By Mensah Adinkrah, Ph.D.
Okronkronyi Nyame Somafo Yawoh provides profound teachings on the spiritual realities of Heaven and Hell, underscoring their significance in the spiritual journey of humanity. Central to his teachings is the belief in the tangible existence of these realms and their distinct purposes in the divine scheme.
Heaven, as expounded by Somafo Yawoh, is portrayed as a real, physical realm located above the Earth, serving as the dwelling place of spirits under the governance of the Most High God. This celestial abode is not merely a spiritual concept but a tangible destination for those who meet specific spiritual qualifications. According to His teachings, all spirits in Heaven possess wings, signifying their celestial nature. For humans, entrance into Heaven necessitates undergoing baptism, specifically the Holy Spirit and fire baptism offered within Asomdwee Ntonton Som. This process imbues believers with a unique spiritual essence, said to hover seven feet above their heads, enabling their ascension to Heaven on Judgment Day.
Heaven itself is categorized into two distinct spheres: the Greater Heaven and the Smaller Heaven. The Smaller Heaven, located within the third Heaven, accommodates adherents of Islam and Judaism, reflecting the inclusivity of divine providence. In contrast, the Greater Heaven, situated in the highest realm known as the heaven of heavens, is reserved exclusively for members of Asomdwee Ntonton Som.
Okronkronyi Nyame Somafo Yawoh describes Heaven as a state of unparalleled joy and purity, symbolized by anigye afeboo, or perpetual bliss. The ethereal light of Heaven, which He describes as 29 times brighter than Earth’s light, serves as a metaphor for its sublime and untainted nature.
Conversely, Hell is depicted as a stark antithesis to Heaven. Located beneath the Earth, it is described as a domain ruled by Satan and structured into nine descending levels. Each level represents a progressive intensification of suffering, with the ninth level reserved for the severest forms of torment. This hierarchy of Hell underscores the gravity of spiritual and moral failings, emphasizing the dire consequences of straying from the path of righteousness.
Through these teachings, Okronkronyi Nyame Somafo Yawoh presents Heaven and Hell not only as destinations but as reflections of divine justice and the spiritual state of individuals. Heaven symbolizes divine reward and eternal joy for the faithful, while Hell serves as a somber warning of the consequences of spiritual estrangement. By delineating these realms with vivid detail, Okronkronyi Somafo Yawoh encourages adherents to pursue a life aligned with the principles of righteousness and devotion, ultimately leading to their ascension to the Greater Heaven.