Like in most Africans cultures, proverbs are the main ingredients in the Akan language. Proverbs (ebe) are small words symbols, anecdotes or stories, which are represented in all respects of Akan culture. A proverb can be a metaphor, allusion, idiom, euphemism, and folk tale. It always has a didactic significance and it is given in context of the beliefs of the Akan people.
Proverbs act as a catalyst of knowledge, wisdom philosophy, ethics and morals. They cover themes about God, ancestors, human beings, marriage, family death, values, animals, plants and moves. In fact, all aspect of life of the Akan is embedded in proverbs.
Akan people
The Akan people are a Kwa group living primarily in Ghana and in parts of Ivory Coast and Togo in West Africa.
The Akan language (also known as Twi/Fante) are a group of dialects within the Central Tano branch of the Potou–Tano subfamily of the Niger–Congo family.
Subgroups of the Akan people include: the Agona, Akuapem, Akwamu, Akyem, Ashanti, Bono, Fante, Kwahu, Wassa, and Ahanta.
The Akan subgroups all have cultural attributes in common; most notably the tracing of matrilineal descent in the inheritance of property, and for succession to high political office.
The proverbs
Asase trew na Onyame ne panyin.
MEANING The earth is wide but it is God that is supreme.
SIGNIFICANCE The supremacy of God.
Obi Nkyere Abofra Nyame.
MEANING No one points out God to a Child.
SIGNIFICANCE The omnipotence of God; the existence of God is not limited only to Adults.
Obi kwan nsi obi kwan mu
MEANING No man’s path crosses another path.
SIGNIFICANCE All men have equal or direct access to God.
Onyame na oworow okwabran kaa fa ne mmati.
MEANING God removes the ring from the fingers of the giant through his shoulders.
SIGNIFICANCE God’s ability to make the impossible things
Onyame ti se Odasani nka nsuo nnto da.
MEANING If God had been human, there would have been no rains.
SIGNIFICANCE God is the provider of all things.
Onyankopon danseni ne ahonim.
MEANING God’s Witness is the conscience.
SIGNIFICANCE Humans are judged by their conscience.
Onipa ye de.
MEANING Human being is sweet.
SIGNIFICANCE Solidarity among all Akan people. No man lives in isolation – living in a community.
