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Kâ okââ wâi nô lâ, okâô shikpô hu nô. (Ga) Ikiwa unazungumza kwa heshima ya mbinguni, lazima useme kitu kuhusu dunia pia. (Swahili) Si vous parlez du ciel, vous devez aussi dire quelque chose de la terre. (French) If you speak in respect of heaven, you must say something about the earth too. (English) |
Ga (Ghana) Proverb
Background, Meaning and Everyday Use
The Ga people are an ethnic group located primarily in the southeastern region of Ghana, particularly in the Greater Accra area. They are part of the larger Ga-Dangme ethnolinguistic group, which also includes the Dangme people. Historically, the Ga migrated from the Lake Chad region and settled in their current location during the 16th century. They were organized into six independent towns: Accra (Ga Mashie), Osu, La, Teshie, Nungua, and Tema. Each town had its own cultural practices and governance structures centered on a traditional stool that served as a symbol of authority.
Traditionally, the Ga people were farmers; however, over time, fishing and trading have become significant occupations within their community. The social structure is matrilineal for women’s property and patrilineal for men’s public offices. This dual inheritance system reflects a complex societal organization where men and women have distinct roles within family and community life.
Proverbs play a vital role in the culture of the Ga people as they encapsulate wisdom, moral lessons and cultural values passed down through generations. These proverbs are often attributed to ancestors and serve as authoritative expressions of collective experience and knowledge. In everyday life, they are used to convey important messages about human behavior, ethics, community living and personal responsibility.
The use of proverbs is not only prevalent in casual conversation but also serves as an effective tool in preaching and teaching contexts. They enhance communication by making it more engaging and relatable while providing deeper insights into cultural beliefs. Proverbs often contain two meanings: a literal interpretation and a deeper philosophical meaning that reflects on life experiences. Proverbs are integral to preserving the wisdom of the Ga people while fostering understanding among community members about their shared values and experiences.
The proverb If you speak in respect of heaven, you must say something about the earth too suggests that discussions or thoughts regarding spiritual or heavenly matters should also consider earthly realities. This reflects a balance between the spiritual and the material world, emphasizing that one cannot solely focus on abstract or divine concepts without acknowledging their practical implications in everyday life.
Biblical Parallels
James 2:26 -“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Revelation 21:1 – “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.”
Contemporary Use And Religious Application
The proverb if you speak in respect of heaven, you must say something about the earth too emphasizes the interconnectedness of spiritual beliefs and earthly realities. In contemporary use, this saying can be interpreted as a call for balance between spiritual aspirations and practical actions. It suggests that while one may have lofty ideals or religious convictions, these should be grounded in real-world implications and responsibilities.
In many religious contexts, this proverb serves as a reminder that faith should not exist in isolation from daily life. Believers are encouraged to live out their faith through acts of service and compassion towards others. This reflects the idea that heavenly values such as love, kindness and justice must manifest themselves in tangible ways on earth. Pope Francis calls us to be missionary disciples who reach out to the marginated and those on the peripheries of society. Specifically, we are solidarity with the suffering people in Ukraine, Gaza, the West Bank, Sudan and South Sudan.
The proverb resonates strongly nowadays in the ongoing discussions around social justice and environmental stewardship. Many religious leaders advocate for addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and climate change as expressions of their faith. They argue that speaking about divine principles necessitates action that aligns with those principles on earth. Thus the proverb underscores a holistic approach to spirituality where belief systems inform ethical behavior and societal engagement.
Moreover, interfaith dialogues often invoke this saying to promote understanding among different religions by highlighting shared values that encourage both spiritual growth and social responsibility. By recognizing the importance of addressing earthly concerns alongside heavenly aspirations, communities can work together towards common goals that reflect their collective values.
This Ga, Ghana proverb If you speak in respect of heaven, you must say something about the earth too serves as a guiding principle for integrating spiritual beliefs with practical actions in contemporary society. It calls for a balanced approach where one’s faith is reflected through meaningful contributions to the world.
Text and photos by:
Elias Bushiri Élie
Nairobi, Kenya
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