OUR CULTURE AND NATIONAL IDENTITY

The Meaning Of Culture

Culture is defined as a unique way of life of a specific group of people or a given society. It includes the
language of the people, their method of doing things, beliefs, knowledge, ideas, food, religion,
emotions, tools, dressing, music, dance, law, the value of things, their learned and shared patterns of
behaviour, their understanding of judgements and what they think about life philosophy. This unique
way of life is passed on from generation to generation.

The Dynamic Nature Of Culture

Society changes with time and so is culture. There are new ideas, experiences, challenges, problems and
needs that emerge. New practices and processes are developed to meet the problems, challenges and
needs that emerge. Example, increase in population calls for increase in production of goods and the
need for new and efficient ways of production and trade relations to be developed. This makes culture
not static but dynamic, flexible and serves as a response, reaction, answer, ingredients and qualities
necessary for improvement of a society. NB: Any cultural practice that does not solve problems of the
time should be abrogated.

Some Features Of Culture

1. Culture is dynamic: It is flexible and changes from time to time as society keeps on changing to meet
new ideas and practices that are coming up or the challenges of time. People in the society copy the
behaviours and activities from other societies to help them develop, progress or march with life in the
wider environment or society in the contemporary global world.

2. Culture is transmitted: It is taught or passed on to society from generation to generation to be

preserved. This is done through socialization.

3. Culture is learned: No one is born with culture unless he/she learns it. Through the process of
socialization people learn the culture of the society in which they live.

4. Culture is shared: Members in any society accept to teach and practice the culture of that society.
Everybody speaks the language, sing, dance, dress in a special way that is accepted in that society etc.
This makes them have the same feelings, ideas and experiences.

5. Culture is universal: All the people in the world have culture and it is practiced by various groups or
societies. Only that, the culture differs from society to society. Example, every society in the world has
its own language, norms, values, beliefs etc.
Types Of Culture

1. Material culture: This is a type of culture that deals with objects or physical things that can be
touched and which, are created by man. They include artifacts, buildings, tools, drums,
palanquin, wooden stools etc.

2. Non-material culture: This deals with non-physical objects or things that cannot be touched but
expressed through behaviours and actions. Examples are language, customs, funerals, festivals, beliefs,
chieftaincy, marriage rites, naming ceremonies etc.

Socio-Cultural Practices

Socio-cultural practices refer to all the distinctive, spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features
that characterize a society or a social group. It includes modes of life, the fundamental human rights,
value systems, traditions and beliefs and the arts.

Socio-cultural practices also refer to the habitual cultural activities cherished by a society. They include
ways of doing things, thinking, behaving, and the values, norms and customs of the people.

How Socio-Cultural Practices Came Into Being

Most socio- cultural practices were basically formed through experiences during migrations and
experiences at the different locations of the ethnic groups. The experiences take various forms like
outbreak of strange diseases, hunger and natural occurrences.

Some Of The Socio-Cultural Practices In Ghana

Some of the socio-cultural practices in Ghana include festivals, chieftaincy, funerals, traditional music
and dance, system of marriage, female genital mutilation, ancestral worship, cruel widowhood rites, not
working on certain days of the week, "Trokosi" system, pouring of libation, belief in potency of demons,
witchery, gods etc. Some socio-cultural practices have positive effects and others have negative effects
on development.

Positive Aspects Of Culture/Some Cultural Practices That Need To Be Maintained And Promoted In
Ghana

Culture is dynamic but the positive aspects and practices that promote development, unity and stability
should be maintained and promoted in Ghana. Some of the cultural practices that need to be promoted
and maintained are: Festivals, Naming Ceremony, Chieftaincy, Traditional Music and Dance, Marriage
Ceremonies, Puberty Rites and Funerals with less expenditure.

Festivals

Festivals are periodic public celebrations to remember, give thanks, honour and renew allegiance and to
commune with the ancestral spirits for guidance and protection. Festivals are seen as a common trait to
the various ethnic groups in Ghana. Example, Homowo, Adaekese, Aboakyir etc.
Types Of Festival

There are different types of festival in the Ghanaian society but are classified under two main groups as
festivals of harvest/agriculture and festivals of remembrance/ancestors.

1. Festivals of harvest/agriculture: These are festivals celebrated to mark the beginning or end of
farming season and to thank the ancestors and gods for a bumper harvest. Examples of festivals of
harvest in Ghana are Odehuro festival of the people of Akuapem, ldzo-Idzi of the people of Nkonya,
Homowo festival of the people of Ga, Kundum festival of the Ahanta- Nzema and Ngmayem festival of
the people of Krobo.

2. Festivals of remembrance/ancestors: These are festivals that are celebrated to remember things that
happened in the past and the remembrance of the departed chiefs or ancestors. Festivals that
remember things that happened in the past such as devastating war, deliverance from epidemic, period
of hunger and abundance are Danyiba Kaka of Kpando, Bugum of Mamprusi, Being of Gonja and Lukusi
of Ve. Festivals that remember the departed chiefs and ancestors are 'Adaekese of the Asante, Akuapem
and Akyem people.

The importance/Significance Of Festivals In The Society/National Development

1. Preservation of culture and recounting the history of the people: Festivals help to maintain and
preserve the cultural heritage of a society. Some festivals are celebrated yearly to mark the beginning
or end of a traditional year. During the occasion people learn their traditional songs, drumming, dancing,
dressing, preparation of traditional food and other activities. Festivals also help to commemorate or
recount the history or important events which the people experienced in their societies. The celebration
helps to transmit and preserve the culture of the people for societal and national development.

2. Unity/social cohesion/national integration: Festivals occasion serves as reunion of family and society.
Family members who travel outside their community come home to join their family members. The
occasion is also used to settle disputes among family members and outstanding disputes between chiefs
and other members in the society. Also, through interactions and acquaintances people make friends
and propose love which leads to marriage. In addition, during festivals, people from different ethnic
groups, religious backgrounds, towns, villages and cities come together as one people to celebrate and
this brings about good relationship, peace, harmony and stability for societal and national development.

3. Renewal of allegiance of sub-chiefs to paramount chiefs: The Paramount chief invites his subjects
and other chiefs from different places in the nation to come and join in the celebration. This brings them
in closer relations and to affirm their continuous support, commitment, being obedient and loyal to the
paramount chief. This promotes harmony and stability that is needed in the various societies for
sustainable development.

4. Promotion of tourism: Festivals serve as a source of tourist attraction to both Ghanaians and
foreigners. There are internal and external tourists who come from far and near to witness the occasion.
They visit the tourist sites and pay money or buy items. This earns income for the community and the
tourist industry in the country for the development of the nation.

5. Initiation of development projects: Festivals have now been moments for planning of community
development. Funds are raised during the occasion towards the provision and development of social
amenities such as school buildings, streetlights, toilet facilities, libraries, water supply etc. There is also,
cleaning of the environment to promote good sanitation and good health of people in the society. The
initiation of the projects and their execution in the various communities and societies bring
development in the nation to promote national development.

6. Religious and spiritual importance: Festivals portray the religious beliefs of the people. They are
celebrated to honour the gods and ancestors. Festival occasions are used as thanks offering to gods and
ancestral spirits for the guidance and protection of the people for the past year and the coming year.
The period is also used as pacification and purification of the ancestral spirits and to devoid the land and
the society of misfortunes. The occasion is also used as a period to mourn and remember the dead or
ancestors.

7. Political significance: Festivals portray the principle of governance. Festival occasions are used to
invite government officials for the chief to make known the needs of his people and the government
official in turn explains the government policies to the people. This promotes understanding and cordial
relationships between government and people in the various communities for national development.

8. Economic importance: Festivals give job and income to people. It serves as a means of livelihood.
Commercial activities such as trading opportunities come up for members of the community and sellers
and other business men and women get trade boom. During festivals people who are involved in
painting, sign writing, dressmaking, selling of traditional cloths, sandals, stools, artifacts, etc., are all
engaged and they get income out of their services rendered and these help to raise their standards of
living for societal and national development.

9. Inculcating good moral behaviours: Some festivals help to inculcate good moral behaviours in the
society. During the celebration virtues are exhibited, encouraged and appreciated and vices are shunned
or rebuked publicly. These make them exhibit good moral behaviours and guard against negative
practices.

How Traditional Festivals Portray The Cultural Heritage Of Ghanaians

Traditional festivals portray the cultural heritage of Ghanaians in the following ways:

1. History of Ghanaian people: Most Ghanaian festivals are cerebrated to recount the history of the
people. It helps to remember important events that happened in the past or difficulties they went
through such as devastating war, deliverance from epidemics, period of hunger and abundance,
achievements and exploits of their ancestors etc.

