The deer caught for the 2012 Aboakyer festival being presented to the
dignitaries on the dais.Notable personalities there were the vice
president of the republic of Ghana,H.E John Dramani Mahama,Dr. Don
Arthur,Hon Mike Allen Hammah,Hon Ama Benyiwa Doe and Hon Thomas Aquinas
Quansah etc
BlakkGold Ghana Tours offers you information to frequently asked questions, practical guidelines, precautions to take, background information about Ghana, tourist attraction sites, Ghana's rich culture, night life, travel requirements for Ghana, car rentals, home-stay and hotel accommodations and much more...
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Ghana. Aboakyer Festival 2012.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Ghana, Winneba, Aboakyer Festival 2012
The festival is traditionally celebrated on the first Saturday of May each year to usher in the season of fishing and farming, which are the major occupation of the inhabitants of Effutu Traditional Area.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
HISTORICAL SITES
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historical places of Ghana provide an in depth study into the culture
and the lifestyle of the people of the country. Open to tourists all the
year round, the historical places of Ghana are located in famous
landmarks in and round the city. The most important historical places of Ghana are:
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 Elmina Castle was built in 1482. It was the first slave castle to be built along the west coast of Africa and also the first permanent structure south of the Sahara built by Europeans. Originally a military factory, it's the first trading post in the Gulf of Guinea built by the Portuguese. One of Ghanaian historical sites, Elmina Fort, or 'Fort São Jorge da Mina' as it is also referred, was elevated to the status of castle because it was the seat of authority for the Portuguese.  Cape Coast Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in existence today and also a famous Ghana's historical places. It was a fortification in Ghana, with the first timber construction coming up on 1653 for the Swedish Africa Company and later named Carolusborg after King Charles X of Sweden. This popular historical place of Ghana was built for the trade in timber and gold and afterwards used in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. At present the Cape Coast Castle Museum is now located here.   Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum holds the remains of the first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. The Museum was made in his honor after which his body was exhumed from his original burial grounds at his home town-Nkroful. One of Ghana's historical places, it's also quite famous even between tourists.  Larabanga Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in West Africa and one of the important historical places of Ghana. This rare structure of mud is renovated every year after every heavy rain due to the damage caused to its mud walls. A cost of up to $1,000 is funded by the government to keep up the work of the mosque. While exploring Ghana one must not miss visiting this Ghanaian historical place.  |
Republic of Ghana
GHANA FLAG COAT OF ARMS
Republic of Ghana
Ghana is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The word Ghana means "Warrior King" and is derived from the ancient Ghana Empire.
Ghana is a country located in West Africa. It is bordered by Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Gulf of Guinea to the south. The word Ghana means "Warrior King" and is derived from the ancient Ghana Empire.
Ghana
was inhabited in pre-colonial times by a number of ancient predominantly Akan
kingdoms, including the inland Ashanti Empire, the Akwamu, the Akyem, the
Bonoman, the Denkyira, and the Fante among others. Non-Akan states created by
the Ga also existed as did states by the Dagomba. Prior to contact with
Europeans trade between the Akan and various African states flourished due to
Akan's gold wealth. Trade with European states began after contact with the
Portuguese in the 15th century, and the British established the Gold Coast
Crown colony in 1874 over parts but not all of the country.
The
Gold Coast achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1957, becoming the
First sub-Saharan African nation to do so from European Colonialism. The name
Ghana was chosen for the new nation to reflect the ancient Empire of Ghana,
which once extended throughout much of West Africa.
Regions of Ghana
Ghana is
divided into ten regions (capitals in parentheses):
- Ashanti Region (Kumasi)
- Brong-Ahafo Region (Sunyani)
- Central Region (Cape Coast)
- Eastern Region (Koforidua)
- Greater Accra Region (Accra)
- Northern Region (Tamale)
- Upper East Region (Bolgatanga)
- Upper West Region (Wa)
- Volta Region (Ho)
- Western Region (Sekondi-Takoradi)
Culture of Ghana
Ghana is a country of
24 million people, comprising six Ghanaian ethnic groups, and about over 50
other non–Ghanaian ethnic groups. About three native and major Ghanaian
languages, with different dialects are spoken in Ghana, but English, the
official language of Ghana, is spoken by many. About 52 other languages of
non–Ghanaian origin are also spoken in Ghana by the non–Ghanaian ethnic groups.
