Aboakyer 2023 opens with cycle race competition

The Aboakyer festival of the people of Effutu in the Central Region has colourfully opened with a cycle race, that attracted hundreds of participants.

The event was organized by the Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF), the Winneba Sports College and the organisers of the 2023 Aboakyer Festival

The 90-km Aboakyer Race, which began at the Accra Sports Stadium and ended in Winneba, mimicked the ‘Tour de France’ competition with cyclists racing a 6.8km distance in 3 laps with each team comprising of three intermediate cyclists.

The Paramount Chief of the Efutu Traditional Council, Neenyi Ghartey VII expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of cycling to other sporting activities such as marathon and tennis to highlight the Aboakyer Festival in Winneba and urged for more activities and support in subsequent celebrations.

Winner for the race took home an undisclosed cash prize from sponsors and Aboakyer souvenirs.

Speaking on the sidelines of the competition, Neeny Ghartey VII revealed that the competition was geared towards creating awareness on the need to maintain physical wellness.

“This competition is to particularly engage our youth and get them to be a part of the celebration. But most importantly, it is to create awareness on the need for people to do well to maintain a good physical health,” he said.

Neenyi Ghartey noted that preparations for this year's festivities were well underway, and he had high expectations for a wonderful event.

“Plans are further along, and we are enthusiastic about the public's participation.”

Other activities mapped out for the celebrations include a Gospel musical night, general clean-up and consecration of the shrine, football tournament, Aboakyer food bazaar, and parade of deities by Tuafo Number 1 and Dentsefo Number 2 Asafo companies through the streets of Winneba.

There will be a grand durbar on Sunday, May 7 to climax the festival after deer hunting in the morning by the two Asafo companies.

Some of the dignitaries tipped to grace the occasion include The Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Mohammed Ibrahim Awal amon others.