Join me as I delve into the traditions that enrich our nation’s diverse communities in March- ‘Ghana Month’.
Today, I venture into Dadieso in the Suaman District of the Western North Region, where an intriguing cultural taboo has long fascinated observers; the prohibition of goats and dogs in the community.
I am in Dadieso, uncovering the centuries old story behind this tradition.
Dadieso, the district capital of the Suaman District Assembly, a community renowned for its rich history and steadfast traditions.
As I explore the area, a notable observation is that while livestock such as sheep and poultry are common, goats are conspicuously missing. So is Man’s very good friend, the dog.
We learn that for generations, the rearing of these animals has been strictly prohibited here.
Seeking to understand the roots of this taboo, I enquire from this group of youths gathered in front of this cocoa shed.
Francis is 24 years old, he said, “Growing up, we were aware of certain taboos, but unfortunately, their implications and consequences were never fully explained to us, leaving us to wonder what would happen if someone were to flout these traditional rules.”
Affum also mentioned that “My mother also shared with me that rearing goats and dogs is prohibited in our area, but I never inquired about the reason or history behind this restriction.”
For Abeiku he said, “I never bothered to ask because it’s a long-standing tradition that we’ve grown up with, and we’re expected to respect and comply with it.”
The youth are generally at a loss, so we seek out Nana Kwasi Anto, the Apamhene and revered custodian of Suaman Dadieso’s history. He reveals that the community’s ancestors forged a sacred pact with the land and spirits, declaring goats and dogs forbidden to preserve peace and harmony.
“In the past, when chiefs had to fight to secure their lands, they would perform rituals to ensure the prosperity and growth of their communities.
“Our chief, Nana Dudugyagu Britum II, made a sacrifice of goats and dogs to protect our community.”
“From that day forward, the rearing of these two animals has been prohibited in our area.” Nana Kwasi Anto is emphatic that this ancestral decree is non-negotiable and so is strictly adhered to.
“Consequently, whenever community elders encounter goats, they order them to be slaughtered immediately. In some cases, the owner of the animal may also be fined as a penalty.”
He also revealed that for strangers who flout the taboo, the elders initially issue a warning. This is followed by some drastic rituals if the person continues to defy the taboo.
“If a stranger unknowingly brings a goat into our community, we first approach them and politely ask them to remove it. However, if they refuse to comply and insist on challenging our tradition, we are left with no choice but to order the animal to be slaughtered, as it is a deeply held taboo in our community.”
As modernity gradually makes its presence felt, Dadieso remains steadfast in its commitment to tradition.
For the community, this centuries old taboo is not a constraint, but a badge of honor a vital link between their revered past and vibrant present.
