KENTEPA

CULTURES OF VALENTINE

2012-02-03T05:14:00.000-08:00

valentine started long back centuries. This is a day for remembering St. Valentine, a philanthropic, who find a special way of expressing love, especially to the less deprived and privileged ones in the society. He found a unique way of making them smile and happy.

These unique and special ways of expressing love have been adopted since then by lovers, to show how much one cares for each other. This is now a part of culture. A day set aside to impress your lover or your to be lover.

HOW SWEET IT IS TO BE TOGETHER.

At a point in time in a man's life, one needs a companion or a lover. Together, the two makes the journey of life. Joining hands together pleases the Almighty. This comes the need for two to be joined as one.

Once again, the art of gifting is unleashed. This brings notice to the mined that at least someone cares.

During a typical day of valentine, people have their own ways of celebrating it. Those who have time in the afternoon, usually take their partners to lunch and eat together and have a bottle of wine, chats and make fun.

Two Hearts

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But during the night, the most of the celebrations starts here. This is the time, you can trust your partner that he or she is really there for you.

You can be in hot waters if your partner or your date never picks your phone call or you go to his or her home, click the bell and the person is already out on a date. This is up to you to decided what your next step will be. Whatever ways you choose to celebrate it, must be okay with you.

Lastly, The color of red will reflect somewhere, this is the culture aspect of it that I am talking about. You will definitely see people wearing their favorite red attire and sometimes blended with white. This always remembers us that the day is valentine. Gift hampers, wine, lunch, dinner, sitting some place quietly and clubbing will not be left out.

THINGS YOU CAN'T DO AWAY WITH DURING HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

2011-12-09T02:02:00.000-08:00

Holiday festivities are occasions that brings you and your families closer. During such times, people are on break from their various jobs. Those who are far away from home are able to spend good times with their families,friends and love ones at hometowns.

But there are some things which can not be done away with when one is preparing to go and spend the holidays with their families and friends. Such things are as follows:

YOU CAN'T WAIT
Most people have been away from home for such a long time for one reason or the other. So you have missed most family members, friends and love ones. So you just can't stop seeing them during such great occasion as Christmas.

A PERFECT GIFT
During such important occasions, giving out gifts cannot be left out. You would always want to impress your family and love ones with a perfect gift. Even, they also expect gifts too.

PEOPLE AND PLACES ( people tends to travel a lot when getting towards holidays and special occassions as this)

2011-11-05T04:13:00.000-07:00

Traveling around the world is a regular routine for most people. These travelers do increase in numbers when getting closer to major holidays, occasions and events that usually takes places during this time of the year.But in all these traveling, we expect the following factors from the travelers.

SAFETY. one of the most important factor we highly expect is your safety. Care and caution should be taken to ensure both departure and arrival is safe and sound.

COMFORTABILITY. To ensure hassle free journey, all the necessary and needed item should be put in place to have 100% comfort.

RELIABILITY. All means of transport, whether you are traveling train, bus, plane, or any other form. You see to it that they are definitely reliable.

NICE TREAT. Your hospitality too is a concern, where you will find yourself lodging should be considered home because of the treatment you will receive. Find a good place where you will be treated an important guest.

ENJOYABLE. After everything we expect you to be fully enjoyed, in the sense that you will have something to tell when back home.

Sitting by the side of the fire

2011-09-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

Our towns and villages have some talents within the society. There is special skill know for a particular place. Talk about weavers, carvers, potters, carpenters and others. Basket weaving towns are all over.

Talk about food, tasty food from home, which usually is health too. This keeps our elders strong and healthy for example Kontomire Abomu ne Apem ampesie, along side Koobi.

All these being cooked from the fire from the firewood leaves old memories in our minds. The pot contains hot herbal medicine that fight against diseases. usually taken early morning and very hot.

Sitting by the fire was always a memorable one. Stories told and music sung. The tune of the drums was always heard. The sound that always put you ahead on the dancing floor. The flow of the dance matches the tune accurately.

