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| Discover An Adventure. | ||
| A Taste Of African Memories - The Country GHANA in West Africa. | ||
| Ghana provides a perfect introduction of African Travel for anyone seeking a holistic experience that embraces traditional and contemporary cultures as well as beaches and safaris.
Ghana’s microcosmic travel circuit is the perfect African primer as she currently stands out tall and the reason that it has become so popular with backpackers and volunteers is its suitability to unpacked travels where you could spend months even months exploring this safe and affordable Anglophone country travelling as whom dictates and skill find yourself confronted with something different and special on a daily basis.
Ghana’s stability as a nation as well as being in the centre of the slave trade is also a major factor to Ghana’s current prominence to the International Tourism Map.
Formerly the Gold Coast of African. Ghana today has what it takes to rock shoulders with well know countries in the arena of offering Tourism products and services and effectively rendering them to Tourist and volunteers alike to the best of our ability.
A country that possesses some of Africa’s richest culture including Royalty and Pageantry festivals. History and Architecture among which are the world heritage sites of Elmina and Cape Coast castles. The vibrancy of everyday life. The friendliness of its people and being the 7th most peaceful country in Africa, Ghana is uniquely the latest Tourism destination on the global Tourism Map to visit. A RICH BLEND OF THE OLD AND NEW GHANA… Our history stretches back almost 2000 years to the riches of the ancient Ghana Empire, where trade in gold ivory, salt, and cola nuts created one of the most opulent nations in Africa and attracted kinsman from all over the continent. Europeans drawn by the abundance of our land, came to trade and left behind their legacy of 32 forts and castles (the most in any sub-Saharan African country) Our capital city of Accra is a vibrant modern city. The commercial and political heart of Ghana, Accra is a modern gateway to one of Africa’s ancient lands. A rich blend of old and new, Accra with its bustling markets full of great bargains, a wide choice of hotels with state of the art conference facilities, restaurants that reflect the many cultures of Ghana, and a pulsating nightlife is the hub for a perfect holiday. THINK GHANA as the next destination to visit by either individuals, small or large groups, families, church and other religious groupings, co-operate groups, students, Adventure and leisure and experience sightseeing to its best but great Tourism involvement cannot be enjoyed without total peace in each one country which is the leading tool for a country to be enjoyed by Tourist and visitors alike and even the citizens within the land in general. To enjoy safe Tourism in a country sincerely begins with the general level of security in that country and we in Ghana trace our safety and freedom of speech and movement back some 32 years when the country Ghana democratically went through the polls where a sitting government had to relinquish power to the opposition. Transmission was violence free and smooth and ever since Ghana has enjoyed total freedom from further political transmission. Today each Ghanaian can openly contribute his or her mind on the activities of the sitting president, the parliament or any minister or member of the ruling government without any attack or arrest. This is the kind of atmosphere people living in this country enjoy in West Africa, automatically reflecting to the total relaxed atmosphere for the Tourist through his or her short or long stay with us in Africa. No wonder this kind of atmosphere brewing in our country coupled with massive safety of the individual on the street anywhere in Ghana confirms Ghana’s readiness for your visit into our country as a tourist. Being the 7thmost peaceful nation in Africa and the 61st peaceful nation in the whole world out of the total of 163 countries worldwide courtesy a poll by The British Intelligence Unit of United Kingdom of 2014 as crime wave is rather negligible and non- existence in our country, Ghana undisputedly is one of the few safe countries to Tour in Africa. In a sentence, We would say that the country Ghana has all what it takes for you to visit us in Africa as a tourist. The natural parks, bird watchers paradise, nature lovers delight, the fantastic festivals, palm fringed beaches, fascinating fishing villages and historic towns, the