The Manya Krobo Traditional Area in the Eastern Region has officially launched the 133rd edition of the Ngmayem Festival with a strong call for the preservation of Krobo culture, unity and the use of the annual celebration to drive tourism and local development.

The launch was held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the forecourt of the Konor’s Palace at Odumase-Krobo, bringing together traditional and political leaders, chiefs and queen mothers, Members of Parliament, municipal and district chief executives, corporate representatives, members of the media and scores of people from the Krobo communities.

The festival is being celebrated under the theme, “Strengthening Our Bonds, Advancing Growth Through Heritage and Unity.”

Speaking on behalf of His Royal Majesty Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo, Okpatakpla Sasraku IV, Divisional Chief of Manya Aklomuase in the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, said Ngmayem was more than an annual celebration, describing it as an important expression of the history, identity, resilience and traditions of the Krobo people.

He stressed the need for the people, particularly the younger generation and members of the Krobo diaspora, to remain connected to their cultural roots.

“Our language, customs, music, traditional knowledge, stories, festivals and way of life are our identity. If we do not protect them, we risk losing an important part of who we are,” he said.

Nene Sakite II further urged Krobo families living outside the traditional area and abroad to return home more frequently with their children so they could learn the language, experience the traditions and develop a deeper understanding of their heritage.

He said migration, while offering educational and economic opportunities, could also create distance between younger generations and their cultural roots if deliberate efforts were not made to maintain those connections.

He therefore encouraged the people to make returning home for festivals a regular practice and to support traditional institutions and community development initiatives.



Festival to offer expanded activities

The Chairman of the Ngmayem Festival Planning Committee, Gilbert Nene Odjidja, said the 133rd edition would seek to build on previous celebrations while introducing new activities to make the festival more attractive to both local and international audiences.

He said the festival would feature traditional and cultural activities including the Health Walk and free health screening, Yokama, Aklemer, Mock Durbar and the Main Durbar.

New additions, he noted, included a Thursday Kloyom and an Artiste Night, which would feature an expanded production of sound, lighting and live performances.

The Miss Ngmayem pageant would also return as part of efforts to give young women a platform to promote and represent Krobo culture.

Nene Odjidja said the festival was being positioned not merely as an annual cultural gathering but as a platform for community engagement, tourism promotion and development.

He appealed to corporate organisations, individuals and the Krobo community at home and abroad to support the festival financially.

“A festival of this ambition cannot be carried by the Committee alone, and it cannot be carried by the Traditional Council alone. It requires partners,” he said.

He added that the committee had prepared a sponsorship proposal and budget to provide transparency on how contributions would be utilised.

Tourism Authority pledges support

The Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, commended the Manya Krobo Traditional Council and the festival planning committee for sustaining Ngmayem for 133 years.

He described Ngmayem as a powerful expression of the history, identity, resilience, culture and unity of the Manya Krobo people.

According to him, festivals such as Ngmayem provide important opportunities for Ghana to showcase its cultural heritage while promoting tourism and economic development.

He said the Ghana Tourism Authority would support the Traditional Council in using the festival to showcase Manya Krobo’s people, history, food, music, craft, landscape, traditions and hospitality to domestic and international visitors.

He urged the people to use the festival to promote peace, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, local enterprise and the preservation of cultural heritage.

He subsequently declared the 133rd Ngmayem Festival officially launched.



Regional Minister calls for unity and development

The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, described the 133rd Ngmayem Festival as a significant milestone and commended the people of Manya Krobo for sustaining the celebration across generations.

She said Ngmayem provided an opportunity for the people to give thanks for a good harvest while strengthening communal bonds and preserving their cultural heritage.

The Regional Minister called on sons and daughters of Manya Krobo living outside the traditional area and abroad to return home during the festival and contribute to the development of their communities.

She said the theme for the 2026 celebration was particularly relevant because unity and a strong connection to heritage were essential to sustainable community development.

“Manya Krobo has a rich heritage; hardworking people, good lands, strong culture and history. Let us use these strengths to create jobs for our youth, to promote tourism and to bring investment into this area,” she said.

She further indicated that the government was aware of concerns over roads in the area and was giving attention to road projects within the enclave.

She assured the people that the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council would continue engaging the relevant ministries to facilitate the completion of road projects.

Cultural heritage takes centre stage

The launch featured a series of cultural performances, including Klama and Obonu, showcasing the rich traditional heritage of the Krobo people.

The event also witnessed the unveiling of the official logo for the 133rd Ngmayem Festival, with dignitaries taking turns to remove the covering and reveal the festival emblem.

Another major highlight was the unveiling of the ten contestants for the 2026 Miss Ngmayem contest, alongside the presentation of the reigning Miss Ngmayem.

Members of the Ngmayem Festival Planning Committee were also introduced during the ceremony.

The organisers said the various activities lined up for the 133rd edition were intended to combine the preservation of tradition with opportunities for tourism, youth participation, community development and economic activity.

The festival will culminate in a series of cultural and community activities designed to bring together the people of Manya Krobo and members of the Krobo diaspora in celebration of their shared heritage.