In the wake of modernization and world growth, I will always be proud that to some extent, Ghana still has a place for culture. We are quick to compare the time of our forefathers to the time we are living now especially from where I come from and that is because for most parts of the day, we live like we have no culture. A lot of the youth are quick to dismiss the cultural values we grew up with for the sake of modernization.
I'm still young but while I was growing up, you couldn't walk past an adult and not greet. I remember I used to greet almost everyone I met but now, it seems out of place which saddens me. I was born in the Northern part of Ghana but for large parts of my adolescence, I lived in the Volta region. That was my first taste of cultural differences. One bug thing I noticed at first was that wearing "short" skirts even for older women was not a big deal. No one saw it as indecent if I can say that but in the North when you see someone wear a short skirt, it seems out of place.
We as humans are quick to adopt what we want as long as it pleases us but do not take the time to consider our surroundings.
I believe everyone is free to do as they please but it should at least conform to the values of where they find themselves. That is why to some extent, I relate to the saying, "when you go to Rome, do what the Romans do". As long as what you have to do doesn't go against your morals and cultural values, you can live by this code.
Just like I said in the beginning of this blog, I still like that some parts of the Ghanaian culture is preserved. For a lot of high profile occasions, the cultural dances are still very much a big deal. Even in academic sittings, you still can see professional dancers or students made to perform a traditional dance. Isn't it beautiful to see some of these dances.
At the just ended hive tech conference in Ghana, we were treated to a variety of dances from the Ashanti land. We had Adowa and some other dances I am not very familiar with. Unfortunately for me, I wasn't blessed with the spirit of dancing but then watching people perform cultural dances is some form of art I admire.
My people in the North have our own dances we do as well which includes Bamaya, Takai, Simpa, etc. I have had the privilege of watching some of these dances live and boy, where they good.
Another aspect of the Ghanaian culture I am happy has been preserved is our food. I may be a big fan of the western cuisine but I cherish my Banku, kokonte, akple, fufu and Tuo Zaafi. If am I asked what was passed down to me by my ancestors, then it's food. I cannot prepare any of these local cuisines but man, I enjoy them when they are prepared hehe.
I hope as the world keeps developing, we do not let go of all our culture. let's try to revive some of the ones we have already lost and keep the ones that are on the verge of being forgotten.
This is my response to day3 of the April InLeo monthly calender. I encourage you to join.
All images belong to me. I designed the cover image with Canva
Thank you.