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Nana Baffour Gyawu, the respected fetish priest of the Asuo Pamoo Shrine at Sefwi Bibiani in the Western North Region, has made a strong appeal to the Government of Ghana to declare a special public holiday known as “Rivers Day” to recognize traditional religious practitioners and promote environmental sustainability.
Speaking in an interview, Nana Baffour Gyawu expressed concern over what he described as the long-standing exclusion of African Traditional Religion from the national holiday calendar. He argued that while Christianity and Islam are given special holidays to observe their sacred festivals, traditionalists continue to be ignored.
“In Ghana, we recognize three major religions: Christianity, Islam, and Traditional Religion. Christians celebrate Christmas and Easter, Muslims celebrate Eid, but traditionalists have no holiday. This is not fair,” he said.
He proposed that a day be set aside annually as Rivers Day, to allow fetish priests and followers of African Traditional Religion to observe spiritual rituals and engage in activities aimed at protecting rivers, streams, and the environment.
“This day will be used to rest, pray, and cleanse our rivers and communities. It will honor the water gods and encourage the public to respect and protect our natural resources,” he explained.
Nana Baffour Gyawu emphasized the sacred role that rivers and water bodies play in traditional belief systems, adding that the day would also be a reminder of the importance of clean water and environmental preservation.
Nana Baffour Gyawu also used the platform to appeal to philanthropic individuals and organizations to broaden their charitable focus beyond orphanages and support struggling Christian communities, especially in deprived areas.
“There are a lot of Christians suffering in silence. Some of them go to church with empty stomachs. Let us not forget about them. Charity must go where it is truly needed,” he urged.
He commended those who support orphanages and children’s homes but reminded them that other vulnerable groups also need urgent help, especially in these challenging economic times.
