By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, March 13, GNA – Clad in white shorts and a shirt or sometimes bare-chested, adorned with traditional black and white Ga beads, barefoot and crowned with a locally sewn white hat while holding a staff, a Wulomo (a traditional priest) is easily identified in Ga communities.
The Wulomoi are revered figures in traditional settings, as they are believed to possess spiritual authority and serve as intermediaries between the people, their gods and ancestors.
Commonly referred to as “Nuumo,” meaning old man, the title symbolises wisdom, respect and spiritual leadership within the Ga traditional structure.
They perform libation and purification rites, lead traditional festivals such as Homowo and Kplejoo, oversee shrines and sacred rituals, and serve as spiritual advisers to the community.
Nii Amarh Soumponu II, the Tema Shipi and Stool Secretary, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) as part of activities marking Ghana Month, explained that the role of the Wulomoi was comparable to that of pastors and prophets in the Christian faith.
He said the Wulomoi function as both spiritual leaders and messengers of divine revelations within the traditional system.
“They work as the osofo and prophet,” he said.
Recounting an incident to illustrate the prophetic role of traditional priests, Nii Soumponu recalled that after the 1978 Kplejoo Festival, a wulomo issued a warning about a potential disaster at the Tema Port.
“For example, in 1978 after the Kplejoo festival, the Wulomo cautioned that Shed Three of Tema Port would burn and that something should be done about it,” he said.
He indicated that the prophecy was reportedly ignored by the authorities at the time, who doubted the spiritual insight of the traditional priest.
“Nothing was done about the prophecy as those in authority downplayed the Wulomo’s ability, and what he prophesied eventually happened,” he said.
Nii Soumponu further explained that the white clothing worn by the Wulomoi symbolised purity and holiness, reflecting their spiritual role as custodians and guides of the people.
He also noted that historically the Wulomo served as the head of the community before the introduction of chieftaincy among the Ga people.
He said the Ga people later adopted the chieftaincy system from the Akwamu, which introduced the institution of chiefs alongside the traditional priesthood.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo