The Role of Taboos in Solving Contemporary Environmental Degradation in Ghana: The Case of Cape Coast Metro

Abstract

One phenomenon which has gained prominence in recent discussions in Ghana has been the role taboos play in addressing environmental degradation. While one group of researchers believes in the conservationist stance, others are of the view that traditional beliefs and practices could play a significant role in preserving the environment for future generations. In the Cape Coast Metropolis, taboos are part of the daily activities of its indigenes, however, the impact environmental taboos exercise, appears to have lessened in comparison with the traditional beliefs. This is probably due to the influence of science and modernity. This paper seeks to find out why the decline in observing environmental taboos amongst the people of Cape Coast is affecting the environment and leading to degradation. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in the analysis. The targeted population were the people of Cape Coast in Ghana and some selected Non-Governmental Organizations which are involved in environmental protection. The study revealed that the people in the area still hold on to their traditions and culture and would not do anything which will have dire consequences on their lives should they break any taboos concerning their environment. In view of this, it is recommended that the local government laws be looked at again to have a fusion of both traditional norms and cultural laws as part of efforts to preserve the environment.

The use of myths and taboos in wildlife conservation: The case of Bayelsa-East Senatorial District of Nigeria

“…Regrettably, these measures in themselves do not guarantee the conservation of wildlife. There have been calls recently for the application of traditional measures in the protection of wild animals (Berkes et al 2000;Lingard et al 2003;Jimoh et al 2012;Essel 2020), one of which is the application of taboos (traditional laws). According to Chapman (2004), taboo is a social prohibition of something and is often connected to ritual: its institution is a universal regulator of human behaviour, and the moral order of the society (Lingard et al 2003;Alexander et al 2017).…”