MTN Ghana has supported the 2026 edition of Klamakpasafest in Kordiabe in the Shai-Osudoku area with GH¢20,000 in cash, GH¢1,000 worth of airtime and a hamper of drinks to promote the cultural festival.

The donation was presented at the palace of the traditional authorities in Kordiabe, in the presence of chiefs, elders and queen mothers, as part of the telecommunications company's support for traditional festivals and community engagement.

The festival, organised by Community Focus TV, is being held from October 12 to 18 under the theme, “Uniting the Shai State through Culture, the Black Star Experience in Focus.”

Speaking on behalf of MTN Ghana's management, Francis Djan, the company's South-East Accra Area Manager, said the support formed part of activities marking the company's 30th anniversary.

He said MTN Ghana had partnered with traditional authorities to support festivals and other community initiatives as part of efforts to strengthen its relationship with customers and local communities.

Mr Djan said the company had also deployed a customer service team to the festival grounds to assist subscribers with their concerns throughout the event.

He encouraged residents attending the celebrations to take advantage of the opportunity to access customer support without travelling to other locations.

Culture, education and development

The Senior Divisional Chief of Kordiabe, Nene Padi Narh Wayo, Lekpeji Yiti Matse, expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana for the donation, describing the festival as an opportunity to preserve the identity and heritage of the Shai people.

He said the celebration would help younger generations learn about their ancestors, traditions and cultural practices while encouraging them to appreciate their heritage.

Nene Padi Narh Wayo also said the festival would draw attention to development challenges facing the community, including poor road infrastructure, inadequate educational facilities and the absence of a senior high school.

He called on the government, political leaders and Kordiabe indigenes at home and abroad to contribute to the community's development, stressing that residents must complement government efforts rather than depend entirely on public resources.

He further urged young people to pursue education and develop their skills to improve their employment prospects.

The Vice-President of the Kordiabe Youth Movement, Weku Matse Tsaano, said the festival would provide young people with opportunities to learn from the experience of the organisers and prepare for future editions.

He urged the youth to invest in their personal development to position themselves to take advantage of available opportunities and contribute meaningfully to community development.

Promoting Shai traditions

Djase Odoi Ansah Sasraku III, Djase of Kordiabe Lenoje, said the festival was intended to reintroduce traditional customs to younger generations and ensure that important cultural practices were not lost.

He cited traditional rites and marriage customs as some of the practices that needed to be passed on to the youth, particularly girls, describing the festival as a combination of cultural education and entertainment.

He called on residents and the general public to participate in the celebrations and learn more about Kordiabe's cultural heritage.

The Kordiabe Madaam Manye, Manye Djowah Narkie Yopeyo I, also urged women and girls to take an active part in the festival, saying traditional leaders and women elders were ready to educate younger generations about their customs and cultural responsibilities.

She appealed for increased sponsorship and support to sustain the festival and expand its activities in future years.

Week-long celebrations

The celebrations began on Monday, October 12, with a clean-up exercise and a gala, followed by a float and Shai dialogue on Tuesday, October 13.

The official opening and football gala took place on Wednesday, October 14, while Thursday, October 15, featured an inter-clan cooking contest and a fireside session.

A visit to the Shai Hills and a fashion show were scheduled for Friday, October 16, followed by a durbar and the Face of Kpasafest 2026 event on Saturday, October 17.

The festival is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, October 18, with a thanksgiving service and live band performance.

Beyond cultural preservation, the organisers are seeking to use the festival to promote tourism and showcase the area's attractions, including the Shai Hills.

Originator of Klamakpasafest, Eric Jude Duncan also called for support to address concerns about community access to local tourism resources, arguing that improved access could help residents benefit more directly from tourism-related activities.