Africans knew God long before colonizers arrived, our cultures prove it — Sarah Dorgbadzie

Dr. Sarah Dorgbadzie, an acclaimed storyteller, cantor, and director, has reignited conversations about Africa’s deep spiritual heritage, asserting that Africans knew God long before colonial influence.

Speaking on the Standpoint show with host Gifty Anti, Dr. Dorgbadzie passionately argued that African cultures, languages, and practices offer undeniable evidence of an ancient connection to the divine.

“Africans knew God before colonial influence. The evidence lies in our cultures, languages, and practices,” she declared, dismissing any notion that Europeans introduced spirituality to the continent.

She elaborated on the diverse ways God revealed Himself to African ancestors, tailoring His presence to their unique contexts.

“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.

Making some references from Ghana, she highlighted how tribes like the Ga, Ewe, and Ashanti have distinct names 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 reflect a profound reverence for God and His supreme authority,” she noted.