numerous waterfalls, the monkey sanctuaries, the forts and castles, the villages sitting on the stilts, the canopy walkway, one of its kind in Africa and among the total of four in the whole wide world. The rich blend of dramatic landscape, historic relics traditional cultures, the batik and Adinkra tie and die making villages, the wooden convening towns and a lot more scattered in all the ten 10 regions made up of our 26 million people of Ghanaian nationals. Visitors have 240,000 square kilo meters of land to explore. You have enough reasons to come to enjoy your vacation in your life time and discover why so many people say Ghana is a special Africa- A different Africa to discover. Ghana is to discover the natural Africa. If you are surprised by all these, you are beginning to get the feel of Ghana, one delightful surprise after the other. There is indeed something wonderful for everyone to be happy about. Come and experience Ghana yourself. In some countries hospitality is an acquired taste, however in Ghana it is our way of life. Ghana Beckons! Live or visit us in West Africa. Ghana’s unique blend of tradition and modernity, history, Rich culture, fantastic festivals, nature, splendor and sheer human warmth makes the country the latest revelation on the global Tourism Map to visit from this year and the years beyond. AKWAABA! Our way of saying welcome to Ghana. Ghana the land of history and heritage of festivals and culture eagerly awaits your visit. TAKE A BREAK! And simply come and share in our warmth-Ghana, our business is to satisfy your interest in Ghana as a Tourist. Feel free and experience nature with us – Gallup Tours Indeed your leisure is our pleasure! Ghana, the preferred country to enjoy your holidays in. There may be many things you may not know about the Country Ghana and the company Gallup Tours. Perhaps you should take a closer look! THE COUNTRY GHANA: Ghana is divided into ten (10) regions and abounds in a number of interesting places of attraction made available to both the domestic and the International tourist. A number of these attractions are listed below by region. GREATER ACCRA REGION 1…Centre for National Culture, High Street-Preserves and present Ghanaian arts through exhibits, workshops and galleries. A major shopping centre for arts, crafts, beads and local textiles at this location. 2…Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum & Memorial Park: High Street- Dedicated to the late Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. There is a Photo Museum on his life and works. 3…The Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture: A source of inspiration to many, this Centre now houses a research library and gallery of manuscripts, as well as the grave of this famous African-America scholar and his wife. 4...Ada Manat Paradise Beach Resort: Popular resort area and a favorite base for water sports and game fishing. 5...Makola Market: The Kojo Thompson Rd- One of the continent’s most colorful. The most interesting and picturesque modern open market where the visitors will admire the business acumen of Ghanaian women traders. CENTRAL REGION 1…Cape Coast Castle: Cape Coast Town- From Dutch lodge in 1637 to Swedes Fort in 1652 and British Castle as well as seat of colonial administration from 1664-1877. Harbors West African Historical Museum. 2…Elimina Castle: Elimina Town- Portuguese Fort built in 1482 was the first European edifice in Africa south of the Sahara. Became Dutch Fort in 1637 and British Castle in 1911. 3…Kakum National Park: 30 km North of Cape Coast- Patchwork of rain forest of 360km including the Assin Attandanso Resource Reserve with medicinal trees, birds and monkeys. 4…Craft Villages: The villages of the Central Region are famed for their traditional crafts that are still worked as their forefathers have worked for generation. They all make great souvenirs of your visit to the Central Region. Particularly important villages are:- Winneba – Famous for its beautiful and unusual ceramics. Gomoa-Otsew-Jukwa- a village of pottery makers. 5…The beaches of Central Region: Beach lover will enjoy our palm-fringed beaches, warmed by African sunshine where the surf ranges from gentle rollers to sizeable breakers. Popular spots are: Forest walks- 15 minutes from Elmina, Winneba- With the Sir Charles Beach Resort, Elmina- Close to the historic Castle, Gomoa Fetteh- Popular with picnickers. ASHANTI REGION 1… Okumfo Anokye Sword Site: 10 minutes walk from Kejetia Roundabout – Sword driven into ground by Chief Priest Okumfo Anokye in the 17th century signifying unity of the Akans. It is said that no one can remove it by his own strength alone. 