Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Deputy Minister for the Interior and Member of Parliament for Lower Manya Krobo, has extended support to the traditional authorities and people of Manya Krobo ahead of this year’s Ngmayem Festival.
The Ngmayem Festival, one of Ghana‘s most prominent traditional celebrations, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Krobo people.
As part of his annual contribution toward the festival’s success, Mr Terlabi presented a donation to the Paramount Chief of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, Nene Sakite II, and the Traditional Council in the Eastern Region. The items included 20 bags of rice, gallons of cooking oil, cattle, assorted beverages, and a cash donation of ₵10,000 to support festival activities.
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Additionally, the MP contributed ₵5,000 toward the Yokama Program, a major highlight of the celebration that showcases Krobo culture through music, dance, and drama.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the forecourt of the Paramount Chief’s Palace in Odumase-Krobo, Mr Terlabi reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the festival, describing it as a symbol of unity, pride, and cultural identity.
“Ngmayem is more than a festival; it’s a reminder of our heritage and our strength as a people. Supporting it means supporting our identity,” he said, while urging the youth to uphold peace and preserve Krobo traditions throughout the celebrations.
Receiving the donation, Nene Sakite II expressed appreciation to the Minister for his continuous support over the years. He commended the MP for his dedication to the welfare of the Krobo people and appealed to authorities to ensure regular watering of roads within the municipality to reduce dust during the festivities.
“The Traditional Council is grateful for the donation and support. We also urge that electricity remains stable and the roads be consistently watered during and after the celebration,” he said.
This year’s Ngmayem Festival is expected to attract thousands of participants, including dignitaries, tourists, and indigenes from across Ghana and abroad.
Celebrated annually, usually in October, the Ngmayem Festival marks the end of the millet harvest season, a time of thanksgiving to the gods and ancestors for their blessings. Derived from the Krobo words Ngma (millet) and Yem (to eat), the festival literally translates to “Eating of Millet.”
Originating centuries ago when the Krobo ancestors settled around the Krobo Mountains, the festival continues to serve as a vibrant expression of gratitude, unity, and renewal through drumming, dancing, durbars, and displays of rich Krobo customs and attire.
