Ever since the foreigner landed on our shores and brought us Christianity, and later Islam – Ghanaians have abandoned our indigenous religions in droves for these two.
We fail to realise the psychological implications of declaring our stuff inferior and accepting, without question, that of the outsider. It has inevitably led to today’s society that fawns over anything foreign.
Interestingly, we have a new religion springing up in the Central Region, and this one is indigenous to Ghana. The religion is called ‘Asomdwee, Ntonton, Nkabom Som’ , which literally translates to ‘Peace, Praise, Togetherness and Worship’ – which must surely make it the most awkwardly named religion ever.
The religion, founded by one Onyame Somafo Yaw, worships one Supreme being known as ‘Rabbi’ – who is the almighty, above all Gods. Onyame Somafo Yaw is believed to be the ‘promised Messiah’, descending from the Akan lineage found in ancient Israel.
The church accepts members from all other religions to come and shelter under the embrace of Rabbi.
The religion has a holy ground at its founding place, Ankamu-Apam in the Central Region. A pilgrimage is held every few months where adherents go around a pillar seven times every night for the duration of the pilgrimage. One is not allowed to wear footwear on the holy ground.
Onyame Somafo was born a Muslim, which might explain the very ‘Hajj’ like look of his pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage is held every four months, and one that is currently going on is receiving massive patronage. The religion reportedly has over 1,500 members so far after being in existence for two years – and 5,000 people have been baptised into it. It aims to free Ghanaians from the satanic bondage we have gotten ourselves into.
The prophet speaks only Akan, as instructed by ‘Rabbi’. He plans to get the religion worldwide before his death, ensuring it lives on.