2. Exhibiting traditional custumes and material culture of the people: Festivals in Ghana portray the
material culture of the people. During the celebration, material cultures of the people are displayed.
Such materials are gold ornaments, Palanquins, drums, umbrellas, Linguist staffs and costumes or
dresses.

3. Demonstration of the institution of chieftaincy: Festivals show the important position of chiefs in
society. They exhibit how their subjects pay homage and have much revered for them. There is special
praises and horn blowing when a Chief speaks to his people. Also, the traditional cloth and ornaments
that they wear, the horseback riding, the palanquin that they ride in, the sitting in state at durbar
grounds and the umbrella that gives them shade, all uphold the cultural heritage of the society.

4. Drumming and dancing: Drumming and dancing form integral part of festival celebrations in Ghana.
Drumming and dancing form the climax of festival occasions where people drum, sing and dance to
enjoy and entertain themselves. There are various dancing groups with different dancing styles and
antics displayed on the occasion to portray cultural heritage of the people.

5. Ushering in of new crops: Some festivals in Ghana depict the harvesting of new crops. Such crops are
yams and maize. Yam festival of the people of Peki and Nkonya depicts a time to usher in the crops.
Homowo festival of the people of Ga depicts the time to rejoice, for there is maize to save people from
hunger. During these festivals yam and maize are used as staple foods to portray the cultural heritage of
the people.

6. Marking the beginning and end of a traditional year: Some festivals are celebrated to mark the
beginning and end of a traditional year. Some ethnic groups use the occasion to mark the end or the
beginning of a new year. For example, Kloyosikplemi of the Krobos is celebrated every November to
remind the people that the year is coming to end. Thus, from November we enter into December which
is the last month of the year, Also, Aboakyir festival of Effutu which is celebrated annually is calculated
to determine when to celebrate it and that ends the year and also determines the beginning of a new
traditional year.

Outdooring And Child Naming Ceremony

This is a ceremony performed to officially outdoor or name a newly born baby/child. It is usually
performed on the eighth day after the baby/child is born.

Significance Of Outdooring And Naming Ceremonies

Outdooring and naming ceremonies have some significance/importance in the Ghanaian society and
these can be seen as follows:

1. Child identity: Child naming ceremony gives a child a social identity and recognition. The child is
identified and recognized by his name and clan from which he belongs. A baby is considered to be a
stranger until it is given a name on the eighth day. This makes the baby become one of the family
members and can now be counted among the family members.

2. Occasion for family union/cohesion: The occasion brings together the two families of the man and
the woman. The occasion can also be used to settle outstanding family disputes. Friends and well-
wishers come together to celebrate the occasion. The occasion therefore gives the opportunity to the
family, friends and well-wishers to strengthen their relations and promote unity.

3. Acknowledgement of a child's legitimacy: The naming ceremony is an occasion where the parent
especially the father declares his paternity, acceptance and assurance to be responsible for the
maintenance and upkeep of the mother and child. It also gives the child the right to succeed the parent.

4. Societal support: Naming ceremony enables relatives, friends and well-wishers the opportunity to
present gifts in the form of money and material benefit such as clothing, Soap, powder etc. to the child
and mother. The gifs help to provide basic needs of the child and the opportunity for future economic
development. The donations or money serve as seed money for the mother to start a business or
economic activity after the nursing period.

5. Thanksgiving ceremony: The occasion is used as thanksgiving to the Almighty God, the gods and
ancestors for the safe delivery of the child. Prayers and libations are made to offer into the care of God,
the ancestors and the gods and also to thank friends and well-wishers.

6. Merry-making: Naming ceremonies also serve as a period for merry-making and enjoyment. Food and
drinks are served and drumming and music are provided to serve as a source of entertainment. People
eat, drink, sing and dance to entertain themselves and other people. Thus naming ceremony serves as
an opportunity for merry-making.

7. Preservation/transmission of culture: Naming ceremonies help to preserve the culture of a society.

During the occasion there is the performance of activities such as the use of water, drinks, pouring of
libation, wearing of white clothing by the mother etc. The activities are observed and learned by the
people and they also practice it whenever there is such ceremony.

Funerals

Funeral is a rite or ceremony performed to bury or burn a dead person. It is performed to bid farewell to
the dead person.

Importance Of Funerals

Funeral is one of the cultural practices in the Ghanaian society. It has some significance or importance in
the lives of Ghanaians. They are as follows.

1. Union of family and the society: Funeral occasions bring people within and outside the family to
mourn and say farewell to the dead. During that period family members come together and settle any
outstanding disputes between the family members. Family members come together to discuss and
arrange the burial rites of the dead person. They pool their resources in the form of money, equipment,
food, transportation, accommodation etc. to organize the funeral ceremony. Also, known and unknown
relatives, friends, community members and people from all walks of life attend the funeral. This brings
the people together and promotes peace and unity among them.
2. Societal support: During funeral occasions sympathizers give financial assistance to the bereaved
family. They donate either in cash or in kind to help defray part of the funeral expenses. This helps to
reduce the financial hardships that the family especially the husband or wife and children go through
after the burial of the dead person. Also people give support by fetching water, providing firewood,
helping in cooking, arranging seats and serving visitors etc.

3. Preservation of culture: Funerals portray the culture of the people. During the occasion there are
some practices and beliefs that are exhibited and people learn such practices. For example during the
occasion people sing dirges, make libation, greet, donate and respond in a way to thank the well-wishers
who donate. The celebration helps to transmit and preserve the culture of the society.

4. Grief sharing: During funeral occasions people mourn and sympathize with the bereaved family. The
bereaved person or family experiences bitter emotions, sorrow, Sadness and grief. The funeral occasions
give the opportunity to friends and sympathizers to mourn and share the sorrow, sadness and grief of
the bereaved person or family.

5. Honour to the dead person: Funeral ceremony expresses honour to the dead. The occasion is used to
give last respect and honour for the dead person. The dead person's lifestyle, achievements, status and
good works are recounted and praised. This makes people lead a good life so as to be praised when they
die.

6. Economic importance: Funerals give job and income opportunities to people. People prepare coffins
and sell them to get income to earn a living. Some also sell funeral clothing drinks and toffee and others
prepare various food items to sell. There is also hiring of canopies and chairs. Others involve themselves
in preparing and laying the bed of the corpse and dressing the corpse to collect money.

Some Funeral Practices That Lead To High Expenditure

Though funerals have some importance and significance, there are some practices that lead to high
expenditure which put burden on the families concerned and such practices should be avoided. Such
practices are as follows:

1. Long duration of funerals: People spend a number of days performing funerals. They spend a lot of
money on sympathizers and relatives in the provision of accommodation, food and drinks. This makes
the funeral expenses high.

2. High cost of preparation: People spend huge sums of money in preparation towards the funeral. The
corpse is preserved in the mortuary for number of days, weeks and months. There is high cost of food
and drinks bought and above all high price coffin bought. These make huge sums of money spent on the
funeral.

3. Transporting dead bodies over a long journey: People have the mentality that dead bodies of their
relatives should not be buried on a foreign land. This therefore not fair to bury a relative who dies in
another tribe's land especially when the person comes from a royal family. People therefore transport
the dead body over a long journey. Transporting corpse is so expensive that the coffers of the bereaved
family are drained.

4. Announcements of funerals through the media: People would like to use the modern means of
announcing funeral, which is faster and has a wider coverage but which is very expensive. The
announcement is so expensive that it increases the expenses on the funeral budget.

5. Wake keeping: Another practice, which leads to high funeral expenditure, is wake keeping. During
wake keeping sound systems are hired, coffee drink prepared and distribution of stimulants such as
chewing gum, Original Hacks and ginger to keep people wake. All these add to the high cost of funeral
expenses.

Measures To Reduce High Funeral Expenditure

The following are some measures that can help to reduce high funeral expenditure to reduce burden in
families after funeral ceremonies.

1. Elaborate wake-keepings should be discouraged: Wake keeping increases the expenditure on funeral
and affects the health of those who keep wake. During wake keeping, drinks and other beverages are
served and ban is hired at a cost. When elaborate wake-Keeping is discouraged it would reduce the high
financial drain on the funeral expenses and reduce the economic hardships of the bereaved family a
dead person.

2. Avoiding long periods of preservation of corpse: People should avoid keeping or preserving corpse
for a longer period at the mortuary before their burial ceremonies. This will cut down the funeral
expenses.

3. Transporting corpse and many mourners over long journeys should be discouraged: People should
avoid transporting dead bodies and many mourners over a long journey to avoid high expenditure
incurred on funeral budget. The corpse should be buried where the death occurred. This will help to
eliminate the high transportation cost.

