In addition to the naming, the baby is also given a drop of alcohol and a drop of water as part of the tradition. The close family and friends that are present will all be wearing traditional clothing made of white and colorful cloth.
The community has the tradition to give the baby a meaningful name and welcome them into the new world. The first name is given to them based on their gender and the day they were born. The second name is usually the name of an elder in their family. They believe the good qualities of an individual with the same name will follow the new baby. The third name is usually determined by what number child the baby was for the parents. An example of a full name could be Kwame Nkrumah Atakuma, a boy who was born on a Saturday, perhaps has a grandfather named Nkrumah and is the younger twin. Having the baby taste alcohol and water is supposed to demonstrate that the baby will be able to understand the difference between truth and lies as well as good and bad. White clothes symbolize the innocence of the new baby and other bright colors are used to express happiness.
I think this tradition is connected to Ghana's culture because family is very important to people here. They also really value community, so having the new baby be surrounded by all their loved ones is an example of just how close families and communities are here in Ghana. So many people will take care of the child and help raise them, so it makes sense for them to be present at the celebration.
