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Scholars who study society—sociologists, anthropologists, and others—have long observed that religion exists in every known culture. Because of this, religion is often described as a cultural universal. It is not limited to one people or place; it is a shared human experience. In today’s world, reli

Ghana is a country with a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the people who inhabited the territory now known as Ghana had developed sophisticated political syst

Asase Yaa, in the indigenous religion of the Akan people, is regarded as the great female spirit of the earth. She occupies a position of honor and importance second only to Nyankopon, the Creator. Th

For centuries, Ghana has stood at the crossroads of global cultural encounters. Long before the modern era of globalization, the land now called Ghana was already a bustling center of trade and intera

The world today is full of religions. By merely casting a cursory glance around us, we encounter Christians and Christianity, Hindus and Hinduism, Muslims and Islam, atheists, agnostics, traditionalists, Zionists, Jews and Judaism, Confucianists and Confucianism, Shintos and Shintoism. Religion, as

Introduction: When Two Revolutions Met The friendship between Kwame Nkrumah and Ahmed Sékou Touré was not a casual diplomatic acquaintance. It was an ideological alliance forged in the furnace of ant

The article explores the notion that the devil causes people to commit deviant and criminal acts

A Nation Defined by Peace In a region and continent that have, at various historical moments, been scarred by conflict and instability, Ghana stands out as a compelling example of relative peace. Since gaining independence in 1957, the country has largely avoided the large-scale civil wars that have

The concept of “chiefs’ consent” occupies a central place in the colonial history of the Gold Coast, present-day Ghana. Throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, colonial authorities frequently claimed that African chiefs willingly agreed to treaties, land concessions, and administrat

Kwame Nkrumah is one of the foremost Pan-Africanists Africa has ever produced. He devoted his life to the political, economic, and cultural liberation of the African continent. He played a leading role in the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union (A

In 2019, Ghana made a bold and historic statement to the world. Through an initiative known as the Year of Return 2019, the country invited people of African descent across the globe to reconnect with their roots, history, and identity. This was not just a tourism campaign. It was a deeply symbolic

Sociologists define religion as a system of shared beliefs and practices through which people relate to what they consider sacred or supernatural. In simple terms, religion helps people make sense of life, death, and the world beyond what we can see. A Cultural Universal One important idea in sociol

The question of whether independence in 1957 marked the true birth of a free African press in the Gold Coast—now Ghana—is both historically complex and deeply debated. While Ghana’s independence symbolized political liberation from colonial rule, the evolution of press freedom was far more gradual a

Long before colonial stadium lights and organised leagues, the sandy shores and village squares of the Gold Coast—today’s Ghana—were vibrant arenas where traditional wrestling was among the most respected cultural practices. From the early 19th century up to the turn of the 20th century, indigenous

African witchcraft versus European witchcraft have been the focus of local discussions about witchcraft in Ghana for many years. During the period of European colonization, westernization, and the early stages of modernization, people in the Gold Coast (now Ghana) struggled to explain the wide gap i

A new religious movement has emerged in Ghana known as Asomdwee Ntonton Som, a name that translates literally as “Peace and Exaltation Religion.” Ghana is a deeply multireligious society, long accustomed to religious plurality. Christianity—represented by historic denominations such as Catholic, Pre

Introduction The Akan have a wise saying: "If you plant plantain, you will harvest plantain; if you plant cassava, you will harvest cassava; and if you plant pineapples, you will harvest pineapples."