4. Feasting should be avoided: During funerals food and drinks are served to the sympathizers, friends
and the bereaved family members. This increases the expenditure of the funeral. Provision of food and
drinks should be avoided so as to reduce the funeral expenses.

5. Avoiding the use of expensive items for burial: The purchase of expensive coffin, food, drinks,
clothing, dressing or the corpse, burial receptions and programmes increase the financial expenditure of
the funeral. It is therefore advisable to avoid the purchase and use of high priced items for funeral.

6. Number of days spent on funerals should be cut down: People should plan in order to hold burial
and funeral ceremonies on the same day to avoid extra cost and expenditure on funeral budget.

7. Discouraging the practice of buying special funeral cloth or dress: The bereaved family should avoid
compulsory buying and wearing a particular funeral dress or cloth for the single occasion of the dead
person's funeral ceremony. These put financial burden on the family members especially those who go
to buy on credit with the aim of paying after the funeral ceremonies.

8. Avoiding expensive media coverage: People should avoid expensive media coverage especially
through newspapers, radio, Television etc. These medium have wider coverage but are expensive.

Traditional Music And Dance

Traditional music and dance refer to the indigenous and unadulterated type of music and dance
performed by Ghanaians in the various ethnic groups. Some of the popular music and dance perfomed
in the Ghanaian society are Agbadza of the Ewes, Adowa of the Asantes Kpanlongo of the people of Ga
and Adangbe and Bemma of Builsa and Frafra in the Upper East Region

Importance/ Significance Of Traditional Music And Dance

Traditional music and dance is one of the cultural practices of the various ethnic groups which serve as a
unifier and therefore, have some importance or significance in the Ghanaian society.

1. Unity/social cohesion: Traditional music and dance is performed during social functions to entertain
the people. It is performed at functions like birthday celebrations, out-dooring ceremonies, marriage
rites, puberty rites, funeral occasions and other festival occasions such as Odwira, Homowo, Hogbetsoto
etc. During the celebration, lots of people come together and interact with each other. This promotes
peace, unity and stability among the various ethnic groups.

2. Expression of sympathy: Traditional music is used to express sympathy and to share grief and sorrow
with a person or group of people especially when there is death of a loved one. At funerals the dirge is
sung to share the grief and to sympathize with the bereaved person or family.

3. Source of entertainment: Traditional music and dance serve as sources of entertainment to the
people. During the performance many people join to sing, drum and dance to relieve them of their
fatigue, tension and loneliness. People dance and enjoy themselves and others watch people drumming,
singing and dancing and these make them relaxed and enjoy themselves. Thus, the traditional music and
dance serve as a source of entertainment.

4. Source of employment: Traditional music and dance serve as a source of employment for those
involved in the activities related to the music and dance. Such activities are carvers of the various drums
and those who perform the drumming, singing, and dancing. Those who carve the various types of
drums like the xylophone, 'dondo', maracas, talking drum etc. get income from the sale of the items.
Also, those who drum, dance and sing are hired to perform on occasions and they are paid. Examples
are the Ghana Dance Ensemble and Kpando Borborbor Cultural Troupe.

5. Source of information: Traditional music and dance are used to send messages. Talking drums are
used to summon people in the community or to give information about something that has happened.
For example, schools use talking drum to send messages such as assembly, break time, change of lesson
etc. Also words, which are contained in the songs, advice people, and also serve as a social control
mechanism. For example songs are used to inform people about AlDS, about rapists, to ridicule people,
among others.

6. Motivation: Music is used to boost the morale of people and encourage or motivate them to work.
This can be seen at work places such as on farms during planting and harvesting crops, fishing
expedition, mending of nets by fishermen, weaving Kente cloths, construction works, sporting activities
and festival occasions. The songs are either sung or played on radio cassettes and listen to. This helps to
relieve tension and stress and the people continue doing the work without feeling tired.

Marriage Ceremony

Marriage ceremony in the Ghanaian society refers to the rites performed to bring man and woman
together as husband and wife.

Significance/Importance Of Marriage Ceremony

Marriage ceremony has some importance or significance in the Ghanaian society.

1. Preservation/transmission of culture: The ceremony helps to transmit and preserve the culture of
the people. During the ceremony there are activities, which take place. The society observes, learn and
transmit what is learnt. Activities such as consultation, presentation of the bride wealth (items that are
involved) and acceptance of the presentation by the woman and her family are all learnt.

2. Honour and respect: The ceremony gives honour, respect and dignity to both the couple and their
families. People see the couple as being responsible and ready to take up responsibilities in marriage
and therefore are given social recognition and dignity.

3. Promotes moral uprightness: The ceremony provides a legitimate means for sexual relationship and
puts an injunction on the couple especially the woman to only have sexual right to the husband but not
any other person. This controls indiscriminate sexual behaviour or adultery of both the man and woman.
It also serves as a social control mechanism in the society in that it prevents people from becoming
immoral so as to get good marriage partners.

4. Legitimate children born into the family: Marriage ceremony gives opportunity to children born by
the couple recognized and accepted in the family. The children are given a sense of belonging to a clan
and have the legitimate right to inherit their parents and property.

5. Companionship: The marriage ceremony gives a legitimate means of one getting a companion to
provide both moral and financial support. It gives the individual, the opportunity to get someone of the
opposite sex to share his/her life with, in moments of sorrow and joy, a sense of belonging and to
safeguard against loneliness.

6. Unity/social cohesion: Marriage ceremony brings together the two families of the couple, friends and
well-wishers. They come together and share moments of joy and acquaint themselves with each other.
If the couple comes from different ethnic groups the ceremony brings them together. This promotes
peace, unity and stability between the two tribes.

Puberty Rites

Puberty rite refers to the ceremony performed to initiate a girl into adulthood after menstruating for the
first time.

Significance Of Puberty Rites

The following are some of the significance of puberty rites in the Ghanaian society.

1. Preservation/transmission of culture: Puberty rites help the people to transmit their culture. The
activities that are involved in the performance of the rites contain some cultural elements such as
shaving of hair, dressing of the girl, preparing mashed yam mixed with palm oil and with eggs on it,
giving gifts and donations to the girl, drumming, dancing etc. are elements that are transmitted thereby
leading to the preservation and transmission.

2. Acquisition of life skills: The rite is considered very important in the life of the girl and in the society.
During puberty rites, intensive moral and ethical instructions from family or societal elders are given in
order for the young adult to acquire the skills of motherhood. During the ceremony, training, advice,
discipline and how to care and maintain the body during subsequent menstruations are taught. This
helps the girl to care, maintain and able to groom herself and prepare herself for marriage, motherhood
and adulthood.

3. Honour to the girl and family: The ceremony gives honour to the girl and the family in that the girl
has stayed away from sex and pregnancy before the initiation ceremony. Pregnancy before the rite is
seen as an abomination and a disgrace to the girl and the family. The rite therefore brings honour,
respect and dignity to the girl and her parents and family.

4. Societal support: During the ceremony gifts are presented to the girl. Gifts in the form of money and
material benefits such as new clothes, flip-flops (native slippers), beads, necklaces, earrings, cooking
utensils etc. are presented. These help her to meet some of her basic needs.

5. Declaring that the girl is of age: The puberty rite declares or announces to the general public that the
girl is of age and ripe for marriage. It then gives men the opportunity to ask for her hand in marriage and
the girl can make a choice out of those men who approach her.

6. Promotes moral life in the society: It is a precondition for a girl to be in her virginity before the
initiation. Since the rite insists on virginity, it makes the young girls stay away from early sex until they
go through the rites. This moral upbringing discourages promiscuity among young girls before marriage
thereby promoting moral ethics among the youth.

Chieftaincy
Chieftaincy refers to the condition or state of holding a high office, rank or position in a clan, tribe,
community or a society and it is a recognized system of government in which communities or societies
are ruled or governed by traditional rulers or chiefs.

Chieftaincy Institution is a traditional system of government headed by a traditional ruler, who is

appointed and installed by the king makers and the ruler assisted by a council of elders.

A chief is a traditional leader of an ethnic group in a country and a king is the male ruler of an
independent state that has a royal family.

Significance Of Chieftaincy

The importance or significance of chieftaincy in the Ghanaian society are as follows:

1. Peaceful transfer of power: Chieftaincy promotes peaceful transfer of power. There are laid down
procedures, which are followed to elect a new chief. This prevents struggle for power to bring anarchy,
disunity, unstable government and the like.

2. Unity/social cohesion: Chieftaincy brings the people together. During the enstoolment/enskinment or
destoolment/deskinment the people come together to celebrate or to perform the rites. The people
also see themselves as one people under one umbrella and work together to forge peace and unity
among member clans, families and communities.

