Ambivalence and Power: Mediums in Ga Traditional Religion

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Periodical article

Title:	Ambivalence and Power: Mediums in Ga Traditional Religion
Author:	Kilson, Marion
Year:	1972
Periodical:	Journal of Religion in Africa
Volume:	4
Issue:	3
Pages:	171-177
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Ghana
Subjects:	African religions women Religion and Witchcraft Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/1594843
Abstract:	Among the Ga people in Central Accra (Ghana) women play an important role as mediums in the traditional religious cults. These women are almost always childless and/or illiterate. Ga consider woman intrinsically inferior to men. Only through their maternal and (sometimes) occupational roles women acquire some measure of prestige and influence. Childless and illiterate women are enabled to achieve prestige through mediumship. The relationship between god and medium is that of husband and wife. A skilful medium may be requested to train future mediums; these pupils call her 'mother'. In this way she acquires sociological children. When she has many clients she will acquire financial affluence too. Notes.