Introduction In today's world, research has become an important part of national development. Governments, universities, hospitals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international agencies r

In Akan society in Ghana, a chief occupies a revered and sacred position. He is the custodian of the land, the representative of the ancestors, and the moral leader of the community. The stool symboli

When historians discuss the global spread of football, the story is often told through familiar names and places: English schools, British sailors, South American ports, and European clubs. Yet hidden

In the history of Ghana, few names command as much reverence and admiration as Kwame Nkrumah. More than half a century after his passing, the memory of the man who led the nation to freedom continues to inspire generations. His words echo in political discourse, his ideas shape national debates, and

Early Life and Education Kwame Nkrumah was born in 1909 in what Ghana is now, West Africa. He studied both in Ghana and overseas, gaining knowledge that would later shape his vision for his country and the continent. Leader of Ghana’s Independence Nkrumah emerged as one of the most prominent politic

With colonialism came missionaries who sought to convert Africans to Christianity and, in the process, reshape African ways of life. This encounter was not culturally neutral. It involved a systematic attempt—sometimes subtle, often overt—to redefine African identity, values, and social institutions

King of Highlife, Nana Ampadu Among the pantheon of Ghanaian musicians who shaped the soundscape of modern West African music, few names command the reverence accorded to Nana Kwame Ampadu I. A compo

The Slave Trade and Demographic Devastation When we talk about Africa today—its borders, its languages, its religions, its politics—we are also talking about colonialism. The Africa we know in the twenty-first century did not emerge naturally from the past. It was profoundly shaped by centuries of f

The causes of Rural–Urban Migration are major concerns of African governments like Ghana. Across Ghana and much of Africa, a defining social transformation of the 21st century is the movement of people from the countryside to towns and cities. Every year, thousands of young people leave rural commun

A Nation Richly Endowed Ghana is richly blessed with natural and human resources. The country possesses some of the world's finest deposits of gold and diamonds. It is endowed with bauxite, manganese

Introduction Among Ghana’s sixteen administrative regions, few possess the historical significance, educational prominence, and cultural richness of the Central Region. Located along Ghana’s southern

Understanding One of Ghana’s Most Enduring Social Questions Research on witchcraft in Ghana spans nearly a century and reflects the country’s continuing struggle to understand belief, accusation, fea

Oftentimes, in Africa, people conflate respect with fear, treating them as if they are interchangeable. Yet within Akan moral language, a clear distinction is maintained between fɛreɛ (respect) and suro (fear). To say “me fɛre wo” is fundamentally different from “me suro wo.” The former connotes est

No one is born with knowledge. Human beings are born with the capacity to learn, but what they eventually know—how they speak, think, behave, believe, and interpret the world—is acquired from society. Knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills are socially produced and socially transmitted. By the tim

A visitor to Ghana will quickly notice something striking on the roads: commercial motor vehicles speak. Tro-tros, buses, taxis, and long-distance vehicles often carry inscriptions—short messages painted boldly on the body of the vehicle. These inscriptions may appear on the back of the vehicle, acr

Culture refers to the total way of life of a people. It encompasses both material and non-material elements. Material culture consists of tangible aspects that can be seen and touched, such as cooking practices, eating utensils, earthenware, palanquins, drums, and idiophones. Non-material culture, b

The article explains why the star in Ghana's flag is black, instead of white, silver or golden

What Is Juneteenth? Juneteenth National Independence Day, celebrated annually on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The holiday marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops arri

The Pet-to-Threat Phenomenon Many Black people throughout the Diaspora share stories of what has come to be known as the "pet-to-threat" phenomenon. The pattern is remarkably consistent. Initial succ

Introduction Adinkra cloth is one of the most important traditional textiles of Ghana and a significant cultural expression among the Akan people, particularly the Asante. Unlike Kente cloth, which is woven, Adinkra cloth is made by stamping symbolic designs onto fabric using special dyes. The cloth

Kente cloth is one of the most famous traditional textiles of West Africa and is strongly associated with Ghana. It is a handwoven cloth made from narrow strips of silk or cotton that are stitched together to form a larger fabric. The cloth is distinguished by its brilliant colors, geometric pattern

The leadership of Yaa Asantewaa in the 1900 war against British colonial rule remains one of the most extraordinary and symbolically powerful episodes in African resistance history. Her decision to lead the Ashanti (Asante) in armed rebellion was not an accident of circumstance—it emerged from a com

The history of slavery and abolition in the area now known as Ghana is deeply intertwined with global economic systems, imperial expansion, African political structures, and the emergence of print journalism as a powerful instrument of public opinion. From the fifteenth century through the nineteent

