Marxism, as developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, is a theoretical framework that seeks to explain the organization, functioning, and transformation of society, particularly under conditions of capitalism. Class Structure: Bourgeoisie and Proletariat At the center of Marxist analysis is a distinction between two primary social classes: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. The bourgeoisie…
In Ghana, there exists a long-standing practice in which some parents send their children to live with other families as househelps. While this arrangement is often justified as a strategy for providing children with better opportunities, it has, in many cases, become a source of profound exploitation and suffering. Many of these children are sent…
In the past, Ghanaian marriages were widely regarded as enduring unions. Separations were rare, and divorce was uncommon. Marriages were expected to last a lifetime, sustained not only by the couple but also by their extended families and lineages. Today, however, the situation has changed dramatically. Marital breakdowns are increasingly common, and divorce has become…
Akan Day Names (Kra Din) Different societies have different ways of naming their children. Among the Akan people of Ghana, newborns are given a special name based on the day of the week on which they are born. This name is called a “kra din.” In Twi, the widely spoken Akan language, kra (or okra)…
Introduction The question of whether the criminalization of witchcraft accusations would have any meaningful impact in Ghana requires careful and systematic analysis. At present, witchcraft accusations are largely non-criminal, meaning there are no specific laws prohibiting individuals from accusing others of being witches. As a result, those who make such accusations do not face arrest,…
In Ghanaian society, names are never random. A name is a story, a memory, a prayer, a verdict on experience, or a declaration of destiny. Ghanaian surnames—particularly Akan surnames—carry deep cultural meanings that often encode family history, spiritual beliefs, social struggles, and moments of triumph. Some names appear straightforward on the surface, yet even these…
In 1964, at just 22 years old, the newly crowned world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali stepped onto Ghanaian soil—and into African history. Fresh from his stunning victory over Sonny Liston in Miami, the young champion—then newly renamed Muhammad Ali—embarked on a tour of Africa. One of the most memorable stops on that journey was…
Politics, at its core, is a struggle over resources, influence, and authority. While much of political competition is expressed through negotiation, elections, and policymaking, history shows that the pursuit of power can also result in extreme acts, including the deliberate taking of human life. Homicide—the act of one person killing another—assumes particular significance when it…
