The concept of diseases and health care in African traditional religion in Ghana

Abstract

As human beings we sometimes in one way or another become sick, and therefore go for

treatment depending on our choice of treatment (religious perspective or Western medical

treatment). Although African traditional religion is not against a Western medical way of

treatment or healing process, its followers believe that there are some diseases that Western

medicine cannot treat, and therefore need spiritual attention, as it is sometimes practiced

in churches. This article discusses the African traditional view regarding disease, causes of

disease, how disease is diagnosed and treated, with a special focus on Ghana. The article also

describes the role of the diviner or the African traditional priest or what others may term as

‘herbalists’. The advantages and disadvantages of the African traditional healing process are

considered. The article concludes by discussing African traditional healing in the context of

a contemporary health care discourse, as well as a proposal for dialogue between traditional

healers, Western medical practitioners, the government of Ghana, and the governments of

various countries where this

health issues.