A BROAD ABROAD: MILLET FESTIVAL, GHANA
Only open to the general population since the 1940s, the 2024 Millet Festival felt like all of Ghana attended to “see and be seen”. In anticipation of the procession, we arrived early at the appointed departure point—the main square.
The Millet Festival Warm-up Act
Already, groups of musicians conducted a “warm-up act“ for the spectacle that was soon to ensue.
Even one of the tour guides couldn’t resist getting into the act!
A presiding Ashanti king occupies the most prestigious position, but lesser ranked kings are obliged to pay tribute to the head chief.
Everyone gathers in the main square, kings, their followers, and spectators and then all process together down the parade route after the big “Kihuna” king, accompanied by his drummers, body guards and courtiers.
The lesser kings compete in an intense mad rush to be the first to reach the parade grounds and appear before the head king seated on his throne. These same kings each travel with an impressive entourage who all dress in the same pattern pagne and kente cloth.
The Royal Procession Begins
The King of the Ashanti people being carried on a palanquin by his followers.
A protective priest, easily identified by their whited painted faces and bodies, accompany the kings and their courts to protect them from evil spirits.
Spectators and royalty alike are decked in their Sunday best.
Since Ghana was slated to hold elections in November, the political candidates paraded in front of the seated crowds, shaking hands, and greeting constituents.
The festival continues for days and we were fortunate to be present for one of the highlights.
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