Like most other African nations, Ghana has a rich traditional culture, which
differs from one Ghanaian ethnic group to the other.
Social relations
In general, Ghanaian's emphasize communal values such
as family, respect for the elderly, honoring traditional rulers, and the
importance of dignity and proper social conduct. Individual conduct is seen as
having impact on an entire family, social group and community; therefore,
everyone is expected to be respectful, dignified and observant in public
settings, and in most every aspect of life. Naming ceremonies, puberty
initiations, marriage and death are all marked by family ceremonies, and while
Ghana has the highest percentage of Christians in West Africa, belief in
traditional animist religions is still common. Seasonal festivals serve to
bring a whole tribe or clan together in spectacular fashion.
People
On the basis of the Ghanaian
nationality law the indigenous people of Ghana and those considered Ghanaians
are into six groups. These are the ethnic groups, the Akan, the Ga-Adangbe, the
Dagbon, the smaller groups of the Whites, the Sindhi-Indian, and the Lebanese.
Festivals
The celebration of festivals in
Ghana is an essential part of Ghanaian culture. Several rites and rituals are
performed throughout the year in various parts of the country, including
marriage and death. Most of the celebrations are attended by entire villages
and are strictly observed by the traditional elders of the respective ethnic
groups.
The Panafest is held every summer.
It is celebrates Ghanaian roots. People from other African countries, as well
as African-Americans with roots in Ghana, often visit the country and celebrate
their heritage.
The Homowo Festival-The word
"Homowo" literally means hooting at hunger. Traditional oral
history tells of a time when the rains stopped and the sea closed its gates. A
deadly famine spread throughout the southern Accra Plains, the home of the Ga
people. When the harvest finally arrived and food became plentiful, the people
celebrated with a festival that ridiculed hunger.
Kobine is a
traditional dance and festival unique to the Lawra area of north western Ghana.
The dance and the festival named after it are celebrated in September and
October to mark the end of a successful harvest.
Music
There are three distinct types of
Ghanaian music: ethnic or traditional music, normally played during festivals
and at funerals; "highlife" music, which is a
blend of traditional and ‘imported’ music; and choral music,
which is performed in concert halls, churches, schools and colleges.
Southern Ghanaian music of the Akan and Ga incorporates
distinct types of musical instruments with the most popular and well known
being:- Kpanlogo - Carved from a single piece of wood, and covered in skin to create the drum head.
- North and Northeastern Ghana is known for talking drum ensembles, goje fiddle and koloko lute music, played by the Gur-speaking Dagomba nations, as well as by the smaller Frafra, Gurunsi, Fulani, Hausa people, Mande-speaking Busanga, and Ligbi peoples.
- Upper - Northwestern Ghana is known for complex interlocking Gyil folk music with double meters. The Gyil is a close relative of the Balafon. The musical traditions of the Mandé-Burkinabé, Bissa-Burkinabé and Dyula and minorities in this area closer resemble those of neighboring Mandinka-speaking areas than those of other Upper-Northwestern groups.
Dance
Ghanaian dance is as diverse as its music. Each
ethnic group has their own traditional dances and there are different dances
for different occasions. There are dances for funerals, celebrations,
storytelling, praise and worship etc. Some of these dances include:
- Adowa - A dance of the Akan people of Ghana. This dance is especially noted for the grace and complexity of the dancers' movements. The drumming is also noted for the complexity of the interlocking rhythms and the two atumpan drums which are used as the lead or master drum. Originally funeral dance music, Adowa is now also performed at annual festivals and social gatherings.
- Azonto - It is performed by both the Akan people and Ga people of Ghana. It is often referred to as "the dance of the youth," Azonto originated from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Azonto is an expressive dance and music form of the Kpanlogo. Azonto Dance form incorporates complex coordinated body movement and non-verbal communication in a rhythmic fashion in very few one-two timed steps. Just like most sub-Saharan African dances, knee bending and hip movements are rudiments to dancing it. The dance has effectively evolved from a few rudimentary moves to embrace depictions of ironing, washing, driving, boxing, and others. Generally, the dance reflects the creativity and rich sense of humor of the Ghanaian people.
- Kpanlogo - A performed dance by the Ga people of Ghana. It is also often referred to as "the dance of the youth," Kpanlongo started during the wake of Ghana’s Independence as a musical type for entertainment in Accra. Kpanlongo is presently performed at life-cycle events, festivals, and political rallies.
