In the coastal city of Tema, there is a season where the rhythm of the Atlantic waves meets the steady beat of traditional drums. It’s a time when the modern industrial hub pauses to honor a sanctuary older than its factories: the Sakumo Lagoon.

If you find yourself in Ghana this late March, you aren’t just a spectator; you are a guest at one of the most tactile and environmentally conscious celebrations in the Greater Accra Region—the Kpledjoo Festival.

The Soul of the Lagoon

For five months, a heavy silence hangs over the Sakumo Lagoon. A strict ban on fishing and crab trapping ensures the waters remain undisturbed, allowing the ecosystem to breathe and replenish.

This isn’t just tradition; it’s an ancient masterclass in sustainability. By the time March 28th arrives, the lagoon is teeming with life, ready to sustain the community for another year.

The festival begins with a sacred dialogue between the spiritual and the physical. On the banks of the lagoon, the High Priest performs intricate rituals to appease the deities—Nayao, Awudu, Sakumo, and Tsade.

Only after these rites are completed is the ban lifted, signaling a literal and metaphorical “opening of the gates” to the people.

Why You Can’t Miss the Hug

While many festivals are defined by distance and pageantry, Kpledjoo is defined by proximity. The climax of the event is a grand durbar that dissolves into a “free-for-all” hugging session.

In a world that often feels divided, seeing the chiefs, elders, and thousands of residents—both native and foreign—wrapped in passionate embraces is a sight to behold. This “hugging ritual” serves as a powerful social equalizer.

It’s a moment where old grudges are squeezed out, and the spirit of community is physically reinforced. Whether you are a tourist from Tokyo or a native of Tema, don’t be surprised if you find yourself pulled into a warm, genuine embrace by a total stranger.

A Masterclass in Peer Review

Kpledjoo also features a unique “peer review” system that would make modern HR departments envious. Youth groups, dressed in vibrant, fanciful costumes, roam the streets singing Kple songs. These aren’t just melodies; they are musical report cards. They praise individuals who have done good deeds throughout the year and playfully “name and shame” those whose behavior has fallen short. It’s a rhythmic, witty way of maintaining the moral fabric of the city.

Event Details

• Date: March 28, 2026
• Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Venue: Tema, Greater Accra Region (Start at the Sakumo Lagoon banks)

Recommendation

To get the full experience, arrive early in Tema Newtown. Find a spot near the lagoon to witness the priests’ arrival, but keep your camera ready for the afternoon durbar. Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing (white is a great choice to blend with the traditional aesthetic) and be prepared to move with the crowd. Most importantly, bring an open heart—you will be hugged!

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.

Ghana’s heartbeat has always been found in its kitchens. From the rhythmic pounding of fufu in a village courtyard to the aromatic steam rising from a roadside Jollof stall in the city, our food is more than sustenance—it is our history, our hospitality, and our pride. This March, that culinary heritage takes center stage in a way we’ve never seen before.

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ghana Tourism Authority is bringing a massive vision to life: Taste 69@69. On March 13, the iconic Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra will transform into a sprawling open-air banquet, celebrating the flavors that define us while positioning Ghana as the ultimate destination for food tourism.

More Than Just a Meal

The name itself carries weight. With sixty-eight traditional and contemporary dishes on display, the event serves as a living library of Ghanaian gastronomy. It’s a rare chance to see the full spectrum of our land’s bounty in one place. You’ll find the staples that have fed generations, alongside modern re-imaginings that show exactly where our creative chefs are taking Ghanaian cuisine next.

But “Taste 69@69” isn’t just about filling plates; it’s about fueling an industry. By highlighting our local agricultural produce, the festival bridges the gap between the farmer in the field and the entrepreneur in the kitchen. For food tech innovators and restaurateurs, this is a prime hub for networking and discovering the next big trend in West African dining.

Why You Should Be There

If you are a tourist currently exploring the Gold Coast, consider this your “crash course” in Ghanaian culture. Instead of hunting down specific regional delicacies over weeks of travel, you can experience the culinary diversity of the entire nation in a single afternoon. It is an invitation to move beyond the familiar and discover the smoky depth of Waakye or the subtle, fermented perfection of Kenkey.

For the locals, this is a moment of collective pride. In the shadows of the monuments dedicated to our founding fathers, we get to celebrate the “Year of Return” spirit through the very things that make us feel at home. It’s a day to support homegrown businesses and remind ourselves why Ghanaian hospitality is whispered about across the globe.

Event Details

• Date: March 13
• Time: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Venue: Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Accra

Whether you’re a die-hard foodie, a curious traveler, or an entrepreneur looking for your next venture, your table is set. Come hungry, bring an open mind, and let’s show the world exactly what Ghana tastes like.