This book begins your exploration of the culture and traditions of the Akans of Ghana, West Africa. It introduces the reader to the lifestyle of the traditional Akans living in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo, and other West African Countries. Little has been written on the Akan culture and spirituality especially in the style and with the sensitivity of this author.

The reader gets a glimpse of the traditional life of the Akan with its protocols, hospitality, and embedded cultural spirituality. This is a user friendly guide to anyone seeking knowledge on the culture and/or spirituality of the Akans.

The author has spent more than 15 years traveling throughout Ghana, observing and participating in cultural activities as well as studying day-to-day life. Additionally, the Author has spent many years interviewing practitioners of traditional Akan customs and rituals in Ghana. This book is a must read for social workers, psychologists, professors, teachers, and students. It is a great reference guide for those who plan to travel to Ghana and other parts of West Africa. Akan Protocol is infused with stories of interest and humor that will place you in the heart of Ghana, West Africa with Nana Kyerewaa.

EXCERPTS...

This book deals with some aspects of the customs and usages of the Akan-speaking people of Ghana. Though its target group is the Diaspora African, it should be a source of reference to all who wish to know the culture of the Akans.

The Akans are, all the Twi-speaking people of Ashanti, Akuapim, Brong-Ahafo, Akim, Wassaw, Sefwi, Denkyira, Kwahu and the Fantes along the coastal belt. What distinguishes one group from the other is their dialect, otherwise they speak the same language and their customary practices are not different from each other. Even though they are immensely influenced by Christianity, Islam and other foreign cultures, they have not departed from their ancestral culture, which distinguishes them as Akans. For instance, the Akans have a way of showing loyalty and courtesy to their chiefs and elders, honoring their Ancestors, organizing funerals and performing marriage rites etc.; which is worth knowing by any person who claims legacy to Akan ancestry. This book provides the basic material for such persons.

Africans in the Diaspora need to know the basics of Akan Protocol to avoid embarrassment when visiting Chiefs or attending funeral ceremonies or festivals in Ghana.

To the Diaspora Africans who, unfortunately lost their culture, --their African identity-- as a result of over 500 years of detachment from their ancestral roots, this book is an indispensable document. Nana Kyerewaa has done a good job, documenting some essential elements of our cultural practices--what to do on a visit, the essence of libation, what to wear on special occasions like funerals and social gatherings and how to behave at such ceremonies. There is also a section on "Akom", a traditional religious practice. And, there is much more information included in the book that Diaspora Africans need to know.

The Author, an Akan Traditional Priestess and a Queenmother of Atonkwa in the Edina (Elmina) Traditional Area of Ghana has traveled far and wide among the Akan communities in the Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Northern, and Central Regions of Ghana, living and interacting with the people and practicing the art on the spot. This book is the outcome of her contacts and consultations with the custodians and practitioners of our culture -- the Traditional Rulers and Elders.

This book on Akan Protocol is therefore recommended to all people of African descent either living on the continent or in the Diaspora, who claim ancestry to the Akan-speaking area of Ghana, and to all others who might wish to visit the Motherland as pilgrims or even as ordinary tourists.