Ghana’s government has sparked controversy by announcing plans to build a national shrine.
The country is already executing a plan to construct a national cathedral in fulfillment of an election pledge by its President Nana Akufo-Addo.
That decision to build a national cathedral sparked controversy and protest but the government insisted on going ahead with the project.
This week Ghana’s Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi announced that some traditional groups have been canvassing for a national shrine.
Dzamesi said the government will explore the possibility of satisfying such a demand.
“Since I took office, as I said, we have a national mosque and now we are in the process of building a national cathedral.
And few times, some traditional groupings have also approached me. There was a group of Wulomɛi [Ga Traditional Priests] who also approached me and actually asked for a traditional shrine,” he revealed.
The announcement has been welcomed by many traditionalists who argue that this will ensure fairness across religious front.
Ghana’s Christian council is also reported to have backed the idea, welcoming any such plans.
Shrines are usually places where traditionalists in Ghana conduct their religious activities.
Such religious facilities are similar to the Mosques for Muslims and churches for Christians.
Controversial announcement
But Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their displeasure at the government’s intention to build a national shrine.
National shrine in Ghana?
I cant think far— Sylvia Awuye (@sylvia_awuye) November 21, 2019
Ah Ghana di33 we play tooo much I dey listen to news on peace fm.. wey the fetish priests for Ghana talk say dem too dem dey want national shrine eii ?????????…
— Richoco (@manlike_choco) November 21, 2019
Ah so now you people say you dey want “National Shrine”?
See we are all mad in this Ghana????— Oppong-Mensah Jr ??? (@1_brainyyy) November 21, 2019
Oh great. The government of Ghana, led by
Nana Akufo-Addo is going to build a “national shrine.” In addition to the national cathedral. Oh great.— francis tabi (@Rbeccatabi) November 20, 2019
Source: Africafeeds.com