Geography of Wealth
Frafra People/Ghana: Profile
Sponsored by John Hancock
For the Frafra people of Ghana, wealth lies in preserving a traditional lifestyle of farming and honoring the family.
The Frafra live in north and northeastern Ghana and share a common language and lifestyle.
Ghana's frequent droughts and diverse terrain, which includes savannas, swamps, and woodlands, make farming difficult in Ghana. But the Frafra are resourceful farmers. They take advantage of the rivers crisscrossing northern Ghana's Ashanti Uplands, including the White Volta, to irrigate their crops.
Photo: Ghana tribe
Tribe in Odumasi, Ghana.
The Frafra take pride in working the land and living almost entirely off of their labors. They farm peanuts, yams, sorghum, and millet, and raise cows and goats. Frafra women also grow cash crops such as sesame and tobacco, which they sell in local markets. The Frafra practice slash-and-burn agriculture, farming their fields for six to eight years, then allowing them to lie fallow. During the dry season, Frafra men may hunt to supplement their diet.
Family life is paramount for the Frafra. Extended families live together in mud and plaster hut compounds. After a long day's work in the fields, families celebrate together with music, dance, and frequent festivals.
Frafra take pride in working the land
and living almost entirely off of their labors.
The Frafra lead a simple lifestyle. They find wealth in preserving their traditions and quality of life. For the Frafra, family and farming bring a wealth of purpose to life.
Discover More
Photo: villagers leaving mosque
Learn more about the unique lifestyle of Ghana's Frafra people, who find a wealth of contentment in living simply.
Photo: Ghana mud hut
See photos of Frafra farms, festivals, and family life in this gallery of Ghana's hardworking peoples.
Explore Ghana
Map: Ghana
Ghana Up Close
An overhead view
Photo: fishermen in Ghana
More Ghana Facts
All the details
Photo: Ghana procession and drums
Cultural Sounds
Ghanaian artists
Photo: diamond ring
Ghana News
Articles and photos
 
EXPLORE THE
GEOGRAPHY OF WEALTH
Online Poll
Which factor most drives an individual to acquire wealth?
Competition
Improved standard of living
Philanthropy
Greed
John Hancock
Download a brochure to learn more. What's your promise? John Hancock has the investment and insurance products you need to help make your promise a reality.