3. Preservation of culture: There are some cultural elements embodied in chieftaincy. The mode of
selecting a chief, enstoolment/enskinment, destoolment/deskinment, dressing, sitting in state at durbar
grounds with umbrella to provide shade etc, portray the culture of the people which are transmitted
and preserved.

4. Stability and development in a society: Chieftaincy promotes peace, stability and development in a
society. Where there is no struggle for power and have smooth transfer of power there is stability and
development. There is continuous growth process of development projects initiated. The projects
initiated are completed.

5. Social control mechanism: Chieftaincy can also be seen as a social control mechanism. People see
chiefs as having power, authority and control over the people. People therefore respect the office of the
chief thereby avoiding deviant behaviours that will lead them into trouble and be summoned to the
chief's palace to be sanctioned or fined an amount to pay.

Negative Effects Of Chieftaincy

1. Disunity: Chieftaincy brings disunity especially where there is struggle for power. People fight over
who should be the chief especially when the throne is between two or more families or clans. This
brings hatred, chaos, confusion and disunity among the various groups concerned.

2. Retards development: In a situation where there is struggle for power there is confusion and disunity.
These bring about misunderstanding among the people. Also resources that would be used for
development purposes are channelled for litigation. This retards progress and development in a
community or society.

Functions/ Roles Of Chiefs Or Traditional Rulers In Ghana Or Roles Chiefs Play In Uniting Their Subjects
Or The Nation

Some of the functions of traditional chiefs or rulers in uniting their subjects, society and the nation are
as follows:

1. Preservation/transmission of culture: Traditional rulers help to transmit and promote the cultural
heritage of their society. They make sure that all traditional rites, customs and ceremonies are duly
performed. They also involve themselves in performing some of the customs by celebrating occasions
such as Akwasidae, Homowo, Odwira etc. where there is pouring of libation, drumming and dancing, the
chief sitting in state, dancing in the palanquin etc. Such celebrations and performing of customary rites
and customs help to bring the people together and also transmit and preserve the cultural heritage of
the people.

2. Making of laws: Chiefs make laws in consultation with their council of elders to guide the behaviours
and activities in their societies. The laws are in the form of conventions, customs and taboos. The laws
control the people in the community or society and ensure orderliness and peaceful co-existence.

3. Linking the society with the ancestors: Chiefs are seen as spiritual leaders in the various
communities. They act as a link between the living and the dead. Through celebration of festivals,
ceremonies, pouring of libation, sacrifices and consultations, the chiefs communicate with the ancestral
spirits. They therefore serve as a link between the living and the dead and ask Fri protection and peace
for the community and the nation.

4. Settling of dispute/acting as arbitrators: Chiefs are seen as having knowledge good sense of
judgment. They therefore act as magistrates in their communities. They settle disputes among the
people in their communities and reconcile them to live in peace, unity and harmony.

5. Promoting development in their communities: Chiefs are seen as custodians of the land and the
whole community entrusted in their hands. Chiefs therefore see to the development of their areas. They
help to plan developmental projects, organize, supervise, contribute their resources either in cash or in
kind and release stool land for development projects to be carried out. Such developmental projects
include school buildings, hospitals, market places, latrines etc. In some areas there are traditional places
of attraction. They are developed to attract tourists to earn income for the community.

6. Administration of their communities: Chiefs manage the day-to-day affairs of their societies. They
control, guide and steer the affairs of their communities together with their council of elders. They put
their resources together and organize their people to guard and defend the stool lands and properties in
their custody. Chiefs explain important policies they have put in place for the development of their areas
and also the policies of the government to their people.
7. Serving on public boards: Prominent and educated traditional chiefs are appointed to serve on public
boards at the national level. They become members or chairmen of pubIic boards or institutions. Some
become members of Council of State and advise the president on some major issues affecting the state.
Also, agents of the central government are advised on matters affecting chieftaincy institution and
customary law. These help to bring peace in the nation.

8. Serving as members of committee of enquiry: Renowned traditional chiefs who are well versed in
chieftaincy matters are called upon to be members of committee of enquiry in chieftaincy disputes.
Matters such as chieftaincy disputes between two royal families especially, on who should be on the
thrown after a chief is dead or destooled or land dispute between two ethnic groups. They help to
establish facts and bring the various parties together to promote peace in the society or nation.

Libation

Libation refers to the offering of wine to the gods or ancestors in order to communicate with them, give
thanks, ask for peace, forgiveness, guidance and protection for the years to come.

Beliefs in potency of demons, witches and gods

These refer to the faith or belief that people have in other supernatural powers other than the Supreme
Being God that they can protect or bring misfortune to man.

Ancestral worship

It refers to the practice of showing reverence and respect to the ancestors who are believed to be in the
New World or the land of the dead by saying prayers or singing.

Significance Of Libation, Belief In Potency Of Demons, Witches, Gods And Ancestral Spirits

1. Social control mechanism: They help people to conform to social norms and refrain from bad
behaviours or deeds to avoid misfortunes, curses and calamities.

2. Communication: They help to communicate with God, lesser gods and the ancestors and to get close
or in touch with them.

3. Guidance: They help to invoke spiritual guidance, support and blessings to the individuals and the
society.

4. Pacification: They are means of pacifying, appeasing or asking for forgiveness of wrongdoing and for
blessing from God, lesser gods and the ancestors.

Negative Aspects Of Culture/Some Socio Cultural Practices In Ghana That Need To Be Abolished,
Reformed Or Changed

Child betrothal (Forced marriage), Cruel widowhood rites, Trokosi system, female genital mutilation,
facial(tribal marks), belief in witchcraft, ritual murders (human sacrifice), expensive funerals, etc. are
negative cultural practices which enslave and negate human dignity and have negative effects on
development.

Child Betrothal (Forced Marriage) Or System Of Early Marriage

This is the system of marriage where young girls or teenage girls are engaged in contract to be married
to men. The young girls are forced into marriage or made to marry men who are not their choice but
imposed on them by their parents. It is mostly practiced in the northern part of Ghana and Ghanaians
have different names for it. In Akan it is called 'asiwa'.

Need To Abolish Child Betrothal (Forced Marriage)/Early Marriage

The need to abolish child betrothal (forced marriage) and early marriage are:

1. Education of the girls is affected: Where there is child betrothal or early marriage the girls do not
have the opportunity to attend school in order to acquire knowledge, skills, understanding and to realize
their hopes, visions and aspirations in life. Those who have basic education also do not have the
opportunity to further their education. This affects their personal well-being, social growth and
development of their potentialities and capabilities. In effect, they find it difficult to acquire
jobs/employment to obtain income in order to maintain themselves.

2. Teenage motherhood: The girl becomes pregnant and becomes teenage mother. Teenage mothers
(girls) are not psychologically and physically matured or well developed to carry pregnancy to the full
term. They are also inexperienced and cannot take good care of their children born.

3. Complications during birth: They are not physically matured to give birth and this leads to
complications during birth, which results in the death of the baby or mother or both.

4. Teenage mothers are not physically and financially prepared to take up parenting roles: Teenage
mothers are not physically strong to undertake domestic and parenting responsibilities. They are also
not financially sound. These prevent them from giving proper care and maintenance of their children
and the children end up being street children, drug addicts, school dropouts, armed robbers etc. in
society.

5. Over population: Early marriage makes the girl give birth to many children before getting to her
menopause. This leads to high increase in population. The high increase in population leads to over
population, which leads to overburden on family members and government, unemployment, poverty
and social vices.

Cruel Widowhood Rites

Cruel widowhood rites refer to the rituals and customs that are performed for a woman upon the death
of her husband.

Rationale/Purpose Underlying The Performance Of Cruel Widowhood Rites

1. To prevent the ghost (spirit) of the dead from haunting the living spouse.

2. Also, to end the relationship between the living spouse and the dead spouse.

3. Again, to make the living spouse realize the difficulties that lie ahead of her as the breadwinner or
companion is gone.

Some Negative Aspects Or Practices Of The Rites

1. The woman is confined for a period of 3 to 9 days.

2. She is not allowed to handle money until 40 days.

3. She is not permitted to shake hands with other people for fear of transferring the bad omen to other
people.

4. She abstains from food until the husband is buried etc.

The Need To Abolish Cruel Widowhood Rites

Widowhood rite is performed on only the females when their husbands die and some of the practices
are cruel and have physical and psychological effects on the woman concerned and therefore the need
to abolish it in the Ghanaian society.

1. Violation of human rights: The woman is subjected to torture. She is made to go through physical and
mental torture. She is denied food, limits put on her freedom of speech, movement and association. She
is controlled and oppressed by her subordinate women. The woman goes through pain, suffering
physical, mental and psychological torture, which is unbearable and infringes on human rights.

