Traditional Ceremony & Shrines

Traditional Shrines

Traditional shrines are places where blessings are given by traditional West African gods and communicated by spiritual leaders to those wishing guidance, protection or prosperity. Gifts to the gods are given in exchange for the care that they provide to you.

Such a place will typically contain altars with items of significance to traditional gods, Christian icons, and ancestors photographs or belongings. There is a specific protocol that must be followed, as indicated by the shrine priest, which may be a woman or a man.

Naming Ceremony

Children are considered to be a gift from God in Ghana. The traditional ceremony given at this joyous occasion in the life is called an Outdooring, and is where a new baby is give their name. This naming ceremony is carried out with much celebration.

At birth, the child is given a day name based upon the gender and day of the week on which the child was born. This "day name" remains with the child throughout life, but it is at the Outdooring is where the child receives their name as chosed by the parents.

For example, if the child is a male born on Saturday, he would be called Kwame and if female, she would be called Ama.

Door of Return Ceremony

During the days of the slave trade, the door from which slaves exited the holding fort was known as the "Door of No Return". It was known to all who passed through this door that they would never again see their homeland.

"Door of Return" ceremonies are offered to our returning Diaspora. This is a ceremony where you are recognized as a descendant of an ancestor who passed through this door. Prayers are offered to both you and your ancesters, and you are escorted through this same door to re-enter your Motherland. These ceremonies can be very moving.

Durbar of Chiefs

As part of many festivals will be a colorful Durbar, or procession, of chiefs. These are a regal and dignified display of the important elders and leaders of a community and their court leading to an exciting celebration complete with drumming, dancing and traditional libations and blessings.

Festivals

Ghana is a land of festivals which are a colorful and vibrant part of our culture. Festivals and durbars are held in various parts of the country to celebrate the history of the people, offer thanks and mark important rites. The celebration of these festivals in Ghana is an essential part of Ghanaian culture.

Funeral

A funeral in Ghana is something to behold, and you would be welcome to attend any funeral that you may see, with a correct donation to the family. Funerals are generally held on weekends and are easy to see because of the distinctive red and black dress that all attendees are wearing.

While of course there is mourning, the emphasis at a funeral is in the celebration of the life of the deceased and ensuring that the spirit of the deceased has a good send-off. Objects that will please the spirit of the deceased are in full display and families will spend unwise amounts of money (certainly more than for weddings!) for an extravagant funeral. Funerals often come complete with drinks, DJs, dance and revelry.

Posuban Shrines

Posuban shrines are found in the coastal areas of the Fante people. These shrines can be anything from simple statues, such as the Posuban crab in Cape Coast, to elaborate concrete structures with life-size figures, fantasy creatures and other strange objects. Some are well maintained and regularly painted, while others can look like they need some attention. But all are certainly interesting.

Long ago these were the posts for local Asafo companies, or tribal militias. Now decommissioned as military units, the Asafo remains as a social and political organization that is responsible for maintaining these shrines and arranging annual Asafo festivals.

Ashanti Shrines

The dozen traditional Ashanti buildings are the only surviving examples of this traditional architecture. These buildings are all near Kumasi and designated a World Heritage Site. They have steep thatched roofs with lower walls painted the color of the earth and the upper walls whitewashed. The walls hold symbolic murals, like those on the Adinkra cloth.

The buildings consist of four rooms around a central courtyard. Three of the rooms are open and used for drumming, singing and household activities. The closed room is the actual shrine and is generally closed to all but the priest or priestess, and assistants.

The center courtyard will contain a number of fetishes and is home to the Obosomfie, the spiritual abode of a deity, who manifests itself through those who the spirit will enter.

Ancestral Altars & Shrines

Throughout Ghana many people recognize the spirit of their ancestors. Prayers will be made and offerings given to important family members that have passed into the spirit world. These ancestors are always with you and offer guidance and protection. It is for this assistance that elaborate funerals are so important to give to the spirit of the deceased.

Important anniversaries of the passing of ancestors will also be remembered, with especially large celebrations being held on the 1 year, 5 year, 10 year anniversaries of death, and beyond.

Sacred Spaces of the Gods

Ghana is a place where many traditional gods share the religious landscape with Christian and Muslim religions. It is not unusual to see icons of the great religions of the world at places of traditional Ghanaian worship.

You will encounter sacred spaces for these traditional gods at many places in Ghana. These shrines may be elaborate structures, simple creations, or a natural object, such as a stone, a forest grove, or even a fallen tree. All are equally sacred and must be accorded proper respect.

In the traditional way, there are spirits associated with all the things around you. The stone, the wind, thunder, the river, trees, and all the things in creation that surround you are all recognized to have a spirit.

Gifts are given at these spaces when asking a favor or for protection. At some shrines, the gods will be put to sleep at night by covering them with a cloth, and awoke in the morning with gong, bells, chants and/or prayers.

Churches and Mosques

About 60% of Ghanaian population are Christian, mostly in the south. So of course there are numerous churches, cathedrals and other places of Christian worship throughout Ghana. You can explore lovely churches in Accra, Kumasi, Ho and other large cities, as well as surprisingly in Navrongo in the far north. Catholic and Methodist churches are particularly elaborate in some places.

Islam is the 2nd largest religion in Ghana. Muslims are about 21% of the Ghanaian population and are the majority in the north of Ghana. Mosques can be found in every town or city in Ghana. In a number of places in the north, there are ancient mosques that are quite amazing. You are always welcome for prayers if a practicing Muslim. Otherwise, the Imam or a caretaker will be able to give you a tour.

Unique to many countries with heterogeneous religious populations, Christians and Muslims live together in harmony in Ghana. Both Christian and Muslim holidays are recognized National Holidays and are celebrated by peoples of all faiths.

Read more about the Religions of Ghana.