Achimota Palace
Palaces in Ghana play an integral role in the cultural narrative of this county thus, from the Gold coast to the present Ghana. Their role in society is very significant and shapes the moral life, principles, values and social customs. The Achimota Palace is no different from other palaces across Ghana as well as other African countries.
Achimota is a town in the Accra metropolitan District, the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Achimota (Ah-ch-ee-m-oh-t-ah), which means “speak no name” in the Ga language. The name emanated from sudden deaths of passers who spoke about other people and lost their lives upon getting to their destination. Hence, each time they passed by ‘Ahimota’, they caution each other in the Ga language not to say anything about anyone.
The Achimota palace which was built in late 1840’s by Bunie Kwame who was from the northern part of Ghana, he was then joined by two other elders as Chiefs of the town. Achimota is also part of the larger Ga communities who also celebrate the Homowo festival.
The Palace is located in the heart of the community. Inside the Achimota palace, you would find the palace court, which is meant for the settlement of disputes among members of the community and other external community related issues. The palace also has a shrine, which is meant to serve as a place where chiefs and elders communicate to the gods and ancestors of the town, libation and other ritual activities are perform there. There is the palace hall where all important and relevant issues needed to be discussed with members of the community are held which also hosts other large crowed visitors. There is again the store room that keeps all ancestral items and current items of relevance.
Evelyn Ameku
DCS20098
Achimota is a town in the Accra metropolitan District, the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Achimota (Ah-ch-ee-m-oh-t-ah), which means “speak no name” in the Ga language. The name emanated from sudden deaths of passers who spoke about other people and lost their lives upon getting to their destination. Hence, each time they passed by ‘Ahimota’, they caution each other in the Ga language not to say anything about anyone.
The Achimota palace which was built in late 1840’s by Bunie Kwame who was from the northern part of Ghana, he was then joined by two other elders as Chiefs of the town. Achimota is also part of the larger Ga communities who also celebrate the Homowo festival.
The Palace is located in the heart of the community. Inside the Achimota palace, you would find the palace court, which is meant for the settlement of disputes among members of the community and other external community related issues. The palace also has a shrine, which is meant to serve as a place where chiefs and elders communicate to the gods and ancestors of the town, libation and other ritual activities are perform there. There is the palace hall where all important and relevant issues needed to be discussed with members of the community are held which also hosts other large crowed visitors. There is again the store room that keeps all ancestral items and current items of relevance.
Evelyn Ameku
DCS20098
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