Traditional ceremonies in Ghana—such as weddings, funerals, and chieftaincy installations—are deeply rooted in cultural heritage, characterized by customs and symbols that carry profound significance.
Among these traditions, one particularly intriguing element is the adoption of a Dutch-imported bottle, an European liquor that has seamlessly integrated itself into the fabric of Ghanaian celebrations. This unique blend of local and foreign influences highlights the dynamic nature of Ghana’s cultural practices.
At any traditional Ghanaian ceremony, the presence of J.H. Henkes Schnapps is unmistakable. The bottle, often displayed prominently on a decorative table or held during rituals, is poured as part of the ceremony, serving as a bridge between the present and the ancestral past.
Introduced to West Africa during the colonial era, J.H. Henkes Schnapps has become a staple in Ghanaian traditions, indispensable in libation rituals, chieftaincy installations, weddings, and funerals.
However, its widespread use raises thought-provoking questions: How did a foreign spirit come to hold such a sacred role in Ghanaian culture, even decades after independence? What does this say about cultural authenticity and adaptation?
Are we honoring an imported legacy, or is it time to reclaim indigenous customs by embracing locally made spirits like Akpeteshie?
Traditional Alcohol Use in Ghana Before Schnapps
Long before the arrival of European traders, Ghanaians had their own alcoholic beverages used for spiritual, social, and ceremonial purposes.
During this time, Palm wine and pito were widely consumed, while distilled spirits from local ingredients were also formulated in various communities. These drinks played a key role in libation ceremonies, honoring ancestors, and sealing traditional agreements.
However, with colonial trade came foreign alcoholic beverages, including European gin and schnapps, which soon found their way into Ghanaian rituals.
The reasons for their acceptance cannot be rightly justified, but the influence of colonial branding, perceived quality, and accessibility all played a role in shifting preferences toward J.H. Henkes Schnapps.
The Dutch Influence and the Colonial Trade
The word “schnapps” originates from Germany, derived from the Low German term “schnappen”, meaning to gulp or snap. Traditionally, schnapps referred to a variety of strong, clear spirits distilled from grain, potatoes, or fruit, commonly consumed in Germany and other parts of Central Europe.
As previously mentioned, J.H. Henkes was a Dutch distillery founded in 1824 in Delfshaven, Rotterdam—a region renowned for its gin production. During the 19th century, European nations, including the Dutch, British, and Germans, expanded their colonial influence by introducing foreign goods to Africa. Among these goods was J.H. Henkes Schnapps, which became a popular trade item exchanged for gold, ivory, and other valuable resources.
Even after the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1871, which transferred Dutch territories on the Gold Coast to British control, J.H. Henkes Schnapps maintained its presence in Ghanaian society. Unlike many colonial imports that faded over time, this spirit endured—not just as a foreign product but as an integral part of Ghanaian cultural practices
J.H. Henkes Schnapps in Ghanaian Traditions
Despite its foreign origins, J.H. Henkes Schnapps is now deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, particularly in spiritual and traditional ceremonies. It plays a vital role in:
1. Libation Ceremonies
Libation is a sacred act where elders pour a drink as an offering to ancestors and deities, seeking blessings, protection, and guidance. J.H. Henkes Schnapps is often chosen for these rituals due to its perceived purity and historical authenticity. The question remains: Why has this imported spirit maintained its dominance in libation ceremonies rather than a locally distilled drink?
2. Chieftaincy and Leadership Installations
During the enstoolment of chiefs, J.H. Henkes Schnapps is used in oaths and consecration rituals. Traditional rulers invoke the spirits of past leaders while swearing allegiance to their people, ensuring continuity of leadership through ancestral blessings.
3. Marriage and Dowry Traditions
In Ghanaian engagement and dowry processes, J.H. Henkes Schnapps is presented to the bride’s family as a sign of respect and goodwill. It symbolizes unity, trust, and familial bonds. But should modern couples be encouraged to use locally distilled alternatives instead?
4. Funeral Rites and Ancestral Worship
During funeral ceremonies, J.H. Henkes Schnapps is poured as a final offering to honor the deceased, guiding their soul into the afterlife. This act reinforces the cultural belief in ancestral presence and spiritual connection.
