Ghana’s culture has been described by many as one of the most fascinating cultures around the world.
And if you are new in Ghana, it is important to know basic cultural taboos so that you don’t look awkward in public places.
So today, we are going to look at 5 cultural taboos that are still very relevant in Ghana
Let’s begin.
Contents
Using the left hand for gestures
Unlike other parts of the world, it is a taboo to use your left hand for activities that relate to other people.
For example, it is very offensive to use your left hand to show directions, wave, or hand over something to someone.
Why?
The left hand is believed to be unhealthy because it is used in the bathroom for cleaning. So the next time you are in Ghana, try not to use your left hand for any gestures. But if you have no option but to use it, just say ‘sorry for using my left hand’. And you’ll be forgiven.
Smelling food
If smelling food before eating is your usual habit, I recommend you get conscious of it and pause whilst in Ghana.
It is considered one of the rudest attitudes amongst almost every cultural group in Ghana.
Still wanna smell before a bite, make sure the woman who prepared the meal doesn’t see it. So that she doesn’t hate you for being rude.
Singing whilst bathing
Do you enjoy singing whilst taking your shower? Well, if you happen to live in a hotel or a rich family, then who cares.
But for the adventurous travelers who prefer to stay in a traditional home in a rural environment, it is important to consider this taboo.
Although you might not be punished for doing this, you might look awkward if old women in rural communities hear you singing whilst taking a bucket bath.
Not going to the farm or sea on sacred days
This is one of the Ghanaian cultures that is still very relevant and is observed in literally every ethnic group.
In Cape Coast (former capital of Ghana) for instance, it is a taboo for fishermen to go fishing on Tuesdays.
It is believed that such sacred days are meant for the gods and spirits to rest. And anyone who dares to go fishing on such days would encounter tragedies at sea. And face the traditional authorizes as well.
Shaking hands from left to the right
Until the recent covid-19 and its associated no handshaking, handshaking was one of the commonest practices in Ghana. And even now, you are still required to greet elders and chiefs at every cultural event even though the traditional handshake has evolved.
For example
If you visit a chief and his elders at his palace, you and your Ghanaian counterpart would greet by shaking hands from one chief (or elder) to the other.
And one must always start from the right to the left whether they are sitting in circles or in line. You might think this does not matter, but chiefs and elders take this very seriously.
But don’t worry, if you forget to start from the right, you’ll be prompted to restart the appropriate way lol
Conclusion
Every society in the world is proud of their culture. So now that you know some basic Ghanaian cultural taboos, do well to observe them when in Ghana in order to prevent embarrassing moments.
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Now it’s your turn. Which of these taboos is more strange to you?