Apoo

What Apoo means

The name comes from the root po, “to reject” or “cast out”: the festival is meant to purify the community of social evils and bring families together.²

Oral tradition ties it to Nana Kwakye Ameyaw, a ruler under whom people could not speak their minds. The gods are said to have set aside days when anyone could complain in public and could not be punished for what they said, whatever their rank.¹

What happens

During the Apoo procession people exchange insults, proverbs and songs, and retell the history of the Bono kingdom, often aimed at the Asante, who conquered it.¹ The Techiman Traditional Council describes the “insults” as poetic grievances directed at chiefs and leaders, meant to keep them accountable.²

There are rites for the royal ancestors and prayers for a good harvest, alongside drumming and cultural events.²

When is Apoo?

Sources disagree: Apoo is usually described as a week in March or April, though some listings put it later in the year.¹ Techiman launched its 2026 festival in January, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic.² Check with the Techiman Traditional Council for the current year’s dates.

Good to know if you go

• Where: Techiman is a market town on the main road north from Kumasi; Wenchi is to its west.
• Listen, don’t join in: the songs and “insults” belong to the community and its history. Enjoy them as a visitor.
• Check the dates: the traditional council sets the days each year, often only weeks ahead. Local radio and the national press carry the announcement.
• Respect the rites: some rituals are sacred and not for cameras. Ask before photographing chiefs, priests or anyone taking part, and follow what the ushers ask.