Religion in Ghana
Syncretic Religion
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The rise of Apostolic or Pentecostal churches across the nation partly demonstrates
the impact of social change and the eclectic nature of traditional cultures. These
establishments, referred to by some as separatist or spiritual churches or cults,
combine traditional beliefs in magic and divination with elements of Christianity.
The major emphasis of the cults is on curative and preventive remedies, chants, and
charms such as "holy water" designed to ward off the power of witches and
malevolent forces
Cults also offer social activities in addition to their religious and medical
roles. Some have rival drum societies and singing groups that are highly popular
among the young and women. To their adherents, these cults seem to offer a sense
of security derived from belonging to a religious group that is new yet maintains
the characteristics of traditional forms of occult consultation. The increasing popularity
of these churches (Independent African and Pentecostal) was reflected in figures
for membership that rose from 1 and 2 percent, respectively, in 1960, to 14 and 8
percent, respectively, according to a 1985 estimate
Although freedom of religion exists in Ghana, a Religious Bodies (Registration)
Law 2989 was passed in June 1989 to regulate churches. By requiring certification
of all Christian religious organizations operating in Ghana, the government reserved
the right to inspect the functioning of these bodies and to order the auditing of
their financial statements. The Ghana Council of Churches interpreted the Religious
Bodies Law as contradicting the concept of religious freedom in the country. According
to a government statement, however, the law was designed to protect the freedom and
integrity of genuine religious organizations by exposing and eliminating groups established
to take advantage of believers. The PNDC repealed the law in late 1992. Despite its
provisions, all orthodox Christian denominations and many spiritual churches continued
to operate in the country.
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