Comparison between Ghana and America

Ghana is an African nation on the West African Gulf of Guinea. It is known for its diversity in culture, wildlife, historical sites and old forts. On the other hand, United States of America is a country made up of 50 states in North America continent. Therefore the two nations have contrasting cultures. The Republic of Ghana derived its name after a medieval West Africa empire that ruled the country. Its history dates back to African Sudanic empires of the western part of Africa. Many more organized and civilized realms did not dissolve themselves such as Ghana, Ashanti, and Akan due to their massive resources. In fact, Ghana fought colonial rule and became successful hence it became the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to withdraw from colonial rule. Ghana is a fantastic country that has struggled through the years to become one of the most notable countries in Africa. It is rich in African culture and a democratic government elected by Ghanaians (Asamoah, p 45).

In terms of society and culture, Ghana is made up of more than 100 ethnic communities. T Moshi-Dagbani and Ga are considered to be significant ethnic communities. The Akan tribe of Ashanti ethnic group is the largest. Mother and maternal ancestry trace the lineage of the ethnic groups. The Ashanti tribe was once known for its wealth and influential leaders. Today the tribe is known for its craft and Kente clothing (Asamoah, p 67).

 

Family

Family plays a vital role in ensuring order in any given society, but in Ghana, it functions as a source of great bonding, identity, loyalty, and friendship. Family responsibilities take the front row, and the society prioritizes family duties over anything else. An exciting fact among the tribes of Ghana is the cultural variance from other African countries. For instance, The Fanti and Ashanti are connected to the community through women. Mothers are caregivers and wives. Women can bring forth life which helps to extend the clans. Mothers ensure their families are well fed, healthy and safe from any harm (Asamoah, p 110).

Ghana people maintain dignity, honesty and a good reputation among themselves and their families. The whole family unit is affected by any loss of honor. When a member is found on the wrong side of the law or traditions, the reputation of the whole family is normally at stake. To protect their family legacies, family often look out for each other. For the members of a family to protect their image, they have to be more united and harmonious so that they can handle themselves in an acceptable manner (Asamoah, p 232).

 

 

 

 Hierarchy

Ghana society is based on authority just like any other African society. People are respected based on age, knowledge, wealth or different positions .Elders are perceived as more intelligent authoritative and are recognized than any other group in the society. In a crowd, the elderly will be handled and treated with more care than young people. With respect comes expectations, responsibility and the community expects more from senior people than other groups in the Ghana society. The elders are leaders who give advice and views about different happenings in the nation (Pobee, p238).

Etiquette and customs found in Ghana

Traditional greetings among native people vary from one ethnic group to the other. Foreigners or visitors are usually welcomed with a warm smile and a handshake to make them feel at home and more comfortable. Ghanaians do not force visitors to adapt their customs on arrival. When a Ghanaian native meets another native, they usually shake hands in the usual manner, then curl one another's middle finger. If an individual is not a native or experienced, it is good to stick to the customary handshake to avoid embarrassment or injury because the twist is not done quickly. Christians usually shake hands when they meet the opposite sex .A practicing Muslim will not greet a member of the opposite sex. Ghanaians like to be addressed based on their academic credentials, professions, and their surnames. As assign of respect, men who have attained the age of 30 and above will be referred to as ‘pah-pah' while their woman counter Parts will be called ‘mah-mee'. Ghanaians who have attained the age of 50 and above will be called ‘nah-nah ' (Pobee, p245).

 

Religious beliefs in Ghana

Religion plays an essential role in the development of Ghana. It impacts almost everything in the day to day lives of an average Ghanaian and the whole family, economic activities, education and other sectors of life. Religion influences beliefs and ethics in Ghana. For example, church marriages are common among Ghanaians due to Christianity. Christianity is the main religion in Ghana with an estimated 72% of the population made up of Christians of different denominations. Islam is the second largest religion in Ghana with an estimated population of 17.6%.Religious tolerance in Ghana is at an all-time high. Although there is no link between ethnicities and modern religion in Ghana because people would instead follow religious beliefs than some traditional ideas that are considered barbaric in today's modern world (Pobee, p 459).

Traditional African beliefs also have an impact on Ghana society because of the relationship it has with various ethnic groups in the country. People freely express their views on supernatural beings such as Ngami, Mew, and Nyame .Some supernatural beings live in rivers, mountains, and forests. Such geographical areas are considered sacred, and people visit such places to offer prayers and to meditate with the gods (Gaines 301).