- Klama - It is the music and dance associated with puberty rites of the Krobo people of Ghana. It emphasizes the graceful movement of hands and feet. With small rhythmic steps and heads turned demurely downward, the dancers embody quiet elegance. The different movements of the dance are designed to reveal the beauty of the dancers. Suitors watching from the sidelines will often approach a girl's family after the ceremony and make an offer for her hand in marriage.
- Bamaya - It is performed by the Northern Dagomba people of Ghana. It narrates the legend of a time of great drought. An oracle told the people that the drought was brought about by the manner in which the men were severely repressing and demeaning the women. It further stated that the drought would be relieved only when the men lowered themselves to the role they were imposing on the women by putting on skirts and participating in this dance. When the men did this it began to rain. It is currently performed during harvest time in northwestern Ghana by both Dagbani men and women.
Cuisine
Ghana has diverse traditional
dishes from each ethnic group, tribe and clan. Generally, most Ghanaian dishes
consist of a starchy portion, and a sauce or soup, with fish, snails,
meat or mushrooms.
Arts and Crafts
The AADC (African Arts and Design
Centre) is a foundation that celebrates and preserves Ghanaian culture. It is a
foundation that is quietly supported by some of the most influential
individuals and bodies in Ghana.
Kente Cloth
Kente is one of
the symbols of the Ghanaian chieftaincy, which remains strong
throughout the country, particularly in the areas populated by members of the
culturally and politically dominant Akan tribe. The Akan's chief, known as the
Asantehene, is perhaps the most revered individual in the country. Like other
Ghanaian chiefs, he wears bright Kente, gold bracelets, rings and amulets,
and is always accompanied by numerous ornate umbrellas
(which are also a symbol of the chieftaincy itself). Weaving is a highly
developed craft, with dozens of standardized and named textile designs.
The colors and patterns of the Kente are carefully chosen by the weaver and the
wearer.
Adinkra symbols
During the 13th century, the Akan people developed
their unique art of adinkra printing. Hand-printed
and hand-embroidered adinkra clothes were made and used exclusively by
the royalty and spiritual leaders for devotional ceremonies and rituals. Each
of the motifs that make up the corpus of adinkra
symbolism has a name and meaning derived from a proverb, a historical event,
human attitude, animal behavior, plant life, or shapes of inanimate and
man-made objects. These are graphically rendered in stylized geometric shapes.
The meanings of the motifs may be categorized into aesthetics, ethics,
human relations, and religious concepts.
Wood carving
Traditional wood carvings are divided into many
branches, each with its own specialists. Among the major products are wooden
sculptures and talking-drums (ntumpane).
The famous wooden "stools" are symbolic and ritual objects rather
than items of furniture. The ownership of a symbolic carved chair or stool,
usually named after the female founder of the matriclan, became the means
through which individuals traced their ancestry. These lineages have segmented
into branches, each led by an elder, headman, or chief. A branch, although it
possesses a stool, is not an autonomous political or social
unit. Possession of the ritually important stool is seen as vital, not
only to the existence of the elder but to the group as a whole.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Ghana. Aboakyer Festival 2012
The festival is traditionally celebrated on the first Saturday of May each year to usher in the season of fishing and farming, which are the major occupation of the inhabitants of Effutu Traditional Area.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Touring Ghana
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Aboakyer Festival Launched In Winneba, Ghana
The Efutu Aboakyer Board has launched this year’s deer hunting
festival in Winneba on the theme: “Peace and Unity - Key for
development.”Launching the week-long festival, the Chairman of the board, Nyimfahen Nana Kofi Takyi IV, said the festivities would be from April 26 to May 6.
He added that the climax of the festival would be on May 5, when a grand durbar of chiefs and dignitaries will be held in Winneba.
He also said, “I pray that the unity cause which we have chartered will be realized so that Winneba will be devoid of troubles, as that scares away prospective investors”.
The Nyimfahen appealed to the government to construct a community centre at Winneba and also appealed for sponsorship of the festival,
“All interested parties, especially those in the hospitality industry, among others, should contact the Efutu Aboakyer Board through the Efutu Municipal Assembly,” he said.
The Winneba District Police Commander in charge of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), ASP John Paul Akonde, who deputized for DSP Asamoah, the District Commander, spoke of the preparedness of the police to curb lawlessness and ensure a peaceful celebration of the festival.
Source: Daily Graphic. Ghana
Monday, April 30, 2012
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