In 1858, Charles Bannerman — the son of a British lieutenant governor and an Asante princess — founded the Accra Herald, recognized as the first African-produced newspaper in West Africa. Unlike the colonial-run press, this handwritten paper reached primarily African readers, circulating among some

Introduction For decades, African leaders have boarded planes to Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East in search of foreign aid. Every year, countless international conferences, donor meet

Introduction One of the greatest challenges confronting African countries today is the phenomenon known as "brain drain." Every year, thousands of highly educated and skilled Africans leave their hom

In traditional Ghanaian society, old age is not merely a biological stage of life; it is a position of honor, wisdom, and social responsibility. Elderly men and women occupy a special place within fam

Concluding our series on the Black Stars’ remarkable 2010 World Cup campaign is a feature that reflects on its enduring significance for both Ghanaian and African football

Few names in African sport command as much reverence as Azumah Nelson. In the annals of global boxing history, Nelson stands not merely as a champion but as an embodiment of discipline, intellect, and tactical brilliance. His nickname—“The Professor”—suggests a fighter whose victories were not only

A Historic Emblem of Independence The Ghana national flag is more than a piece of cloth fluttering in the wind; it is a powerful symbol of the country’s history, aspirations, and identity. First officially adopted on March 6, 1957—the same day Ghana became the first African nation to gain independen

Among the Akan people of Ghana, pouring libation is one of the most important traditional religious practices. It is a solemn ritual through which people communicate with the spiritual world. The act symbolizes reverence for the ancestors, recognition of the Supreme Being, and a request for protecti

Introduction: Why March Matters Every year, the month of March occupies a sacred place in Ghana’s historical calendar. On 6 March 1957, under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, the Gold Coast became Ghana — the first sub-Saharan African nation to gain independence from British colonial rule. March is

For many years, this question has generated curiosity, debate, and speculation. But the answer lies not only in romance. It lies in politics, diplomacy, and a bold continental vision during one of the most transformative periods in African history. When Ghana gained independence from Britain on Marc

In 1964, at just 22 years old, the newly crowned world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali stepped onto Ghanaian soil—and into African history. Fresh from his stunning victory over Sonny Liston in Miami, the young champion—then newly renamed Muhammad Ali—embarked on a tour of Africa. One of the

Ghanaian society traditionally values respect for the elderly. Older people are regarded as repositories of wisdom, custodians of tradition, and moral anchors of the family. Yet beneath this ideal lies a troubling reality: many elderly persons in Ghana experience neglect, abuse, and profound social

Discarding Outdated Beliefs It is time for Africans to discard the outdated belief that boys and girls differ in abilities and potential. For too long, harmful cultural attitudes have suggested that women should play second fiddle to men. But reality proves otherwise: for everything a boy or a man c

Every society has norms, which are rules that guide behavior. One important norm in Ghana concerns the use of the left hand in social interactions. Traditionally in Ghana, using the left hand in social interactions can be problematic. Giving something to someone or receiving something with the left

Introduction A society is often judged not by how it treats its rich, powerful, and influential citizens, but by how it treats its weakest and most vulnerable members. Children, the elderly, and pers

Introduction Lethal violence is a starkly gendered phenomenon. Globally, men are overwhelmingly the primary victims and perpetrators of homicide, typically driven by street crime, gang rivalries, and

Introduction Among Ghana’s sixteen administrative regions, few can rival the Western Region in terms of natural wealth, cultural diversity, economic importance, and historical significance. Stretchin

With barely a few hours to the encounter between Ghana and Panama, we try to explore and understand the nature of football legacy that comes with this encounter.

Rastafarians

multilingualism, language

As part of our dive down the memory lane with the Black Stars, we come to you with another incredible and important performance that highlights some of the best moments of the Ghana National team in the 2006 World Cup campaign.

