People of Ghana
Ghanaians are very humble and wise people, they come from six main ethnic groups. Each group has a unique quality and way of living. The Akan (Ashanti and Fanti), the Ewe, the Ga-Adangbe, the Mole-Dagbani, the Guan and the Gurma are 6 main ethnic groups. Every group best reflects the country’s traditions and cultures that have been anciently practiced. Let’s get to know the life-style of Ghanaians a little bit more:
Ashanti Tribe:
The Ashanti are the most ethnic group of The Akan and the largest tribe in Ghana. It was formed 50 years ago which makes it moderately new nation. They are known for the brilliancy and wealth of their ancestors and rulers. The Ashanti specialize in doing craft work, metal casting and are famous for their hand-carved stools, dolls and notable kente cloth. The material that is used for making kente cloth is cotton and is often worn by men. The Ashanti have different kinds of religious beliefs. According to them plants, animals, trees have souls and the forest monsters, witches and fairies exist as well. They believe a Golden Stool is very sacred as it symbolizes the worship of their ancestors. Ashanti Tribe is very social as well as economical, they do various celebrations and everyone joins it. For Ashanti, the money spent on festivals or major ceremonies are the solid part of the household budget.
Ewé:
Situated in southeastern Ghana; The Ewe believe in more than six-hundred gods. Similar to Ashanti tribe, the Ewe also weave kente cloth with patterns and symbols.
They earn by fishing, craft work as well as by keeping some livestock.
Ga-Adangbe Tribe:
The Ga-Adangbe people are the two groups living in the Accra Plains. The Adangbe are situated in east while the Ga groups are located to the west of the Accra coastlands. People of Shai, La, Ningo, Kpone, Osudoku, Krobo, Gbugble, and Ada belong to Adangbe whereas the Ga includes the Ga-Mashie groups that are living in the central Accra. Ga-Adange people make a total 8% of Ghana’s population. A lot of festivals are held by the Ga people, the most popular is the Homowo festival which is held every year.
Festival of Asafotu is celebrated by the Ada people. This festival is also known as ‘Asafotufotufiam’ which is an annual warrior’s festival. It is a very commemorative event.
Gaun Tribe:
Migrated from the Mossi region of modern Burkina; The Guan formed colonies along the Black Volta all over the Afram Plains in Volta Gorge.
Languages and food:
Ghanaians speaks in more than 23 languages, while English is the official language of Ghana. Most spoken languages are Twi, Fante, Ga, Hausa, Dagbani, Ewe and Nzema.
As far as food is concerned, Ghanaians are good in making soups. Light soup, palm-nut soup, and groundnut soup are the most popular soups there.
Festivals and Music:
A lot of festivals are celebrated in Ghana throughout the year. These festivals outshine the cultures and traditions of Ghana which are highly enjoyed by the tourists.
The Homowo festival and Panafest are common festivals of Ghana. As the country celebrates festivals all over the year, it is popular for being a land of music and dance as well. It’s hard to find a tribe or clan that doesn’t celebrates every year.
Art and Craft:
The most common and highly developed craft in Ghana is weaving. Stamped cloth is also made in different tribes and places which are the main fashion in the country.
Kente cloth is made commonly for festivals and occasions, as they reflect the colorful moments of Ghanaians.
Cultural promotion:
To promote Ghanaian culture, its government has started several projects in different cities. To increase tourism in the country government sector is playing a vital role in which Ghana International Airline stands out by providing cheap flights to Ghana with the best possible services. A number of other companies are also providing cheap flights to Accra and other cities of Ghana.