University Halls of Residence in Ghana has established a semblance of traditional control, with each traditional authority having a spiritual figurehead or figurine, if you like. This is done out of respect for pure Ghanaian custom.
Although they are not listed in the official organogram of the university halls, the traditional rulers and spiritual leaders are nonetheless given space to operate and support hall officials and administrators in the day-to-day management of the Halls. They assist in upholding law and order in the various halls and in the execution of particular hall activities, such as hall week celebrations.
In topics pertaining to the halls, these traditional rulers and spiritual leaders, along with their deities present in all-male residence halls and some mixed halls, retain sway.
The Odikro, located at Unity Hall at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, serves as the unofficial mediator for minor offences like thefts and other misdemeanours committed by both Continentals and non-Continentals. In doing so, he prevents the issue from reaching officialdom and eliminates the risk of rustication and ejection from the university for those at fault. He also offers punishment for violators as he sees proper.
Without reservation, it can be said that these traditional and spiritual authority are treated with the utmost respect in most university residence halls, much like how such figures are generally revered in Ghanaian custom and tradition.
At the risk of overstating things, it can be said that the “Chief Odikro” of the Unity Hall, for example, has authority and power on par with that which resides in the heart of officialdom. Even formal state functions recognise him. It is commonly accepted that the use of these figures and symbols for exhortation, which is similar to idolatry, may have detrimental spiritual effects on individuals involved.
Below are Deities from Various Traditional University Halls in Ghana Worship.
Unity Hall, KNUST
A goddess known as “Nana Aboagyewaa” is located in the centre of the largest hall in all of West Africa.
According to legend, “Aboagyewaa” was a young woman who killed herself in the male hall after her purported partner denied her pregnancy.
As members of Unity Hall, Continentals have utilised her terrible passing to elevate the memory of her. A statue of “Aboagyewaa” wearing a black robe is located near the pond in front of “Block A.”
University Hall- Katanga
The “Fellows” admonish “Father John” and accord him the veneration due to a deity in accordance with custom.
Father John is said to patrol the KNUST region guarding it against evil, according to tradition.
Commonwealth Hall,Vandals UG
Vandals worship the well-known “Father Bacchus,” the Greek god of wine and ecstasy. Another prominent image that attracts guests to the hall is the Greek god Hermes, which is visible at the hall’s entrance.
According to legend, the Vandals attended PAWA night in 2004 and stole the Unity Hall deity “Aboagyewaa.”
The Vandals claim that Father Bacchus and Aboagyewaa are now husband and wife and have given birth to children, therefore their repeated attempts to recover the dreaded deity from them have failed.
Casely-Hayford (Casford) Hall, UCC
The bust of Casely-Hayford, a clever Ghanaian politician and minister under Kwame Nkrumah, is displayed by the Casfordians in front of the hall.
He is referred to as “Father Casford” spiritually, and the Gentlemen perform intense “charging” rituals in which they bow and honour him.
Mensah-Sarbah Hall, UG
The United Gold Coast Convention’s founding member and Ghanaian politician John Mensah Sarbah, in honour of whom the hall is named, is revered and honoured by the Vikings.
Their name comes from the fabled Scandinavian maritime pirates and traders who invaded and settled in numerous locations around northwestern Europe during the eighth and eleventh centuries.
UCC’s Atlantic Hall
Kofi Busumuru is the name of the deity worshipped in Atlantic Hall (ATL) at the University of Cape Coast.
Male Mariners’ sexual prowess is attributed to a dwarf known as “Kofi Busumru,” who is thought to possess mystical abilities.
The Atlantic Hall affiliate team known as the Mariners is arguably the best ‘PAWA’ (Profane Association of West Africa) performer.
- Conti-Katanga Clash : Eyewitness Report , Video Account and REGSEC Statement to Knust Students
- KNUST Indefinitely Suspend Morale , Procession, Hall, and SRC Week Celebrations
- KNUST Halls Of Residence, Shocking Revelations from KATANGA to Conti Power
CREDIT: Supadupanews.com