The Blood Culture of the Ga-Dangbe Tribe of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

The study enquired about extra but relevant information about blood culture of the Ga-Dangbe tribe of the Greater Accra-Region of Ghana .The cultural practices involving the innovation and application of certain type of blood from specific animals for certain rituals. The performance and purpose remain mysterious and confidential with less information and any social economic consequence of the practice. The research team selected this topic to unearth the mystery and the conceptual framework of the research topic as well as any relevant information to the academic fraternity .To accomplish this expectations the research team reviewed a number of literature on blood culture from the ancient Greece ,Crete,Egypt,Israel and certain tribes in Africa and in Ghana .Most importantly about cultural practice of the Ga –Dangbe. As a fundamental issue, the team used much of exploratory and qualitative research methods. They also participated, granted interviews to mostly traditionalist and knowledge persons involved in traditional practices in Ghana. The team organized research objectives on the subjects relating to blood cultural practices of the Ga-Dangbe tribe ;to identify the source of the blood ;to investigate of any economic and entertaining actions accompanying the practice. The team found out that blood was used by the Ga-Dangbe people for mainly cultural activities in nature from birth to death of certain specific persons and for certain specific cultural practices .The animals used for such practices were goat, sheep, cow and crow .It must be emphasized that no human sacrifice(human blood) was mentioned or uncovered during the research work .Meanwhile, blood was poured out onto a child of royal birth, spiritualist in the cleansing stage ,for atonement etc. More so, it was used for spiritual cleansing ,healing process, achievement in any competition and in dispelling evil spirits. It was recommended that further research be conducted for further revelation of unknown practices which this research team could not capture on the concept of blood culture of the Ga-Dangbe traditional practices.