I'm sure there are many more cultural do's and don'ts feel free to add them in the comments section :) Also thanks to True Vonne for collabing with me on this - ua-cam.com/users/TrueVonne
@@nutube06 if you know the host it will nice to alert them so they can cater for you. And if you don’t know them you can say no but then you have to explain why and just be nice about it. People will understand but you can’t just say “no thanks”
I had an old man friend who i had known since coming to Ghana. I used to call him daddy as respect. He was in his 70s. He was very educated, and an ex diplomat. He was traditionalist interms of culture aswell. He would often correct people who were younger than himself, even people in their 40s and 50s about respect, because people didnt even greet properly. He would get upset when somebody would pass and just wave their hand as a greeting. He would say, " is that how you greet me"? "Am i your age mate"? I realised through him that most people have lost the basics of their culture. He was a very principled respected man . Unfortunately he passed away recently... RIP DADDY.
Interesting! In Brazil we see those social habits very much as so many people came here from Africa (unfortunately forced as slaves). A while ago I was paying my rent and my landlord asked me to switch the money to right hand.
Its very similar in the Caribbean i remember when i was riding the bus back home in St kitts and when someone would enter the bus they would say good morning and EVERYONE would respond with good morning back its really nice. I just hope with the large influx of people to Ghana these traditions aren't eroded away that's a concern.
I wasn’t raised like this, but it had to come from somewhere. aside from the right hand, and offering food, and aunti and uncle, I practice most other etiquette.
I am Congolese and most of those etiquettes so far apply in congo too. I think it is an African thing, we are big on respect ,especially of elderly. Ok still watching
As a Scottish British woman i think all of these traditions are whst we had growing up . To be respectful , kind and considerate . Towards others and especially your elders . 🏴🇬🇧
I agree with everything this lady said, except the children have to be seen not heard. I really dislike this. Because, if someone is mistreating or abusing. They cannot voice it out. Furthermore, l was born in London England, but spent 12 years in Nigeria which l didn't like. Then relocated to US in my twenties. Now, l am 53 and l have three grown sons and one grandson. My children are American, educated and well respected and culture. However, l thought my children to express their thoughts and feelings when something is wrong or right. My main reason is that l experience a lot of abuse mentally, emotionally and physically when l was living in Nigeria. So, l vow to myself that my children will never experience what l went through.
05:35 is why I gained 20kg since moving to Ghana. People are so offended when you don't accept food. So I'd force myself to eat even if I was not hungry.
Wonderful. Many things said here were done in the south in the US before integration . Much of traditions have changed among African Americans due to TV, integration and the assimilation that came with it. Many things she says is familiar to one in my age group. We truly see the damage it has done to leave these cultural traditions behind. Sankofa. Let’s go get them back to help us restore our natural traditions of order and peace and grace.
00:36 - Kwame Nkrumah did not declare independence at Independence Square as you said in the video. He did that at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Where his statue is, that's the exact spot he stood and declared Ghana to be free. Those grounds were formerly 'White only grounds where the white British played polo and black people were not allowed. This is why he chose that spot to declare Ghana to be free.
This is correct. The tour guide at the Kwame Nkrumah National Park also said the park was the location where independence was declared, although I didn’t know some of the additional information you shared, thank you Ivy.
The culture of children only being seen and not heard is one of the things I've always hated in Ghana. It teaches children to be silent and then they become adults who don't speak up.
@@jamesasamoa9055 it's not that they don't speak when adults are speaking. That's not what I was saying. Kids are afraid to talk to adults in a way that they can ask questions. They speak so quietly and timid because they fear being shouted at. Kids won't ask adults "why" and pose their curious questions because they are taught not to question adults. That's what I am talking about. I do see a difference based on economic class though. The kids in expensive private schools seem to have a different dynamic with the adults in their life where they talk with less fear. Then I see a grandparents who will say their parents are not raising them right because they feel the kids are not respectful. I think kids have the capacity to be respectful while still being allowed their curious nature and speaking with adults. I see the change based on social class. The ones with access, private school, travel, exposure to outside cultures, middle class and above... Tend to be changing and allowing kids to be more free
As we've grown and a little more travelled we notice that there is a balance to be struck. It's social impact on our society is evident, I feel. Because of the 'respect' afforded to an elder (someone that's older than you), the society tends to be more cohesive or peaceful in its relationships even in the urban/city areas (a good example of this would be Japan and Southeast Asian cultures generally). It breeds less crime (violent crime) against senior citizens. This culture tends to quite rightly lets the older (assumed more experienced in life) have the benefit of winning an argument more of the time in any given situation than the less experienced (younger person). Of course, the downside is as you allude to in that it can lead to a 'culture of silence' and subserviency to the elderly. Something that does also hamper the society's general ability to be more responsive to change (needed change) and also allowing younger minds to feel more confident in also leading the change the society needs (an example of this is sub-saharan Africa generally or more closer home Nigeria where less young people are seen actively involved in politics or political leadership yet form the vast majority of the population). So, there needs to be a balance, I feel. Too much of one has unwanted repercussions for the society.
Hi Vanessa! I've been following you, since your return to Ghana. I was so inspired I sold my home in the states, pack our bags, and now I am here in Ghana with my husband and 4 year old twin boys. I came in February for a two week visit...I thought about contacting you, but I didn't want to seem creepy. Lol I started a UA-cam about Ghana and received an unexpected, amazing, and loving response from so many people. Now, we are here living (Tema) as of this past Thursday. Hopefully, we can meet up one day? Thanks for the informative videos...we are currently relaxing in Prampram. My real name is Pebbles, Ghanaian name Akua, and UA-cam name Mother Oshea ASÉ.
