The Relevance of Akan Traditional Folk-Games in the Primary Schools’ Curriculum: A Case Study of Asotwe Community

This research looked at the relevance of Akan traditional games in the primary school curriculum at Asotwe community. The study was undertaken to identify, and describe the traditional games of Asotwe community on the basis of rules that governed them, facilities used, their significance to the individuals and the community as well as the socio-cultural settings within which they are performed. The researcher selected two primary schools at Asotwe community in the Ejisu Municipality for the study. The researchers used qualitative method approach and implemented the case study. Data were collected and analysed with the help of interviews and observation as research instruments. Seventeen (17) Akan traditional folk-games were collected through qualitative method approach and applied the case study strategy. Participants of ten (10) pupils, six teachers, and four (4) PTA/SMC were identified and interviewed. The games were sampled through purposive sampling techniques. The study revealed that traditional games were vital in encouraging desired skills, attitudes and values, improving physical fitness and health, as sources of fun, recreation and relaxation, traditions and cultures were reinforced and preserved. It was also concluded that children in the selected schools perform most traditional games and they learn them from their peers and from the environment in which they grow up. Arising from these findings, it is recommended that possible efforts need to be made to by the teachers and other agencies in charge of education to document, revive and popularise these traditional to be used in the basic school classroom. The researchers also recommended that some traditional games could be integrated into the formal programs of teaching and learning.