Traditionally in Ghana, the moral and ethical instruction of children was and remains the responsibility of the immediate and extended family. There are rites of passage at every stage of life, each of which introduces the individual involved to his or her new social status and roles. Folk tales, proverbs and songs are also used to teach young people about their roles in the home and society.
Adults are assumed to know what is best for the young. Proverbs are frequently used to exert the supremacy of older people and command implicit respect from the young.
In almost all parts of Ghana, the general practice is for mothers and their female relatives to be responsible for the early care, training and discipline of children. From between the ages of six and 10, and certainly by the time of puberty, boys are generally expected to be brought up by their fathers – often outside the home. Girls are raised by their mothers in domestic spaces, especially the kitchen.
Girls receive profound affection from their mothers, and are taught how to serve and be submissive to their fathers, brothers and any other older person. They are equipped with the kinds of skills thought necessary to make one a good wife and mother, such as being diligent and productive.
Boys, meanwhile, drift slowly towards their fathers or uncles as they grow up. These men often treat them sternly: it is regarded as a father or uncle’s duty to prepare his son to shoulder the responsibility of looking after his mother, sisters, future wife or wives and children.
Boys participate in “female” activities such as cooking, sweeping the house or eating with a group of women when they are young, but this is increasingly discouraged as they move towards adolescence and young adulthood.
THOUGHTS
My role as a mother has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Although it was not easy to get our children here due to many complications of fertility and pregnancy, it was absoutely worth every single difficult moment experienced. I would not trade these precious circumstances for anything in the world. I have grown and become the person I am today, and continue to become, through each and every one of these cherished moments as a mother.
We have 3 amazing boys with beautiful wives and incredible families. Our beautiful daughter-in-laws bring such joy to our "all boy" family. We have 10 unbeliveable grandchildren that continue to bring such happiness to us all! I could not be more blessed!!!!
Happy Mother's Day to all the beautiful women in my life that have brought me such joy! I cherish your friendship, our connection and bond, our differences and opinions. You have helped me become who I am today and I am so grateful!
Women around the world continue to do the greatest work on earth! Making this world a better place by having strength and courage to stand up for and do what is right!! 💗
- “Motherhood is a choice you make everyday, to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own, to teach the hard lessons, to do the right thing even when you’re not sure what the right thing is ... and to forgive yourself, over and over again, for doing everything wrong.” —Donna Ball
- “Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.” —Howard W. Hunter
- “There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.” —James E. Faust
“A mother is the truest friend we have. When trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” —Anonymous
Much love from Ghana! 💓💛💚
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