Ghana, a multiethnic country rich in both history and natural beauty, is located on the west coast of West Africa, sandwiched between Togo and Cote d’Ivoire on the Gulf of Guinea. Sandwiched between Togo and Cote d’Ivoire on the Gulf of Guinea, it is also one of West Africa’s most stable and democratic states. Inhabited for at least several thousand years, Ghana is a multiethnic country rich in both history and natural beauty. Ghana is a peaceful country that is well known for its rich culture and deep traditions.
These traditions are not just about the past; they are part of everyday life across towns, cities, and villages. From the way people dress, greet each other, and celebrate, to how they cook and care for their families, Ghanaian culture is full of meaning, respect, and community values. The tropical, mostly lowland nation is just a few degrees north of the equator and slightly smaller than Oregon, covering a total of more than 239,000 sq-km (92,278 sq-mi). Its population of nearly 35 million people makes it the second most populous country in the region, with the majority of Ghanaians having descended from the Akan, an ethno-linguistic group believed to have migrated from the Sahara and Sahel regions around the 11th century. Other major ethnic groups in Ghana today include Mole-Dagbon, Ewe, Ga-Adangbe, and Gurma.
In 1957, Ghana became the first colony in sub-Saharan Africa to achieve its independence from a European power (Great Britain in its case). Having subsequently devoted itself to decolonization and to Pan-Africanism, it is highly involved in international affairs and prides itself on maintaining a global outlook. To that end, Ghanaians place great emphasis on education and literacy (there are at least three major universities in Ghana and the national literacy rate is nearly 80 percent), on developing industries such as tourism (the country has been attracting over a million tourists annually for well over a decade) and even on a fledgling space program focused on research in space sciences.
Whether you’re planning to visit during Ghana holidays or just studying Africa culture and tradition, understanding Ghanaian culture and traditions will help you connect with the people and appreciate their way of life.
Map of the Regions of Ghana
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What Should You Know About Ghanaian Culture and Traditions?
Ghanaian culture includes many traditions and customs that people still follow every day.
1. Respect in Ghanaian Culture
One important part of Ghanaian culture and tradition is showing respect, especially to elders and leaders. In Ghana, it is common for people to greet one another warmly before starting any conversation. Greetings show good character and are often done with a smile and a handshake using the right hand. Always greet people from right to left, always with your right hand. Remember that your palms are always properly aligned for greeting people when going right-to-left. Always follow this order, regardless of the age or gender or status of the people you are greeting.
The exception is when greeting a chief in a formal setting, where you should greet the chief first. This will seem very awkward when you enter a room where everyone is lined up on the left wall because you will have to walk past everyone to start greeting from the furthest person. When speaking to older people, they usually add respectful titles like “Auntie,” “Uncle,” or say “Sir” or “Madam.” Among some ethnic groups, like the Akan, younger people also slightly bend their knees when greeting someone older. These simple actions show how much value Ghanaians place on politeness and tradition.
The West African handshake is used in Ghana, where the middle finger snaps the middle finger of the person you are shaking. Always use your right hand to give and receive items, and to eat. In this culture, your left hand is considered your 'toilet hand'. It is a common practice to give money with your right hand while at the same time receiving small purchases into the same hand. Always greet people first when you enter an area.
When a large area or group or even a waiting room, a wave and a greeting is acceptable. Otherwise, you may wonder why people are just looking at you when you enter a room. They are waiting for you to offer a greeting, which will be received with a big smile and a warm reply. Always be respectful, especially to elders. The older the person, the more respect. But always greet in the correct order, right-to-left, regardless of age or gender.
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Respectful Greetings are Important in Ghana
2. Family Culture
In Ghanaian culture and customs, the family is the heart of society. It’s not just about parents and children, extended family and even neighbours are considered important. Most Ghanaians live in strong family networks, where grandparents, cousins, aunties, and uncles all help raise children and support each other. Family ceremonies like births, marriages, and funerals are shared events where everyone comes together to show love and support.
