The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, together with the Shai-Osudoku District Chief Executive (DCE), Ignatius Godfred Dordoe, has presented a cash donation of GHS 150,000, assorted drinks, bottled water, and a bull to the Shai Traditional Council to support the 2025 Ngmayem Festival.

The donation, made on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at the forecourt of the Shai Traditional Council, was warmly received by chiefs, elders, and community members.

The gesture, according to the Regional Minister, represents government’s commitment to safeguarding the rich cultural heritage of the Shai people while deepening partnerships for local development.

The Ngmayem Festival, one of the most vibrant cultural events in the Greater Accra Region, is celebrated annually by the people of Shai-Osudoku to mark the harvest of millet, a staple crop with deep historical and spiritual significance.

The festival, usually climaxed in October, is characterized by colorful traditional drumming and dancing, ancestral rites, durbars of chiefs, and communal thanksgiving for a successful harvest season.

Beyond its cultural symbolism, the festival serves as a platform for fostering unity, attracting tourism, and mobilizing resources for development.

In her remarks, Ocloo praised the Shai Traditional Council for keeping the heritage alive, noting that festivals like Ngmayem not only preserve indigenous identity but also create opportunities for socio-economic growth.

She stressed that government recognizes the central role of culture in nation-building and would continue to partner with traditional authorities to ensure sustainable development.

Ignatius Dordoe, for his part, reiterated the Assembly’s support for the people of Shai-Osudoku, highlighting the festival as a unifying force that brings together indigenes and visitors alike.

He called on citizens to actively participate in the festivities while upholding peace, discipline, and respect for tradition.

The chiefs and elders of the Shai Traditional Council, in response, expressed profound gratitude to government for the timely support, describing the donation as a clear demonstration of goodwill and collaboration.

They assured the Minister and the DCE of their commitment to working with government to promote the cultural, social, and economic advancement of the Shai State.

Following the presentation, the Minister and her delegation joined the chiefs and elders on a tour of ongoing development projects in the district, with a particular stop at the historic Dodowa Forest area.

The inspection offered an opportunity to assess progress on key infrastructure works and reaffirm government’s pledge to accelerate development in Shai-Osudoku.

The sequence of events not only highlighted the synergy between cultural celebration and development but also underscored the government’s broader agenda of promoting tradition alongside modern progress.

As preparations heighten for the climax of the Ngmayem Festival later in at Dodowa on Saturday, October 04, 2025, anticipation continues to build for a colorful celebration that blends culture, spirituality, and modern development aspirations.

For the people of Shai-Osudoku, the festival remains more than just a ritual of thanksgiving — it is a living reminder of identity, resilience, and the enduring bond between tradition and progress.