The Member of Parliament (MP) for Odododiodioo, Mr. Jonathan Nii Tackie Komme has called for the restoration of the pouring of libation at State ceremonies.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday, he noted that the pouring of libation was part of the culture of Ghana, which had nothing to do with fetishism as some people see it.
“The pouring of libation is our traditional way of praying and should be restored and respected,” the MP stated.
“When pouring libation, we first call on the Almighty before our ancestors,” he said.
Mr. Tackie Komme said the pouring of libation at functions had been the practice before and after the country’s independence and wondered why it should be stopped.
He pointed out that the country’s Constitution recognised Chieftaincy and culture and freedom of worship and just like Christian and Muslim prayers, the pouring of libation should be recognised and practiced at national functions.
“We revere our ancestors when we pour libation,” Mr Tackie Komme stated, adding: “Any society without a culture and tradition cannot move forward as one people with a common destiny.”
The MP said pouring of libation was one of the things that identified us (Ghanaians) as citizens of the State.
He expressed the hope that the issue would be resolved soon for the pouring of libation at State ceremonies to be restored.
“Our culture and traditions should not be adulterated with Christian and other religious norms and practices, which are alien to our socio-economic development,” he said.**
