THE SUPERSTITION
Though statistically proven to be a religious and most Christian nation, the Ghanaian people are mostly superstitious. From casually casting out ‘demons’ from a cockroach wandering in the corners of their homes, to dancing to the beat of special drum playing, and suddenly being filled with spirits of the great ancestors, to communicate with the people.
With over ten regions, every region has its unique cultural beliefs. With some beliefs cutting across. A very popular superstitious belief is, ‘taking a bath with warm water, will make you grow older, earlier than expected.
Interestingly most of these beliefs have factual backings, making you wonder if these are anything but superstitions. Growing up I remember being told by my Akan (a tribe in Ghana) father, ‘when you sing while bathing, you invite evil spirits’. This put a great deal of fear in me, I must say. Later in my adult life, I realised I was told this for my safety. This is because, singing while bathing can lead to swallowing bubbles from the soap, which contains toxic chemicals harmful to the body.
Black magic belief, popularly known as, ‘bayie’, witchcraft is strong. Ghanaian churches openly promote the idea that disease and misfortune can be caused by supernatural forces. Superstition is so strong women who are accused of witchcraft are banished to Witch camps
THE RELIGION
Ghana is a highly religious country where evangelical prophets are extremely popular. Among these include Christianity, Islamic and Traditional religions. Christianity involves the belief and practices pleasing to the Almighty God and His son Jesus Christ, ‘who died for the sins of mankind’. The Islamic religion is of the belief that Jesus Christ is no saviour but a prophet as Mohammed. Other parts of this religion believe in Christ being the saviour, while others do not. The traditional religious people believe that God is the true Maker, and to worship him, one must go to him through, the very things he created, as they are smaller gods.
THE CUISINE
Ceaser Chavez once said, ”If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him…the people who give you their food give you their heart.” The people of Ghana are well-known for their hospitality and love for expressing it through the sharing of meals. You must be careful not to eat before visiting a Ghanaian home because you’ll be sure to leave the home satiated. It is believed that the best way to show love to one’s neighbour is to serve them a sumptuous meal.
The cuisine of the people of Ghana has diverse traditional dishes from each ethnic group. Generally, most dishes consist of a starchy portion, and a sauce or soup, with fish, snails, meat or mushrooms.
Ghana is blessed with nutritious cuisines from all tribes. Some of which include, Tuo Zafi, from the Northern part of Ghana, Akple served with the all mighty, Fetir detsi, from the Volta Region, The popular ‘komi k3 kena’, (Kenkey with fish), from the capital of Ghana, Accra, among others.
THE SPORTS
Football is the most popular sport in the country. The national men’s football team is known as the Black Stars, with the under-20 team known as the Black Satellites. The under-17 team is known as the Black Starlets, while the national men’s Olympic team are known as the Black Meteors. They have participated in many championships including the African Cup of Nations, the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
While men’s football is the most widely followed sport in Ghana, the national women’s football team is gaining exposure, participating in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the CAF Women’s Championship. The Ghana women’s national football team is known as the Black Queens, while the Ghana national women’s under-20 football team are called the Black Princesses.
Ghana is also the birthplace of World Wrestling Entertainment Wrestler Kofi Kingston (born Kofi Sarkodie-Mensah).
Read also: All you need to know about Ghana: (2)