2…The craft villages surrounding Kumasi include; Bonwire: 20km north east of Kumasi – Home of the famous Kente cloth, Pankron: 3km North of Kumasi- Pottery, Ahwiaa: 6km North of Kumasi-Wood carving, Ntonsu: Adinkra cloth making, Asuofia\ Asamang: Berekese road: Beads making, Ampabame Krofrom: 10km from Ahodwo-Brass smiths Goldsmiths and Silversmith industries. 3… The Natural Attractions of Ashanti: The Ashanti Region is a great area in which to explore unspoilt natural attractions. For bird and butterflies the forest are the place to go while wildlife can be spotted around the lakes and in the natural reserves. The following locations are great for trekking and forest walks. Lake Bosomtwi: 40km Southwest of Kumasi- Natural circular lake that is believed to have been formed by the impact of a meteorite, Bobiri Forest Reserve -35km south East of Kumasi, Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary- 23km North West of Kumasi, Digya National Park- From Kumawu to Atebubu, Atwia Rock Formations, 40km from Kumasi, Mframabuom Caves- Kwamang, 55km from Kumasi. 4… The Cultural Attractions of the Ashanti: The traditional culture of the people is one of the attractions of the Ashanti Region. Important illustrations can be discovered at- The Ashanti manso village, Kumawu Town, The Kentinkronu Shrine, Adarko Jachie Shrine, Ejsu Besease Shrine, Statues of Kumasi, Patakro Shrine. WESTERN REGION 1… The Beaches of the Western Region: Western Region is famous for some of the best beaches in Ghana for relaxation after a hard working day or on holidays. THE BEST ARE; Busua Pleasure Beach: 25km of Takoradi to Tarkwa Road-Wide golden sandy beach ideal for swimming with Ultra-Modern chalets, Sports Club Beach- Behind the Atlantic hotel in Takoradi, Ajua Beach- Just 200 meters from Dadowa Lagoon, Princetown Beach- off Takoradi Elubo highway, Miamia Beach- Secluded beach with rocky care. 2… Nkroful: 83km West of Takoradi-Birthplace of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President. There is a memorial in the centre of the village with a small garden. 3… The Village on Stilts of Nzulezo: The amazing village where life goes on is in the centre lake Tadane just 90km west of Takoradi. The houses are built on stilts and traditional village adapts to the water conditions. The excursion from Beyin involves a walk through the reeds at the edge and a trip in a dugout canoe to the village. The village welcomes visitors every day except Thursday which is a sacred day, please note. 4… Akatekyi Crocodile Pond: 30km west of Takoradi, the local priest entices the crocodiles from the water with a live chicken. Visit with a bottle of schnapps for libation. Visitors are welcome every day except Wednesdays. A sacred day. Please note. 5… The Mines of Ghana: The western Region has several mines that may be visited by prior arrangement. The main sites are- Nsuta Manganese Mine-20km south of Tarkwa, Prestea Goldmines -40km north of Tarkwa, Tarkwa Goldmines- Founded in the 1800s just 92km northwest of Takoradi. EASTERN REGION 1… The Volta Lake: 100km Northeast of Accra – Largest manmade lake incorporates the Akosombo hydro-electric dam where the country Ghana derives majority of its power from and an inland port of the Volta River Authority that operates through its subsidiary, the Volta Lake Transport Company(VLTC) a north-south inland passenger cargo as well as cross ferry transportation and a cruise boat. 2… The Aburi Botanical Garden: 40km North of Accra- Created in the 1880’s as an Agricultural research station sanatorium and a leisure resort. Has a wide variety of plants, flowers and trees from the tropical world. 3… Boti Falls: Spectacular, but seasonal, waterfalls in the forest reserve at Huhunya. In the immediate vicinity are cascades, at their best from June to August. 4… Tetteh Quarshies Cocoa Farm: The first Cocoa farms established in the country from seeds were largest Cocoa producer in the world. 5… Slave Market of Abonse: Traces of the 17th and 18th century slave market can still be seen in a town that was an important crossroad on the Slave Route. BRONG AHAFO REGION 1… Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary: 22km from Nkoranza- Monkeys like the Coobus, the Mona and many more are seen moving about freely in the villages as early as 9.00am. 2… Kintampo Falls: 75km North of Techiman – A collection of several waterfalls flowing and disappearing underground and resurfacing 200 metres ahead. The geographical centre of Ghana is a tourist spot located close by in Kintampo township. 