THIS year’s edition of the Aboakyer Festival has officially been launched, with activities scheduled to begin on April 25 and climax on May 3 in Winneba, Central Region.

Launching the festival on Tuesday, February 17, the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII, described the celebration as a sacred obligation and a vital tradition that continues to unite the people while promoting development.

“The celebration of this festival is a moral and spiritual obligation to our ancestors, the deities and the land; we propitiate them to bring wellbeing to our people,” he said.

He explained that the early launch was intended to allow sufficient time for preparation and to ensure a successful celebration that would attract visitors and boost the local economy.

“This year is very special to me, having celebrated the 30th anniversary of my enstoolment just weeks ago. Your support over the years has brought us this far and helped ensure the well-being and development of this community,” he said.

Neenyi Ghartey VII also revealed plans to use the festival as a platform to raise funds for the construction of a befitting palace for the Effutu State, which he said would symbolise unity, identity and pride.

“We have reached a point where the construction of a palace has become more relevant. We are tying that ambition with the Aboakyer celebration to raise funds for this edifice. I am sure we would not regret being part of the contributors to a fund that will give this town a fitting palace,” he stated.

He urged residents to prepare adequately by cleaning their surroundings and maintaining high standards of hospitality. 

The Municipal Chief Executive, Atta Mensah, assured that the assembly and security agencies would ensure a peaceful and successful celebration.

 He expressed excitement about new additions to the programme, including a boxing competition to be staged by Ghanaian boxer, Aryeetey Powers.

He said the assembly would also provide adequate support to the planning committee to deliver a memorable festival.

The Regional Manager of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Charles Buabin, described the Aboakyer Festival as a unique cultural attraction that draws visitors from across Ghana and beyond.

“The Effutu Aboakyer culture and all its costumes are unique expressions of Effutu and appreciated by all those who visit Winneba during the celebrations,” he said. “The Ghana Tourism Authority will put its weight behind it to make it more attractive, successful and sustainable.”

The week-long celebration will feature activities such as a marathon, interfaith service, sanitation exercise, youth programmes, regatta, concerts, health walk, street carnival, sporting events and the grand durbar of chiefs. The festival will climax with the traditional deer hunt and sacrifice, followed by a sponsors’ fun fair.