Very good video. Let me add. You dont point your left finger to the cemetery, reason being the belief its the home of our dead ancestors and all of us.
Thank you for the video Vanessa. I am Congolese and ny husband is Russian. I feel in love with Ghana by watching your videos. All of the etiquettes that you mentioned applies to the Congolese culture, at least this is how i was raised. When it comes to slippers, this is applicable in Russian culture too and they are really family oriented too. The most shocking thing that I heard from the Russian culture, is that you can't whistle inside the house or use your hand to wipe a table. So that is a big no in our house! Thank you for a great video!
The whistling indoors is quite common for west african cultures, as well as the greeting....also within the african diaspora in the American South and the Caribbean.
And talking about greetings in Ghana, any time I am Ghana I always listen to political talk shows and i always hear the pundits prior to their submission say something like, " let me greet your listeners and viewers". Ghanaians dont joke with greetings. Greeting is a must in Ghana.
Great content as always Vanessa. The issue with PDA's is skewed towards morality than "superstition" or jealousy lol. A larger population of our country are somewhat conservative with respect to morale codes and our general way of life. Basically if a practice is considered a bad example for children then it should be done indoors. Typically, men will date an average of 6 girls before marriage (lower amongst conservatives), you don't want young boys thinking it's ok(ideal) to "explore" relationships in that wise, since it mostly leaves their female counterparts at a disadvantage, not to mention having multiple partners during the course of one's life will for the most part do a person more harm than good (disease, traumas from bad experiences, etc). Teenage pregnancy has been a major canker in our society over the past few years, girls as young as 13yrs commonly get pregnant impeding their education. In the upper west region alone, nearly 700 teenage girls returned to school pregnant just this May when schools reopened, That's just 1 out of 16 regions in Ghana, imagine the negative impact that would have on their future considering we don't have the best support systems to help them through schooling. Our cultural values are mostly about providing good examples for youngsters and promoting general happiness in the simplicity of things...
This is so interesting, the similarities in etiquette. In the Caribbean where my dad is from, we are the same too, you must greet each other with: good morning/ afternoon/evening and we call all our elders auntie or uncle even if they’re not related to us, as a sign of respect. Even in the U.K. where I live all my African/ Caribbean colleagues, canteen staff or cleaners at work I ALWAYS greet them by saying good morning Auntie (followed by their name). Also when going to the Caribbean as a child we were likewise meant to be seen but not heard especially when in the company of adults. I love how similar we black diaspora in the Caribbean, are to the mother land 🙌🏽🥰
These rules of etiquette connects all of us together and brings respect, peace and harmony in the society. Very informative. Will visit again and again. 👏👌👍
lol, As you spend more time in Ghana it would come just naturally and when you get back to the States you will be greeting everyone that you pass by. I was greeting everyone when I first came to Canada from Ghana and I still do but less now.
Good Afternoon Vanessa. Great video. Another taboo in Ghana is greeting people on the way to the toilet. I always wondered about this. In the village, people would actually get angry and curse you out if you greeted them on your way to the public toilet. Sometimes, they would ask you angrily if you wanted them to come along to clean you up. I never understood this until I started thinking about it. I thought that it was just disrespectful in light of what the person was on his or her way to do. However, I came up with a different explanation. Among we the Ewes (from the Volta Region) a greeting is not just good morning or good afternoon or good evening. It is an elaborate process in which the greeter asks about the other's households members individually by name and the other person reciprocates. It goes like this: Good Morning, Reply: Good Morning. How is your household? They are fine. Kofi? He is fine, Adjoa? She is fine. Mansa and her children? They are fine. and on and on. This could take a minute. Imagine you are pressed to use the public toilet and on your way you have to stop and greet many people you know this way. You may end up with the unthinkable. Hence the rule or custom not to greet on the way to the toilet. If you pass by someone and the person takes offense in your not greeting him or her, you can just tell them later you were on the way to the toilet. The other taboo against giving things with the left hand was a custom to prevent the spread of germs. Before indoor plumbing and handwashing soap dispensers, people used public outdoor toilets and cleaned themselves with things other than toilet paper. Since the population was usually right-hand dominant, people cleaned themselves with the left hand. In the process, the left hand may (or was usually) contaminated. To pass things from the left hand would spread germs and other things hence the rule which then became a custom.
Right…the left hand was used in the past to clean yourself before they had restrooms with sinks or hand sanitizer BUT society then comes to the point where the custom is no longer relevant to modern-day life. Anyone who feels anger or disrespected by the left hand should feel ridiculous or silly, since the person has not caused any actual offense. Sometimes cultural traditions can become irrelevant and should be let go.
@@deedamsel-cole2551 Not quite. People don't give up their customs so easily. That is what distinguishes a country and people from others, All countries and peoples have their traditions and customs. Why do Americans place flowers year after year on the graves of dead people who can't hear or see? Hundreds of years back in England, a man had to elope with the woman he wanted to marry. Since he would be chased by the family, he would need a helper, hence a best man, who still shows up at weddings today. Ships are still commissioned by smashing gin against them and women still wear veils at weddings to show chastity - even when they are marrying for the fifth time! Glasses with strong drink in them for hundreds of years in England was clinked together before people drank the liquor because it was believed that the drink contained evil spirits and doing so would frighten them away. Today, we still clink glasses and say "cheers" before drinking. People still curtsy the Queens, Japanese still have their elaborate tea ceremonies from hundreds of years ago and on and on. Not all Ghanaians have indoor plumbing, hand washing soap dispensers and hand sanitizers so nothing wrong with keeping the right hand rule.
