Adinkra symbols are ideographical representations of proverbs, philosophies, thoughts, and values of the Akans of Ghana. The symbols encapsulate the worldviews and keen observations of human behaviour, and the interactions between nature and humanity. Adinkra symbolic expressions may be carried through gestures/performance, verbal and/or visual representations and are thus very versatile. While each symbol has a basic meaning, it assumes expansive interpretations in different contexts of applicability making Adinkra symbols “multi-vocal”. Drawing on the concepts of “multivocality”, iconography and iconology, I demonstrate how Adinkra symbolisms are used to characterize social realities and communicate social ideals. Using my curatorial experience with exhibitions on the Sankɔfa symbol (lit. “go-back-for-it”), I illustrate the interface, convergence and, sometimes, the simultaneity of the different forms in which Adinkra symbolisms could be expressed. Against the background of the versatility of Adinkra symbolic expressions and their potentially varied contexts of interpretations, I would conclude that Adinkra symbols have the capacity to be powerful tools for teaching and social engagements.
Expanding local rice production to meet consumer demand is a priority action under the Government of Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs initiative. While studies on yield-enhancing interventions including seed improvement and fertilizer management abound, fewer studies focus on food safety issues such as the potential toxic element status of the production ecosystems. This study was, therefore, conducted to bridge the knowledge gap. Chemical analyses were conducted on water, soil and rice grain samples from rainfed upland, rainfed lowland and irrigated lowland rice ecosystems in the Northern and Upper East regions of the country. Statistical analysis of the data showed that soil and rice grain arsenic concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the Upper East region. In the Northern region, mean cadmium concentration in rice grains from the irrigated lowland fields (0.023 ± 0.003 mg/kg) was significantly higher than in grains from the rainfed fields. All recorded concentrations of rice grain arsenic, cadmium and lead were, however, within permissible limits, indicating a low risk of dietary exposure. The observed differences in concentrations within and between regions suggest that soil texture and other geogenic factors could influence the potential toxic element status of the rice production ecosystems. Regular monitoring is, therefore, recommended to maintain the safety of Ghana’s locally produced rice for human consumption.
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