An Exploration into Akan Traditional Patterns of Learning and its Significance for Contemporary Akan Christian Formation

Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong

doi:10.38159/jelt.2021221

Abstract

The study is an exploration into the Akan traditional patterns of learning and how it provides educational resources to contemporary Akan Christian formation. It engages some renowned Akan Christian scholars in reflections on the premissionary Akan traditional learning patterns before their encounter with the Western missionaries in observation and interviews. The indigenous knowledge systems like the rites of passage remain available educational resources that must attract the intellectual considerations of Akan Christian educators. As qualitative in its methodology, the study examined available materials on the subject and conducted interviews with some individuals who were considered to have significant insights on the subject. The study has noted that Akan traditional patterns of learning possess relevant information that must be considered by the church in its quest for relevant contemporary patterns of Christian formation in African Christianity. Traditional Patterns of Learning, it is recommended, must attract academic examination and research to unearth the deep-seated worth of intellectual weight that has not attracted thorough Christian consideration due to the European-value setting for Western missionary established churches among the Akan people of Ghana. Keywords: Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Christian Education, Rites of Passage, Cultural Values, Traditional Patterns of Learning.

Highlights

The Akan had their traditional patterns of learning before their encounter with Western missionaries
The study is an exploration into the Akan traditional patterns of learning and how it provides educational resources to contemporary Akan Christian formation
The indigenous knowledge systems like the rites of passage remain available educational resources that must attract the intellectual considerations of Akan Christian educators

Summary

Introduction

The Akan had their traditional patterns of learning before their encounter with Western missionaries. The indigenous patterns of learning provided the required moral standards, cultural values and indigenous knowledge systems relevant for the individual and community life. The Western missionaries introduced Christian education and schooling patterns of learning to the Akan. The Christian patterns of learning did not seek to integrate the traditional patterns of learning into their forms of learning. The lack of integration created the impression that the Akan were ignorant and needed their superior learned teachers to offer them gifts of education. A critical assessment of the Akan traditional patterns of learning will make available the intellectual weight of Akan indigenous patterns of learning to the educational community

Methods

Conclusion