By The Ghanaian Outlook
The chiefs and people of Manya Jorpanya in the Shai State have climaxed the 2026 Ngmayem Festival with a colourful grand durbar that celebrated the community’s cultural heritage while placing renewed emphasis on investment, job creation and sustainable development.
The event, held at the Manya Jorpanya Event Centre in the Greater Accra Region, brought together traditional leaders, government officials, residents, investors, opinion leaders, young people and members of the media under the theme, “Celebrating Our Culture, Embracing Our Future.”
The Special Guest of Honour was Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament. The gathering also included the Greater Accra Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Shai-Osudoku, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Ocloo; the District Chief Executive for Shai-Osudoku; chiefs and queenmothers; elders; entrepreneurs; and other distinguished guests.
Addressing the durbar, the Chief of Manya Jorpanya, Nene Dr. Tei-Djahene Korabo IV, said the theme reflected the responsibility of the people to preserve their identity while preparing for the opportunities and challenges of the future.
He described culture as the foundation of a people’s identity, expressed through language, customs, festivals, traditional music and dance, food, values and respect for elders. He urged families and community leaders to ensure that the rich heritage inherited from their ancestors is protected and passed on to younger generations.
Nene Korabo IV stressed, however, that pride in tradition should not prevent communities from embracing modern progress. He called for stronger investment in education, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship, saying development and cultural preservation must move together.
“Celebrating our culture does not mean remaining in the past,” he said, encouraging the youth to acquire relevant skills and use modern tools to create opportunities without losing their cultural identity.
The chief welcomed the growing presence of businesses and investors in Manya Jorpanya, noting that responsible private investment could create employment, develop local skills and expand the community’s economic base. He cited the establishment of companies such as OA&J Pharmaceutical Company as an example of investment generating jobs and opportunities for young people.
He assured prospective investors that the traditional authorities and residents were committed to maintaining a peaceful and supportive environment for legitimate enterprises. At the same time, he urged businesses operating in the area to respect the community, protect the environment and contribute meaningfully to local development.
The durbar also highlighted community-led development. Nene Korabo IV acknowledged the construction of a new public place of convenience as a practical example of residents working collectively to improve sanitation and public health.
He said such initiatives demonstrated that development begins when people identify their needs, unite around solutions and accept responsibility for improving their surroundings. He called for sustained collective action to improve roads, sanitation, education, healthcare, environmental protection and other essential services.
The celebration featured traditional music, drumming, dancing and colourful displays that reflected the heritage of the Shai people. Chiefs and queenmothers appeared in rich traditional regalia, while residents and visitors joined in activities that strengthened community bonds and gave younger participants an opportunity to learn about their history.
This year’s programme also included a visit to the Shai Hills ancestral home, reinforcing the historical connection between the people of Manya Jorpanya and the wider Shai State. Elders used the occasion to share aspects of the community’s migration, traditions and identity with younger generations.
The presence of national and local leaders at the grand durbar underscored the importance of collaboration between traditional authorities and public institutions. Speakers emphasised that development in growing communities such as Manya Jorpanya requires coordinated action among government, chiefs, residents, businesses and citizens living outside the area.
Hon. Bernard Ahiafor’s participation as Special Guest of Honour added national prominence to the event and affirmed the role festivals can play in promoting unity, preserving heritage and creating space for serious discussion about development.
The Ngmayem Festival is traditionally associated with thanksgiving for harvest and the renewal of community ties among Dangme communities. In Manya Jorpanya, it has developed into a major platform for cultural education, homecoming, reconciliation and mobilisation for development.
The 2026 grand durbar ended with a renewed call for unity and shared responsibility. Nene Korabo IV urged residents, especially the youth, to be proud of their heritage while preparing themselves through education, skills and enterprise to contribute to the future of the community.
Richarm TV served as an official media partner for the festival, documenting the celebrations and conducting interviews with the Chief of Manya Jorpanya, Nene Dr. Tei-Djahene Korabo IV, and the Queen Mother, Nana Ayerko Blemayoe II.
