Ghana Month: 5 heartwarming characteristics of the Ghanaian Culture

Are you Ghanaian enough? How well do you identify with the Ghanaian identity and the celebration of Ghanaian occasions like Ghana Month?

Why is March Ghana Month?

Ghana Month is symbolic for the people of Ghana because it is in the month of March that Ghana gained her independence; 6^th March 1957. Ghana is also the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence. Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah who was then Ghana’s first Prime Minister declared the freedom of the Ghanaian people from their colonial rulers, the British, “……….Ghana our beloved country is free forever.” Ghana means, “Strong Warrior King”.

READ MORE about Ghana’s history here.

The theme for this year’s Independence Day is, “Our Unity, Our Strength, Our purpose”. The venue of the celebration is rotated across the regions in Ghana. This time, it was held in Ho, the capital town of the Volta Region.

How is Ghana Month/Independence Day celebrated in Ghana?

There is a march pass or parade for basic school children and some government organisations, hoisting the Ghana flag. 6^th March is celebrated as a holiday as well as the following day, for basic school children.  However, if it falls on a weekend, the following Monday will be a holiday for all basic school children. Speeches made by the President and other Ghanaian leaders as well as performances from schools and other groups to commemorate the day.

How old is Ghana now?

66 years down the line, how far have we come as a country? I know, but still, I wave the flag of Ghana high. Let’s talk about the things we can do better in another post.

READ ALSO: 11 eye-opening things you might regret by the age of 60

5 Characteristics of the Ghanaian culture

1. Language

Which Ghanaian language do you speak? Oh my, there are more than 30 of them. Oh yes, but the 4 most common ones are Akan (Asante Twi, Fante, Akuapem), Ga, Ewe and Dagaare.

Which of the 30 or the 4 do you speak or understand? Do you even speak them with your children or relatives?

2. Ghanaian food

Hmm, Ghanaian Jollof rice is DEFINITELY the most delicious jollof rice in the world! I’m well aware of the debate, lol. I’d say, tasting is believing.  Other amazing Ghanaian dishes are waakye, beans stew with fried plantain, fried fish (or fried eggs, shrimps, turkey, pork, etc) with kenkey and grounded pepper, banku with okro soup/stew or grilled tilapia, fufu.

WATCH: 10 must-try Ghanaian foods to consume in Ghana 

3. Rich Ghanaian History

In Ghana, every tribe has a unique cultural heritage and history. These differ in the dress, language, food, festivals, monuments and historic sites.

For instance:

• The Golden Stool, the sword of Okomfo Anokye, the Kente Cloth and the Adowa Dance are symbolic of the Ashanti Kingdom

• The Kakum National Park, Cape Coast and Elmina Castles and the statues of Oburumankoma, Odapagyan and Oson of the Central Region

READ MORE here

• The Larabanga Mosque, Mole National Park and the Paga Crocodile Pond of Northern Ghana

• The Volta Lake, Afadjato, Wli Falls and Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary of the Volta Region

• Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum in Accra

The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is dedicated to the first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. This is where his remains and that of his wife have been kept and also the place where he made the declaration of independence.

4. Peaceful Ambiance and fun activities

Ghana is a peaceful country where many tourists from all over the world visit, stay and tour, in spite of our chequered political history. Sources of entertainment abound, from gospel crusades and shows to concerts like the Chale Wote Arts Festival , Year of Return and Beyond the Return

5. Hospitality

Not ruling out the basic rules of safety, Ghanaians are friendly people. We usually go out of our way to help tourists in need wherever they may be in the country.

Why can’t Ghana Month be celebrated every other month?

I’ve been thinking about this off late….how in Ghana month, many people tend to wear African print, and Ghanaian business promotion is pitched up a notch. Ghanaian food and product brands are strongly advertised, however, if we promote Ghanaian culture and products throughout the year with the same zeal, the Ghanaian economy will improve and many people will be encouraged to purchase more made-in-Ghana goods. Don’t you think so? The month of March can be celebrated as the climax of activities.

Can we change the narrative and wear modestly-styled African Prints (shout out to Wear Ghana) for interviews in Ghana? 2020 statistics  show that Ghana was the largest importer of second-hand clothes and the second largest importer in 2021  after Kenya.
Can we fervently promote our shea butter (shout out to Hamamat Africa) and other made-in-Ghana products?
Can every Ghanaian-owned institution hoist the Ghana Flag, a picture of the Coat of Arms or any other national symbol?

READ ALSO: 12 subtle deceptive things the traditional Ghanaian Society teaches

Are you also thinking along these lines? If so, what are your thoughts on promoting Ghana, aside from the one-month Ghana Month show? Let’s discuss this further in the comments section.