The best way to get a Ghanaian name is through family, attend a friend's ceremony, or hire someone like to organize one. You can also just choose a name and register it. Naming ceremonies are family traditions done during a child's first week according to clan customs.
Want to participate in a traditional Ghanaian naming ceremony? Here's what you need to know about getting a Ghanaian name and how the process works.
How Naming Ceremonies Actually Work
In Ghana, naming ceremonies are done according to family tradition. Every clan has their own way of conducting them. When a child is born, the family holds a naming ceremony during the child's first week or at their outdooring.
For diaspora who missed out on this tradition at birth, there are ways to participate now.
You Don't Need to Pay for a Name
You don't need to pay anyone to have a Ghanaian name. You can simply choose a name and use it. However, many diaspora want the full cultural experience and connection to tradition that was stolen through slavery.
Taking an African name is about embracing the culture and traditions that the diaspora missed. If this matters to you, a ceremony adds meaning beyond just picking a name.
The Family Route (Best Option)
The ideal way to get a Ghanaian name is through family connection. If you have Ghanaian family or in-laws, ask an elderly person in the family. They can give you your name according to their tradition and clan customs.
This is how names are traditionally given in Ghana. The ceremony comes from the family you're connected to, not from a paid service.
Attending a Friend's Ceremony
Naming ceremonies are free events. If you have Ghanaian friends, they can invite you to one. Just bring a present like you would to any party. This lets you experience the tradition firsthand.
Paid Ceremony Services
If you don't have family connections, some organizations and individuals will set up a naming ceremony for you:
- Moe Cheetham offers naming ceremony services
- Kingdom Kweku Yikpo provides ceremonies
- Traore Musah Tamimu offers ceremonies at Asin Manso Slave River
These come with costs for the chief and setting up the ceremony. The cost depends on how many people you want involved.
Understanding the Cultural Divide
Some Ghanaians don't understand why diaspora want formal naming ceremonies. To them, it's not that serious because they grew up with this tradition naturally.
But for diaspora, it's different. Many carry first and last names passed down from slave owners. Rooting in African identity and tradition through a naming ceremony is about reclaiming what was taken.
This cultural disconnect exists, but both perspectives are valid.
The Simple Route
You can also just register a Ghanaian name without any ceremony. Pick your name, start using it, and register it officially. Unless you already have family in Ghana who follow their tradition, the end result is the same.
What You Should Do
Your options, ranked by authenticity:
- Get your name from Ghanaian family or in-laws (free, most authentic)
- Attend a friend's naming ceremony to understand the tradition (free)
- Hire someone to organize a ceremony for you (paid, but gives you the full experience)
- Simply choose a name and start using it (free, no ceremony needed)
If the ceremony matters to you because of your diaspora experience and desire to connect with stolen traditions, don't let anyone tell you it's not serious. That connection is valid.
If you just want a Ghanaian name and the ceremony doesn't matter, save your money and just pick one.