By Kamal Ahmed
Odumase-Krobo (E/R), Aug. 29, GNA – The Manya Krobo Traditional Council has launched its 133rd Ngmayem Festival with a renewed call for unity, cultural preservation, tourism promotion and community-led development.
The launch, held at the Konor’s (King’s) Palace in Odumase-Krobo, brought together political leaders, traditional authorities, queen mothers, opinion leaders, heads of institutions, and sons and daughters of Manya Krobo.
The festival is on the theme: “Strengthening Our Bonds, Advancing Growth Through Heritage and Unity.”
Speaking on behalf of the Konor of Manya Krobo, Nene Sakite II, who is also the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Okpatakplah Sasraku IV, Divisional Chief of Manya Aklomuase, described Ngmayem as more than a harvest celebration.
He said the annual festival represented the identity, history and values of the Krobo people.
Nene Sakite underscored the importance of preserving their language, customs, music, festivals and traditional knowledge for future generations.
Expressing concern about increasing migration, he said many young people had left their communities in search of education and employment and urged those living elsewhere and in the diaspora to return home regularly with their children to reconnect with their roots.
“A people without their culture risk losing their identity,” he said, calling on citizens to support traditional institutions and community development.
Mr Gilbert Aggrey Santana, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), officially unveiled the 133rd Ngmayem Festival and pledged the Authority’s support to promote it as a major tourism attraction.
Popularly known as Abeiku Santana, the Deputy GTA CEO described the Ngmayem Festival as “a powerful expression of the identity, resilience and rich cultural heritage of the Manya Krobo people.”
He said the GTA would collaborate with the Traditional Council to showcase Krobo history, music, food, hospitality and traditions to local and international visitors, particularly members of the diaspora.
Mr Santana encouraged residents to use the festival to promote peace, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and tourism-driven economic growth.
Eastern Regional Minister Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, congratulated the Traditional Council for sustaining the festival for 133 years, describing it as a symbol of thanksgiving, unity and cultural pride.
“Festivals such as Ngmayem encourage sons and daughters of Manya Krobo to return home, reconnect with their families and contribute to the development of their communities,” she said.
Mrs Awatey said the festival’s theme reflected the importance of unity in achieving sustainable development, adding that Manya Krobo’s rich culture and history could attract investment, create jobs and expand tourism opportunities if properly promoted.
Nene Gilbert Odidja Domesiako, the Chairman of the Ngmayem Festival Planning Committee, said this year’s celebration would introduce new activities, including a Thursday Kloyom and an Artiste Night featuring a national stage production.
He said the committee had expanded youth participation through the return of the Miss Ngmayem pageant as a platform for promoting Krobo culture.
Nene Domesiako appealed for stronger partnerships to ensure the continued growth and success of the festival.
The 133rd Ngmayem Festival will feature a health walk, free health screening, Yokama, Aklemer, Mock Durbar and the grand durbar of chiefs.
Organisers have expressed optimism that the celebration would deepen unity, preserve Krobo heritage and boost tourism and local development.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reported by Kamal Ahmed
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]