Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has renewed calls for greater recognition of African traditional religion, urging authorities to introduce official holidays for its practitioners.
Speaking on Angel FM’s morning show hosted by Ohemaa Woyɛ Jɛ on Monday, April 13, Nana Kwaku Bonsam argued that followers of traditional religion deserve equal treatment in Ghana’s religious landscape. He stressed that while Christians and Muslims enjoy nationally recognized holidays, practitioners of indigenous beliefs have been overlooked for far too long.
According to him, “fetish priests also need traditional holidays just like the Christians and Muslims because they are promoting traditional cultural religion,” highlighting what he described as an imbalance in national recognition of religions.
The outspoken priest emphasized that African traditional religion remains a vital part of Ghana’s identity and cultural heritage. He noted that many customs, festivals, and societal values are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, yet the religion itself does not receive the same institutional support as others.
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His appeal aligns with broader concerns among traditional worshippers who have, in recent years, called on government to formally recognize their practices, including the establishment of a national holiday dedicated to ancestral veneration and traditional spirituality.
Nana Kwaku Bonsam further argued that recognizing traditional holidays would not only promote cultural pride but also help preserve indigenous knowledge systems for future generations. He believes such a move would strengthen national unity by ensuring that all belief systems are respected equally.
The call is expected to spark fresh debate about religious inclusivity in Ghana, where Christianity and Islam dominate public life, but traditional beliefs continue to play a significant role, especially in rural communities and cultural institutions.