2. Health risks: Widowhood rites have some effects on the health of the widow. Where the woman is
made to sleep with the dead husband or swallow the saliva of the dead person pose serious health risks
to the woman. In a situation where the dead person is infected with the disease like chicken pox,
Tuberculosis (TB), Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM), the woman is likely to be affected. Abstaining from
food for a number of days may also cause stomach ulcer.

3. Psychological effects and death: The woman is psychologically affected. Sleeping with the dead
person, abstaining from food, tying her hands and pulling all put fear, shock, emotional stress and
mental torture on the woman and can lead to madness or death.

4. Dehumanizing and humiliating: The activities that are involved in widowhood rites dehumanize and
humiliate the widow. Tying the hands with rope and pulling, shaving of hair, walking bare footed,
preventing from shaking hands with people and confinement dehumanizes and humiliates the woman.

5. Discriminatory: The practice of widowhood rite discriminates against women in that when a woman
(wife) dies the man is not made to undergo the same treatment. The rite is confined to only the woman,
which is not fair to women.
6. Female labour reduced: During the rites the woman is not allowed to work. Even after the rites it
takes a number of months for a woman to start any business. This reduces the human resource or
labour of the woman, and at times leads to loss of job which leads her into economic hardships.

'Trokosi' (Vestal Virgin/Slaves Of The Gods) System

“Trokosi" system refers to a practice where a girl, particularly a virgin is sent to a shrine to atone for sins
or offences committed by a relative for several years. This system is practiced in some Ewe communities
specifically around Akatsi, Keta, Adidome, Klikor and Sogakope.The girls are made to go through some
rituals and observing a number of taboos. Some of the girls finally end up becoming the wives of the
priest of the shrine.

The Need To Abolish Trokosi System

The practice enslaves and negates human dignity and therefore needs to be abolished. The following are
some of the reasons why the practice needs to be abolished.

1. No formal education and acquisition of skills: The girls that are sent to the shrines, are not given,
formal education. They are also not allowed to learn any vocation to acquire any skill to engage in any
trade. Until recently that some NGOs have intervened and some girls are given formal education and
vocational skills, the girls do not have education. This makes them unemployed leading to poverty.

2. Social embarrassment: There is embarrassment of the young girls and the women adults in the
shrine. They are made to walk bare-footed at the shrine and other public places such as the markets to
buy items and the riverside to fetch water.

3. Unfair treatment: The girls sent to the shrine are treated unfairly. The girls are not the direct people
who committed the offences but are made to suffer for various offences and crimes committed by other
relatives. This is unfair and inhuman treatment and infringes on the rights of the girls and on
fundamental human rights.

4. Lower status of women: The practice lowers the status of women. This is evidenced that the girls or
women at the shrine are denied formal education, acquisition of skills to acquire a trade and to get
income to contribute their quota to the development of their communities and the nation. They are only
treated as servants and have no say in any decision taken and controlled and guided by the norms and
customs of the shrine.

Female Genital Mutilation/Excision/Cutting (Clitoridectomy) (FGM)

It is a puberty rite normally performed on girls before they reach the adolescent age. It involves the
cutting, altering, injuring or removal of the clitoris of the girl for non-medical reasons. This rite is
practiced among some ethnic groups in Northern Ghana. Such ethnic groups are Dagarti, Kasena, Mossi
and Builsa.

Purpose Of Female Genital Mutilation/Excision/Cutting

1. It is aimed at making girls less sexually active before marriage thereby helping to maintain their
virginity till they marry.

2. It is aimed at reducing high sexual desires on the part of women to remain faithful and prevent having
sex outside marriage to promote stable marriage.

3. The practice is also aimed at promoting good moral behaviour in society. It is aimed at reducing
indiscriminate sexual behaviour to have a society of good moral standards.

4. It is a pre-condition for marriage and makes female clean and those who are not mutilated are
considered not fit for marriage.

The Need To Abolish Female Genital Mutilation/Excision (FGM)

The practice is barbaric and murderous and the following are the reasons for its abolishment in the
Ghanaian society.

1. Death: One of the dangers associated with female excision is death. The operation is so painful and
can cause fatal, excessive or severe bleeding. Excessive bleeding can cause the death of some girls.

2. Complication in child delivery: The operation affects smooth delivery of the mother. After the
operation there is scar left after the wound has healed. During delivery the woman finds it difficult to
have smooth delivery as a result of a small opening of the genitalia. This difficulty sometimes may lead
to death of the woman.

3. Health hazards: Female genital mutilation poses health hazards to the girl. When the tools used are
not sterilized or the operation done under unhygienic conditions it could lead to urinary tract infections.
The girl could be infected with diseases such as tetanus and AIDS, which can lead to death.

4. Sterility: Female excision can affect the reproductive organs of the girl and prevent her from giving
birth to children. This will affect her future life.

5. Loss of sexual sensitivity: The girl is deprived of sexual enjoyment, pleasure and satisfaction because
the most sensitive part of female genital organs (clitoris) that causes arousal in females during sexual
intercourse is cut off. This may lead to problems in marriage.

6. Psychological effects: Victims of female genital mutilation undergo some psychological stress, fear
and mental torture. They experience a kind of depression, guilt, humiliation and shame when they come
in contact with other tribes who discuss the topic or marry from outside their tribe.

7. Violation of child's rights to health, security and physical integrity: The practice of female excision
violates the girl's right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and her right
to life when the procedure results in death. Her consent is not sought before the operation. She
undergoes the ordeal unwillingly and below the adolescent age and she cannot resist because she has
no power to resist at that age. The practice has also been condemned by the convention on the rights of
the child.
Ways Of Abolishing Or Reforming The Outmoded Socio-Cultural Practices

Some ways of reforming or abolishing the negative or outmoded socio-cultural practices are as follows:

1. Public education/sensitization: There should be public education to sensitize the populace on the
causes, effects and consequences of the various cultural practices such as early marriages, widowhood
rites, 'Trokosi' system and female genital mutilation. The education will create the awareness in the
people the benefits to be gained in ending it.

2. The enactment and enforcement of laws: There should be laws passed and enforced by the
government to ban the practice of such socio-cultural practices.

3. Constitutional enshrinement: The constitution should have a provision to ban the practice of such
socio-cultural practices. The law banning the cultural practices should be enshrined in the constitution
to prevent people from performing such cultural practices.

4. Involvement of non-governmental organizations or institutions: Non- governmental organizations

should be involved in the process of elimination. The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative
Justice (CHRAJ) should be involved in the fight against injustices and human rights abuse and violations.

5. Modification of the practices: There should be the modification or reformation of the various cultural
practices. For example the atonement of a girl should be replaced with goat, sheep or cow.

6. Engaging whole communities: There should be greater access to support services and providing
families and communities with information about the practice. The focus should be on human rights and
gender equality. There should be societal dialogue and the empowerment of communities to act
collectively to end such practices.

Elements Of Ghanaian Culture That Bind Us/Socio-cultural Practices That Promote Societal
Development

Some social institutions, cultural expressions and common customs bind Ghanaians. Examples are
chieftaincy, festivals, funerals, marriage ceremonies, outdoorings, music and dance etc.

1. Chieftaincy

Chieftaincy is one of the elements of Ghanaian culture that binds the people. Chiefs are seen as
traditional, religious, political and social leaders in the society. They are seen as sacred, powerful and
mystical and commune with the ancestral spirits for guidance and protection. People therefore have
much revered for chieftaincy. Installation or enskinment of a chief shows that chieftaincy binds the
people and also promotes development because all the community members come together for the
installation or the enskinment.

2. Festivals
Most communities or societies in Ghana celebrate festivals. These festivals bring people from far and
near to celebrate the occasions. Festivals help people to renew their allegiance, solidarity, love and
togetherness. During festivals there is settlement of disputes between clans, families, chiefs or friends
and planning of development projects. This promotes reunion of friends, families or making new
acquaintances and relations. Some marry out of the acquaintances and the making of friends. Festivals
therefore promote unity, social cohesion and development.

3. Marriage

In the Ghanaian society marriage is seen as a relationship or a union between two families or ethnic
groups and not the couple alone. During the ceremony, friends and other relatives come together. Inter-
tribal marriages bring together or bind different ethnic groups and work more happily and effectively
thereby forging clan, tribal and national integration for development.

4. Funerals

Funerals like other ceremonies bring people together. People come from far and near to mourn and
sympathize with the bereaved family. It serves as a time for reunion of family members, friends and
making new acquaintances. Funerals have made it possible for people to form associations so that when
a member of the association dies or is bereaved, they go and express their condolences, sympathize,
mourn and donate to the bereaved person or family. Funerals therefore bind or bring the people
together.

