The Place of Taboos in Contemporary Akwamutraditional Society

Abstract

This study investigated the place of taboos in contemporary Akwamu traditional society. Its primary aim is to identify taboos which are observed in Akwamu traditional society and the philosophical explanations underpinning the practice of these taboos. It is also to examine how taboos affect ethical values in the daily lives of the people and their relevance in the maintenance of social order in contemporary Akwamu traditional society. A qualitative design and phenomenological approach were used in this study. The main instruments used in gathering relevant data for the study were interview, observation and relevant information from documentary sources. In all, forty respondents comprising family heads, chiefs, queen mothers, Christians and Muslims were purposively selected for the study based on their knowledge in Akwamu traditional philosophy and cultural practices. The key findings of the study showed that the practice of taboos among the people of Akwamu remains very strong because it reinforces the communal values of solidarity, identity and unity among the people. The study also disclosed that taboos have not been completely wiped out but have rather been either modified or toned down because of the significant roles they play in the preservation of lives among the people of Akwamu in contemporary times. The study recommended among other things that a concerted effort should be put in place by stakeholders, both government and all religious functionaries to increase people’s awareness of the relevance of taboos in contemporary Akwamu traditional society. The study therefore concluded that the sustainability of taboos in Akwamu traditional society would need a concerted effort by all stakeholders to create awareness within the people.