For the purposes of this debate, assume all gods exist in a competitive market. Gods must compete for human belief in order to gain strength. If belief falls below a certain level, a god will exist only as a memory but could be brought back into existence if human belief in them rises again. For example, the Greek gods are now only memories and hold no power. Humans are unaware of this divine marketplace.
In Ghana, minor gods, such as river spirits, shrine deities, and local protectors, such as Tigare, Antoa Nyamaa, and Okubibipetupre have recently been criticized for their apparent inability to punish people as a result, faith in their power is waning, and many shrines have seen a decline in visitors and offerings.