Effect Of Change During The Post Independence Period

Chieftaincy has continued to experience pressures of change during the post-independence period. The introduction of the central government system in Ghana interfered in the institution of chieftaincy and reduced much of the authority and the power of chiefs (Boadi 2001, 20). However, despite these two major changes, chieftaincy is still very important in Ghana. Moreover, those pressures did not affect the religiosity of chieftaincy, which have always served as a hindrance to the involvement of Christians (Safo-Kantanka 1993, 53). Christianity in Ghana When European missionaries arrived on the Gold Coast (now Ghana), they deemed certain indigenous practices unholy and contradictory to Christian teachings. Christianity also affected the†¦show more content†¦Today the notion of traditional practices like ancestor worship contradicting Christianity is central to the discussion of chieftaincy and Christianity. For example in Ghana home movies, traditional indigenous practice like ancestor worship and the pouring of libation is seen as backward and unholy. In her article, â€Å"Between Customs and Christianity,† Naomi Wellings states, Many [Christian chiefs] had faced criticism from other Christians who believed they could not carry out the various sacrifices or drink offerings to ancestors required of them - traditional spiritual customs which imply a belief in the spiritual power of the dead to change life for the living and which some Christians view as idolatrous. (Wellings 2006) Christian chiefs face the dilemma of whether to embrace Christianity and forsake all traditional religious practices or denounce Christianity? There are different views regarding whether a Christian can become a chief. The issue of concern regards to the following questions: Is it possible for a Christian to be a chief and still fully be committed to God and follow the teachings and commandments of God? Is it sinful to be a Christian and a Chief? Should the church allow a Christian to become a traditional chief? There are different views regarding the topic of chieftaincy and Christianity. Can Chiefs Truly Practice Christianity? No. Some scholars and Christians believe that it is impossible for one to be a