Smartphones vs Ananse stories - Can children have both in 2026?
In many Ghanaian homes, evenings once echoed with the call “Anansesɛm se sɛ o…” as elders spun tales of Kweku Ananse, the clever spider who outwitted beasts to claim all stories from the Sky God.
These oral traditions taught wisdom, humility, community and clever problem-solving, embedding core values such as respect for elders and reciprocity.
Today, in 2026, smartphones are dominant. With 41.8 million mobile connections (119% of the population) and 26.3 million internet users (74.6% penetration), children aged eight to 17 mainly access the web via smartphones (45.7%), often with limited supervision (over 56% receive minimal oversight).
Endless reels and foreign cartoons entertain, but they may weaken cultural ties, decrease face-to-face interactions, and expose children to content that conflicts with Ghanaian values.
Yet, tradition and technology need not clash. Last October, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, launched the Ananse Heritage Project by Parables Animation Studio.
Themed “Reviving Ghana’s Timeless Folklore Legend Kweku Ananse as a Catalyst for Cultural and Educational Transformation,” it modernises Ananse through animation, digital apps such as Kolikoplus, graphic novels and workshops; bridging folklore with youth-friendly formats.
Ghanaian families can embrace both: Set phone-free “Ananse Time” for oral storytelling; use apps and animated series to retell classics such as “How Ananse Got His Bald Head” (warning against greed); involve elders via video calls; enforce rules such as no phones during meals or prayers and prioritise educational content.
By blending the opportunities of smartphones (learning, global connection) with Ananse’s timeless lessons, we raise resilient, culturally proud children. Parents, start small; tell one tale tonight or share a digital version. Our heritage and future depend on it.
E-mail:
