Manya Krobo youth showcase traditions at 14-school mock durbar

Students from 14 schools in the Manya Krobo area gathered at the Odumase Anglican School Park on October 27, 2026, for the third edition of the Manya Krobo Ngmayem Festival Mock Durbar. The event serves as a specialized cultural education platform designed to immerse the younger generation in the rich traditions of the Krobo people. By recreating the atmosphere of the main festival, the mock durbar provides a practical space for students to engage with their heritage through active participation.

During the celebrations, the participating students took on various roles to simulate the complex social and political structure of the Krobo community. Participants dressed in vibrant traditional attire and assumed the personas of traditional authorities, including chiefs and queen mothers, as well as representatives of the Krobo diaspora. Through these role-playing exercises, the students learned firsthand about cultural governance, traditional protocols, and the historical significance of the rituals performed during the annual Ngmayem Festival.

The primary objective of the initiative is to bridge the growing gap between the youth and their ancestral traditions, ensuring that local customs are preserved and passed down accurately. Organizers emphasized that the mock durbar is not merely a performance but a vital educational tool to instill cultural pride and identity among the youth. By promoting the Ngmayem Festival beyond its traditional borders, the event aims to ensure that the values and history of the Manya Krobo state remain relevant and respected in an increasingly modern world.