16/09/24
Story by George Yawson Vineh
In a rallying call for the preservation and recognition of traditional religion, Leadership of Afrikania Mission in Ghana is calling for a national holiday for the traditional religion.
At a press conference last Saturday, Head of the Mission, His Holiness Osofo Konfo Atsu says the mission will not hesitate to ignore political actors who fail to take their demand into consideration.
Several countries have established public holidays to honor Traditional worship and ancestral veneration, reflecting their cultural and religious practices.
Article 21(1)(c) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana guarantees the freedom of association and religious practice of which the state recognizes the three major religions, namely the Christian Religion, the Islamic religion and the Traditional religion.
Despite the states recognition for these religions, it is only the Christian and Islamic regions that enjoy a public holiday during their festive periods.
It is at the backdrop of this the leadership of the Afrikania Mission is calling for an equal opportunity and recognition for all religions in the country.
Head of the Mission, His Holiness, Osofo Konfo Atsu Kove threatens to boycott political actors who fail to recognize the traditional religion.
The mission further called on the state to institute a public holiday in honor of their faith.
The mission believes that such recognition promotes inter-generational justice by affirming the worth and dignity of indigenous belief systems, ensuring a more equitable future for all Ghanaians.
Marginalization
The historical marginalization of traditional religious practices in Ghana, intensified by colonial and post-colonial policies favoring imported religions, has left deep scars on indigenous communities (Addai-Mununkum, 2023).
Recognizing
Recognizing traditional worship through a public holiday also enhances cultural preservation, promoting Ghana’s rich heritage amid globalization (Smith, 2006). It aligns with international human rights obligations and strengthens Ghana’s reputation for cultural inclusivity.
This initiative would not only honor traditional practices but also serve as a strategic move to ensure their continuity, promoting national unity and social cohesion. It would contribute to sustainable cultural tourism by driving economic growth and creating opportunities for local communities.