Across many African societies, symbols have long been used as a way of communicating important messages, values, and philosophies. They often represent the virtues that communities considered essential for survival, development, and maintaining social harmony.
By studying the symbols of a people, we can gain insight into the values they held dear, as well as the historical experiences that may have influenced their worldview.
For example, among the Ga people, several symbols represent unity. This reflects the importance placed on collective strength and working together as a community. Historically, this emphasis on unity may have developed from the experiences of migration, settlement, and defending communities against external threats.
Ga symbols also focus on the experiences of individuals and how those experiences contribute to personal growth and a person’s role within society. Community and family have always been central to Ga identity, reflected in traditions such as Kpodziemo (the outdooring ceremony of a baby) and Yookpeemo (the marriage ceremony).
These symbols remind us that individuals are not separate from the community — personal development and collective progress are deeply connected.
What are Ga Samai?
The symbols of the Ga people are known as Samai. They represent a traditional form of communication used to express philosophies, teachings, and lessons that are important to Ga society.
There are believed to be hundreds of Samai held by different elders and traditional custodians. Some are considered sacred and are not available for public viewing, while others are used as cultural teachings and national lessons.
Each Samai carries its own meaning and is connected to a proverb that explains the wisdom behind the symbol.
Below are some examples of Ga Samai and the lessons they teach.
Alagba Tɛ — Everyone Has a Purpose
The proverb connected to Alagba Tɛ is:
“Alagba tɛ gbeo looflo” (The useless stone kills a bird.)
The story is that a random stone may be picked from the ground and when thrown may kill a bird. Now this is not a stone a hunter would traditionally pick for hunting birds, but it still has value. The message is that everything and everyone has a purpose. Someone may overlook you or consider you insignificant, but that does not determine your true value.
This Samai teaches us as a people that we should never treat another person as though they have no worth, just because we fail to understand the purpose they carry.
Atswa — A Scar Is Better Than Death
Atswa means a scar in Ga. The proverb connected to this symbol is: “Atswa hi fei mɔ mli ni a tsa” or “Atswa hi fei lateh sei.”
The meaning is that a scar is better than being gone or destroyed. There is a story connected to this proverb about a bird that is injured by a hunter but manages to return home. Although the bird carries a wound, it is still alive and able to recover. This is better than being captured and losing its life completely.
This proverb carries several lessons: Firstly, as long as we are alive, healing and change are possible. Once life is gone, those opportunities disappear. Secondly, it teaches the importance of addressing problems while they are still manageable. A wound that is treated can heal, but a wound ignored may become something much worse.
Abui — The Needle
Abui represents a needle.The proverb teaches: “When a needle is hot, it burns things.”
The meaning is that actions or words expressed in anger can cause destruction.
The needle itself is useful, it can sew, repair, and create. However, when it becomes hot, it can burn and damage. This Samai reminds us that success comes from controlling ourselves and ensuring that our words, thoughts, and actions are like the cool needle: able to build and create rather than destroy.
Asamankama — Healing and Harm
As a herbalist, this Samai is especially meaningful because Asamankama is also the name of a medicinal plant.
Those familiar with the plant will know that when harvesting it, it can prick you. It has healing properties, but it can also cause discomfort.
This represents the duality of life, that something can bring both challenge and benefit. Many things in life carry both sides. Experiences that hurt us can also teach us, strengthen us, and contribute to our growth. Also whether it hurts or heals is dependant on how we exercise our wisdom.
Asrafoi — The Army
Asrafoi represents the army.
This Samai teaches the power of unity, organisation, and strategic thinking.
An army cannot succeed when individuals act separately. Progress comes when people work together towards a shared purpose, using wisdom and discipline. This symbol reminds us that great achievements are possible when communities unite and work together with direction and understanding.
Atwere — Stairs
This proverb talks about our approach once we reach success. When we get to the top and achieve success, this symbols asks two things
- To not pull away the stairs but to also help people up those stairs to the path of success
- To not forget those that helped you once you have achieved your success
In Ga tradition, one cannot be considered successful if everyone and everything around you is suffering. Everything is a collective effort and ekome fɛɛmo (unity) defines many of our traditions, including success.
The Wisdom of Ga Samai
Ga Samai are more than symbols — they are visual representations of knowledge passed down through generations.
They teach lessons about human behaviour, community responsibility, resilience, patience, self-control, and the importance of working together.
Through these symbols, the Ga people preserved their philosophies and ensured that important teachings could continue to guide future generations.