Dr Rainer Akumperigya, Secretary to the Constitutional Review Committee, has proposed the use of traditional spiritual systems such as Nogokpo as a tool in the fight against corruption in the country.
Speaking at a recent committee meeting, Dr. Akumperigya suggested that individuals appointed to public office should swear their oath of office based on the spiritual or religious beliefs they personally adhere to.
This, he argued, would promote accountability rooted in personal conviction.
He explained that if a person is a Catholic, they should swear by the cross, and if they are a traditionalist, they should be required to swear by deities such as those at Nogokpo or other revered traditional shrines in the country.
“I am a Catholic, so I swore by the cross. If you are a traditionalist and you are assuming public office, you should swear by whatever you worship. That way, there is equality of treatment,” he said.
Dr Akumperigya questioned whether the country could incorporate traditional spiritual practices as part of the vetting process for public officials. “Can we employ the services of Nogokpo, Antoa Nyamaa and other powerful traditional means, such that before you take office, you subscribe to that method?” he asked.
He noted that Ghanaians tend to fear the consequences of violating traditional spiritual oaths more than facing legal or disciplinary action.
“We are more fearful of the consequences of our traditional means of stewardship than of the court system or disciplinary committees and all that,” he argued, suggesting this could make traditional oaths a more effective deterrent against corruption.
Dr. Akumperigya concluded that given the persistent nature of corruption in Ghana, the country may need to consider unconventional solutions, including invoking traditional powers, as part of broader efforts to instil integrity in public service.
Antoa Nyamaa is a river god and deity with a shrine in the town of Antoa in the Ashanti Region. The river is considered the spiritual supreme court of Asante and Nogokpo is a fishing and cash crop farming community located in the Ketu South Municipal of the Volta region, the community is widely known for its host of powerful deities.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
