School Culture, Moral Formation, and Learner Discipline in Seventh-day Adventist Basic Schools in Ghana (Published)

Mission schools are expected to shape learner character through more than classroom instruction alone. They are designed to influence conduct, habits, discipline, and spiritual life through the wider school culture. This study examined how school culture influences moral formation and learner discipline in Seventh-day Adventist basic schools in Ghana. The study adopted a descriptive survey design with supportive contextual interviews. Data were drawn from 250 learners in five Seventh-day Adventist basic schools in Fanteakwa North and South Districts of the Eastern Region of Ghana, together with contextual evidence from school personnel. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and interview guide and analysed using frequencies, percentages, and descriptive interpretation. The findings showed that the selected schools retained some value visibility, since many learners had heard the doctrines of the church in school. However, doctrinal exposure was uneven, many learners had limited knowledge of core beliefs, and a large majority perceived falling doctrinal standards. Learners also linked failure to practise school doctrines with weak moral life and academic difficulties, and many supported stronger teaching and enforcement of selected doctrines. The study concludes that moral formation in mission schools is best understood as a school culture issue rather than as a narrow religion lesson issue. When school culture is coherent, values are reinforced through routines, relationships, adult example, discipline, and doctrinal instruction. When school culture is weak, mission identity becomes fragile and learner discipline weakens. The study contributes to literature on faith based schooling by showing that school culture, doctrine teaching, and moral discipline are closely interconnected in Seventh-day Adventist basic schools. It also offers practical recommendations for school leaders, teachers, church educational authorities, and local managers.

Keywords: Ghana, Seventh-day Adventist basic schools’ schools, learner discipline, moral formation, school culture, value education

Dynamics of the Chieftaincy Succession Conflict in the Akuapem Traditional Area of Ghana (Published)

This study is a contribution to knowledge on the existence of succession conflict within the Akuapem Traditional Area. The study focused on the dynamics of the conflict. This study was anchored on an interpretivist philosophical viewpoint. Methodologically, the study employed a qualitative approach with case study research design. Thirty-four adults who have lived in the area for the past five years participated in the study. They included members of the traditional council, the Akuapem North Municipal Assembly, the royal gates to the paramountcy and adults within the community. Participants were selected using extreme case, critical case and convenience sampling techniques. Data were collected with the use of interview guide, focus-group discussion and observation protocols. The data collected were analysed thematically in line with the research question and emerged patterns from the dataset. The study found out that the dynamics of the conflict revolved around causes which involves power struggle, contestation of succession processes, and the disrespect of traditional authorities and stakeholders. The multiple causes resulted in the exacerbation of the conflict. The complex dynamics of the conflict has had multiple implications on the stability and development of the society. It is therefore, recommended that various measures be put in place by the government and various institutions concerned as well as the traditional area to address the chieftaincy succession issue and adequately ensure the full functioning of the institution and the society.

Citation:Shirley Dankwa, Ernest Kumi, Francis Tsatsu Owulah, Isaac Eshun (2021) Dynamics of the Chieftaincy Succession Conflict in the Akuapem Traditional Area of Ghana, International Journal of African Society, Cultures and Traditions, Vol.9, No.1, pp.48-76,

Keywords: Akwapem traditional area, Chieftaincy, Conflict, Ghana, Succession

The Role of Art in Customary Marriage Ceremonies: The Case of Krobos of Somanya, Ghana (Published)

Customary Marriage ceremonies among the Krobos of Somanya in the Eastern Region of Ghana involve a lot of display of both visual and performing art forms. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to investigate the role of arts in the marriage ceremonies of the Krobos of Somanya by identifying the art forms and symbols exhibited at such marriage ceremonies, and then evaluating the significance of each art form or symbol in the entire ceremony. Qualitative research method with Semi structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions were used to gather information that addresses the research objectives and questions. The sampling frame for the study included traditional elders within the Somanya community, chiefs, queen mothers, and family heads. The purposive sampling was used to select two (2) traditional leaders, as well as five (5) other persons who are well informed of the traditions and customs of Somanya to serve as respondents for the study. The data gathered were subsequently analyzed using the qualitative technique. From the results of the study, the major findings was that music, drama and appellations were highly used by marriage couples throughout the marriage rites. It was also found that beads play a very important role in the marriage ceremonies, with each bead colour having a particular meaning and significance to the marriage process. It could be concluded that each art form observed at the ceremony has a meaning and significance have endeared most people to the traditional form of marriage in spite of the prevalence of the Ordinance (wedding) type of marriage in other areas. Finally, efforts should be made to establish a gallery as well as a website where the various art forms used in such marriage ceremonies, their meanings and significance can be captured on audio and video for display, preservation, and for sale.

Keywords: Art, Ceremonies, Customary Marriage, Ghana