Festivals · October · Bono East

Fofie

Thanks for the yam harvest

Fofie is a yam festival held in October in the Bono East Region. In Techiman it is known as Fofie Kesee and gives thanks to God and the ancestors for a good yam harvest, the area’s main staple, ending in a durbar with the paramount chief carried in a palanquin through the streets. It is also kept at Nchiraa, near Wenchi.

When
October
Where
Techiman, and Nchiraa near Wenchi, Bono East Region
Kept by
The chiefs and people of the Techiman Traditional Area
Region
Bono East

What we know

The yam festival honours and thanks God and the ancestors for a high yam yield, the main staple of the area. In Techiman the chiefs, with the paramount chief in a palanquin, parade through the main streets to a durbar.2 The chiefs and people of Nchiraa near Wenchi also celebrate Fofie each October.1

We haven’t found a clear account of how Fofie began, or whether the Techiman and Nchiraa celebrations share one history. If you know, tell us.

Good to know if you go

  • Where: Techiman is a busy market town on the road north from Kumasi.
  • 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.
  • Also in Techiman: Apoo, the festival of speaking out.

Questions people ask

When is the Fofie festival?

In October each year.

Where is Fofie celebrated?

In Techiman, as Fofie Kesee, and at Nchiraa near Wenchi, in the Bono East Region.

Sources

  1. “Fofie Yam Festival”, Wikipedia.
  2. “Veep urges Techiman to sustain peace, unity”, Graphic Online.

Last checked 16 October 2026. Spotted something wrong or know this year’s dates? Tell us.

Also in October

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