The grounds of the Odumase Anglican School Park came alive with colour, royalty and youthful pride on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, as 14 basic and senior high schools participated in the third edition of the Manya Krobo Ngmayem Festival Mock Durbar.
The event brought together pupils and students from across the Krobo area, who mounted their own palanquins, formed royal entourages and recreated the traditional durbar of the Ngmayem Festival.
Beyond the colourful displays and performances, the Mock Durbar has become an educational and cultural initiative aimed at deepening young people’s understanding and appreciation of the heritage of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area.
The initiative, organised as part of the Ngmayem Festival celebrated by the chiefs and people of the traditional area, provides a platform for pupils and students to participate actively in the festival rather than remain spectators.
It comes at a time when concerns are growing about the disconnect between some young people and their cultural traditions.
Teaching the next generation Krobo heritage
Through the initiative, participating schools are assigned roles representing the paramountcy, traditional divisions and other identifiable groups within the Krobo area.
These include the diaspora community, Ewe settler community, Muslim and Zongo settler community, traditional priests and clergy, as well as other institutions and groups.
The exercise exposes the students to the structure of Krobo traditional governance and its system of inclusion, while highlighting the area’s rich heritage and the importance of unity in diversity.
By taking on roles such as chiefs, queen mothers, linguists and members of royal entourages, the pupils gain practical experience of traditional customs, ceremonies and leadership structures.
The initiative also seeks to nurture leadership, public speaking skills, respect for traditional authority and a strong sense of cultural identity among the younger generation.
Its underlying message is that young people must see themselves as custodians of their heritage and active participants in preserving the traditions of their communities.
Mock Durbar gains popularity
In just three years, the Mock Durbar has grown significantly and established itself as one of the anticipated activities on the Ngmayem Festival calendar.
The increasing participation of schools and the enthusiasm of spectators have added to its appeal, with the initiative attracting growing attention as a platform for promoting the festival and Krobo culture.
Organisers believe the activity has considerable potential to project the Ngmayem Festival beyond the traditional area and introduce its cultural significance to wider audiences.
By placing children at the centre of the celebration, the Mock Durbar combines cultural education with public engagement, encouraging the next generation to preserve their heritage while promoting the festival to the wider world.
Schools and traditional groups represented
The 14 participating schools represented various traditional authorities, communities and institutions as follows:
Paramountcy of Manya Krobo: Mt. Mary Demonstration JHS, Adjikpo Yokunya, representing the Konor of Manya Krobo, who is also President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
Djebiam Division: Agormanya Methodist JHS, Agormanya.
Piengua Division: Odumase Anglican JHS, Piengua Mampong.
Akwenor Division: Akro M.A. JHS, Odumase.
Suisi Division: Okwenya M.A. JHS, Okwenya.
Manya Aklomuase Division: Kodjonya Millennium Presby Basic School, Menekpo.
Dorm Division: Halter Academy, Kpongunor.
Traditional Priests and Clergy: Stanward Academy, Agormanya.
Ewe Settler Community: Kpong R.C. JHS, Ahundjo-Kpong.
Zongo and Muslim Settler Community: Kpong Islamic JHS, Kpong.
Konor of Yilo Krobo (Special Guest): Somanya Presby No. 2 JHS, Somanya.
President of the Republic of Ghana (Guest of Honour) and entourage: VRA School, Akuse.
Diaspora Community: Pleasant Crystal School, Kpong.
Diplomatic Corps and Cadet: Akro SHTS, Odumase.