The Paradox: Cultural Authenticity vs. Colonial Influence
While J.H. Henkes Schnapps has undeniably become a part of Ghanaian tradition, Some argue that holding on to this imported spirit contradicts Ghana’s post-independence drive for cultural and economic self-sufficiency.
It then takes us back to the ultimate question… If Ghana has gained freedom, why do we still use a colonial import for our most sacred rituals?
In 2015, Odeneho Nana Kwafo Akoto III, the Paramount Chief of Akwamu in the Eastern Region, urged traditional authorities to discourage the use of imported liquor in performing traditional rites.
He advocated for the use of locally produced gin, emphasizing that such a shift would strengthen the country’s liquor industry and create employment opportunities for the youth.
He further added that while countries like Russia and Britain are renowned for their rum and whisky respectively, Ghana should champion its locally made gin and other drinks, making them synonymous with Ghanaian culture and promoting them globally.
Again, a paper published by Forbes, highlighted The resurgence of a once banned liquor in Ghana, Akpeteshie, that is currently shaking up the global distillery market. They cited two Brothers, Kofi and Raja Owusu-Ansah, owners of Republic Distilleries in Accra, who are bringing Akpeteshie, Ghana’s indigenous alcoholic spirit distilled from sugar cane juice, to the rest of world.
From all indications, Ghana’s very own Akpeteshie is now gaining prominence across the world. However, despite Akpeteshie’s growing recognition on the global stage, it remains ironically undervalued in its homeland, where it is yet to be fully embraced in indigenous traditional ceremonies.
But then again, tradition evolves over time. J.H. Henkes Schnapps, though foreign in origin, has been part of Ghanaian culture for generations. For many, it is no longer viewed as an imported good but as a legitimate element of tradition. The challenge, then, is to find a balance; honoring historical practices while encouraging the use of locally produced alternatives.
Economic and Commercial Considerations: Local vs. Imported Spirits
Another key aspect of this discourse is the economic factor. J.H. Henkes Schnapps was initially imported, but over time, local bottling and distribution networks emerged. However, foreign ownership and branding still dominate, meaning profits often benefit external entities rather than local producers.
In contrast, locally distilled spirits like Akpeteshie are made by Ghanaian producers, hence supporting local industry and employment. It’s even more interesting to know that regardless of Akpeteshie’s growing international recognition, it is yet to achieve the same ceremonial prestige and formal market dominance as J.H. Henkes Schnapps within Ghana.
This raises an important policy question: Should the government or private investors push for a high-quality, widely accepted Ghanaian alternative to replace J.H. Henkes in traditional ceremonies?
Government Policies & Cultural Revival: A Path Forward?
Given the historical significance of J.H. Henkes Schnapps in Ghanaian traditions, any transition to local alternatives would require conscious effort and policy backing.
Government would have to ensure the Promotion of Local Distilleries by setting up initiatives that could support high-quality local spirit production, ensuring that Ghanaian alternatives meet the standards required for ceremonial use.
Again, Rebranding Akpeteshie as not just a common street drink as perceived by most Ghanaians is needed to position Akpeteshie as a dignified ceremonial beverage.
We could also talk about engaging traditional leaders, cultural institutions, and the general public in discussions about cultural authenticity versus colonial remains could foster gradual acceptance of locally made alternatives.
A Colonial Legacy or a New Ghanaian Tradition?
J.H. Henkes Schnapps presents an interesting paradox in Ghanaian culture. Personally, I believe the story of J.H. Henkes Schnapps in Ghana is not just about an imported drink.
It also raises important questions about cultural authenticity, economic independence, and the preservation of indigenous customs; whilst demonstrating a reflection of how culture evolves, adapts, and sometimes holds on to colonial influences long after independence.
Whether Ghana chooses to continue with J.H. Henkes as a deep-rooted tradition or gradually move towards local alternatives like Akpeteshie, the conversation itself is significant.
At the end of the day, true cultural independence is not just about rejecting the past but about making conscious choices that honor both history and the future.
As Ghana manoeuvres its way through this discourse, the question remains: should tradition be preserved as it is, or should it be redefined to reflect a truly independent identity?
