Accra: Dr Frank Senanu Ashiadey, Founder of Temple of Destiny International and Restoration Centre, has made a compelling appeal to the government to consider instituting special public holidays for traditionalists in Ghana. This proposal aims to foster religious inclusivity and acknowledge the significant role of traditional religions within the country's cultural and spiritual landscape.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Ashiadey emphasized the importance of recognizing traditional believers alongside Christians and Muslims in state-sponsored religious activities, including national prayer events. He argued that mere symbolic participation is insufficient and advocated for practical measures that would allow traditionalists to observe their important religious occasions through designated holidays.
"We cannot talk about religious inclusivity when traditional religion is left out of important national activities. If Christians and Muslims have holidays to observe their important religious occasions, why can't traditionalists also have special holidays to observe ours?" Dr Ashiadey questioned, highlighting the need for equal consideration.
Dr Ashiadey also addressed the issue of demonization of traditional religions, urging the government and state institutions to treat these faiths with respect. He underscored the significance of understanding traditional religion as an integral part of Ghana's cultural and spiritual heritage and warned against attitudes that could hinder religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
"Traditional religion is part of our history, culture, and identity as Ghanaians. We should not pretend that it does not exist simply because Christianity and Islam are the dominant religions," he stated, calling for a balanced and inclusive approach in state recognition and engagement with various religious traditions.
In his advocacy for inclusion, Dr Ashiadey called for the participation of traditional religious leaders in state prayer events, arguing that Ghana's religious diversity necessitates such representation. He questioned the absence of traditional religious leaders in these events and emphasized the importance of granting them similar consideration in decisions regarding religious holidays and state-sponsored activities.
Dr Ashiadey believes that granting special holidays to traditionalists would help preserve Ghana's indigenous religious practices while fostering greater respect for traditional beliefs. He reiterated that this initiative is about fairness and recognition, not taking anything away from Christians or Muslims.
Furthermore, Dr Ashiadey urged policymakers to develop a framework ensuring fairness and inclusivity in state religious activities, including consideration for traditional religious observances. He stressed that such measures would promote national unity and preserve Ghana's cultural identity and religious heritage, reflecting the nation's diverse religious landscape.
"We need a national framework that recognizes the different faiths in Ghana and gives everyone a fair opportunity to practice and celebrate their beliefs," he concluded, advocating for a more inclusive national conversation that acknowledges all religious traditions.