3…Yeji Port: Volta Lake- A small but beautiful and scenic town with fishing as the main occupation. The Port is located 497km North of Akosombo and it is also a link between the North and South. 4… Traditional Cloth Making Boama: 20km from Techiman, the village of Nsuta is famous for the production of Kyenkyen a local cloth production from the bark of trees. 5… The Heritage of Brong Ahafo: The history and culture of Brong Ahafo comes alive if you visit the Hani archeological site 50km from Wenchi inhabited by the Benghos about 1200 BC and the Kwaku Fri shrine at Nwoase 6m from Wenchi. This shrine is only accessible to visitors on Wednesday and Sundays. VOLTA REGION 1…Volta Lake: Borders Eastern and Volta Regions- Spans over 400km North south, Largest man-made lake with facilities for cruising to Sogakope and Azizanya at the estuary where the Paradise Beach Hotel offers facilities for all types of water sports. 2…Afadjato Mountain: 260km Northeast of Accra- Ghana’s highest mountain. It is 2905 feet high and ideal for climbing. 3…Waterfalls of the Volta Region: Although some may be seasonal, all are set in attractive wooded or mountains settings. Wli Falls: 20km South-West of Hohoe in the Wli Nature Reserve- The most beautiful waterfall in Ghana all year round in the midst of the Agumatsu Forest ideal for adventure, Tagbo Falls- Liate wote, Aflambo Falls-Leklebi, Amedzofe Abadzeme Falls- 10km from Hohoe. 4… Grottos and Caves: In the limestone hills, the grottos and caves are dramatic. Some Attractions are- The ancestral caves of Likpe- 14km from Hohoe, The grottos of Kpando- Agbehoe and Aziavi, The caves of Nyagbo and Logba. The caves and ironmine workings-Alepafu. 5… River Volta Estuary: The estuary is an area of great scenic beauty with river and ocean beaches and picnic spots shaded by palm trees. The sand bars are nestling grounds for sea birds and endangered species of turtle are found here. NORTHERN REGION 1… Mole National Park: 130km West of Tamale- The only developed national Park with accommodation facilities. A wide range of animals including elephants, Lions, antelopes and monkeys can be found. Laranbanga Mosque: 90km from Tamale- Believed to have descended from Heaven. The mosque has an admirable Sudanese architecture. 2… Nalerigu Walls: 120km from Bolgatanga southeastwards- Nalerigu Defence Walls built in the 16th century as protection against slave raiders. The structure claimed to have been built of milk, honey and slaves. 3… Larabanga Mosque: A 13th century Mosque believed to be first built by Moorish traders is one of the holiest sites in Ghana. Its distinctive façade has been widely photographed. 4… Salaga: The slave route is visible at Salaga, where the trans-sahara caravans paused at Salaga market. Leg pegs can still be seen in the market place. 5… Yendi: 96km east of Tamale, Yendi was part of a 19th century German settlement. Many of the Germans who died in battle with the Dagomba people are buried in the cemetery. The grave of the slave raider Babatu is said to be near there. UPPER EAST REGION 1… Tongo Rocks: 10km south of eerie whistling sound when the cold, dry harmattan wind blows. Naa Gbewa’s Shrine: Pusiga, 90km east of Bolgatanga- Legend has it that Naa Gbewa, founder of the Mole-Dagbani tribes, finally settled at Pusiga and died there in the 13th century. His descendants continue to worship at the shrine. 2… Page Crocodile Pond: 35km north of Bolgatanga on the Ghana-Burkina Faso border- At the pond the crocodile can be enticed out with a live fowl and can be touched or stroked by the custodians and history makes a surprising photograph to take home. 3… Bolga Market: A splendid place to meet traders from all over the region and bargain for purchase of basketware, leather goods, traditional clothing and souvenirs. 4… Naa Gbewaas Shrine: This traditional shrine commemorates Naa Gbewaa at Pusiga who founded the Mole Dogbon tribe in 13th century. 5… Navrongo: The historic mud-built church is a wonderful place to visit and worship. UPPER WEST REGION 1… Gbelle Game Reserve: 17km south of Tumu-sanctuary for many endangered species of wildlife like hippos, waterbuck’s elephants and birds of spectacular plumage. 2… WA Na’s Palace: In the heart of Wa-A 19th century palace with Sudanese and Moorish architecture. As official residence of the Wa Chief, it accommodates all the clans that have held the throne over the years. 3… Gwollu Defence Wall: Gwollu 70km north of Wa was part of the slave Route. In the 19th century Gwollu Koro Limann built the wall as part of the defence against slavery. 