Influence of Foreign Religion on Customary Management of Natural Resources: The Case of Sacred Groves in Sefwi Wiawso Municipality, Ghana

The customary management of natural resources in Ghana is hinged on belief system of the African Traditional Religion. Studies have shown the impact of foreign religions on many aspects of Ghanaian society, but less is known on influence of foreign religion on customary management of natural resources. This study examined the influence of foreign religion on conservation of sacred groves in eight communities in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality. The influx of missionary religions, notably Christianity and Islam were identified as an indirect underlying causal agent to declining sacred grove area. Less reverence of traditional beliefs has led to sacred grove clearance for agriculture and settlement in some communities. The study therefore recommends re-enforcement of taboos and awareness creation on conservation value of sacred groves to halt further degradation.