Etiquette are the dos and don’ts which control acceptable behavior of people in a particular society. The core of Ghanaian etiquette is addressing people formally according to their status and age. Ghana is very peaceful and hospitable country. In order to enjoy your stay in Ghana, you should know some basic Ghanaian etiquettes. Below are some Ghanaian etiquettes you should know:
GREETINGS
Greetings play a pivotal role in Ghanaian culture, it is considered rude or disrespectful to bypass someone without saying hello, good morning, good afternoon or good evening. You can only use your right hand to wave at people. Greet heads of family first before proceeding on to others in gatherings.
RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY
Respect for elders is very important in Ghana. It is considered disrespectful to wave at an elderly person with your left hand. When elderly people are having a conversation, you are not supposed to partake in their conversation. In times wearing a hat, take if off completely or remove it halfway while greeting. When greeting an elderly person do not use your left hand, it is considered disrespectful.
THE USE OF THE LEFT HAND
Our Ghanaian culture frowns upon the use of the left hand. Forget that you have a left hand. The left hand is used for cleansing yourself after using the place of convenience.
TABLE ETIQUETTE
It is important to note that talking while eating is unethical. Do not chew with your mouth open. Do not use the cutlery to play on the dining table.
DRESSING
In the western part of the world, it is not a big deal if someone wears skimpy clothes but in Ghana, society frowns upon the wearing of revealing clothes. People who wear revealing clothes are referred to as ‘ashawo’ (which means prostitute).
FAMILY CEREMONIES
There are a variety of family ceremonies in Ghana and some examples are; outdooring, marriages, and funerals. An outdooring, also known as “vihehedego” in Ewe language, is a customary naming ritual for infants in Ghana (Ga: kpodziemo; Akan: abadinto). Eight days after the baby is born, parents customarily bring their newborn “outdoors” and give him or her a name during the rite. Also, a couple’s marriage is arranged in accordance with the traditions of their ethnic community. Typically, this consists of both a civil registration ceremony, also called a wedding, a religious service.
ALCOHOL AND SMOKING
Drinking alcohol and smoking in public are serious faux pas and should be avoided. Society frowns upon smoking and drinking of alcohol because make people high and as a result, they tend to misbehave under those influence.
HOSPIITALITY
Ghanaians are renowned for their friendliness, kindness, and enthusiastic greeting of strangers as well as family. You do not have to know someone for ages to have a good conversation with them. Ghanaians will make you feel at home to the extent that you might want to extend your stay.