Ghana is a deeply religious country, with Christianity and Islam being the dominant faiths. Churches and mosques are filled every week, with many Ghanaians professing strong beliefs in God or Allah.
Yet, despite this outward devotion, a significant number still turn to spiritualists, traditional priests, and diviners in times of crisis. Why does this happen? Is it a contradiction, or is it rooted in something deeper?
The Cultural Foundation of Spiritualism
Long before Christianity and Islam arrived, Ghanaian societies had their own spiritual and religious systems. Traditional beliefs in ancestors, spirits, and deities were central to life, guiding everything from governance to health. Even after the spread of foreign religions, these beliefs did not simply disappear—they merged with new faiths, creating a unique religious landscape where many Ghanaians see no contradiction in practicing both.
Why Do People Seek Spiritualists?
1. Practical Solutions to Life’s Problems
Many churches and mosques focus on prayer, faith, and moral teachings, but spiritualists often promise immediate and tangible solutions. When people face serious challenges—such as unemployment, marital problems, business struggles, or mysterious illnesses—they sometimes feel that prayer alone is not enough. They seek spiritualists who claim to offer direct interventions, whether through rituals, charms, or special protections.
2. Fear of Witchcraft and Spiritual Attacks
Ghanaians widely believe in witchcraft, curses, and spiritual attacks. Many assume that misfortunes—such as job losses, sudden deaths, or unexplained sicknesses—are not just bad luck but the work of enemies using spiritual forces. Some Christians and Muslims feel that their religious leaders do not adequately address these threats, so they secretly consult spiritualists for protection.
3. Traditional Practices in Major Life Events
Certain customs, such as naming ceremonies, funerals, and chieftaincy installations, still incorporate traditional spiritual elements. Even some pastors and imams quietly respect or participate in these rituals because they acknowledge their cultural significance.
4. Distrust in Religious Leaders
While many churches and mosques teach that God answers prayers, some people feel that religious leaders are more focused on prosperity messages and personal enrichment. When prayers fail to produce quick results, people turn to spiritualists who appear more directly engaged with their problems.
5. The Desire for Wealth and Power
Some individuals seek spiritualists for personal gain—wealth, political power, or success in business. The belief that supernatural forces can bring quick riches or influence leads many, including politicians and businesspeople, to secretly consult traditional priests.
Is It Hypocrisy or a Reflection of Ghanaian Spirituality?
Rather than seeing this practice as hypocrisy, it is more accurate to say that many Ghanaians operate within a dual belief system. They believe in God or Allah but also acknowledge the existence of other spiritual forces. For them, consulting a spiritualist does not necessarily mean abandoning their faith—it is simply another way to deal with life’s uncertainties.
What This Means for Religion in Ghana
The continued reliance on spiritualists shows that religion in Ghana is not just about faith but also about practicality. Many people need religious solutions that address their daily struggles, and when they feel that formal religion does not provide them, they turn to alternative sources.
If churches and mosques want to reduce this trend, they must engage more with the realities of their members’ lives. Teaching faith is not enough—people need reassurance that their spiritual needs, fears, and challenges are being addressed in a way that feels real and effective.
The fact that many Ghanaians still consult spiritualists despite being Christians or Muslims is not just a religious issue—it is a cultural and social reality.
It reflects the deep-rooted belief in supernatural forces, the need for practical solutions, and the blending of old traditions with modern faiths. Until formal religious institutions fully understand and address these concerns, spiritualists will continue to thrive in Ghana’s religious landscape.
