Did you know that Ghana is not the only country whose citizens speak Twi? We all know that Twi is one of the most spoken languages in Ghana. From the markets in Kumasi to the streets of Accra, you will often hear people chatting in Twi. It is easy to say that Twi has become part of the Ghanaian identity.
Twi is originally spoken by the Akan people, especially the Ashantis. But there are other countries whose citizens also speak Twi.
Here are four other countries where Twi is spoken as well.
1. Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast shares a border with Ghana, so it’s not surprising that Twi is spoken there too. Over the years, some Akan-speaking people moved across the border for farming, trading, or to escape conflict. Also, during the colonial period, some Ashantis were taken to Ivory Coast. Today, you can still find Twi-speaking communities in areas close to the Ghana-Ivory Coast border.
2. Jamaica
In Jamaica, many people have roots in Africa, especially West Africa. The slave trade brought Africans, including Ashantis, to the Caribbean. While many languages were lost, some groups in Jamaica have kept parts of their original languages. In fact, there are people in Jamaica who speak Twi or use Twi words in their daily speech.
3. Benin
Some Akan people also settled in Benin many years ago. Just like in Ivory Coast, migration and trade led people from Ghana to move to other parts of West Africa. In northern Benin, there are families who still speak Twi and follow Akan customs passed down from their ancestors.
4. Suriname
Suriname, a country in South America, has a special link with Ghana. During the slave trade era, many Ghanaians were taken there. Surprisingly, some of the African languages, including Twi, survived in small communities. Some people in Suriname today still speak Twi and celebrate African traditions.