In many communities, the entire village acts like one big family. This strong family connection is a powerful part of Ghanaian culture. People in Africa do not live the independent lives of Western cultures. Sharing food and sharing stories are two of the best ways to join this culture of interdependence.
If you want to participate in such meaningful experiences, take a look at our tour packages, which offer authentic opportunities to connect with local communities.
3. Traditional Clothing
One of the most beautiful things about Ghana culture is its traditional dress. On special occasions and Ghana holidays, people proudly wear their best cultural outfits. The most famous fabric is Kente, a colorful, handwoven cloth full of traditional symbols and meanings. The Kente cloth symbolizes power, wealth and identity. It is worn by both men and women, especially during festivals and royal events.
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Women often wear “slit and kaba,” a wrap skirt with a matching blouse made from local fabric, while men may wear smocks or wrap a cloth over one shoulder in the Ashanti style. Traditional Ghanaian clothing shows pride in heritage and connects people to their ancestors.
Dressing conservatively, however, doesn’t mean foregoing colour, as many Ghanaians wear kente cloth, a vibrantly patterned textile that dates to the bygone Ashanti Empire.
Kente cloth, a vibrantly patterned textile that dates to the bygone Ashanti Empire
4. Naming Tradition
Names in Ghana carry powerful meaning and are often tied to the day of the week a child is born. For example, a girl born on Monday is called Adwoa, and a boy is called Kwadwo. Each name has a spiritual meaning and is believed to describe a person’s character. Children from the Ashanti and Fante tribes, for instance, are frequently given names corresponding to the days of their birth, such as Adwoa (which means Monday) or Ama (Saturday). This name can be either their first or their middle name.
Names may also be given based on family history, special events, or in honor of ancestors. This unique naming system is a strong part of the culture of Ghana, passed down from one generation to the next.
5. Festivals and Ghana Holidays
Festivals are an exciting and colorful part of Ghanaian culture. Every ethnic group in Ghana has its own festivals that are celebrated with dancing, drumming, and traditional clothing.Some well-known Ghana holidays and festivals include:
- Homowo (by the Ga people): Celebrates the end of hunger and welcomes a good harvest.
- Aboakyer: A lively deer-hunting festival to honour the gods.
- Akwasidae (by the Ashanti): Held every six weeks to remember ancestors and honour chiefs.
These Ghana holidays are not just for fun; they help to pass on values, bring families together, and keep traditions alive. Many of these festivals take place in some of the most vibrant cities and scenic areas in the country, such as Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. You can explore more in this guide on the best places to visit in Ghana.
6. Traditional Beliefs
Traditional beliefs also play an important role in this culture. According to the Embassy of Ghana, 71% of the population is Christian, while 17% are Muslim. But they still follow ancestral customs and practices. In some communities, people visit shrines or traditional priests, also known as fetish priests, to ask for healing, protection, or advice. Many believe in the power of ancestral spirits who guide and protect their families. Sacred trees, rivers, and rocks are also respected as spiritual places. These practices are an important part of Ghanaian culture, which shows a deep connection between the natural world and the spiritual world.
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7. Food and Eating
Ghanaian food is rich, flavorful, and full of variety. It reflects the culture of Ghana through ingredients, cooking styles, and customs. Popular dishes include:
- Fufu: It is made by pounding cassava and plantain and eaten with light soup or palm nut soup.
- Banku: It is made from fermented corn dough and is usually served with tilapia and pepper sauce.
- Waakye: It is a mix of rice and beans, served with stew, boiled eggs, and fried plantain.
- Jollof rice: A favorite in many West African countries, including Ghana.
Traditionally, Ghanaians eat with their right hand, not with spoons or forks. Eating together is a sign of love and respect in Ghanaian culture. If a Ghanaian gets interrupted while eating, he invites that person to join him. Depending on the level of familiarity, the person may wash his hands and join in.
