By J.K Nabary
Winneba (C/R), May 14, GNA- Mr Alexander Ato Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, Member of Parliament for Effutu, has thanked the Almighty God for peaceful celebration of the 2026 edition of the Aboakyer festival.
He also commended the Effutu Traditional Council presided over by Neenyi Ghartey VII, Effutu Oma Odefe, the festival Planning Committee and the two Asafo Groups (Tuafo No. 1 and Dentsefo No. 2) for putting their rich expertise together, and all who in diverse ways contributed to the success of the festival.
Mr Afenyo-Markin, who is also the Minority leader in Parliament expressed the appreciation in an interview with the media at his great grandfather’s house in Winneba.
He was given the title “Osahen” meaning chief warrior by the Effutu Traditional Council for the numerous success he had chalked both in social and political life.
He explained that the reason why developed countries did not under rate their tradition and culture was that culture gave aspiration while history gave inspiration, adding that a person without identity had nothing to aspire for.
According to him, the Aboakyer Festival, was deeply rooted in tradition and culture, often characterised by its unique blend of ancestral reverence and community competition.
“It is a living, breathing cultural heritage” which involved traditional rites aimed at honouring the principal deity, Penkyi Otu, while commemorating the migration of their ancestors from the Western Sudan Empire to their current settlement, and for prosperity, peace and cohesion.
He further stated that Aboakyer reinforced social unity and was recogniaed as a major tourism event that fundamentally showcased their cultural heritage as Effutu people and was ab expression of cultural identity, bravery and ancestral reverence.
Mr Afenyo-Markin said some years back, the festival was marred by litigations and misunderstandings, but this year’s celebration was more peaceful, rendering the Security Agencies deployed to protect lives and property and maintain law and order, redundant.
“Let us reconcile as one people and contribute our quota towards the total development and growth of Effutu Oma and Ghana,” Osahen Afenyo-Markin encouraged his constituents.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Kenneth Odeng Adade