Proverbs from Ghana

Although proverbs are short, and sometimes funny, proverbs teach the ethical rules of the community. Proverbs may rhyme, or be a play on words. They often use plants or animals to describe human behavior, both good and bad.

Here is an example in the Ga language:

"Kedzi Baah enyo miiple loo he le Baah ni tasee le dzi moni nine sheo niyenii le no"

Loosely translated, this proverb says that when two crocodiles fight over a piece of meat, it is the third crocodile standing by who eventually will get to eat a meal.

Proverbs are often shared at special occasions, such as weddings. Here are some special proverbs for use during wedding speeches:

• No animal makes a nest until he or she gets a parter
  
  
• After the wedding....
  Only a fool will allow his or her goat to get away twice
  
  
• In married life...
  An egg under a hen is worth more than an egg meal
  
  
• In married life...
  It is always wise to remember that an ant hill is built from within (or from the inside) the ant hill
  
  
• Always in life... one must remember that if you don't disturb the bamboo tree it will not make any noise
  
  
• Finally...
  The husband or the wife who does not know the traditions of the elder is not allowed to eat with the elders

Here are some other examples of Ga proverbs.

• Even the elephant can fan off flies with his short tail.

• If the festival is going to be great, it starts in the morning.
  
  

• The prosperity of the servant is good for his master.

• Unity makes a community strong.

• Only a sound foundation can support a good superstructure.

• Success comes to those who realize that one must follow rules.

• A worthy cause is worth pursuing to the end.

• Only the unwise pursue a project that has no goal or future.

• A resourceful person finds a way out of difficulties without blaming others.

• Everyone is a king in his or her home.

• Evil doers cannot escape retribution for long.

• If there is no one to collect the bark of a tree when it is scraped, then the bark just falls to the ground.
  
  

• When the bag tears, the shoulders get a rest.
  This and several other proverbs and their explanations, along with their African translations, have been listed on the site http://www.afriprov.org/

Even though these sayings may seem simple at first, each proverb often has a deep underlying meaning. Here is a short meditiation on Ga proverbs about brotherhood.

           Please e-mail me.