Ghana is understood for its heat hospitality, and guests usually go away with fond recollections of the nation.
Nevertheless, Ghanaians have sure customs that, although hardly ever spoken about, are necessary to know for vacationers, guests, and even locals.
.In celebration of Ghana’s 68th Independence Day, listed below are 10 unstated guidelines to remember when in Ghana.
1. All the time greet individuals
Greeting is a key a part of Ghanaian culture. If you meet somebody, all the time greet them, no matter age, gender, or social standing. Greet from proper to left and all the time use your proper hand. It’s additionally necessary to comply with this order when coming into a room or area. When greeting a chief, nevertheless, the chief needs to be greeted first.
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2. Handshakes are necessary
In Ghana, handshakes are frequent. The standard Ghanaian handshake includes a snap of the center fingers. The louder the snap, the higher. In case you miss it, don’t fear – you may all the time strive once more.
3. Anticipate delays
In Ghana, occasions hardly ever begin on time. What is called GMT (Greenwich Imply Time) right here usually stands for Ghana Man Time, the place issues have a tendency to start a lot later than deliberate. Persistence is essential!
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4. Respect elders
Respect for elders is essential in Ghana. The older the particular person, the extra respect they’re given. Sure actions which will appear innocent to outsiders may very well be seen as disrespectful in the direction of the aged, so all the time be conscious.
5. Sharing is frequent
Sharing is a central a part of Ghanaian tradition. It’s normal to share food, drinks, or items. It’s additionally frequent to offer small quantities of cash to kids, the disabled, and even beggars.
6. Respect spiritual variety
Ghana is a rustic that respects all religions, as it’s a secular state. Individuals follow totally different faiths, so keep away from making derogatory remarks about any faith, political social gathering, or ethnic group.
7. Seek the advice of native authorities earlier than beginning initiatives
In rural areas, all the time go to the native chief first earlier than beginning any challenge. When greeting the chief, take away your hat, keep away from crossing your legs, and don’t preserve your palms in your pockets. A small reward, like a bottle of schnapps, is all the time appreciated.
8. Use your proper hand
Utilizing your left hand is taken into account disrespectful in Ghana. Whether or not you’re giving or receiving one thing, all the time use your proper hand. The left hand is seen as unclean and is known as the ‘bathroom hand.’
9. Don’t waste something
In Ghana, every little thing is taken into account worthwhile. Throwing issues away unnecessarily is frowned upon, whether or not it’s meals, drink, or every other gadgets. Ghanaians maintain on to even the smallest issues.
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10. Be well mannered and keep away from being too direct
Ghanaians worth pleasantries earlier than attending to the purpose. In case you’re conducting enterprise and even buying an merchandise, it’s necessary to have interaction in small discuss first, particularly about household. Being too direct or easy is usually seen as impolite.
