The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, made history during this year’s Aboakyer Festival as he stepped into his sacred role as the first Osahen of the Effutu State in over 300 years.
In Effutu tradition, the Osahen is revered with unique traditional role as the chief warrior that dates back centuries.
He serves as the overall head of the two Asafo (warrior) groups in the state, the Tuafo and the Dentsefo and also acts as the unifying link between them and the Paramount Chief (Oma Odefe) of the Effutu State.
The Osahen is charged with maintaining order, overseeing the welfare of the Asafo Companies, and playing a critical role in arbitration and unity within the Effutu community.
For more than three centuries, the title remained vacant, making Afenyo-Markin’s installation as Osahen not only symbolic but also deeply significant in the annals of Effutu history.
During the Aboakyer Festival, which is one of Ghana’s most vibrant and culturally rich celebrations, the Osahen’s role is vital as he ensures the necessary protocols are observed before the King’s appearance.
Beyond his role as Chief Warrior, the Osahen performs key ceremonial duties.
When the King is being outdoored or departing from the palace, it is the Osahen who ensures that everything is in order and formally sees the King off. However, Osahen himself does not join the public procession; he remains in the palace while the Asafo Companies come to pay homage to him.
The Osahen title is not a chieftaincy title but a unique traditional designation in Effutu State.
As the Chief Warrior, the Osahen also sits in Council.
When he is present, neither of the two Asafo leaders may speak directly—everything must be communicated through him to the Paramount Chief.
It is worth noting that for 300 years, the “Osahen” title has not been conferred on anybody, so Effutu had been without an Osahen for over 300 years, until its recent conferment on Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.
Aboakyer 2025
Aboakyer — which means “hunting for game” — is celebrated annually by the Effutu people to honour and appease their principal deity, Penkye Otu. Traditionally, the offering of a live animal is believed to drive away evil, usher in peace, and invoke divine blessings for a prosperous harvest.
This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Championing Our Ancestral Legacy,” attracted hundreds of visitors, both locals and foreigners, who flocked to the coastal town to partake in the festive atmosphere and witness the spectacle.
Draped in rich traditional regalia, the chiefs of Effutu processed through the streets in a grand parade that culminated at the Presbyterian School Park, the main venue for the durbar.
Awaiting them was a sea of jubilant spectators, eager to witness the symbolic rituals and the much-anticipated return of the Asafo companies from the bush.
The climax of the festival saw the two rival Asafo companies — Tuafo Asafo No.1 and Dentsefo Asafo No.2 — return from their hunting expedition.
At exactly 10:13 am, Tuafo emerged victorious, arriving first with a live bushbuck held high to thunderous applause and cheers.
The animal was immediately presented to the Paramount Chief, Neenyi Ghartey VII, who stepped on it three times — a sacred act signifying the acceptance of the offering by Penkye Otu.
Dentsefo Asafo No.2 followed shortly after, arriving at 10:24 am.
