Ghanaian FoodA basic ghanaian meal consists of a starchy staple eaten with a soup or stew. Corn is significant, especially among the Ga, and rice is also popular.
The traditional dish in Ghana is a meal called fufu, which consists of pounded plantain or tubers in combination with cassava. Soup ingredients include common vegetables and some animal protein, usually fish, and invariably, hot peppers. The main cooking oil in Ghana is locally produced red palm oil. The northern staple is millet, which is processed into a paste and eaten with a soup as well. Bread is the only major European introduction and it is often eaten at breakfast. Restaurants are not common outside of urban business districts, but most local "chop bars" offer a range of native dishes to workers and bachelors. People frequently snack on goods offered for sale by people on the street. |
Classes
Ghana's stratification system follows both precolonial and modern patterns. Most traditional kingdoms back then were divided into three classes: royals, commoners, and slaves. The royals maintained exclusive rights to fill the central offices of king and, for some groups, queen mother.
Slavery is no longer significant in Ghana.
Contemporary stratification is based on education and, to a lesser degree, wealth, both of which have led to significant social mobility since their independence. Marked wealth differences have also emerged, but have been moderated. Northerners, however, form a noticeable underclass, occupying low status jobs.
Slavery is no longer significant in Ghana.
Contemporary stratification is based on education and, to a lesser degree, wealth, both of which have led to significant social mobility since their independence. Marked wealth differences have also emerged, but have been moderated. Northerners, however, form a noticeable underclass, occupying low status jobs.
Marriages in Ghana
In Ghana, Tradition dictates that family elders arrange the marriages of their dependents. People are not allowed to marry within their stock. The groom's family is expected to pay a bride-price. Polygyny is allowed and attests to the wealth and power of men, who can support more than one wife. Chiefs mark their status by marrying dozens of women. Having children is the most important focus of marriage and a husband will normally divorce an infertile wife. Divorce is easily obtained and widespread, as is remarriage. Upon a husband's death, his wife is expected to marry his brother, who also assumes responsibility for any children.
Funerals in Ghana
In Ghana, funerals are made a big deal of. All people are wearing clothes with patterns, black and orange/red varied clothing. In Ghana, funerals are not just a ceremony. The deceased is remembered over and over again. There are posters on the streets that praise the deceased, so you would think, there was a political election. In some villages, there are lists of planned funeral dates, where all residents are expected to attend. Coffins are very creative, and sometimes they're in different shapes and forms.
Things you didn't know about Ghana
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