Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, joined chiefs and residents of the Effutu Traditional Area to mark the grand climax of the 2026 Aboakyir Festival, celebrating culture, unity, and renewed commitment to local development.The vibrant durbar, held in Winneba, brought together a distinguished gathering including Neenyi Ghartey VII, Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, officials from the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Ghana Wildlife Society, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, traditional leaders, clergy, and security personnel.A defining moment of the festival unfolded when the Asafo companies returned from the sacred forest, known locally as Nananom Pow Mu. The Tuafo Asafo Company emerged victorious, presenting a captured deer to Neenyi Ghartey VII, who stepped on the animal in accordance with tradition, symbolizing acceptance of the sacrifice and fulfillment of an ancestral covenant.In his address, Neenyi Ghartey VII, emphasized unity, cultural pride, and urgent development needs within the Effutu municipality. He called for the operationalization of the Mahama E-block Day facility as a Day Senior High School and raised concerns over delays in the Winneba Junction Roundabout Road project, urging government support for its completion.“We must be more united than ever to sustain the peace and solidarity that will make Effutu a place of choice,” he stated.Delivering the keynote address, Vice President Opoku-Agyemang conveyed greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and praised the people of Effutu for preserving one of Ghana’s most iconic cultural events. She underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging Winneba’s tourism potential through improved infrastructure, upgraded hospitality facilities, and support for cultural enterprises.“Government recognizes the immense potential in destinations like Winneba and is committed to revamping infrastructure across the country,” she said.She also highlighted key national initiatives, including the proposed Women’s Development Bank aimed at expanding financial access for market women, fish processors, and small-scale entrepreneurs. Additionally, she reaffirmed the government’s 24-hour economy policy and youth-focused programs such as the Adwumawura initiative, designed to equip young people with skills, funding, and mentorship.On infrastructure, she reiterated the importance of the Kasoa–Winneba dualization project, describing it as critical to enhancing mobility, boosting commerce, and unlocking economic opportunities in the region.Chairman of the Aboakyir 2026 Planning Committee, Robert Quartey, traced the festival’s origins, recounting how the Effutu people transitioned from human sacrifice to the symbolic capture of a deer, a tradition that continues to define the celebration.“This is not just a celebration; it is our identity, a covenant of courage passed down through generations,” he said, urging the youth to preserve their cultural heritage.Closing the event, Effutu Municipal Chief Executive Rev. Atta Mensah expressed gratitude to stakeholders and announced a donation of GHS 20,000 from President Mahama in support of the festival.The 2026 Aboakyir Festival also marked the 30th anniversary of the reign of Neenyi Ghartey VII, whose leadership the Vice President described as exemplary. She concluded by calling for sustained unity and collaboration, emphasizing that peace remains the foundation for long-term development.“As we celebrate Aboakyer, let us honour our ancestors while working together to build a prosperous future driven by culture, empowered by opportunity, and sustained by unity,” she said.
Story By: Charles Baah Aboagye & Nana Yaa Bredu -ISD
Last modified: May 5, 2026