@@johnakpalu2118 I really didn’t need a lecture on cultural traditions. Sometimes less is more. Your last sentence was sufficient to make your point. Please don’t respond with another unsolicited dissertation.
For the greeting part, there is much to it, it is also a sign of acknowledging the person and also let’s say you are on a pathway going somewhere and you meet somebody on the way, there could be a danger on the way ahead of you, and if you don’t greet the person opposite you, he/she may not alert you or warn you about what is on your way. So it is important you greet people and also is a sign of respect.
Great to know! Thanks so much Vanessa. Some of these things are just signs of being a decent respectful person: please, thank you/no thank you. I've definitely found myself being more empathetic, saying sorry when someone hurts them; showing that we've have some humanity and care for others in us which, unfortunately, many in the world DO NOT have. CAN'T WAIT FOR MY HUSBAND & I TO GET OVER THERE. We already have a friend who moved back with his family and another Ghanaian friend, living in UK, trying to set up a business to eventually move back. Knowing someone already in Ghana takes such a weight off to us westerners. I'm seeing so many negative videos of British, American and even other African countries, who have moved back or in the process of leaving Ghana because of something or other.
One of cultures we practice in Nigeria that I'm Not a fan of is children are served last. In some cases, adults are served 2 pieces of meat while children don't get any. Another is, some children don't know their parents names. A boy named Chidi got lost on his way from school. He was asked of his mom's name so that they can trace his parents, he replied "Mama Chidi😊" because that's what everyone referred to her as.
I'm a Belgian, and lived in Ghana from 2014 to 2019.. And honestly, best way to get used to everything is experiencing it in real life.. This video might be helpful, but it still is different to experience and learn it in real life.. I must admit I spent a lot of time in Cameroon and Nigeria before Ghana.. It's all a bit similar actually..
@@chall5353 hello.. it was nice back then.. Used to be there a lot between 2009 and 2015.. Now it's not that safe and fun again because of the friction between Francophones and Anglophones.. At least that's what I hear from old friends there..
Actually most of what you are talking about is what is practiced in high society in the Western Hemisphere. Kids brought up in private schools and upper middle class and royal societies can relate to the Ghanaian culture
Omg! I was born in Jamaica lived in tge USA for 50 years and Jamaica is exactly like Africa culturally I still say yes please, thank you, sorry all of that in America rudeness is the order of the day, even little children call you by your first name
This is very interesting, will be visiting Ghana in 2025. I am confused by a lot of this stuff especially the left hand thing because I am right handed and don't attempt to do anything with my left hand because it's awkward for me. Will definitely keep all of this for back-up.
@@sampsondjonorh4987 Have You Traveled, Apparently Not... Some Of The Most Gracious Loving Kind Hearted Thoughtful Ppl Are Southerners... Deeply Rooted In Etiquette...We Speak To Everyone...Most Of The Time Followed By A Hug...The Bible Belt Is The Southern Part Of The US...Where There's A Church On Every Corner...We Have Ppl From All Walks Of Life...And We Embrace Them...No Matter The Race Ethnicity Or Religion...To Be Gracious And Kind Is A Part Of Our DNA...No Other Place On Earth Is As Gracious And Kind...We Share Our Wealth's With The World... Including The Beautiful Continent Of Africa...An After Sunday Service We Gather Together For Sunday Dinner... Being Born Southern Is A Blessing From GOD... The Southern Part Of The US Is Rooted In Tradition...We Say, Please And Thank You, Yes Ma'am Or No Sir...Our Children Are Taught Etiquette At An Early Age... There's No Place On Earth Better Than The South... Perhaps Someday GOD Will Bless You With The Experience Of A Southern Family...PS All Ppl Living In The South Are Not Southerners... But I'm One Of The Blessed... Y'all Stay Safe And Be Blessed... Bye Y'all 💙🙏
@@suni3959 thank you ShiShi for the enlightenment about the South. Some day I may move down South to become your neighbour. I don't live too far from you. And it is still a small world. Stay blessed.
Jesus Christ! The left hand. Some of us are left-handed and we use the left hand for all the good things 🤓. Based on my culture in Uganda, 🇺🇬 I would never guess the reason behind that. Thanks for sharing.
I am left handed myself but since I was born and grown up in Ghana, somethings I never do with my left hand. My parents trained me from infancy about how to use only my right hand to do setting things
This is very educational, especially for those not accustomed to Ghanian culture, unfortunately for me I learned most of these things the hard way, like my grandma slapping my hand every time I used my left hand to hand over something 😄 Thanks Vanessa, for the educational content.
I always go back to Aretha. African society runs on RESPECT! Greetings, courtesy, respect for your elders are all ways of showing grace and respect. We have always been noble.
It used to be that way in America especially among African American peoples in the 50' and 60's but now with this, 'What you lookin' at?', and 'do you know me?' generations, many of these type of traditions have left even African American culture.
Greetings Vanessa Kanbi,. thank you for this very informative information. Continue to enjoy yourself in your father's home land and tell Shawn "Hi" from blacks in Asia. Thanks for sharing.
Registering a business in Rwanda takes 6 hours and its free. You can’t even make a deposit in GCB when you are outside Ghana, and it takes like a year to get a business license or birthday certificate in Ghana. You have to pay all the workers if you want to get it in a month.
Depending on age, geographic area, and home ttaining, most Blacks in America greet as well. Unless you're super close, but even then, you're expected to speak. Old ppl wil ask, "Did I sleep with you last?" That means when you entered the room you should have greeted immediately. If they have to tell you, it's a problem.
And about the relationship and dating.....men are always expected to take the tab. And lastly.....when you are the one making an invitation you take the tab.
