The 2014 Aboakyir Planning Committee has given assurance to residents of Winneba and Ghanaians that this year’s Aboakyir festival will be conducted in a peaceful manner.

According to the committee, the situation where heavy police presence was felt during such celebrations in the past will be avoided during this year’s festivities.

This was made known by the chairman of the committee, Mr. Alex Peter Acquah, who was allaying fears harboured by people regarding the celebration. According to him, the committee took cognizance of the fact that many people feel uncomfortable and intimidated by the heavy police presence at events such as the Aboakyir and assured that arrangements have been made to ensure that this is avoided.

“What we found out is that the heavy police presence sometimes scares people away from the celebration. This time we want everybody to take part in all the activities, hence we have had discussions with the police and they have given us a firm assurance,” he stated.

Mr. Acquah averred that although there is going to be tight security, that will be done to forestall any act of confusion but not to intimidate people.

He also mentioned that though the police will be deployed to ensure a peaceful celebration, their presence will not be felt on the festive grounds but that they will be working behind to ensure the safety of all citizens.

He reiterated that the 2014 Aboakyir celebration by the people of Winneba will come off as planned and that nothing will stop the well planned activities.