The leadership of the two rival Asafo Companies at Winneba, the Tuafo and Dentsifo, have pledged to make next Saturday’s ‘Aboakyer’ festival peaceful. To this end, Obaatan Kwame Essuon and his counterpart, Opanyin Kobina Orwan, have vowed to expose anyone caught inciting others to cause trouble in the town. The two leaders were speaking at an emergency district Security Council (DISEC) meeting to address differences between them to enable the rituals for the festival to commence on Monday, April 27. They assured the public, especially tourists wishing to travel to Winneba to witness the festival, of adequate protection, saying that a new wind is blowing in the area which “seeks to inject a high sense of discipline into the people”. Obaatan Essuon and Opanyin Orwan praised the Central Regional Minister, Mr Kojo Yankah and Lieutenant Daniel William Osardu, the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Chief Executive, for the concern they have shown in the affairs of the Effutu Traditional Area. Recounting the history of Winneba, Obaatan Essuon said the past two centuries had seen the destruction of the town on two occasions by enemy forces, throwing the citizens, most of whom were Effutus, into disarray. He attributed the defeat of the people (Effutus) because of lack of unity among them. Obaatan Essuon appealed to the government to deal ruthlessly with anyone caught fomenting trouble in any part of the area. Opanyin Kofi Afedzi, Effutu constituency chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) advised Effutus at home and abroad to unite for the betterment of present and future generations of the area. Various companies have pledged their support for this year’s Aboakyer festival.
