The ancient town of Winneba in Ghana’s Central Region came alive from April 26 to May 4, 2025, as the Effutu people celebrated the Aboakyer Festival. This annual event steeped in history and cultural significance which honors the deity Penkye Otu and commemorates the migration of the Effutu ancestors from the ancient Western Sudan Empire to their current homeland. Central to the festival were the two traditional warrior groups, the Tuafo No. 1 and Dentsefo No. 2 Asafo Companies. These groups established in the 16th and 17th centuries respectively, engage in a friendly yet fierce competition to capture a live bushbuck using only their hands which is an evidence to their bravery and skill. The first group to present the live animal to the Paramount Chief, Neenyi Ghartey VII, earns the honor of having their catch accepted as the sacrificial offering to Penkye Otu.
The 2025 festivities commenced with community activities including a gospel musical show, clean-up exercises, health walks, and various sporting events. On May 3, the eve of the main event, the Asafo Companies paraded their deities through the streets in a vibrant display spiritual fervor and cultural pride. At dawn on May 4, both groups ventured into the forest and return with their prized catch amidst jubilation and traditional drumming.
A notable highlight of this year’s festival was the active participation of Hon. Alexander Afenyo Markin, Member of Parliament for Effutu and Minority Leader in Parliament. Dressed in traditional regalia, Afenyo-Markin’s presence symbolized his deep connection to the cultural heritage of the Effutu people. His involvement highlights his ongoing commitment to fostering unity and preserving the rich traditions of his constituency.
In previous years, Afenyo Markin played a crucial role in bridging divides between the Tuafo and Dentsefo Asafo Companies. His efforts in promoting dialogue and understanding have been instrumental in ensuring the harmonious celebration of the Aboakyer Festival. His leadership has continues to inspire a renewed sense of pride and cohesion among the Effutu people.
The Aboakyer Festival not only serves as a religious observance but also as a unifying force for the Effutu people, reinforcing communal bonds and preserving their rich heritage. As Neenyi Ghartey VII emphasized the festival is a moral and spiritual obligation to their ancestors, deities, and the land, ensuring the wellbeing of their people.
In an era of rapid modernization, the Aboakyer Festival stands as a beacon of cultural resilience, drawing visitors from around the world
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