Religion, Ecology and Sustainable Development: The Akyem Abuakwa Experience

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2012-08
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Abstract
This study examines the interplay of religion, ecology and sustainable development in the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional area. The ecological threat facing Akyem Abuakwa has been real and that, the people are aware of the causes. The study depicts that, degradation is still on the rise and has gotten out of control and that, residents of these communities are left to suffer the consequences of ravaged farm lands, polluted river bodies, low food production and high cost of food items among others. It is in view of this apparent self destruction that the concept of sustainable development becomes relevant. With the notion that, the sacredness of nature in many religion is despised and that it has led to disenchantment with nature. The study sought to examine the role of the three main religious institutions in Akyem Abuakwa, namely, Christianity, Islam, and Traditional religion. Apart from examining the accusation that, Christianity and Islamic religions have mostly focused on the spiritual to the detriment of the physical, the research also explores the role of African cosmology: proverbs, taboos, and myths. Also, festivals, values, and many other norms and practices which have in the past served as a sturdy agent of sustainable development have been explored. The research further revealed that, traditional leaders have legitimate claim for holding, tradition, land and natural resources in trust for their ancestors, the living and the future generation yet, this trust have been abused by many of them. The study therefore, recommends that, matters of environmental degradation transcend the operations and efforts of a District/ Municipal Assembly or religious body. Consequently, the Central government, the Non Governmental Organisations, the Traditional Leaders, and rural folk in Akyem Abuakwa should make concerted commitment to the healing of the environment.
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A Thesis Submitted to the School Of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology – Kumasi, In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree Of Master of Philosophy (Religious Studies)
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