New religion blossoms at Apam

A new Ghanaian indigenous religion known as the ‘Religion of Peace, Praises and Togetherness’ (Asomdwee, Ntonton, Nkabom Som in Akan) is gaining ground in the country, particularly at Ankamu-Apam in the Central Region.

'Asomdwee, Ntonton, Nkabom Som’ accordingly brings Christians, Muslims and Traditionalists under one umbrella to worship the ‘Pillar of God’ known as ‘Raabi’.

Raabi is the ‘Supreme Being’ and the ‘Master of Judgement’ of the ‘Religion of Peace, Praises and Togetherness’.

The religion, formed two years ago, reportedly has about 1,500 active members, with over 5,000 persons baptised so far, and has hosted visitors from countries like Liberia and Cameroon.

It is being led by Onyame Somafo Yaw, believed to be the ‘Promised Messiah’ from the Akan lineage in ancient Israel.

On Thursday, a seven-day ‘Raabi Programme’ or pilgrimage began at the Asomdwee Ntonton Nkabom Som ‘Holy Ground’ at Ankamu-Apam.

A visit by Daily Guide to the area saw scores of pilgrims from all walks of life in attendance at the ‘Holy Ground’, where no one is allowed to put on footwear when entering.

The spiritual leader of ‘Asomdwee, Ntonton, Nkabom Som’ who was born a Muslim told journalists that the purpose of the pilgrimage which is the second of its kind, is to allow followers of his religion go round the Raabi for seven days “to enable Ghanaians to come out from the ‘satanic bondage.”

The one week non-denominational event, held every four months, saw participants going round the pillar situated on an area of about 100 metres square seven times every night of the days.

They are made to pray for forgiveness of their sin, prosperity, long life and development among other things.

Onyame Somafo Yaw who speaks only the Akan language as prescribed by his religion, argues that Ghanaians have since ancient times being living in spiritual bondage and that the situation has not changed, especially as he says some so-called Ghanaian Christian and Muslim clerics continue to visit countries like India and China for ‘evil powers.’

Onyame Somafo Yaw, born at Ekumfi Dunkwa, a small town near Mankessim in the Central Region on February 28, 1952, prides himself as the founder of the first-ever African indigenous religion that has the power to bring Muslims, Christians and Traditionalists under one roof to worship ‘God.’

He spoke of plans to propagate the ‘Asomdwee Ntonton Nkabom Som’ faith to other parts of the country, Africa and the world at large; assuring that the religion would continue to live on even when he’s departed from the world of the living.