By Angela Adu-Asomaning, Laura Nsor and Dorcas Boye
In Ghana, cultural processes and protocols for naming newborn babies play an important role among different ethnic groups.
These occasions include the celebration of the birth of a child and the introduction of the child to the community.
Naming ceremonies connect a child to their ancestral lineage and establish their identity in their communities. It is believed that the name given to a child can affect their behavior and destiny.
Names carry spiritual weight, shaping a child’s character and guiding their life path.
Given Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, the Akan people place a lot of importance on what is popularly termed ‘outdooring’ or ebadinto/dinto.
The Akans come from the Eastern, Ashanti, Western, Central, Bono, and Ahafo regions of Ghana. They comprise the Kwahu’s, Ashanti’s, Akuapems, Akyems, Bonos, Fantis, Nzemas, Adanse, twifo, Akwamu, Ahanta etc.
Naming ceremonies are steeped in tradition and symbolism, and these ceremonies serve as an opportunity for families to pass on their cultural values and beliefs to the next generation.
The naming ceremony among the Akans is called dinto or ebadinto. Among the Ewes, it is called vinehedego, and the Ga’s, Kpodziemo.
It is an occasion for family, friends, and community members to come together and offer their blessings to the new parents and the child. It is performed early in the morning on the eighth day. The purpose of waiting seven days after the birth of a child is to ensure that he or she has come to stay on earth (Asase Yaa) and will not prematurely return to Asamando (“abode of the ancestors”). Until that day, the child is regarded as a “stranger” (ɔhɔho). Thus, the Akan say to the new infant child, woaba a tena aseɛ (you are welcome, and we hope you stay).
Names are an essential part of Ghanaian culture. They carry significant and symbolic value and have a direct impact on an individual’s personality, character, and destiny. Some signify strength and ambition, while others represent peace, adaptability, fortitude, endurance, and kindness. Some of the names inspire, motivate, and bless.
In many cases, names are chosen based on the day of the week that the child is born, as well as cultural or religious considerations. Some people believe that certain names, by their definitions, carry bad luck and often come with curses.
A child who is born in answer to a request made to a shrine or deity is named after that shrine or deity.
The Akans are particular about naming ceremonies and the names given to their children. While some prefer to stick to traditional names, others have additional Western names.
The general belief that names have an impact is subjective and depends on the beliefs of the particular ethnic group.