Fourteen Schools Take Part in Manya Krobo Ngmayem Festival Mock Durbar

On Tuesday, 27 October 2026, the grounds of Odumase Anglican School Park in the Manya Krobo Traditional Area hosted the third edition of the Ngmayem Festival Mock Durbar, featuring pupils from 14 basic and senior high schools.

Purpose and programme

The event, organised as part of the annual Ngmayem Festival celebrated by local chiefs, allows students to recreate the traditional durbar by mounting palanquins, forming royal entourages and assuming roles such as chiefs, queen mothers, linguists and members of various community groups. Organisers describe the initiative as an educational platform intended to deepen young people’s understanding of Krobo heritage, leadership structures and cultural diversity.

Schools and community representation

Participating schools were assigned to represent distinct traditional divisions and communities, including the Paramountcy of Manya Krobo, Djebiam, Piengua, Akwenor, Suisi, Manya Aklomuase, Dorm, traditional priests and clergy, the Ewe settler community, Zongo and Muslim settlers, the Konor of Yilo Krobo, the President of Ghana (as guest of honour), the diaspora community, and diplomatic corps and cadets. The list comprised institutions such as Mt. Mary Demonstration JHS (Adjikpo Yokunya), Agormanya Methodist JHS, Odumase Anglican JHS, Akro M.A. JHS, Okwenya M.A. JHS, Kodjonya Millennium Presby Basic School, Halter Academy, Stanward Academy, Kpong R.C. JHS, Kpong Islamic JHS, Somanya Presby No. 2 JHS, VRA School, Pleasant Crystal School and Akro SHTS.

Organisers noted that the Mock Durbar has grown markedly over three years, becoming a highlighted activity on the Ngmayem Festival calendar and attracting increasing spectator enthusiasm. By placing children at the centre of the celebration, the programme aims to nurture leadership, public‑speaking skills and respect for traditional authority while promoting Krobo culture beyond the region.

As the festival concluded, officials affirmed that the initiative will continue to serve as a conduit for cultural education, encouraging the next generation to act as custodians of their heritage.