Ghanaian historian argues "Jamaica" is an Akan term that emerged during slave trade

Ghanaian historian argues "Jamaica" is an Akan term that emerged during slave trade

- A historian in Ghana has asserted that the term "Jamaica" is an Akan term that originated from Ghanaian slaves

- According to him, the Akan slaves were shipped to the foreign land and kept saying, "perhaps, I've gotten stuck here" in Twi, which was the origin of the name

- Other sources have said that the word comes from Xaymaca which means "Land of Springs"

Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in

A Ghanaian historian who appears to be at the Ancestral River Park at Assin Manso in the Central Region of Ghana has argued that "Jamaica" is an Akan term.

In a snippet of GBCNews sighted by YEN.com.gh, the gentleman explains that the term "Jamaica" may sound like a word from the land of Jamaica itself but in reality, it was a group of Akan slaves that named the place with the term.

The historian explained that the word Jamaica actually comes from "perhaps, I've remained here" in Akan, which is said in a similar word-pronunciation as "Jamaica".

READ ALSO: 'Macho' weightlifters punish Ghanaian thief to lift weight in video

See video below:

"When the slaves were shipped from the shores of Ghana to the Caribbean, they hoped to come back home but figured that 'perhaps, they'd remain in the foreign land'", the history man further indicated.

Contrary to the strong assertion by the Ghanaian historian about "Jamaica" on national television, a search by YEN.com.gh has revealed another source believed to be the origin of the name.

According to Babynamewizard.com, indigenous Taíno inhabitants named the island Xaymaca, meaning the "Land of Wood and Water", or the "Land of Springs," which later evolved into "Jamaica".

READ ALSO: Singer heartbroken after 24 women show up to beg for food at her gate

In another interesting report, Ghanaians and Nigerians have been involved in a serious squabble online with each country trying to troll the other.

In the recent Twitter battle between the two countries, Ghana seemed to have destroyed Nigeria completely judging from the massive extent of the trolls Nigerians suffered at the hands of Ghanaians.

YEN.com.gh compiled some of the hilarious and interesting posts Ghanaians used to 'drag' Nigerians on the floor.

Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!

Rent advance exceeding 6 months could land you in jail in Ghana - Atta Akyea | #Yencomgh

Subscribe to watch new videos

Get interactive via our Facebook page.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Ebenezer Agbey Quist avatar

Ebenezer Agbey Quist (HOD Human-Interest) Ebenezer Agbey Quist is the Head of the Human Interest Desk at YEN.com.gh. He has a BSc in Chemical Engineering from KNUST (2017) with 8 years of experience as a writer and 3 years as an editor. He has certificates in AFP courses on digital investigation techniques. At YEN.com.gh, Ebenezer has won the Outstanding Achievement for Professional Conduct Award and the Best Human Interest Editor Award. He is also the author of 3 books. You can contact him via ebenezer.quist@yen.com.gh.