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Man and a Woman Trade Fish for a Load of Firewood

Justin Locke

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Smiling Mother Carries Her Infant and a Large Bundle of Firewood

Maynard Owen...

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Firewood and a Chair on the Porch of a Wood Hunting Cabin

Joel Sartore

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Women Carrying Firewood Past Tailor in Lane of Old City of Harar

Andrew Burke

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Close-up of the Rings and Cracks of Texture on a Cut Log

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The Culture of the people

2011-08-03T07:42:00.000-07:00

The way of life of particular people is Culture.It differs from one geographical area to another. They way a person eats, dress, dance, talk and do things tells the culture of the person. When a person is born, then he is raised through the culture of his people. The society also contribute a lot when it comes to culture. The activities of the society help shape one's life. For example Children in my society knows that, there is story telling time during every Saturdays at 7. The story telling is normally done by an elder in the community. As children assembles by the fire side, there is drumming and dancing and songs are used to intersect during the story telling. This serve as a break to relax your nerves and be awake if one is falling sleepy.

Through these stories, we are able to learn more about our culture. So by the time you grow up then you will be familiar with all the things surrounding your culture. some of the things we learn from these activities are.

Pam McCabe

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Obedient. As the Good book tells as to obey our parents, so are we taught to obey not only our parents but the elderly, because blessing comes with obedience.

Respect. We are taught to respect others and most especially ourselves, since if you have respect for your self, there is no way, you will disrespect others. That brings to mind, the great respect we have for our Kings and Queens. That have kept our kingdom growing.

Peaceful. We are taught to always be peaceful, because there is a saying that, soup taste good, which simply means, if you don't take good care of your self and you find your self in trouble, then it is your own. This has stick in our minds and we always stay peaceful.

Vincent van Gogh

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World Map

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Dominase

2011-06-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

BEAUTY AND RICHNESS OF WOMEN

2011-05-14T04:02:00.000-07:00

This represent the natural and inner beauty of women,if not them where will we be.All mothers, we stand for you.You are so important and needed.In times when you feel like there is nobody, you just release our dear mother will right be there.Grandma,we have not left you out.

Indeed women are beautiful, especially the Ghanaian woman.

CELEBRATION OF ADAE

2011-04-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

Kentepa got the chance to celebrate Adae at the Manhyia Palace. This month's Adae which felt on the 4th of April was marked with celebrations.

Adae which normally falls on the forty days, after each one.It is a festive occasion celebrated by the Asantes.

It comes as a Durbar of chiefs and people of Asante Kings who gathers to pay homage to their great King Otumfuo osei Tutu II.

Dignitaries from all over the world were present yesterday to greet the King. The King comes out sitting in his palanquin amid drumming and Dancing of the Fontomfrom, the royal drums.

People wore their Colorful Kente cloths which was splendid and added taste to the occasions.

After everything, Bosoa was not left out.This is a special barbecue made from mutton
and it tasted so nice that we went for more.

SV A0001

2011-03-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

THE MATCH PASS

2011-03-03T03:45:00.000-08:00

The month march is of every year is marked as Independence month. The 6th of March is the independence day of Ghana and is celebrated as such.

Before the 6th March, students from various schools,officers,market women, government workers, all prepared themselves well to march.

I quite remember when this time due, this where you see pupils and students put up their white sock , well iron their school uniform, finger nails well trimmed, because neatness is the criteria for selection of those who will be matching.

During this time much history is learn or people do get the chance to review their history of their beloved country Ghana.

People recite the National Anthem and the National Pledge.The meaning of the Coat of Arms and the colors of the National Flag are reviewed and re-learned

THE BEAST

2011-02-18T06:54:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time in land of Kotoko, lives a King, his queen, subordinates and the people of the land, they live peacefully and happy.

They go about their normally duties such as going to the farm to weed,grow new crops and fetch firewood for cooking, and the women went about their normal chores such as fetching water from the river known as subin.

