Crabtree Publishing Company www crabtreebooks com For Doogutey Yamoi and Wapoo Kpelle friends in Ghana
Contents Welcome to Ghana 4 Naming Day 6 Birthdays 8 New Year 10 Independence Day 12 Religious Celebrations 14 National Celebrations 18 Republic Day and Founder’s Day 20 Festivals All Year 22 Homowo Festival 24 Fetu Afahya and Odwira Festival 26 Farmer’s Day 28 Christmas and Boxing Day 30 Glossary and Index 32
togo benin burkina faso côte d'ivoire ghana accra gulf of guinea Welcome to Ghana More than 27 million people live in the Republic of Ghana a warm country in western Africa Ghana has a diverse culture of 50 different ethnic groups Each has its own customs and languages but English is the country’s official language Almost half of the population belongs to an ethnic group called the Akan Much of Ghana’s land is made up of savannas or low grasslands Diverse animals such as elephants and monkeys live there 4
Cultural traditions in Ghana are colorful People may practice Christianity Islam or traditional religions Relationships are important and families like to celebrate special occasions together National holidays festivals and religious days are recognized with food music dancing and traditional clothing Ghanaians are proud of their country’s traditions and independence Fishing boats rest in this harbor in Accra Ghana’s capital city Around 4 million people live there The Sankofa bird is an important symbol to the Akan people Its head faces backward reminding people that the past is a guide to the future 5
