Communication and Information Management: Akan Indigenous Approach

Abstract

This paper discusses the concept of Communication and Information Management within the Akan cultural context. It focused on the issues of indigenous communication and information management and the mechanisms adopted to disseminate information in Akan indigenous communities. The work acknowledged the various forms of communication channels in Akan communities; however, it considered a summary of the role of some adinkra symbols and other symbols found in chiefs’ palaces such as the akyeame poma (linguist’s staff), talking drums etc. The study covered areas such as the Indigenous Knowledge Values in Akan communication and information system, indigenous method of communication, agents of indigenous communication and information control methods. Participation of events, observations, and one-on-one interviews, were the main instruments used and uses descriptive method of analysis to assessed the information obtained both from the primary data and from the various literatures used as secondary source. The study particularly, responded to the potency of the values in indigenous communication and information management having a place within the development of contemporary Ghanaian leadership.

Keywords: Communication, Information, Indigenous, Management, Symbols.