The Religious and Philosophical Perception of Communal Meal 'Otor' as a Strategy for Conflict Resolution: A Case Study of Worawora in Ghana

Abstract

The content of this study is the communal ritual meal Otor of the Worawora‟s of Ghana as a strategy for alternative conflict resolution and reconciliation. This communal meal is celebrated during the main festivals of the people of Worawora namely the Akwntutenten, yam and rice festivals. The Akwntutenten, festival has however, become the major festival of the people of Worawora. The symbolic ritual meal is very significant since it is perceived as a means by which conflict resolution and reconciliation is achieved. This perception explains the importance attached to the eating of the Otor meal during their festivals which attract a large number of their citizens. The study investigated the religious and philosophical perception of mashed yams Otor in order to present to policy makers an alternative strategy for conflict resolution and reconciliation in African communities. The descriptive sample survey was used in this study. The research instruments used to collect data was a guide for interviews, questionnaires and telephone conversations. Selected Chiefs and Elders, Abusuapanins, Traditional Priests and Priestesses, Educated and Uneducated Youth and Elderly people of Worawora. The key findings of the study showed that a lot of Worawora people think that Otor Ritual meal promotes conflict resolution as shown in table twenty four in chapter one. From table twenty four about 95% of the respondent indicated that Otor promotes conflict resolution.