GaDangme traditional leaders have provided cultural context behind restrictions on appearance and dressing at the palace of the Gborbu Wulɔmɔ, the Overlord of the Nungua Traditional Area.

Speaking on behalf of the leaders, Rev Jesse Ankrah explained that these customs are rooted in spiritual structures within GaDangme tradition, where symbols, attire, and physical appearance carry religious meaning.

He noted that individuals who wear dreadlocks, commonly referred to as Rasta, are not outrightly banned from the palace.

However, they are required to cover their hair before entering the palace.

According to him, this directive is tied to the existence of a sacred group within Ga tradition who wear something like Rasta, known locally as “mpɛsɛmpɛsɛ,” whose members operate under the authority of the Wulɔmɔ.

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“When you have a Rasta, you have to cover it because this place we have what we describe as mpɛsɛmpɛsɛ and the wulomo is the head of the real people who do mpɛsɛmpɛsɛ, so when you bring yours in, are you to be called a Wuntsɛ? You’re not a Wuntsɛ so you have to cover yours,” he explained.

In addition to restrictions on hairstyles, he also addressed the prohibition of black clothing within the palace.

He explained that, within GaDangme belief systems, black is associated with negativity or unfavourable spiritual connotations.

This contrasts with the white garments typically worn by the Wulɔmɔ, which symbolise purity and spiritual cleanliness.

He said, because of this symbolism, wearing black in close proximity to the Wulɔmɔ is considered inappropriate, as it is believed to disrupt the spiritual harmony of the space and is viewed as unclean.

“Black attire or anything black is of no good omen so don’t put on black to this place because it is something that is dirty coming closer to a Wulomo who displays white,” he added.

@kanemediaupdates Rev. Dr. Jesse Ankrah explains why we don’t wear black clothes or leave our hair untied when going to the palace of the Gborbu Wulomo #fyppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppシ #trend #tiktokviral #culture #tranding ♬ original sound - Kane Media Studios