Living libraries: The role of the baansi in preserving the culture of the Dagbon in Northern Ghana.

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of the living libraries, the baansi, of the Dagomba of Ghana in preserving and sustaining the culture and history of the people of Dagbon in the northern region of Ghana. The paper is a qualitative study, and the instruments used for data collection span from 2012 to 2015, which comprises acoustic appreciation, group discussion, observation, phased assertion, storytelling, and filed notes. The study reveals that the living librarians (baansi) are the watchdogs/social critics of the society who help to maintain stability and influence people into conforming to the norms and the culture of the society.