Akoma

Akoma: The Heart

Symbol Description

Akoma is a stylised heart shape, clean, symmetrical and immediately recognisable as the universal symbol of love. In its Adinkra form, it retains this universality while adding the specific weight of Akan philosophical meaning around patience, tolerance and endurance.

Meaning

"Akoma" simply means "heart" in the Akan language. The symbol represents:

• Patience and Tolerance: "Nya akoma", "take heart", is a common Akan expression of encouragement. It means: be patient, endure, do not give up. True love requires patience in the face of difficulty.
• Goodwill and Compassion: A person of good heart (onipa pa akoma) is one who feels and acts with goodwill toward others, not from obligation but from genuine care.
• Faithfulness: The heart in Akan symbolism is the seat of character, not just emotion. To have a good heart is to be a trustworthy, reliable and consistent person.

The Proverb

Akoma is associated with the proverb: "Nya akoma", literally "have a heart" or "take heart." It is used to counsel patience in difficult situations. There is also the saying: "Akoma ntene a, na ogye akyiri", "If the heart is not straight (honest), the back will not receive", meaning dishonesty has consequences.

Heart in Akan Philosophy

In Western tradition, the heart is primarily associated with love and emotion. In Akan philosophy, the heart (akoma) is the seat of all character. It encompasses:

• Emotional life: love, grief, joy, anger
• Moral character: honesty, patience, compassion
• Spiritual wellbeing: one's relationship to God and community

A person with a strong akoma (heart) is not one who does not feel deeply, but one who has the inner resources to endure, forgive and persist.

Akoma in Relationships

In the context of relationships, romantic, familial, communal, Akoma teaches that love is not primarily a feeling but a practice. It requires:

• Patience: waiting for the right moment, enduring difficulty, not acting impulsively
• Tolerance: accepting the imperfections of the beloved without resentment
• Faithfulness: remaining committed even when it is hard

Modern Applications

Akoma is one of the most popular Adinkra symbols globally, partly because the heart is a universally understood symbol. It appears:

• On Valentine's Day materials and romantic gifts in Ghana
• In wedding ceremonies and on traditional attire
• In jewellery and accessories
• In educational materials about Ghanaian culture for children
• In tattoo art in Ghana and the diaspora