Winneba, Ghana – Every year, as the first Saturday of May approaches, the town of Winneba prepares for a spectacle that is both ancient and intensely vibrant: the Aboakyer Festival, more commonly known as the Deer Hunt Festival. The festival is a tradition for the Effutu people, steeped in history and cultural significance, and it unfolds each year with a blend of anticipation, skillful hunting, and communal celebration.

At the heart of Aboakyer lies a competition between two traditional warrior groups, the Asafo companies. Photojournalist Sammy Moore, covering this year’s event, captured striking images of the chase, highlighting the dedication and spirit of the participants in this test of skill and courage. The Aboakyer, or Deer Hunt Festival, is more than just a local event; it’s a testament to the enduring power of tradition in a rapidly changing world.

The Friday before the hunt serves as a prelude, a day filled with parades and traditional displays. The Tuafo (Number One) and Dentsifo (Number Two) Asafo companies, adorned in vibrant colors, march through the town, each accompanied by their gods and following routes that have been carefully mapped out over generations. The air is thick with anticipation, and the parades, while celebratory, are also orchestrated with meticulous precision to prevent any potential clashes between the groups. As evening descends, the Asafo companies disperse, each finalizing their preparations for the sacred hunt that will commence before dawn.

Before the sun breaches the horizon on Saturday, the members of the Tuafo and Dentsifo companies venture into the nearby game reserves. Their mission: to capture a live deer. Armed only with sticks and relying on their bare hands, the hunters embark on a physically demanding and challenging endeavor. The hunt is not merely a test of strength, it is a display of skill, strategy, and deep understanding of the local terrain. For the winning Asafo company, success in the hunt is a source of immense pride, a validation of their prowess and a symbol of good fortune for the community.

The capture of a deer is met with jubilation. A message is swiftly dispatched to the town, signaling the return of the hunters. Anticipation builds among the townspeople gathered at the durbar grounds, the traditional meeting place. As the triumphant hunters parade the live deer through the streets, the atmosphere erupts with drumming, dancing, and singing. The streets become a river of color and sound, a collective expression of joy and unity.

The Aboakyer Festival is more than a thrilling spectacle; it is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Effutu people. It is a celebration of their heritage, a reaffirmation of their unity, and a testament to their resilience. The festival serves as a powerful reminder of their connection to nature and their ancestral beliefs. It is a time for renewal, reconciliation, and profound thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year and the promise of the future.

Photojournalist Sammy Moore’s work provides a unique perspective on the Aboakyer Festival, capturing the raw energy and spiritual significance of the event. His photographs immortalize the dedication of the hunters and the collective joy of the community.

From the rhythmic beat of the drums at dawn to the triumphant return of the hunters, the Aboakyer Deer Chase is a sensory explosion of tradition and community spirit. It offers a glimpse into a world where ancient customs continue to thrive, reminding us of the power of shared heritage and the enduring spirit of Winneba.