There are football matches that end with a scoreline, and there are matches that never truly end. The 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Ghana national football team and Uruguay national football team belongs firmly in the second category. More than fifteen years later, the image still burns

Introduction: A Name That Became a Symbol In the sociological imagination of the Gold Coast—what is today Ghana—names are never merely labels; they are identities, narratives, and sometimes prophecies. The name Abedi Pele transcends the ordinary. It is a fusion of biography, mythmaking, and cultural

When people discuss the early history of football, the narrative often begins in Britain and gradually expands to the rest of the world. Rarely, however, does the conversation turn toward West Africa—particularly the historic Gold Coast, present-day Ghana. Yet one of the most remarkable pioneers of

The Akan of GhanaThe Akan are an ethnic group that live in Ghana. They occupy a broad stretch of territory extending from the coastal areas to the central forest belt of the country. Historically and culturally, the Akan constitute one of the largest ethnolinguistic groups in Ghana and share closely

The growth of newspaper readership in the Gold Coast—modern-day Ghana—cannot be understood without examining the critical role played by nineteenth-century mission schools. These educational institutions, established by European Christian missions, were not only centers of religious instruction but

In the past, Ghanaian marriages were widely regarded as enduring unions. Separations were rare, and divorce was uncommon. Marriages were expected to last a lifetime, sustained not only by the couple but also by their extended families and lineages. Today, however, the situation has changed dramatica

Punishment is a central feature of every organized society, including Ghana. While rewards are designed to encourage conformity and socially approved behavior, punishment exists to negatively sanction deviant behavior. When individuals act in ways that align with societal norms, they are often rewar

Sociologists use the term ableism to describe prejudice, discrimination, and social exclusion directed against persons with disabilities. The terms ablism and disablism are also used in the scholarly literature to refer to the same phenomenon, namely, the systematic disadvantaging of people whose bo

Witchcraft is commonly understood in Ghana as a supernatural power believed to be possessed by some individuals, enabling them to influence the behavior, health, fortune, or misfortune of others—either as victims or beneficiaries. Belief in witchcraft and witches remains widespread and deeply embedd

In Ghana, success is loudly celebrated, quietly envied, and endlessly debated. Yet, beneath the noise of social media displays, church testimonies, political slogans, and family expectations lies a deeper question we rarely pause to ask ourselves honestly: what does success truly mean to you? Not to

📰 Covered later by: Gold Coast Gazette, missionary newsletters The signing of the Bond of 1844 between Fante chiefs and the British Crown formalized colonial judicial authority in the Gold Coast. Though newspapers were limited at the time, later colonial press publications referenced the Bond as th

If there is one idea that has mattered more to Ghana than any other from the Gold Coast era to the present, it is the struggle for self-governance and accountable leadership. From colonial domination to modern democracy, Ghana’s history has been shaped by a single, powerful question: Who governs us,

Long before Ghana had a film industry or digital streaming platforms, music was the country’s most powerful form of entertainment—and Highlife became its loudest voice. From colonial ballrooms to roadside bars and global stages, Highlife music has shaped Ghana’s cultural identity for more than a cen

Introduction: Sport as a Mirror of Ghana’s History Long before Ghana was known by its modern name, sport and physical competition were already embedded in the social, political, and spiritual life of its people. From the ancient kingdoms of the Gold Coast to independence in 1957 and into the modern

The article examines the evolution of Akan public announcement systems

A description of a major Akan cultural ceremony to honor women for prolific childbearing

The article explores the veracity of a story told about a foreign visitor who came to Ghana in 1957.

A Disturbing Reality One only needs to read local newspapers or browse Ghana-based online news platforms to appreciate the disturbing frequency of child abuse cases occurring in homes across the coun

A Popular Ghanaian Vehicle Inscription Ghanaian commercial vehicles are often adorned with colorful inscriptions that convey wisdom, faith, humor, and life lessons. One common inscription seen on veh

An Opinion and Advice Column One of the first English idioms I learned after moving to North America—first to Canada and later to the United States—was the expression "get your ducks in a row." At th

A Lesson in Humility On June 23, 2026, football fans around the world witnessed a result that few pundits predicted. The Ghana Black Stars, representing a nation once colonized by Britain, battled co

The pundits have given their verdict, but well-seasoned by experience and standing beyond the critics, naysayers, and doubters, the Ghanaian heart remains anchored in a truth storied over decades: the optics are never fatal. We bow to none.

