“When the roots of a tree begin to decay, it spreads death to the branches.”
Corruption or weakness at the foundation eventually destroys everything built upon it.
— Traditional Ghana Wisdom, Ghana
Source: Traditional Ghana proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Ghana
One head does not go into council.
Wisdom grows through consultation — big decisions need many minds, not one alone.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
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When you climb a good tree, you are given a push.
People rally to support those pursuing a worthy or honest goal.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
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Take one broom straw away and it breaks; bound together, they do not break.
Individuals are fragile alone, but united they gain strength.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
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All fingers are not the same.
People differ in ability and character, and each has their own worth.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
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Nobody teaches a child who God is.
Awareness of a higher power is considered innate, not something that must be taught.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
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A crab does not give birth to a bird.
Children naturally resemble their parents in character as well as appearance.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
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