Festivals · March · Greater Accra

Kpledjoo

Tema’s festival of the Sakumo lagoon

Kpledjoo (also written Kplejoo) is the festival of the Ga people of Tema, held in late March or early April. Over two days the Sakumo priest and the paramount chief of Tema lead rites for the gods of the land, the stools are cleansed and prayers are said for plenty of food and fish. It is the forerunner of Tema’s Homowo later in the year.

When
Usually late March or early April, over two days
Where
Tema, around the Sakumo lagoon
Kept by
The Ga of Tema
Date set by
The Tema Traditional Council
Region
Greater Accra

The two days

  1. Before

    The lagoon rests

    Fishing and crab trapping in the Sakumo lagoon are banned for months beforehand, so the lagoon can recover.3

  2. Day one

    Sakumo Kplee

    Led by the Sakumo Wulomo, the lagoon priest, with a carnival-like procession of drumming, dancing and flags.1

  3. Day two

    Tsaade Kplee

    Overseen by the paramount chief of Tema, who also acts as priest. Priests and priestesses worship the gods of the land, cleanse the stools and pray for food and fish.1

When is Kpledjoo?

Usually in late March or the first week of April.3 The Tema Traditional Council launches the season each year; in 2023 its programme ran from late March to mid-May, leading on towards Homowo in August.2 Kpledjoo is described as the forerunner of Tema’s Homowo.1

Good to know if you go

  • Where: Tema is east of Accra; the festival centres on the old town and the Sakumo lagoon.
  • 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.
  • Later in the year: Tema keeps its own Homowo in the summer.

Questions people ask

When is Kpledjoo?

Usually in late March or early April, over two days. The Tema Traditional Council sets the dates.

What is Kpledjoo?

The festival of the Ga of Tema at the Sakumo lagoon, with rites for the gods of the land and prayers for food and fish. It leads on to Tema’s Homowo.

Sources

  1. “Tema marks Kplejoo festival”, Graphic Online, 13 April 2017.
  2. “Tema Traditional Council launches 2023 Kplejoo”, Ghana News Agency, 2023.
  3. “Kpledjoo Festival”, Visit Ghana.

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

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