Se wo werɛ fi na wosankɔfa a yɛnkyi.
“It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten.”
There is no shame in returning to the past to reclaim wisdom or values left behind, in order to move forward wisely — the root of the Sankofa symbol.
— 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
Read more →
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
Read more →
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
Read more →
All fingers are not the same.
People differ in ability and character, and each has their own worth.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
Read more →
Nobody teaches a child who God is.
Awareness of a higher power is considered innate, not something that must be taught.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
Read more →
A crab does not give birth to a bird.
Children naturally resemble their parents in character as well as appearance.
Traditional Ghana Wisdom
Read more →