In contemporary Ghanaian societies, various forms of verbal arts are practiced. Indigenous verbal art forms are practiced alongside contemporary ones although with few modifications in their presentations and functions. Some of these forms of verbal art include storytelling, swearing, poetry recitals, nicknames, etc.
oath oath
In contemporary Ghanaian societies, those who assume leadership positions in communities and the nation as a whole take oaths. Presidents, Members of Parliament, Assemblymen, and Assemblymen take an oath as to how diligent, truthful, and efficient they would be in performing their duties without embezzling state funds and upholding the law in all their dealings with the general public. Also in traditional settings, newly appointed kings and queen mothers also take oaths binding them to their newly assigned responsibilities.
In law courts, defendants and petitioners swear and take an oath that they will only tell the truth regarding the cases for which they have been subpoenaed. Oaths are usually taken with the person in question holding items such as the Holy Bible or Quran, ceremonial swords, leadership batons, etc.
There are also some professions in Ghana today where people newly appointed to the job are mandated to swear allegiance to serve the people. An example is the Hippocratic Oath taken by new doctors, pharmacists, and those who work in the medical field.
The oath is supposed to bind the person taking it to be faithful, loyal, and efficient in whatever course he swore to.
storytelling
Stories with contemporary themes or themes are told to members of the general public during church programs, school activities, funerals, and wedding ceremonies. They are usually narrative and descriptive in nature. They include stories about the birth of Christ, Muhammad’s travels, and other religious themes told in churches and mosques. The stories of the bravery and courage displayed by our ancestors are narrated to the general public so that members of society can learn moral lessons on how to imitate their fine examples. This usually takes place during visits to historical sites and museums, schools, and other social gatherings.
Stories that reflect the Ghanaian belief in the afterlife are usually told during funeral and mortuary services for the deceased in the Ghanaian community. Furthermore, the stories of successful and failed marriages of some well-known figures in the families and communities are narrated to the newlyweds as a form of advice on how to effectively perform their roles as husbands and wives in the marital union by from parents and other well-meaning people in communities. .
denominations
During state functions and other social gatherings in contemporary Ghana, denominations are said to welcome dignitaries and other important people. Sometimes achievement, bravery, academic prowess, and applaudable behavioral traits are narrated by a good speaker who may be an adult or usually a girl.
Likewise, the denominations of deceased historical figures are sounded on occasions when their contributions are remembered and taken as a basis for social growth during talks, seminars and programs that are carried out for social development in specific areas where their contribution is essential.