Aboakyir, which is one of the most celebrated and memorable traditional festivals in the country, was nearly cancelled this year due to misunderstanding between the two chieftaincy factions which posed a security threat.
The festival, which has been characterized by chieftaincy conflicts in the past years, was boycotted by the Paramount Chief of the area, Neenyi Ghartey. The two main Asafo companies, Dentsi and Tuafo split as a result of the chieftaincy problem, which existed since 1970s.
The festival, which was on the theme, “Reconciliation for Peace and Development,” attracted few people most of whom were residents of the town, instead of the usual crowd, who travel from all walks of life to take part in the festival.
Some people, who spoke to Daily Guide, attributed the low patronage to the massive police presence at the durbar grounds, a situation they said scared visitors and natives away from the grounds. Others indicated that people thought they would be injured as it happened last two years when some people were stoned after confusion erupted between the feuding factions.
According to some residents, the low patronage of the festival was due to the fact that Neenyi Ghartey announced on various radio stations that he would ensure that the festival was cancelled.
Due to the constant chaos that characterizes the celebration in the past, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Winneba Peace Initiative (WPI) deploy about 270 fully armed security officers from the Police, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Prison Services and Ghana Immigration officers to ensure peace and order.
The deer to climax the celebration of the Aboakyir festival was however brought to the durbar grounds by the Tuafo No 1 Asafo company amidst cheers and chanting of war songs after several hours of waiting by the dignitaries, chiefs and people.
The other group, Dentsi Company also brought in two deer after the first catch, amidst drumming and dancing through the principal streets of Winneba. Daily Guide gathered that the deer is slaughtered and its blood smeared on the gods to symbolize a good harvest for the year. In her address, the Central Regional Minister, Ama Benyiwa Doe, who represented President John Evans Atta Mills, expressed satisfaction about the way peace had been restored this year.
She therefore appealed to the people of Effutu to unite for sustainable development, adding that more developmental projects would be provided to transform the Effutu Constituency.
Madam Doe called on parents to send their wards to school to help in the development of the country.
She noted that the NDC government has provided 46 classroom blocks to various second cycle schools in the region, adding that government is ready to do more to ensure that Central Region receives the needed educational facilities to boost education. Madam Doe therefore urged investors and benevolent organizations to invest in the region since it has adequate resources.
On his part, the Member of Parliament (MP) of Effutu Constituency, Mike Hammah therefore urged the chiefs to resolve the dispute since the festival rakes in a lot of revenue.
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