The Manya Krobo Traditional Council officially launched the 2024 Ngmayem Festival on August 17, 2024, at the Adae Kese Hall, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.
The event, themed “Homecoming: Let’s Come Back Home to Build,” served a dual purpose: launching the festival and raising funds for the ongoing Manya Klo Palace project in Odumase-Krobo.
A follow-up event is scheduled for August 31, 2024, in New York, USA, to further promote Krobo culture and generate additional funds for the palace project.
Gilbert Nene Odjidja, Chairman of the 2024 Ngmayem Festival Planning Committee, detailed plans to complete the palace by the end of October 2024, when the festival will be held.
The project, currently 60% finished as been recounted by Nene Odjidja, will include residential facilities for the royal family, a traditional council hall, offices, a museum, guest rooms, and a library.
The area surrounding the palace will also be developed into a royal enclave to enhance its imperial ambiance.
In his initial remarks, Commissioner of Police (Rtd.) Francis Ebenezer Doku (Asafoatse Odjeblema Angmortey I) encouraged Krobos, especially those abroad, to return and contribute to building the Manya Klo state. He praised the initiative and urged attendees to support the cause.
Nene Sakite II, Konor of Manya Krobo and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, paid tribute to past leaders for their foundational work and expressed satisfaction with the positive response from Krobos and donors. He emphasized that the new palace symbolizes collective effort and unity.
The event featured performances by renowned Ghanaian highlife artist and saxophonist Eugenia Asabia Cropper, known for her kente headgear and popular song “Wa Maa Ya Dorm” (Wa Ma Yaa Dorm).
Attendees also viewed and bid on Krobo beads from Cedi Beads Industries and artworks by Sharon Dede Padi, supporting the fundraising effort.
Notable guests included Deputy Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno; COP (Rtd.) Francis Ebenezer Doku; Dr. Stephen Opata, Advisor to the Governor on Financial Markets, Bank of Ghana; Ambassador Peter Nyako, Director General of the Research Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dr. Edward Atter Narh, CEO of Narh-Bita Hospital and College; and Mr. Joe Muno, CEO of Afro Wings Travels and Tours. Also in attendance were Apostle Emmanuel Odoi-Baah, representing the President of the Apostolic Church of Ghana, and local officials Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi and Hon. Simon Kweku Tetteh.
