This study investigates the ethico-religious significance of naming ceremonies through a comparative analysis of Christian and traditional Akan practices in the New Juaben Traditional Area of Ghana. Recognising that naming is not merely a social formality but a profound ritual that encodes moral, spiritual and communal meanings, the study explores how names function as vehicles for ethical instruction, spiritual identity and cultural continuity. Using qualitative ethnographic methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews and document analysis, the article uncovers thematic insights related to timing, ritual symbolism, community involvement, moral obligations and evolving naming trends. Findings reveal that while traditional Akan naming ceremonies are deeply rooted in ancestral beliefs, communal ethics and symbolic rituals, Christian naming ceremonies emphasise spiritual dedication, scriptural values and nuclear family involvement. Despite these differences, both traditions share a common goal: to induct the child into a morally and spiritually grounded identity. The study also highlights the growing phenomenon of religious and cultural syncretism, where families blend Christian and Akan naming elements to reflect hybrid identities shaped by modernity, faith and heritage. The study concludes that modern naming practices in Ghana are becoming increasingly dynamic, yet they retain core cultural and spiritual values. It recommends a deliberate effort to preserve meaningful aspects of Akan heritage within contemporary frameworks, thereby promoting cultural continuity alongside religious and personal transformation. This study contributes to broader discourses on ritual adaptation, identity formation and the negotiation of tradition in a globalising world.
Dadey et al. (Wed,) studied this question.