A tactical analysis of what could be a historic encounter between Ghana and England.

The Institution of Chop Money Chop money is oftentimes a source of conflict between Ghanaian husbands and their wives. Some of such conflicts result in verbal assaults, verbal disagreements, physical

One of the most important features of Akan religious and funeral traditions is the pouring of libation, known in Twi as nsaguo or mpaeyie. The word nsaguo literally means the pouring of an alcoholic d

Introduction Every year, as Easter approaches, a familiar phrase echoes across Ghana's radio stations, television screens, and social media platforms: "Kwahu oooo Kwahu!" The expression has become bo

Ghana has made substantial progress in literacy over the past several decades, yet the country has not achieved universal literacy. According to recent UNESCO and World Bank data, approximately 76–81%

A Generation Dissatisfied with the Status Quo Many young people around the world are deeply dissatisfied with the state of the world today. They are troubled by persistent injustices, armed conflicts

Ghana is widely celebrated as one of Africa's most stable democracies. Since the return to constitutional rule in 1992, the country has conducted regular elections, witnessed peaceful transfers of pow

Ghana is often celebrated as one of Africa’s most peaceful and culturally vibrant nations. From the bustling markets of Accra to the fishing communities along the coast, from the savannah settlements

witchcraft

pet ownership

Conspicuous Consumption and the Funeral Arena The term “conspicuous consumption” was coined by the American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in his classic work The Theory of the Leisure Cl

This piece takes us back to another breathtaking highlight from the 2010 world cup where the Black Stars reaffirmed their authority in the game of football when the entire world was watching.

This article critiques the choice of the Ghanaian international Baba Rahman in a World Cup squad that lacks the qualities of athlectism and exuberant talent yet compensating with invisible clarity in experience.

The Volta Region of Ghana Location and Geography The Volta Region is one of the most culturally rich and geographically diverse regions of Ghana. Located in the eastern part of the country, it share

A feature article from the Road to World Cup 2026 countdown series

Vultures Were A Once Familiar Presence in Ghana’s Skies About fifty years ago, vultures were a common sight across Ghana. One could hardly walk a short distance without encountering them. They perche

Asamoah Gyan — Beyond the 2010 Penalty There is another layer to Gyan’s ordeal that many people overlook. After the 2010 World Cup heartbreak, he again missed a crucial penalty during the 2012 Afric

The stadium clock in Cologne had barely ticked past the opening minute when Ghana announced itself to the world. A loose touch in the Czech Republic defence. A flash of movement. Then came the finish

A Mother with Sixteen Children to Raise Growing up in Ghana in the 1970s, my mother taught her eight biological children and eight non-biological children the enduring virtues of self-reliance, hard work, and personal dignity. She was a woman of uncommon wisdom who believed that excessive dependence

The story of Ghana’s “Dream Team” is not merely a sporting tale; it is a generational narrative—one that reflects continuity, discipline, and the organic evolution of talent within Ghanaian football. Though the phrase “Dream Team” is more commonly associated with Olympic squads, in Ghanaian discours

History is rarely linear. It moves in cycles—of rise, dispersal, memory, and resurgence. In July 2010, under the floodlights of Soccer City in Johannesburg, a moment unfolded that seemed to collapse centuries into ninety minutes (and then one hundred and twenty). Ghana’s Black Stars stood on the bri

Few infrastructure projects in the history of Ghana have had as profound an impact as the construction of the Akosombo Dam. Built in the early years of Ghana’s independence, the project symbolized the ambitious development vision of the country’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, who believed that ind

Few names in Ghanaian football command as much reverence as Baba Yara. Gifted, charismatic, and electrifying on the field, Baba Yara remains one of the greatest footballers Ghana has ever produced. Though his career was tragically cut short, his brilliance and influence left an enduring mark on the