The people sat under the moon light every evening for story telling, drumming and dancing of their favorite ballad songs, dances and games such as Ampe, Aso and KwaaKwaa ( hide and sake).

They lived so happy until one day, when one woman from the town was going to fetch firewood for her normal duties then came in contact and eye to eye with a big, strong and gigantic Lion on the way.

The beast (etwie)gave her a hot chase and at the end eat the woman up. This continue for a long time and the people who were happy all the time couldn't go out to do their normal daily chores of farming and fetching of water.

So this brought hunger and starvation on the people.All the men, women and children were very afraid and they could not do anything.

So the King releasing this this said to himself " I will not sit down there like and coward for my beloved natives to suffer like this if then I will go and face this lion my self."

He took no weapon but his bear hand and roam the whole town and search every possible hiding place for the lion but was nowhere to be found.The King came back.

One afternoon as the King was having a nap, the King's messenger run hurriedly to the Palace and told the King that the beast is in the town again, very Hungary and was on his people.

So the King slowly went outside and after walking about just ten meters inside and around the center of the town, the King bump into the beast.

The beast jumped onto the King. He also jumped and meet it int he sky, they all fell heavily on the ground and roll over and over,

then the King grape the neck of the tiger inside his armpit strongly without leaving for almost an hour,He suddenly turn the tiger releasing it is weak,

He then hold the top and down mouth positions and opened it widely apart, this broken the jaws of the wicked animal and send it dead straight up.

There was jubilation in town and the people went about doing their normal duties and their happiness was restored till now.

This is a historic story which happened and the place is now known as Adum Pampaso where we have the statue of our great King Osei Kyeretwie where visitor do come and see this place.

This teaches us the youth of today to be brave, articulate and bold.

GREAT START

2011-01-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

The year started on a victorious note.It has becoming a ritual that at the end of every year there is Football/Soccer tournament among Suburbs in Kumasi.

These tournament attracts many people including tourists to witness matches being played between these suburbs. With singing, chanting and singing of local songs by the supporters of these different groups.

The just ended one was grace by young ladies who also cheered their side. There was the morning section and evening sections too.

Some watched with their favorite drinks in hand and made merry.

The finals which was played on the 2nd Jan. this year saw Manhyia and Allabar going to the finals, It was a great match since neither side didn't want to lose but start the year with a victory.

The first half score was 1 1 all. Then came the 2nd half was Manhyia was able to add another goal to make 2 1 against Allabar.

Then the Jamma and Kolomashy started, there singing here and there, they played till the referee whitsle for the end of the March.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE

2010-12-08T06:13:00.000-08:00

Bronya Dua
The upcoming Christmas festivities reminds me of when I was a young little boy. When is time for Christmas then is all joy.

Now I use to hear about Christmas trees and what comes to my mind is Bronya Dua. This simply means erecting of Christmas hat.

This was normally done on the day time of the 24th night. What happens was, All friends living close will come together and we set for the bush, that is palm plantation.

Then we cut branches of the palm as many as we can and brings them back, so on the backyard, then we build a house out of the palm branches and we lay carpet out of polythene.

After the house is completely built then we start working on the drums. We use any available materials to make musical instruments.Everyone then disperses to our various home.

So the game starts on the boxing Day of Christmas, where we drum and sing while we eat biscuit and sweets drinks from our parents.

I have observer that those activities are no more done by the kids.

GHANA'S OIL

2010-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:00

ADDED WEALTH

Ghana is bless with so many natural resource ranging from gold, timber, diamond, bauxite,manganese just to mention a few.

The latest discovery of natural resource is oil, the first production will becoming out at the end of this year and expectations are high for Ghanaians, because of the benefits that comes with oil.

Such as good infrastructure, high income for the country, employment and jobs for the people, social responsibilities to society etc.

But what we should bear in mind is that the benefits will come overnight

FUNERAL

2010-10-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

King's Guard

Funeral is among one of the most important traditions among the people of Ghana, it is believed that when someone dies,the last respect is counts, since it will be the last time the deceased is seen in public.

