The adinkra symbols represent popular proverbs and maxims, record historical events, express particular attitudes or behavior related to depicted figures, or concepts uniquely related to abstract shapes
Storeytelling is a favorite pastime in most Ghanaian families and communities. More than simple amusement, it is a highly developed art form that provides a traditional way of disseminating information about society.
Kente in Ghana was used exclusively to dress kings and their courts. Each block, pattern, and color has a distinct name and meaning, and the cloth sometimes includes adinkra symbols, which represent concepts or sayings.
There are different traditional dances performed by the various ethnic groups in Ghana. The dances include: Bamaya, Adowa, Kete, Bima, Boborbor, Kpanlongo, Gome, Agbadza, Kpatsa, Apatampa and the like.
The fancy dress festival which is the biggest Masquerading Festival in Ghana, locally known as kaakamotobi has various masquerading groups displaying their colourful dresses and thrilling dancing moves amidst brass band music.
National Folklore Board
The National Folklore Board (NFB) is an agency of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Art mandated to Administer, Monitor and Register the Expressions of Ghanaian Folklore. In seeking to promote folklore, the NFB initiates and executes plans and programmes (including the celebration of the World Folklore Day) to ensure Ghana's Folklore is put high up on that pedestal of which we can all be proud. From the colourful hand-woven Kente cloth of the Ashantis and the Ewes, to the mouth-watering tuo-zaafi meal of the people of the Northern regions of Ghana, and the stimulating dance and rhythmic movements of the Ga people during the Homowo festival; Ghana can pride itself in being a nirvana of folklore.
Folklore
As defined in the UNESCO Recommendation on the Safeguarding of Traditional Culture and Folklore (1989), “folklore (or traditional and popular culture) is the totality of tradition-based creations, of a cultural community, expressed by a group or individuals and recognized as reflecting the expectations of a community in so far as they reflect its cultural and social identity; its standards and values are transmitted orally, by imitation or by other means. Its forms are, among others, language, literature, music, dance, games, mythology, rituals, customs, handicrafts, architecture and other arts.” Learn More
Our Activities
World Folklore Day
The World Folklore Day creates an avenue for cross-cultural communication and tourism in Ghana
Folklore Clubs
The National Folklore Board (NFB) has established Folklore Clubs in Seven (7) schools in Accra, with plans to establish the Clubs nationwide.
Cultural Tourism
We execute comprehensive awareness programmes about the cultural and historical underpinnings
Traditional Games Competition
The National Folklore Board (NFB) organizes periodic traditional game sessions which have proven to be captivating
Know Your Folklore Campaign
The campaign includes the ‘Did You Know’ Series in infographics which was outdoored
Other Activities
Aside these main activities, the National Folklore Board (NFB) organises conferences and other programmes
Support
Ghana through the National Folklore Board has a huge potential to promote, preserve and protect Ghanaian Folklore to spur economic growth, create jobs, improve livelihoods as well as achieve sustainable development. Support us to protect and promote our rich cultural diversity. Contact Us
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