Ngmayem Festival 2025: Shai people celebrate unity, heritage and environment

Correspondece from Eastern Region

The Shai Traditional Council has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Ngmayem Festival under the theme, "Protecting Our Environment through Culture and Tradition."

The festival, which commemorates the historical resilience of the Shai people, will feature a four-week itinerary beginning in Manya Jorpanya from September 22 to 29, before moving to Dodowa, Ayikuma, and Kordiabe in subsequent weeks.

Often referred to as the Millet Festival, the Ngmayem is one of the most culturally significant events in the Shai calendar. It traces its origins to the Great Harvest of 1892, which followed a devastating seven-year drought.

Revived in 1959 after colonial interruptions, the festival today symbolizes the spiritual resilience of the Shai people and stands as a testament to their unity and cultural pride.

Unity and Morality

Speaking at the launch, the Chief of Manya Jorpanya, Nene Dr Tei-Djahene Korabo IV, emphasized the festival’s role in fostering unity among the Shai people, many of whom are now spread across the Eastern Region, Ashanti, and beyond.

“Normally, it brings the people back home because Shai people are scattered all over the place. When we celebrate the festival, there’s unity and families come home together,” he said.

He also underscored the festival’s moral code, “We’re very key about immoral behavior during the festival. Those things, we don’t celebrate them. Shai people are respected. We kick against those things, and it won’t happen. We’re fortunate our youth listen to us.”

Environment takes centre stage

The 2025 theme shines a spotlight on environmental conservation, with a particular focus on the historic Dodowa Forest.

Chairman of the Festival Planning Committee and Chief of Dodowa, Nene Okukrubuor Tei Kwesi Agyemang V, announced ongoing efforts to preserve the forest and transform it into an eco-tourism park.

“We are working with the Shai Osudoku District Assembly and the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council to develop the forest. Our goal is to create a space where visitors can learn about our history while supporting local development,” he said.

He further noted that the Greater Accra Regional Minister and MP for Shai Osudoku, Linda Obenewaa Ocloo, had commissioned a feasibility study into the forest’s tourism potential, praising her commitment to cultural and environmental sustainability.

Peace, unity, and development

The District Chief Executive for Shai Osudoku, Ignatius Godfred Dodoe, also commended the traditional leaders and people of the Shai State for their commitment to peace and cultural continuity.

“I emphasized that when I became Chief Executive, I would work very hard to bring all the chiefs on board. From the traditional setup, you can see there’s unity and peace to launch the festival,” he said.

“We pledge our support, together with the Regional Minister, to make the festival great. Once there’s peace, there’s development—it’s going to bring more investors.”

As Chairman of the District Security Committee (DISEC), the DCE further assured that adequate security arrangements would be in place to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration.

A cultural homecoming

The month-long celebration is expected to attract thousands of attendees from across Ghana and abroad, who will gather to partake in traditional rituals, durbars, music, dance, and cultural exhibitions across the various communities of the Shai State.

Beyond the festivities, the Ngmayem Festival remains a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Shai people, a heritage rooted in resilience, reverence for the land, and an unwavering commitment to unity.

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