People spend a lot of monies to make the big funeral for person whereas whiles they were living what to eat was a problem.If we compared sometime ago to now, I must say the cost of expensive funerals have come down.At first, they will do what is called wake - keeping where sympathizers will come from all over to keep vigil on the laid in state body.They incur all lots of cost such sympathizers up keep on food, drinks accommodation from normally Friday to Sunday where they go for thanks giving. But now, wake keeping is no more.

They also had a habit of keeping a deceased family member at the mortuary for a long period of time say three months before the final funeral rites are performed and all these while they will be paying.

Again, they come out with a uniformed cloth which every one is supposed to own one, so the women force their husbands to buy these for them which is costly and the unmarried ones turn to all sort of bad habit like sleeping with men for money to get themselves the cloth.I think all these are changing now.

When funeral rites are being performed especially for Kings, we see all sorts of traditions Traditional guards are not left out, All traditional music group such as the Adowa and Kete will be present exhibit traditions through drumming and dancing.

KUMASI FORT

2010-08-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

Kumasi Fort

The only fort which resides in the center of Adum in the garden city of Ghana, is the Kumasi Fort.

This place has a great historical background from the time of Sir Gordon Guggisberg. It was here that, he stayed when he was in Ghana, Kumasi to be precise in the colonial days.

It was here that the phrase "Wo kum apem a, apem b3ba" came about.This is now the motto of the great football club Kumasi Asante Kotoko,

It literally means when thousands get killed, thousands will be coming. This exibits the brave nature of the Ashantis. They do not give up until mission is accomplish.

This was later conquered by the Ashantis and has being in Kumasi till now and serve as a tourist attraction center and people from all over the world comes here to see the fort

THE SCARP

2010-05-21T05:31:00.000-07:00

.

The center of attraction of this place has been going on for so many years now. The wonderful nature of place has won it self as a place every one wants to see.

This is the Scarp of Mampong (Mampong Kun), which is located 45 minutes drive from Kumasi to Mampong.One of the Paramount towns in the Ashanti Region.

It is in-between Nintin and Mampong.

It also has some historic background of Okomfo Anokye, the best friend of Otumfuo Osei Tutu I. History has it that he left three eggs higher on top of the scarp pronouncing it will be there till end of time and accident free.

Surely, since, nobody has seen a car , Lorry or a truck falling in.

I feel good whenever I am around the scarp and realize the wonders and beauty of nature.

MILLINIUM KINGDOM ( GYE NYAME )

2010-01-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

Although a whole lots of Kingdoms have being in existence for the past years and decades ago.Some does not even exist any more. If they even still exist, They have had different changes which have also change it's direction of focus.

But for one Kingdom, I know for sure and have even had the chance to experience same Kind of traditions and cultures which was laid down by the founder.
This Kingdom is the Ashanti Kingdom.

The Kingdom just celebrated 75 years of existence.They have the same traditions and culture over and over again without any modernization of any nature.They have the same bravery attitude from the time they captured many lands across Ghana and beyond.They have great historic background.

The Ashantis,being 2/3's (TWO Thirds) of the population of Ghana have respect for their Kings.Those down the hierarchy have strong respect for their top Kings.

The home of the Ashanti Kingdom is Manhyia.Many people from different places of this continent often comes to Manhyia see the rich culture that have been maintain for decades.

The only occupant of the Golden Stool Otumfuo Osei Tutu Ababio II is a great Millinium King who settles disputes so easily and quickly.His wisdom has being ranked in this world as the King Solomon of our modern times.A great King of our time.

No King comes near.Any Chief who thinks he can rock shoulders with the Otumfuo is deceiving and making a fool out of himself,because there is vast difference between a King and a Chief.

One deems it a great privilege and honor to be under the King.We the subordinates recognizes him as our One and only Great King of our time.

