Adinkra: An Epitome of Asante Philosophy and History

This paper investigated into the philosophical and historical representations of the celebrated Adinkra cloth production using the case study approach at Ntonso in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Data were solicited through personal and telephone interview as well as participant observation from respondents who were purposively sampled.  The study revealed that the Badie dye was locally obtained and prepared using the barks from the Badie tree. There are no additives mixed with the prepared dye as purported by several writers. It was also realized that the entire Adinkra cloth process from the acquisition of the tools and materials, production processes and the symbols usually printed in the cloth was firmly rooted in an interesting and thought provoking philosophical and historical foundation which portrays the African as a wise, creative artist. The study more importantly voiced out that though Asantes and Africans in general usually do not have written documentaries of their histories and philosophy that in anyway does not imply that these literally are absent. The rich artistic productions of residents in Africa are in fact a visual representation of their unadulterated histories and philosophies. The Adinkra cloth is but one example of such inspiring assets of the Asantes that are repositories of their rich philosophy and history.   Keywords: Adinkra Cloth; History; Philosophy; Badie dy

Gurene Utilitarian Basketry Arts: A Critical Discourse

The Gurene people in the Upper East Region of Ghana have a variety of notable utilitarian basketry articles which are used in many cultural applications in the Gurene society. These category of basketry articles, even though very important in the day-to-day activities of the Gurene people, are not extensively researched into. This study sought to identify, describe and underpin the functions of these basketry articles, in order to underpin their socio-cultural relevance among the Gurene people. Ethnographic research design was used. 85 respondents were sampled for the study using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using observations, interviews and focus group discussions and analysed thematically, using NVivo 9 qualitative data analysis package. The findings showed that the basketry articles are employed in agricultural and culinary activities such as harvesting, carting of farm produce, storage of grains, rearing of livestock, winnowing, and food preparations. Also, some are utilised in burial and funeral rites, expended as architectural accoutrements, and applied as containers and carriers which are used in selling diverse items in the Gurene society.Keywords: Gurene basketry, baskets, ethnic artefacts, utilitarian basketry arts, fibre arts.DOI: 10.7176/ADS/80-03Publication date: January 31st 202

The Hybridity in the Rites of Passage among the Ewe Ethnic Society in the Kumasi Metropolis

This study investigated the rites of passage of the Ewe ethnic society in the Kumasi Metropolis. It discusses the influence of the Asante host culture’s rites of passage on the Ewe ethnic society’s culture resulting in the hybridity of culture as a result of migration. The study was driven in a purely qualitative study with descriptive study as the study design. Thirty (30) study participants consisting of chiefs, elders in the traditional court and the elderly in the study area. Personal interviews and focus group discussions were the data collection tools used for collecting the data for the study. The findings of the study revealed that the Ewe cultural practices exhibited in the Kumasi metropolis is as a result of hybridity. The study contends that as the Ewes play their culture alongside the host culture-Asante culture, they consciously and unconsciously fuse and or substitute their indigenous culture which has virtually merged or replace their culture. Keywords: Value, Rites of Passage, Acculturation, Enculturation, Ethnicity, Cultural Hybridity DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/62-01 Publication date:October 31st 202

The Theoretical and Socio –Cultural Dimensions of Kpando Women’s Pottery

Pottery plays a very important role in the indigenous culture of the various ethnic groups in Ghana. At Kpando in the Volta Region, the art of pottery making, the meaning and uses of the artefacts are enshrined in some deep philosophies that permeate the socio-cultural life of the people. However, the rich theoretical and cultural components of the art have not been fully documented, and are not well understood and appreciated. This knowledge gap has rendered this cultural landmark almost invisible in cultural anthropology and native art. This study therefore provides an intellectual review of indigenous pottery production at Kpando with the view to unearth their role in the social sustainability of the indigenous people. The paper takes a critical look at the ontology of the art, clay winning process, pottery production, their usage and associated taboos. The descriptive method of qualitative research was employed for the study. The findings of the study show that traditional pottery production in Kpando is principally women’s art and the artefacts have both theoretical and cultural undertones. Keywords: Pottery production, native art, theoretical undertone, Kpando wome

