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For anyone who will be traveling to
Ghana be prepared to meet some of the nicest, most
peace-loving people in the world. The Ghanaian
people are kind, generous, gracious people who will go
out of their way to help you.
The official language is English, but
there are several tribal languages spoken. Along
the coast they speak Ga, Adangme, Ewe, Twi and Fante.
As you travel north the languages are Dagomba, Baule,
Gurma and some Housa. Though you may not be able
to speak these languages you can almost always find
someone who speaks English. Also, when you try to
speak to them in their own language they love it and
will encourage you with broad smiles and innocent
laughter.
The big city people are great mixtures
from all of the tribes, as well as many Europeans, other
Africans, Americans and Middles Easterners. The
village people, mostly poor farmers live in mud-brick
homes with grass roofs. They usually group in
family compounds.
Ghana
places great emphasis on communal values like family and
extended family. They have deep respect for the elderly
and honor their traditional rulers like chiefs and
elders. They stress the importance of dignity and
proper social conduct. What one person does is seen as
having impact on his entire family, social group and
community; therefore, everyone is expected to be
careful, respectful, dignified and observant in every
public setting and in every aspect of life. Though
their customs are different than ours (Americans), and
what we see done may conflict with our sense of dignity,
we have to be careful to note that our ways are just
that - "our ways". They are very careful to
observe traditions and the customs are passed on through
the generations. For instance, parents still often name
their children according to the day of the week on which
they were born. Customary leaders (chiefs) have
historical authority over tribal and family matters, and
customary lands. Child naming, puberty initiations,
marriage and death are marked by family ceremonies.
Seasonal festivals bring a whole people or clan together
in spectacular fashion. |
