Government Pledges To Support The 2023 Manya Krobo Ngmayem Festival

As a deliberate attempt by government to move tourism from its current position as the third contributor to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to become the number one contributor, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture has pledged its support for the successful organization of 2023 Manya Krobo Ngmayem Festival, deputy sector minister, Mark Okraku Mantey has said.

According to the deputy minister, government through the ministry attaches great importance to supporting age-old and culturally rich festivals like Ngmayem which has the potential of boosting local and national tourism.

“Traditional festivals are crucial to achieving this target hence the deliberate efforts by the government and the tourism ministry to support initiatives geared toward repositioning and projecting festivals such as Ngmayem of the Chiefs and people of Manya Krobo”.

— “I am here to share with you the news that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, led by Hon. Ibrahim Awal, who I deputize will see to it that the forthcoming festival will be a success. I give you my word that the ministry will back you full time; just let us know what you need from us, and we will assist to ensure its success.” Mr Mantey assured.

The deputy minister gave these assurance recently when he joined the chief and people of the area for the launch of the 2023 Manya Krobo Ngmayem Festival recently at Akuse in the Eastern Region recently.

The 2023 Manya Krobo Ngmayem Festival celebration is on the theme “Development in unity: reviving patriotism through unification.”

Chairman of the 2023 Ngmayem Festival Planning Committee, Gilbert Nene Odjidjia who gave the array of activities line-up for the festival said the event would incorporate a harmonious blend of fresh ideas and time-honoured traditional activities to create an even more engaging celebration as compared to previous years.

Some of these new additions include regatta (canoe racing) on the Volta River at Kpong in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, a farmers’ market where a variety of agricultural products would be on display, a food bazaar showcasing local cuisines, a musical concert among others.

Mr Odjidja also stated that the festival would also be used to wrap up the Silver Jubilee celebration of the enstoolment of The Konor, Nene Sakite II.

The Silver jubilee of Nene Sakite II was marked with a series of activities including the launch of The Konor’s maiden book on the interplay between the gospel and culture.

Privately known as Seth Larnor Nyako, Nene Sakite II who was enstooled Konor of Manya Krobo in December 1998 succeedING the late Oklemekuku Azzu Mate-Kole, who reigned from 1939 to 1990.