Body Marking As Identification among the Dangmes in Ghana

Body marking is an intangible and a sensitive cultural variable in Ghana. Unfortunately, most individuals do not want to associate themselves with people who have body marks. This obvious misunderstanding of the art has led to stigmatization of the bearers of these marks. Body markings have been used as a form of identification among many cultures through several generations, Ghana has a rich culture of body marking among the various ethnic groups practice it, yet; the purpose and connotations of these marks have not been uncovered in certain parts of the country. As the study is centered on identification, it will help recognize the cultural identity of the nation by comprehending and embracing the custom of the various ethnic groups of Ghana where the need be. This research is therefore geared towards understanding the purposes and reasons for making body marks. Symbolic and interpretative anthropology and diffusionism were the theories that guided the study and are explained as such. Three ethnic groups from Ga-Dangme were selected for the study and these are Ningo, Prampram and Ada. The qualitative research method was used, with interviews and observations being the main form of data collection instruments. Out of the overall accessible population of 90 respondents, a sample size of 60 was purposively selected based on their knowledge on the subject matter. The results of the study showed that there are different body marks that are made for different cultural reasons. Keywords: Body marks, identification, scarification, cultural interpretatio

Teaching Interactive Art Lessons with Recycled Waste Materials as Instructional Resources

The study examines the use of waste materials as instructional resources in teaching and learning Art lessons. Primary, Junior and Senior High School Art teachers in Ghana mostly teach their lessons without instructional resources because the government is not able to provide materials to create the needed resources. The study therefore explored local waste materials which create nuisance in the environment in Ghana to create appropriate teaching resources for Art in Ghana. This study shows differences in classroom atmosphere and student performance when instructional resources are used or not used in teaching and learning. The study adopted the exploratory, quasi-experimental and descriptive research methods. Art teachers from Kumasi were selected to teach with developed instructional resources after which lessons taught with and without the instructional resources were compared. The study found that when instructional resources are used for teaching and learning, lessons become more practical, interactive, interesting and real to pupils and students, and enables them to perform better in their academics. Keywords: Instructional Resources; Waste Materials; Recycling; Teaching and Learning

Socio-cultural Significance of Selected Visual Arts in the Aboakyer Festival of the Effutus – Ghana

Though the visual arts in the Effutu festivals make a particularly stimulating and far-reaching contribution to their culture, little or no attention has been given to the socio-cultural significance of these visual arts. The robust and fervent characteristics associated with the involvement of these visual arts in the Aboakyer festival play functional, economic and aesthetic roles which are indispensable to their culture. This paper looks at the socio-cultural significance of some twenty (20) selected visual arts in the celebration of the Aboakyer festival in relation to the culture of the Effutus. It made use of the qualitative research which employed the descriptive design for data presentation. The study revealed that the artistic scope of the festival is massive and its contribution to the celebration are enormous. It is recommended that the Effutu Traditional Council should build a museum for these artistic elements and train personnel to educate people on the roles and significance of the arts in their festivals. Keywords: Festivals, Effutus, Socio-Cultural, visual Arts, Arts and culture, Aboakye

Using the National Teachers’ Standards to Assess the Influence of Induction Programmes on the Professional Growth and Development of Newly Qualified Teachers in Ghana’s Senior High Schools

The connection between theoretical knowledge gained at teacher education institutions and practical skills on field can only be completed by offering NQTs with effective training in the form of induction to help them develop professional knowledge, skills and understanding to confront the expectations of the profession. The absence of formal policy to guide induction in Ghana has resulted in inconsistencies and difficulties in assessing the effect of the programme on NQTs’ professional growth. The study sought to assess the influence of school-based induction programmes on the professional growth and development of NQTs using the National Teachers’ Standards as the assessment yardstick. Descriptive case study design was employed for the study using questionnaire, interview, observation and document analysis as instruments to gather data from forty-two NQTs in three sampled Senior High Schools in Ashanti-Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Data obtained were analysed using inductive and deductive analysis where similar themes and patterns where identified and analysed. The findings of the study show that, professional values and attitudes was the main skill acquired by NQTs attributing to the fact that the induction programme focused on orienting NQTs to understand the general ethics and culture of the profession, rather than serving as a training programme to equip them with on-the job training. Hence, induction had little influence on NQTs’ professional knowledge and professional practices. Even though the training programme was rated as effective in orienting NQTs, it had no influence on their decision to remain in the teaching profession because it was less effective in helping them acquire and utilize professional skills and knowledge. Improving on quality and standards of practice, stakeholders of induction programmes should give NQTs the opportunity to explicitly express what they require as professional support and work towards improving that skill to ensure total growth and development, and survival in the teaching profession. Keywords:Teacher induction programmes, National Teachers’ Standards, Newly Qualified Teachers, Professional growth and development DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-21-06 Publication date:June 30th 202

