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Story of the Statue
This traditional scene depicts a medicine man or herbalist treating a sick child in a Ghanaian community. Before European arrival and even today in rural areas, consulting herbalists is the initial response to illness. Ghanaians use remedies like the neem tree to strengthen their immune systems, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This setting reflects Ghana’s rich tradition of natural healing practices.
View TourGhana History Overview
Ghana’s history began with various tribes and wars. European arrival led to the transatlantic slave trade. Ghana gained independence in 1957 under Kwame Nkrumah’s leadership after a significant riot. The country’s history includes various leaders and transitions, with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo currently serving as president.
View TourWelcome to Ghana, Welcome to Accra
Dr. Kwesi Ewoodzie, director of Culture Beyond Borders, emphasizes the significance of intercultural understanding and collaboration for leadership, inclusivity, and innovation. He introduces the collaborative travel experience with South African Airways in Ghana, promoting cultural immersion and self-growth.
View TourGhana Tribes and Royalty
The National Museum showcases Akan clans: Aduana, Agona, Asona, Bretuo, Ekuona, Adwenadze, and Aboradze, each with a symbol. Asafo groups had distinct regalia and flags, serving kingdoms. The Ashanti kingdom, founded by Osei Tutu I, features unique chief and Queen Mother attire. Kings adopt stool names; Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s name comes from a chosen stool.
View TourImportance and Symbols of Ghana Stools
Traditional stools carved from wood hold symbolic importance in governance. Historically used by chiefs and kings, they still signify authority in modern Ghana. The state house, Golden Jubilee House, is stool-shaped, depicting unity in diversity with the “Funtunfunefu” symbol. This symbolizes Ghana’s history and diverse ideas converging for a unified nation, making it significant in Ghana’s governance system.
View TourEarly Ghana History
Ghana, renowned globally, was founded centuries ago by diverse tribes. The Koma terracotta, dating to 1200, reflects rich history. Over 50 languages and 49 tribes coexist, with early settlers in Bono, who expanded and defended their territory. Precolonial Ghana thrived with kings and chiefs, marked by excavations dating to the 5th century. Horse and camel rider Koma terracottas showcase their creativity 2,000 years before European arrival. Intertribal conflicts led to slavery among these groups. European arrival exploited this system, trading Africans to the New World.
View TourTraditional Ghana Housing
This traditional setting reflects the Gurung way of life, primarily practiced by the Fafra people in Ghana’s Upper East region. The architecture is designed to house nuclear families and livestock, with an emphasis on communal living. Men construct the buildings, while women are responsible for the design and painting. The layout includes a kitchen and high walls to protect cattle from local wildlife.
View TourThe Rites of Passage
Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana’s life stages at the Ghana National Museum’s Rite of Passage exhibit. From birth to death, discover the traditions, rituals, and beliefs that shape Ghanaian lives.
View TourAncient Ghana Clothing
Before modern textiles, ancestors used tree bark to create clothing. They harvested the inner bark, soaked it, then pounded and stretched it with a corrugated wooden hammer. After drying, it was ready for use as clothing, representing their early form of technology.
View TourThe Rites of Passage
Explore the rich cultural tapestry of Ghana’s life stages at the Ghana National Museum’s Rite of Passage exhibit. From birth to death, discover the traditions, rituals, and beliefs that shape Ghanaian lives.
View TourThe Big Six in Ghana
This new currency features the “big six,” key politicians who fought for Ghana’s independence. Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, born in 1901 and died in 1972, was Ghana’s first president and prime minister, leading the country to independence in 1957. The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) was the first political party formed in 1949 to pursue independence. Nkrumah joined but left to form the Convention People’s Party (CPP), advocating for swift independence. He declared Ghana independent on March 6, 1957. Though he aimed to unite Africa under the United States of Africa, Nkrumah was ousted in a 1966 coup linked to the CIA according to his book.
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