The Aesthetic and Socio-Cultural Values of Selected Akan Traditional Games
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Date
2017-08
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KNUST
Abstract
Traditional games are structured games with rules and regulations governing them. No special
equipment is needed for playing such games and they are usually accompanied by songs. They
reflect the values and beliefs of their parent cultures. In the past Akan traditional games used to
play very important role in Bono culture. Traditional games which were formerly played by the
youth in basic schools and homes instilled upright and good moral values in the youth. However,
its attributes appear to be fading nowadays. Ghanaian youth especially Drobo traditional area are
unaware about the aesthetics in the Akan traditional games and how such games can impact
positively on their socio-cultural lives. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to educate the youth
on the aesthetic and socio-cultural values of selected Akan traditional games for awareness
creation among the people of Drobo for its revival. The objectives of the research were to
identify and describe selected Akan traditional games, the aesthetic qualities and socio-culture
values in the Akan traditional games among the people of Drobo traditional area of Brong Ahafo
Region in Ghana. Qualitative design and descriptive research method were used and the
instruments employed were interviews and observations. The sampling technique adopted were
purposive and convenience. The target population for the study was fifty (50) comprising
traditional Chiefs and Queen Mothers, Sub-chiefs, and Opinion Leaders in Drobo traditional
area. The total sampled size was 23 which consist of traditional chiefs and queen mothers (3),
sub-chiefs (8) and opinion leaders (12). The findings on The selected Akan traditional games
played among the people of Drobo traditional area were: Antoakyire, Ampe, Mpeewa,
Sansankr]ma, Karikokoo, Pempenaa, Hwehw[ mu k]yi wo d]fo, Teele (As]), Ahyehy[aba,
Adenkum, Story-telling, Oware and Dame. The aesthetic qualities found in the Akan traditional
games were: Balance, variety, repetition, space, movement, colour, dominance, unity, harmony,
rhythm and contrast. The Akan traditional games depict socio-cultural values such as; friendship,
unity, sense of belongingness, communal spirit and education. It is recommended that the people
of Drobo traditional area should encourage the youth to play the selected Akan traditional games
in their communities, cultural festivals should be organized in the schools on these selected Akan
traditional games for the people to appreciate the identified aesthetic qualities in them and the
processes involved in the playing of the selected Akan traditional games should be documented
to improve the socio-cultural lives of the people of Drobo Traditional Area.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Partial Fulfilment of The Requirements for The Degree of
MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN AFRICAN ART AND CULTURE