An observable feature of Ghanaian social life is a recurring tendency toward silence in moments that might otherwise call for resistance or confrontation. Even when individuals experience clear forms of mistreatment, there is often a strong social and cultural pull toward restraint rather than actio

Introduction The question of whether the criminalization of witchcraft accusations would have any meaningful impact in Ghana requires careful and systematic analysis. At present, witchcraft accusations are largely non-criminal, meaning there are no specific laws prohibiting individuals from accusing

In Ghana, cigarette smoking is strongly gendered. Men smoke; women generally do not. It is relatively rare to see a woman or young girl smoking in public, and when this does occur, it often attracts social disapproval. Women and girls who smoke may be labeled as morally deviant or associated with se

“Reparation” as an idea or concept refers to the act of making amends for a wrong or injury—especially by providing compensation, restitution, or other forms of redress to those who have been harmed. In its simplest sense, reparation means “repairing the damage” caused by an injustice. In more forma

Politics, at its core, is a struggle over resources, influence, and authority. While much of political competition is expressed through negotiation, elections, and policymaking, history shows that the pursuit of power can also result in extreme acts, including the deliberate taking of human life. Ho

Robert Mensah: A Football Story and Tragedy in the Ghanaian Football In the annals of Ghanaian sporting history, few names evoke as much reverence, myth, and sorrow as Robert Mensah. His story is not merely about football; it is a narrative woven into the socio-cultural fabric of late colonial Gold

When the Gold Coast achieved independence on March 6, 1957, becoming Ghana, the event generated immense public excitement and hope. For millions of Ghanaians, independence was not merely a constitutional change—it represented the promise of economic prosperity, political empowerment, social transfor

In the years following Ghana’s independence in 1957, one of the most influential political and intellectual concepts articulated by Kwame Nkrumah was “neo-colonialism.” For Nkrumah, independence did not mark the end of foreign domination in Africa. Instead, he argued that a new, more subtle form of

The banning of opposition parties in Ghana during the late 1950s and early 1960s stands as one of the most consequential moments in the country’s political and media history. Newspapers of the era did not merely report the development—they actively shaped how the public understood the meaning of pol

The relationship between newspapers and Ghana’s Independence Day celebrations is deeply rooted in the country’s political history and media evolution. From the late colonial period through the attainment of independence in 1957 and into the post-colonial era, newspapers played a central role in docu

In the years surrounding Ghana’s independence and early nation-building period (roughly the mid-1950s through the early 1960s), one of the most persistent and consequential public discussions revolved around the tension between press freedom and national unity. Newspapers themselves became both the

The emergence of Ghana as an independent nation in 1957 was not only a political milestone but also a global media event. Newspapers—both local and international—played a decisive role in announcing the birth of the new state to the world. Through headlines, editorials, photographs, and diplomatic r

The portrayal of Kwame Nkrumah as a national hero was not simply a spontaneous public perception—it was carefully shaped, amplified, and sustained through newspapers and other media channels during the late colonial and early post-independence periods. In the Gold Coast, now Ghana, the press played

The development of newspaper culture in the Gold Coast—today known as Ghana—was inseparable from the spread of formal education during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Education did far more than teach reading and writing; it fundamentally reshaped social structures, created new intelle

During the colonial period in the Gold Coast—modern-day Ghana—newspapers were not merely instruments of public communication; they were powerful tools of governance and political control. Colonial governors recognized early that controlling the flow of information was essential for maintaining autho

The end of the trans-Atlantic slave trade in the nineteenth century is often presented in historical narratives as a clear moral victory led by European abolitionists. However, in reality, the process was complex, uneven, and frequently misrepresented—particularly in early newspapers and colonial re

The qualification of the Ghana national football team — popularly known as the Black Stars — for the 2006 FIFA World Cup stands as one of the most transformative milestones in Ghana’s sporting and national history. It was not merely a football achievement; it was the culmination of decades of ambiti

The Atlantic as Living Arena Along the Atlantic edge of the pre-colonial Gold Coast, long before European forts punctuated the shoreline, the sea was already a theatre of movement, daring, and communal pride. The coastal societies of present-day Ghana—particularly the Fante, Ga, and related Akan mar

