General News of Friday, 23 April 1999

Source: --

Winneba kicks against date for festival

Accra (Greater Accra), 23rd April 

The Central Regional Security Council has kicked against the First May date set for the celebration of this year=92s Aboakyir festival of the chiefs and people of the Effutu Tradtional area.

In a statement to Col Charles Agbenaza, Central regional minister, the council said May First, recognised internationally as Labour Day, was not convenient for the celebration of the annual festival at which a life bushbuck is caught from the forest by the competing Asafo (traditional military) groups of the area. The group that brought its catch to the town first was declared winner.

It said the decision for the postponement was reached at meeting of the council to assess the security situation in the area following growing tension between the two dominant communities in the area.

The statement said the communities have been advised against any breach of security at the town since the government will take every measure to prevent the breach of peace.