Symbolism reigns supreme in the Ghanaian community. Therefore, the designs of the spokesperson staff, a special staff held by the spokesperson who play the role of mediator between the chief and his subjects in the Asante ethnic society in the Ashanti region of Ghana, have symbolic meanings. Also, in ceremonies, Asante chiefs hold some ceremonial swords while they are carried on palanquins. These swords are also placed before the chief when he is seated among his subjects during the observance of the ceremony. They also have some designs that have symbolic meanings. These must be understood by residents and visitors who attend festivals and other equally significant gatherings where these symbolic elements are used.

Ceremonial swords

These are specially carved or cast swords that are used for royal ceremonies. They are usually arranged in a semicircular or horseshoe shape in front of it. They fulfill various functions in society. They signify the social position of the clan, group or state in terms of strength, wealth and attitude. The ceremonial sword is an important symbol of the art of government. It has spiritual and political associations. They are used for ritual and festive events. Identify kings and chiefs and differentiate them from other members of society during state functions. They are used to take oaths during cloistering. He is often introduced to a retiring great warrior in the Ghanaian community to serve in recognition of his bravery, devotion and courage, thus qualifying him as a chief warrior. The ceremonial sword also symbolizes safe passage during the purification rites of chiefs and ancestral state stools and for display. In contemporary Ghana, ceremonial swords are also used as symbols of the rank of ambassador.

Ceremonial swords are often decorated with symbolic gold animal motifs. Examples of these symbolic animals and their philosophical meanings are described below.

1. The Lion: means strength, power and strength.

2. The crab: it means simplicity and tranquility.

3. The eagle: signifies greatness, superiority and determination to succeed.

Spokesperson staff

A spokesperson is a mediator between the chief and the people in the traditional council. In Ghanaian society, it is not appropriate for a chief to address his subjects directly and it is considered disrespectful for a member of the society to address a chief directly. Therefore, the responsibility of a spokesperson is to communicate the king’s messages to the people and vice versa. As a special sign or symbol that denotes his position, the spokesperson has a special staff. The top of the staff has proverbial symbols that vary from clan to clan. Most of the symbols on the top of the canes take the form of humans, animals, and fruits.

Animals or objects that are used as speaker tops are often clan and family totems. A totem is an animal or object that has a strange association or special relationship with a group or clan. It is believed that the animal or object may have provided special help or assistance to the founding ancestor or ancestor of the clan that ensured the survival of the clan and its members. It is generally claimed that members of a particular clan exhibit traits of the mythical animal that serves as its totem.

Some of the symbols at the top of the spokesperson staff are explained below.

1. A hand holding an egg – This is a warning to those in authority on how they are supposed to exercise their authority. The symbol indicates that power is like a raw egg. When it is held too tightly, it breaks and when it is held too loosely it can also fall. Therefore, those in authority should not be too strict or too weak or lenient. Although they have to be firm and consistent, at the same time they must be understanding.

2. Three heads carved together. This reminds us that one head cannot go to council and that it is important to consult others before decisions are made for the whole of society. This reveals why a king often consults the members of his traditional council and the president, the members of the council of state, on a matter before making a decision.

3. El Camaleón: “Slowly but surely in action”. The animal means patience and perseverance.

4. A bird with the head turned back: the bird is made by catching something from behind. Usually the Sankofa bird is represented. It indicates that it is not wrong or taboo to go back to looking for something that has been left or forgotten. It shows that we can always correct our mistakes when we notice or ask for them.

5. The crab: this teaches the fact that a crab always gives birth to its kind. This explains the fact that children often inherit behavior from their parents.

6. A snail and a turtle (represented alone or sometimes with a gun): these animals are very peaceful. A representation of them symbolizes peace and harmony. The symbol indicates the fact that if only the snail and the tortoise existed, there would be no need for war between neighbors.

7. Tortoise- When represented alone, it symbolizes independence and self-reliance.

8. Porcupine: this animal symbolizes the bellicose nature, always ready for war.

9. A pineapple: this fruit reminds us that things should always be done at the right time. This is because pineapple is plucked and eaten only when ripe, otherwise it tastes sour. It is a warning to everyone that things that are done in a hurry are often not done well.