Abstract:
Landscape is polysemous (including land cover and culture); but, it is
often conceived as a unitary concept with less focus on culture. Such biased
concept of landscape affects its comprehensive study; hence, affecting the
sustainability of indigenous culture. This study sought to assess the effects of
landscape change on the sustainability of the indigenous culture of the
Ga/Dangme in Greater Accra Region using the dualistic concept of landscape.
Ethnographically, the study interviewed Ga/Dangme chiefs and traditional
priests; undertook series of focus group discussions with the aged and young
Ga/Dangme people in four Ga/Dangme communities. In addition, using the
cross-sectional survey research design, questionnaire was administered to 1,020
Ga/Dangmes while a spatial approach was employed to model land cover
change in the region. Results indicated that land cover change in the Ga/Dangme
communities was very high and had affected wetlands and groves considered
by the Ga/Dangme as abodes for their gods/goddesses. Also, some rituals
performed in these wetlands had ceased because of its degradation from land
Christianity, poor enforcement of formal government policies and chieftaincy
disputes. The sustainability of the indigenous culture and land cover of the
rejuvenated and afforested by the efforts of Ga/Dangme people, Chiefs,
traditional priest/Wolomei with the help of Environmental Protection Agency,
Forestry Commission, Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority and National
commission on Culture.
