DANGME FESTIVALS SEASON 2026: AYIKUMA NGMAYEM FESTIVAL VISIT TO AYIKUMA ANCESTRAL HOME — SHAI HILLS In the video: An elder and guide narrates the history of the Ayikuma Ancestral Home, explains the significance of different parts of the Shai Hills, and highlights their relevance to the wider Sɛ (Shai) people. This afternoon, as part of the Ayikuma Ngmayem Festival 2026, the people of Ayikuma, within the Sɛ (Shai) Dangme Traditional Area, visited the Shai Hills Resource Reserve to pay homage to their ancestral home. The visit was led by elders, chiefs and sub-chiefs, family heads and community members. At the ancestral site, the community performed customary rites and prayers as part of the activities marking the annual Ngmayem Festival. HONOURING OUR ANCESTRAL HERITAGE For the people of Ayikuma, the visit is an opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral roots and honour the generations who came before them. The Shai Hills hold an important place in the ancestral history and cultural heritage of the Sɛ (Shai) Dangme people. The visit provides the present generation, particularly the youth, with an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the history, sacrifices and experiences associated with their ancestors. PRESERVING OUR HISTORY Learning about ancestral history at places connected to our past gives younger generations a deeper understanding of their roots. Oral history and cultural knowledge play an important role in keeping the stories, traditions and experiences of our people alive and ensuring they are passed on to future generations. FOSTERING UNITY AND IDENTITY The visit brings community members together at a place deeply connected to their ancestral history, strengthening their shared sense of identity, heritage and community. The Ayikuma Ngmayem Festival is an opportunity to remember where we come from, honour those who came before us and pass their history on to the generations that follow. Our heritage is our identity. Our history deserves to be preserved and passed on. #AyikumaNgmayem2026 #DangmeFestivals2026 #Dangme #DangmeCulture #DangmeHeritage - @dangmepeople