Healing and Spirituality in Contemporary Ghana

Abstract

Healing and deliverance are important expressions of faith in Ghanaian Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity, yet their pastoral value depends partly on how spiritual authority is exercised when people are vulnerable. This article examines the theological convictions and cultural interpretations that inform these practices and considers their implications for responsible care. It develops a selective narrative review of published scholarship, combined with contextual biblical reflection; it reports no original fieldwork and does not assess the clinical effectiveness of divine healing. The discussion distinguishes religious meaning, explanations of illness and evidence of treatment outcomes. Scholarship on Ghanaian Christianity illuminates the relationship between Pentecostal faith and concerns about spiritual affliction, while prayer-camp research identifies opportunities for collaboration alongside disagreements about medication and harmful treatment practices. The article argues that confidence in God’s healing action can coexist with professional assessment, continuing treatment and honest acknowledgement of persistent suffering. It proposes practical commitments concerning consent, confidentiality, financial transparency, referral and accountability. Its contribution is a pastoral argument for evaluating healing ministries through both the hope they offer and the dignity, freedom and access to care they protect. Further research should examine how these commitments are implemented across diverse Ghanaian settings and experienced by those who seek help. Keywords: Ghana; Pentecostalism; divine healing; deliverance; pastoral care; mental health