Ghanaian Culture (specifically Akan culture)

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Ghanaian Culture (specifically Akan culture)
There are numerous tribes such as the Akan that constitute a greater part of Ghanaians. The Akan are one of the largest Ghanaian groups that look into the culture(s) and way of life of their smaller groups such as Ashanti and Fanti. Delving into the Akan’s culture(s), therefore, enlightens individuals about the Ghanaians since they occupy a large part of the community. An examination of the Akan culture augurs an interest(s) in their language(s), food(s), kingdom, cloth, dance(s) and celebration(s).
Among the Akan people, there is the Akan language which is divided into dialects that include Asante, Fante and Twi. Each of them applies to different parts of Ghana as Fante, for instance, are used by the Ghanaians within the central region. Nonetheless, the three dialects are under the same bracket hence, they are often treated as one, the Akan language. Apparently, this language has a connotation of slavery as there are some in Suriname that utilize the Akan language (Daddieh & Robert 71). An in-depth look at slavery reiterates that; most of these people at Suriname were sired from people that suffered under the hands of white colonizers. The three dialects are spoken all around Ghana by a respectable number of these citizens. It is important, however, to realize that the Akan Orthography Committee played a role(s) in constructing a common language to be used in educational settings.

They combined a certain amount of words extracted from the Akan language and supplemented them with Adinkra, which are visual representation of the language [and dialects]. An understanding of the language(s) used by these Akans is also fulfilled by a grasp of Central Tano languages such as the Anyin language, Chakosi and Ahanta. Furthermore, the food(s) among the Akan culture are useful in enlightening individuals about the respective community. Each of the tribes upholds their culture(s) by indulging in local cuisine that augurs an identity for them. The Ashanti have four primary dishes that are categorized as their ‘staple’ foods. They include Mashed Plantain (Eto), Fufu and Goat light soup, Ampesi and Kontomire stew. These Akans are more inclined toward Fufu and Goat as, for a long time, it has been considered their staple meal. In fact, there is an assumption that an Ashanti that does not eat fufu daily is not considered as a well-fed individual(s). Fufu is not only cooked at home but also along the roadside, whereby, it is supplemented by light soup [with smoked fish] and groundnut soup. The idea(s) of having plantain in their local cuisine emulates the ‘Africanism’ that is seen in other nations such as Uganda, whose staple food is bananas (Daddieh & Robert 71). Again, the plantains preferred by these Akans are regularly mixed with either boiled egg or avocado.
An in-depth exploration of the Akans’ kingdom is another way of understanding their culture(s) and tradition(s). The Ashanti [Asante] Empire was a kingdom of the Akans before it transformed into the nation, Ghana. It was during the late 17th century [1695] and early 18th century [1717] that King Osei Tutu worked together with Okomfo Anokye to develop the Kingdom of Ashanti. As King and adviser, Tutu and Anokye were supposed to ensure that unity ensued in the kingdom by creating the “Golden Stool” which unified the Ashanti people. Unfortunately, the rampancy of slavery interfered with the ‘stable’ and ‘peaceful’ nature within the Ashanti Empire. Slavery was a tradition in this Empire since even slaves had the capability of owning other human beings for purposes of labor. Still, the Ashanti Kingdom exists today under the guise of Ghana’s traditional state with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Asantehene as its current king. The Kingdom harbors the Ghanaian people as well as resources such as Lake Bosmutwi. It also indulges in certain forms of trade and the main commodities include gold bars, kola nuts and cocoa.
Despite having numerous pieces of cloth, the Kente cloth [or nwentom] is representative of the Akans and their culture(s). Kente is a silky and cotton material that is interwoven as pieces of cloth strips. By being part of the Akan culture(s); it is particularly designed in areas such as the Ashanti Kingdom whose major populace is the Akans. The name of this piece of cloth, Kente, is derived from “Kenten” which is an Asante word referring to “basket.” As detailed, however, “nwentom” is the Akan name for this cloth. It is important to understand that Kente is only worn during particular times and events due to its sacred nature. In fact, it is categorized as a royal piece of cloth that is only fit for the Akan kings. The Ghanaians have, however, attempted to bring about versatility apropos of Kente even if it still remains to be a royal piece of cloth among this society. Again, there is a realization that each of the colors within the Akans’ Kente is meaningful. For instance; black means spiritual energy, pink shows the necessity of life, silver shows purity while yellow represents fertility and royalty. All these colors of the Kente cloth have more than one depiction, reiterating the cloth’s royal nature among the Akans.
Moreover, dance and celebration among the Akans are important in realizing the community’s culture(s) and tradition(s). There are both fulfilling and heart wrenching festivals within the Akan society. For instance; there are celebrations such as the Ashanti Yam Festival, Adae Kese Festival, Papa Festival and Kente Festival. These ‘happy’ festivals are often counteracted by the unavoidable funerals and burials that take place in the society, as well. Each of these festivals is marked on the Akans’ calendar as; they are part of their traditions, which should be followed to the letter. Furthermore, there are dances such as the Adowa Dance which is categorized as a funeral dance. The Adowa is versatile as it is not only performed in funerals but also in other events [such as marriage] celebrated in the Ashanti community. Often, these dances are executed by women; who act as the lead dancer and singer, simultaneously. Interestingly enough, the Adowa dance was motivated by the movements by the antelope that was used as a sacrifice to heal Abrewa Tuta, the Ashantis’ queen mother. It is quite easy to understand the Ghanaian culture from the perspective(s) of Akans and their culture(s) and tradition(s). In fact, a specific examination of the Ashanti makes the analysis more feasible since there is enough information about their language(s), food(s), kingdom, cloth, dance(s) and celebration(s). These Akans share numerous culture(s) with other tribes that do not have either Ashanti or Fanti roots. However, the Kente cloth is only representative of the Akans since it is a prominent material among them.
Works Cited
Daddieh, Cyril K, and Robert J. Mundt. Historical Dictionary of Côte D’ivoire (the Ivory Coast). , 2016. Print.