This is an excellent video that summarizes important cultural etiquette. I’ve been telling my friends about these in bits and pieces but you ladies have done a great job here. Just to add to using the left hand, please don’t use your left hand to give directions if asked. It’s a big no no and stems from the same explanation given here. Kudos to you ladies ❤️❤️👍🏿👍🏿
My son had some difficulty in Ghana because he’s left-handed and was constantly being scolded. I also wish that children are allowed to ask “why” in order not to stifle critical thinking.
@@teresaamanfu7408 I totally agree. My brother who comes directly after me also had a hard time when we were growing up because he was left handed. In primary school he was forced to write with his right hand. Today it would probably be called child abuse. As a result he’s now ambidextrous. 🤣🤣
Socially conservative society Ghana 🇬🇭 seems to be. Can’t display public affection? Shocker!!! And greeting shop attendants as a customer? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Okay got lots to learn before my arrival. 💕
Im very happy with the not showing signs of public affection. Whats wrong with that? Why would anybody want to tongue down your partner in public, especially in front of children. Theres a time and place for that. It has nothing to do with jealousy. Do these people think they are the only people who are in love? Or does it mean tongueing down in front of old ladies is a sign of how strong your relationship is? These people are just exibitionist who are just looking for attention. Do you want it to become like the west where you get couples snogging at the breafast table in front of grandma? .
Again I understand that in Ghana, you have to first greet the person when you first meet him/her. When if you come across people, who are very aggressive/bad tempered/verbally abusive/angry/sad/depressed? what are they supposed to do in this situation?
I'm sure there are many more cultural do's and don'ts feel free to add them in the comments section :) Also thanks to True Vonne for collabing with me on this - ua-cam.com/users/TrueVonne
It was a pleasure shooting this with you Vanessa. Thank you so much.
This is fun watching and hope everyone learnt something
We should be a part 2.
I'm vegan. So, if I'm a guess for dinner and offered a non-vegan dish, would it be rude to say no thanks???
@@nutube06 if you know the host it will nice to alert them so they can cater for you. And if you don’t know them you can say no but then you have to explain why and just be nice about it. People will understand but you can’t just say “no thanks”
OMG This lady is GORGEOUS.
She is super beautiful
I strongly concur ❤
Which of the two? Don't fall for the color.
She is
I had an old man friend who i had known since coming to Ghana. I used to call him daddy as respect. He was in his 70s. He was very educated, and an ex diplomat. He was traditionalist interms of culture aswell. He would often correct people who were younger than himself, even people in their 40s and 50s about respect, because people didnt even greet properly. He would get upset when somebody would pass and just wave their hand as a greeting. He would say, " is that how you greet me"? "Am i your age mate"? I realised through him that most people have lost the basics of their culture. He was a very principled respected man . Unfortunately he passed away recently... RIP DADDY.
Very true. There’s a way of greeting too now things are definitely not how they used to be anymore
Interesting! In Brazil we see those social habits very much as so many people came here from Africa (unfortunately forced as slaves). A while ago I was paying my rent and my landlord asked me to switch the money to right hand.
I live in Ghana and even this is a good refresher for me
Se wo didii saaa
About not entering with shoes isn't just because of dust but more importantly, it has a spiritual connotations to it.
It's regarded as sacred.
The lady with the scarf is so gorgeous. Her skin is amazing ❤️ can’t wait to visit one day
Concerning the greetings, its more complex depending on the tribe.
Interesting...As an African-American Southern, many of the interactions like greetings is the same.
Its very similar in the Caribbean i remember when i was riding the bus back home in St kitts and when someone would enter the bus they would say good morning and EVERYONE would respond with good morning back its really nice. I just hope with the large influx of people to Ghana these traditions aren't eroded away that's a concern.
That’s why we keep sharing them so that other people can learn. We have a beautiful culture
@@TrueVonne its eroded already. I use the tro tro all the time and most people dont greet when entering... just a few. Its not strict.
@@kehindeemiabata4032 for the tro tro is not a big deal as compared to going to a family gathering or school
Same in Saint Lucia 🇱🇨 but the younger generation is less polite.
This is how we were raised in the Southern States of America, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, we live the same way
With the elderly , u could ask ' how are you'. Just add please to it.
"Pls how are you" Lol.
I was raised in South Carolina (USA) and I was raised EXACTLY EXACTLY like this! A lot of us were. I raise my kids like this. 😍
I wasn’t raised like this, but it had to come from somewhere. aside from the right hand, and offering food, and aunti and uncle, I practice most other etiquette.
So true. Down south ( USA) this is how we are raised.
I am Congolese and most of those etiquettes so far apply in congo too. I think it is an African thing, we are big on respect ,especially of elderly. Ok still watching
Yeah, the hand gesture is such a big deal! When I’m handing over something with my left had I have to apologise and say “sorry for my left”
Left handed people are screwed.
This Ghanaian woman is so absolutely beautiful and gracious. I learned so much.
As a Scottish British woman i think all of these traditions are whst we had growing up . To be respectful , kind and considerate . Towards others and especially your elders . 🏴🇬🇧
I agree with everything this lady said, except the children have to be seen not heard. I really dislike this. Because, if someone is mistreating or abusing. They cannot voice it out. Furthermore, l was born in London England, but spent 12 years in Nigeria which l didn't like. Then relocated to US in my twenties. Now, l am 53 and l have three grown sons and one grandson. My children are American, educated and well respected and culture. However, l thought my children to express their thoughts and feelings when something is wrong or right. My main reason is that l experience a lot of abuse mentally, emotionally and physically when l was living in Nigeria. So, l vow to myself that my children will never experience what l went through.
