Ghanaian African Foundation

Although proverbs are short, and sometimes funny, proverbs teach

the ethical rules of the

community. Proverbs may rhyme, or be a play on words.

They often use plants or animals

to describe human behavior, both good and bad.

Here is an example in the Ga language:

"Kedzi Baah enyo miiple loo he le Baah ni tasee le dzi

moni nine sheo niyenii le no"

Loosely translated, this proverb says that when two crocodiles

fight over a piece of meat,

it is the third crocodile standing by who eventually will

get to eat a meal.

Proverbs are often shared at special occasions, such as weddings.

Here are some special proverbs for use during wedding speeches:

No animal makes a nest until he or she gets a parter

After the wedding....
Only a fool will allow his or her goat to get away twice

In married life...
An egg under a hen is worth more than an egg meal

In married life...
It is always wise to remember that an ant hill is built from within

(or from the inside) the ant hil

Always in life... one must remember that if you don't disturb

the bamboo tree it will not make any noise

Finally...
The husband or the wife who does not know the traditions of

the elder is not allowed to eat with the elders

Here are some other examples of Ga proverbs.

Even the elephant can fan off flies with his short tail.

If the festival is going to be great, it starts in the morning.

The prosperity of the servant is good for his master.

Unity makes a community strong.

Only a sound foundation can support a good superstructure.

Success comes to those who realize that one must follow rules.

A worthy cause is worth pursuing to the end.

Only the unwise pursue a project that has no goal or future.

A resourceful person finds a way out of difficulties without blaming

others.

Everyone is a king in his or her home.

Evil doers cannot escape retribution for long.

If there is no one to collect the bark of a tree when it is scraped, then

he bark just falls to the ground.

When the bag tears, the shoulders get a rest.
This and several other proverbs and their explanations

along with their African

translations,

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