GA Samai

GA SAMAI:

What are they? Whence their origin? What do they symbolise?

These are very valid questions I have been asked time and again, and which I always do my best to answer adequately.

DEFINITION:
‘Sama’ is the singular Ga word for ‘symbol’ or ‘design’, while ‘samai’ is the plural form. The classic existing Ga Samai and the new ones that I have created are collections of original artistic expressions of proverbs, wisdom sayings and colourful word statements of the GaDangme people, put together in communicative graphic forms.

The Ga Samai are thus the visual depictions of what would otherwise have remained mystical and obscure. Good visualization affords easy understanding and promotes appropriate usage, and the Ga Samai thus give access to a volume of information and knowledge about the rich culture of the GaDangme people. In effect, they are Ga wisdom statements presented as lively or dynamic symbols.

Most of these word statements in the GaDangme language do not commonly feature in everyday conversation and dialogue but show up in particular situations, mostly among adults, where ordinary expressions cannot adequately convey the messages or sentiments intended.

ORIGIN:
It is not easy to pinpoint the origin of the Ga Samai or the historical period when they started featuring in GaDangme art and culture, but it can hypothetically be traced to the era of the Egyptian hieroglyphics, the formal writing system used in ancient Egyptian where the GaDangme people trace their origin.

The artistic inscriptions that feature on many of the canoes of our fisher folk, which they use for both identification and communication, might also help in tracing the history and the origins of the Ga-Samai.

Like the new ones that I have created, the old and classic existing Ga Samai can incontestably be said to have been inspired by, or sprung up from, Ga proverbs, wisdom language expressions, folkloric songs and stories which have been with us for centuries.

NEW CREATIONS: 

My creation of the new Ga Samai stems from PASSION: I have always had a great passion for all Ghanaian cultures and traditions, especially those of the GaDangme ethnic group that I belong to. Our language, music, dances, food, moral upbringing and spiritual belief systems all help to shape the personality, the inward spirit and the perceptions of every GaDangme person, including me.

THE GADANGME SPIRIT:

The unique inculcation of the unrelenting life-force in the average GaDangme person, right from infancy, also helps to create an indomitable spirit in many of our people, and the common and popular mantra has always been ‘never say die until the bones are rotten!’ Daring expressions like: “Kwɛɛ, kɛ n’te shi, ma yi bo basabasa”, meaning “Look, when I get up, I’ll beat you mercilessly”, have not only helped to define the GaDangme Attitude of Courage and Boldness, but has also been translated into international fame, specifically in the area of global competitive boxing where virtually all the greatest boxing heroes who have won international title belts and the highest laurels in the pugilist sport for Mother Ghana have been natives of GaDangme!

ARTIFICIAL VACUUM:
For many years, there seemed to be some uneasy vacuum created by the virtual invisibility of Ga cultural symbols on the larger Ghanaian scene. The Ga Samai have always been around but inadequately exposed, even during Ga cultural events. The elimination of this artificial vacuum, and the need to have Ga and Dangme culture well-presented and appreciated on both the local and international scenes, are some of the triggering factors that instigated and guided me to do my part in the rectification of the situation. And having been blessed with the gifts of art – drawing, painting, photography and other skills in that field, almost all of which were nurtured in me by my father, Mr. Amon Kotei, the designer of the Ghana Coat of Arms – I knew it was my spiritual responsibility to rise up to the challenge of helping to unfurl GaDangme art and culture to the world at large. And I am glad I have done – and will keep doing – the best that I can. God will always be our helper.