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Calabash: Symbol of Ghanaian culture, pride
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FOR generations, the calabash, a dried gourd shell known for its versatility, has remained an integral part of Ghanaian culture and tradition.
Native to Africa and widely used across tropical and subtropical regions, the calabash (Lagenaria siceraria or Crescentia cujete) has served as a container, utensil, musical instrument resonator, and decorative piece.
From Nigeria to Senegal, The Gambia to Mali, and across Ghana, it has carried water, stored food, and shaped instruments such as rattles and harps.
Cultural significance
In Ghana, the calabash symbolises nourishment, resilience, wisdom, and life.
• The calabash fruit
ments showcased internationally, including Berlin Fashion Week 2025, blending tradition with innovation.
Eco-friendly packaging: Skincare brand, Nokware, uses calabash shells for soaps and cleansers, merging tradition with sustainable luxury.
This trend is also part of a broader movement toward sustainable fashion. As a natural, biodegradable material, calabash offers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetics.
Preserving heritage
Mr Godson Lucky Tome, Director of the Centre for National Culture in Krachi East, stressed the importance of safeguarding calabash-making.
He stated that: “The calabash is a symbol of our cultural identity, and we must continue to promote and preserve it for future generations.”
Efforts by artisans and cultural institutions are ensuring that calabash-making remains vibrant, blending tradition with innovation.
A lasting symbol
calabash offcuts.
Lecturer Patience Dedume of the Department of Fashion Design and Textiles of the Ho Technical University, highlighted its versatility.
She indicated that: “Today, calabash is used in accessories, garment construction, and even beauty packaging, bridging cultural heritage with modern sustainable design.”
The calabash can be seen in jewelry and adornment, necklaces, earrings; bangles carved from calabash.
It is more than a household tool; it is a cultural emblem woven into ceremonies, rituals, and everyday living.
Nana Kwame Agyeman, linguist of the Akroso Traditional Council, explained: “Calabash is more than just a container; it is a symbol of our tradition and cultural heritage. No ritual undertaking is concluded without it.”
Weddings, funerals, and rites of passage often feature the calabash as a sign of unity and continuity.
Commerce and community
Beyond rituals, the calabash plays a vital role in local trade.
Palmwine Seller, Togbe Azanda of the Kparekpare community, said: “We use it to serve palm wine to our customers — it represents hospitality and generosity.”
Similarly, Madam Rita Akua Serwaa, Pito brewer in Dambai Old Town, praised the practicality of the calabash.
She said: “The calabash keeps the drink fresh and even adds to its flavour. Its use fosters social cohesion, bringing people together during celebrations and times of mourning, while teaching values of cooperation and community living.”
Fashion and innovation
The calabash’s journey from ritual vessel to runway accessory reflects a broader movement to reclaim indigenous materials as markers of pride and identity.
Designers such as the late Kofi Ansah pioneered its use in high fashion, while contemporary brands like Adjeley craft bold jewelry from recycled
• Calabash used as a handbag for women
In the textile industry, it is used for tools: Stamps for Adinkra cloth printing, carrying symbolic meanings.
In high fashion: Avant-garde garments showcased internationally.
From ritual ceremonies to modern fashion runways, from palm wine sellers to luxury skincare brands, the calabash continues to inspire and educate.
It stands as a lasting symbol of Ghana’s rich cultural heritage — a humble gourd that embodies tradition, creativity and sustainability, echoing tradition to exotic resource.
A GNA Feature by Kingsley Mamore
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) on Wednesday, August 6, 2026, staged a massive nationwide protest in Accra dubbed “Democracy Under Attack” to register its displeasure over what it describes as threats to Ghana’s democratic governance and justice system.
The demonstration commenced at 5:00 a.m., with hundreds of party supporters, executives and sympathizers gathering at the forecourt of the Supreme Court before marching through principal streets of the capital.
Ahead of the protest, the NPP National Steering Committee directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilize members and supporters for the event.
Led by General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, the protesters presented their first petition at the Supreme Court.
The five-page petition was received by Judicial Secretary, Musah Ahmed, on behalf of the Chief Justice.
He assured the party leadership that the document would be delivered to the Chief Justice.
At the Jubilee House, Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah received the second petition on behalf of the President.
However, the gesture did not sit well with some party leaders.
Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who also presented a petition, expressed disappointment at the government’s representation.
“Electing only Nana Yaa Jantuah to receive the petition on behalf of the government was an insult and did not show respect,” he said.
According to him, “It meant government did not place premium on the Democracy Under Attack demonstration.”
Speeches and Concerns Raised
Addressing the crowd, MP for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku criticized what he called the criminalization of free speech.
“Arresting citizens for just insults doesn’t strengthen Ghana’s democracy,” he stated.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an embattled National Communications Director hopeful, also spoke about the climate of fear.
“Democracy under attack demo: I love to speak but right now I am afraid,” he told journalists.
One protester, a local trader, shared her frustration about the state of Ghana’s economy as she joined the march. She said the rising cost of living and governance issues compelled her to hit the streets.
The NPP leadership expressed appreciation to its members, civil society organizations and other political parties for cooperating fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
The “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance, rule of law and the justice system.
Security was tight but calm throughout the march, with no major incidents reported.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced new measures to stop extortion and begging by airport personnel at airports under its management.
The decision was taken at a high-level stakeholder facilitation meeting held in Accra on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
In a press statement issued after the meeting, GACL said stakeholders agreed to introduce a “mystery shopping” system in which individuals would secretly assess the conduct of airport personnel.
According to the statement, workers found engaging in extortion would be publicly identified through appropriate media channels as part of a “name and shame” campaign aimed at discouraging the practice and promoting accountability.
GACL said staff found guilty would face disciplinary action and would no longer be allowed to work at any airport or within its surroundings.
The company also announced a dedicated hotline, 0542175636, through which passengers can report extortion by airport officials and service providers by phone call, WhatsApp or SMS.
The statement said reports should include the date and time of the incident, the name of the officer, the agency involved and the location where the incident occurred.
GACL said the hotline covers personnel from several agencies and companies operating at the airports, including the Ghana Immigration Service, Customs, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, the Ghana Police Service, National Security, airlines, ground handling companies, private security firms and airport concessionaires such as shops and restaurants.
The company reminded passengers that they have the right to ask any airport official to show an Airport Identification Card before dealing with them.
It advised travellers to request receipts for all payments made at the airport and to report any suspicious transaction through the hotline.
GACL said it was working together with airport stakeholders to improve standards at the airports and protect Ghana’s image.
The company added that public cooperation in reporting unacceptable conduct would help strengthen confidence in the country’s airports and support efforts to position Ghana as a
leading aviation hub in West Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
