Experience the Ghana Fante Baby Outdooring and Naming Ceremony — “Mfantse Dzinto” at MSSU

JOPLIN, Mo. — As part of Missouri Southern State University’s (MSSU) West Africa-themed semester, the university invites the community to experience a rich cultural tradition from Ghana at the Fante Baby Outdooring and Naming Ceremony, known in Fante as “Mfantse Dzinto.”

The event will take place Monday, Nov. 3, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in Corley Auditorium on the MSSU campus.

In Ghanaian culture, an outdooring and naming ceremony is a significant celebration that introduces a newborn to family, friends and the community.

The ceremony symbolizes the child’s identity and heritage while bestowing blessings from loved ones. Among the Fante people of Ghana, names often reflect the day of the week a child is born, their order of birth, family lineage or special circumstances surrounding their arrival

Guests will have the opportunity to witness this vibrant and symbolic tradition, presented by Dr. Nii Adote and Faustina Abrahams, both natives of Ghana who will share insights into the cultural significance and customs of the ceremony.