Abstract:
Today, symbols are the embodiment of the Akan of Ghana and are used to express
what they stand for and their view of the world, life and co-existence. African
Traditional symbols are pictorials or artistic expressions that represent some
traditional knowledge in other forms. These symbols, therefore, induce the mind to
correlate the pictorial image to the relevant representation of traditional knowledge.
As such, the mind situates itself in constant search for meaning and actively
explores, processes, and analyzes symbolic content. This study investigates the
moral implications on some selected Asante linguist staff. The study concentrates
on Asante traditional linguist staff symbols, particularly the eight clans and their
moral implications. The problem therefore is, how the Asante, especially the youth,
will find meaning in the linguist staff symbols with regards to the moral values and
how the values can impact on their lives in the face of the infiltration of foreign
culture and religions. The study adopted the qualitative research design to seek
relevant information from respondents by using purposively sampling method to
sample respondents who were targets as the population for the study. Interview
guide was used to solicit responses from the respondents. The study found out that
Asante symbols and the staff or the various items the chiefs use to adorn themselves
also play important roles when it comes to sharing of information. The study
concluded that much recognition is not given to the linguist staff because many
individuals do not participate in indigenous cultural and traditional activities in their
various Asante communities. The study recommends that linguist staff symbols be
inculcated in education and tourism priorities for sustainable tradition.
