Kumasi: Nana Osei Kofi, Chief of Sabin Akrofrom, has urged pastors to correct the perception among Christians that African culture is inherently evil and incompatible with the Christian faith. He emphasized the importance of debunking the notion that aspects of African culture are devilish and should be neglected, advocating instead for a balance between biblical teachings and cultural heritage.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Osei Kofi, who also holds the title of Bremponghene of Sabin Akrofrom, delivered this message during a sermon at the City Baptist Church's Cultural Day celebration. He spoke on the theme, 'Demystifying the Perception Christians Have About African Culture,' and defined culture as the comprehensive way of life of a people, encompassing elements such as dress, food, music, dance, marriage, naming, and funeral rites.
Nana Osei Kofi referenced Lord Macaulay's 1835 report to the British Parliament, highlighting how the erosion of African culture by colonial powers marked the beginning of the continent's challenges. He noted that the British altered Africa's educational, linguistic, and belief systems, thereby hindering its progress.
He pointed out how Africans were encouraged to adopt the lifestyle of their colonial rulers, while their cultural artefacts and instruments were dismissed. As an example, he mentioned the transformation of the xylophone into the piano, suggesting that preserving such cultural elements could have generated economic benefits and employment.
Advocating for a return to cultural roots, Nana Osei Kofi clarified that this was not devilish but rather a way to showcase Africa's distinctiveness, while acknowledging the need to eliminate negative cultural practices. He argued that cultural elements like chieftaincy, funeral rites, and libation are not inherently negative, drawing parallels to biblical examples of kingship.
He encouraged pastors to work alongside chiefs for effective leadership, as depicted in biblical narratives, and quoted scriptures to emphasize the prosperity of nations under righteous leadership. He also urged Christians to take active roles in leadership when opportunities arise and called on chiefs to avoid corrupt practices and uphold justice.
Furthermore, Nana Osei Kofi advocated for the practice of naming children after ancestors to help preserve cultural identity. He expressed optimism that initiatives like Cultural Day celebrations in churches and the continued transmission of historical knowledge to younger generations would aid Ghanaians in reclaiming their cultural identity.