EXAMINING THE FORMS AND STRATEGIES OF TEACHER INDUCTION PROGRAMMES ORGANISED FOR NEWLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN GHANA

The education system recognises the positive impact of induction on the retention and professional growth of Newly Qualified Teachers in Ghana. This points out the question of how teacher induction programmes should be planned, organised and implemented, and what it should entail. The study sought to examine the forms and strategies of induction programmes organised for Newly Qualified Teachers in Senior High Schools during their initial professional practice. Using the descriptive case study method, data was gathered from forty-two Newly Qualified Teachers, three Assistant head teachers (Academics) from three sampled schools and one municipal human resource officer, all from Ashanti-Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Questionnaire, interview, observation and document analysis were the research instruments used. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive analysis where similar themes and patterns were identified from responses and compared with literature. Findings show that, though an induction was organised for Newly Qualified Teachers, the schools lacked formal principles to guide and regulate the school-based induction programmes. Orientation and a few aspects of mentoring were the components of the induction programmes while continuous professional development activities were totally absent. Again, the whole induction took place within some hours which put Newly Qualified Teachers at a great disadvantage of not acquiring what they need as support. While assistant head teachers and heads of department were key stakeholders responsible for the induction, the latter was Newly Qualified Teachers’ point of call when faced with challenges. Since it is argued that teachers who receive the full components of induction are likely to adopt and implement effective pedagogical approaches, in the absence of formal policy to guide the planning and implementation of induction in Ghana, there is a need for officials at the district and municipal levels to closely monitor Senior High Schools and ensure proper organisation of their induction programmes.  Article visualizations

Understanding informal jewellery apprenticeship in Ghana: Nature, processes and challanges

Context: The processes of acquiring education in jewellery in Ghana has been dominated by the informal apprenticeship system and it forms the backbone of the workforce of the jewellery industry in Ghana. However, the patronage of informal jewellery apprenticeship in Ghana in recent times has been on decline even though it has the potential of training human resources to transform Ghana’s precious mineral resources sector.This is based on the belief that jewellery trade and its training are shrouded in secrecy, in other words, the jewellery trade is considered to be a sacred profession where information on its operating systems are not allowed to be shared easily. It is believed to be associated with cult and magic, hence the reluctant to admit people who are from outside the family of particular jewellery enterprise. This study is sought to bring to fore the understanding nature, processes and challenges of the informal jewellery apprenticeship in Ghana. Approach: The study adopted the descriptive and phenomenology research designs (qualitative research methods). Jewellers who own a jewellery business and who are training other people through apprenticeships as well as people who are trained are observed and interviewed. A sample size was selected through purposive and convenience sampling techniques from four jewellery enterprises in Accra, Ghana. A thematic analysis plan was adopted to generate fndings of the study. Findings: The results show that for a person to train as a jeweller, s/he has to enrol by going through induction, futhremore fees (money and perishable items) are to be paid. The training content is driven by orders received by the master jeweller, thereby making it unstructured and lacking criteria for assessing the performance and progress of apprentice jewellers. Teaching and learning methods are usually on-the-job training that rely on demonstrations and observation. Conclusion: Informal jewellery apprenticeship in Ghana uses a fexible, cost-efective approach for transferring jewellery making skills from masters to apprentice jewellers, and it has substantial potential for improving skills training in the country. Sometimes the reluctant of some jeweller to train others is to keep the trade to family members only