Nkwa

According to the Akan people of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire in West Africa, nkwa is a concrete reference to life. Nkwa does not refer to life in the abstract sense, but to life in its most palpable form. Nkwa is commonly referred to as an abundance or fullness of life. Beyond mere existence, the full manifestation of nkwa includes long life, fertility, vigor, health, wealth, [Page 453]happiness, felicity, and peace. To achieve the full manifestation of nkwa, abonyade (possessions, prosperity) must be present, adding wealth and riches to the meaning of life. Additionally, asomdwei (peace, tranquility) is also required to achieve the full manifestation of nkwa. Although a community must have peace and harmony to be completely located in the realm of nkwa, it is ...