Pressure group, Ga Dangme Concerned Youth Group, has extolled President Mahama for heeding a petition to allow for the pouring of libation at state functions.

President of the association, Nii Ayafio Tetteh, told journalists at a press conference Tuesday that for many years the group has petitioned the President through top state officials for traditional prayers to be included in Christian and Muslim prayers during state functions, but the petitions have fallen on deaf ears.

The comments by Nii Tetteh are in reaction to the inclusion of Traditional African prayers as part of religious activities during this year’s Independence Day celebrations.

Photo: Nii Ayafio Tetteh

“All we are saying to the President [Mahama] is that what he has started he should continue and any president who will come [after Mahama] should continue,” said Nii Ayafio Tetteh.

He indicated that the association would embark on a mammoth demonstration if the next state function does not see the pouring of libation.

Pouring of libation is a type of prayer among people who believe in the African Traditional Religion. It is a ritual pouring of a liquid, usually alcoholic, as an offering to a spirit or in memory of those who have died.

The Ga Dangme youth group believes the action by the President on March 6 would deepen respect for traditional norms and practices.

Nii Ayafio Tetteh also urged youth in Ghana not to allow opinion leaders and other influential persons to deceive them into causing mayhem during this year’s election.