Students of Somé Senior High School in Ghana’s Volta Region engage in practical lessons on Ewe culture by practising the traditional pouring of libation under teacher supervision.
Volta Region, Ghana – February 2026
Students of Somé Senior High School in the Volta Region have been seen participating in a practical lesson on Ewe cultural heritage, where they were guided by a teacher to practise the traditional pouring of libation.
The cultural demonstration, which has attracted attention on social media, forms part of efforts to promote indigenous knowledge systems within Ghana’s formal education framework.
Teaching Indigenous Knowledge in the Classroom
Libation is a long-standing ritual among the Ewe people and other ethnic groups in Ghana. It is performed to honour ancestors, seek blessings, and invoke spiritual guidance during important events such as festivals, durbars, funerals, and community ceremonies.
During the lesson, students were observed learning the proper method of invocation and the symbolic pouring of liquid, typically water or a locally prepared drink, onto the ground while reciting ancestral acknowledgements.
Education observers note that experiential learning of this nature helps students appreciate the philosophical and historical foundations of their communities beyond textbook instruction.
Cultural Preservation Through Education
Ghana’s education system has, in recent years, placed increasing emphasis on cultural identity and heritage preservation. Cultural studies, history, and local language instruction form part of the national curriculum at both basic and secondary levels.
In regions such as the Volta Region, where Ewe traditions remain deeply rooted in daily life, schools often incorporate practical cultural elements to strengthen students’ sense of belonging and identity.
Advocates of culturally responsive teaching argue that such initiatives:
- Preserve indigenous practices for future generations
- Promote respect for Ghana’s diverse traditions
- Enhance student confidence and self-awareness
- Encourage intergenerational knowledge transfer
Balancing Tradition and Modern Education
While Ghana continues to modernise its education system with digital and global competencies, educators say grounding students in their heritage remains essential.
Cultural literacy, they argue, is not separate from academic excellence but complements it by shaping socially aware and culturally confident citizens.
The Somé SHS activity reflects broader conversations about how schools can balance academic instruction with community traditions, ensuring that cultural values are preserved within contemporary educational spaces.
Community Response
The images of students practising libation have generated interest online, with many praising the school for promoting Ewe cultural heritage among young people.
As discussions continue about curriculum reforms and local content integration, the Somé SHS initiative highlights the enduring role of indigenous knowledge in Ghana’s education landscape.