The fact is I love Ghana 🇬🇭❤️🇬🇭❤️
05:35 is why I gained 20kg since moving to Ghana. People are so offended when you don't accept food. So I'd force myself to eat even if I was not hungry.
😅😅
Especially when it’s jollof😁😁
@@FND-GH some of my favourites are Waakye, Red Red and Omu Tuo.
I like your cute excuse 😊
Wonderful. Many things said here were done in the south in the US before integration . Much of traditions have changed among African Americans due to TV, integration and the assimilation that came with it. Many things she says is familiar to one in my age group. We truly see the damage it has done to leave these cultural traditions behind. Sankofa. Let’s go get them back to help us restore our natural traditions of order and peace and grace.
I like how elders are respected in Ghana. I cant wait to retire there.
You have your chair when you enter the bus😁😁
00:36 - Kwame Nkrumah did not declare independence at Independence Square as you said in the video. He did that at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park. Where his statue is, that's the exact spot he stood and declared Ghana to be free. Those grounds were formerly 'White only grounds where the white British played polo and black people were not allowed. This is why he chose that spot to declare Ghana to be free.
This is correct. The tour guide at the Kwame Nkrumah National Park also said the park was the location where independence was declared, although I didn’t know some of the additional information you shared, thank you Ivy.
@@yo-a You're welcome.
So... I had to listen to this thing all over again because I was in awe of this Ghanaian woman's beauty!
The greetings is to acknowledge fellow human, also to know one’s intentions entering some space
The culture of children only being seen and not heard is one of the things I've always hated in Ghana. It teaches children to be silent and then they become adults who don't speak up.
I think it has changed. The culture that kids don't speak when adults are speaking is almost universal.
@@jamesasamoa9055 it's not that they don't speak when adults are speaking. That's not what I was saying.
Kids are afraid to talk to adults in a way that they can ask questions. They speak so quietly and timid because they fear being shouted at. Kids won't ask adults "why" and pose their curious questions because they are taught not to question adults.
That's what I am talking about.
I do see a difference based on economic class though. The kids in expensive private schools seem to have a different dynamic with the adults in their life where they talk with less fear. Then I see a grandparents who will say their parents are not raising them right because they feel the kids are not respectful.
I think kids have the capacity to be respectful while still being allowed their curious nature and speaking with adults.
I see the change based on social class. The ones with access, private school, travel, exposure to outside cultures, middle class and above... Tend to be changing and allowing kids to be more free
As we've grown and a little more travelled we notice that there is a balance to be struck. It's social impact on our society is evident, I feel. Because of the 'respect' afforded to an elder (someone that's older than you), the society tends to be more cohesive or peaceful in its relationships even in the urban/city areas (a good example of this would be Japan and Southeast Asian cultures generally). It breeds less crime (violent crime) against senior citizens. This culture tends to quite rightly lets the older (assumed more experienced in life) have the benefit of winning an argument more of the time in any given situation than the less experienced (younger person). Of course, the downside is as you allude to in that it can lead to a 'culture of silence' and subserviency to the elderly. Something that does also hamper the society's general ability to be more responsive to change (needed change) and also allowing younger minds to feel more confident in also leading the change the society needs (an example of this is sub-saharan Africa generally or more closer home Nigeria where less young people are seen actively involved in politics or political leadership yet form the vast majority of the population).
So, there needs to be a balance, I feel. Too much of one has unwanted repercussions for the society.
@@jamesasamoa9055 Yeah, those etiquettes existed until the nineties. It has changed indeed.
Children are allowed to speak. They're just not allowed to argue as a sign of respect.
Wow when you come to Nigeria, everything mentioned here are same wow wow...No left...you must to greet and so on
Hi Vanessa! I've been following you, since your return to Ghana. I was so inspired I sold my home in the states, pack our bags, and now I am here in Ghana with my husband and 4 year old twin boys. I came in February for a two week visit...I thought about contacting you, but I didn't want to seem creepy. Lol I started a UA-cam about Ghana and received an unexpected, amazing, and loving response from so many people. Now, we are here living (Tema) as of this past Thursday. Hopefully, we can meet up one day? Thanks for the informative videos...we are currently relaxing in Prampram. My real name is Pebbles, Ghanaian name Akua, and UA-cam name Mother Oshea ASÉ.
How re you enjoying your stay so far in Ghana?
@@kwakubiritwumokrah3219 Hi!! We are loving it, and taking it in! How are you?
@@mrs_mentalfitness I’m great, thanks for asking. Glad you’re enjoying your time here as well. Cheers!
Almost all the " cultural etiquette" are built on/around RESPECT.
Very good video.
Let me add. You dont point your left finger to the cemetery, reason being the belief its the home of our dead ancestors and all of us.
I’ll be visiting soon so this video is a must watch for me. I’ll be chronicling this.
MY Almighty God make it easy for you
Thank you for the video Vanessa. I am Congolese and ny husband is Russian. I feel in love with Ghana by watching your videos. All of the etiquettes that you mentioned applies to the Congolese culture, at least this is how i was raised. When it comes to slippers, this is applicable in Russian culture too and they are really family oriented too. The most shocking thing that I heard from the Russian culture, is that you can't whistle inside the house or use your hand to wipe a table. So that is a big no in our house! Thank you for a great video!
Funny my parents are ga-adme tribe Ghana and my mum always used to tell me off for whistling indoors
@@msgoldndiamondsarefromafri8112 very interesting, since i never heard of this until my husband. Thanks for sharing 😊
The whistling indoors is quite common for west african cultures, as well as the greeting....also within the african diaspora in the American South and the Caribbean.
