Ghanaians take pride in their long history of unity which enabled them to become the first country to obtain independence in Africa. The Ghanaians, despite being from diverse ethnic backgrounds are a united nation when it comes to the unity of purpose. Ghana is a culturally diverse country but has a level of cultural unification that makes them stand out and allows them to be a peaceful country.
Religion
Religion in Ghana varies from person to person. Due to intense missionary activities in Africa, about 68.8% of Ghanaians are Christians. This has made Ghanaians over the years to let go of traditional customs and beliefs like ancestral worship and polygamy which is prohibited among the Christian community. About 15.9% of the population is Muslim and about 8.5% practice African traditional religion characterized by ancestral worship and the use of spirit mediums. Ghanaian traditional beliefs also vary from ethnic group to ethnic group and the Akan are one such group that emphasizes the ancestors along with the worship of other gods and spirits.
Tradition.
The Ghanaian culture mainly emphasizes the good treatment of visitors, hospitality, unity, and good manners and this makes it stand out as a country. Traditional customs like polygamy are still practiced though they are dwindling. They are now mostly practiced by non-Christian and the wealthier people. The Ghanaian society was mainly split into 3 groups which are the royal families, the commoners, and the slaves, though slavery was abolished. Royalty however is still recognized, with Chiefs still leading their traditional communities. Ghanaians emphasize responsibility and when a man dies in a family, the younger brother assumes the responsibility of taking care of the children and marries the widow as well.
Music and art
Ghana still maintains its ancient history of storytelling, with music, drums, and dance at such an event. This is most prevalent in rural areas. The intricately woven and beautiful coloured Kente cloth is Ghana’s national dress and is worn by both men and women. Such artistry as displayed in the weaving of the Kente cloth shows great skill in terms of Ghanaian Art. Ghanaians are also excellent woodcarvers and create sculptures, music instruments, ornaments, and traditional chairs. Ghanaians also create mats that are made from reeds.
Festivals
Some several ceremonies and festivals are observed by Ghanaians. However, these differ according to their ethnic groups. Ghanaians hold feasts to celebrate their harvest and throngs attend these events and enjoy food, music, and dance. The Akan tribe celebrates the Odwira which is their harvest festival where they present a new harvest to the chief and have a ceremony.
A ceremony is also held for young girls who are coming of age and is made an obligation before they transition to marriage age.
Sport
Ghanaians just love their sport, especially soccer. Ghana is one of the best footballing nations in Africa, having prominently featured in many Africa Cup of Nations finals and has won it 4 times. They are not left out of the World stage as well as they have qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup in recent years with a great showing and display that caught the attention of the whole world. The under the 20s also won the Fifa under 20 World Championships. Other sporting codes include boxing, tennis, athletics, and rugby to mention but a few.
Clothing
Clothing is an important part of Ghanaian etiquette. The intricately woven and beautiful coloured Kente cloth is Ghana’s national dress and is worn by both men and women. Ghanaians pride themselves in their traditional wear. The younger generation however now wear modern clothes and label. Emphasis is placed on dressing which is supposed to be modest and exhibit good upbringing.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
