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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Religious Freedom and Vestal Virgins: The Trokosi Practice in Ghana
Author:Quashigah, E.K.ISNI
Year:1998
Periodical:African Journal of International and Comparative Law
Volume:10
Issue:2
Period:June
Pages:193-215
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:African religions
Ewe
human rights
Law, Human Rights and Violence
Religion and Witchcraft
Law, Legal Issues, and Human Rights
Cultural Roles
External link:https://heinonline.org/HOL/Page?handle=hein.journals/afjincol10&id=205&collection=journals&index=journals/afjincol
Abstract:'Trokosi', translated by researchers as 'fetish slave', a practice which existed among the Ewe of southern Ghana, Togo and Benin, as well as among the Ga Adangbes of southern Ghana, compelled young virgins to become betrothed as vestal virgins to fetish gods to 'atone' or serve for the transgressions of a family member. The practice is also called 'Fiasidi', especially among the older mystic houses in the Anlo Ewe area, a term which is translated simply as 'a bride of God'. In its modern form, especially in the Tongu area of southern Ghana, the practice has been corrupted and debased by the priesthood. The abuses perpetrated on the girl inmates of the cult houses include punishment for the crimes of others, deprivation of education, forced marriage, child labour, inhumane and degrading treatment, slavery, rape, lack of paternal care for the children borne of their union with the priests, deprivation of personal liberty, and infringement of the right to freedom of religion. These constitute serious infractions on the rights of individuals. The present article deduces the human rights implications of the 'trokosi' practice in its modern form among the Ewe of southern Ghana both from the international law and municipal law perspectives, notably the 1992 Constitution. Notes, ref.
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