And talking about greetings in Ghana, any time I am Ghana I always listen to political talk shows and i always hear the pundits prior to their submission say something like, " let me greet your listeners and viewers". Ghanaians dont joke with greetings. Greeting is a must in Ghana.
I remember being told that because we eat our delicious food with our hands, you always use your left for the bathroom.
Vanessa and Vonne are very beautiful.
Great content as always Vanessa. The issue with PDA's is skewed towards morality than "superstition" or jealousy lol. A larger population of our country are somewhat conservative with respect to morale codes and our general way of life. Basically if a practice is considered a bad example for children then it should be done indoors. Typically, men will date an average of 6 girls before marriage (lower amongst conservatives), you don't want young boys thinking it's ok(ideal) to "explore" relationships in that wise, since it mostly leaves their female counterparts at a disadvantage, not to mention having multiple partners during the course of one's life will for the most part do a person more harm than good (disease, traumas from bad experiences, etc). Teenage pregnancy has been a major canker in our society over the past few years, girls as young as 13yrs commonly get pregnant impeding their education. In the upper west region alone, nearly 700 teenage girls returned to school pregnant just this May when schools reopened, That's just 1 out of 16 regions in Ghana, imagine the negative impact that would have on their future considering we don't have the best support systems to help them through schooling. Our cultural values are mostly about providing good examples for youngsters and promoting general happiness in the simplicity of things...
This is so interesting, the similarities in etiquette. In the Caribbean where my dad is from, we are the same too, you must greet each other with: good morning/ afternoon/evening and we call all our elders auntie or uncle even if they’re not related to us, as a sign of respect. Even in the U.K. where I live all my African/ Caribbean colleagues, canteen staff or cleaners at work I ALWAYS greet them by saying good morning Auntie (followed by their name). Also when going to the Caribbean as a child we were likewise meant to be seen but not heard especially when in the company of adults. I love how similar we black diaspora in the Caribbean, are to the mother land 🙌🏽🥰
Yes same .....since most of the african people who were brought to the Caribbean were from West Africa... also common in the American South
Vanessa - That is Africa. Our elders are respected.
These rules of etiquette connects all of us together and brings respect, peace and harmony in the society. Very informative. Will visit again and again. 👏👌👍
I always have to slow down to greet everyone! My American ways trip me up on this one often. I train myself and constantly remind myself.
lol, As you spend more time in Ghana it would come just naturally and when you get back to the States you will be greeting everyone that you pass by. I was greeting everyone when I first came to Canada from Ghana and I still do but less now.
Good Afternoon Vanessa. Great video. Another taboo in Ghana is greeting people on the way to the toilet. I always wondered about this. In the village, people would actually get angry and curse you out if you greeted them on your way to the public toilet. Sometimes, they would ask you angrily if you wanted them to come along to clean you up. I never understood this until I started thinking about it. I thought that it was just disrespectful in light of what the person was on his or her way to do. However, I came up with a different explanation. Among we the Ewes (from the Volta Region) a greeting is not just good morning or good afternoon or good evening. It is an elaborate process in which the greeter asks about the other's households members individually by name and the other person reciprocates. It goes like this: Good Morning, Reply: Good Morning. How is your household? They are fine. Kofi? He is fine, Adjoa? She is fine. Mansa and her children? They are fine. and on and on. This could take a minute. Imagine you are pressed to use the public toilet and on your way you have to stop and greet many people you know this way. You may end up with the unthinkable. Hence the rule or custom not to greet on the way to the toilet. If you pass by someone and the person takes offense in your not greeting him or her, you can just tell them later you were on the way to the toilet.
The other taboo against giving things with the left hand was a custom to prevent the spread of germs. Before indoor plumbing and handwashing soap dispensers, people used public outdoor toilets and cleaned themselves with things other than toilet paper. Since the population was usually right-hand dominant, people cleaned themselves with the left hand. In the process, the left hand may (or was usually) contaminated. To pass things from the left hand would spread germs and other things hence the rule which then became a custom.
Very informative
Right…the left hand was used in the past to clean yourself before they had restrooms with sinks or hand sanitizer BUT society then comes to the point where the custom is no longer relevant to modern-day life. Anyone who feels anger or disrespected by the left hand should feel ridiculous or silly, since the person has not caused any actual offense. Sometimes cultural traditions can become irrelevant and should be let go.
@@deedamsel-cole2551
Not quite. People don't give up their customs so easily. That is what distinguishes a country and people from others, All countries and peoples have their traditions and customs. Why do Americans place flowers year after year on the graves of dead people who can't hear or see? Hundreds of years back in England, a man had to elope with the woman he wanted to marry. Since he would be chased by the family, he would need a helper, hence a best man, who still shows up at weddings today. Ships are still commissioned by smashing gin against them and women still wear veils at weddings to show chastity - even when they are marrying for the fifth time! Glasses with strong drink in them for hundreds of years in England was clinked together before people drank the liquor because it was believed that the drink contained evil spirits and doing so would frighten them away. Today, we still clink glasses and say "cheers" before drinking. People still curtsy the Queens, Japanese still have their elaborate tea ceremonies from hundreds of years ago and on and on. Not all Ghanaians have indoor plumbing, hand washing soap dispensers and hand sanitizers so nothing wrong with keeping the right hand rule.
@@johnakpalu2118 I really didn’t need a lecture on cultural traditions. Sometimes less is more. Your last sentence was sufficient to make your point. Please don’t respond with another unsolicited dissertation.
