Stories and facts

December is one of the most lively months on Ghana’s cultural calendar, bringing together tradition, heritage, and celebration across various regions.

As communities mark the end of the year, several festivals highlight the country’s rich history, agricultural cycles, and deep spiritual values.

One of the most notable December celebrations is the Samanpiid Festival of the Kusasi people in the Upper East Region.

This festival is held to give thanks for a successful harvest season and to promote unity among the Kusaug communities. It features colorful traditional dances, drumming, and a grand durbar of chiefs.

In the Volta Region, the Hogbetsotso Za Festival is sometimes observed into early December depending on the year.

It commemorates the historic migration of the Anlo Ewe people from Notsie in present day Togo. The festival is marked by purification rites, storytelling, and a spectacular gathering of chiefs and clans.

The Mmoaninko Festival, celebrated in Offinso in the Ashanti Region every four years, is another highlight of December.

This festival honours the bravery of Offinso warriors and features cultural displays, durbars of chiefs, and traditional ceremonies that unite the community.

The Adae festivals, Akwasidae and Awukudae, also occur in December when the traditional Akan calendar aligns accordingly.

Celebrated in the Ashanti Region, these festivals are moments for honouring ancestors, visiting the stool house, and renewing spiritual connections within Asante communities.

Browse through Ghana’s unique November festival celebrations below.