05/05/2026
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.