Abstract:
Across cultures, death does not signify the severance of an individual’s ties to
their community but rather marks a transition to a revered ancestral presence.
This enduring connection between the living and the dead is particularly evident
in Akan society, where the black stool (Aponnwa) is a sacred symbol of ancestral
authority, continuity, and communal identity. This article examines the socio
religious and political significance of the black stool within the Akan
community, highlighting its role in legitimising traditional leadership,
preserving cultural memory, and maintaining spiritual cohesion. Drawing on
empirical data from three Bono communities in Ghana—collected through
interviews and participant observations—this study engaged with existing
literature to provide a comparative analysis of the black stool’s function in Bono
and other Akan societies. The main argument of the paper is that the Akan black
stool (Aponnwa) is not merely a cultural artefact but a powerful socio-religious
and political symbol that legitimises traditional leadership, preserves ancestral
authority, and reinforces communal identity. The paper contributes to broader
discourses on African indigenous institutions, demonstrating how ancestral
veneration shapes contemporary socio-political structures.
