In the evenings, when bellies are filled and household chores are completed for the day, children are seen seated in circular fashion on the ground, under the moonlight with clothes wrapped around them, ears tuned to listen to stories mostly told by the elderly in various homes. They are mere bedtime tales. Before the introduction of books, theatre arts, movies, and social media in Ghana, this was the channel used to tell stories from generation to generation. It was the way of telling stories about aspects of human life; cultural values, traditions, origins of places, animals, good and bad deeds. Most popular is “anansesem” meaning stories of a spider.
The word Ananse originates from the Twi dialect of the Akan language meaning Spider. Ananse stories are believed to have begun from the 1500s as a part of an oral tradition of the Ashanti people in Ghana. It is well known throughout West Africa and parts of the Caribbean. The storyteller begins with the statement “anansesem esi so oh” and the kids respond; then the story begins. Ananse was a fictional spider character well known for his crafty and cunning, being referred to in most stories as a trickster. In some stories, he is regarded as self-seeking and uses his wisdom to solve problems. He can be a hero or a villain in a story. These stories served to keep children entertained and engaged in the evening, building solid bonds between the elderly and children. Though entertaining, they reveal simple truths that are helpful for both adults and children. It was a way to also teach children about actions and their consequences. Famous amongst the stories is Ananse and the Pot of Wisdom.
Aside from Ananse stories, “tooli” is also told. It is similar to anecdotes. Unlike anecdotes, “tooli” is not based on real-life situations. They are humorous and brief. The teller of the story begins by saying “tooli oh tooli” and the listeners answer “tooli”. They can be told anytime of the day. One tooli told was that God was closer to us, however, there was an old woman who loved “fufu”, a Ghanaian dish and as she kept pounding every day, it provoked God so he moved further away from us and that is why God is beyond our reach. Another one is when you sweep your room at night, you sweep all your money away. This was to tell listeners that you may sweep something valuable away if you sweep at night. We were also told that whistling at night calls in dwarfs. This was to deter children from making noise at that time of the day. Today, they are shared through social media for some good laughter amongst various individuals.
From the captivating tales of Ananse to the lighthearted anecdotes of “tooli,” these stories have not only entertained but also imparted valuable lessons to listeners of all ages.
As we celebrate Ghana Month, let us continue to embrace and share these timeless narratives, whether around a fire, through social media, or in any other form, ensuring that the legacy of storytelling remains alive and cherished for years to come. Through these stories, we connect with our past, strengthen our bonds with one another, and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Ghanaian culture.
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