4… George Fergusons Tomb: George Ekem Ferguson was a Ghanaian colonial agent who was instrumental in convincing local chiefs to sign treaties of friendship with the British. He was later in 1897 killed by slave raiders but his tomb is preserved in Wa. Filming and photography are allowed in any such occasion. Gallup Tours can be contacted by e-mail:galluptours70@yahoo.com should the need be or by these special telephone numbers put up for special enquiries (233200184681, +233561780810) or further information on tourism event or at the Ghana Tourist Board Desk in the arrivals hall should be able to help in this very special quest. By a list below, festivals are recorded here for you in each month in a year for your easy study and patronage. Thank you. |
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| PACKAGES : From these head lines, we make our packages to suit individual and or group tourist interest.
VOLUNTEER INTERSHIP PROGRAMS: Voluntourism means Give a little, Gain a lot ( This is the practice of individuals going on a non paid working hoildays for the purpose of volunteering themselves to worthy causes) Voluntourism recongnizes the importance of two key factors of Balance and reciprocity. A balance engagement alternating between voluntary service and Tourism activities allows for a reciprocal relationship with communities. Gallup Tours has established links all around the country and is able to place volunteers to our local communities where their services is offered directly to these under previleged communities. We encourage early application to this program as to when you intend to arrive in Ghana. GENERAL TOURIST TRAVELS INTO GHANA: With established partners in almost every one country, Gallup Tours receives Tourist into Ghana all year round from these countries, personalities who desire to experience the hidden treasures of Ghana. This will be a yearly organized International Tour programs for all Tourist world wide wishing to experience Africa in one country- GHANA. ROOT TRACING OF AFRICAN AMERICAN DECENT: Gallup Tours created a special desk for African Americans and or any one person or a family who desire to trace their roots back in Africa to make the needed enquires with us. With our able reasrch team, we will manage and trace your roots back in Africa be it in the country Ghana or in any other African country at fee. Enquires are welcome at: galluptours70@yahoo.com SHOP ON LINE, On line shop is now made readily available for buyers from all around the corners of the world to purchase our durable and and very nice products. We encourage single and or bulk purchases of any of our displayed products which are all made in Ghana products. We accept any order of your interest. Kindly send us a mail enquring a product or expressing a need. Reach us at : galluptours70@yahoo.com YOUTH STUDENT OUT BOUND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS: ( Ages 10 - 17 years) Gallup Tours has introduced Youth students group Tour trips twice in each year from Ghana into the world. This is a package made available for Nursing students in Ghana and we desire to further partner any more Tour related companies and or individuals or health related institutions world wide. Our doors are widely opened for any further partnership. Once you can provide us with packages that would include ICT, educational and intreprienuial exposure and a bit of leisure for youths. OUTBOUND NURSING OBSERVER TRAINING PROGRAMS: Student Nurses in Ghana are made professionally richer to participating in Nursing Observer Training programs abroad. We do have select countries but we are still looking forward to having more Nursing institutions world wide to collaborate with us on this program. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT TRAVELS: We have established travel clubs in most high schools in Ghana and these Youth students travel outside the country on long vacations. These students are highly exposed to international travels opening them up for the job market yearly. EXCHANGE PROGRAMS: We are looking for families World wide to collaborate with into establishing a yearly exchange programs of Ghanaian Youths studnts to live with host families for between 3 months to one full year. All interested families are encouraged to enquire from us on the package. SOS STREET KIDS: Gallup Tours makes it possible for some street kids in Ghana to be housed and thought how to learn a trade. Various craftsmanship training is given out to all kids who make themselves available to