most Vibrant Sunday in the Ashanti Kingdom

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In the heart of Kumasi, where the air often carries the scent of tropical rain and roasting plantain, lies a palace that holds the soul of the Asante people.

The Manhyia Palace isn’t just a residence; it is a living monument.

Every six weeks, this courtyard transforms into a sea of woven Kente and rhythmic drumming for the Akwasidae Festival. On Sunday, March 15, 2026, the drums will beat once more, inviting the world to witness a spectacle of royalty, reverence, and profound heritage.

A Sacred Rhythm

Akwasidae is not a mere “performance” for onlookers; it is a sacred obligation. Following the Akan calendar, which operates on a 42-day cycle, the festival serves as a bridge between the living and the ancestors.

It is a moment for the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti, to commune with those who came before him, offering etor (mashed yam) and libations to ensure the continued prosperity of the kingdom.

For a nation that balances rapid modernization with deep-rooted tradition, Akwasidae is the anchor.

Seeing the Asantehene sit in state, surrounded by his sub-chiefs and the legendary Golden Stool (represented by its spiritual presence), is a reminder that some things are timeless.

Why You Should Make the Journey

If you are a traveler landing in Ghana for the first time, your journey is incomplete without Kumasi. While Accra offers the bustle of a metropolis, Kumasi offers the weight of history. Attending Akwasidae is the most immersive way to understand the Ghanaian psyche. You aren’t just reading about a kingdom in a textbook; you are standing in the middle of one. You will hear the Fontomfrom drums talk, watch the intricate hand signals of the linguists, and see the heavy gold jewelry that tells stories of ancient wealth and power.

For the native Ghanaian, Akwasidae is a homecoming. In an era of digital noise, there is something incredibly grounding about returning to the “Garden City.” The first ceremony of 2026 has already set a high bar, featuring a vibrant parade by the Royal Police Ladies and visits from top-tier dignitaries. The March 15th celebration promises to be even more expansive, blending the solemnity of ancestral rites with the vibrant energy of a community in celebration.

The Experience

Expect to arrive early. By 8:00 am, the palace grounds will already be humming. The dress code is naturally respectful; you will see the most exquisite Kente cloth on earth draped over shoulders like works of art. As the Asantehene makes his grand entry, carried in a palanquin under a massive, colorful umbrella, the energy is electric. It is a masterclass in diplomacy, culture, and pure, unadulterated African pride.

  • Date: March 15, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Venue: Manhyia Palace, Kumasi
  • Organizer: Manhyia Palace

Whether you come for the photography, the history, or the spiritual connection, you will leave Manhyia feeling like you’ve touched the very fabric of Ghana.

Festivals & Events

Under Accra’s Evening Sky: A Celebration of Live Music at A&C Corner

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As the sun dips behind Accra’s skyline and the evening air cools, Night Under The Stars Live Concert promises to turn A&C Corner into an open-air celebration of music, culture, and connection.

Scheduled for Saturday, June 27, from 6 PM to 9 PM, the concert invites guests to gather beneath the night sky for an evening where live performances meet the relaxed energy that has made Accra one of West Africa’s most exciting cultural capitals.

More than just a concert, the event reflects a growing tradition in Ghana’s urban culture: using public spaces to bring people together through music.

In recent years, outdoor live-music experiences have become increasingly popular in Accra, blending contemporary entertainment with the communal spirit that has long defined Ghanaian social life.

Events like this offer a modern expression of an old idea—the belief that music is best enjoyed collectively, whether through highlife rhythms, Afrobeats grooves, soulful vocals, or acoustic performances that encourage strangers to sing along.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect an intimate yet lively atmosphere. The setting at A&C Corner, known for its vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and social spaces, creates a natural backdrop for an evening of entertainment.

As live bands and performers take the stage, guests will be able to relax with friends, discover local talent, and enjoy the easy flow of an Accra night.

Food and drinks are likely to be part of the experience, with the surrounding venue offering access to a variety of Ghanaian and international flavors.

The combination of music, conversation, and open-air ambiance captures a side of Accra that many travelers miss when focusing only on major tourist landmarks.

Why Attend

For international visitors, Night Under The Stars Live Concert offers a chance to experience Ghana beyond museums and historic sites. It is an opportunity to see how young creatives, music lovers, and families come together in a contemporary African city that is constantly reinventing itself.

