Formed from the

merger of the British

colony of the Gold
Coast and the
Togoland trust
territory, Ghana in
1957 became the first
sub-Saharan country in
colonial Africa to gain
its independence.
 Government
Unitary Presidential, Constitutional republic

Executive

Legislature

Judiciary
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
• There are over 100
ethnic groups living
in Ghana.English is
the official
language. The Twi
language dominates
our art and culture.
not because the
•
It is the Twi
language that binds
us as Ghanaians in
diaspora and makes
us different from
other Africans who
cannot
communicate across
tribal lines.
 Dietary practices/ food
Dietary Practices of the Ghanaians, The most popular food in Ghana is
Fufu and Banku. There are other meals like maize, millet, and yam…
the Ghanian diet Largely relies on starchy roots (Cassava, yam) fruits,
and Cereals (Maize, Rice)
They embrace the custom of eating with the right hands, especially
during soup-based meals paired with starchy staples like fufu and
banku. The Ghanaian food tends to be hot and spice typical Ghanaian
cannot do without eggs in their diet (if they can help it.).
Healthcare Practices (For elderly
and philosophy on aging)
• Healthcare is variable throughout Ghana. Urban centers are
well-served and are where most hospitals, clinics, and
pharmacies in the country can be found.
• Rural areas often have no modern healthcare services.
Patients in this area either rely on traditional African
medicine or travel a great distance for healthcare.
• Government indifference towards the elderly and sick leads
in some instances to total neglect of their health and financial
needs. There is a care institution called CARE4AGED it is a
Ghana-based nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that
provides assistance or help to the elderly in areas where they
can no longer take care of themselves because of old age or
sickness.
Male/female interactions and thoughts on family
and raising children
People are not allowed to marry within their lineages.
The groom's family is expected to pay a bride-price.
Polygyny is allowed and attests to the wealth and
power of men who can support more than one wife.
Having children in marriage is deemed prestigious.
Conti…

• In Ghana, marriage is an important institution that is often seen as a union not

just between two individuals but between families. Traditional values and
customs play a significant role in Ghanaian marriages, with ceremonies and
rituals varying among different ethnic groups. In many cases, marriages are
arranged or at least heavily by families.
• When it comes to raising children in Ghana, there is a strong emphasis on
respect for elders and traditional values. Children are often taught to be
obedient and respectful to their parents and other authority figures. Education is
highly valued, and parents typically play an active role in their children's
academic pursuits. Additionally, children are often expected to contribute to
household chores and responsibilities from a young age to instill a sense of
responsibility and work ethic.
 RELIGION
• Traditional religions accounts
for 5.2% of the population.
The Christian population also
accounts for 71.2% of the
total population and includes
Roman Catholics, Baptist,
Protestants, etc. The Muslim
population (17.6% of the
total) is located chiefly in the
northern part of the country.
• Ghana has the highest
percentage of Christians in
West Africa
Festivals
Ghana is a country that celebrates festivals.
There are several rites and festivals that are
performed throughout the year in various
parts of the country.
Many festivals include thrilling durbars of
chiefs, when tribal leaders and Queen
Mothers process in decorated palanquins,
shaded by the traditional umbrellas, and
supported by drummers and warriors
discharging ancient muskets.
Conti…
Etiquette • Independence day March
Ghanaians place great emphasis on politeness, hospitality, and • Worker's day May 1
formality.
• African union day May 25
Visitors to a house must greet and shake hands with each family
member. • Republic day July 1
Hosts must normally provide their guests with something to eat • Founders' day September 21
and drink, even if the visit does not occur at a mealtime. • Farmer's day : first Friday of every December
If someone is eating, he or she must invite an unexpected visitor • Christmas day December 25
to join him or her. Normally, an invitation to eat cannot be
refused. • Boxing day December 26
Great respect is attached to age and social status. A younger • Eid ul- fitr
person addresses a senior as father or mother and must show
appropriate reverence. • Eidul – Adha
It is rude to offer or take an object or wave with the left hand. • Good Friday
English words such as "fool(ish)," "silly," or "nonsense," are • Easter Monday
highly offensive
Akwaaba
Welcome