Traditional rule, not ancestral worship - Asokoremanhene

The Omanhene of Asante-Asokore, Nana Susubiribi Krobea Asante, has said that it is wrong for anyone to perceive certain rituals involved in the chieftaincy institution as idol or ancestral worship.

He explained for example that pouring of libation is not in any way worshipping the dead, but rather an occasion to relate to our ancestors for the benefit of society.

The Asokoremanhene also known in private life as Nana Dr S.K.B. Asante, a legal practitioner, was addressing a special public lecture organized by the Dzorwulu Bethany Methodist Men’s Fellowship, as part of its 20th anniversary celebration under the theme “Living for Christ: Celebrating 20 years of God’s Blessings”.

Nana Asante who spoke on the topic: “When Christian Politicians and Traditional Leaders Live for Christ: The Challenges of Our Times”, said when Christians take up the mantles of political and traditional leadership, there is massive growth and transformation in the areas under their jurisdiction.

“If a Christian is a chief and a politician, the difference is seen in his behaviour and the same applies when politicians and traditional rulers believe in Christ,” he stressed.

Nana Asante said that it is important for the prospective political and traditional leaders to know his beliefs and principles and understand the terrain he is entering.

He said it is equally important to develop the skills of blending positive traditional values with modernisation in order to avoid unnecessary conflicts with adherents of both sides, and cited an example of the late Oguaahene, Osabarima Kojo Mbrah V whom after receiving Christ into his life, refused to slaughter cows as tradition demanded.

“When there were no rains, with its attendant water shortage in the area, the people superstitiously attributed the problem to the anger of the gods of Cape Coast against the chief,” he narrated.

Nana Asante said Nana Mbrah, however took time and pains to educate his people on the need to desist from illegal felling of trees, and rather plant more trees to improve the vegetation for abundant rainfall and sought the assistance of the appropriate government agencies to address the situation; and now Cape Coast and its environs are now out of this perennial water problem.

The Asokoremanhene was also of the view that it takes a real patriotic person, who places the interest of the nation first to combine tradition Christianity and politics effectively and be successful.

He was of full of admiration for the late Dr Ephraim Amu, who though a native of Peki in the Volta Region, composed most of his patriotic songs, including “Yen ara asaase ni” in the predominant Akan language for all Ghanaians to appreciate.

Welcoming participants to the event, the branch Chairman of the Fellowship, Mr George Ortsin, said Ghana has come to the cross-roads of its democratic dispensation, and it takes men and women of God to lead the way to socio-economic and political paradise.

The programme, chaired by Mr William Parry Blay, Board Chairman of Fidelity Bank, also attracted high profile dignitaries including Rt Rev Titus Awotwe-Pratt, Diocesan Bishop of the Methodist Church-Accra, Very Rev Joshua Orgen, Superintendent Minister- Dzorwulu Circuit and Minister in-charge, Bethany Methodist Church; Mrs Christiana Odoi, Diocesan Lay President and Dr Joyce Aryee, Founder Salt and Light Ministry.**