The practice of Sakawa (cyber-cult) in the Agona Swedru Traditional Area

Abstract

Sakawa practice in Agona Swedru Traditional Area is not a matter of perception but a fact and also a canker that is spreading very fast among the youth. The study examined the philosophy behind sakawa practice and how one becomes a practitioner. The study contributes to the existing discourse on sakawa in Ghana and West Africa sub-region. It also reveals some scamming techniques used by the sakawa practitioners to persuade their victims. The instrument used for the study in terms of qualitative assessment is the interview guide. The findings from the study showed that the respondents are aware of the sakawa practice although, there were mixed views about the practice. The study examined the morality of the practice; that is, the badness or the goodness of sakawa practice. Also, the study established the reasons why many youth in Agona Swedru area engage in the sakawa practice. Among such reasons were bad parental control, get-rich-quick mentality, poverty among others. The study recommended that parents should take up full responsibility of the welfare of their children. Traditional as well as religious leaders should organize series of durbars and talks on the dangers associated with sakawa practice. The non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the government should team up to create jobs for the youth.