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.