For Ghanaians, the concert provides something equally valuable: a reason to slow down, reconnect with friends, and enjoy the simple pleasure of live music under the stars.

An Evening Worth Marking on the Calendar

Whether you are visiting Accra for the first time or rediscovering your own city, this concert promises an evening of rhythm, warmth, and shared memories—proof that some of Ghana’s best cultural experiences happen not inside a venue, but under the open sky.

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Festivals & Events

Building Tomorrow: Ghana Futures Dialogue Brings Visionaries Together

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What kind of nation will Ghana become by 2050? It is a question that reaches beyond politics and economics into the hopes, ambitions, and collective imagination of a people.

On Saturday, July 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., that conversation takes centre stage at the inaugural Ghana Futures Dialogue, an event bringing together leaders, students, academics, and changemakers to explore the future of the country under the theme, “Building the Foundations of Africa’s Gateway Nation.”

At a time when Ghana is navigating rapid technological change, urban growth, and evolving global partnerships, the dialogue offers a timely platform for reflection and action.

More than a conference, it is a meeting of minds focused on leadership, innovation, opportunity, and the strategic decisions that will shape Ghana for generations to come.

The event reflects a growing movement across Africa that encourages citizens to think long-term and actively participate in building sustainable, inclusive futures.

Visitors can expect thoughtful discussions and engaging exchanges between experienced leaders and emerging voices. Students and young professionals will have the opportunity to hear from experts, gain insights into future trends, and contribute their own perspectives on the Ghana they wish to inherit and help create.

The atmosphere promises to be energetic and forward-looking, with conversations ranging from education and entrepreneurship to technology, governance, and international collaboration.

For international visitors, the Ghana Futures Dialogue offers a unique window into the aspirations of one of West Africa’s most influential nations.

Rather than experiencing Ghana solely through its historic landmarks and cultural attractions, attendees will witness how Ghanaians are actively shaping the country’s next chapter.

For locals, the event provides a chance to reconnect with a shared vision of national development while engaging with fellow citizens who are passionate about progress and innovation.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its reputation as a gateway to Africa, conversations like these become increasingly important.

The Ghana Futures Dialogue invites everyone—from seasoned professionals to curious students—to be part of a discussion that looks beyond today and asks a simple but powerful question: what must we build now to create the Ghana we want in 2050?

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Festivals & Events

Where History Is Shared: Inside Bechem’s Colourful Adekyem Festival

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As the Harmattan breeze drifts gently across Bechem and the rhythms of traditional drums echo through the town, a festive energy takes hold.

Streets come alive with vibrant cloth, singing voices, and jubilant processions as chiefs, elders, and families gather to celebrate the Adekyem Festival, one of the most important cultural events in Ghana’s Ahafo Region.

The festival’s name carries a story deeply rooted in history. Bechem is derived from the Akan word “Adekyem,” meaning a place where gifts, valuables, or items are shared.

According to tradition, the town earned this name because it served as the location where booty acquired during historic Asante wars was distributed among victorious warriors and allies.

Over time, this act of sharing evolved into a symbol of unity, generosity, and communal responsibility—values that remain at the heart of the festival today.

Held annually in November or December, the Adekyem Festival brings together natives of Bechem from across Ghana and abroad. The celebration begins with traditional rites that honour ancestors and seek blessings for the community.

Chiefs appear in magnificent kente cloth and gold regalia, carried in colourful palanquins amid the sounds of talking drums, horns, and enthusiastic dancing.

The grand durbar of chiefs is one of the festival’s highlights, drawing visitors eager to witness the splendour of Akan chieftaincy and tradition.

Beyond the pageantry, the festival serves as a time of reflection and renewal. Elders recount the history of the town, preserving oral traditions for younger generations.

Families reunite, disputes are settled, and development projects are discussed, reinforcing the festival’s role as a platform for community building.

Cultural performances, traditional music, dance displays, and local cuisine further enrich the experience, creating an atmosphere that is both celebratory and educational.

In a rapidly changing world, the Adekyem Festival remains a powerful reminder of the importance of heritage, identity, and collective memory.

It connects the people of Bechem to their past while strengthening bonds for the future.

For travellers seeking an authentic encounter with Ghanaian culture, the Adekyem Festival offers far more than entertainment.

It is an invitation to witness history come alive, to experience the warmth of community, and to discover how a centuries-old tradition of sharing continues to define the spirit of Bechem today.

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