GYE NYAME " except for God"
The symbol of the supremacy of God
This unique and beautiful symbol is ubiquitous in Ghana. It is by far the most popular for use in decoration, a reflection on the deeply religious character of the Ghanaian people



DENKYEM "crocodile"
The symbol of adaptability. The crocodile lives in the water, yet breathes the air, demonstrating an ability to adapt to circumstances. The Edo people of Benin City believe that the crocodile symbolizes power. The king or Oba is able to crush opposition like crocodile crushes its prey.

SANKOFA
" return and get it"
symbol of importance of learning from the past
Sankofa is the symbol of the wisdom in learning from the past in building for the future. (It is not a taboo to go back and retrieve what you have forgotten.)




FUNTUNFUNEFU - DENKYEMFUNEFU
" Siamese crocodiles"
Symbol of democracy and unity
The Siamese crocodiles share one stomach, yet they fight over food. This popular symbol is a reminder that infighting and tribalism is harmful to all who engage in it.

MMUSUYIDEE
" that which removes bad luck" symbol of good furtune and sanctity







NYANSAPO
" wisdom knot"
symbol of wisdom, ingenuity, intelligence and patience
An especially revered symbol of the Akan, this symbol conveys the idea that "a wise person has the capacity to choose the best meeans to attain a goal. Being wise implies broad knowledge, learning and experience, and the ability to apply such faculties to practical ends."



MATE MASIE
" What I hear, I keep"
symbol of wisdom, knowledge and prudence
The implied meaning of the phrase "mate masie" is "I understand". Understanding means wisdom and knowledge, but it also represents the prudence of taking into consideration what another person has said.

ODO NNYEW FIE KWAN
" Love never loses its way home"
symbol of the power of love

Some Other Symbols
The star is an ancient symbol of hope for the future. It is also on about 50% of all African National flags, but this is due to the influence of Islam.

The Gorilla called Ngi or Ngui among the Fang and Nji among the Bulu is the symbol of fire and positive power (the chimpanzee represents evil).

Birds
In Africa the owl is associated with witchcraft and sorcery. To the Bantu the owl is the "familiar of wizards." In eastern Africa, the Swahili "believe that the owl brings illness to children." Zulus in southern Africa know the owl as a bird of sorcerers, and in the western part of the continent the bird is considered a messenger of wizards and witches. And in Madagascar it is said that owls gather with witches to dance on the graves of the dead.
To the Edo people of Benin, the bird symbolizes the king's power to overcome false prophets and fortunetellers.

Double-headed Serpent / Snakes The double-headed serpent reminds the Bamum people of Cameroon that their king once fought his enemies on two fronts and won. The Edo people of Benin City believe that snakes consume and destroy illness.

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