Effutu Traditional Council Launches 2026 Iconic Aboakyer Festival, Announces Ultramodern Palace Project

 

Winneba, Ghana – February 17, 2026 

 The Effutu Traditional Council, led by Oma Odefe Nenyi Ghartey VII, together with the Aboakyer Planning Committee, Effutu Municipal Assembly, stakeholders, and residents, gathered at the Kojo Beedu Community Center to officially launch the 2026 Iconic Aboakyer Festival.

Nenyi Ghartey VII

The launch began with vibrant cultural performances. Both Asafo companies displayed traditional dances and rituals to honor the practices of the forefathers, while the OmpÉ› troupe added further excitement with their energetic displays. The atmosphere was filled with joy, as those familiar with the Asafo and OmpÉ› dances joined in, creating a lively cultural showcase.

The program was officially opened by the priests of the gods, who poured libation to invoke the presence of the deities, reminding them that it was time once again to celebrate and thank them for their protection over the town and its people.

It was announced that this year’s festival, like previous editions, will feature a week-long program leading up to the main Aboakyer Day. Activities will begin on Saturday, April 25, 2026, and continue until Sunday, May 3, 2026, with the climax—the traditional deer hunt—taking place on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

In his address, Nenyi Ghartey VII reflected on his 30th anniversary on the stool, expressing gratitude to God and the people of Effutu for their support. He responded to critics questioning his push for a new palace, explaining that discussions about a befitting palace for Winneba began long ago.

“Winneba has developed and progressed over the years. It would not be appropriate to construct something small or ordinary (like a two-bedroom house) and call it a palace. Therefore, the plan is to begin building a modern, high-standard ultramodern palace starting this year,” he declared.

All security agencies in Winneba were present at the launch, outlining their plans to ensure safety before, during, and after the festival.



Effutu Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Atta Mensah pledged to help the youth of Effutu secure jobs. He also announced a new initiative to make boxing attractive in Winneba, explaining that this was why Ghanaian boxer Ayitey Powers was invited to the event.


MCE - HON ATTA MENSAH

Ayitey Powers, in his speech, expressed gratitude to the Omanhen and shared his personal connection to Winneba, noting that he had lived in the town for a long time before traveling abroad.

AYITEY POWERS
The Aboakyer Festival remains one of Ghana’s most iconic cultural celebrations. It commemorates the migration history of the Effutu people and their covenant with the god Penkye Otu. The highlight of the festival is the dramatic deer-hunting competition between the Asafo Tuafo and Dentsefo warrior groups, followed by a grand procession and rituals at the shrine.


The 2026 edition promises to be particularly memorable, with expanded programs, cultural displays, and the symbolic announcement of the ultramodern palace project. Together, these initiatives reinforce Winneba’s reputation as a center of rich heritage and forward-looking development.








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