Advocacy for preservation of the ecological environment through characterisation in Akan folktales

Abstract

As oral literature, Akan Folktales use a number of literary techniques including characterisation to promote traditional wisdom about life. This paper presents the various characters identified in some Akan Folktales selected from the author‟s collection (Mireku-Gyimah, 2009). The characters are generally categorised into human and non human. Through the literary device of personification, the non-human characters, being animals, plants, supernatural beings and geo features such as stones or minerals are made to play roles as though they were all humans. Whether human or non human, these characters together constitute our ecological environment. The paper discusses how the dependence of the characters on one another and the actions and inactions of these characters can disturb the ecological balance with commensurate adverse effects on the life of the society. Unarguably, human beings are only one aspect of the global ecological environment. As we engage in various developmental activities, especially mining, we should do so with due respect to all other aspects of the ecological environment. It is concluded that unless we protect and preserve our ecological environment, we cannot continue to enjoy the quality life given to us freely by God.