CHALLENGES IN MAINTAINING HOLY PLACES IN CONTEMPORARY GHANAIAN CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY: A CASE STUDY OF THE ATWEA PRAYER MOUNTAINS IN ABASUA

Abstract

Abstract The idea of Christian spirituality and relevance for the life of every Christian cannot be overemphasized. Since the early days of Christianity, individuals have embarked on many pilgrimages for the purposes of strengthening their relationship with God and growing in the power of His Spirit. Some also, embark on Christian pilgrimages for the very purposes of, wanting to be closer with God in their relationship with Him. Particularly, this study focuses on the Atwea mountains as a sacred place. The study, mainly, discusses the challenges that confront the management of the Atwea Mountains as a sacred place. Since, its inception as a place of God’s presence in Ghanaian Christianity, thousands of pilgrims embark on spiritual journey on the mountains every year. However, this massive development in terms of the number of pilgrimages that climb to the top of the mountain is not without challenges. This study investigates and proposes a number of ways through which some of these challenges can be managed. The study employs a phenomenological approach as a methodology in analyzing the issues that emerges in the study. Again, the study also discusses the Atwea Mountains as a sacred place. In drawing data extensively through observation and interviews from the various leaders of the camps on top of the mountains, the study outlines a number of challenges that confront the management of the place, and the various strategies that could be employed to deal with the situation.