Akan in Netherlands

Introduction / History

The ancestors of the Akans probably migrated to West Africa from the Nile Valley 1500 years before Christ. The Akan language is within the Central Tano branch of the Potou–Tano subfamily of the Niger–Congo family. They have over 17 subgroups and different dialects within the Akan language.

Though they have always had high status, about 10 percent of the slaves taken from West Africa during the days of the trans-African slave trade were Akan. Far more common, however, were the dynamics where Akan people traded enslaved neighbors and gold to the Europeans, especially the Dutch, the Portuguese, and the British. Enslaved Akans often led slave uprisings. Akans controlled the gold trade during the days of the Gold Coast.

The Akans are especially numerous in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Togo. Smaller numbers have also migrated to several Western nations in Europe, North America, and Australia. There is a Ghanaian (usually Akan) community in the Netherlands.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Akans are one of the few matrilineal cultures of West Africa. The line of descent comes from the mother’s side of the family. Weddings are simple, and divorces are easy. The husband or the wife can initiate them. Divorces come because of adultery or barrenness.

Those who live in Western countries like the Netherlands often blend socially with other Ghanaians and other Africans. In general, Africans in the West have a good education and a high income. In the Netherlands there is the Ghana Union of the Netherlands. Their goal is to foster strength and unity among the Ghanaians in that country. They are reaching out to the Europeans through education, awareness and information about their culture.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though most Akans in the Netherlands are solidly Christian today, they have their own ancient religion, which involves a God of creation. Anansi is a spider god and a folk hero admired for both wisdom and the ability to trick others. Some are involved with voodoo.

What Are Their Needs?

Akan Christians need to be Christ’s ambassadors to the lost wherever they live. They have been blessed with a strong church and thousands who faithfully follow the Lord.

Prayer Points

Pray for Akans to prosper physically and spiritually as a testimony to those in the Netherlands of what happens when we give ourselves to the Lord without reservation.
Pray for the Akans to become a Holy Spirit-empowered mission force in Europe, North America, and Africa.
Pray for them to focus on their relationship with Jesus Christ and forsake other forms of spirituality.
Pray for the Lord to raise up many Akan people to disciple others.

Text Source:   Joshua Project