THE GHANAIAN CULTURE AND TOURISM
Centuries of tradition and many ethnic groups have created a rich culture that shapes the splendid inheritance of modern Ghana. For the Ghanaian people, the tradition of his ancestors is still an important part of everyday life. Traditional leaders have historical authority over trivial matters and family. The land is a popular heritage.
Centuries of tradition and many ethnic groups have created a rich culture that shapes the splendid inheritance of modern Ghana. For the Ghanaian people, the tradition of his ancestors is still an important part of everyday life. Traditional leaders have historical authority over trivial matters and family. The land is a popular heritage.
Photo: A cultural dance in a festival.
Important events in life are characterized by rites and rituals. Imposing names to children, initiation of puberty, marriage and death ceremonies are characterized by family while seasonal festivals, spectacular, bring together the entire community.
Many festivals include thrilling parades showing the leaders and the Queen Mother in decorated palanquins, shaded by umbrellas and accompanied by traditional drummers and warriors discharging ancient muskets.
Festivals "Adage" and "Akwasidae" we come to mind the splendor of the kingdom of "Ashanti", showing King richly adorned with all its gold insignia, where he goes to receive the homage of his people. Dancers, praise singers and horn blowers surround the king with an unforgettable sight.
Photo: "Asantehene", the king of "Ashanti", one of the many ethnic groups in Ghana.
A cultural and tourist program called "The Slave Route" was initiated by the community of African countries and UNESCO in order to rehabilitate, restore and promote the heritage transmitted by the slave trade. All African countries have a compromise to keep the constructions, sites and memories of this iniquitous period of history, to draw tourists to appreciate the awful impact.
Careful study of Ghanaian festivals and shows some peculiarities beliefs. The first is the belief in life after death and the proximity of dead ancestors with living descendants. The most important festivals are the "Odwira" celebrated by the people of "Akan" communities "Akwapim", "Akwamu", "Denkyra" and "Akyem"; Festival "Yam" celebrated by the people of "Akan" the community "Aburi-Akwapim" and several groups of the Volta Region; Festival "Aboakyir" celebrated by the tribe of "Effutus" the community "Winneba"; Festival "Akwambo" celebrated by "Fantes" from "Agona" and "Gomoa"; Festival "Hobgetsotso" celebrated by the people of "Anlo"; Festival "Homowo" celebrated by the people of the Greater Accra region; Festival "Damba" celebrated by the people of Northern and Upper West Ghana; Festival "Bakatue" celebrated by the people of "Elmina"; Festival "Nmayem" celebrated by the people of "Odumasi-Krobo"; Festival "Asafotufiam" celebrated by the people of "Ada" and festivals "Adae" and "Akwasidae" celebrated by the people of "Asante".
Photo: Festival Bakatue (Regata); place: Elmina, 157 km west of Accra, in the central region.
LIST OF MAJOR FESTIVALS
FESTIVAL
Adae & Akwasidae
Edina Buronya Ngmayen Gogolo Dipo Aboakyer Bakatue Asaafotufiam Odambea Damba Kumdum Homowo Fetu Afahye Kobine Odwira Hogbetsotso |
MONTH
Every sis weeks
New year March/April March May May
July
July/August August August Aug/November
Aug/September
September September Sept/October November |
TOWN & REGION
Kumasi, Ashanti
Elmina, Centrale Odumase, Est Haut Est Krobo Odumase, Est Winneba, Centrale Elmina, Centrale Ada Saltpond, Centrale Haut Ouest Ouest Accra Cape Coast, Centrale Haut Ouest Akropong, Aburi, Est Anloga, Volta |
RULES OF LABEL IN GHANA
The Ghanaian people are very conservative, tourists are encouraged to dress appropriately. Take your shoes in sacred places and do not take photos without prior permission. Above all, do not enter a house unless you have been specifically invited. You should always use your right hand to exchange a handshake. Always give a gift with the right hand only. Welcome drink should always be accepted and you must take at least a sip.
LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
The official language is English, therefore Ghanaian authors continue to use it with great success, highlighted by the acceptance of manuscripts for his Ghanaian overseas publication. There is a strong association of writers in Ghana that promotes creative writing and active participation in the Pan African Association of Writers, which may have contributed to make Ghana the headquarters of the association, which is engaged in a program of cultural promotion in which conferences and workshops have become a significant feature of the cultural scene of the country.
GHANAIAN LANGUAGES
Despite the use of English as the official language, local languages were not neglected. Indeed, one of the organizations is the National Commission for Culture is the Bureau of Ghana Languages. The Office has continued since 1951 to preserve the tradition of Ghanaian languages, established by missionaries who, at the time, produced newspapers and high-quality books in TWI (Kristofo Senkekafo) and GA (Kristofonyo Sanegbalo ).
Among the languages promoted by the Office of Ghanaian languages are the "Akan", "Ewe", "Ga", "Gonja", "Kassem", "Agbani" and "Dagare" and dialects "Akwapin" "Asante" and "Fanti". Many classical works were translated from Greek to the Akan, such as the Odyssey. Members of the office staff as well as other authors have published novels and poetry in these languages.
MUSEUMS
In order to preserve the cultural heritage of the country, various museums were opened in addition to the National Museum of Ghana, the latter being the most significant effort. The museum began in the Department of Archaeology at the University College of the Gold Coast (University College of the Gold Coast). Later, a building in the city of Accra has been specially adapted for this purpose. However, there is a small museum at the Department of Archaeology to show off various pieces of an extraordinary collection that shows the excellent work done by the university.
HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT
Ghana gained independence on March 6 1957 During the colonial period, the country was known as the Gold Coast, so named by a powerful empire that extended into West Africa during the tenth century.
Ghana became a republic in 1960 Its first president was Mr. Kwame Nkrumah, founder leader of the party of the Convention People (CFP) of Ghana. Under the administration of the political party the country progressed significantly in the areas of education and social work, as well as in infrastructure and industrial development and was instrumental in the struggle for liberation and African unity . The country was also very active at the United Nations, the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Nations, which it was a founding member. The first republic was overthrown by a coup in 1966.
The Progressive Party led by Mr. KA Busa instituted the second republic in 1969, but he was also overthrown in 1972 Subsequently, the National party led by Mr. Hilla Liman People is the third republic, but it will also be reversed in 1979.
Constitutional rule was restored in 1992 (4th Republic) with a new constitution accepted by referendum. According to the clauses of the 1992 constitution, the president and members of the national assembly are elected by universal suffrage for a maximum period of 2 years, while for members of the legislature a mandate of 4 years.
The current administration of President JA Kuffour and the New Patriotic Party took power in December 2000 after defeating the National Democratic Congress in a historic election. Thereafter, progress helped to greatly improve the country's image internationally.