These small Chiefs who wants to rock shoulders should remember that if it was in the older days,any disobedient Chief to the Golden Stool and Manhyia,were said to be brought to the Manhyia with only his skuul.

Long Live Ashanti Kingdom!!! Long Live Ghana !!!

The Sword

2010-01-05T08:56:00.000-08:00

One of the most fast growing tourist attraction center in Kumasi is the Okomfo Anokye Museum found inside the Okomfo Anokye Teaching hospital.

The health worker of the hospital will testify that the number of tourist coming in keeps increasing.

It is found inside the compound of the hospital because that is the exact place the event took place.

History has it that,Okomfo Anokye, who was a great friend of Otumfuo Osei Tutu I( the founder of the great Ashanti nation)

and great contributor of the coming of the Golden Stool from the sky, planted the sword on the grounds.

Since then, it has being on the ground till now.

Seeing is believing

THE TUNE

2009-10-21T03:28:00.000-07:00

Drumming among Ashanti's have been in existence for a long time now, over centuries ago.It plays an important role in most activities ranging from durbars to festivals like the Odwira and the like.

From the olden days up till now, its still the same tune and plays significant role today too.

During the olden days drums,were used in different ways.Such as

TIME
Before the introduction watch/clock,drums were used to covey time,in morning,mid day and evening drums would sound give time exact time of the day

MASSAGES
Drums were played in the olden days to send massages of all Kinds from the Chiefs to the people.

Every tune had its own meaning.For example,if a King wanted his subordinates to gather at once, there is a tune played together with the gong gong,so within a short time then they will all gather.

VICTORY
When enemies got defeated, special tunes were played for celebration in the olden days.

SOME FORMS OF DRUMMING ARE;
KETE
ADOWA
MPINTIN
NWOMKRO
FONTOMFROM

There are also dances that moved with the different tunes of drums.
Let's take the Kete for instance, a dancer dancing Kete can dance to pay allegiance to Kings and Chief around.

They brings out proverbs in form of making signs.These signs have their meaning such as respect,permission,appreciation and ownership.

Last but not least, they dance to give thanks.

Lastly, insults too can given whiles dancing,especially among rivalry women.

In this modern times,drumming is not left out during occasions such as festivals, individuals outdoing,engagements and lastly funerals.

People specifically come and learn how to play Kete.

THE DUNGEON

2009-09-10T08:18:00.000-07:00

The Cape Coast Castle Dungeon is a much talked place among people throughout the world which I have wanted to see since birth.Upon this brought His Excellency President Obama and his family all the way from America to Ghana.But it was only a couple of months ago that I got the chance to witness it my self.

One Saturday,Me and a friend were driving around Kumasi when we heard an announcement on our radio that Panafest is on-going and it was a great event,so we turned and drives straight to Cape Coast.By about two to three a hours drive we were there.

I was so curious to see the dungeon where the Ancestors of Most African Americans came from.So we went and buy our tickets to enter.Because of the Panafest, there were so many people from all around the world.

Some of our brothers and sisters from the diaspora were also there.Some African Americans we were going round the castle with by help of a Tour Guide said they are there to find their routes.some burst out crying upon seeing the Dungeon,because they saw the pains our great great grand fathers went through.

From there,we went straight to the beach to have fun.We played football with guys from Cape Coast,took our favourite drinks and socialized.

AFRICAN LOOKS

2009-08-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

Some well carved faces showing the artistic nature of Africans especially Ghanaians exhibits the different faces of which is each face have perculiar meanings of

Artistic: They are creative people who always weave,curve,paints etc to the amusement of people.They create using anything they found on the ground being the soil it self or a plant on the ground.They uses symbols to represent a saying or an adage.Such as the Adinkra symbols of the Ashantis in Ghana.

Warious: They were also known for their ability to gather themselves at a point in time under one leader to fight for a common goal.Such as the Yaa Asantewaah war.

Bravery:They also had strong heart to push them to come face to face with who ever it was and see who stays out defeated.

