The Practice of "Trokosi" Shrine Girls among the Ewes of Ghana as a Violation of Women's Right: A Pastoral Concern.
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Date
2001-02
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Abstract
In a real sense, it is peace and tranquillity, which every human being needs in
order to survive in a society. Every society has its own way of promoting this peace and
justice. It is noted that sin and sinful acts bring disharmony in a society. The Ewe of
Ghana are not an exception to this notion. For them, sin and crime does not only violate
or militate against the social order but also affects the gods and the divinities who, in
order to protect the society inflicts deadly punishment on the sinners.
Chapter One of this Essay deals with Historical, Geographical. Cultural, Political
and Economic situation of the Ewe with special reference to the areas affected by
Trokosi. Chapter Two tries to find out if Trokosi is a Religion of the Ewe. It deals with
the etymology of the term, origin of the practice, Trokosi rituals and Priesthood. Further,
Chapter Three examines on the effects of Trokosi on the Society. It elaborates on how
women's rights in general are violated with special reference to Trokosi. Chapter four
deals with the aims and purpose of the practice, which is basically to eradicate crime. It
also gives a vivid account of the Ewe Theology of Sin, which may have some
resemblance to Old Testament view of sin. In this Chapter Trokosi also aims at giving
birth to a new creation (devoid of sin), which would bring up a perfect society. Chapter
Five deals with the movements towards abolition of the practice. The government
through legislation makes this move. Other National bodies came in but no lasting
solution is arrived at. Finally the Catholic Church declares it as a Pastoral issue since it
is a matter of faith. The Church has taken over to find a lasting solution to the problem
because it violates the right of the "vestal" virgins. This is followed by a Conclusion and
the Bibliography.
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Keywords
Trokosi, Shrine Girls, Violation of Women's, Women, Pastoral