Department of Social Work
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Item Tradition versus modernity: Perspectives on economic transformation of Akan funerals(University of Ghana, 2015-04-17) Boateng, A.This article examines the economic aspect of contemporary Akan funeral celebrations in Ghana. Akan lineage members, from birth through puberty, marriage, maturity, old age, go through various rites of passage that bond them culturally, socially and spiritually to others in society. One such rite is funeral celebration, which has been at the heart of public social events of the people. Akan funerals, wherever they are celebrated, be it in Ghana or the diaspora, form a context for people to come together. However, the changes in Ghanaian Akan funerals over the years, and their impact on the people, make this a crucial topic to study. The authors interviewed 20 Akans (10 based in the U.S. and the other 10 based in Ghana), to explore their perspectives on the changing economic trends of Akan funeral practices. Economic impact and the resulting challenges identified by the participants are discussed.Item What is the assurance that Liberia is safe? Factors motivating Liberian refugees to remain in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2015-04-17) Dako-Gyeke, M.; Adu, E.Despite the currently peaceful state of Liberia, several thousands of Liberian refugees still remain in Ghana. This raises concern for debates and dialogue about what peace or political stability means to a refugee after civil war. This study therefore explored factors motivating Liberian refugees to remain in Ghana. Using a qualitative research design, 40 participants (females and males) were purposively recruited at a Refugee Camp in Ghana. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) and sixteen in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted. The FGDs and IDIs were audio-taped, transcribed, coded and analyzed thematically based on the objectives of the study. The findings revealed that the motivating factors related to: insecurity in Liberia, infrastructural challenges and unfavorable socioeconomic situation in Liberia, and resettlement opportunities in Ghana. Based on the findings of the study, implications are discussed for policy and social work practice