Aticulateness: They were robust and looks like men and are ready to attack like soldiers

FearlessJust like the Lion who exists in the in an environment and have no idea of some thing coimg on its way to scarce it.So there is always free row to play.

strongnessNot only do they have it physically but are mentally sound and active people,

THE BEAUTY OF KENTE

2009-07-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

The splendid and colorful nature of the Kente cloth makes it so attractive.It is made from spined cotton threads with traditional style of weaving attached to it.It comes along with a song got from the weaving machine.The kro,kro,kro,hie,kro which has been a song among the Ashanti's was derived from weaving the Kente.

Our Ancestors told us that the Kente Cloth came about as result of a hunter who went to hurt very late in the night,after scavenging for a longer time without having any animal to hunt, he sat down under a big tree to rest,whiles sitting and starring a one place for a while he saw something like a web,then he started getting closer,upon getting near,he saw a big spider weaving.It was a big and beautiful web the spider was doing so the hunter hid himself so as to not to disturb the spider.

He hid there hours studying the spider.It continued for sometime,Each day the hunter would come and study the patterns of the spider.

From then,he started weaving those patterns,joined them together to get the Kente cloth.So he made ends meat from them.People started learning it and it spread.The original Kente cloth comes from Bonwire in the Ashanti land.

It was worn by royals in Ashanti to show case the rich culture and people.Now every one wears them during great occasions such as engagements,out dooring,birthdays,durbars etc.

It a cloth mostly used to honour great people in the world when the need arises.Is a symbol of high office and beautifies every type of person.

It usually tells people where you are coming from.From home.

REAL GHANAIAN PAINTINGS

2009-07-14T03:29:00.000-07:00

There are a whole lot of paintings all around these days,They comes in different forms,sizes and styles.And each have its own peculiar way of expressing it's self.I have come across such paintings over and over again but they never touch me so much like those found at the center for National culture Kumasi.

These are done by talented and skillful African artists found in Kumasi.They always comes out with touching artistic works which sends good massages such as peace,unity,love and understanding across.

Unlike others, these are antique and valuable works of great African Artist in Ghana.Their ideas are overwhelming and encouraging.

They usually do works which uplift the spirit of desperate youths to be on their own and have they in mind that whatever the situation they can make it.

They are also source of inspiration whenever they are around the home.They brighten the living room and sometimes shows where one is coming from.

OBAMA VISITS GHANA

2009-07-04T10:43:00.000-07:00

PRESIDENT OBAMA, A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU. AKWAABA!!!

The President of the United States of America,Barack Obama,whose presidency is a historic one, because he is the first African American to be at the White as President.He is also taking this historic visit to Ghana on the 10th and 11th July.This is his first visit to an African country since his assumption of office.

His visit is significant since he will pay a visit the Cape Coast Castle to see the slave dungeon.This is where slaves were kept whiles waiting for their turn to be taken to the Carribean,America,Europe and other places.They were pack down there with just a small hole as source of light.Difficult slaves were somtimes brought out to be whipped and some for sexual experite.Most tourists burst out into tears when ever they see the dungeon.This is where you can witness how the slave trade went on.

All those African Americans who really want to trace their history or background or where they come from,this place starts the tracing of ancestral roots of the African American race.

The visit is very important to Ghanaians,because Obama being the first African American to be President of the United States is an Achievement and so is his visit to Ghana.

EXPECTATIONS OF GHANAIANS
Each and every one Ghanaian has his or her own expections for President Obama.Some say he should help in poverty alleviation,in agriculture sector,education and health

He should help foster trade between those two countries.

Some also say he should see an average Ghanaian as someone who cannot buy three square meals a day and do somthing to help.

Others said he should bring down tighter Visa rules at their embassy in Ghana so Ghanaians can acquire visas easily.

Finally,One said more Ghanains are unemploy and would like him put up programmes which will bring employments to youths of Ghana.

Ghanaians are happy that the president is here and the YES,WE CAN spirit has taken over Ghanaians.

Today,We say YES, WE CAN