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Basic 1 · Religious and Moral Education · Religious Worship

Traditional Proverbs and Their Lessons

In this topic you will learn some Ghanaian traditional proverbs and what they teach.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Explain what a proverb is
  • Recite some Ghanaian proverbs
  • Say the lesson of each proverb

What you already know

  • Traditional worship

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
Religious Practices
Sub-strand
Religious Worship
Indicator
B1.2.1.1.2 – Recite religious passages and sing religious songs

Introduction

Grandfather says, "Obi nkyerɛ abɔfra Nyame." He means nobody needs to show a child God. Everyone knows God exists. This is a proverb.

1. What is a Proverb?

Proverb: A short wise saying that teaches a lesson.

2. Proverbs to Learn

Ghanaian proverbs
ProverbMeaningLesson
Obi nkyerɛ abɔfra Nyame.Nobody shows a child God.Everyone knows God exists.
Woforo dua pa a, na yɛpia wo.When you climb a good tree, people push you up.Do good things and people will help you.
Praeko, wobu no a, ɛmmu.One broom stick is easy to break, but a bundle is not.Unity is strength.

These proverbs are in Akan (Twi). Ask your elders for proverbs in your own language.

One broom stick breaking and a tied bundle that does not break
Figure 1: Unity is strength Draw the broom bundle.Illustration: Sirbus

Remember: Proverbs are said by elders to teach good behaviour.

New words

proverb
A short wise saying.
elder
An older, respected person.
unity
Working together as one.
lesson
Something we learn.

Summary

  • A proverb is a short wise saying.
  • Proverbs teach us good behaviour.
  • "One broom stick breaks, a bundle does not" teaches unity.

Class activity: Proverb Recital

  1. Pick a proverb card.
  2. Recite it while your classmates keep a gentle rhythm with the drum and shaker.
  3. Say what it teaches.

You need: Printed cards of Ghanaian traditional proverbs, Sacred stories, Local drum, Gourd shaker

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. A short wise saying is a…

    • A. Proverb
    • B. Song
    • C. Riddle
    • D. Prayer
    Show answer
    Answer: ProverbThat is what a proverb is.

  2. 2. The broom bundle proverb teaches…

    • A. Unity is strength
    • B. Sleep early
    • C. Eat well
    • D. Run fast
    Show answer
    Answer: Unity is strengthMany sticks together do not break.

  3. 3. Elders use proverbs to teach.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueProverbs carry wisdom.

  4. 4. A single broom stick is hard to break.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseOne stick breaks easily.

  5. 5. Working together as one is called ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: unityUnity means togetherness.

  6. 6. What does "Woforo dua pa a, na yɛpia wo" teach?

    Show answer
    Answer: Do good things and people will help you.People support those who do good.

Homework

  1. Ask an elder at home for one proverb. Write it and its meaning.