Ghana's Peace-Making Traditions

Within African communities, there are chiefs, subchiefs (elders) and wise old women. There is much respect for the chief who is the leader of the community. The chief mobilizes the community. The chief represents the people and the welfare of the district in governmental matters.

The chiefs from different areas of Ghana meet every 40 days. This falls on a Wednesday or Sunday and is in honor of the Ancestors. The chiefs bring issues of their districts to the meeting, and every chief gets to speak. They follow a democratic process where decisions are made by majority rule. At times, they will postpone decisions, to think and talk matters over with others.

Chiefs judge cases for family members, communities, ethnic groups etc. If the individuals cannot work it out, it goes before the chief. The chief is the moderator, and there is reconciliation. The land cases take the longest because all people must be allowed to speak.

Nana said, "Governments come and go, but chiefs are forever." Nana is an Ambassador of Chiefs to the United Nations.

The circle in traditional society represents the unity between people; "we are all one." People decorate their bodies with circle designs made of spices. Games are played in a circle. Discussions work better in a circle because there is less chance for hierarchy.

In council circles, the men usually sit on one side and the women on the other. Usually just the men attend, but since Nana has become chief, more women are participating in these gatherings.

In traditional society, there are also Queen Mothers and Wise Old Women. The Wise Old Women come from different clans and show that they have wisdom. They are consulted on electing a chief, land cases, marriages between families etc. The Wise Old Women are people that you can weep to, and they will respond.

Nana also mediates cases in New York. She told the story of a couple that had relationship problems, and she was asked to help. When she arrived, the woman had thrown all the man’s belongings out onto the street. She discussed the situation with them, heard both sides, and offered suggestions. She had to go back to Ghana, and agreed to visit them when she returned to NY. When she did, the woman was pregnant, the couple was happy, and Nana concluded that all was well.

Nana said that there are not many mental hospitals in Ghana for depression etc. They are not needed because people talk things out. Most people first go to the Wise Old Women. The toughest cases go to the chiefs.

Issues are settled within the community. The community is open and transparent. There is a strong sense of belonging. Raising children is a communal responsibility. Similarly, death and marriage are community affairs.

Crime in Ghana is low compared to the United States. The Unit Committee of the government is responsible for responding to crime and violent acts. In the communities, everybody knows everybody. If a thief or criminal comes to the town or village, someone will know because they will appear different from the others.

In traditional society, Mother Earth is most important. "We come from the womb of Mother Earth." When we die, death rites are performed as a way of giving back to Mother Earth. Everything in nature has meaning. For example, when cutting down a tree, it is important and respectful and to ask before doing so. When cutting medicinal plants, people ask for the blessings of Mother Earth. Villagers pray before planting crops and in gratitude for the harvest.

People show respect by praying libation to God and the Ancestors. Thursday is the day of reverence for Mother Earth. Fishermen do not fish on Tuesday because it is the day to honor the waters. The sense of belonging to Mother Earth is very sacred. To sexually abuse someone on the Earth is the greatest crime. Mother Earth is sacred.

"Education" has decreased people’s respect for Mother Earth. The younger generation has lost their sense of tradition. People in rural areas are the ones preserving the culture. There is more crime now because of our disconnection from nature. There is a relationship between the increase in cities and televisions with more crime and corruption in Ghanaian society.

In the past, children were seen and not heard. Now people are becoming conscious of the needs of youth and that they are important too. Youth are organizing themselves. They need to protect their communities but are losing their traditional values.

Education is the key. This includes formal education as well as traditional knowledge. Non-formal education is important. Children need to know who they are, their identity. They need spiritual education, not just going to church, but traditional values. Nana suggests that there be a workshop that includes chiefs, elders, and the Minister of Culture on traditional education.

Providing equal education for girls is very important. Girls get pregnant at 14-15 years old. They do not necessarily get married. The family helps take care of the child. According to research on families, 93% of marriages are done traditionally. Young people need income producing projects and jobs. Ghanaian women typically are very shrewd and good business people.

Youth need skills training specifically relating to peace building and peace keeping issues. Nana says that the traditional way of settling conflicts is happening all the time. We can blend the two, the traditional ways of reconciliation and mediation with the skills of today. We need to educate how to do so.