Words inscribed on canoes at various landing beaches across the country offer a glimpse into the hearts and minds of Ghana’s fishermen.
Behind these words are nuggets of inspirations and more. Fishing has been an essential part of human civilisation for thousands of years, providing food and sustaining economies across the world.
In Ghana, it is estimated that there are two hundred thousand fishermen in the artisanal sector alone, with over two million people deriving livelihoods directly from the fisheries value chain.
At the bustling James Town Fishing Harbour in Accra, hundreds of canoes rest, each with its own unique mark—a name, an inscription, a message.
These inscriptions vary greatly. Some are biblical quotes; others are motivational phrases, personal experiences, or even subtle innuendos.
For many canoe owners, the words inscribed on their canoes are deeply personal—a reflection of their beliefs, their struggles, and their hopes. Some inscriptions include ‘Adom Arakwa’ to wit its by grace. ‘God is power’, ‘Nyonmor Da’ to wit ‘God is great’, Luke 5:5, God is King, Heaven Father, and thank you, God.
There are also other inscriptions like ‘not today’, ‘let them say’, ‘tsui shitoo’, ‘agyapa ye’, ‘Esiwanu’, ‘Dwen adwen pa ma wonua’,’mataheko’, and ‘Ablotsi Yefeo’.
Others are ‘Travel & See’, ‘Cry Your Cry’, ‘Bie Ashweo Ye’, ‘Yoomo Buei!, ‘Dzi Wofie Asem’, ‘Esabo’, among others.
Kwesi Nyansomago has inscribed on his canoe ‘Kasapa’ literally means positive speech.
He explains that “Speaking positively to people brings about harmony. Without good speech, one cannot live well with others.”
Another canoe owner who inherited his canoe from his father has the inscription Love.
According to him, “Our father named the canoe. He then told us to love ourselves before we show love to people outside of the family. Because of that, I loved my wife until death do us part.”
Kwabena Antobam also has John 3:16 inscribed on his canoe. For him, the inscription on the canoe was uniquely carved for identification.
“We inscribed John 3:16 on the canoe so that when our canoe caused destruction to others at sea, it can easily be identified”, he said.
The tradition of inscribing on canoes is not limited to James Town. All along Ghana’s coast, fishermen use these words to connect with their faith, their communities, and the challenges of the ocean.
Next time you visit a landing beach in Ghana, take a closer look at the canoes and ask the fishermen what those inscriptions mean.
You will uncover stories of hope, struggle, and belief—etched into the very canoes that sustain their way of life.
