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Arya Samaj was established inGhana in August 1986 by Pandit Wreston Charles Ankoh when he founded the Arya Vedic Mission inAccra.[1] Ankoh was the first blackAfrican to be trained as aVedic priest inDurban,South Africa. Under the guidance of Pandit Nardev Vedaalankarji, he completing his studies in Vedic knowledge, Vedicmantras andyoga philosophy. Initially the Mission consisted of five members from African families, who gathered for weeklysatsangs,yagnas andphilosophical study.
From humble beginnings, the Ghana Arya Vedic Mission has grown dramatically, and broadcasts the Samaj's Hindu teachings across Ghana through public speaking, satsangs and literature. On the back of his success in Ghana, Ankoh is negotiating to begin a mission in neighboringNigeria. Ankoh's success is due to maintaining the integrity of the Vedic rituals and chants, while allowing a reconciliation ofIndian customs andtraditional Ghanaian cultural practices. Formarriages, the bride may dress in Ghanaian fashion. Members often keep their Ghanaian ancestral name during thenamakarana (name-giving sacrament).Vegetarianism and yoga practice are taught and encouraged, and the Ghana youth excel athatha yoga postures.[citation needed]
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