The Chiefs and people of the Effutu Traditional Area have launched the 2026 Aboakyer festival to be celebrated from Saturday, April 25 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, on the theme: “Advancing our cultural heritage for development.”
Sons and daughters of the area are therefore required to start putting their houses in order, participate fully in the activities earmarked for the occasion, and to honour their obligation towards the construction of a Chiefs Palace.
Neenyi Ghartey VII, the Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area (Effutu Oma Odefe), made the call when he launched the festival at a ceremony at Winneba.
He pointed out that the festival was a moral and spiritual obligation to their ancestors and deities and to bring wellbeing to all its people.
The Chief indicated that the year’s celebration was special, because it had coincided with the 30th anniversary of his enstoolment as Paramount Chief of the Effutu State, therefore, the construction of a palace had become more relevant, and funds would be raised for it.
“I am sure we will not regret being part of the contributors to the fund that will give this town a fitting palace,” he stated.
Neenyi Ghartey said the festival played a key role in the economy of Effutu Oma and the palace project was equally relevant, to redefine their custom to leave behind a heritage that would make posterity proud.
“We must be more united than ever to enjoy the peace we have built and the solidarity that come with it to make Effutu Oma a place of choice,” he added.
Mr Robert Quartey, the Chairman of the 2026 Aboakyer Panning Committee, who outlined activities for the celebration, added his voice to calls on all citizens home and abroad, to generously contribute towards the legacy project to give Winneba a befitting palace.
Reverend Atta Mensah, the Effutu Municipal Chief Executive, also assured the gathering of the Assembly’s commitment towards the Traditional Council and the Planning Committee for a peaceful and successful celebration.
ACP Ibrahim Opoku, the Effutu Municipal Divisional Police Commander, said the security Agencies would continue to protect lives and property in the municipality, adding that there was no cause for alarm.
The event was graced by Mr Charles Buabeng, the Central Regional Manager of Tourism Authority, Mr Joseph Armartey, the General Secretary of Ghana Tourism Federation, and the Youth Tourism Ambassador who delivered fraternal massages.
Other personalities included, members of the two Asafo Companies, the Clergy, Youth groups, Assembly Members, representatives of Institutions, Department, the Muslim community and the Security Agencies.
