Government�s explanation on why state protocol decided to truncate the long-held norm of pouring libation at national ceremonial functions, especially during Independence Anniversary celebrations, contrary to historical practice, has not gone down well with the Ga�Dangme Youth.
Since the assumption of the NDC administration headed by President John Mills, the traditional process has been missing in all national events especially Independence. The recent 55th independence celebration was no exception, with government machinery citing the Ga chieftaincy dispute as reason for the omission.
However, the Ga�Dangme youth will not accept this explanation. Its Vice President, Nii Maama Maakwei told Xfm 95.1 the act has been deliberate.
�Last year when we raised this issue, they said it was a mistake; that it would be done this year. Today, they are talking about dispute," he fumed, adding that the explanation cannot be tenable because the traditional priesthood, which is responsible for the prayers is battling with no dispute.
"In terms of prayers, it is done by the traditional priests; the chiefs have nothing to do with the prayers. Within the priesthood, there is no dispute�, Nii Maama had said.
He describes the action by the ruling government as hypocrisy since President John Mills continues to �sleep at the castle with the shrines�, but has a problem with the traditional prayers.
�The Osu Castle has a lot of shrines that the people go there yearly for their rituals; especially when it is Homowo in Accra, they open the Castle gate and the traditional authorities go to sprinkle their kpokpoi and do their rituals. So if the shrines are there and you are sleeping with them, you are comfortable; but when it is time for the traditional prayers to be done at the national ceremony, you say you are not comfortable? he quizzed.
He said ′if the President believes that he does not want to have anything to do with the traditional people he should be bold enough to tell every Ghanaian that from hence forth when it comes to national celebrations, traditionalists are out and that i'm only dealing with the Christians and the Muslims′.
�We are the only race that has turned down on our own people; black people are the only people who do not identify themselves with their tradition. That is why on Independence Day, you see the president wearing a suit�, he added angrily.
Source: Dennis Nii Lantey Lawson/ Xfm95.1/Accra/Ghana
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