Winneba: Mr Alexander Ato Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, Member of Parliament for Effutu, has expressed gratitude for the peaceful celebration of the 2026 Aboakyer festival. He extended his thanks to the Almighty God, the Effutu Traditional Council led by Neenyi Ghartey VII, the festival Planning Committee, and the two Asafo Groups, Tuafo No. 1 and Dentsefo No. 2, for their contributions to the success of the event.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Afenyo-Markin, who also serves as the Minority leader in Parliament, shared his appreciation during an interview at his ancestral home in Winneba. He was honored with the title 'Osahen,' meaning chief warrior, by the Effutu Traditional Council in recognition of his achievements in both social and political spheres.
He highlighted the importance of tradition and culture, noting that developed countries value these aspects as culture provides aspiration and history offers inspiration. He emphasized that the Aboakyer Festival is deeply rooted in tradition and culture, characterized by ancestral reverence and community competition. It is a cultural heritage that involves traditional rites to honor the principal deity, Penkyi Otu, and commemorates the migration of their ancestors.
Mr Afenyo-Markin remarked that the festival promotes social unity and is recognized as a major tourism event showcasing the cultural heritage of the Effutu people. He noted that it serves as an expression of cultural identity, bravery, and ancestral reverence. Reflecting on past challenges, he observed that this year's celebration was peaceful, rendering the Security Agencies largely redundant.
In his message to his constituents, Osahen Afenyo-Markin urged reconciliation and collective contribution towards the development and growth of Effutu Oma and Ghana.