be helped to fend for themselves in the near future as responsible citizens of the land. This is a package we sincerely would need sponsors and partners for support all year round. SCHOLARHIP PROGRAMS FOR BRIGHT BUT NEEDY STUDENTS: 38 percent of the profit we make at Gallup Tours from Tourist visitational inflows into Ghana through us goes back into helping bright students in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. We intend to carry this opportunity nation wide when we are financially equiped to do so. Ghana is divided into ten regions. CHRISTIAN CHAMPING: Ghana is for Religion and Religion Ghana. All Christians who desire a sirrien atmosphere to wait upon the face of the Lord are most welcome to be in Ghana to effectively have this exercise done. We have a condusive arrangements for such programs where spiritual Tourism could be improved here in Ghana. EVENTS/ CONFERENCE TRADE SHOWS: International summer camp captioned " Welcome to Diversity, Ghana July 1-10, 2017. Age of participants: 14 -18 years. Number of participants: 88". For further information please make an enquiry with us at: galluptours70@yahoo.com ANCESTRAL LANE PACKAGE: Ancestral lane is a special Tour package designed for visitors who want to have a feel of what transpired during the Trans Atlantic Slave trade era. This package seeks to identify all Slave Trade routes and tell the story as it is. The Tour starts from Nania Slaves camp through Salaga Slave market, the Kunsu Slave camp, the Assin Manso Slave River where the slaves had their last and final bath and ends at Elmina Castle with a canoe ride to Cape Coast Castle. DRUMING AND DANCING AFRICAN LESSONS: Gallup Tours is made it possible for any one person or group of persons who are interested to be thought how to perfectly drum and as well learn how to dance in Ghana by special experienced teachers who will make all the time needed to be able to teach you how to perfectly drum and dancing lessons. We teach single and or group students at any time during the year. We make work shops available for these two rather important programs for our foreign brothers and sisters when need be. YEKOMAYEKO ACROBATIC GROUP: This is a group put together since 1999. Made up of energetic youths with great talents and exuberance in the Acts. Yekomanyeko has extensive routine involving aspects of contortion and comedy. A superb act for any festival street shows or co-operate Events, the group has successfully performed in Ghina at the 2001 Wugiao Gircus festival in Spain with the Romantic corporation, in Hong Kongs New year festival, the Nikolin circus in Russia, the world kinder festival in Holland, the Great World Park in Taiwan, the Togo street festival in Togo and on serveral occassions in Ghana on Independence day celebration and other National festivals and celebrations when invited to any country in the world to come and perform and we would readily do that to any such ocassion. SHARE IN OUR WARMTH, EXPLORE OUR HERITAGE. LET US PUMPER YOU A LITTLE IN GHANA. GHANA, YOUR LATEST TOURISM MAP TO VISIT IN THE YEAR 2015 AND BEYOND. GREAT SIGHTS AND SCENES Ghana is a land of festivals. Our celebrations with great durbars of chiefs in gold regalia, full of dancing and drumming, reverberate with images of our rich cultural traditions and reflect the passage of nature’s calendar so important in the preservation of our culture. Throughout the year and throughout the country our people love to celebrate and the great sights and scenes reflected in these festivals create for every visitor a memory to be cherished. If you are surprised by all these, you are beginning to get the feel of Ghana. One delightful surprise after another. GHANA’S MAJOR CULTURAL FESTIVALS. The centuries old tradition of the people of Ghana, and the diversity of the distinct ethnic groups, has created a rich culture that is the splendid legacy of modern Ghana. To the people of Ghana, the traditions of their ancestors are still an important part of daily life. Customary leaders have historical authority over tribal and family matters and customary lands are an important heritage. Important events in life are marked by special rights and rituals. Child naming, puberty initiations, marriage and death are marked by family ceremonies while seasonal festivals bring a whole people or clan together in a spectacular fashion. A common feature is the belief in the Supreme Being, in life after death and in the nearness of dead ancestors. Festivals also recall past events and consecrate a new season with confidence and hope.In Ghana, visitors