Statue erected in honour of Winneba’s Asafo companies
A traditional sculpture representing the Asafo Men of Winneba and their contribution to the famous Aboakyer Festival has been erected at the Winneba Senior High School.
The erection of the statue, which replaced an old sculpture, was also used to mark the 25th enstoolment anniversary of the Omanhen of the Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey VII.
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The statue, a dark brass, shows a traditional militia member with a deer on his neck and two other persons in traditional regalia.
The old sculpture in the school has been widely criticised as a misrepresentation of the “people’s tradition”.
As part of activities to mark his 25th anniversary since his enstoolment as the Omanhen of the Effutu Traditional Area, Neenyi Ghartey said he decided to erect a new statue that would present a more appropriate traditional monument and represent the Asafo group for their commitment and dedication.
He said it had become necessary to take such a step to ensure that the various traditional values were not completely wiped from the Ghanaian society.
Noble citizens
Addressing the students, Neenyi Ghartey admonished them to look beyond the grades and certificates they had come to the school to acquire and imbibe in themselves characters and values that were reflective of noble citizens.
“Above your certificates, study, learn something from this place — both knowledge and character — so that when you go out, people will see the difference in you," he said.
He added that although the present pandemic had come in to disrupt major activities, including academic work, it was still necessary that students made efforts to sail through successfully.
The Headmistress of the school, Mrs Comfort Oti-Akenteng, commended the Omanhen for voluntarily taking the initiative to replace “the school’s major traditional sculpture” while ensuring that students absorbed traditional values.
“It is a great honour to have this sculpture which will not only beautify the WINNESEC campus but will also go a long way to ensure that our students are not alienated from our culture,” she said.
She pledged that the school authority would pay apt attention to the sculpture and maintain it well for future generations.
Neenyi Ghartey also presented some Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and other assorted items to the Effutu Municipal Hospital, St Ann’s Orphanage and the Methodist Rafiki Satellite Village.
He further admonished caretakers to perform their duty with utmost care.