The Ga Dangme Concerned Youth Pressure Group (GDCYPG) has condemned the organisers of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the 4th Republic, on Sunday, January 7, for excluding traditional prayers by Wulomei (traditional priests and priestesses).

“We entreat government to alert the organisers of its national functions to be cautious when planning national events to desist from such act which is seen as disrespect to the Ga Dangme culture and traditions,” a statement by the President of the GDCYPG, Nii Ayaafio Tetteh I
, stated on Wednesday, January 10.

According to the group, “a reverend minister was made to pray to thank God on behalf of the Ghanaian Christians for a smooth 4th Republic 25 years on. This was also done by the Chief Imam on behalf of the Ghanaian Muslims. When it got to the turn of Traditional prayers on behalf of the followers of the Traditional religion, a pastor was called to pray for the traditional leaders instead of allowing the traditional leaders to pray to thank God and the gods for grating us a stable 4th Republic 25 years on”.

“This trend is unbecoming at national events with the excuse that there is in-fighting among the traditional leaders in Accra. We the members of the Ga Dangme Youth Concerned Pressure Group wish to state emphatically that there is no question as to who to perform libation an national events as tradition has automatic personalities for such events depending on where the event is held,” the statement added.

They are therefore calling on government to factor traditional prayers into national events.

Below is the full statement:

The Ga Dangme Concerned Youth Pressure Group wishes to express its disappointment in the organisers of the Thanksgiving Service for a stable 4th Republic at the Independence Square last Sunday. In as much as the event was a laudable and a colourful one, the absence of a traditional prayer by the rightful persons (Wulomei) is a minus.

The Ga Dangme land was established on its culture and tradition and any move to disrespect the culture of the people will incur the displeasure of the good people of Ga Dangme.

At the said ceremony, a reverend minister was made to pray to thank God on behalf of the Ghanaian Christians for a smooth 4th Republic 25 years on. This was also done by the Chief Imam on behalf of the Ghanaian Muslims. When it got to the turn of Traditional prayers on behalf of the followers of the Traditional religion, a pastor was called to pray for the traditional leaders instead of allowing the traditional leaders to pray to thank God and the gods for grating us a stable 4th Republic 25 years on.

This trend is unbecoming at national events with the excuse that there is in-fighting among the traditional leaders in Accra. We the members of the Ga Dangme Youth Concerned Pressure Group wish to state emphatically that there is no question as to who to perform libation an national events as tradition has automatic personalities for such events depending on where the event is held.

Similar deliberate attempts to preclude the offering of traditional prayers by our Wulomei happened under President Mahama's era which we vehemently spoke against and the then president saw the need to restore same at subsequent State functions.

We want to state on record that we are not a political group but support governments who have the progress of Ga Dangmes at heart. This is evident in our support for all governments over the periods. However, we withdraw our support when we see that a government is not fulfilling its promises and marginalising the interests of Ga Dangmes.

Mr. President, we continue to refer to our indoor meetings and the promises made to the leadership of this Association with respect to Ga Dangme issues.

We entreat government to alert the organisers of its national functions to be cautious when planning national events to desist from such act which is seen as disrespect to the Ga Dangme culture and traditions.

Thank you.

SIGNED
Nii Ayaafio Tetteh I
President