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The Sacred Intersection: Ouidah’s Catholic Church and Python Temple
The Sun Hung Low over the ancient town of Ouidah, casting a golden shade over the baobab tree, I walked the short distance separating two landmarks that symbolise the soul of Benin.
On one side stood the imposing Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, a testament to colonial-era Christianity. On the other, the modest yet spiritually charged Python Temple, the cradle of Voodoo reverence.
This striking juxtaposition embodies a story of coexistence, resilience, and cultural syncretism.
seated by his shrine
room with a cross hanged at the entrance
temple with the catholic church
Ouidah, a small coastal town in southern Benin, is a place where two spiritual worlds intertwine.
The Catholic Church, introduced during Portuguese expeditions in the 16th century and later reinforced by French colonial rule, brought Christianity to the region.
The basilica’s grandeur speaks to this legacy, its stained-glass windows and towering steeples reflecting the influence of European architects.
Just a few steps away, the Python Temple offers a contrasting narrative—one deeply rooted in Benin’s indigenous spirituality.
Infront of the python temple
•Some traditionalists performing
procession with their emblems behind them
the Catholic church in Ouidah
In Benin, pythons are sacred. They represent fertility, wisdom, and protection.
What makes Ouidah remarkable is not just the proximity of these two spiritual centres but the harmony they share.
Over centuries, the people of Ouidah have blended Catholicism with Voodoo, creating a unique religious syncretism. It’s not uncommon for individuals to attend mass at the Basilica and later seek blessings at the Python Temple.
This duality extends to practices as well. Catholic veneration of saints often parallels Voodoo worship of spirits or deities.
During a visit, a local priest explained that many of his congregants also participate in Voodoo ceremonies, viewing both faiths as complementary rather than conflicting.
Both the basilica and the temple serve as cultural cornerstones, drawing locals and international visitors alike. The annual voodoo festival, held every January, showcases this harmony in vibrant ceremonies that begin with traditional rituals at the Python Temple and culminate in communal gatherings that include Christian blessings.
This festival underscores the resilience of Ouidah’s cultural identity. Here, spirituality is not about division but integration, a celebration of both the old and the new. The basilica and the temple, though rooted in different traditions, stand as guardians of this heritage.
As I framed my shots, the movement of tourists crisscrossing captured the essence of Ouidah’s dual identity. The basilica’s lofty arches contrasted beautifully with the earthy simplicity of the Python Temple. Each photo told a story of continuity and change, of a town’s ability to adapt while holding steadfast to its roots.
Benoit, a Voodoo priest, shared stories of how the spirits of the forest, many of which are now gone, once guided their ancestors.
He said, the common values of both traditions, respect for life, nature, and the divine is a simple one.
The temple houses live snakes, cared for by Voodoo priests who perform rituals invoking Dangbé, the python deity.
According to my great-grand father, the serpents once protected the people of Ouidah during an invasion in the olden days, cementing their place in local folklore.
“The religion story is one of resilience and reconciliation, where the Catholic Church and the Python Temple are not just physical landmarks, but are living symbols of how two worlds can coexist without erasing each other,” he said.
Benoit lamented the encroachment of urbanisation but found solace in the enduring belief systems that anchor their community.
Grand Frere, a member of the Catholic Church said, the two faiths, that is the Python Temple and the Catholic Church, standing side by side, reminded him of the power of harmony in a world often divided.
From: Geoffrey Buta, OUIDAH, BENIN
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
