Akan in Canada

Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Akans probably migrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley 1500 years before Christ. The Akan language is within the Central Tano branch of the Potou–Tano subfamily of the Niger–Congo family. They have over 17 subgroups and different dialects within the Akan language.

Though they have always had high status, about 10 percent of the slaves taken from West Africa during the days of the trans-African slave trade were Akan. Far more common, however, were the dynamics where Akan people traded enslaved neighbors and gold to the Europeans, especially the Dutch, the Portuguese, and the British. Enslaved Akans often led slave uprisings. Akans controlled the gold trade during the days of the Gold Coast.

The Akans are especially numerous in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Togo. Smaller numbers have also migrated to several Western nations in Europe, the United States, Australia, and Canada. Those in Canada usually live in Toronto. They came to Canada in the 1960s as students but stayed on because of political instability in Ghana.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Akans are one of the few matrilineal cultures of West Africa. The line of descent comes from the mother’s side of the family. Weddings are simple, and divorces are easy. The husband or the wife can initiate them. Divorces come because of adultery or barrenness. The Akans are known for their fine art, especially metal goods such as bronze gold weights.

Those who live in Western countries like Canada often blend socially with other Ghanaians and other Africans. Because most speak English, it’s also common for Akans to blend in with the general Canadian population. In general, Africans in the West have a good education and a high income. They have been in the arts, music, sports, media, and as writers. Akans have established grocery stores in Canada that cater to an Afro-Caribbean market.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though most Akans in Canada are solidly Christian today, they have their own ancient religion, which involves a God of creation. Anansi is a spider god and a folk hero admired for both wisdom and the ability to trick others. Some are involved with voodoo.

What Are Their Needs?

Akan Christians need to be Christ’s ambassadors to the lost wherever they live. They have been blessed with a strong church and thousands who faithfully follow the Lord.

Prayer Points

Pray for Akans to prosper physically and spiritually as a testimony to people in Canada of what happens when we give ourselves to the Lord without reservation.
Pray for the Akans to become a Holy Spirit-empowered mission force in Europe, North America, and Africa.
Pray for them to focus on their relationship with Jesus Christ and forsake other forms of spirituality.
Pray for the Lord to raise up many Akan people to disciple others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project