 

 

 

Religious tolerance

Despite the ever-present rivalry between Christianity and Islam in areas like the Middle East, In Ghana, the two religions co-exist together and do not have any enmity between them. Some Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are national holidays celebrated. Muslims are permitted to celebrate and observe their customs .Traditional festivities such as Apoo are recognized and honored in Ghana. Minor religions include Buddhists, Hinduism and atheism .Minor faiths have a right to worship too (Gaines p 56).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gift giving customs and etiquette

Gratuities are appreciated. The value of a gift is not placed on the price. Awards are valued regardless of their cost. The thought is more vital than the amount or value of the present. If one is invited to supper at a Ghanaian home, one is not expected to carry with them a gift. However, bringing a gift to a child is always seen as a kind gesture as it portrays concern for the whole family. Ghanaians use the right hand or both hands to give gifts. No individual is allowed to gift one present using the left side. The awards should be presented neatly, wrapped in edible paper. Although there is no taboo associated with paper color. The gifts are not opened immediately after being handed over (Gaines p 109).

 

Leisure and recreational activities for adults, students, and children

Football is one of the most common sports in Ghana. People of all ages enjoy football. The game is trendy in Ghana, and the superb performance at the 2010 world cup which was held in South Africa is enough evidence. Ghana made it to the semifinals. The national team is admired by everyone due it's their sterling performance in global football events (Gaines 179).

Hiking is unique leisure enjoyed by many in the Republic of Ghana. There are a lot of hiking trails available in Ghana that also show the natural aesthetic beauty of the country. Other recreational activities and leisure that one can participate in is fishing, Padua or canoeing at Lake Bosumtwi .fishing is both an economic and recreational activity (Gaines p 56).

 

The attitude of Ghanaians toward drinking

Ghana is a very conservative society composed of a mixture of staunch Christian believes and religious taboos. The society tries as much as possible to speak against alcoholism and any other form of substance abuse. Alcoholism may be caused by lack of good jobs and finances. Alcohol is associated with irresponsibility and immorality .Nevertheless, alcohol consumption in Ghana is very high. When one walks in residential areas, they can spot small joints and bars where an average man can access cheap liquor. Therefore the conservative society of Ghana frowns upon the act and does not condone it (Asamoah, p 23).

 

The political system of Ghana

Since it returned to constitutional rule in the year 1992, there has been a stable democratic structural government in place. Ghana has held six successful general elections and has seen two transactions of power from ruling elites to opposition parties in the year 2001 and 2009.Ghana has  a political structure similar to the one in America where the president has executive powers, and after every four years, an election is held (Asamoah, p 33).

Under the conception of separation of powers, a 275 member parliament of the Republic of Ghana has distinct roles to play. The parliament has an active link with the executive part of the government although they are independent of each other. The three parts of the government are meant to govern in a stable, transparent and accountable manner while at the same   time observing human rights and respecting the constitution of the country (Asamoah, p 51).

 

Comparison with the United States of America

The income disparities is a notable contrast that always exist between a developed country such as America and a third world country like Ghana. Americans earn more than Ghanaians. Most   Ghanaians can survive on less than a dollar per day unlike Americans. Poverty is a concern in Ghana and derails access to better infrastructure. America is different, and the living standard is more modernized than in Ghana as they may (Gaines 92).

Ghana is made from African culture while America consists of various religions who migrated from other places in the world. America has a mixture of cultures that combine to form subcultures, unlike Ghana where the natives may adapt to some of the western traditions such as education and dressing style (Gaines p 78).

In the United States the left-hand does not signify anything negative, but in Ghana, the left hand is not put to use due to the taboos associated with it. Both America n and Ghana use their right side while greeting each other, but Ghanaians avoid using left hand in all social interactions whether picking something with the left hand or gesturing using it. (Gaines p 607).

One of the cultural practices among the Ghanaians is ‘hawking'. These are traders selling their merchandise while walking from street to street. In America, such a method cannot be allowed, and one can be jailed. The different items one can buy at one location is fantastic. Food staffs, doormats and food spices. From mats to fruits such as pineapple, all can be purchased in one place or while traveling (Gaines p 347).

Ghana are very welcoming people .Ghanaian are very social people. A Ghanaian can welcome strangers to his wedding or party. In America, life is very different. People are particular to whom they talk to and who they invite to their social events. It seems that Ghanaians are just loving people (Pobee, p 126).

America is made up of various religions, but Christians and Mormons are the main religions with Islam following closely. Mormons were derived from Christianity, but they differ significantly. Mormons focus on god and study the bible than believing in Christ. Christian is the dominant religion in Ghana followed closely by Muslims and then traditional beliefs. America is well developed than Ghana. It also has a higher gross domestic product than Ghana (Pobee, p 49).

Ghana is a third world country made up of one hundred ethnic groups. Ghanaians are very conservative people and they have adopted t Christians religion with a little bit of traditional beliefs. American society do not have any specific cultural heritage, therefore their customs are not conservative.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Asamoah, Obed Y. The Political History of Ghana (1950-2013): The Experience of a Non-Conformist. , 2014.

Gaines, Kevin K. American Africans in Ghana: Black Expatriates and the Civil Rights Era. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2006

Pobee, John S. The Anglican Story in Ghana: From Mission Beginnings to Province of Ghana. Kaneshie-Accra, Ghana: Amanza, 2009