News
Calabash: Symbol of Ghanaian culture, pride
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/In-this-image-it-has-been-used-as-a-handbag-for-women.jpg&description=Calabash: Symbol of Ghanaian culture, pride', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/In-this-image-it-has-been-used-as-a-handbag-for-women.jpg&description=Calabash: Symbol of Ghanaian culture, pride', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
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 Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