5. Birth Ceremonies

Child out-dooring or naming ceremony is a common cultural practice to Ghanaians. During this occasion,
families, friends and well-wishers come together to celebrate. People come together to make merry and
present gifts. People make friends and new acquaintances and propose to each other. Birth ceremonies
therefore serve as an element of unifying people and for development.

6. Drumming, music and dancing

Whenever there is drumming and dancing people converge to take part. Music and dance bring people
together. People entertain themselves with music and dance. Any time there is drumming and dancing it
attracts members in the community and they converge to sing, drum and dance to enjoy themselves. In
the rural areas where there are no other forms of entertainment like the cities and urban centres
traditional music and dance are used to entertain themselves. Thus drumming and dancing as an
element of Ghanaian culture is a unifying factor and for development.

7. Religious beliefs

Ghanaians have greater and different beliefs. They have a belief in the Supreme Being or God, lesser
gods, ancestral spirits, magic, evil spirits etc. During the worship or the ceremonies they come together.
The people abide by the moral standards of their beliefs so as to be blessed and these common beliefs
bind the people. Good moral standards promote development in a society. Examples are, Christians,
Muslims, Traditional worshipers etc.

8. Puberty rites

This is a ceremony performed to initiate a girl into adulthood after menstruating for the first time.
During the ceremony, there are friends, family members and people in the community or society, who
come together to grace the occasion or ceremony. This brings the people together and also inculcates
good morals among the people for societal development.

9. Story-telling

This refers to the description of an event or telling of something that happened. It is often spoken in
order to amuse or entertain people and also to teach some moral lessons. During story telling time,
people converge at a place to listen to the story teller. This brings the people together and also
promotes societal development.

10. Games

A game is an activity or a sport with rules in which people or teams compete with each other. Examples
are game of "ampe", "oware", chess, ludu, football, basketball, pick and act etc. During an occasion of
playing a game, people come together to take part, cheer up or support their members or favorite
teams. This brings them together to promote peace and unity needed for development.

Some Ways By Which Socio-cultural Practices Promote Development

1. Socio-cultural practices bind the people.

2. They promote tourism.

3. They bring about family re-union.

4. They promote national integration.

5. Preservation of culture for continuity.

6. They provide means of social control mechanism.

7. They promote gainful economic activities e.g. local crafts.

8. They provide avenues for settlement of disputes and differences among people.

9. They provide the means of mobilizing people for self-help projects.

10. Chiefs serve as symbols of unity; serve as fora for the explanation of government policies etc.

Some Relevant Cultural Concepts

1. National identity is the expression of behaviours, traits, values and ideas that are commonly shared
by the people of a nation.

It also refers to the phenomenon or situation whereby an individual sees himself as part of his/her
nation and relates to the symbols, traits or psychological feelings connected with the nation and not
only to his/her tribe or ethnic group.

What the above means is that there are some activities, behaviours, expressions and attitude that
people exhibit which identify and associate them with a particular nation. Examples are singing the
national anthem and reciting the national pledge, eating kenkey and fufu, mode of dressing etc. All
these identify a person as a Ghanaian.

2. Ethnicity refers to that part of a nation, particular group or race, which has a distinct cultural identity.
Example is the language, dressing etc. of the particular group.

3. Ethnocentrism/ethnocentric: It is the tendency for an individual to see his ethnic group and its
culture or values as the best and that all other cultures are inferior. It involves looking down upon other
people of different cultures or discriminating against them.

lt also refers to the tendency on the part of an individual to consider his culture to be superior to all
other cultures.

4. Ethnic pluralism refers to the existence or living together of many different ethnic groups of people in
one society with common aspirations, co-operation, peace and unity among the various groups.

The Negative Effects Of Ethnocentrism/Ethnicity/Tribalism

Ethnocentrism leads to tribalism and some of the negative effects of ethnocentrism, ethnicity and
tribalism in the society are:

1. Nepotism/favouritism: This is where special favour is given to relatives or known persons by a person
in high position. Preference or opportunities are given to close relations or tribesmen in the search for
employment or admission into institutions. These close relations may not qualify or have the requisite
qualification and experience. But because their tribesmen occupy a higher position they are given the
opportunity. This leads to inefficiency and low productivity of work because those who qualify to do the
work are left out or not considered.

2. Politics is organized along ethnic lines: People join a particular party simply because the leader of
that party is from their ethnic group. This does not give the opportunity to choose the right leader. The
end result is that there is disunity, national disintegration and retardation of national development.

3. Development resources may not be fairly distributed: People in management control like the
ministers of state and other public officials tend to favour their hometown or local areas in the
distribution or allocation of national resources. Greater part of the resources is given to their
communities and smaller part or none at all given to the communities that do not have people in higher
government positions. This prevents some parts of the country from being developed leading to uneven
development.

4. Leads to civil wars and strife: No tribe would like to be seen as inferior to the other and allowed to be
controlled. As a result there is always competition between the various ethnic groups. This leads to
egotism, antagonism and hatred. It also leads to frequent overthrow of governments in a country
especially when one tribe dominates the political scene and suppresses the other tribe. The displeased
ethnic group will stage a coup and this can lead to counter coups leading to political instability thereby
retarding progress in a nation.

5. Weak nationalism: Where people identify and associate themselves more with their ethnic group or
ethnic origin the concept of strong national belonging is lost or reduced. This does not promote national
unity needed for national development but rather leads to national disintegration.

Solutions To Ethnocentrism, Ethnicity Or Tribalism In The Ghanaian Society

Some of the measures to ethnicity and tribalism or ways of promoting integration among the various
ethnic groups in Ghana are as follows:

1. Inter-tribal marriages: Marriage among the various ethnic groups should be encouraged. This will
help to reduce the negative opinions and ideas formed about the various ethnic groups. This will bring
about peace, unity and tribal cohesion and prevent tribal wars. For example if there is going to be war
between the Asantes and the Ewes and one's parents are from both sides he would not know which side
to fight for and this will prevent the war. This will promote social and national cohesion leading to peace
and understanding.

2. National language: There should be the promotion of indigenous language in the country but the
official and national language should be the English language, which is already being taught in schools
and used as a means of communication at national gatherings and meetings. Example is the use of
English language by the presidents on Ghana's Independence Day celebrations, parliamentarians using
English language for parliament proceedings and deliberations and the use of the English language in
various institutions and departments. This will promote effective communication and understanding.

3. Learning different cultures: By learning different cultures of the various ethnic groups will make
people have the liking for the groups. People will know much about the group and understand and
appreciate their way of life. This will help to realize the good things about the ethnic group and remove
the bias and negative opinions about the group and come to accept their way of life. This will help to
promote national integration.

4. Promotion of patriotism: People should be taught to love and be loyal to the country. They should
see themselves as Ghanaians and put the nation Ghana first before considering their various ethnic
groups in whatever they do. The promotion should be done from the very beginning of the child's school
going age at the basic school through to the universities. People should also be sensitized at their
workplaces to develop patriotism.
5. Formation of occupational groups: Formation of occupational groups or associations will help to
minimize ethnicity. Viable groups will help to replace the strong tribal associations. They will help
individuals and groups to adjust easily to their new environments. For example, religious groups and
welfare associations in institutions and organizations can give financial assistance to people when they
are in need rather than depending on ethnic group associations. Example, teachers welfare fund, credit
union, associations, churches welfare fund etc.

6. Fair representation: There should be fair representation of various ethnic groups in government.
There should also be fair distribution of national cake. These will prevent political unrest caused by
political oppression.

Allegiance

Allegiance refers to the feelings that bind an individual to a higher entity or authority which the
individual is obliged to render a duty, giving continuous support and being obedient and loyal to that
higher entity. Example is having allegiance to the state or government, ruler (chief) religion or political
party.

Allegiance is concerned with a relationship that demands service and obligations in return for such
similar service from the higher entity. Allegiance to the state is important because the state ensures
protection and enjoyment of individual's human rights and liberties.

National Integration

It is the conscious effort to bring together all individuals and various groups of people or cultural units in
the nation into one common society with a common sense of togetherness.

Advantages /Benefits/Reasons For National Integration

1. Fair distribution of resources: The distribution and allocation of the resources of the country will be
done according to the needs of the various communities but not on tribal considerations. Every
community will receive its fair share of the development resources The ministers in charge of the
allocation will be impartial and distribute the resources fairly.

2. Appointments and promotions will be on merit: The appointments and promotions to occupy
employment positions would be on ability to perform and on merit basis rather than on tribal lines.
People appointed would be those who can serve the nation better and this will promote development
since work done will be efficient.

3. Work efficiency: It makes people in authority or policy makers work harder to ensure efficiency. Tribal
sentiments are avoided because people see themselves as working for the whole nation and not for a
particular tribe.

