Ngmayem Festival

Ngmayem

View on map
Nature & SeasonManya Krobo/Odumase
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forSeasonal rites, water traditionsNgmayem is unusual among Ghanaian festivals
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: GHS
CategoryNature & SeasonFestival type
The story

Ngmayem Festival in Manya Krobo/Odumase

Manya Krobo's October millet harvest festival, established in 1944 by Konor Nene Azu Mate Kole to replace an earlier yam-based observance. Centered on Odumase-Krobo, it runs a full week of Klama drumming, family homecomings and Krobo beadwork, closing with a grand durbar before the paramount chief.

Ngmayem, held each October by the Manya Krobo traditional area, exists because a paramount chief once decided his people were celebrating the wrong crop.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Ngmayem is unusual among Ghanaian festivals for having a documented, deliberate founding within living historical memory: Konor Nene Azu Mate Kole replaced an older yam-focused festival, Yeliyem, with Ngmayem in 1944 specifically to better reflect millet's actual role as the Krobo staple crop

02

The mystery stays covered

The festival also doubles as the Krobo traditional new year, giving it calendar significance beyond the harvest theme itself

03

The city starts moving

Krobo powder-glass beadwork, worn in multiple strands during the week's processions, is a distinct visual signature tied to a bead-making tradition the Krobo are specifically known for across Ghana

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Ngmayem replaced the earlier Yeliyem (yam-eating) festival in 1944 by decision of Konor Nene Azu Mate Kole

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the week includes Klama drumming and dance

The sacred route

Living ritual

mandatory-feeling homecoming for Krobo families living elsewhere

The local code

Living ritual

display of powder-glass Krobo beadwork

Tradition 5

Living ritual

and a closing durbar marking both the millet harvest and the Krobo new year

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually October

Getting around

For Ngmayem Festival, plan transport around the exact Manya Krobo/Odumase venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for standing through drumming processions and the durbar; lighter fabrics suit October heat in the Eastern Region. Krobo beaded jewelry is widely worn and welcomed if...

Safety

Keep distance from unsafe water edges and follow local crowd or weather warnings.

Where to stay

For Ngmayem Festival, stay near the part of Manya Krobo/Odumase you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Public water rituals are often open, but boat, viewing, or activity access may be paid.

Language/currency

GHS

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map6.69 N, 1.62 WOpen in Google Maps

Manya Krobo/Odumase, Eastern, Ghana

Nearest airportACC — Kotoka
TransportFor Ngmayem Festival, plan transport around the exact Manya Krobo/Odumase venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Ngmayem Festival, stay near the part of Manya Krobo/Odumase you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Manya Krobo/Odumase via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Manya Krobo/Odumase, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearComfortable shoes for standing through drumming processions and the durbar; lighter fabrics suit October heat in the Eastern Region. Krobo beaded jewelry is widely worn and welcomed if purchased locally, but avoid all-black or all-red clothing, which read as mourning colors.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Ghana and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Ngmayem Festival?

Ngmayem Festival is listed for October · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Ngmayem Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Manya Krobo/Odumase, Ghana. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Manya Krobo/Odumase, Eastern, Ghana

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLdodowangmayemfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked
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