The wood carving industry of Ghana is an indigenous craft tradition that remains vigorous in a world of rapid change. Wood carving has retained its economic and cultural importance for hundreds of years. Wood is one of the most important materials Ghanaians use in their arts to express their thoughts. Wood is used to carve various items for household use as well as for ceremonial uses. In both their utilitarian and ceremonial usages wood carvings communicate symbolic, aesthetic and spiritual values. It is, therefore, important to see Akan wood carving not only for its aesthetic value as “museum piece.”

The aesthetics of the environment we build and the quality of the social interactions that take place within those environments reverberate on our spiritual life. The built environment which we inhabit affects the qualities of all our lives.

Built environment is socially determined and this gives rise to a number of questions. First, does architecture play a part in the social relations between majority and minority groups, and if so, what role does it play? In particular, how does architecture express and/or play a part in the action of issues of power, status, and conflict? Second, does architecture become a tool in social relations between groups? How is architecture used by groups? Does architecture give indications of adaptation and resistance? Third, can vernacular architecture be an agent in non-harmonious social relations and of oppression?

Beautiful leather products are handcrafted in Ghana. Bolgatanga, regional capital of Upper East Region of Ghana is one town noted for its leatherworks.

At Okim Oda, Eastern Region, Papa Boye, a noted sandal maker has been plying his trade for about 50 years. Sandals shown in this album are from Papa Boye's shop.

Ghana has an extremely rich bio-diversity, which has remained largely unexplored. Coupled with that is extensive indigenous knowledge relating to the use of herbs and plants, on one hand, and animal products, on the other, for the treatment of disease. This album contains pictures of plants and herbs used for medicinal purposes.