A respected member of the Fetish Priests Association of Ghana, Nana Baffour Gyau of the Asuo Pamoo Spiritual Home at Abofrem in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, has strongly criticized the recent National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving organized under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama, accusing the organizers of religious discrimination for excluding traditional religious leaders.
In a firm and passionate address to the media, Nana Baffour Gyau reminded the former President and the nation at large that Ghana officially recognizes three main religions—Christianity, Islam, and Traditional African Religion—and all must be given equal space and recognition in national matters.
“It is unacceptable that when the government is organizing a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, it only includes Christians and Muslims while ignoring traditional priests,” he fumed. “Ghana has three religions, not two. The constant neglect of the traditional religion is a deep insult to our faith and a threat to national unity.”
He lamented that the prayer service, which took place in churches and mosques nationwide, failed to consider the spiritual contributions of traditional leaders who, for centuries, have played a vital role in safeguarding the spiritual health of the land through rituals, libations, and ancestral intercessions.
Nana Baffour Gyau questioned whether the exclusion was a result of President Mahama’s personal religious beliefs or the influence of religious leaders who frequently visit the Flagstaff House.
“Maybe President Mahama is a Christian or a Muslim, and maybe the pastors and imams have gone to see him, but that does not mean traditional leaders should be forgotten. If he recognizes only those who visit him, then we too will go and visit him,” he said.
Despite feeling sidelined, Baffour Gyau reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Fetish Priests Association to the spiritual protection and well-being of Ghana. “We are still praying. We are still performing our duties. Whether or not we are invited, we love Ghana and we will continue to protect it spiritually.”
He also expressed disappointment in the Christian and Islamic clergy for failing to advise the former President to include traditionalists in the program. According to him, if men of God truly serve a just and impartial Creator, then they must act without religious bias.
“If the clergy truly serve God, they will not support the exclusion of other religions. God is not partial. God loves all his children. So why do our religious leaders act as if only two religions exist in this country?” he queried.
Nana Baffour Gyau concluded by encouraging his fellow fetish priests to organize themselves and formally request an audience with the President to demonstrate their ongoing support and willingness to contribute to national peace and spiritual strength.
His comments have sparked renewed debate over the role and recognition of traditional religion in Ghana’s democratic and spiritual landscape, with many calling for greater inclusion of traditional leaders in state events to reflect the country’s true religious diversity.