Along the wind-carved coastline of southern Ghana, among the Fante, physical games were never idle diversions. They were social rehearsals—training grounds for endurance, hierarchy, and communal rhythm. Two in particular—Atentam and Osibir—stand out in the historical record. Atentam derives from the

Recent reports in the Ghanaian media have once again drawn attention to a disturbing and persistent problem: the murder, attempted murder, and lynching of women accused of practicing witchcraft. These incidents are often shocking in their brutality and tragic in their consequences. They also raise a

Africa is still the “dark continent” to many people. In spite of its immense size, large population, vast mineral and agricultural resources, militarily strategic location, and tremendous development potential, Africa is undeniably the most misunderstood continent. Very few non-natives of the contin

Violence against persons accused of witchcraft remains a troubling reality in parts of Ghana. Although our nation prides itself on hospitality, communal solidarity, and deep respect for human dignity, allegations of witchcraft too often trigger acts of cruelty that contradict these cherished values.

Africa is one of the most misunderstood places in the world. Popular myths—often repeated in classrooms, media, and casual conversation—have distorted global understanding of the continent. Below are some common falsehoods about Africa, alongside the facts. False: Africa Is a Country True: Africa is

Life on the Streets: A Visible Social Failure On the streets of Ghana, many people living with mental illness wander without care, shelter, or dignity. Some are dressed in dirty, tattered clothing; others are barely clothed, and a few are completely naked. Their presence is a visible reminder of a d

In the past, Ghanaian marriages endured. Separation was rare and divorce uncommon. Today, however, marriages are dissolving at an alarming rate. The critical question is this: what can be done to fortify marriages and restore their durability? Many of the challenges confronting contemporary marriage

Every year, thousands of children in Ghana suffer abuse at the hands of those entrusted with their care—parents, guardians, and relatives. Reports of battered, neglected, and traumatized children frequently appear in the Ghanaian mass media, often accompanied by disturbing images and heartbreaking d

When Two Elephants Fight, the Earth Underneath Suffers Marriage is ideally meant to be a source of companionship, love, and emotional security between husband and wife. Yet in Ghana, as in many societies across the world, the promise of marital bliss is too often shattered by domestic violence, part

Among the Akan people of southern Ghana, funerals are more than ceremonies—they are profound cultural, spiritual, and social events that reflect the community’s understanding of life, death, and the afterlife. Central to Akan beliefs is the conviction that life continues after death. While the body

Punishment is a central feature of every organized society. While rewards are designed to encourage conformity and socially approved behavior, punishment exists to negatively sanction deviant behavior. When individuals act in ways that align with societal norms, they are often rewarded through prais

Cohabitation refers to an intimate arrangement in which a man and a woman live together in a shared residence without being formally married. While cohabitation has become increasingly common in many contemporary societies, it is generally frowned upon in Akan society and regarded as socially improp

Polygamy refers to a marital arrangement in which a person is permitted to have two or more spouses at the same time. Although the term polygamy is often used loosely in everyday conversation, sociologists and anthropologists make important distinctions among its different forms. There are two main

In Ghana, there exists a long-standing practice in which some parents send their children to live with other families as househelps. While this arrangement is often justified as a strategy for providing children with better opportunities, it has, in many cases, become a source of profound exploitati

Among the Akan of Ghana, naming is never a casual act. Names locate a person in time, history, morality, and the spiritual universe. One of the most distinctive Akan naming practices is the giving of day names (kradin), assigned according to the day of the week on which a child is born. These names

For many people, choosing a marital partner is a deliberate decision. Individuals often consider several factors before deciding who to marry. Sociologists study these choices and use specific terms to describe the different patterns people follow when selecting a spouse. Marrying Up and Marrying Do

In every society, people occupy different positions called statuses. A status is simply the position a person holds in society. Throughout life, one person can have many statuses at the same time—for example, being a child, a parent, a worker, a student, or a citizen. Sociologists talk about two mai

