Symbols are powerful tools for communication, storytelling, and preserving heritage. Today, the world has presented an opportunity for cultures to display their symbols through the new media.
The availability of these cultural symbols has inspired many people to use them to create impactful content.
The Adinkra symbols are popular symbols that cut across cultures and inspire artist creation today in Ghana and beyond.
These Adinkra symbols originated among the Bono people of Gyaman but were made popular by the Asante after they defeated Nana Kwadwo Agyemang Adinkra of Gyaman in 1818.
New cultural symbols are difficult to create. They require a high level of creativity and genuine inspiration. However, some Ghanaians are creating new cultural symbols inspired by existing Adinkra symbols.
These new Adinkra symbols tell a unique story, symbolizing wisdom, courage, unity, and resilience. These symbols are decorative and act as a visual language that communicates cultural values and social norms.
These new Adinkra symbols were studied by four Ghanaians (Michael Ato Essuman, Dickson Adom, Isaac Asare-Aboagye, and Kwame Baah Owusu Panin) and published in July 2024.
Here are the new Adinkra Symbols.
- Time is money (Mmere ye sika)
In Akan culture, the phrase ‘mmere ye sika’ refers to the effective and efficient use of time. Given that both money and time are limited resources, it implies that spending either is comparable to wasting time.
2. Abundance (Mmorosoo)
Abundance means having more than you need of something. In this symbol, something is being split out of the triangular container, which signifies abundance.
3. Wisdom (Nyansa)
Wisdom means having in-depth knowledge and understanding of many things. This symbol shows an object with lines moving in eight directions, signifying knowledge.
4. Comfort (Awerekyekyere)
Comfort (Awerekyekyere) means relieving someone who is sad or disappointed. ‘Awerekyekyere’ is associated with Akan culture, expressing emotional ease, tranquillity, and well-being. It includes physical comforts like shelter, clothing, food and emotional comfort like feeling secure and free from anxiety
5. Stability (Gyina pintinn)
Stability (Gyina pintinn) means being firm in everything you do. ‘Gyina pintinn’, represents stability, balance, and reliability.
6. Unity (Nkabom)
Unity (Nkabom) means being united or joined as a whole. Unity equals good guidance, proper growth, and development. It is a powerful force that can bring about positive change and create a sense of belonging and community.
7. Hope (Anidasoo)
Hope is a feeling of expectation and desire for a thing to happen. Anidasoo expresses optimism, resilience, faith, spiritual and emotional strength, and proactive behaviour.
8. Bravery (Akokoduru)
The flame is a symbol of bravery, which enables one to pursue their personal goals. Akokoduru denotes bravery, fortitude, and resolve.
What do you think of these new symbols? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
References
Essuman, M. A., Adom, D., Asare-Aboagye, I. & Owusu Panin, K. B. (2024). Visual meanings of newly created Ghanaian cultural symbols with inspirations from existing adinkra symbols from Indigenous communities in Ghana. Indigenous: Jurnal Ilmiah Psikologi, 9(2). 196-217. doi: https:// doi.org/10.23917/indigenous.v9i2.5795
Stephen Baidoo is a writer who loves to research about Ghana's past. He brings Ghana's history to life with each unearthed fact and forgotten narrative, transforming dry dates into passionate stories.

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