8. Music and Dance
Traditional music in Ghana uses local instruments like drums, bells, and flutes. These instruments are used during festivals, religious ceremonies, and social events. Each ethnic group has its traditional dances, with specific dances for different occasions. Some of these specific dances are meant for funerals, celebrations, storytelling, praise, and worship.
One popular dance is the Adowa, performed mostly by the Ashanti people. It is a graceful dance, especially by women, where every hand movement carries a meaning. Other dances like Kpanlogo, popular with the Ga people, are energetic and often involve group performances. Through music and dance, Ghanaians tell stories, celebrate events, and express their emotions. These traditions keep the culture of Ghana alive and joyful.
9. Social behaviour
Cultural values also shape daily customs in Ghana. People are taught from a young age to greet others, especially elders, before starting any conversation. It is important to use the right hand when giving something, whether it’s money, food, or a handshake. Children are expected to show respect, help older people, and behave politely in public. These everyday habits may seem small, but they are an important part of Ghanaian culture and show the kindness and discipline that Ghanaians are known for.
Visiting Etiquette in Ghana
Ghana is a generally conservative society, so it’s advisable to behave discreetly and to dress modestly in most situations, especially in or around places of worship (the majority of Ghanaians are Christians, while Muslims make up a sizeable minority). Dressing conservatively, however, doesn’t mean foregoing colour, as many Ghanaians wear kente cloth, a vibrantly patterned textile that dates to the bygone Ashanti Empire.
One type of attire that should be avoided is military clothing or clothing that has military elements, which are prohibited. Also prohibited is smoking in public areas, although it’s sometimes allowed in private businesses, such as bars or restaurants.
It is not uncommon for Ghanaians to be habitually late for gatherings by as much as two hours. This tardiness is often related to the challenges of getting around in the big cities, but the phenomenon is countrywide-Ghanaians even tease each other about how bad their timeliness can be. When they are late, Ghanaians will no doubt call to let you know, as they tend to prefer verbal conversations over texting or online chat. Consequently, visitors who are spending a protracted amount of time in the country should get a local SIM card, so that they have a Ghanaian number. Drivers often call their passengers to find out exactly where they are.
Languages Spoken in Ghana
Although English is Ghana’s official language, the Twi language of the Ashanti people is the most commonly spoken language in the central and southern parts of the country, while Dagbani (the language of the Dagoma people) dominates in the north. Along with different ethnic groups and cultures, 52 separate languages and hundreds of dialects are spoken in Ghana.
Here are some phrases in Twi:
- Maakye. - Good morning
- Maaha. - Good afternoon.
- Maadwo. - Good evening.
- Wohu te sen? - How are you?
- Onyame na adom me hu ye. - By God’s grace, I’m fine.
- Me daase. - Thank you.
- Kusee. - Welcome
- Me paa wo kyeo (“ky” sounds “ch” as it would sound in “chain”). - Please.
What is Ghana Best Known For?
Ghana is the seat of Ashanti culture, known for its bright fabrics and exquisite woodworking. The once-dominant Ashanti Empire was a trading and military powerhouse in this part of West Africa from the 18th century well into the 20th. The modern-day Ashanti king still lives in Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, where two museums-the Manhyia Palace Museum and Prempeh II Jubilee Museum-house an array of important Ashanti artifacts.
Kumasi is also home to sprawling Kejetia Market, which may be the quintessential African marketplace, offering everything from clothing to cooked food across 11,000 stalls; Makola Market in Accra, Ghana’s capital, is equally impressive.
In addition to its bustling urban centres, Ghana is also known for its sublime natural wonders, from wildlife-rich parks (Mole National Park, the country’s largest, shelters some 90 species of mammals, including elephants, baboons and antelope) to sandy Atlantic beaches (Bojo Beach, just west of Accra, is among the most pristine).
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