will also recognize the importance of ritual and celebration in our daily life, demonstrated by the large gatherings at funerals, a common sight in towns and villages all over the country. (You would be delighted to experience some of the listed festivals as a tourist) IN THE MONTH JANUARY FESTIVALS; Jan; New years day is marked with beach parties and mostly individual get together Jan 7th is marked with military parades to commemorate the new republic. Celebrated once every six weeks throughout the year (ON A SUNDAY) ADEA AND AKWASIDDAE. Celebrated in Kumasi- Ashanti Region 272km north of Accra. The pomp and pageantry of the Ashanti kingdom is most vividly brought to life during beautiful Adae festival which is held at the palace. These are occasions when the king riding in a palanquin and adorned with all his gold ornaments comes out to receive homage from his dub-chiefs and people. It is a spectacular sight to watch the colorful canopies and umbrellas. The skillful drummers, dancers’ horn-blowers and praise singers at these regular festivals held in honor of ancestral spirit. IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY FESTIVLS. First week in February DZWUWU DABALA, VOLTA REGION, near Sogakope. This is an annual EDINA BURONYA- Elmina in Central Region, 57km west of Accra. This is the native version of Christmas which is exclusively celebrated by the people of Elmina (Edina) the Portuguese settlers who celebrated a similar event every January influenced this festival for the people of Edina. It is a period of purification, sacrifices to the gods’ remembrance of the dead and welcoming of a new year. IN THE MONTH OF MARCH FESTIVLS. COLOGO – Near Bolgatanga. Upper East Region about 870km north of Accra. This festival is celebrated in March by the Talensis of Tong Zug just before the planting of grain. During the three day festival, sacrifices are offered to the gods for plentiful rain and good harvest followed by a durbar of chiefs and people- APOO, Techiman, Wenchi, (Brong Ahafo Region) A festival for the purification of the people to rid them of social evils. It’s a 13 day celebration filled with cultural activities and family re-unions. Apoo means rejection of evil. During the celebrations women, children and chiefs parade the principal streets of the town to drive away the evil deeds of the past year by shouting and castigating evil doers in the family. IN THE MONTH OF MARCH/APRIL FESTIVALS NGMAYEM- Odumase, Somanya Eastern (80km east of Accra) this is a puberty festival by the Krobo people. It is celebrated by the people of Manya and Yilo Krobo in the towns of Odumase and Somanya. IN THE MONTH OF APRIL FESTIVALS DIPO- Krobo Odumase, Eastern Region (80km east of Accra) this is a puberty festival by the Krobos of Somanya in Odumase when girls at adolescent age are initiated into womanhood with a parade. The attire of the girls is close to nudity. IN THE MONTH OF MAY FESTIVALS. Every first Saturday in the month of May, the festival of ABOAKYER/ ANTELOPPE HUNTING is celebrated- Winneba, 66km west of Accra in the Central Region. An exciting festival by all standards and one of the most famous in Ghana. Two warrior groups set out to capture and bring alive home an Antelope and the first group to arrive with its catch to the chief and elders is declared the champion. It is a lifetime experience that is worth witnessing every other year. IN THE MONTH OF JUNE FESTIVALS KKYIDWO (MONDAY NIGHT) Essumeja/Ashanti Region, near Kumasi 272km north of Accra. Is a very important festival celebrated annually by the people of Essumeja in Ashanti to commemorate their birth or how their ancestors emerged one Monday night from a hole on the ground followed by a dog and a lion amid drumming dancing and other activities? The gods are invoked for blessing protection and prosperity of the people. IN THE MONTH OF JULY FESTIVALS BAKATUE- ELMINA, 155km west of Accra in the Central Region. This is a colorful festival which chiefs and stool elders, most of them riding in well decorated palanquin through the principal streets to a sacred shrine where the chief pours libation and sprinkles sacred food. This is followed by a Regatta on the lagoon (Benya). IN THE MONTH OF JULY / AUGUST FESTIVALS AFENORTO (Staying at Home) Mepe/volta Region 74km north east of Accra. This festival is celebrated annually by the people to take stock of their lives strengthen family and friendship bonds and pay homage to their ancestors through pouring of libation and funeral obsequies. It is also the period during which the people take stock of their lives and plan for their future when young men meet their future spouses and pay homage to their ancestors through libation and funeral obsequies and undertake development projects. IN THE MONTH OF JULY/AUGUST FESTIVALS. The last Thursday of July to the first week end of August- ASAFOTUFIAM. ADA in the Greater Region. 