A leading figure of the Fetish Priests Association of Ghana, Nana Baffour Gyau of the Asuo Pamoo Spiritual Home in Abofrem, Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region, has condemned the exclusion of traditional religious leaders from the recently held National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving Service, describing it as an act of spiritual discrimination perpetuated by both political leaders and the Christian and Islamic clergy.
Speaking in an emotional press briefing, Nana Baffour Gyau expressed profound disappointment over the consistent disregard for traditional religion in national events, particularly one as spiritually significant as the Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, which was held under the leadership of former President John Dramani Mahama.
“The National Day of Prayer was a great idea, but it became meaningless to us because traditional priests were not invited. Why is it that anytime Ghana calls on God, only Christians and Muslims are considered worthy to speak to Him on behalf of the nation?” he asked.
According to Baffour Gyau, the failure to involve traditionalists reflects deep-rooted religious bias and partiality, especially from the clergy who continue to ignore the vital role traditional religion plays in the spiritual life of the country.
“God is not partial. He created everyone. He listens to everyone. So if the Christian and Muslim leaders think they are the only ones who matter spiritually, then they are not truly worshipping God,” he stated firmly. “They should have told the President to include fetish priests. But they didn’t. That shows they are acting based on favoritism, not faith.”
He reminded Ghanaians that the nation is founded on religious pluralism, with Christianity, Islam, and Traditional African Religion being the three main faiths recognized by the Constitution.
“How can we say Ghana believes in freedom of worship and yet exclude one religion whenever we gather as a nation to pray? It’s not right. It’s not just. And it must stop,” he said.
Despite the neglect, Nana Baffour Gyau reaffirmed the traditionalists’ unwavering dedication to the spiritual well-being of Ghana. He assured the public that fetish priests continue to offer prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to protect the land and its people, regardless of whether they are publicly acknowledged or not.
“We don’t work for fame. We work for the soul of the land. Our gods see everything, and we continue to protect this country spiritually as we have done since ancient times,” he emphasized.
He also urged his fellow traditionalists to remain calm but proactive, encouraging them to seek formal engagement with national leaders to ensure that their voices and presence are recognized in national activities going forward.
In a bold message to the clergy, Nana Baffour Gyau called for a new spirit of unity and fairness among all religious leaders.
“If we are all truly serving the one true God, then we must walk in truth and fairness. God does not segregate His people based on religion. We, the fetish priests, do not ask anyone’s faith before we offer help. We are for all Ghanaians,” he added.
The remarks have sparked a wave of conversation across the country about the role of traditional religion in national affairs, with increasing calls for inclusivity and respect for Ghana’s full religious heritage. As traditional leaders prepare to take steps to engage national leadership, the issue of spiritual equity in Ghana’s democratic space is once again taking center stage.
By Eric Knewman Sibo
