Modernizing Indigenous Priesthood and Revitalizing Old Shrines: Current Developments on Ghana’s Religious Landscape (original) (raw)

This study is about the upsurge in the activities of the agents of more than one indigenous religious tradition (IRT) in contemporary Ghana. We concern ourselves with two case studies. These are the neo-and the old indigenous religious agents represented by two major shrines. The two shrines, headed by a priest and priestess, both claim to be rooted in indigenous Akan Dedication To my son Jayden-Rafael Kofi Dwomor Asubonteng and husband Kofi Ababio Dwomor Asubonteng iii Acknowledgement In writing this thesis, a number of people have guided, inspired as well as supported me all the way, though I cannot individually capture everyone who has been of help, I would like to show gratitude to certain people. I am indebted to Prof. (em.) Ulrich Berner, my supervisor, who first accepted to work with me in 2009 before I even secured admission into BIGSAS. Secondly, I extend my profound gratitude to Prof. Afe Adogame for informing me about the University of Bayreuth and actually introducing me to Prof. Berner. Thanks for your mentorship. Dr. Magnus Ecthler has, since my arrival to Bayreuth, been my mentor. He helped in shaping the work from beginning to end and I am most grateful for his invaluable assistance. I also, express my thanks to Prof. Christine Gudorf, Prof. Albert Wuaku, Dr. Franz Kogelmann, Prof. Umar Danfulani and Dr. Ukah Asonzeh for their priceless inputs in my work. My family have been home praying for my success and I appreciate their efforts. My late father Mr. A.A.K Nrenzah wanted me to have this PhD so much-thanks for pushing me daddy, I am grateful and hope you are proud wherever you may be now. Many thanks to mum, Elizabeth Acquah, Uncle Randolf Acquah, my siblings and friends in BIGSAS. I wish to thank Nana Kwaku Bonsam, Kↄmfo Oforiwaa and her husband Paa Sarbah, members and clients of both shrines and the entire community that volunteered information. Finally, to the good people of Germany and BIGSAS team whose vision has made this achievement possible, every dawn when you hear the roaster crow, it's my family and I saying thank you. iv Glossary Agorↄ-"gorↄ" literally means to drum or to play. On the IRTs terrene it means a gathering of priests and priestesses to play publically. Akↄm-"kↄm" means being possessed or dancing. In this sense it signifies the gathering of priest and priestesses at the indigenous religious state levels for the purposes of exhibiting potent spiritual power.