Ghana
Ghana public holidays and festivals: dates and closures
Plan trips around Ghana's public holidays if you want festivals, but avoid travel on major holidays as banks, schools and many businesses close; check dates each year. For 2026, Independence Day (6 March) and Christmas week are the busiest, so book accommodation early and expect reduced transport.
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Key facts
- New Year's Daycheck
- 1 January
- Independence Daycheck
- 6 March
- Good Fridaycheck
- variable (March/April)
- Easter Mondaycheck
- variable (March/April)
- Labor Daycheck
- 1 May
- Africa Union Daycheck
- 25 May
- Republic Daycheck
- 1 July
- Founder's Daycheck
- 6 December
- Christmas Daycheck
- 25 December
- Boxing Daycheck
- 26 December
Public holiday calendar 2026
The following dates are the official public holidays for 2026. Variable dates (Good Friday, Easter Monday) shift each year; verify the exact day before travel.
| Holiday | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January |
| Independence Day | 6 March |
| Good Friday | 3 April |
| Easter Monday | 6 April |
| Labor Day | 1 May |
| Africa Union Day | 25 May |
| Republic Day | 1 July |
| Founder's Day | 6 December |
| Christmas Day | 25 December |
| Boxing Day | 26 December |
Key festivals worth timing a visit
Many holidays are accompanied by cultural festivals that draw crowds and showcase Ghanaian music, dance and crafts. The most notable are:
• **Independence Day (6 March)** – parades in Accra, street performances and fireworks.
• **Akwasidae (six‑week cycle, dates vary)** – Asante royal ceremonies in Kumasi with drumming and kente displays.
• **Homowo (August, exact date varies)** – Ga harvest festival in Accra with feasting and a colourful procession.
• **Panafest (every two years, usually July)** – pan‑African arts festival in Cape Coast, featuring concerts and film screenings.
- Check local calendars for exact festival dates each year.
- Book accommodation early for festivals in Accra, Kumasi or Cape Coast.
What typically closes on public holidays
On Ghanaian public holidays most government offices, banks, schools and many private businesses close. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule, especially inter‑city buses and domestic flights. Tourist sites (castles, museums) usually stay open but may have limited staff, so confirm ahead.
- Banks and post offices – closed.
- Public schools – closed.
- Government offices – closed.
- Some restaurants and shops – may close or operate reduced hours.
Questions people ask
What are the public holidays in Ghana?
Ghana observes New Year's Day, Independence Day (6 Mar), Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labor Day (1 May), Africa Union Day (25 May), Republic Day (1 Jul), Founder's Day (6 Dec), Christmas and Boxing Day. Variable dates should be checked each year.
Which festivals are worth planning a trip around in Ghana?
Key festivals include Independence Day parades in Accra, Akwasidae in Kumasi, Homowo in August in Accra, and the biennial Panafest in Cape Coast. Dates vary, so verify the calendar before booking.
What closes on public holidays in Ghana?
Banks, schools, most government offices and many private businesses close. Public transport runs on a reduced timetable, while major tourist attractions usually stay open but with limited staff.
When is the best time to visit Ghana for festivals?
March (Independence Day), August (Homowo) and the six-weekly Akwasidae in Kumasi are peak festival periods. Book flights and hotels well in advance as domestic travel spikes.
Do public holidays affect domestic flights in Ghana?
Yes, domestic flights may run reduced schedules on public holidays. Check with airlines like PassionAir or Africa World Airlines a few days before travel.
Check live
Prices, schedules, rules and availability change. Open these to confirm today's details before you book.
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
- secondaryVoykit – Ghana guide
Ask about Ghana
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