Nugbidodo (Reconciliation) Rite And Its Efficacy Among The Anlo People Of Ghana

Abstract

This thesis sought to examine the connection between traditional religio-cultural beliefs, customs and practices, and conflict resolution and reconciliation using conflict issues in Anlo traditional area to analyse its efficacy. The basic aim is to assess the methods and the extent of conflict in Anlo and to, explore the relevance of combining indigenous and modern methods to address contemporary conflict in Anlo traditional area. The methodology is sited within the framework for conducting empirical studies in Religious Studies. The qualitative method of collecting and analysing data are utilized, coupled with a historical foundation of conflict situation on a global scale. The Anlo, as guided by their religious perception, demonstrate a key pattern in their indigenous customs and practices. Nugbidodo rite currently impact knowledge in the wake of moderruty and the influence of Westernization. It is argued strongly that the Anlo indigenous ways of addressing conflict issues are still relevant, and the methods adopted for doing so, have not been lost completely in the communities. Even though it appears that indigenous religious beliefs. customs and practices seem to be disappearing due to the influence of westernization and conversion to Islam and Christianity, my key argument is that indigenous religious beliefs, customs, and practices remain very strong and active in their ways oflife and in their thought patterns. Further, I raised an argument that it is not enough to adopt modern (scientific) or traditional methods of addressing contemporary issues of conflict separately, and so the indigenous and the western approaches could live side by side in order to fully address conflict issues. Finally, my argument is also that, certain challenges needed to be addressed before the two approaches can co-exist.