@@deedamsel-cole2551 calm down it's not that deep
For the greeting part, there is much to it, it is also a sign of acknowledging the person and also let’s say you are on a pathway going somewhere and you meet somebody on the way, there could be a danger on the way ahead of you, and if you don’t greet the person opposite you, he/she may not alert you or warn you about what is on your way. So it is important you greet people and also is a sign of respect.
Greetings can even be more complex when the number of prominent or elderly are more and you have no idea who comes first and who follows next
I know right. And you have to greet according to their level of importance. Hmmmm
No, you don't need to
Vaness🤗 you have a terrific interviewing style. You are curating interest in Ghana. Thank you for this amazingly insightful content‼️
Excellent tips! I would always prepare (warn) non-African friends visiting my parents’ house!
Great to know! Thanks so much Vanessa. Some of these things are just signs of being a decent respectful person: please, thank you/no thank you. I've definitely found myself being more empathetic, saying sorry when someone hurts them; showing that we've have some humanity and care for others in us which, unfortunately, many in the world DO NOT have. CAN'T WAIT FOR MY HUSBAND & I TO GET OVER THERE. We already have a friend who moved back with his family and another Ghanaian friend, living in UK, trying to set up a business to eventually move back. Knowing someone already in Ghana takes such a weight off to us westerners. I'm seeing so many negative videos of British, American and even other African countries, who have moved back or in the process of leaving Ghana because of something or other.
One of cultures we practice in Nigeria that I'm Not a fan of is children are served last. In some cases, adults are served 2 pieces of meat while children don't get any.
Another is, some children don't know their parents names. A boy named Chidi got lost on his way from school. He was asked of his mom's name so that they can trace his parents, he replied "Mama Chidi😊" because that's what everyone referred to her as.
I'm liking your culture more and more manners, decency ,and appropriateness .
I'm a Belgian, and lived in Ghana from 2014 to 2019.. And honestly, best way to get used to everything is experiencing it in real life.. This video might be helpful, but it still is different to experience and learn it in real life.. I must admit I spent a lot of time in Cameroon and Nigeria before Ghana.. It's all a bit similar actually..
Hi how was Cameroon? That's where I want to visit soon because the majority of my African DNA test was from there.
@@chall5353 hello.. it was nice back then.. Used to be there a lot between 2009 and 2015.. Now it's not that safe and fun again because of the friction between Francophones and Anglophones.. At least that's what I hear from old friends there..
Actually most of what you are talking about is what is practiced in high society in the Western Hemisphere. Kids brought up in private schools and upper middle class and royal societies can relate to the Ghanaian culture
A lot of it is carried over from colonial times from the middle classes of British society which had been blended with our own African traditions
Literally. Seems pointless even to me brought up in lower class/poverty.
Aww this was fun and interesting to watch 💕🇬🇭
Thanks to God for her teaching you some stuff about culture.
Omg! I was born in Jamaica lived in tge USA for 50 years and Jamaica is exactly like Africa culturally I still say yes please, thank you, sorry all of that in America rudeness is the order of the day, even little children call you by your first name
Blue headtie with brown gown ,Ghana culture
Good job Vanessa, your guest is really on point 👉. She's well brought up thanks.
This is very interesting, will be visiting Ghana in 2025. I am confused by a lot of this stuff especially the left hand thing because I am right handed and don't attempt to do anything with my left hand because it's awkward for me. Will definitely keep all of this for back-up.
I'm From The Southern Part Of The US And We Say: "Hey Y'all"... Morning, Noon And Night 😉
Yes! The only custom in the U.S. is the 'Gun'.
@@sampsondjonorh4987 Have You Traveled, Apparently Not... Some Of The Most Gracious Loving Kind Hearted Thoughtful Ppl Are Southerners... Deeply Rooted In Etiquette...We Speak To Everyone...Most Of The Time Followed By A Hug...The Bible Belt Is The Southern Part Of The US...Where There's A Church On Every Corner...We Have Ppl From All Walks Of Life...And We Embrace Them...No Matter The Race Ethnicity Or Religion...To Be Gracious And Kind Is A Part Of Our DNA...No Other Place On Earth Is As Gracious And Kind...We Share Our Wealth's With The World... Including The Beautiful Continent Of Africa...An After Sunday Service We Gather Together For Sunday Dinner... Being Born Southern Is A Blessing From GOD... The Southern Part Of The US Is Rooted In Tradition...We Say, Please And Thank You, Yes Ma'am Or No Sir...Our Children Are Taught Etiquette At An Early Age... There's No Place On Earth Better Than The South... Perhaps Someday GOD Will Bless You With The Experience Of A Southern Family...PS All Ppl Living In The South Are Not Southerners...
But I'm One Of The Blessed... Y'all Stay Safe And Be Blessed... Bye Y'all
💙🙏
@@suni3959 glad you've opened up. Now we are family. Be blessed.
@@suni3959 thank you ShiShi for the enlightenment about the South. Some day I may move down South to become your neighbour. I don't live too far from you. And it is still a small world. Stay blessed.
Jesus Christ! The left hand. Some of us are left-handed and we use the left hand for all the good things 🤓.
Based on my culture in Uganda, 🇺🇬 I would never guess the reason behind that. Thanks for sharing.
😅😅😅😅
I said the same thing when she said that.
I am left handed myself but since I was born and grown up in Ghana, somethings I never do with my left hand. My parents trained me from infancy about how to use only my right hand to do setting things
11:36 also comes from fear of losing the child. In Ghana maternal death and infant mortality is a major problem.
Ghana Africa is the best no stress and damn sure Better than the rest
Thanks for this, am from Cameroun and plan soon coming to kumasi
In Haiti it's also an insult to smell the food.Thank you for those information
Please
Sorry
Thank you
Remember these 3.