71km East of Accra. Asafotufiam is an annual festival celebrated by the people of Ada. It commemorates the victories of their warriors in battle and those who fell on the battle field. The historic events are re-enacted. There are also purification ceremonies and a durbar of chiefs and the firing of musketry. Last Saturday of the month. IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST FESTIVALS. ODAMBEA- Saltpond, Central Region 119km west of Accra. This celebrated by the people Nkusum people centuries ago from Techiman (500km away) to their present settlement. Odambea means “fortified link”. A special feature is the re-enactment of the ancient life-styles of the people. IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST FESTIVALS DAMBA. Gonjaland, Mamprusi land and Nanumba land, Upper West Region. This festival ushers in the new yam. Originally linked with Islam to mark the birth of Mohammed, the two day festival has gradually taken on a traditional rather than Islamic tone with pageantry and showmanship. IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS FETU AFAHYE, 1ST SATURDAY, Cape Coast, 144km West of Accra in the Central Region, This is a very colorful festival like all grand festivals there is a procession of chiefs, drumming and dancing and firing of musketry, but there is uniqueness in the traditional attire of the various warrior groups and the IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST /SEPTEMBER FESTIVAL NKRONU - Shama Neposo, Dunkwa. Western Region about 245km West of Accra. A very colorful festival by the people of Shama/Beposo and Dunkwa traditional area. It involves purification of stools. Prayer to ancestors for good harvest and long life. IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST /SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS. HOMOWO Accra, Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, Ga, Greater Accra Region. Homowo (hooting at hunger) is one of the gayest festivals celebrated by the people of Ga (Accra) Traditional Area. Ceremonies include procession through the streets of Accra of all twins and the traditional sprinkling of the festive food “Kpokpoi” to the gods and ancestors of the Ga state. IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST/SEPTEMBER FESTIVALS SOMETUTUZA – Agbozume, Volta Region approximately 124km esat of Accra. Annual colorful festival of the some people of Agbozume to commemorate the exodus from original home (ETA) and sub-sequent settlement of Agbozume. Activities exhibition of different types of Ewe, Kente, cloth traditional and woven textile. Festival includes a display by chiefs and Queen mother’s riding in palanquins shaded by traditional umbrellas and supported by warriors. IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST /NOVEMBER FESTIVAL. KUNDUM, Western Region, about 229km West of Accra Kundum is celebrated by the coastal tribes of the Western region during the period August-November. The tribes the Ahantes and the Nzemas celebrate at weekly intervals. Rituals include purification of stool and prayers to the ancestors for a good harvest followed by a durbar of chief and people amidst drumming and dancing. IN THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER FESTIVALS ODWIRA Akropong, Aburi, Amanokrom, Mamfe, and In an Akropong. Eastern Region, 54km north of Accra. This is a period of remembrance and thanks giving to the gods for their mercies and a renewal of family and social ties. It marks the belief in life after death, hence the unceasing pouring of libation to invoke ancestral guidance. It is done amidst drumming and dancing with durbar of chiefs in real pomp and pageantry with the chiefs and queen mother’s riding in palanquins shaded by traditional umbrellas and supported by warriors. IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER FESTIVALS HOGBETSOTSO Hogbetsotso, Volta region: Adae Kese, the grandest of all Ashanti festivals in Kumasi: Fao harvest feast at Paga, Upper East and Kafie festival. Dormaa, Apoo in Techiman Brong Ahafo. IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER FESTIVALS YAM FESTIVAL, Yam festival at Anfoega, Volta region and Fiok in Sandema in Upper East region. |
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