Descriptive OverviewCreated by Nyame to fulfill specific functions, the
abosom derive their power from Nyame and serve
as the mediators between Nyame and human
kind. Because the Akan believe that Nyame is too
great to be reached directly, the abosom, who rep-
resent certain aspects of the power of Nyame,
serve as intermediaries and immediate objects of
reverence. Although their power is a function of
that of Nyame, they have the full power to act in
the realm of their specific area of specialization.
Each obosom performs different functions and
has the ability to reward, punish, protect, and
guide human kind in all aspects of life.
Because they are innumerable, the abosom fall
into various categories. First, there are those of a
tutelary nature who are recognized at the national
and/or community level and whose main function
it is to protect the community from harm. They are
known as tete abosom. Second, there are family
abosom, sometimes known as egyabosom (father’s
deity), that are inherited patrilineally and govern
and protect particular families. The primary func-
tion of the egyabosom is to assist their attendants
in the actualization of their nkrabea (destiny;
Divine function). There are also abosom associated
with each of the various Akan clans (Abusua) who
are connected with particular areas or localities.
The Akan connect the tete abosom, egyabosom,
and Abusua abosom with the origins of Creation
and have thus recognized and revered them from
time immemorial. However, the Akan also believe
that in the same way that Nyame continues to cre-
ate the universe, he continues to create abosom.
These contemporary abosom can be thought of as
a type of medicine in that they are “owned” by
highly specialized spiritualists who use them in the
manipulation of cosmic energy. The continued rev-
erence of these abosom largely depends on their
ability to satisfy their intended purpose.
As intermediaries, the abosom are fundamental
to humanity’s ability to maintain a connection to
and relationship with Nyame. Nyame communi-
cates with humankind through the abosom who
carry messages on Nyame’s behalf. These mes-
sages, as well as the specific powers and energies
of a particular abosom, are invoked through ritu-
als and ceremonies performed by akomfo (tradi-
tional priests; singular: okomfo), also known as
bosomfo (people of the abosom). After being
“called” (“mounted”/“possessed”) by a particular
obosom, akomfo undergo an elaborately intense
initiation, usually no less than 3 years in duration,
in which they essentially “marry” the obosom by
dedicating his or her entire life to the service of the
obosom and learn the laws, taboos, songs, dances,
and so on of the obosom.
Thus, akomfo are highly specialized spiritual-
ists capable of communicating with and intermit-
tently embodying abosom for the purpose of
transmitting and sometimes translating Nyame’s
messages. To provide a space in and means
through which humans can communicate with
Nyame via an obosom, akomfo build bosomfie
(literally “house of obosom”; shrine house) in or
near the locality the obosom is said to inhabit.
Akomfo are held with the responsibility of presid-
ing over the bosomfie, which function as spiritual
healing centers and houses of divination. It is here
that akomfo perform rituals and other tasks
required of the abosom and that members of the
society visit to facilitate their connection to both
the abosom and Nyame.Some Key Abosom
The role of the abosom in the Akan tradition is of
great importance. As such, there are multitudes of
abosom found throughout Ghana, some well
known, some less well known. What follows is a
brief listing and description of some of the more
celebrated abosom.
Akonnedi/Nana Akonnedi/Akonnedi Abena is
a female obosom whose bosomfie is located in the
Larteh Kubease region of Ghana. She is regarded
as the mother of all abosom, the head of the pan-
theon, and is said to mete out justice and give the
final decision in difficult disputes.
Nana Asuo Gyebi is a wandering ancient river
obosom originally from the northern region of
Ghana who resides in various places throughout
the country, although he has made the Larteh
Kubease region a special home. He also traveled
as far as the United Sates to help the lost children
of Africa reclaim their spiritual past. He is credi-
ted with bringing the Akan tradition to the United
States because his priests were among the first to
be initiated here. He is a male obosom who is a
protector and a great healer.4 Abosom