This article presents findings from a study of the influence of traditional religion on reproductive preferences of Kassena-Nankana lineage heads in northern Ghana. Seven reproductive preference questions were administered to nine lineage heads who are primary practitioners of the cult of soothsaying. With the assistance of soothsayers, interviews were repeated in conjunction with the invocation of religious rites in order to determine the views of ancestral spirits on the seven questions. Pairs of lineage head and ancestral interviews are compared to determine the role of traditional religion in shaping male reproductive preferences. Interview pairs reflect a shared preference for sons, large compounds, and a growing lineage. Findings nonetheless show that some ancestral spirits want small families, some even wanting fewer children than corresponding lineage heads. Spiritual consultations are nondogmatic and open to external ideas and influences, suggesting that family planning introduction will not encounter systematic religious opposition among the Kassena-Nankana.
PIP: This study examined fertility preferences among male lineage heads (MLHs) among the Kassena-Nankana of Ghana and the role of traditional religion in determining fertility preferences. Data were obtained via semistructured interviews with MLHs and via contacts with ancestral spirits through soothsayers. MLHs were identified in three micropilot villages with family planning (FP) outreach services in the past year. Three heads were selected at random from the listing of lineages in each village. Interviews were conducted first in the privacy of the home and second in the sacred hut of the soothsayer, who was the medium for the ancestral interviews. Soothsayers advised their clients and participated. Paired responses of MLHs and ancestors showed considerable diversity of opinion and inconsistencies. Questions were asked about the benefits of having many children, the achievement of having the desired number of children, changes of preferences after the fact, male or female preferences, hut size preferences, approval of FP, and the benefits of health and FP service availability. Both MLHs and ancestors shared a strong preference for sons, large compounds, and a growing lineage. However, some ancestors wanted small families. Findings suggest that traditional religious practices were not a singular negative force against FP and were flexible and adaptive to social change. Ancestors acknowledged survival strategies. The methodology suggests the usefulness of communicating with men, soothsayers, and spirits about gender issues, reproductive matters, or other health issues.