So excited to watch this, I know Im going to learn a lot!
Hope you enjoy it!
@@VanessaKanbi I did,and I did learn a lot. I learned that I would be considered rude in everyway! Lol Good to know incase I make my way to visit.
They should know just as Africa is not a single country, so Ghana has divest cultures.
very true there are many more feel free to add any
This is very educational, especially for those not accustomed to Ghanian culture, unfortunately for me I learned most of these things the hard way, like my grandma slapping my hand every time I used my left hand to hand over something 😄 Thanks Vanessa, for the educational content.
😂 I have received some slaps myself
I always go back to Aretha. African society runs on RESPECT! Greetings, courtesy, respect for your elders are all ways of showing grace and respect. We have always been noble.
@Kwadwo, unfortunately most of the current generation have zero respect for the elderly in Ghana.
She’s gorgeous. This was SO informative! Imagine if everybody in the states greeted people. you can barely get a look 👀 LOL
The thing is you don't go around greeting everybody , just the people you come into contact with ..
It used to be that way in America especially among African American peoples in the 50' and 60's but now with this, 'What you lookin' at?', and 'do you know me?' generations, many of these type of traditions have left even African American culture.
I couldn't agree more. She is absolutely beautiful.
your host is a beauty
Will be great to bring her on another chat thanks.
This is very educative video for other citizens moving to ghana
Greetings Vanessa Kanbi,. thank you for this very informative information. Continue to enjoy yourself in your father's home land and tell Shawn "Hi" from blacks in Asia. Thanks for sharing.
Vanessa an Ms. True Vonne gave some Wonderful Advise!
Registering a business in Rwanda takes 6 hours and its free. You can’t even make a deposit in GCB when you are outside Ghana, and it takes like a year to get a business license or birthday certificate in Ghana. You have to pay all the workers if you want to get it in a month.
Don’t say what you don’t know 1 year ? The longest is 1 month it depends ur money
Excellent information ! Bravo Queen’s ! 👏🏽💐💯😎🌍
This how you're doing thing is so true. Greet and 😷
Very necessary educative vlog
Depending on age, geographic area, and home ttaining, most Blacks in America greet as well. Unless you're super close, but even then, you're expected to speak. Old ppl wil ask, "Did I sleep with you last?" That means when you entered the room you should have greeted immediately. If they have to tell you, it's a problem.
And about the relationship and dating.....men are always expected to take the tab. And lastly.....when you are the one making an invitation you take the tab.
Love this video ! I leaned something new, all the cultural rules seem s bit difficoult. But I'm Definetly going to try more
Watched ur Netherlands family reunion vlog... 9ice
Beautiful tradition n culture learn a lot # yes plz #akwaaba# love fr Jamaica 🇯🇲
This is an excellent video that summarizes important cultural etiquette. I’ve been telling my friends about these in bits and pieces but you ladies have done a great job here. Just to add to using the left hand, please don’t use your left hand to give directions if asked. It’s a big no no and stems from the same explanation given here. Kudos to you ladies ❤️❤️👍🏿👍🏿
My son had some difficulty in Ghana because he’s left-handed and was constantly being scolded.
I also wish that children are allowed to ask “why” in order not to stifle critical thinking.
@@teresaamanfu7408 I totally agree. My brother who comes directly after me also had a hard time when we were growing up because he was left handed. In primary school he was forced to write with his right hand. Today it would probably be called child abuse. As a result he’s now ambidextrous. 🤣🤣
@@erniet The same thing happened to my older sister when she lived in Ghana until she was moved to an international school.
❤️❤️ from 🇬🇭🇬🇭, correct info sis. love you
Socially conservative society Ghana 🇬🇭 seems to be. Can’t display public affection? Shocker!!! And greeting shop attendants as a customer? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Okay got lots to learn before my arrival. 💕
😅😅🤣🤣🤣
😃😃😃😃
Im very happy with the not showing signs of public affection. Whats wrong with that? Why would anybody want to tongue down your partner in public, especially in front of children. Theres a time and place for that. It has nothing to do with jealousy. Do these people think they are the only people who are in love? Or does it mean tongueing down in front of old ladies is a sign of how strong your relationship is? These people are just exibitionist who are just looking for attention. Do you want it to become like the west where you get couples snogging at the breafast table in front of grandma? .
Weldone for telling:visitorst our cultural stuff
Wow! She is beautiful
Nice one
About greating, they're just like Uganda and Tanzania. But kenya, Kenya it's freelance. Can't wait to visit ghana 🇬🇭
What a beautiful African queen 😍
Point of correction. The independence of Ghana was declared at the Kwame Nkrumah museum.
As far as food, what do you do if you are on a strict lifestyle? I'm a alkaline vegan and I only eat certain foods.
Really amazing 😻
More videos with her would be good
So good to know this!❤️🇬🇭🇬🇭
Again I understand that in Ghana, you have to first greet the person when you first meet him/her. When if you come across people, who are very aggressive/bad tempered/verbally abusive/angry/sad/depressed? what are they supposed to do in this situation?
It's going to be new things that's my Father's land love Y'all pay attention to weather
I like asking questions to gain a better understanding. My mother is in her 70's but she hates the "please" at the beginning of every sentence.
Is she a ghanaian?
@@Ghanadiaries yes
GOOD INTERVIEW
The use of please is also key... If you dare not say please to an elderly... They will give you a wicked look or ignore you
Oh my goodness! These thing are so true, girl!! This is Ghana 😄😄
Amazing content 🤩. For Ghana flights #flysentra 🛫from Ghana 🇬🇭 to UK🇬🇧