Africans knew God long before Europeans arrived – Sarah Dorgbadzi

Dr. Sarah Dorgbadzi, a celebrated storyteller, cantor, and director, recently captivated audiences during her appearance on the Standpoint show with host Gifty Anti.

She delved into the profound spiritual connection Africans shared with the divine long before the arrival of European settlers, challenging commonly held assumptions about the origins of African spirituality.

When asked whether Africans were aware of God prior to European contact, Dorgbadzi responded emphatically, “Of course, Africans knew God before colonial influence. The evidence lies in our cultures, languages, and practices.”

Her confident assertion offered a foundation for her detailed exploration of the rich and diverse spiritual traditions across the continent.

Dr. Dorgbadzi explained that different tribes in Ghana and across Africa perceived God in ways that reflected His unique revelations to them.

“God revealed Himself to our ancestors in ways they could understand. This is why you find such diversity in how He is referred to and worshipped among different tribes,” she explained.

Drawing on examples from Ghana, Dorgbadzi highlighted the Ga, Ewe, and Ashanti tribes, each of which has specific titles and attributes for God.

“Among the Ga, God is ‘Ataa Naa Nyonmo,’ the great father above.

The Ewe call Him ‘Mawu,’ the all-powerful creator, while the Ashanti know Him as ‘Nyame,’ the giver of life. These names show how deeply our ancestors revered Him and acknowledged His supreme authority.”

Her reflections painted a vivid picture of a continent with an enduring connection to the divine, one that thrived long before foreign influences shaped the narrative. Dorgbadzi emphasized the holistic relationship Africans maintained with God, blending spirituality with everyday life.