4. Efficient mobilization of resources: It ensures proper and efficient mobilization of resources for
development. The various ethnic groups can put their natural and human resources together for
development. For example where there is abundant foodstuffs and timber and other resources, some
can be transported to other areas where they are scarce. Also, in an area where there are more people
with knowledge and skills in particular field can be posted or transferred to work in other areas of the
country. People such as doctors, teachers, masons, carpenters etc. can accept such postings and
transfers.

Ways Of Promoting Ethnic/National Integration Or Unity

There are several ways of promoting integration and unity among the various ethnic groups in the
country. Such ways are:

1. Encouraging inter-tribal or ethnic marriages: Marriage between the various ethnic groups should be
encouraged. Marriage is seen as a relationship or a union between two families or ethnic groups, clans
or tribes. During the occasion, relatives come together to celebrate and see themselves as one people
with common blood relations. This forges long standing unity among them. Anytime there is conflict,
dialogue is used to settle it amicably but not resort to war. Inter-tribal marriages therefore help to bring
various ethnic groups together to promote clan, tribal, ethnic and national integration and unity.

2. Active participation of all in community based projects: All the various tribes in the community,
village or town should take active part in all communal activities or projects. The project should be one
that will benefit all. The project will be seen as their own contribution to the success of it and therefore
have interest in it. This will make the various ethnic groups see themselves as one people thereby
promoting ethnic group/national integration.

3. Involvement of all interest groups in decision making: The various ethnic groups should be brought
together in times of decision making. There should be freedom of expression during the discussions and
various positions at the decision making body should have equal representation. This will promote
ethnic and national integration and unity.

4. Discouraging ethnicity/ethnocentrism in our society: The various ethnic groups should not see their
ethnic groups as superior over others in order to avoid conflicts. The divisive tendencies or acts that will
lead to conflicts should be avoided. Such acts like religious disputes and differences, litigations on land,
clashes, petty quarrels etc. should be avoided or eradicated.

5. Encouraging full participation in social events: The various tribal units or ethnic groups should take
active part in social events such as child naming ceremonies (out-dooring) chieftaincy, funerals, festivals,
cultural fairs such as National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFAC) etc. There should also be inter-ethnic
fun games.

6. Appointment to government positions should cut across cultural boundaries: Appointment of

people to fill public positions or government positions should take consideration of the various ethnic
groups. People should be appointed to include all the various tribal groups. This will help to promote
integration among the various ethnic groups.
7. Making tourism attractive and accessible to all: Tourist sites in the various localities or areas should
be developed to be attractive and promoted by all. The tourist site should be opened to all to visit and
days set aside for visiting and making fun fairs. There should be days for fun fairs at the tourist sites to
involve all the various ethnic groups within the locality and beyond. This will help to promote ethnic
integration.

8. Through formal education and the role of the mass media: Formal education provides information,
knowledge and understanding of issues by the individuals. Formal education should therefore be made
accessible to all and people encouraged to have their education in schools situated outside their ethnic
groups. There should be education for the people to appreciate the cultural values of other people and
no group of people should see its culture as superior. This will make individuals make friends with other
people and understand the culture thereby promoting integration. The mass media should also help to
educate and provide information to individuals through educational programmes on television, radio
broadcast, reading materials, newspapers, books etc.

Common Cultural Traits

Common traits are those characteristics that are shared by a group of people. It also refers to the
distinguishing qualities and characteristics associated or identified with a particular ethnic group and
which, are shared by that group of people. Examples are respect, hospitality, humility, religious etc.

Cultural Traits Of Ghana

Characteristics like security, sharing of common currency and other resources, provision of amenities
and freedom of movement are traits, which are enhanced by belonging to the state.

Why We Should Emphasize National Cultural Traits Rather Than Ethnic Traits

Ethnic traits divide the nation and lead to national disintegration but national cultural traits unite the
various ethnic groups, and in turn lead to national integration. Many cultural traits are not limited to
particular ethnic groups, example, hospitality and sense of security. Our nationhood is lasting bond and
it should be preserved.

Some National And Traditional Symbols

National Symbols

The Coat of Arms, the National Flag, the Currency, the State Sword, the independence Ark etc. are
material symbols of the nation and the National Anthem and the National pledge are non-material
symbols of the nation:

THE COAT OF ARMS OF GHANA

The Coat of Arms: It is a badge or emblem of the nation, which is used by the government on state
properties. It is made up of the following,
a. A shield with four parts

b. A big black star on the top of the shield.

c. Two large eagles wearing medals standing by the sides of the shield carrying the shield.

d. A motto on which the eagles and shield rest.

Meanings And Messages The Emblem Signifies

The shield has four parts and each has a meaning.

i. The Sword and Staff on the left top section stand for traditional ruling and authority before the
coming of the Europeans.

ii. The castle or fort at the top right section indicates the central government, which was first set up by
the British Government and which works for the whole country.

iii. The cocoa tree on the left bottom shows that Ghana is rich in agriculture.

iv. The Mineshaft at the bottom right hand shows that Ghana is rich in mineral resources.

v. The lion in the middle of the cross signifies our connections with the British Government and also
Ghana's membership of the Commonwealth.

vi. The Black Star on the shield signifies the visions and aspirations of Ghanaians and which Ghanaians
have to accomplish.

vii. The two Eagles signify our independence or freedom is in safe hands and Ghana has a formidable
army to protect her against aggression or the territorial integrity of the country.

viii. The motto, 'Freedom and Justice' means Ghana is free from foreign dominion and justice for all
Ghanaians to enjoy fairness and equity.

THE NATIONAL FLAG OF GHANA

The National Flag consists of four colours namely Red, Yellow (Gold), Green and black. The flag has
horizontal stripes of the three colours Red, Yellow and Green with a Black star in the middle of the
colours yellow.

Red: The blood, which was shed by those who fought and won independence for Ghana.

Yellow (Gold): The mineral wealth or resources of Ghana, such as gold, diamond, gas etc.

Green: The rich agricultural land of Ghana, which provides wealth such as cocoa, timber, kola etc.

Black Star: The hopes, freedom and aspirations of the people of Ghana and the African personality.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

GOD BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA

AND MAKE OUR NATION GREAT AND STRONG

BOLD TO DEFEND FOREVER

THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM AND OF RIGHT

FILL OUR HEARTS WITH TRUE HUMILITY

MAKE US CHERISH, FEARLESS, HONESTY

AND HELP US TO RESIST OPPRESSOR'S RULE

WITH ALL OUR WILL AND MIGHT FOR EVER

MORE.

THE NATIONAL PLEDGE

I PROMISE ON MY HONOUR

TO BE FAITHFUL AND LOYAL TO GHANA MY MOTHERLAND

I PLEDGE MYSELF TO THE SERVICE OF GHANA

WITH ALL MY SRENGTH AND WITH ALL MY HEART

I PROMISE TO HOLD IN HIGH ESTEEM

OUR HERITAGE WON FOR US

THROUGH THE BLOOD AND TOIL OF OUR FATHERS

AND I PLEDGE MYSELF IN ALL THINGS TO UPHOLD

AND DEFEND THE GOOD NAME OF GHANA

SO HELP ME GOD.

Traditional Symbols (Some Adinkra Symbols)

1. Gye Nyame: It is a symbol, which tells mankind of the greatness and immortality of God who is the
only being that can pronounce death or deliver man from his predicaments.
2. Obi Nka Obi: meaning bite not one another. It is a symbol, which, reminds people to avoid conflicts
and promote, peace, unity and togetherness.

3. Tikoro Nko Agyina: Two or more human heads carved together indicates that one person cannot go
into counsel and it is improper for one person to take decisions for the whole society and that, there is
value in consultation and discussion in arriving at decisions. It also indicates that democracy is better
than dictatorship.

4. Sankofa: It is an Akan word which refers to the practice of returning to our past to pick those parts of
our cultural heritage that are relevant and valuable to the solutions of our socictal problems and
national development. It indicates that it is not a taboo to return to fetch something that has been
forgotten and reminds people to go back and pick the good things they have failed or forgotten to do. It
simply means correcting our past mistakes.

Importance Of National And Some Traditional Symbols In Fostering Allegiance

1. Authority: They serve as a higher entity or authority to which individuals pay allegiance by rendering
their duties, giving support, obedience and loyal to. Examples are state sword, coat of arms, saluting the
national flag, singing the national anthem and reciting the national pledge.

2. Nationhood: National symbols represent an independent nation and gives political character and
aspirations to the nation. The independence gives citizenship to individuals as Ghanaians and to see
themselves as one people with one destiny. These make Ghanaians both in and outside Ghana have
faith, trust and continuous support for the nation. Examples are the coat of arms, the flag, national
anthem and the pledge.

