The streets of Cape Coast and Elmina come alive with the beat of traditional drums, the swirl of colourful kente cloth, and the voices of visitors arriving from every corner of the world.

Elders lead solemn processions through historic streets while dancers, poets, musicians and actors transform public squares into open-air stages. Against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and centuries-old forts, PANAFEST becomes more than a festival—it becomes a homecoming.

The Pan-African Historical Theatre Festival, widely known as PANAFEST, was established in 1992 as a platform to reconnect Africa with its global diaspora.

Held every two years in August during odd-numbered years, the festival uses culture, performance, and dialogue to strengthen ties between Africans on the continent and descendants of those taken away through the transatlantic slave trade.

There are few places where its message resonates more deeply than Cape Coast and Elmina, towns that witnessed one of history’s darkest chapters.

Throughout the festival, theatre performances, concerts, poetry readings, film screenings and academic lectures explore African identity, resilience and shared heritage.

Traditional chiefs and queen mothers participate in colourful durbars, while cultural troupes fill the streets with drumming and dance that celebrate the diversity of Ghana and the wider continent.

One of PANAFEST’s most moving moments is the pilgrimage to the historic slave castles, where participants reflect on the lives forever changed by the transatlantic slave trade.

Ceremonies of remembrance, prayer and reconciliation create an emotional bridge between past and present, encouraging healing through understanding rather than forgetting.

For the people of the Central Region, PANAFEST is both a cultural celebration and a powerful reminder of their place in a global story.

Local artisans, performers and businesses welcome thousands of visitors, creating opportunities to share traditions while supporting the local economy. Young people also gain a deeper appreciation of their heritage through storytelling, exhibitions and educational programmes.

To experience PANAFEST is to witness Ghana at its most reflective and welcoming. It invites visitors not only to enjoy extraordinary music, theatre and pageantry but also to engage with stories that continue to shape Africa and its diaspora. Anyone seeking to understand Ghana’s soul will find that journey begins in Cape Coast and Elmina when PANAFEST returns.

As the sun sets over Accra on Saturday, August 15, the city’s creative pulse will come alive at Annobil Contemporary Gallery for Voicez and Vibez.

This music festival promises an evening where live performances, artistic expression, and shared experiences take centre stage.

Running from 3:30 p.m. until late into the night, the event invites audiences to celebrate the power of music in one of Ghana’s growing cultural spaces.

Voicez and Vibez reflects a new generation of festivals shaping Ghana’s contemporary arts scene. While the country is widely recognised for traditional celebrations such as Homowo, Aboakyir and Chale Wote, events like this demonstrate how Ghana’s cultural identity continues to evolve.

They create platforms for musicians, performers and creatives to showcase original work while bringing together audiences from different backgrounds through a shared appreciation of live entertainment.

Visitors can expect an atmosphere filled with energetic performances, creative collaborations and the excitement that only live music can deliver.

Set within the artistic surroundings of Annobil Contemporary Gallery, the festival blends sound with visual creativity, making it more than a concert.

Guests can explore the venue, interact with fellow music lovers, and immerse themselves in an environment where art and performance complement one another.

Food vendors and refreshments are also likely to enhance the relaxed festival experience, allowing attendees to enjoy an evening celebrating Ghana’s vibrant creative lifestyle.

For international visitors, Voicez and Vibez offers an opportunity to experience Accra beyond its historic landmarks and beaches. It provides an authentic glimpse into the city’s youthful, innovative cultural landscape, where emerging talent and artistic experimentation thrive.

For Ghanaians, the festival is a chance to reconnect with the country’s dynamic creative community, support local artists, and enjoy an evening of unforgettable entertainment.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident of Accra, Voicez and Vibez promises a memorable celebration of music, creativity, and the vibrant spirit that continues to define Ghana’s cultural capital.

The rhythmic beat of talking drums rolls across Kumasi long before the first chiefs arrive. Courtyards fill with elegantly dressed families, the scent of local delicacies drifts through the air, and a sea of colourful kente cloth catches the morning sun.

Then comes the grand procession: chiefs carried in palanquins, sword bearers, horn blowers, drummers and dancers moving in perfect harmony as thousands gather to witness Akwasidae, one of Ghana’s most treasured cultural celebrations.

Held every six weeks according to the traditional Ashanti calendar, Akwasidae is more than a festival. It is a sacred occasion when the Ashanti Kingdom honours its ancestors, celebrates its heritage and reaffirms the bond between its people and traditional leadership.

The highlight is the public durbar, where chiefs from across the kingdom pay homage to the Asantehene, creating an extraordinary display of unity, authority and cultural pride.

Every detail carries meaning. Richly woven kente cloth represents status and identity, while gleaming gold ornaments reflect the wealth and craftsmanship for which the Ashanti people are renowned.

The ceremonial umbrellas, intricately carved stools and symbolic regalia tell stories that stretch back centuries to the reign of the early Asante kings.

Traditional drumming, dancing and praise singing fill the palace grounds, preserving oral history through performance.

Although deeply rooted in history, Akwasidae remains a vibrant part of contemporary Ghanaian life.

Families reunite, visitors experience Ashanti customs firsthand, and younger generations learn the values of respect, leadership and community.

The celebration also supports local artisans, performers and businesses, making it an important cultural and economic event for Kumasi.

The next Akwasidae Festival will be celebrated on Sunday, August 30, 2026, when the city once again becomes the ceremonial heart of the Ashanti Kingdom.

For travellers seeking more than sightseeing, Akwasidae offers a rare opportunity to witness a living royal tradition where history is not confined to museums but proudly celebrated in the streets, the palace and the hearts of the people.