[01] Bismark Kwasi Osei, Department of Social Science, Seventh Day Adventist College of Education, Koforidua-Asokore, Ghana. [02] Godson Ahortor, Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana. [03] Ben-Willie Kwaku Golo, Department for the Study of Religions, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.

This study investigated the place of taboos in contemporary Akwamu traditional society. Its primary aim was to examine practices of taboo and their relevance in the maintenance of social order in contemporary Akwamu traditional society. A qualitative design and phenomenological approach were used in this study. The main instruments used in gathering relevant data for the study were interview, observation and relevant information from documentary sources. In all, forty respondents comprising family heads, chiefs, queen mothers, Christians and Muslims were purposively selected for the study based on their knowledge in the relevance of taboo practices in Akwamu traditional area. The findings of the study revealed that taboos which were instituted by traditional leaders to direct the political directions of chiefs in the past are still relevant in contemporary times because of its divine power. The study also concluded that both traditional leaders and non-traditionalists in Akwamu traditional society respected the taboo laws to ensure harmonious living and also to maintain their identity. Beliefs and practices of taboos promote unity and corporation among the people of Akwamu. It is therefore recommended that financial assistance must be given to the chieftaincy institution to organize training workshops and durbars to increase people’s awareness about the importance of taboos to the Akwamu society.

Taboos, Contemporary, Akwamu, Traditional, Society

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