Respect

Respect is a very important aspect of Ghana culture. The idea of respect for one’s elders is limitless. Not only must a child respect those that are older than him or her, but also the elders respect those who existed before them and now exist in the afterlife. There are many small customs that represent ways in which one can honor one’s elders. One is that a young person may not sit in a chair while a more senior person is present. Also, a child is not permitted to call parents, grandparents, or any others holding those positions by their names. When children do converse with their elders, they are much more polite in their use of language.

Age and social status hierarchies influence many factors within the society, such as the arrangement of the houses and villages and the seating position at ceremonies. The oldest member of the family almost always leads the group, unless it has been proven that this elder is unfit in the customary fashions. The purpose of education seems to revolve around raising and cultivating brave, educated and respectful individuals.