The Manya Krobo Traditional Council has officially launched the 132nd edition of the prestigious Ngmayem Festival in a vibrant media event held at Kpong in the Eastern Region.

This year’s celebration promises a rich display of culture, unity, and community development under the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage, Building Our Communities with a Purpose.”

The festival is scheduled to span from Saturday, October 26 to Monday, September 02, 2025, attracting Krobo indigenes from across Ghana and abroad, as well as tourists and culture enthusiasts eager to experience the spirit and tradition of the Krobo people.

The launch event featured a series of captivating activities, including a live painting unveiling, an exhibition of Dipo rites (a significant Krobo initiation ceremony for girls), a bead showcase, and various traditional cultural performances that gave attendees a taste of what’s to come.

Speaking at the launch, Nene Gilbert Odjidja, Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee, emphasized the festival’s renewed focus on cultural preservation and social responsibility.

“This year, our focus is on our Krobo and Dangme culture. We are celebrating ourselves in love and unity. We invite everyone — indigenes and non-indigenes alike — to join us in honouring our heritage,” he said.

Nene Odjidja also highlighted key social issues being addressed during the festival, particularly the rising threat of drug abuse among the youth.

“We are collaborating with the Lions Club of Tema, the Rotary Club, and the FDA to run a massive drug abuse education campaign in our senior high schools during the festival week. If we don’t tackle this drug issue now, it will become a crisis in five years,” he warned.

He also issued strong warnings against sexual immorality, reckless driving, and other forms of misconduct during the celebrations.

A mock durbar focused on drug abuse, indecent exposure, and promiscuity will be held as part of the festival’s educational outreach.

In terms of security, he assured the public that there would be a strong police presence and coordination to ensure a safe environment for all.

Also speaking at the launch, Dr. Eric Lawer Tamatey, a planning committee member and PR team representative, expressed confidence that this year’s celebration will surpass expectations.

“This year is going to be bigger and better than previous years. Festivals are powerful tools for national development, and we are ready to showcase Krobo culture to the world. I invite the media, businesses, tourists, individuals, and foreigners to join us,” he said.

The Divisional Chief of Manya-Aklomuase, Nene Okpatakpla Sasraku IV, who represented the Konor of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite II, also led a delegation of subjects to the event and called on all stakeholders to offer their full support to ensure the success of this year’s Ngmayem Festival.

He then urged the planning committee to work diligently and leave no stone unturned in delivering a memorable and well-organized celebration.

A key highlight of this year’s festival will be the reintroduction of the Miss Ngmayem Beauty Pageant, a celebration of Krobo womanhood, elegance, and tradition.

Other anticipated events include a visit to the sacred ancestral mountains, Aklame (a warlike procession to the royal mausoleum), Yokama, and various social and community development activities.

The Ngmayem Festival, which means “eating the new millet”, is an annual harvest festival celebrated in gratitude to the Creator for a bountiful harvest of pearl millet (ngma).

It is a spiritual, cultural, and social occasion that brings together the Krobo people in thanksgiving and renewal.

As the countdown begins, the chiefs and people of Manya Krobo are extending an open invitation to the world to join them in celebrating culture, unity, and purpose in one of Ghana’s most iconic traditional festivals.


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