3. National integration and unity: It helps to bring various ethnic groups together to be.under one
umbrella. It brings co-operation among the people and they see themselves as one people with one
destiny. This promotes ethnic pluralism and unity that are needed for national development. Examples
are the national flag which is a symbol of the nation and the traditional/indigenous broom which depicts
strength in unity. These make Ghanaians encourage national unity to promote allegiance and
development.

4. Patriotism: National and traditional symbols help to promote patriotism in the individuals. The
symbols make individuals have strong devotion for the country and enable them to love and work hard
to defend and protect the good name of the country. Example is the national pledge which contains
words like loyalty, faithfulness and service to the nation.

5. Enjoyment of rights and resources of the country: It reminds Ghanaians of the fact that the country
belongs to all. Everybody has the right to enjoy social life and resources of the nation and to contribute
to the development of the nation.

6. Strengthening of relations: It helps to create and strengthen cordial relations with other nations.
Symbols such as the national flag, traditional stools and Kente cloths are given to dignitaries from other
nations when they visit Ghana. The gifts carry symbolic messages, which talk about friendship, solidarity,
mutual support, peace and unity. lt encourages Ghanaians to give support and to promote peace and
strengthens relations with each other and other nations.

7. ldentification: Symbols help the nation to be identified. Ghanaians and their nation are easily
identified among other people and countries of the world. The national anthen, the national pledge, the
coat of arms, the Ghana flag and traditional kente cloth make it possible for Ghanaians and the nation to
be identified.

8. Teaching moral and social values: Symbols like the flag, the pledge and the anthem all teach the
citizens of Ghana to work hard in their chosen occupations, protect and defend the good name of
Ghana. The symbols also teach values such as respect, honesty, unity, loyalty, faithfulness, love,
togetherness, co-operation and a sense of duty and hard work.

9. Sense of pride in the citizens: The citizens feel proud of themselves and the country especially when
the country excels at international competitions such as the World Cup Olympic games and peace
keeping operations. Ghana is also talked about as a peaceful country and these make the citizens feel
proud as Ghanaians.

Ways By Which National Identity Can Be Promoted

The following are some ways by which national identity can be promoted.

1. Promoting a common indigenous language: Many languages are spoken and taught in Ghana. As a
result there is no single official language known within and outside Ghana. There must be a common
indigenous and official language spoken in Ghana. This can promote national integration, effective
communication, understanding and friendliness among various ethnic groups. When the language is
spoken it will make Ghanaians be identified within and outside Ghana thereby promoting national
identity.

2. Adopting a common national dress: The local cloth and dress should be promoted. Ghanaian men
should put on 'Batakari or smock made of local materials like the Kente and the wornen put on Kaba at
the top and cloth at the down sewn from Kente cloth. Ghanaians should take delight in wearing those
dresses. This will make Ghanaians be identified everywhere they go.

3. Patriotism: There should be patriotic songs, which must be popular and sung everywhere. People
should be encouraged to sing such songs. Example, the national anthem and Yen Ara Asase Ni'. This will
develop the spirit of patriotism. People should be taught from the beginning to love, make sacrifices and
do well to protect and defend the country. By so doing they will develop the spirit of nationalism and be
nationalistic to promote national identity.

4. Celebration of national cultural festivals annually: A day can be set aside as a national cultural
festival day. On such a day, festivals can be held. The venue must be rotated every year in the districts,
regional capitals and the nation's capital. Issues affecting the nation can also be discussed on this
occasion. This will make Ghanaians become proud of their culture and help to portray it outside the
country to promote national identity.
5. Encouraging more inter-tribal or ethnic marriages: Marriage between the various ethnic groups
should be encouraged. During the occasion, relatives come together to celebrate and see themselves as
one people with common blood relations. This forges long standing unity among them. Inter-tribal
marriages therefore help to bring various ethnic groups together to promote clan, tribal or ethnic
integration and national identity.

6. Fair representation in political appointments: Appointment of people to fill public positions should
take consideration of the various ethnic groups and gender. People should be appointed to include all
the various tribal groups and gender equality. This will help to promote ethnic and gender balance of
both men and women in government to promote national identity.

7. Fair/equitable distribution of national cake/government projects: The distribution and allocation of

government projects should be done according to the needs of the various communities but not on
tribal considerations. Every community should receive its fair share of the development projects. This
will make every community in the country feel happy for being part of the Ghanaian society thereby
promoting national identity.

8. Promoting and eating of Ghanaian dishes: Ghanaian dishes should be promoted and people
encouraged to patronize them. People should take delight in eating Ghanaian dishes within and outside
Ghana. This will help to promote Ghanaian identity.

9. Respecting national symbols.

10. Promoting public education.

11. Holding national sports festivals on regular basis.

12. Encouraging boarding systems in schools.

How The Ghanaian Cultural Heritage Can Be Preserved

Cultural heritage refers to the various traditions that are inherited or transmitted in a society. These are
the beliefs, norms, values, dressing, language, music, dance, drums, food, artifacts etc.

There are various ways by which the cultural heritage can be transmitted and preserved in Ghana. These
are:

1. Teaching of Cultural Studies in schools: Cultural Studies should be included in the school curriculum
and taught at all levels in the school system from the basic through to the university. There should be
both theory and practical examinations in the schools and certificates awarded to deserving students. At
the university level, Cultural Studies should be one of the general courses of study and students should
pass before they are awarded their degree certificates.

2. Documentation of cultural practices: The various cultural practices in the various communities and
ethnic groups should be written in books or stored in electronic devices for people to have access to
information on the practices when necessary. The information can be on the history, various items used,
how they are performed or celebrated and their significance. These will enable people have readily
available information to the cultural practices when the need arises and help to preserve the cultural
heritage. Example is 'Heritage Ghana' which is being shown on UTV.

3. Celebration of cultural festivals: Cultural festivals should be promoted and celebrated. There should
be periodic celebration of cultural festivals to expose the practices to the youth for them to imitate or
learn. The learning and practicing will lead to continuous transmission of the cultural heritage to
promote its preservation.

4. Organizing cultural festival competitions: Cultural festival competitions should be organized

especially for the youth. It should be in the form of debates, quizzes, cultural displays and essay
competitions. There can also be lectures, talks, symposia and workshops and after which there should
be quizzes and presentations of facts or ideas based on selected topics on some cultural practices. It can
be done through the mass media for people to watch and learn. Example is the "Heritage African
Tradition Show" on Ghana Television (GTV).

5. Formation of cultural troupes: There should be the formation of cultural troupes in schools from the
basic level through to the universities and in the various communities. These troupes should be called
upon to perform in schools and at public places during occasions such as out-dooring anniversaries,
festival occasions, parties etc. This will help to promote and preserve the cultural heritage in Ghana.
Examples of cultural troupes in Ghana are Agroma, Zadonu, Agbe, Gye Nyame, Natsui, Ahenemma,
Adehye, Sapa etc.

6. Patronizing locally produced goods: People should be encouraged to patronize locally produced
goods such as dresses, drums, stool and other artifacts. These will enable people to use local dresses,
sandals, stools and other artifacts for decorations and other purposes and help promote the
preservation of the Ghanaian cultural heritage.

7. Active participation in cultural activities: People should be encouraged to take active part in cultural
activities. They should involve themselves actively in cultural festivals, cultural displays or performances,
cultural troupes, debates, quizzes, documentation etc. These will enable individuals acquire knowledge
of the various cultures and help to preserve the cultural heritage.

Some Of The Ghanaian Cultural Traits And Values That Are Cherished/Shared

These are behaviours that are highly regarded or cherished in society and considered desirable.

1. Hospitality: This is the state of being friendly and giving generous reception and entertainment to
guests or strangers. This involves giving water, food and shelter to strangers etc.

2. Respect: This is the state of showing good conduct that is worth in society. Examples are showing
respect for authority, God, law, aged and other people's rights, freedom of speech and life etc.

3. Modesty: This is the state of showing or taking care not to do or say anything impure or improper
about anybody.
4. Concerned for others: This is the state of taking interest in other people's affairs and helping them to
solve them. It is people who take other people's problems as their own.

5. Tolerance: This is the state of accepting or accommodating any situation, suffering or misbehaviour
and being patient.

6. Humility: This is the state or situation of being humble, modest and showing compassion, politeness
and respect for others. It also involves showing good interpersonal relationships with other people.

7. Godliness: This is the state of being religious and having belief in the Supreme Being. This makes the
individual exhibit good behaviours acceptable in society. The individual and people in the society show
good moral behaviours, which promotes peace and unity in the society.

8. Dialogue and arbitration: This refers to preference for dialogue and arbitration to the use of violence
in conflict resolution.

9. Modest dressing code: Wearing dress of moderate length to avoid revealing private parts and be
much concerned about type of clothes won during public appearance.