The Ghanaian Culture and Leadership Dynamics

To lead effectively in Ghana, it’s important to understand the unique culture and attitudes of each diverse tribe toward leadership. Each tribe has its perspective, which influences their approach to leadership. I will provide real-life examples. I was born into an Anlo Royal family so I will use the Anlo system and its leadership style as an example while contrasting it with other cultures that I have encountered and understand due to exposure.

The Anlo people have a tripartite leadership system made up of a ceremonial leader, an administrative leader, and a spiritual leader, each with distinct powers. Although Awomefia serves as a figurehead, his authority is balanced by other leaders. In the Anlo system, leaders are not worshiped; instead, there is a spiritual head through whom the Anlo people worship God, as human worship is forbidden. In the Anlo culture, there is more emphasis on integrity and honesty.

One of my close friends is Gonja, and one day I went with him to Damongo for the Damba festival. I had a cultural shock when the Yagbonwura arrived and the people lay on the floor almost as if they were worshiping him. I asked my friend who is the spiritual leader of the Gonja people, and he said that the Yagbonwura, embodies their administrative, ceremonial, and spiritual leadership, being revered as a supreme leader. I noticed that the Gonja culture places a strong emphasis on respect and humility.

I spent considerable time in Kumasi, so I have a good understanding of Ashanti culture. The Ashantis herald their Chief like a god and uniquely celebrate leadership; they bow down and lower their clothes when greeting the Chiefs. They refer to their Chief as “Nyamekese,” meaning “big god,” and enjoy singing his praises. Additionally, they worship the “golden stool” as a significant spiritual symbol. Whatever Otumfuo says is final. The Ashanti culture strongly emphasizes power (tumi) and possessions.

So If you do not understand the different cultures very well and their approach to leadership you may misjudge the situation.

For example, a typical Anlo might view Appiah Stadium’s way of heralding leaders as sycophancy and could feel uneasy about it since that approach is discouraged in Anlo culture because it is regarded as a form of human worship. Human worship is considered taboo in Anlo culture. Therefore, Anlo people may love and be extremely loyal to you, but they will not worship you or lie down for you to walk all over them. In contrast, an Ashanti may not like you or even be loyal to you, but as long as you are the leader, they will herald you and make you feel worshiped. In Kumasi, it is called “y3 ne wo sri kwa.” meaning “we’re just laughing with you”

There are many Ashantis who might not like Otumfuo and may gossip about him if they are unhappy with something he did, but when they see him in person, they will treat him with reverence as if everything is fine. In contrast, the Awomefia wouldn’t receive the same kind of treatment in Anlo; those who are displeased with him would likely avoid him and might even express their discontent.

If you don’t grasp this cultural nuance, you won’t be able to lead Ghana effectively. You might go to Kumasi where people are honoring you and mistakenly think they are pleased with you, while in reality, they might not be. Conversely, in Anlo, where people aren’t worshiping you, you might assume they are unhappy when they are.

When people view H.E. John Mahama as a weak leader due to his humble demeanor, I disagree because they don’t grasp the culture he comes from. All my Gonja friends are like that; they appear humble and keep their true intentions to themselves but you’ll know where the power lies if you take them for granted or cross their red-line.

Similarly, if people see Sam George as not respectful, I disagree because they don’t understand Ga culture. Ga and Damgbe people may come across as boisterous, but they are very down-to-earth and hospitable.

So if you see the leaders that Ghana has had over the years, based on the culture they are from and their leadership posture, that doesn’t have any bearing on their competencies, strengths, and weaknesses. Because I have mingled with many Gonjas, I don’t think H.E. John Mahama is a weak president at all, you may be surprised he is even the hardest.