Contemporary Verbal Arts of Ghana
In contemporary Ghanaian societies, various forms of verbal arts are practiced. Indigenous verbal art forms are practiced together with contemporary ones, although with few modifications in their presentations and functions. Some of these verbal art forms include storytelling, swearing, poetry recitals, appellations, etc.
oath oath
In contemporary Ghanaian societies, oaths are taken by those who assume leadership positions in communities and the nation as a whole. Presidents, Members of Parliament, Assemblymen, and Assembly Members take an oath on how diligent, truthful, and efficient they would be in carrying out their duties without embezzling state funds and upholding the law in all their dealings with the general public. Also in traditional settings, newly appointed kings and queen mothers also take oaths binding them to their newly assigned responsibilities.
In the courts of law, defendants and petitioners swear and take an oath that they will only tell the truth regarding the cases for which they have been subpoenaed. Oaths are usually taken with the person in question holding such items as the Holy Bible or Koran, ceremonial swords, leadership staffs, etc.
There are also some professions in Ghana today where people newly appointed to the job are mandated to swear allegiance to serve the people. An example is the Hippocratic Oath taken by new doctors, pharmacists, and those who work in the medical field.
The oath is supposed to bind the person taking it to be faithful, loyal, and efficient in whatever course he swore by.
storytelling
Stories with contemporary themes or themes are told to members of the general public during church programs, school activities, funerals, and wedding ceremonies. They are usually narrative and descriptive in nature. They include stories about the birth of Christ, the travels of Muhammad, and other religious themes told in churches and mosques. The stories of the bravery and courage displayed by our ancestors are recounted to the general public so that members of society can learn moral lessons on how to imitate their fine examples. This usually takes place during visits to historical sites and museums, schools, and other social gatherings.
Stories reflecting the Ghanaian belief in the afterlife are usually narrated during funeral and mortuary services for deceased people in the Ghanaian community. In addition, the stories of successful and unsuccessful marriages of some well-known figures in the families and communities are narrated to the newlyweds as a form of advice on how to play their roles effectively as husbands and wives in the marital union by both parties. from parents and other well-meaning people in communities. .
denominations
During state functions and other social gatherings in contemporary Ghana, denominations are said to welcome dignitaries and other important people. Sometimes achievements, bravery, academic prowess, and laudable behavioral traits are narrated by a good speaker who can be an adult or, usually, a girl.
Likewise, the denominations of deceased historical figures are sounded on occasions in which their contributions are remembered and taken as a basis for social growth during talks, seminars and programs carried out for social development in specific areas where their contribution is indispensable.
