Let’s employ deities of Nogokpo to tackle corruption – CRC Secretary suggests

Dr. Rainer Akumperigya, Secretary of the Constitutional Review Committee, has a new idea. He suggests using traditional spiritual systems like Nogokpo to fight corruption.

At a recent meeting, Dr. Akumperigya proposed that public officials swear their oaths based on their personal beliefs. This would encourage accountability rooted in personal conviction.

He explained that Catholics should swear by the cross. Traditionalists should swear by deities at Nogokpo or other respected shrines.

"I am a Catholic, so I swore by the cross," he said. "If you are a traditionalist, you should swear by what you worship."

Dr. Akumperigya also questioned if traditional practices could be part of vetting public officials. "Can we use Nogokpo and Antoa Nyamaa before someone takes office?" he asked.

He noted that Ghanaians often fear violating traditional oaths more than facing legal consequences. "We fear the consequences of our traditional means more than courts," he argued.

This fear could make traditional oaths a stronger deterrent against corruption.

Dr. Akumperigya concluded that Ghana may need unconventional solutions to combat persistent corruption. Invoking traditional powers could help instill integrity in public service.

Antoa Nyamaa is a river god with a shrine in Antoa, Ashanti Region. It is seen as the spiritual supreme court of Asante. Nogokpo is known for its powerful deities and is located in Ketu South Municipal, Volta Region.