By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi
Accra, Aug. 8, GNA – The Reverend Professor Philip Tetteh Laryea, Rector of the Akrofi-Christaller Institute, has urged Christians of Ga descent to celebrate the Homowo Festival, describing it as an expression of cultural identity rather than an act of idol worship.
He said traditional festivals formed an integral part of Ghana’s cultural heritage and should not be viewed solely through a religious lens, explaining that they predated Christianity and reflected the religious and social life of African communities.
Rev Prof Laryea said Christianity had, throughout history, adapted aspects of different cultures, noting that festivals such as Christmas and Easter had pagan origins before being incorporated into Christian tradition.
He made the remarks at the 10th Annual Homowo Lecture organised by the Osu District Committee on Ecumenical and Social Relations of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG).
The lecture was on the theme: “Celebrating Our Traditions: A Recap of 10 Years of Homowo Lecture.”
Rev Prof Laryea said the Homowo Festival could similarly be reinterpreted rather than rejected because it promoted values consistent with the Christian faith, including honouring ancestors and community founders, cleansing communities of wrongdoing, reconciliation, conflict resolution, unity and social cohesion.
“These practices are seen within the Christian faith. We pray for the departed, we pray to avert wrongdoing and negativities, we engage in reconciliation, conflict resolution and promote social cohesion,” he said.
He said cultural practices should not be discarded simply because some aspects had become corrupted, arguing that the existence of false prophets did not invalidate Christianity.
Rev Prof Laryea urged Ghanaians, particularly Christians, to preserve their cultural heritage, including indigenous names and traditions, noting that many Ga names carried historical, family and cultural significance as markers of identity and lineage.
He also called for peaceful Homowo celebrations, urging communities to avoid conflict to enable both residents and visitors to appreciate and learn about Ga culture in a peaceful atmosphere.
The lecture, held at the Ebenezer Chapel, Osu, of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, brought together clergy, traditional leaders, parents, teachers, academics and members of the Christian community.
The interactive session that followed attracted numerous questions, particularly from participants who had long been uncertain about whether Christians could actively participate in Homowo celebrations.
Leading the discussion, the Reverend Dr Charles Amarkwei, a Senior Lecturer at the Trinity Theological Seminary, said the lecture had clarified the purpose and significance of Homowo for Christians.
He said the philosophy underpinning the festival was to celebrate abundance and “hoot at hunger,” adding that the festival was worth celebrating by Ga Christians, provided they refrained from practices that were inconsistent with Christian teachings.
“It is good to remember the good deeds of our ancestors, draw inspiration from them and be impactful, but not to go beyond that,” Rev Dr Amarkwei, who is also the Minister-in-Charge of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Glory Congregation, Adentan, said
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Patrick Ofoe Nudzi