This paper explores the religious history and topography of a Kumasi neighbourhood (in Ghana). It focuses on the interplay between and co-existence of different religious sites and forces in a historical and spatial perspective in order to discuss how these shape each other and are shaped by and respond to a number of paradoxes related to that particular place.
The focus of the paper is on the Kwadaso Kokode neighbourhood of Kumasi. In this particular place, the presence of different religious traditions and forces, as well as colonial and scientific / educational imprints and influences are at stake. The establishment of the urban site is itself a history of competing and complementary spiritual presences (gods). These presences were later shaped by the establishment of an agricultural college in the area, which caused the physical displacement of the shrine of the gods. More recently, and with the introduction of Muslim and Christian sites and places of worship, the agricultural college is by some perceived as attracting evil forces because many of its students come from the north of the country, which is seen as having a strong presence of such evil and demonic forces. The religious topography of Kwadaso Kokode is hence also a story of spiritual domination and control over the urban space. Analysing these contestations and attempts at spiritual domination highlights how religion intersects with socio-economic and political aspects of the area. The area is situated at the outskirts of Kumasi, and was for long a place where migrants from the north settled (also reflected by the presence of the agricultural college). However, with the growth of the city, this neighbourhood has become more attached to the city and is thereby also a site for urban expansion and construction. The paper discusses how the spiritual presences have changed and influenced the urban neighbourhood over time and how these manifestations reflect rural-urban and religious-secular paradoxes.