Level: Class 1 (Primary 1) | Subject: Religious and Moral Education (RME) | Topic: God Our Creator, My Family, and Good Citizenship | Curriculum: Ghana NaCCA
Religious and Moral Education in Class 1 builds on the values introduced in KG. Children now explore the idea of a Creator, their roles within the family, and what it means to be a good member of society. All teachings are presented in a way that respects Ghana’s diverse religious traditions including Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion.
God Our Creator
Across all religions in Ghana – Christianity, Islam, and African Traditional Religion – there is a shared belief that the world was created by a Supreme Being. Christians call this Creator God. Muslims call this Creator Allah. In many Ghanaian traditions, the Supreme Being is known as Nyame (Akan), Mawu (Ewe), Naa Nyuuri (Dagbani), among many other names.
What Did God Create?
- The sky and the stars
- The sun, moon, and planets
- Land, mountains, rivers, and oceans
- Rain, wind, and seasons
- Plants and trees
- Animals, birds, fish, and insects
- Human beings – all of us
Creation gives us everything we need to live: food from the land, water from the rivers and rain, air to breathe, and warmth from the sun.
Our Responsibility to Creation
Because God created the world and gave it to us, we have a responsibility to take care of it. This means:
- Not polluting rivers, streams, or the air
- Not cutting down trees without reason
- Not wasting food or water
- Being kind to animals
- Keeping our environment clean
Discussion: “What is the most beautiful thing in nature that you have ever seen? Where do you think it came from?”
My Family: Love, Respect, and Obedience
The family is the first community we belong to. God places us in families so we can be loved, cared for, and prepared for life. Our duties to our family are important.
How to Show Love in the Family
- Help your parents with chores at home without complaining.
- Be patient with younger brothers and sisters.
- Share your things with family members.
- Pray for your family.
- Say kind words to the people you live with.
Respecting Elders in the Family
In Ghanaian culture, respecting elders is a very deep value. Elders have lived longer, experienced more, and have wisdom that young people can learn from. Ways to show respect to elders include:
- Greeting them properly: “Good morning, Grandma.” “How are you, Uncle?”
- Not interrupting when they are talking
- Offering them your seat if there is none available
- Listening when they give advice
- Using appropriate language – never insulting or speaking rudely to an elder
Obeying Parents and Teachers
Obedience means doing what those in authority ask you to do, as long as it is right and good. The Bible, the Quran, and Ghanaian tradition all teach that children should obey their parents and that students should respect their teachers. This is not about fear – it is about trust, love, and recognising that parents and teachers want what is best for you.
Festivals and Celebrations in Ghana
Festivals are an important part of Ghanaian life. They bring families and communities together to celebrate, remember history, give thanks, and renew cultural ties. Different ethnic groups in Ghana have their own festivals.
| Festival | People | What It Celebrates |
|---|---|---|
| Homowo | Ga people | Harvest and overcoming famine. Families come together to share food. |
| Odwira | Akan people | Purification of the community and thanking God for the harvest. |
| Damba | Dagomba, Mamprusi, Gonja | Birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Celebrated with drumming, dancing, and horse riding. |
| Hogbetsotso | Anlo Ewe people | Migration from Notsie to their current home. A celebration of freedom and identity. |
| Kundum | Ahanta and Nzema | Harvest and driving away evil from the community. |
Besides traditional festivals, Ghana also celebrates national and religious occasions like Independence Day (6th March), Christmas, Easter, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.
Being a Good Citizen
A good citizen is someone who lives and behaves in a way that is good for themselves and for the people around them. Even a Class 1 child can be a good citizen.
What Good Citizens Do
- Obey school and community rules
- Help others who are in need
- Refuse to lie, steal, or cheat
- Respect the rights of others
- Keep their surroundings clean
- Report danger to a trusted adult
- Work hard in school so they can contribute to their country one day
Practice Questions: God Our Creator, Family, and Citizenship
1. The Homowo festival is celebrated by which people in Ghana?
Reveal Answer
2. Which of these is a good way to show love in your family?
Reveal Answer
3. Why is it important to take care of God’s creation?
Reveal Answer
4. Ghana gains independence from British colonial rule every year on:
Reveal Answer
5. A good citizen does which of the following?
Reveal Answer
Next topics: Class 1 Mathematics: Measurement, Time, and Money | Class 1 OWOP: Transportation and Communication in Ghana