Few modern technologies have transformed Ghana as deeply and as quickly as financial technology (fintech). What began as simple mobile phone services has grown into a digital financial ecosystem that reshaped banking, trade, and daily survival for millions of Ghanaians. Before Fintech: A Cash-Heavy

Children are the future of every society. Yet Ghana faces a serious challenge if urgent steps are not taken to ensure that today’s children are properly guided and nurtured to grow into law-abiding and responsible citizens. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in juvenile delinquenc

Newspapers occupy an important place in Ghanaian society. Long before the rise of social media and online news platforms, newspapers were the primary source of information for the public. Even today, despite digital competition, newspapers continue to serve critical social, political, educational, a

Animism is the belief that the environment and society are populated with spirits. Many Ghanaians hold animistic beliefs, maintaining that their surroundings are inhabited by spiritual beings. Some of these spirits are believed to be benevolent, while others are considered malevolent. Animistic beli

Ghana is a multiethnic and multilingual country, home to numerous ethnic groups with distinct histories and cultural traditions. Among these groups are the Kwahu people, one of the many subgroups within the larger Akan ethnic group. The Kwahu are primarily located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The

Almost everyone dreams of success. From childhood, we are taught to aspire, to achieve, and to “make it” in life. Parents encourage their children to succeed, communities celebrate successful people, and society often rewards those it considers accomplished. But an important question remains: What d

In an age of rapid social change, urbanization, and shifting lifestyles, it is worth asking a simple but important question: What is a family, and why do we still need one? Despite changes in how people live and relate to one another, the family remains the most fundamental institution in every soci

In Ghana today, many parents encourage their children to speak English, sometimes at the expense of local languages. This trend is common not only in Ghana but also among Ghanaian families living abroad. While parents may believe that prioritizing English will make their children academically bright

Time to Break Old Beliefs For too long, society has told girls they are weaker, less capable, or meant to play second fiddle to boys. It’s time to shatter that myth. Girls can do it all—excel in school, lead in government, innovate in business, and make decisions that shape nations. Gender does not

Homicide is the killing of one person by another person. The study of homicide is an important part of criminology and is carried out by criminologists, especially those who specialize in homicide or lethal violence. Homicide is not a single, uniform act. There are many different types of homicide,

Corporal punishment is when an adult uses physical force to discipline or control a child, with the aim of causing pain, though not serious injury. In simple terms, it means hurting a child’s body to punish them. Examples of corporal punishment include beating or caning, slapping or spanking, whippi

The first English newspaper on the continent of Africa was published in Cape Town in 1800. The following year in Sierra Leone, The Royal Gazette and Sierra Leone Advertiser were published in Freetown. Both were European undertakings concerned with matters of government. In 1826, Charles Force, an Am

Royal Gold Coast Gazette & Commercial Intelligencer 📰 Newspaper: Royal Gold Coast Gazette📍 Location: Cape Coast In 1822, the British colonial administration introduced the Royal Gold Coast Gazette & Commercial Intelligencer, marking the birth of journalism in the Gold Coast. The handwritten paper

Corruption remains one of the most enduring social challenges confronting Ghana. Its roots stretch back to the colonial Gold Coast era (1821–1957) and continue to influence governance, public trust, and national development today. Understanding this long history is essential to appreciating why corr

Few technological developments have reshaped Ghana as profoundly as the Advancement of communication technology. From the first telegraph lines laid by colonial authorities to today’s smartphones and internet-driven economy, communication has changed how Ghanaians trade, govern, organize, and connec

Few business stories have shaped Ghana as deeply and enduringly as cocoa. From a small agricultural experiment in the late 19th century to becoming the backbone of the national economy, cocoa transformed the Gold Coast into one of the world’s most important producers and laid the foundation for mode

Politics Before the State Called Ghana Long before the name Ghana was adopted in 1957, the land and peoples of the Gold Coast had already developed sophisticated political systems. Politics in Ghana did not begin with Europeans or colonial rule; it evolved from indigenous governance structures, cust