In Ghana a woman when dressed will customarily have her legs covered, but not necessarily the upper part of her body. Thus a mother will chat with a visitor while breast-feeding her baby. And inside, one may meet an older woman at work covered from only the waist down. Do you consider that shocking? Perhaps so. But it is not shocking to persons who have been brought up in a community where this is the customary dress.

In other places in the world families are usually smaller and less closely knit. In speaking about his family, a European or American may mention that his mother is doing well. “She has her own home and lives on her own,” he may tell his Ghanaian friends.

“Not living all alone?” someone interrupts.

“Oh, yes, she is quite able to manage on her own,” is the reply.

“How terrible! How lonely! How cruel to leave your mother living by herself, not surrounded by children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews!” will be the reaction.

The person may be sorry that he mentioned his mother. And he is careful not to breathe a word about the old folks’ homes that are common back in his country. Are you inclined to feel that there is merit to the African family style with its closeness?

To an American or European, polygamy may indeed seem a strange practice, but in Africa it is a common, accepted way of life. The ease with which it is accepted is indicated by these common introductions, “This is my father’s wife,” or, “This is my brother​—same father, different mother.” Understandably, then, a polygamist often finds the Bible standard of having only one living wife difficult to meet. (1 Tim. 3:2, 12) However, many Africans who come to an understanding of the Bible forsake this custom because they really do love God and want his approval.

Status Consciousness and Servants

Ghanaians are quite status conscious. Age gives one status. Money also does. Men are viewed as being higher than women. And educated people are considered better than noneducated people. Younger members of the family, though adults, have little influence. Do you approve of such status consciousness?

A help in maintaining status in Ghana is the availability of inexpensive servants. According to his means, a householder gradually acquires a house servant, a wash boy, a gardener, a chauffeur, and so forth. Almost every lady of moderate means has a maidservant. Usually she is acquired when young, possibly eight to ten years of age. She gets very little in the way of pay, and much is expected from her in the way of chores around the house. Is your reaction to pity the little maidservant?

However, the girl benefits. Her mistress is responsible to see that she has basic schooling, or at least is taught a trade such as sewing, selling or whatever the lady herself does. She is cared for as part of the household. She learns to take responsibility, to cook and care for a household, which training will make her a desirable wife.

Marriage Customs

In Ghana a bride price is customary. The going price for a bride varies greatly according to the community, the status of her family, her education and her beauty. Does this custom of buying a bride seem a little too calculating to you? But it does have practical aspects.

The money will provide the bride necessary things, such as cooking utensils and other household items to start her new home. Cloth for dresses may also be included in the bride price, enabling her to dress well after the wedding. Many members of the big family have contributed to the girl’s upbringing and training, so the prospective groom shows his appreciation by giving them a gift. All these arrangements take time, sometimes years, especially if the man is not too well off and has to pay on the installment plan.

When the wedding day finally arrives, the couple are presented publicly in their finery. Close friends accompany the newlyweds to their new home. The following days are customarily spent by the couple visiting and thanking those who helped with the arrangements. Friends, too, greet them in their new home, and especially the bridesmaid must visit them daily to see that all is well.

Do you think, “How awful! So little privacy”? You may if you are an American. But in Ghana going away on a honeymoon would be viewed with suspicion. What are they running away from? people would wonder.