Francis Benyah

Francis Benyah is a Project Researcher at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Department of Theology and Study of Religions. His research focuses on the intersection of religion, health, and social practices in African contexts, particularly Ghana.

Research interests include:

• Social exclusion mechanisms in religious communities
• Pentecostal/Charismatic church practices and health rights
• Traditional healing systems in Ghana (especially Akan traditions)
• Prayer camps as alternative healthcare providers
• Socioreligious aspects of disconnection and service delivery

His publications (2022-2024) demonstrate strong thematic consistency in examining spiritual healing practices, human rights concerns in religious settings, and cultural interpretations of illness. Recent works critically analyze deliverance practices in Neo-Pentecostal churches, traditional healing methodologies, and violence stemming from supernatural worldviews.

Awards:

• Lamin Sanneh Research Prize (2022)

Academic activities include conference organization ('New Perspectives on Social Psychology and Religious Cognition', 2023), presentations on mental health legislation limitations in Ghana, and a 2022 research fellowship at Princeton Theological Seminary. He co-teaches 'Social Exclusion, Religion and Life Views' (2024).