The 2024 Aboakyer Festival of the Effutu people in Winneba, Central Region, has been officially launched with a call for unity and cooperation among citizens to foster development in the area. Themed “Promoting tradition and development through Aboakyer celebration,” the festival is set to commence on Saturday, April 27, and culminate on Saturday, May 4, with a grand durbar.
The festival will kick off with a Gospel musical show and a clean-up exercise in various communities and homes, setting the tone for a series of activities including a health walk, regatta, tug-of-war, marathon race, bicycle racing, football tournament, cooking competition, and the parading of gods by the two Asafo Companies.
Highlighting the significance of the festival, Neenyi Ghartey VII, the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, emphasized its role in showcasing the rich Asafo, religious, and cultural traditions of the Effutu people, as well as promoting tourism. He urged all citizens to put aside their differences and actively participate in making the festival a success, welcoming guests from across the world to share in the joy and excitement.
Neenyi Ghartey encouraged the embodiment of the Guan Spirit characterized by hospitality, love, and care throughout the celebrations, calling on service providers in the hospitality industry to offer excellent services to boost the local economy. He also appealed to the business community to support the festivities.
The Aboakyer Festival holds historical significance, commemorating the safe migration of the Effutu people from the ancient Western Sudan Empire to their present occupation enclave and expressing gratitude for good harvests. Initially involving the sacrifice of a young member of the Royal Family, the tradition evolved over time to include the offering of a live bushbuck to appease the god Penkye Otu.
Alhaji Zubairu Kassim, the Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, assured the gathering of the Assembly's commitment to support the Traditional Council for a peaceful and successful celebration. He urged the community to avoid any activities that could disrupt the festivities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and harmony during the event.