Syncretism in Akuapem Society: Death and Funeral of Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II

Abstract

The funeral of Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Chief of Amanokrom-Akuapem (Ghana), held in February 2006, showcased the convergence of Akuapem traditional chieftaincy rites and Christian rituals. The development followed the decision of the funeral planning committee to carry out the deathbed wish of the late chief - that he should be buried as a Christian and a chief. Much as the chief's dying wish might be seen as a special request, it was foreshadowed by the historic agreement reached between Akuapem chiefs and Basel th missionaries in the 19 century over the celebration of Akwasidae, an important ritual of ancestor veneration associated with the Akan chieftaincy. The agreement, novel as it was, provided Akuapem converts an avenue to practise their Christian faith without abandoning the veneration of their ancestors which was embedded in their traditional religions. This paper provides a vehicle to assess some aspects of culture and development through the use of ethnographic data, archival and secondary sources, and to contribute to the study of the history of Akuapems and Akans in general